Chapter Forty-Two: The Shadow Behind the Scenes

The Demon Realm, Ancient Blood Clan Castle.

Lilyel and Ang were anxiously awaiting Ashus’s return.

“He’s back?” Ang murmured, sensing Ashus’s aura rapidly approaching. Lilyel also turned her gaze in the direction Ashus would arrive.

Yet, when Ashus finally stood before them, both were stunned by his condition. His black cloak hung in tatters, his body marred with deep wounds that exposed bone, and one gash even pierced straight through his abdomen. His entire right arm had been severed at the shoulder. If Ashus hadn’t belonged to the unique Shadow Demon lineage, he would never have survived such trauma.

“Ashus, what happened to you?” Lilyel asked in alarm, seeing his wretched state.

“I’m sorry, Lady Lilyel. I failed to carry out your command,” were the first words Ashus spoke to her.

“What about your injuries? Was it that human? How could that be? Did a Blood Hunter interfere?” Lilyel cried out in disbelief. In her mind, Xingyu was just an ordinary human, incapable of harming Ashus.

“Yes, a Blood Hunter intervened. I was unable to kill the human and failed your trust,” Ashus replied, his voice filled with shame.

“And these wounds—were they caused by the Blood Hunter as well?” Anger now tinged Lilyel’s voice.

But Ashus shook his head. “No, not the Blood Hunter. He’s formidable, but not enough to injure me. Perhaps I’m not his match, but if I wanted to escape, he couldn’t have touched me.” Ashus spoke with confidence. As a Shadow Demon, he trusted his skills in concealment and evasion implicitly.

“Then who did this?” Lilyel asked, bewildered.

“I don’t know for certain, but it was likely a vampire. That vampire possessed strength far beyond that of a typical Grand Duke, nearly rivaling a Prince,” Ashus replied gravely.

“How can that be?” Lilyel cried out, shocked by his words.

“It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. I couldn’t withstand even three strikes. I only managed to escape by invoking our clan’s secret arts,” Ashus admitted with difficulty.

“So, there is a vampire of nearly a Prince’s power lurking in the shadows? No wonder the vampires have become so brazen. This is grave—we must report this to His Highness,” Ang said solemnly.

But Lilyel shook her head. “Father is still in his slumber. If he were awake, those old fools on the Blood Clan Council would never have dared to punish Sister Lilith,” she scoffed.

“His Highness hasn’t awakened? Then we’ll have to inform the eldest miss. With His Highness gone, she is the highest decision-maker now, though her current state…” Ang trailed off.

“I believe in Sister Lilith,” Lilyel said to Ang, her gaze resolute.

Ang let out a long sigh. “Let the eldest miss decide, then. A vampire of nearly Prince rank hasn’t appeared in ages. Let’s hope nothing disastrous comes of this.”

Blood Clan Castle, Lilith’s chamber.

“A vampire approaching the strength of a Prince?” I was surprised by Ang’s report. “I never imagined such a figure was hidden behind those vampires. And to encounter them in a random small town—should I call myself lucky?” I forced a bitter smile.

“I fear it wasn’t a coincidence. That vampire was after you. What he sought was likely your bloodline. Before your arrival in that town, there were no reports of vampires there,” Ang surmised.

“So the vampire attack happened because of me?” His words brought back memories of Xiaoyou’s death. So, it truly was my fault. My eyes quickly dimmed.

“This is not your fault, my lady,” Ang said softly, seeing my pained expression.

“If you feel guilty, then avenge her. The Lilith I know is not so fragile,” Lilyel shouted at me, angered by my sorrow.

“Lilyel…” I looked at her in surprise.

“Sister Lilith, you still have us. It was only a lowly human—not worth your grief. Our kind is cursed, hated by humans as a matter of course. Sister, it’s time you awakened,” Lilyel pressed.

I laughed bitterly at myself. “She’s right. We are meant to be hated and feared by humans. Now, things are simply as they should be. Xingyu did nothing wrong—it was my hopes that were too high.” Xingyu, your resentment, your anger, your hatred—I will bear it all, if only you can live well. Once again, I hardened my resolve.

“Ang, let’s go. If this vampire is after me, I have no reason to cower here any longer. If he has challenged me, not answering would be discourteous,” I said to Ang.

“But, my lady, you’re still under confinement. If you leave now, the Blood Clan Council won’t let this go,” Ang replied calmly.

“To hell with them,” came Lilyel’s voice, ever lawless and unrestrained.

“Yes, to hell with them!” I, too, felt Lilyel’s irreverence infect me, shouting out my long-held gloom and pain.

Lilyel and Ang were both startled by my outburst. Then Lilyel burst out laughing, repeating, “To hell with them! To hell with them!” over and over as she laughed.

Ang and I exchanged helpless glances as we watched Lilyel’s exuberance. She truly was an incorrigible little girl.

“Well then, Ang, let’s go. I’m ready. Whether it’s the vampire or the Blood Clan Council, if they wish to provoke me, they will pay dearly for it,” I declared, eyes shining with determination.

“Yes, my lady,” Ang replied respectfully. He strode to the door, his muscles swelling as razor-sharp claws sprouted from his hands. With a savage tear, he rent apart the barrier that had sealed me—set by three Grand Dukes combined. The seal instantly splintered and shattered. Ang returned to my side, face calm as if nothing had happened.

I stepped out of the room that had confined me for so long, heading toward the castle’s exit. “A vampire, is it? It’s time to settle our grudges. Whoever you are, you will pay the price—for me, for Xiaoyou, and for Xingyu,” I vowed silently.

“This is the Lilith I know—the proud First Princess of the Blood Clan, the one I admire above all,” Lilyel whispered, gazing at my resolute back. Then she turned to Ashus. “Ashus, can you still fight? That damn vampire has angered not only Sister Lilith now. To dare harm my servant—he must be ready to bear my wrath as well.” With that, Lilyel chased after me.