Inside the Immortal Clan's residence, Shen-min paced restlessly around her chamber. Her brows were knitted in frustration, her lips murmuring curses as if arguing with fate itself.
The memory of the Death Demons' attack flashed again and again—how she had risked herself to save Xu-lang, and yet everyone insisted that nothing had happened. Not a single soul believed her words.
Clenching her fists, she looked up at the ceiling. *"God! I hate you! You've never once stood on my side. First, you ruined my face. Then you took away my mother. On the day of her funeral, you gifted me a stepmother and a stepsister, as if her death wasn't painful enough! Later, you snatched Bai—my so-called best friend—and even that oh-so-cool boyfriend of mine! You pushed me off a bridge, made me fall into this cursed place, and now… nobody even believes what I saw!"*
She stopped, her eyes widening as a realization struck. *"Wait… maybe it isn't that they don't believe me. Maybe… their memories were erased!"*
Just as those words left her lips, a soft voice floated from behind.
"Such a thing is possible."
Shen-min spun around instantly. Her eyes landed on a girl in a flowing blue Chinese robe, her long hair adorned with countless delicate ornaments that shimmered like starlight.
Shen-min hurried toward her, grabbing her hand. "Yes! That must be it. Someone erased their memories. I've seen it in K-dramas! But wait—who are you?!"
The girl only smiled. Slowly, she lifted the veil covering her face.
Shen-min froze. Her eyes widened, sparkling with disbelief as butterflies seemed to flutter around them.
"You… you're so hot!" she blurted, practically drooling.
The girl chuckled softly, her lips curving like a crescent moon. "What is your name? I don't think I've ever seen you here before."
Shen-min blinked in confusion. "Wait a second. That's the question I should be asking you! Who are you?"
The girl's smile deepened. "I am Ven, daughter of Mu-jen, the leader of the Mu Clan."
Shen-min gasped. "Mu Clan? What on earth is that—?"
Before she could finish, a deep, composed voice echoed from the doorway.
"You should show some respect."
The First Prince, Xu-aing, stepped into the room, dressed in a black Chinese robe with his hair tied neatly behind him. His presence was like a calm, majestic mountain.
Shen-min clasped her face with both hands, her heart thumping wildly. *"Oh my god, he's so handsome! If only he belonged to me…"*
But then her gaze shifted, and another figure entered—the Third Prince, Xu-bing, clad in the same black attire, his aura colder and sharper.
"Wow! Another one?!" Shen-min whispered, barely able to contain herself. *"How can they all be this handsome?!"*
Her heart skipped yet again when the doors opened a third time.
The Fourth Prince, Xu-lang, strode in. His long black robe trailed behind him, a gleaming sword resting casually in his hand. His sharp jawline and piercing eyes made him look like an angel—but the dangerous smirk on his lips and the devilish aura surrounding him screamed of sin.
Shen-min's breath hitched. Her heart pounded so violently she pressed her hands against her chest, terrified it might burst out. *"He's… the most handsome of them all."*
Her gaze clung to him, unblinking, shamelessly admiring every detail.
Xu-aing noticed it. His calm expression darkened slightly, jealousy flickering in his eyes.
But Shen-min didn't notice. For her, the world had blurred until only Xu-lang remained.
Xu-lang's eyes narrowed dangerously. His voice was low and sharp. "Why are you staring at me like that?"
But Shen-min's thoughts betrayed her lips. *"He's so handsome…"*
Xu-lang stepped forward, his jaw tightening. "Shen-min! I asked—why are you staring at me?"
She didn't even hear him.
Frowning, Xu-lang grabbed her shoulders and shook her lightly. "Snap out of it! Why do you keep looking at me like that?!"
And then it slipped out—clear as day.
"Because you're so damn handsome!"
The room went silent.
Xu-lang's eyes widened, stunned. Xu-bing's lips twitched, and then he deliberately cleared his throat, loud enough to snap Shen-min back to her senses.
Her face turned crimson as she realized everyone was staring at her. She stumbled back, slapping her cheeks with both hands.
"What—what nonsense was I spouting just now?! Oh no… oh no, no, no!"
Inwardly, she screamed. *"No! He's not handsome! He's a pig! A devil! A… handsome pig!"*
Xu-lang's patience snapped. His aura surged, and his hand went to his sword. "Enough. This devilish demon—I'll cut her down right here and now!"
