Only Emperor Alexander knew of this matter, and it was the reason he had requested a marriage alliance in the first place. Back then, Damien Gray accused Grand Astrologer Simon of deceiving the throne, claiming he had no spiritual power. Grand Astrologer Simon himself admitted to losing his powers, and in a fit of rage, Damien Gray killed him. Yet, upon reflection, Grand Astrologer Simon’s many years of service and his glorious achievements under the late emperor proved he was no ordinary man. So, for the final words Grand Astrologer Simon spoke to him, Emperor Alexander chose to believe in their possibility rather than dismiss them entirely.
However, because Grand Astrologer Simon said he could not divine the person’s identity—only that she was a woman sent from Azure Kingdom for a marriage alliance—Emperor Alexander demanded Azure Kingdom send someone for the alliance, but did not insist she be a princess.
Yet when Emperor Alexander saw Morgan Shangguan, he began to doubt Grand Astrologer Simon’s words. Could such a timid woman truly save the world? Still, since she had already arrived, he chose to trust in her abilities, at least for now.
If she truly bore the Destiny of Salvation, then placing her beside the demon child who could plunge the world into chaos was a wise move. This was also another reason Emperor Alexander gave Morgan Shangguan to Damien Gray.
As he thought of Grand Astrologer Simon, that hypocrite, the Blood Wraith’s twisted, terrifying face grew ever more distorted in his mind.
Xuan Tian was a legendary figure—his mastery of poisons was unparalleled, his prophecies never failed, and his spiritual power was profound. He was versed in the Five Elements, Eight Trigrams, and all manner of secret arts. Several generations of the Simon Family had studied under him, but he never took formal disciples. Yet, over sixty years ago, he broke tradition and took in an orphan named Locke Luo.
Locke Luo’s abilities were not rooted in spiritual power, but in sorcery. Xuan Tian accepted him precisely because such power, without guidance, could easily lead one astray or even to madness. Moreover, if left unchecked, this power could corrupt one’s very nature.
Locke Luo was gifted and diligent, his abilities even surpassing those of his senior, Grand Astrologer Simon. Though Grand Astrologer Simon felt some resentment, he simply trained harder and never acted out of jealousy.
Yet the Simon Family’s time with Xuan Tian was always limited. When their training ended, they returned home to shoulder their family’s responsibilities, leaving only Locke Luo by Xuan Tian’s side.
As Grand Astrologer Simon gained the emperor’s favor, he began to taste the sweetness of power. He never forgot about Locke Luo. The Simon Family had long monopolized spiritual power and loyalty to the throne, but now, with Locke Luo’s sorcery revealed, their status was threatened.
It was just then that Xuan Tian suddenly disappeared. Locke Luo searched everywhere for him, and in desperation, turned to Grand Astrologer Simon—after all, Grand Astrologer Simon now wielded great power, and his resources far surpassed Locke Luo’s frantic efforts.
But Grand Astrologer Simon, driven by jealousy and fear, sought to destroy Locke Luo.
The day Locke Luo awoke, his eyes were met with a sea of blood. In the unfamiliar courtyard, corpses lay everywhere—young and old, large and small. The horror and confusion overwhelmed him.
Grand Astrologer Simon arrived with a squad of soldiers, intent on capturing the murderer. No matter how Locke Luo pleaded his innocence, no one believed him. To them, he was nothing but a deranged killer.
Grand Astrologer Simon spoke earnestly: "Junior, Master warned you long ago not to dabble in forbidden arts. It seems that evil power has truly consumed your mind!"
Locke Luo stared in shock at Grand Astrologer Simon’s look of pity. When had Master ever told him to stop training? On the contrary, Master praised his talent and taught him to control his power—so long as he was careful, there would be no danger! Locke Luo’s heart ached at the betrayal.
After the initial shock, Locke Luo recalled that it was Grand Astrologer Simon who claimed Master had appeared here, prompting Locke Luo to come searching. He’d found a figure in the courtyard, its back resembling Master, and hurried to help—only to suddenly lose consciousness. The details blurred in his mind, leaving him with only dread.
Though Locke Luo had spent most of his life by Xuan Tian’s side with little contact with outsiders, he was no fool. He understood now that Grand Astrologer Simon had set him up.
But no matter how he explained, no one believed him. Grand Astrologer Simon was loyal to the throne and beloved by the people—a paragon of virtue.
In the end, for the sake of his wife and children, Locke Luo was forced to fight Grand Astrologer Simon. Yet he had no idea what tricks Grand Astrologer Simon had used; his powers were somehow suppressed, leaving him only a fraction of his strength—just enough to reveal his 'evil' abilities to all. Shame and desperation filled his heart.
His wife was killed, his limbs crippled, and both he and his eight-year-old son were cast into a bottomless abyss. As they fell, he could still hear the cheers from above—praises for Grand Astrologer Simon, declaring that Locke Luo’s death was well deserved.
Dark mist swirled around Blood Wraith, churning like the anger and twisted hatred in his heart. The way he had become was entirely thanks to Grand Astrologer Simon—who, under the banner of justice, sought to destroy him. Yet to think the Simon Family would bear the Demon Child—how ironic!
Did they think death would cleanse everything? Hmph! He would see Damien Gray throw the world into chaos and the Simon Family’s name ruined—so that even in death, Grand Astrologer Simon would be cursed!
Blood Wraith founded Rakshasa Palace for this very purpose. But Grand Astrologer Simon’s influence was vast, so when Grand Astrologer Simon grew suspicious, Blood Wraith staged his own death, passing the title of Palace Master to the most talented disciple and then controlled him with sorcery.
He had never intended to kill Grand Astrologer Simon for revenge, for that would not satisfy his wrath. If Grand Astrologer Simon claimed sorcery was evil, then he would show him—the world would be destroyed by Grand Astrologer Simon’s own grandson, and all would see that the true evil lay within the Simon Family!
Only this way could Grand Astrologer Simon suffer a fate worse than death—a pain that would linger in his soul forever.
Jin Locke was used to Blood Wraith’s madness and stood quietly aside. At last, Blood Wraith calmed down, glanced at him, and said, "You’re right—keeping Morgan Shangguan alive is far better than killing her. But if she’d just obey me, that would be ideal!"
Jin Locke was startled, his face darkening—did Blood Wraith mean to control Morgan Shangguan? "Father..."
Blood Wraith saw the anxiety in Jin Locke’s eyes and snorted coldly. "This will be your task. If you succeed, she may live. If you fail, I’ll have no choice but to kill her!"