The luxurious Bentley Bentayga glided smoothly along the crowded streets, heading straight toward the coast of V?ng Tàu. Morning sunlight spilled golden hues across the car’s windows, reflecting on the radiant faces of the two lovers.

  Erion gently handed Trang a fabric bag. She opened it to find neatly arranged glass containers: One with smoked meat sandwiches layered with tomatoes and fried eggs, another with a refreshing fruit salad, a chocolate tiramisu cake, and finally a stainless steel tumbler filled with chilled peach tea.

  He smiled, the corners of his lips curving slightly.

  – “I made all this. Besides being a general commanding armies across the galaxy, I also happen to be a master in the kitchen.”

  Trang burst out laughing, her eyes curving like a crescent moon. She lifted a ripe Shine Muscat grape to his lips.

  – “I didn’t expect you to be so good at cooking. I can only manage a few simple dishes myself.”

  Then her voice softened as she sighed, her gaze growing distant.

  – “Life used to be very difficult, so I always had to save every bit. I never had enough to buy ingredients as fine as these. The meals with Father — when he was living under the name Mr. Nhan — were always plain… but they were filled with joy. And little H?ng Nhung often came by to help me cook, too.”

  At that, Erion’s expression darkened. His grip on the steering wheel tightened, his voice low but resolute.

  – “Now that I’ve found you, I won’t let you suffer again. From this moment on, you must live happily… by my side.”

  The car brimmed with warmth and love. Two hearts once scarred and cold had now found one another — two rare black diamonds of the universe, radiant in the happiness of true love.

  The Bentley gradually left the city behind. Through the window, Trang watched the bustling streets fade into long roads shaded by lush green trees. A breeze drifted in, carrying with it the earthy scent of the land and a faint saltiness from the distant sea.

  The sun rose higher, its golden light pouring down, reflecting across the glass dome of the car — like threads of warmth weaving colors into their romantic journey.

  Trang gently squeezed Erion’s arm, her eyes glimmering.

  – “It feels so freeing to leave the city, to cast off all the fatigue.”

  Driving with one hand, Erion held hers firmly with the other, his voice tender yet steady.

  – “Yes. Today I want to take you away from all burdens. Just you, me, and the boundless sea and sky ahead.”

  They spoke no further, simply letting the silence envelop them, savoring each passing moment as the romantic scenery outside blended seamlessly with the overflowing joy in their hearts.

  At the mansion in District 2, the scene was completely different. The Saigon sky was a flawless blue, the scorching sun blazing down as if to set the earth on fire — yet the ice covering the mansion did not melt. Instead, it grew thicker with each passing moment. Across the vast neighborhood, it was the only house untouched by sunlight, as if a colossal invisible canopy hung above it.

  Hi?u, Mr. Tài’s teenage son, stumbled and struggled across the slippery floor tiles. By the time he reached the living room, he was gasping for breath as he shouted:

  – “Uncle D?ng, the ice — it’s getting thicker!”

  Mr. Tài’s eyes widened, his voice trembling.

  – “The sun’s burning like fire, yet the ice is growing thicker — how can that be?”

  Tu?n frowned and shot up from his seat, his tone stern.

  – “Let me take a look. This phenomenon isn’t natural… it feels as if some kind of sorcery is at work.”

  Everyone carefully stepped out into the yard, their movements clumsy and slow — the floor beneath them was no different from a frozen skating rink. Though his cultivation was low, Huy — once a centipede spirit — could still sense the terrifying nature of this force. He leaned close to his parents, whispering with a trembling voice:

  – “Father, Mother… I’m certain it’s them.”

  Mr. Tín furrowed his brows tightly.

  – “Who do you mean by ‘them’?”

  Huy lowered his voice even further, darting glances around as though afraid someone might overhear.

  – “The people we saw the other day in front of that Gothic mansion across the street… When Anh Th? and I went out to eat, one of them froze an entire pot of boiling hotpot solid, right before my eyes.”

  Mrs. Nguy?t’s face drained of color, her trembling hands clutching the hem of her blouse.

  – “If that’s true, then we’re in grave danger… The ones in that Gothic mansion all carry royal bloodlines. There’s a demon lord, a vampire lord, a neutral sorcerer, and even an ancient divine beast thousands of years old…”

  Hearing this, Huy’s legs shook uncontrollably. The cold seeping into his flesh was nothing compared to the fear swelling in his chest.

  Curious, Hi?u flicked open a lighter in his hand.

  – “Let me try burning this frozen branch—see if it melts.”

  The bright flame licked the branch, but instead of melting, the ice spread further, weaving new frosty veins down the trunk and encasing the entire potted plant. Everyone witnessed it with their own eyes, sucking in sharp breaths that stung their lungs.

  Deep narrowed his eyes, his voice dropping low.

  – “Could it be… the hotter it gets, the stronger the ice grows?”

