The mouthwatering aroma began to drift across the grand hall of the Bình Chánh stronghold. The scent of grilled meat, scallion oil, and sweet-and-sour fish sauce intertwined, transforming the solemn atmosphere into something unexpectedly warm and homely.

  The little demons, who had been wandering along the corridors, instantly perked up, sniffing the air like excited children.

  – “What’s that amazing smell?!”

  On her ebony throne, the Grand Mistress tilted her head slightly, her sharp eyes narrowing in the direction of the dining hall.

  – “Today’s lunch will be vermicelli with grilled pork, spring rolls, and char-grilled sausage.”

  Din glanced at Erion, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

  – “This dish is incredible, Commander. Try it once and you’ll be hooked.”

  Trang’s eyes curved into a smile, her heart stirred by the fragrance. It carried her back to a simpler time — her days in the old boarding house. Back then, ?ng Nhan — the kindly neighbor who was now revealed as none other than Satan himself — often cooked her humble meals filled with warmth and care.

  – “This dish… reminds me of those days in the boarding house.” Trang spoke softly, her voice tinged with nostalgia.

  Satan’s smile deepened, his gaze filled with both tenderness and pride as he looked at his daughter.

  – “Those days, while posing as ?ng Nhan, I often cooked this for you. Sometimes I even invited little H?ng Nhung over to share the meal.”

  The fairy H?ng Nhung also recalled those days, when she would often bring food to Trang.

  – “Back then, I frequently bought meals to bring over for Trang and Father. Her life was difficult, and she was so frugal that she never dared to spend on anything nice. Seeing her eat so little worried me deeply.”

  At another corner of the hall, Master V?nh and Trúc Di?n exchanged a glance. Both silently marveled at the simple, genuine affection of a demon lord like Satan — something they had never once seen from D?ng’s family. Though human, C?u D?ng and his wife’s way of life and treatment of others paled in comparison to this heartfelt care.

  Satan turned to Master V?nh, his lips curling into a sly smile.

  – “I hear that D?ng and his wife are planning to invite a sorcerer to exorcise their house? I can’t wait to see the show.”

  Trúc Di?n chuckled, his tone laced with dry irony.

  – “No matter how many sorcerers they bring, they won’t escape the law of karma.”

  At that moment, Erion brushed his hand across the surface of the Black Crystal Mirror. The reflection revealed the family of Huy — the centipede spirit. He gazed for a long moment, then spoke calmly.

  – “That centipede’s son is utterly worthless. But his parents… they’re decent enough. They understand respect and gratitude.”

  Yin nodded in agreement, his lips curling into an ambiguous smile.

  – “Then perhaps we should take their place… and teach their son a lesson he’ll never forget.”

  Din smirked.

  – “The moment he marries into D?ng’s family as the prized son-in-law, he’ll get all the education he needs.”

  Everyone’s eyes gleamed faintly. Amid the rich aroma of grilled pork vermicelli, it seemed clear that today’s lunch would be more than just a meal. A storm of drama was brewing, and the lords of the underworld were eagerly waiting for the show to begin.

  At the villa in District 2, lunch between D?ng’s family and their in-laws had just ended. On the dining table, fresh fruit plates were laid out—the fragrance of mangoes, finger grapes, watermelon, and crisp guava lingered in the air.

  C?u D?ng picked up a slice of watermelon, glanced at the clock, then turned to M? Linh, his tone polite yet tinged with calculation.

  – “Dear, what time are you planning to meet your cousin this afternoon?”

  M? Linh replied lightly, as if reciting lines from a rehearsed play.

  – “Around four or five. You’ll drive me there, won’t you? It’s been so long since we last saw him.”

  Immediately, C?u D?ng shifted his gaze to Huy’s parents, his voice laced with polite regret yet carefully measured.

  – “My wife’s cousin has invited us over to discuss some business matters.”

  Huy’s parents understood at once. Mr. Tín smiled warmly.

  – “Of course, if you’re busy, we’ll take our leave.”

  M? Linh chimed in sweetly.

  – “I’m so sorry, we have a personal matter today. Let’s reschedule another time.”

  Mrs. Nguy?t returned the smile, her voice gentle.

  – “Not at all. We’ll gladly visit again and spend more time with Th?.”

  Huy, eager to score points as the ideal son-in-law, put on his best manners.

  – “Yes, uncle, auntie, I’ll be heading home now. Sister-in-law, I’ll take my leave too.”

  Then he turned to Anh Th?, keeping up his role as the perfect husband-to-be.

  – “Take care of yourself, dear. If you crave anything, just call me — I’ll bring you out to eat or take you for a drive.”

  Anh Th? was floating on cloud nine, her thoughts filled with rosy dreams of a fairytale marriage.

  – “Yes, uncle and auntie, safe travels. Huy, see you tomorrow — don’t forget to take me out for a walk.”