Shen-min's eyes widened as she backed away quickly. Xu-aing instinctively stepped slightly forward, as if to shield her.
The sword gleamed, ready to be unsheathed—
"Stop, Xu-lang!"
The heavy voice of Master Han-jio thundered as he entered the hall, followed closely by another elder. The dignified man with silver-streaked hair was none other than Mu-jen, leader of the Mu Clan.
Xu-lang scowled but reluctantly lowered his blade, sliding it back into its sheath.
The three princes instantly kneeled in respect. "Welcome, Leader Mu-jen."
Only Xu-lang remained seated, his dark gaze simmering with unspoken defiance.
Han-jio glanced at Shen-min before speaking to the princes. "This is Mu-jen, leader of the Mu Clan."
He then gestured toward the elegant girl in blue. "And this… is Ven-gen, his daughter, and the future leader of the Mu Clan."
After a long exchange, Leader Mu-jen finally stood. His calm voice carried authority, yet a subtle warmth lingered when his eyes fell on Ven.
"Master Han-jio, I must take my leave now. My daughter has a tendency to forget her father when surrounded by new faces."
Ven's lips curled in a playful smile, but she remained silent. Soon after, a maid gently guided her out of the chamber to her assigned room.
The doors closed with a soft thud, leaving only Han-jio, the three princes, and Shen-min behind.
The silence was short-lived.
"Master Han-jio!" Shen-min rushed forward, pointing accusingly at Xu-lang. "Ever since I arrived here from the human world, this pig—uh, I mean, your precious Fourth Prince Xu-lang—keeps insisting I'm some kind of demon! Please, Master, tell him I'm good! I even signed the contract!"
Xu-lang's sharp glare flickered toward her. Shen-min immediately clamped her mouth shut, nervously laughing.
Han-jio ignored her protests and turned his gaze to the princes. "Xu-lang. Xu-bing. Xu-aing. I have a mission for you."
The princes stiffened.
Xu-bing frowned. "But Master, you've never allowed us to take missions before."
Han-jio's tone was firm. "That was then. Now, all three of you have grown stronger. This mission will test not only your strength, but your unity. There is a demon—one unlike the others. He has been haunting a village, slaughtering innocents and severing their hands. He must be destroyed."
The air turned heavy. Even Xu-lang's usual smirk faded slightly.
Finally, he spoke. "Very well. Let's go now."
"Not yet," Han-jio interjected, raising a hand. "To face him, you'll need help. Three Immortal Souls must join you."
Xu-bing tilted his head. "Immortal Souls? As in… we have to kill someone for their souls?"
Han-jio promptly smacked him on the back of the head. "Idiot! I meant three individuals whose unique powers will aid your mission."
The princes exchanged glances.
Han-jio began explaining. "The first soul is a military soldier—an unmatched fighter. Xu-aing, you will be responsible for finding him."
Xu-aing nodded firmly.
"The second soul is a healer, skilled in the art of recovery. Xu-lang, you will locate this one."
Xu-lang crossed his arms. "Fine. A healer will come in handy."
"And the third," Han-jio continued, his tone deepening, "is a possessor. A mysterious soul rumored to dwell within the forests of Starlight Village. Xu-bing, this one falls to you."
Xu-bing's eyes widened. "The forest? That's the most difficult one! No, no—I'll take the healer instead."
Xu-lang's lips curved into a mocking smirk. "Coward."
Shen-min, who had been silently watching, finally raised her hands in a nervous clap. "W-well… good luck, everyone! All the best!"
All eyes turned toward her. She froze.
Han-jio's gaze lingered. "Shen-min. You will accompany Xu-lang."
Her jaw dropped. "Wha—?! No way! I refuse!"
"You wished to return to the human world, did you not?" Han-jio reminded her.
Shen-min's lips quivered. She wanted to cry. "Yes, but… can't I go with First Prince Xu-aing instead?"
Han-jio's voice was unyielding. "No. Xu-aing will travel with Ven. You will go with Xu-lang."
Shen-min's heart sank to the pit of her stomach. Her eyes darted to Xu-lang's smirking face, and she groaned inwardly.
*"Out of all the princes… why the devil himself?!"