By late afternoon, soft golden sunlight filtered through the bonsai trees in the garden of C?u D?ng’s villa. The clock struck 4 PM, just as Dr. Tùng—personal physician and long-time caretaker of My, the heiress of Mr. Quy’s family—arrived at the gate. C?u D?ng personally greeted him, his face gaunt with worry.

  – “Please come in, Doctor. I’ve been waiting for you…” – His voice was low and weary.

  Inside a pastel pink bedroom decorated like a princess’s chamber, lavish dolls lined the shelves—many were limited editions, their glittering glass eyes seemingly staring straight at Anh ?ào. The once elegant, spirited daughter now sat slumped against her bed, clutching a stuffed bear. Her eyes were dark from insomnia, her hair unkempt, her mental state clearly unraveling.

  Dr. Tùng examined her—checked her pulse, heartbeat, and asked several questions—before coming to a grave conclusion:

  – “Her condition is identical to My’s. Acute anxiety disorder, resulting in hallucinations. I’ll prescribe sedatives to stabilize her for now before we begin long-term psychological therapy.”

  Anh Tú stood silently nearby, deep in thought. As a centuries-old elf hiding in human form, he knew his wife’s condition wasn’t a mere psychological disorder. These were clear signs of punishment by the Demon King Satan. But speaking out would expose not only his own identity, but that of his entire clan—triggering Satan’s immediate wrath. So he clenched his fists, helplessly staying silent...

  Just as the doctor was writing the prescription, the doorbell rang. Dì T? rushed to open the gate, and a sleek black Range Rover glided into the driveway. It was Anh Th?, C?u D?ng’s second daughter, returning from her carefree vacation with her troublesome boyfriend.

  She grinned, dragging her suitcase behind her, heels clacking:

  – “Daddy, we’re homeee~!”

  C?u D?ng’s face turned pale with anger. He stormed over, voice trembling with rage:

  – “Is this a hotel to you?! Your sister’s in crisis at home, and you’re off vacationing like nothing’s happened? You think you can come and go as you please?!”

  The young boyfriend stepped out of the car, frowning and ready to speak up. But before he could utter a word, Anh Tú appeared at the door, voice colder than a winter gust:

  – “Young man, if you don’t know your place, don’t bother stepping into this home. This is a family matter. We don’t need outsiders interfering. If you’re uncomfortable, feel free to leave. We don’t welcome disrespect here.”

  The boy froze. Anh Tú’s gaze was sharp as a blade, cold as steel. Silently, he turned back, got in the car, and sped off without another word.

  Anh Th? stood stunned, eyes brimming with tears. C?u D?ng sighed and turned to his son-in-law:

  – “Thank you, Tú. I’ve told her a thousand times, but she never listens. She was spoiled too much growing up… and now look at her.”

  Anh Tú gently responded:

  – “What matters now is helping my wife recover. Seeing her like this… it breaks my heart.”

  C?u D?ng placed a firm hand on his shoulder:

  – “I’ll do everything I can to save her. You’re her husband—you have to stay strong, for both your sakes.”

  Anh Tú nodded quietly, his eyes drifting back toward the room where his young wife struggled on the edge of reality and illusion.

  Inside the luxurious villa, the atmosphere in the living room tightened like a taut violin string. As the scraping sound of suitcase wheels on marble tiles came to a stop, Anh Th? threw herself onto the sofa as if the space belonged entirely to her. She crossed her legs, tilted her head back lazily, and called out:

  – “Where’s Dì T?? I want a glass of orange juice. Don’t forget the honey—add a few spoonfuls, okay?”

  From the second floor, M? Linh descended the stairs with a scowl, her eyes cutting sharply toward her daughter.

  – “Th?! You just came back from a trip, and your sister’s been bedridden for days! Couldn’t you at least stay and help out at home?”

  Anh Th? sighed, lifted her eyebrows slightly, and glanced at her brother-in-law, Anh Tú:

  – “Big bro’s here. He can take care of big sis. I have my own life too, Mom. I can’t just give that up for someone else.”

  Before she could finish, C?u D?ng slammed his hand down on the table and sprang to his feet, eyes blazing with fury.

  – “You…! You’re a disgrace to this family! Where did I go wrong with you, huh?! How did you turn out to be so heartless and selfish?!”

  The tension in the room thickened. Dì T?’s hands trembled, nearly dropping the tray of drinks. But just as C?u D?ng raised his arm, ready to strike, Anh Tú quickly stepped forward and restrained him, his voice calm yet firm:

  – “Dad, please. Calm down… Th? is still young. Her thoughts are immature. Let’s talk to her gently.”

  C?u D?ng exhaled sharply, eyes still bloodshot with anger. Anh Th? turned her face away with a flick, refusing to say even a word of apology.

  Standing off to the side, Dr. Tùng had witnessed the entire scene. He shook his head, clearly disheartened. Picking up his medical bag, he spoke with a tired voice:

  – “I’ll take my leave. If there are any changes in ?ào’s condition, don’t hesitate to call. I’ve given the prescription to M? Linh—please have someone pick up the medication soon.”