  Ten minutes later, C?u D?ng and M? Linh escorted Huy and his parents all the way to the gate, even calling a taxi for them. But the moment the cab disappeared behind the trees, their expressions shifted instantly.

  C?u D?ng’s eyes hardened, his voice dropping into the tone of a cunning fox revealing his true nature.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  – “That family… troublesome, and far too ambitious.”

  M? Linh, who had been sweet moments ago, now spoke with sharp venom.

  – “He wants to marry into our construction steel empire? Let’s see if he and his family are strong enough to dig gold here.”

  C?u D?ng crossed his arms, scanning the surroundings.

  – “A friend of mine has found a skilled sorcerer. We’re meeting him at my friend’s house, then he’ll lead us there. Apparently, the sorcerer lives on the outskirts. I’ve also arranged for several bodyguards to accompany us for safety.”

  M? Linh nodded, her tone firm and decisive.

  — “We need to act quickly. I fear Qu?c and H?nh might show up again.”

  ---

  Meanwhile, in the lavish dining hall of the Bình Chánh stronghold, the rich fragrance of grilled pork vermicelli, spring rolls, and char-grilled sausage filled the air as the little demons feasted noisily. On the massive wall, the satellite screen clearly displayed every movement in District 2.

  Satan savored a piece of smoky grilled pork, his deep laughter rumbling as his eyes glinted coldly.

  – “Keep the satellite locked on D?ng and his wife. I want to see… just who this sorcerer they’ve invited really is.”

  Bathed in the warm golden glow of noon, the dining table radiated cheer. Yet beneath the laughter lurked a silent anticipation… for a new game was about to begin.

  The low hum of an engine echoed faintly outside the mansion gates. A sleek black Mercedes-Benz came to a stop, its door opening as two of C?u D?ng’s bodyguards stepped out. Both were tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in crisp black suits. Dark sunglasses covered half their faces, giving them a stern, commanding presence.

  – “Good afternoon, sir, ma’am. Shall we depart now?” one of them spoke in a deep tone.

  C?u D?ng glanced at the watch on his wrist and nodded:

  – “Yes. Head to my friend’s house first. I already sent you the address.”

  M? Linh leaned closer to her husband, her voice low but clear:

  – “Wait a moment. I’ll go tell Dì T? to keep an eye on Th?. She’s not feeling well.”

  She strode briskly into the living room, her tone ringing with authority:

  – “Sister T?! My husband and I have to step out for business. You and ?ào take care of Th?.”

  From the kitchen, Dì T? quickly wiped her hands on her apron and hurried up, her face full of responsibility:

  – “Yes, ma’am, don’t worry. Miss ?ào and I will take turns watching over Miss Th?. I’m simmering herbal chicken soup for the family to stay nourished.”

  M? Linh gave a satisfied nod, then rushed upstairs, grabbing the handbags and wallets for both herself and her husband before heading straight out the gate. The bodyguards immediately opened the car doors for them. The Mercedes rolled smoothly away from the villa, bound for Gò V?p District.

  ---

  Meanwhile, at the Bình Chánh headquarters, the feast of grilled pork noodles had just ended. The little demons lounged about, bellies swollen, faces flushed from overeating.

  – “Bringing you lot along is embarrassing. All you ever do is eat… eat… and eat.” Erion glared sharply, his voice dripping with irritation.

  One demon rubbed his bulging stomach and chuckled sheepishly:

  – “But the food here’s just too good, General. Would’ve been a waste not to fill up.”

  Erion clenched his teeth, veins bulging on his temples:

  – “You creatures… you’re driving me mad!”

  The Demon King Satan chuckled calmly, lifting his teacup as if savoring a fine performance:

  – “Let them eat their fill. A satisfied belly fuels stronger work. Without food, how can there be order?”

  At the side table, Crown Prince Arian sat beside H?ng Nhung, his fingers flying over the encrypted laptop keyboard. On the screen, coordinates blinked continuously:

  – “Father, Mr. D?ng couple has departed. I’ve got the satellite locked on them, tracking their every millimeter.”

  Din smirked, his gaze sharp as blades:

  – “I’m eager to see who this so-called sorcerer is. If he knows of their crimes yet still shields them…”

  The Demon King Satan cut him off, his deep voice like a chilling echo from the abyss:

  – “…then I shall imprison his spirit in the deepest layers of hell. Each night, he will ‘enjoy’ a new form of torment — woven into his nightmares.”

  Within the grand hall, a sinister laughter rose and stretched endlessly, reverberating against the dark wooden walls. The sound was so cold it felt like thousands of pins pricking along the spine, thickening the air itself — a warning that a cruel game was about to begin.

  At 4 p.m., the sunlight had softened, golden like honey pouring down over the rooftops. The sleek black Mercedes-Benz glided smoothly along the crowded street before turning into a wide alley in Gò V?p District. The car stopped in front of a stately townhouse, its iron gates freshly painted in a glossy black.

  A sturdy-looking middle-aged man stepped out to open the gate — Mr. Th?ng, a long-time business associate of C?u D?ng.

