The man in the dark sat silently upon his throne. The air around him was profound, laced with an oppressive aura that made one feel as if the heavens themselves were bearing down. His piercing gaze swept over the old man with the long beard.
The old man's hands began to tremble. His legs weakened, his eyes became as blank as death itself. He collapsed to his knees, his head bowing until it touched the ground. His voice trembled as he pleaded for mercy.
The man on the throne remained quiet. With a small flick of his hand, the old man vanished. Only blood remained, staining the ground where he had knelt.
"Tch, useless," the man muttered, a trace of disgust flashing in his eyes.
In his mind, he whispered, "Enjoy your days. I will find you. How could you survive the curse poison... even after such sacrifice? But no matter. The artifact... will be mine. Only mine."
---
Scene shifted.
In a humble residence, laughter and soft chatter filled the air. Shen Yue's home buzzed with warmth. The table was filled with delicious dishes made from spirit beasts of a special breed—Raging Wind Wolf. The rich aroma danced through the air.
Shen Yue's clone gently massaged his mother's feet, showing devotion and care. Nearby, Shen Yue and Shen Ning bickered lightly, their sibling bond on full display.
The clone spoke up, his voice calm, "Madam, why don't you take a bath? Everything's prepared—clothes, hot water, and perfume."
A faint frown appeared on Lan Xue's face, but it was soon replaced with a smile that bloomed like a flower. She resembled a divine maiden freshly awakened from slumber.
Shen Yue and Shen Ning nodded. Shen Yue smiled, "Mother, go and take a bath. I have something for you."
Her brows lifted in surprise. "Oh? What is it?"
"It's a surprise," he replied.
Ning'er clung to his arm like a koala, asking with wide, excited eyes, "Brother! Tell us!"
Shen Yue simply smiled and refused to answer. His mother chuckled, "Alright then. I'll go."
She stood up, her expression full of pride and happiness, and made her way to the bath. Her fingers tested the warmth of the water before she stepped in. The sound of water splashing echoed faintly, and the scent of premium perfume filled the room.
Lan Xue's thoughts drifted elsewhere.
"Husband... Look how much our children have grown. They can stand on their own in this world now. Has it been that long since you ascended to heaven?"
She gently closed her eyes.
"My time may be near too, but I... I want to see them grow stronger, see them marry... have children of their own. Just wait a little longer for me, dear."
Her heart ached, but she steadied herself. She wouldn't allow weakness to win. She washed herself with grace, her skin glowing like jade. Rose petals floated in the water, giving the scene a beautiful yet deadly allure.
She stepped out of the tub and dried herself with a soft towel. Each item had been prepared with care by Shen Yue's clone—premium quality, worth hundreds of silver.
She put on her elegant yellow dress and fox-fur jacket. Her slippers fit perfectly. Dressed in luxury, she looked like an immortal maiden descending from the heavens. Her smile reflected pride—not in herself, but in her son.
As she stepped into the main room, she saw her children.
Shen Yue sensed her presence but said nothing. He was calmly teaching Shen Ning poems and guiding her through complex sentences.
Her footsteps echoed softly. They turned.
Ning'er's eyes sparkled as she jumped into her mother's arms. "Mom! You look so beautiful!"
Lan Xue chuckled, "And you look so cute, my little princess."
"Of course! Who do you think I am?" Ning'er said, proudly.
Shen Yue smiled gently. "Mother, you truly look stunning."
Even the clone, who sat silently in the corner, added, "Madam, you look beautiful."
She playfully scolded, "Stop flattering me," but her smile couldn't be hidden. Their joy was real.
"Mother, Ning'er, come sit on the bed," Shen Yue said. "I have something for you."
They both hurried over, curiosity glimmering in their eyes.
Shen Yue stood before them and, with a graceful wave, two boxes appeared in his hands. Ning'er gasped, "Magic!"
Lan Xue understood what it truly was but remained quiet.
He opened one box. A stunning necklace lay inside—teardrop-shaped, a radiant blue gem at the center, its silver chain made of unknown metal.
Shen Yue gently fastened it around Ning'er's neck. Her eyes sparkled, and a peaceful warmth spread across her face.
"Beautiful!" she said, showing it to her mother.
Lan Xue held the necklace in her hand, nodding, "It is... truly beautiful."
Then, Shen Yue revealed the second gift: a jade-inlaid hairpin shaped like a blooming flower. It was a masterpiece, worthy of royalty.
Lan Xue couldn't look away. Shen Yue stepped forward and gently placed it in her hair.
Ning'er praised excitedly, "Mom, you're so beautiful! Brother, you're amazing!"
Shen Yue chuckled, "No need to thank me. I'm your brother, after all."
Ning'er giggled, "Okay, okay, no thank you!"
Night had fallen. The moon hung high in the sky.
Shen Yue looked outside and said, "Mother, Ning'er, it's late. Time to sleep."
Ning'er yawned and crawled into bed.
Lan Xue smiled. "You're not staying to talk?"
Shen Yue replied gently, "I'd love to talk all night, but we can speak tomorrow. For now, sleep well."
She nodded. "There's only one bed. Sleep with us."
He smiled, "No, Mother. I need to train with the wolf."
He kissed her forehead. "Good night."
The clone echoed, "Good night, Madam. Sweet dreams."
Lan Xue didn't think much and closed her eyes.
Shen Yue waited until she was asleep. His gaze turned cold.
"Go," he said to the clone.
The clone nodded and vanished into the night like a ghost.
Shen Yue stared at the moon. "Don't worry, Mother. Whoever hurt our family... I will make their lives a living hell. Not a single one of their bloodline will survive."
---
Morning.
A loud voice echoed in the slums.
"There's been a massacre!"
Shen Yue's expression shifted. He muttered, "Troublesome."
To be continued...