The Stark Family was vast.
Xia Lun and Aina both knew that there would inevitably be innocent people caught in the crossfire, and not everyone in the family was necessarily evil.
If it were the old Xia Lun—the heroic Xia Lun—he might have scolded Aina for her impulsive actions, accusing her of reckless slaughter.
But now, after his resurrection, Xia Lun had grown more accepting.
Besides, what was done was done. Blaming Aina wouldn’t change anything.
"Aina, now I’m just your hero."
"How cunning, Xia Lun, saying something like that." Aina’s lips curled slightly. "What reward do you want? Whatever it is, I’ll grant it."
Xia Lun didn’t hold back. "Really? Then I have two requests."
Aina was surprised—Xia Lun had never spoken like this before. "As expected of my husband, so greedy."
"First, if you ever plan to do something like this again, you have to tell me." Xia Lun’s expression was serious, almost warning.
Aina had wiped out the Stark Family behind his back… He didn’t want a repeat of that.
"Fine, I promise." Aina’s gaze softened. "I’ll discuss it with you next time. What’s the second request?"
"The second request is… tonight…"
Xia Lun leaned in and whispered into Aina’s ear.
A blush crept onto Aina’s cheeks. "Xia Lun, do you even realize what you’re saying? I’m the Demon King, and you dare ask me for something like this?"
"Are you refusing?" A flicker of disappointment flashed in Xia Lun’s eyes.
Aina felt her heart skip a beat.
That walking incubus was at it again.
"Fine… I’ll indulge you just this once."
"Really? You’re the best, Aina." Xia Lun planted a soft kiss on her cheek.
"To make such a demand… Who knew you were such a pervert, Xia Lun."
"What are you talking about? This is only natural—you’re my wife." Xia Lun chuckled.
"Hey, you two, done flirting yet? Class is about to start." Liyana cut in from beside them.
Sitting next to these two, she felt like someone was prying her mouth open and force-feeding her dog food.
Now she understood why they always sat in the back—any single student behind them would be grinding their teeth in frustration.
If only Delyan were here, she’d give them a taste of their own medicine.
The thought made Liyana sigh.
Her confession to Mo Lini had failed… what a shame.
The classroom was large and packed with students—clearly not Mo Lini’s lecture.
This was Professor Enlaisi’s history class.
A minute before the bell, Enlaisi strode in with his teaching materials.
"Today’s topic: an analysis of the Hero’s strength."
Xia Lun rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
Listening to someone dissect his abilities was… weird.
But Aina seemed to be enjoying it—probably because she could learn every detail about Xia Lun.
"Reportedly, Xia Lun surpassed high-tier warriors at an exceptionally young age, reaching the level of a legendary warrior. This was thanks to the blessings and divine protection bestowed by the Goddess… The Hero’s divine protection far surpassed that of ordinary individuals…"
Since smoking wasn’t allowed in class, Enlaisi sipped from a cup of hot tea instead.
"Why is that?" a student asked.
"No one knows. If you’re curious, go ask the Goddess." Enlaisi waved a hand, prompting laughter.
He took another sip before continuing. "Beyond the Goddess’s gifts, the Hero himself was an extraordinarily skilled warrior, mastering combat techniques while seamlessly integrating silent-casting magic into his swordsmanship… As we all know, magic consumes immense mental energy. Combining spellcasting with close-quarters combat is incredibly dangerous…"
Xia Lun sighed from the back row.
He knew the truth—his magic affinity came from the Goddess’s blessing, which allowed him to commune with elemental spirits. But now, that power was gone.
Liyana yawned, looking bored.
After all, as his former comrade, she knew Xia Lun’s strength better than anyone.
Back then, even if he wasn’t the absolute strongest, he was undoubtedly at the pinnacle of adventurers.
Aina listened with rapt attention.
After all, as his wife, she knew Xia Lun’s strength better than anyone.
The Hero’s boundless stamina had nearly suffocated her.
"At just twenty-one, Xia Lun could single-handedly slay a dragon and harvest its bloodbloom… By twenty-four, at the peak of his power, he defeated and sealed the Demon King alone. At that stage, his sword energy could cleave through space itself…"
Gasps filled the room.
Splitting space… That was beyond comprehension.
Even a joint forbidden spell cast by a dozen high-tier mages could barely ripple the fabric of reality.
"Sealed, huh…" Aina murmured, lost in memory.
Back then, Xia Lun had indeed crafted an immense sealing barrier, locking away most of her power.
As the Demon King, she had truly been bested by him.
But… the price of defeat wasn’t death. It was…
"Aina, marry me. Become my wife."
"You know who I am now, yet you still dare say such things?"
"I told you before—if you were the Demon King, I didn’t know if I could raise my sword against you… Now I have my answer."
Before she could protest, Xia Lun had silenced her with a kiss.
What followed was their first union.
Aina remembered it vividly—the love, yes, but also the shame of defeat, the humiliation of submitting to that man.
As the Demon King, she should’ve taken the lead. Even their first time, she should’ve pinned him down by the throat.
Because of this, for a long time after their marriage, Aina remained cold toward Xia Lun.
Though Xia Lun never minded, Aina couldn’t shake the guilt—she hadn’t been a gentle, devoted wife.
But… it didn’t matter anymore.
Gazing at her husband, Aina’s eyes shimmered with tender affection.
Now, she would make up for everything.