In this world, only those of the Simon Family bloodline possess spiritual power. This made him suspect that Morgan Shangguan might be a lost descendant of the Simon Family. But on second thought, that seemed impossible. Even if the Simon Family did have a lost child, they wouldn’t still possess spiritual power. So, who was this woman? Why had she appeared at the Ghost King’s Manor? What was her purpose?
In truth, Master Ethan Yi came to the Nether Court simply because he’d heard that a princess consort lived here—the very one Emperor Alexander had bestowed upon Damien Gray. Just this fact alone made Master Ethan Yi view Morgan Shangguan with little favor.
Morgan Shangguan leaned against the bed, her voice calm. “It’s not only the Simon Family who possess spiritual power.”
“Impossible! No one but the Simon Family can wield spiritual power!”
“You sound so certain!” Morgan Shangguan smiled, raising her brows. “Then, do you think I’m one of the Simon Family?”
“You’re not!” If you were, you wouldn’t have escaped Consort Bella’s curse.
“Well then, is there anything else?”
Master Ethan Yi’s eyes grew deep and thoughtful. He asked in a low voice, “Why are you staying at the Ghost King’s Manor? What do you intend for Damien?” He knew the manor was filled with skilled experts, but for someone with spiritual power, dealing with them would be no challenge.
“Hmm? Damien Gray?” Morgan Shangguan couldn’t help but laugh. “What do you think I could possibly do to him?”
Seeing Master Ethan Yi still watching her warily, Morgan Shangguan shook her head. “Even if I wanted to do something, Damien Gray would never let me. You needn’t worry so much.” She could see that this old man genuinely cared for Damien, which reminded her of her own grandfather. So, she wasn’t all that angry about him disturbing her sleep in the middle of the night.
Master Ethan Yi frowned. “Damien may be a prince, but he holds no real power. He’s not someone worth scheming over!” Whether he said this to Morgan Shangguan or to himself was unclear.
Morgan Shangguan’s eyes flashed with surprise. She could tell the old man was sincere. She had thought Master Ethan Yi and Damien Gray were close, but apparently even Damien kept his mask on in front of him.
On the surface, Damien Gray did seem to be just a powerless prince—nothing much to covet. But...
Though she wasn’t entirely certain of Damien’s true identity, the rumors in the martial world and his unique qualities made her nearly sure her guess was right.
Seeing how worried the old man was about Damien, Morgan Shangguan couldn’t help but shake her head. Damien hardly needed anyone’s concern. That fox—how many people could truly get the better of him? “Since you say so, what are you still worried about?”
Master Ethan Yi sighed. “I don’t want Damien to suffer any harm.” How else could he answer to Consort Bella? “Damien grew up without a mother, and his own father is his enemy...” Mid-sentence, Master Ethan Yi suddenly fell silent, unsure why he was sharing such things with someone whose identity was still a mystery.
Morgan Shangguan’s eyes once again showed surprise, finding it a bit unbelievable. “Do you actually think Damien is pitiful?”
Master Ethan Yi frowned at her. “Isn’t he?”
Morgan Shangguan couldn’t help but laugh softly. “He doesn’t need anyone’s pity. There’s nothing about him worth pitying.”
Master Ethan Yi clearly disagreed. “Setting aside his origins, isn’t it pitiful to live burdened by hatred?” Consort Bella had asked him not to seek revenge for her, and he’d obeyed. He’d told Damien not to seek revenge either, to live well. But in his heart, he couldn’t let go. He knew how painful it was to live with hatred.
Morgan Shangguan smiled. “He isn’t burdened by hatred.” If he truly hated, Emperor Alexander wouldn’t still be sitting firmly on the throne.
“How do you know he’s not burdened by hatred? If there’s no hatred in his heart, why insist on returning to that filthy palace?”
“Some things don’t need a reason. If you want to do something, you just do it.” Or maybe there were other reasons—or perhaps he was simply bored.
Master Ethan Yi frowned, pondering her words. Had he been wrong all along? Damien always said he didn’t seek revenge, but Master Ethan Yi had assumed those were just words of comfort.
Maybe he really was mistaken! Master Ethan Yi snapped back to himself, smiling as he shook his head, his eyes narrowing at Morgan Shangguan with an unreadable expression. “I didn’t expect you to know him better than I do!”
Morgan Shangguan narrowed her eyes and smiled. “It’s not that I know him—I just know myself.”
In truth, she and Damien Gray were both proud people. They didn’t need anyone’s pity, and some things simply weren’t worth explaining.
Outside, Damien Gray turned to leave. He’d come after hearing the secret guards report that Master Ethan Yi was at the Nether Court, worried the two might start fighting.
He waved for the hidden guards to withdraw, then glanced up at the moon that appeared after the clouds had passed, his eyes deep and thoughtful. He hadn’t expected Morgan Shangguan to understand him best. Maybe, deep down, he’d always known.
He finally understood why he felt so at ease around Morgan Shangguan—because she understood. There was no need to labor over explanations; she would simply know. And because she understood, she knew his boundaries, never accidentally crossing his line.
A subtle feeling stirred in his heart—hard to describe, impossible to name. He knew Morgan Shangguan was a difficult woman, yet he’d never considered removing her. To be seen through was dangerous, but strangely, he didn’t hate it. Perhaps this was what it meant to find a kindred spirit.
Damien Gray chuckled softly. In an instant, he was again the gentle, jade-like Ghost King, bathed in moonlight as he slowly walked toward his own courtyard.
Morgan Shangguan yawned, glancing at the old man who seemed lost in thought. Somewhat speechless, she said, “Old man, I’d like to sleep. Could you please return to your own room?” How much longer did he plan to stay?
Master Ethan Yi’s face darkened. “Old man? I’m the master of the Valley of Destiny!”
Morgan Shangguan gave him a quick once-over, then let out an “Oh.” “So you’re Master Destiny!”
Seeing her so calm, Master Ethan Yi couldn’t help but say, “You really are extraordinary!”