  – “So you’ve finally arrived. I’ve been waiting for a while.” His tone was cheerful, though tinged with impatience.

  C?u D?ng offered a polite smile.

  – “Traffic was terrible, hope you understand.”

  Mr. Th?ng pushed the gate open wider, gesturing:

  – “Please, come inside. Have a seat, I’ll get some drinks. You two bodyguards as well — tell me what you’d like.”

  – “Just water will do.” C?u D?ng replied curtly.

  Two minutes later, Mr. Th?ng returned with a tray of glasses, setting them neatly on the glass table. C?u D?ng sipped from his glass while letting his eyes roam the room:

  – “Where’s your wife and kids?”

  – “They went to her parents’ place. Won’t be back for a few days.” Mr. Th?ng answered firmly.

  He pulled a small notebook from his pocket and slid it toward C?u D?ng:

  – “Here’s the address of Master B?y. My wife’s side recommended him — very well-known. Specializes in sleepwalking cases, exorcisms… His place is in Hóc M?n, a bit of a drive.”

  M? Linh shot her husband a determined glance:

  – “No matter the distance, as long as he’s effective, it’s worth it.”

  Mr. Th?ng checked his watch:

  – “We should head out now. The master only takes visitors until 10 p.m.”

  C?u D?ng immediately rose, signaling to his bodyguards:

  – “Let’s go. I don’t want to waste time waiting.”

  The gate clicked shut with a metallic clang. Mr. Th?ng climbed into the car, sharing the back seat with the couple as the vehicle sped off toward Hóc M?n.

  Above them, the late afternoon sun stretched like soft silk across the sky. Yet beneath that calm veneer, the Satanic Royal military satellite had already locked onto its target. At the Bình Chánh headquarters, the Demon King Satan reclined on his throne of redwood, eyes glowing like smoldering coals, waiting to see… which so-called sorcerer dared command the winds and storms before the Lord of Hell himself.

  By a little past 5 p.m., the black Mercedes-Benz turned onto a road leading out to the suburbs. On both sides stretched fields of leafy green vegetables, broken up here and there by low tin-roofed houses. The late afternoon sun slanted golden, pouring across the treetops and casting long shadows over the ground. The breeze carried with it the scent of fresh grass and damp earth — a sign the dairy farm was close.

  Around a bend, the Hóc M?n Dairy Farm came into view, marked by a chain-link fence and an old weathered sign painted in white letters. Inside, black-and-white cows grazed lazily under the amber glow of dusk. A few lifted their heads to watch the unfamiliar car, while farther away, long rows of green-roofed barns nestled quietly in the open fields, as peaceful as a painting.

  Mr. Th?ng glanced at the scrap of paper with the address, speaking firmly:

  – “Past the dairy farm, we should be there. The master’s house is just inside a residential cluster nearby.”

  The car rolled on a bit farther before stopping by a small roadside grocery store. Mr. Th?ng stepped out, approaching the shopkeeper — a woman spoon-feeding her grandchild while watching television at the doorway:

  – “Excuse me, can you tell me where Master B?y’s house is?”

  The woman looked up, answering clearly:

  – “Go about a hundred meters more. It’s right across from the water spinach pond. Wherever you see people gathered — that’s his place.”

  – “Thank you.” Mr. Th?ng nodded and returned to the car.

  The Mercedes continued forward. Soon, a wide pond glimmering with water spinach appeared, its rippling surface catching the sunset’s glow. Across the way stood a modest one-story house, with several people already waiting out front — clearly there to have their fortunes read.

  The driver-bodyguard studied the scene, then turned back:

  – “This is it, sir and madam.”

  C?u D?ng smirked:

  – “Let’s go see for ourselves.”

  They all stepped out. As Mr. Th?ng double-checked the house number, he gave a confident nod:

  – “Yes, this is Master B?y’s house. I came here once before with my wife. I only remembered vaguely, so I wanted to be sure.”

  Just then, a boy of about sixteen or seventeen came running up, face lighting up at the sight of a familiar guest:

  – “Hello, Uncle Th?ng! Master’s busy at the moment, but please wait a bit.”

  Mr. Th?ng smiled, lowering his voice:

  – “You’ve only seen me once, yet you remember me so well. Go tell your master I’ve brought some very special guests.”

  The boy grinned knowingly:

  – “I’ve got a sharp memory. With an air as distinguished as yours, Uncle Th?ng, how could I ever forget?”

  Pleased, Mr. Th?ng chuckled:

  – “You’ve got a silver tongue. I’ll make sure you’re rewarded later.”

  The boy bowed politely, then dashed inside. Barely a minute later, he reemerged, breath slightly quickened:

  – “Master says you may come in and wait. He’ll be ready shortly.”

  The old wooden door creaked open. From within wafted the fragrance of burning incense, tinged with faint sandalwood — an omen that this meeting would be far more than a simple fortune-telling session…