  – “Yes, thank you, Doctor.” – Anh Tú quickly escorted him to the gate. On the surface, he remained composed, but in his eyes, a storm was beginning to brew.

  Behind the slowly closing doors of the villa, the D?ng family was once again pulled deeper into a whirlwind of chaos—its true source, still lurking, silent and unseen…

  As dusk descended over the bustling streets of District 3, a soft golden haze filtered through the windows of a street-front house built in classic East Asian style, infused with an otherworldly mystique. The heavy wooden doors creaked open as Master V?nh entered, his presence calm but weary. Walking beside him was a tall, striking young man with the aura of a wandering swordsman. His sharp, silver-glinting black eyes were still and deep—like the moon reflected on a quiet lake.

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  This was Trúc Di?n, a white serpent spirit who had cultivated his powers for over a thousand years. He bore the divine energy of ancient mythical beasts but retained the demeanor of a gentle scholar. His fair, flushed skin hinted at hidden strength beneath a flowing gray silk robe. His long, black hair was tied half-up, and his refined, oval-shaped face carried the aura of a mythic hero from ancient scriptures. Years ago, after a fierce battle with a fox demon clan, Trúc Di?n was gravely injured and narrowly survived thanks to Master V?nh’s intervention. Since then, they had sworn brotherhood in gratitude and honor.

  Upon entering the house, Master V?nh set a ceremonial offering bundle on the ancestral altar and let out a tired sigh.

  – “Tomorrow morning, we need to visit Mr. Quy’s villa. His daughter, My, is showing signs of severe spiritual affliction. Vú N?m—my old friend who works for their family—said she saw the shadow of the Demon King Satan manifest in a mirror during one of My’s hallucinations.”

  At the mention of that name, Trúc Di?n—who had just stretched—froze in place. He reclined slowly on the sofa, the silver glint in his black eyes flickering as his voice dropped low.

  – “The Demon King Satan…” he said grimly. “I’m a white serpent who’s lived a thousand years, having survived many great wars between the celestial, demonic, and beastly realms. Yet even I feel the weight in the air at the mere mention of his name. If it truly is him… the human world will know no peace.”

  Master V?nh sat across from him, pouring lotus tea from a jade kettle. Wisps of fragrant steam curled upward, filling the air with calm and clarity.

  – “I never thought he would set foot in the mortal realm again… but we must confirm it. Let’s rest tonight and depart early tomorrow. Both Mr. Quy’s family and Mr. D?ng’s—his business partner—are entangled in a chaotic spiral.”

  Trúc Di?n nodded slightly. His gaze drifted to the ancient scroll hanging on the wall, depicting a celestial dragon-serpent guarding the heavens. His voice, deep and solemn, resonated with a vow to destiny itself:

  – “If he dares to harm the innocent… I will not show mercy.”

  Master V?nh looked at him and said firmly:

  – “You and I both know Satan never strikes without reason. He is a king among demons and the mafia overlord of two worlds. He doesn’t waste his power on fragile girls unless provoked. Something’s not right here. Those families must have committed some offense to warrant his wrath.”

  Trúc Di?n nodded in agreement:

  – “If that’s the case, then we’ll help them while investigating what lies beneath.”

  Master V?nh gave a calm nod:

  – “So be it. We’ll leave early and I’ll discreetly send my disciples to search for clues.”

  Their eyes met, both heavy with contemplation. The involvement of the Demon King in the affairs of My and C?u D?ng’s families was no mere coincidence. Something deeper lurked behind it all—waiting to be revealed.

  Night had fallen. The cream-colored curtains gently swayed with the cool breeze drifting in from the garden behind the villa. In a European-style estate fused with modern design located in District 7, warm yellow lights cast a comforting glow over a solid walnut dining table where Mr. ??c and Mrs. Tam—parents of Anh Tú—were having a light evening meal.

  Seated near them was Anna, the loyal housekeeper—though in truth, she was an ancient spirit beast who had lived for centuries, hidden beneath a human guise. Her sharp eyes narrowed as waves of violet light began to pulse from the magical orb in the living room.

  – “Master, Madam… there’s a signal from the intelligence unit of the minor spirit clan,” she said solemnly.

  Mr. ??c placed his fork onto a Western porcelain plate. His tone remained calm, but his gaze darkened.

  – “Bring the orb in here. Let’s see what kind of trouble they’ve stirred up in the middle of dinner.”

  Anna nodded quickly. Moments later, she set the glowing orb on the dining table. The swirling violet light stabilized, revealing the stern face of a young reconnaissance spirit, cloaked in black.

