Chapter 21: The Demonic God’s Deception and Familial Concerns

As Xiamiya eagerly rushed into Helibea’s embrace,

High above, on a towering tree in the distance, a peculiar aura gently unfurled.

Should anyone have observed closely, they would have been horrified to discover a terrifying, scarlet eye embedded within the tree’s trunk. Reflected within that eye was the precise image of Xiamiya and Helibea locked in an embrace.

Indeed.

The owner of this eye was a Curse Ghost, a high-ranking Calamity Demon.

These terrifying creatures possessed the ability to merge with and parasitize other beings.

Knowing Xiamiya’s current strength was still insufficient, Youka would never allow her to act alone. While Calamity Demons couldn’t always remain by Youka’s side, remote protection was well within their capabilities.

This particular Curse Ghost was the very Calamity Demon Youka had dispatched to guard the Demonic God.

Yet, at this very moment, a trace of bewilderment involuntarily seeped into the Calamity Demon’s eye.

“The Demonic God? Why is she… so intimate with that human?”

Humans were base, low-level creatures, mere refuse to be devoured or slaughtered. They were beings that had no place in the ‘ideal world’.

How could the Demonic God, facing such a lowly existence, rush forward and embrace her directly? What’s more, that expression, that smile… it was so incredibly excited?

Instantly, unsettling thoughts began to surface in the Curse Ghost’s mind.

“The Demonic God, she, she couldn’t possibly…”

Just then, a wave of profound excitement and emotion abruptly reached the Curse Ghost’s ears.

– “Magnificent! Truly worthy of the Demonic God!” –

“Hm?”

Following the sound, the Curse Ghost’s gaze shifted to the elegant, excited blue-haired man standing atop a tree branch.

This man was Anchinot, who had previously visited Xiamiya at Snow Lotus Palace, one of Starfall Palace’s Five Star Gods.

“Lord Anchinot, why did you suddenly say that?”

“Why? Naturally, I’m marveling at the Demonic God’s peerless acting skills.”

Anchinot clasped his fingers together, speaking with fervor.

“Acting skills?”

“Indeed. Despite the Demonic God’s profound hatred for humans, he can conceal his emotions for the greater good, even casting aside his dignity to pretend to be such an innocent little girl, rushing into the enemy’s embrace. His forbearance is truly admirable. For me to embrace a human? I could never do it… The mere thought is utterly repulsive.”

“Ah, so that’s it.”

Instantly, the unease in the Curse Ghost’s heart vanished, replaced by an overwhelming surge of adoration in its gaze towards Xiamiya.

“Truly worthy of the Demonic God.”

As it marveled, the Curse Ghost felt shame for the disrespectful thoughts that had briefly crossed its mind.

Anchinot, standing on the treetop, paid no heed to the Curse Ghost’s shifting emotions. Instead, he remained pensive, his gaze fixed on the original Xiamiya’s face.

A moment later, a slight smile touched his lips as Anchinot murmured, filled with emotion,

“It seems the Grand Steward was right. This reborn Demonic God has retained sufficient rationality. Despite knowing everything, he can still interact with the other party as if nothing is amiss… In a sense, this iteration of the Demonic God appears even more terrifying…”

‘Xiamiya: Meow meow??’

****

Meanwhile, before the main gate of Sun Crown Palace.

“It’s been a long time, Xiamiya.”

The red-haired woman chuckled softly, affectionately ruffling Xiamiya’s hair.

Helibea’s touch seemed to possess a magical quality. Under her gentle caress, Xiamiya’s turbulent heart quickly found peace.

Experiencing such familial affection after so long, much of the stress Xiamiya had accumulated recently began to dissipate.

After all, her own father, Miss Mitis of the Ashir family, and her elder sister Helibea were among the few who treated her kindly within the Capital of Truth.

For this gentle, beautiful, and powerful elder sister, Xiamiya held both affection and profound admiration.

The light of excitement shone unmistakably in her rainbow-colored eyes. For a moment, Xiamiya acted like a kitten, nuzzling into Helibea’s embrace and continuously seeking affection.