  Ti?n stood stunned, blurting out:

  – “What? Normally heat melts ice — why is this happening the other way around?”

  The air grew heavier. Huy’s family was slowly coming to terms with the truth: They had crossed paths with a force of immense power—one with royal lineage, supernatural abilities, and intentions aimed directly at the family of Huy’s future bride.

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  Upon the magnificent limwood throne, the cold glow of the Velkhanis Mirror in the hands of the Demon King Satan illuminated the garden of the mansion in District 2 — now resembling a European winter in the heart of Saigon. He curled his lips, his deep voice echoing:

  – “The power of those two Black Diamonds always defies the laws of the universe. They wield black flames with an absolute negative temperature.”

  – “The ice born from that flame grows denser, harder, and colder when exposed to heat. When exposed to cold, it remains unchanged — untouched — unless its creator allows it to melt.”

  Din nodded, his tone half-admiring, half-fearful:

  – “The power of the General and Princess Trang truly cannot be restrained by ordinary physical laws.”

  The Grand Thái S? sipped her lotus tea, her sharp eyes narrowing:

  – “So, the last time D?ng’s mansion was frozen for a day and a night before thawing… it was because.”

  The Demon King Satan cut her off, his warm yet commanding voice resounding:

  – “Because I ordered the girl to spare them. Otherwise, even now, that creation would still stand as it was.”

  Crown Prince Arian leisurely took a sip of cappuccino, the corner of his mouth curving with disdain:

  – “Erion only wanted to warn their family for a few days. If it lasted longer, that centipede spirit would have fled, and what fun would the game be then?”

  A chilling laughter rang throughout the grand hall, slicing the air like blades.

  —

  Meanwhile, the Bentley Bentayga was nearing V?ng Tàu. The sky was clear, and the salty sea breeze swept into the cabin, washing away the tension. Erion wore a half-smile of arrogance. He could sense the astonishment of those inside D?ng’s mansion as they witnessed the strange phenomenon:

  – “No matter how hard you try, you cannot melt my ice palace. The hotter it gets, the stronger the ice will grow.”

  Trang let out a faint sigh, her eyes betraying a trace of unease:

  – “I… still don’t know how to control my powers properly. I need to learn to master them.”

  Erion turned to her, his gaze both tender and resolute, his voice warm like an oath:

  – “Do not worry. I will guide you until you can fully control your power. I will always be by your side.”

  Happiness surged within Trang. She had endured countless injustices, but now, at last, she had a steadfast shoulder to lean on — a love that belonged to her alone.

  At 11 a.m., the luxurious Bentley Bentayga glided smoothly through the bustling streets and stopped at the gate of a seaside villa, its view opening directly onto the endless blue ocean, where the crashing waves played like a welcoming melody for the lovers. Erion swiftly stepped out, courteously circling around to open the door for Trang.

  Immediately, a group of men in sharp suits emerged from the villa. Leading them was Chen — the close aide of Lord Yin — with several vampire operatives in tow, hidden agents stationed in the charming coastal city. Chen bowed respectfully, a faint smile flickering across his pale face:

  – “Greetings, General. Greetings, Princess. Lord Yin instructed me to receive you both here. The villa has been fully prepared—please, come inside.”

  Chen led the way. Erion followed with a calm stride, casually introducing the place to Trang:

  – “This villa is also one of Yin’s properties. We may stay here as long as we like — free and comfortable, as if it were our own home.”

  Trang’s eyes swept around. It was her first time stepping into such grandeur — a villa perched by the sea, golden sands stretching endlessly, rows of palm trees leaning over a turquoise pool that shimmered like liquid jade. She softly exclaimed:

  – “Lord Yin is truly thoughtful. His properties all have breathtaking views.”

  Chen smiled faintly, his voice steady:

  – “Princess, Lord Yin and Count Din are magnates — their wealth is immense. Yet even that cannot compare to the General, and certainly not to Lord Satan.”

  He paused, drew a quiet breath, then continued:

  – “Their wealth, Princess, is measured… in planets.”

  At those words, Trang suddenly recalled the words of the Grand Thái S?, her eyes turning distant:

  – “She once told me… that my father is the king who rules the entire Dark Planet — he who owns hundreds of mines of gemstones and minerals there.”

  Chen nodded respectfully, awe flashing in his eyes:

  – “Indeed. But Princess must know—traveling between those mines requires space gates. Neither carriages nor starships can reach them.”

  —

  Meanwhile, at the Bình Chánh stronghold, the atmosphere was altogether different.

  Princess Lita, headstrong as ever, was sulking at Trúc Di?n, her voice playful yet demanding:

  – “I want you to take me out. Just like Erion is taking Sister Trang out.”

  Trúc Di?n raised an eyebrow, half-annoyed, half-amused:

  – “Strange. Weren’t you the one who just said I shouldn’t dream, that it would never be my turn?”

