"Your parents, your master, and your good friend Saint Maiden Luna Lian—all deserve a proper farewell." Damian Black said. "But your master, Lord Faustin, Immortal Warden of the Sigil Sect, is injured and might not withstand the shock. Best not to tell him for now."
"The Demon Emperor really has me all figured out, doesn't he?" Lily Bai gritted her teeth.
"Twelve Heaven-Bestowed Demon Slayer..." Damian looked at her with a half-smile. "I know everything about you."
Lily Bai clenched her fists.
Just then, one of her Messenger Charms lit up.
It was her mother, Empress Clarissa Summers, reaching out.
"Looks like your family really is connected to your heart," Damian commented.
Lily ignored him and answered the Messenger Charm.
"Lily." Clarissa Summers sounded heavy-hearted. "Did you return to the Sigil Sect?"
"Mm." Lily answered vaguely, "Mother, how's Little Shrimp? He woke up, right?"
"He woke up," Clarissa Summers replied. "But..."
"What's wrong?" Lily sensed something was very off in her mother's tone.
"Your brother woke up... but he's become vacant and slow, like a simpleminded child," Clarissa said.
"What?" Lily gasped. "Did you call a Spiritual Alchemist to check on him?"
"Yes. Master Victor Chung said the poison damaged his brain, and there's nothing he can do."
"How could this happen..." Lily felt her heart sink to the bottom of the valley.
"Master Victor Chung has gone to ask Saint Maiden Luna Lian for help," Clarissa said. "Hopefully Luna can do something."
Lily paused, then comforted her, "Luna is the Spirit Alliance Leader's daughter. Even if she can't help, her father High God Quentin Lian can. With my friendship with Luna, they'll do everything they can to save Little Shrimp. Don't worry too much, Mother."
"Mm," Clarissa replied.
"Mother, you must keep my brother's condition strictly secret. Don't let it leak out," Lily said.
"Of course," Clarissa said. "We've already told everyone outside that you took him to the Sigil Sect."
Lily: "...Alright."
After hanging up, Lily stared blankly at the Messenger Charm in her hand.
Her father's throne may have been chosen by her grandfather, but his own strength isn't enough; it's all thanks to her brother's Phoenix Heart talent—the next generation's power—that keeps the internal factions and vassal states in line.
If he becomes mentally impaired... Eastern Luo will fall into chaos.
And if she dies too, what will her parents do?
"Aren't you supposed to be saying goodbye?" Damian said, utterly unsympathetic. "Why didn't you mention—"
Damian never finished his sentence.
Because Lily suddenly lunged forward and grabbed his collar.
"What?" Damian leaned back slightly.
"If I give in to you, will you let me go?" Lily asked him.
Damian: "Give in to me?"
"Didn't you want to..." Back at the Demon Emperor's Palace, he seemed like he wanted... to kiss her.
Lily leaned in, her lips just a breath away from his. "Is that enough?"
"You're a Demon Slayer, and you throw yourself into my arms without shame?" The Demon Emperor's voice grew dark.
"I can't die," Lily said. "Damian, I know I'm pretty, and lots of men like me. Do you want me?"
Damian's face grew darker and darker. He shoved her away hard. "Get lost!"
Lily was pushed so hard, she crashed into Azure Flame's bony spine. She bit her lip and glared at him.
Damian stood up, turning his back to her and staring ahead, radiating untouchable pride.
Lily hugged her knees, wishing she could glare a hole right through him.