After a tender moment of affectionate warmth with her younger sister, Helibea gently held Xiamiya’s shoulders, asking with concern,

“How are you, Xiamiya? Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine, Sister. I’m perfectly well.”

Xiamiya scratched the back of her head, asserting bravely.

“Last night’s attack… weren’t all the people in your palace… killed by the invaders? What about you?”

“Ah, about that…”

A flicker of panic crossed Xiamiya’s eyes at the question.

Xiamiya knew, of course, that those ill-intentioned servants hadn’t been killed by assassins; Youka had simply taken advantage of last night’s incident to dispose of them.

As for the invaders, they hadn’t even drawn their blades before being cut down by the Shadow Soldiers…

Naturally, Xiamiya couldn’t possibly reveal any of this.

“I-I found an amulet in the Holy Sanctuary… Thanks to its barrier array, the assassins didn’t notice me and left.”

Xiamiya recited her pre-arranged explanation.

“An amulet?”

“Yes, this one.”

As she spoke, Xiamiya pulled out an ancient-looking emblem from her chest, adorned with intricate ancient script.

“I found it in the Holy Sanctuary ruins. It seems to have the ability to mask one’s presence and conceal oneself.”

“I see.”

Helibea nodded thoughtfully. It seemed she accepted Xiamiya’s explanation, as the doubt in her eyes gradually faded.

Then, Helibea spoke in a tone laced with a request:

“Say, Xiamiya, could you lend this amulet to your sister for a bit of research? If we can understand the principles behind an aura-masking amulet, it could be immensely beneficial to our border guards.”

“Of course!”

Xiamiya smiled, promptly removing the amulet and placing it in Helibea’s hand without a moment’s hesitation.

Helibea had helped her so much; Xiamiya would naturally be delighted if she could return the favor. It was a form of repayment, after all.

On the other side, after carefully tucking the amulet into her bag, Helibea revealed a satisfied smile.

“Oh, by the way, Sister Helibea. When did you return?”

“I just arrived this morning. I rushed back as soon as I heard the Holy Royal Palace was attacked.”

“Oh, I see.”

As she spoke, Xiamiya reached up and tugged on Helibea’s skirt, slowly speaking with an expectant tone:

“Sister Helibea, I want to see Father. Could you, could you take me inside?”

“See Father?”

“Mm-hm, mm-hm, mm-hm.”

Xiamiya nodded repeatedly.

Hearing this, Helibea’s brow furrowed, a flicker of hesitation appearing in her eyes.

“It might not be appropriate to see Father right now.”

“Not appropriate? Why not?”

“Although Father is awake, he’s still undergoing treatment and healing, completely enveloped by the healing barrier cast by the priests. If you go in now, you’ll interrupt his recovery.”

“I-is that so…”

At this reply, Xiamiya’s expression visibly clouded over.

However, the next moment, Xiamiya’s somber mood was immediately suppressed by her rationality.

“Sigh, alright then.”

Since Sister Helibea had said so, it seemed she would just have to come back another time.

Watching Xiamiya, Helibea’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Then, the First Holy Princess revealed a gentle smile, and like a wise elder sister, she asked with concern.

“Speaking of which, little one. How was your year of study in the Holy Sanctuary? Are you accustomed to life back here? If anything troubles you, you can always talk to your sister, alright?”

‘Troubles?’

Hearing that word, Xiamiya’s brow involuntarily furrowed.

‘Troubles? How could I not have any?! Being constantly watched by a bunch of bloodthirsty, murderous Demonic God’s subordinates, whose only thought is world destruction—isn’t that incredibly stressful?!’

‘My mind is practically on the verge of collapse!!!! It’s absolutely maddening!!!’

For a moment, Xiamiya’s mind instinctively erupted in a hysterical roar. Had there not been people watching nearby, Xiamiya might have even felt the urge to bang her head against the ground.

Meanwhile, although Xiamiya didn’t reply immediately, Helibea, seasoned in court affairs and always adept at reading expressions, instantly caught the fleeting abnormality in her sister’s eyes.

Then, Helibea slowly raised her hand, gently caressing Xiamiya’s face, and spoke in a tender yet profoundly meaningful tone.

“If you have any troubles, tell your sister. I’ll find a way to help you solve them… just like before.”