  – “Chief of the Clan,” the scout reported, “our spatial monitoring station in the spirit realm has just confirmed: the Black Diamond-class entity has escaped from the Void Abyss. His name is Erion—an ancient demon born from the dark core of Hell. His power rivals that of the Demon King Satan. He is en route to Earth. The entire spirit realm is in upheaval—this is the same being who once wiped out an entire planet in mere hours and plotted to overthrow Satan himself.”

  In that instant, Mrs. Tam’s fork slipped from her hand and clattered against the table. Her face turned pale. Mr. ??c’s eyes widened, his voice low and grave.

  – “Erion… that name… it can’t be…”

  Anna stood frozen, a chill running down her spine. She murmured in disbelief:

  – “Wasn’t he sealed away by Satan in the Void Abyss thousands of years ago? He’s the very reason the spirit clans faced extinction in the Great Purge…”

  Mr. ??c slowly rose from his seat, eyes heavy with the weight of millennia:

  – “If he truly returns… then not just Satan—but this entire Earth will drown in blood and tears.”

  Anna’s hands trembled as she clutched her apron:

  – “We’ve already suffered under Satan’s presence… and now with the return of the Black Diamond Erion… how are we supposed to survive?”

  Mrs. Tam’s voice trembled:

  – “Tú and Anh ?ào are still at the other family’s house… if Erion arrives, they could be his first prey…”

  Mr. ??c turned to Anna, eyes sharp with command:

  – “Send word to the Spirit Clan Guard. As of tonight, enforce heightened surveillance over Districts 2 and 7. Activate full spiritual lockdown. No matter what it takes, protect my son and everyone connected to him.”

  Anna bowed deeply, her voice solemn:

  – “As you command, Clan Chief. I’ll assign the strongest of our minor spirits to protect the young master and the in-laws’ family as well.”

  Night fell over Saigon. The streetlight at the alley’s entrance flickered weakly, and the chirping of insects echoed through the quiet, peaceful slum neighborhood. In front of a small rental unit, Trang was wrapping up her day’s street vending. Her hands moved swiftly, organizing leftover bags of mixed rice paper, jars of condiments, and milk tea toppings. She quietly mumbled to herself, calculating the day’s earnings, while her compact street cart was neatly parked against the wall—clean and orderly, as always.

  Inside the old rental room at the end of the row, a dim glow emanated from the Velkhanis Mirror, casting an eerie light throughout the space. ?ng Nhan, now revealed in his true form — Satan, the Demon King — sat nearby. With a dignified figure and features as sharp as if carved from stone, his amber-gold eyes shimmered with icy detachment. His right hand gently touched the surface of the mirror. Immediately, swirling light formed a vortex, and the image of Prince Arian appeared. His voice echoed from the depths like a distant thunderclap:

  – “Father, the warden of the Void Abyss has issued an emergency report: Erion has escaped… and according to long-range satellite tracking, he is heading straight for Earth. His first target... is the slum where you and the princess are currently staying.”

  Unfazed, ?ng Nhan let out a cold, knife-edged chuckle:

  – “Erion… escaping the Void Abyss isn’t something one does easily. I sealed him with my own hands over a thousand years ago. And now he dares return? What better opportunity to cleanse the slate once more?”

  His fist tightened. A surge of dark energy, shimmering like black lightning, pulsed around him, rattling the ancient wooden mirror frame.

  Standing across from him was H?ng Nhung, now in her true form — a minor fairy from the Northern Realm. Her porcelain skin, sweet delicate features, and soft chestnut curls framed eyes that glowed like rose quartz. She had a slender figure, and a pair of iridescent butterfly wings shimmered behind her with each anxious heartbeat.

  Now, her calm exterior had vanished. Her pale lips trembled, and her voice quivered as she looked at Satan:

  – “Erion… he’s a Lord-class demon. I’ve heard legends—he once wiped out an entire planet in mere hours. Even the Clan Chief of the Northern Realm trembles at the mention of the Black Diamond. Are you certain… you can defeat him?”

  ?ng Nhan’s gaze turned to her, flames of dark power flickering in his eyes:

  – “I don’t need to be certain. I am Satan — ruler of the Shadow World, Lord of Hell, and king of the Royal Mafia. If he dares come… he’ll simply be one more soul kneeling before my throne.”

  The Velkhanis Mirror flickered again as Prince Arian spoke in a firm tone:

  – “Father, the royal legion at the Bình Chánh base has been placed on Red Alert. Secret agents have already surrounded the area within a 3km radius. But… given Erion’s level, it’s likely this entire neighborhood will be obliterated if battle breaks out.”

  ?ng Nhan closed his eyes, gently brushing his fingers over the bridge of his nose. His voice lowered—but it carried the weight of an unholy oath:

  – “I will not allow anyone… to harm Trang. She is the daughter of Satan—future Princess of the Underworld. If Erion dares lay a finger on her… I will tear through the heavens and drag him back to the Void Abyss with my own hands!”

  Outside, Trang remained blissfully unaware. A supernatural storm was now rushing toward her from the depths of Hell… and its name was Erion—the Black Diamond Lord.