  Yin covered his mouth with a quiet laugh:

  – “I told you. Those who deny the loudest are often the ones who do the opposite.”

  Din, seated nearby, nudged Trúc Di?n’s shoulder with a teasing grin:

  – “What are you standing there for? Grab the chance while you can.”

  Trúc Di?n cleared his throat lightly, then asked with feigned reluctance:

  – “So, Princess, where do you want to go?”

  Lita thought for a long moment, her eyes sparkling like starlight:

  – “To the movies! And then afterward, you’ll take me out to eat.”

  Upon the limewood throne, the Demon King Satan watched the scene, the corner of his lips curling. He turned to the Grand Thái S?, gave a slight nod, and commanded:

  – “Attend me. Prepare a car for my daughter and… my second son-in-law. Two operatives will follow to guarantee absolute safety.”

  Soon after, a sleek black Maybach departed the stronghold, carrying Lita and Trúc Di?n into their very first date.

  The Demon King Satan reclined leisurely upon his throne, his enigmatic smile spreading through the grand hall:

  – “I have told you before — this game I have laid out allows no failure. Serpent King Trúc Di?n… and the Black Diamond Erion. In the end, they will both call me… father.”

  The Grand Thái S? raised her chrysanthemum tea, nodding in approval:

  – “When the Dark Lord has calculated his hand, one thing is certain — none shall ever escape his grasp.”

  The date between Trúc Di?n and Lita turned out to be anything but quiet — an electrifying contrast to the gentle serenity shared by Trang and Erion. At the cinema, every girl’s gaze fell upon Trúc Di?n; he radiated the aura of a heroic figure straight out of a fantasy novel.

  Today, Lita fully embodied the essence of a true Lolita princess. She wore a layered white dress trimmed with pink lace from Baby the Stars Shine Bright, a slim ribboned belt from Angelic Pretty, and knee-high socks paired with sparkling silver Mary Janes from Innocent World. In her hand, she delicately carried a mini Sweetie Choco Lolita bag, its flap adorned with shimmering pearls.

  Her golden-brown hair, lightly curled, was tied into twin tails with blue Metamorphose ribbons. She completed her look with tiny crown-shaped earrings from Vivienne Westwood and a white lace choker from Chantilly. The ensemble gave her an aura both enchanting and imperious—like a princess stepping straight out of a painting.

  Trailing behind them, two demon operatives shadowed their mistress. Clad in sharp black suits and dark glasses, they exuded the cold, intimidating presence of royal mafia bodyguards.

  Noticing the stares Trúc Di?n was drawing, Lita grew annoyed. She deliberately clutched his arm tighter:

  – “Let’s just buy the tickets and head in. These stares are irritating.”

  A nearby girl overheard, scoffing arrogantly as she turned her gaze on Lita:

  – “What did you just say? I have eyes, I’ll look at whoever I please!”

  Lita’s eyes narrowed like razor blades. With a subtle motion, her finger tapped the floor. At once, faint arcs of blue electricity sparked out, the lights of the cinema flickering violently. The girl’s hair stood on end as her body stiffened, a sharp cry escaping her lips before she collapsed onto the floor, paralyzed.

  Lita strode forward at a measured pace, her ocean-blue eyes gleaming, lips curling into a proud half-smile:

  – “You dare trifle with me? I could take your life with a single finger.”

  The girl trembled uncontrollably, her eyes wide with terror — unaware she had just provoked none other than the cherished daughter of the Demon King Satan, a princess of pure royal blood.

  Trúc Di?n quickly stepped in, taking Lita’s hand to pull her away:

  – “Let’s go inside. Leave her be.”

  Lita tilted her chin defiantly, still clinging to his arm as they marched proudly into the theater. One of the two demon operatives slipped off his sunglasses, casting a sharp golden glare at the girl. That single look froze her in place, her heartbeat spiraling into chaos.

  Only after the group had disappeared did her friends rush over to lift her up. Whispered voices filled the air, recalling the eerie sight:

  – “They’re not normal people… I swear I saw their eyes flash.”

  Another girl tugged nervously at her friend’s sleeve, her voice trembling:

  – “I saw it too… Let’s just get out of here. You’re insane — staring at someone else’s boyfriend, then provoking her like that.”

  One friend’s gaze lingered on Lita, marveling aloud:

  – “Did you see her outfit? She’s definitely a high-class princess type. Every piece she wore is designer — each one worth tens of millions.”

  A boy in the group shuddered, eyes still fixed on the two bodyguards at the ticket counter:

  – “And those bodyguards… just looking at them makes me shiver. Let’s go — right now. Their aura feels like that of assassins.”

  And so, the group hurriedly fled the theater, leaving behind an atmosphere heavy with lingering dread. Their faces were pale, shaken to the core — all because one foolish friend’s obsession with handsome men had nearly sparked a catastrophe.