Draken City – Palace
Right now, Shou’an Hall was eerily silent—so quiet it was scary. Inside, only the occasional soft sobbing broke the stillness.
However, this silence didn’t last long.
“Mother, please forgive Master. She didn’t mean to do it.” The speaker was Jude Song, and the one he was pleading for wasn’t anyone else—it was Silver Consort, who had been missing for over two months.
Silver Consort, pale-faced and disheveled, knelt on the ground with her head bowed, saying nothing.
Maybe it was because Ivy Shen had hit her so hard last time—she’d absorbed so much power that even her black hair was gone, leaving only a head of silver strands that didn’t match her face at all.
Cao Wan’er sat on the phoenix couch, her face icy and terrifying, looking like a demon straight out of hell—equal parts awe-inspiring and fearsome.
Jude Song had never seen this side of Cao Wan’er before. But thinking about it, no wonder Mother was so furious—turns out, that monster wasn’t dead at all. Not only did she dare break into the palace at night, she even managed to rescue that madwoman and get away safely.
Looks like they seriously underestimated their opponent’s strength!
“It must be her! It has to be that demon girl!” Cao Wan’er slammed her right hand onto the armrest in rage, making her armor tremble.
“Which demon girl?” Jude Song asked, confused.
“Which demon girl? Who else but Chloe Chung!” Cao Wan’er shot Jude Song a glare, clearly annoyed he hadn’t caught on yet.
Hearing this, Jude Song’s brows furrowed slightly. He still didn’t quite believe it—Sherry, was she really that legendary demon girl?
If that’s true, doesn’t that make her a princess?
No way. There’s no way that’s true!
He just couldn’t accept that she’d use their sibling bond to seduce him for her own goals.
“You still don’t believe me?” Seeing her son’s expression hadn’t changed, Cao Wan’er grew even more furious. She arched an eyebrow, and Luna quickly brought something over to Jude Song.
Jude Song took the small scrap of fabric, looking puzzled. Then, as if drawn by some mysterious force, he brought it to his nose and sniffed. Instantly, his eyes widened in shock.
“This... this scent...”
“This scent is familiar, isn’t it? Gavin Wang was clutching this scrap in his hand the whole time. Don’t tell me you don’t recognize it. Also, think about it—if it was really someone else, how did all those mechanisms stay untouched? The people who set the traps are locked in the dungeon. Who else could’ve leaked the secret?” Cao Wan’er said coldly.
“This…” Jude Song stared at the scrap of cloth in his hand, his heart starting to tremble.
“Think about it. Gavin Wang may not be the brightest, but he’d never defy orders. He’s been by your side since childhood. Even if he didn’t care about his own life, he’d never risk his family’s. So, for him to let his guard down and lead someone straight to that spot—other than that demon girl, who else could it be?” Cao Wan’er pressed relentlessly, making it impossible not to believe her.
“Mother…” Clearly, Cao Wan’er’s words made Jude Song’s hands start to shake. Memories flashed through his mind, and suddenly, everything seemed to make sense!
“Your Highness, forgive me for speaking out of turn. Last time Her Majesty was injured, it was that woman’s doing. Every step she took was meant to destroy you. First, she tricked Aunt Silver and made us drop our guard, then she started seducing you, mapped out the palace, and I’m certain she was the one who broke into the Demon-Sealing Cell. That’s why she and Noble Lady Lana vanished—they must’ve gone to Flame Valley for weapons, came back to deceive Gavin Wang, and used the chance to rescue that madwoman.” Luna spoke urgently.
After speaking, Luna’s heart ached. She clenched her fists—if that demon girl dared kill her man, she’d make sure she died a horrible death!
“Those in the thick of it are always blind to the truth, while bystanders see everything clearly. Jue’er, you still don’t get it? If that demon girl really liked you, in all this time, has she ever let you kiss her? Hasn’t she always been plotting, step by step? Think about it—wasn’t her arrival a little too convenient?” Cao Wan’er pressed on, relentless.
Earlier, she’d already gotten every bit of information about that girl from Gavin Wang. Back then, she only knew the demon girl wasn’t simple, but she never imagined she’d turn out to be that cursed child. So, the one left behind in the Serpent Realm wasn’t the prince—it was the princess!
Listening to their analysis, Jude Song unconsciously gripped the scrap of cloth even tighter, his heart writhing in pain.
Could it really be true?
Sherry, are you really my sister?
Are you really that cursed child?
If it’s really true…
Then… I’m sorry!
No matter who covets his throne, he’ll wipe them out—down to the last root!
Seated above, Cao Wan’er didn’t miss a single change in Jude Song’s expression. She couldn’t help but smile.
He really was the son Cao Wan’er had trained!
He had the makings of a great general—he knew when to be ruthless, and when to hold back!
“Your Highness… Silver Consort saw her skills at the Martial Arts Tournament, and she’s become even more formidable since falling off that cliff. We can’t wait any longer.” Though kneeling, Silver Consort still spoke up for Cao Wan’er’s side.
“Master…” Hearing Silver Consort say this, Jude Song’s brow furrowed even tighter.
“Your Highness, Her Majesty the Empress raised you with painstaking care all these years, just so you could ascend to greatness. That woman appeared out of nowhere and then suddenly injured Her Majesty—she was deliberately trying to drive a wedge between you and your mother. While Silver Consort was tending her wounds, she discovered that woman’s bones were extraordinary—a martial arts prodigy. But back then she hid her true strength so well. I blame myself for being too lax and not noticing…” Silver Consort’s voice was thick with guilt.
“Your Highness, we can’t hesitate any longer. That demon girl clearly doesn’t respect you at all—she’s only bold because she’s exploiting your kindness. If you keep being soft-hearted, she’ll climb right over you and snatch the throne!” Luna fanned the flames with urgency.
“How dare she!” Hearing someone threaten to climb over him, Jude Song slammed his palm hard onto the table, his face twisted in fury.
“Please, Your Highness, calm your anger!” Seeing Jude Song enraged, Luna quickly kneeled in fear, trembling all over. But at the corner of her mouth, a cold smile appeared—demon girl, I swear I’ll make you die a miserable death. I’ll see you torn apart to avenge my man!
“The world belongs to me alone—one emperor is all it needs!” Jude Song’s eyes were cold as ice.
“Your Highness…” Luna called out softly.
“This world doesn’t need so many kingdoms. One great nation is enough, and one emperor—me, Jude Song!” He spoke every word like an oath.
Faced with Jude Song’s sudden awakening, Cao Wan’er’s smile grew even brighter. This was truly her son!
Bold in action.
Bold in seizing opportunity.
Bold in speech.
World unification is no longer a dream. Her son would be the supreme emperor—one ruler is all this world needs!
Yet, this scene cut Silver Consort to the core. Seeing her son’s crazed expression, she remembered the loving mother and son she’d witnessed in Lark City—her heart felt as if it were being sliced apart.
Silver Consort, what have you done?
“Jue’er, your resolve makes me very proud.” Cao Wan’er praised him without reservation, her mood instantly lifting.
“Forgive me, Mother. I nearly wasted all your efforts.” Jude Song was filled with remorse.
Seeing this, Cao Wan’er smiled gently. “We’re mother and son—no need to dwell on it. As long as you’ve come to your senses, I’m already happy.”
“Rest assured, Mother. I won’t be blinded by stubbornness anymore, and I’ll never hand over the kingdom you worked so hard to build for me!” Jude Song vowed through gritted teeth—only he was fit to claim the emperor’s throne!
“Your Highness…” Unable to hold back, Silver Consort spoke softly.
Hearing this, Jude Song froze, then quickly turned to look at Silver Consort, still kneeling on the ground. A strange sorrow rose in his heart, one he hadn’t even noticed before. “Mother, please let Master get up—her injuries make it hard for her to kneel for long.”
“Mm.” Cao Wan’er nodded at Luna, who immediately stood and respectfully helped Silver Consort to her feet.
“Give her a seat.” Perhaps it was because of Jude Song’s awakening, or maybe because Silver Consort had just spoken up for them, but Cao Wan’er graciously decided not to hold a grudge—for now.