Inside a small level-four house deep within an alley of District 8, the air was filled with lively chatter as everyone prepared for Huy’s wedding. Mr. Tín focused intently on writing a list of everything they needed to buy.

  – “I’ll go buy the wedding gold with his mother first. Then we’ll get the phoenix–dragon candles, tea, wine, and sweet treats to serve the guests.”

  Mrs. Nguy?t was counting money, dividing it neatly into organized stacks.

  – “As for the wedding trays, the flower gate, and tables and chairs, we should rent them a few days ahead. Tr?u Cau and the other fresh items we’ll buy on Friday. Buy too early and everything will wilt.”

  Up on the mezzanine, Huy was fixing his hair, but his mind drifted back to last night: his friends had been scared half to death by the royal demonic clans. What chilled Huy even more was hearing about the French royal demon — an entity feared as the Black Diamond.

  Mr. Tín’s voice suddenly echoed from downstairs, startling him.

  – “What are you doing up there for so long? Come down and go shopping with us. The wedding’s right around the corner!”

  Huy quickly replied:

  – “Yes, I’m coming now!”

  He rushed downstairs. Mrs. Nguy?t immediately began instructing him.

  – “You and Th? need to buy the wedding rings and invitations. After this, stop by her house and pick her up.”

  Mr. Tín nodded in agreement.

  – “Better buy the rings early. If they don’t fit, there won’t be time for the jeweler to resize them.”

  With that, Huy and his parents left the house to continue preparing for the fast-approaching wedding.

  ---

  At the Bình Chánh headquarters, the Demon Lord Satan stood in the middle of a live-fire training range. Elite agents lined up around him, watching intently. As he loaded bullets into his pistol, he spoke.

  – “The wedding is this weekend. It’ll be interesting — various powers will cross paths.”

  The Grand Madam Advisor was cleaning her M16.

  – “Are we participating, My Lord?”

  Satan raised the gun, preparing to aim.

  – “Not me. My children alone can cause enough chaos. It’s not yet time for me to reveal myself.”

  Master V?nh smiled meaningfully.

  – “D?ng will definitely invite me and my junior this time. I’m actually looking forward to the day.”

  The Grand Madam Advisor smirked.

  – “Make sure you two show up in style.”

  A sharp gunshot cracked through the air as Satan pulled the trigger. The bullet hit its mark with perfect accuracy — a silent declaration of the Demon Lord’s absolute power.

  – “We are royal demons. It’s time the D?ng family learns that no matter how tall a mountain is, there’s always a taller one. Let them stop thinking they’re the only powerful ones.”

  Master V?nh’s lips curled into a sly smile.

  – “D?ng has always believed he’s some brilliant, wealthy businessman at the top of the world. It’s time he wakes up.”

  Morning on Lê Quang Sung Street in District 6 was always lively in the unique way of Ch? L?n. On both sides of the road stood rows of shops specializing in wedding supplies — engagement trays, ceremonial sets, and fresh Tr?u Cau — lined tightly together, with red-and-gold signs covering the entire block.

  Bright red ceremonial trays were displayed right in front of the stores:

  the Bánh Phu Thê tray,

  the tea–wine–candle tray,

  the dragon–phoenix fruit tray,

  the lotus and coconut candy tray.

  Each set was wrapped in glossy red cellophane and tied with shimmering gold bows. Just one glance was enough to feel the bustling spirit of wedding season.

  Inside the shop, the vendor skillfully folded phoenix-style betel leaves, her hands quick, her smile ever welcoming.

  – “Do you want the six-tray set or the eight-tray one, dear? I’ll prepare the tr?u cau nicely for you — perfect for the groom’s family.”

  The fragrance of betel leaves, roses, and orchids blended with the cheerful voices of customers, the sound of crinkling nylon, and the rustle of wedding invitations being packed.

  All along the street, lacquered red trays, ceremony baskets, dragon–phoenix lanterns, wedding ribbons, double-happiness envelopes, and phoenix candles were displayed brightly. Each item reflected a golden-red glow, making the entire street feel like it was bathed in a wedding celebration.

  By the roadside, pedicabs loaded with engagement trays waited for orders, their cargo boxes printed with the bold “Double Happiness” character, glowing red in the morning light.

  The morning crowd on Lê Quang Sung was always heavy, but it was a joyful kind of busy — the kind that comes with wedding season, with families preparing every detail to bless the union of two households.

  Mr. Tín stopped in front of a decoration shop filled with foam letters, tinsel strings, and lanterns.

  – “We can buy decorations for the living room here, bà.”

  Mrs. Nguy?t nodded, already mentally listing what they still needed.

  – “Get more candles, string lights, and some lucky money envelopes for the kids carrying the trays.”

  Huy glanced around the bustling market and spoke up.

  – “You two buy what you need. I’ll take care of decorating.”

  ---

  Meanwhile, at D?ng’s house, the rich aroma of fermented cá linh was spreading through the kitchen — intense and unmistakably southern. At first, Join and Mary were a bit overwhelmed by the strong scent, but after a moment, they began adjusting to it.

  Mary helped wash the water lily stems, ?iên ?i?n flowers, and pumpkin blossoms. Join cleaned the Kèo Nèo, bitter herbs, and water spinach.

  Anh Th?’s phone rang. She continued munching on green mango as she answered. Huy’s cheerful voice came through.

  – “Get ready. I’m coming to pick you up so we can buy our wedding rings and order the invitations.”

  Anh Th? squealed happily.

  – “Really? I’ll get ready now! But I want a diamond ring, okay?”

  Huy froze for a second, sounding hesitant.

  – “Please understand… I can’t afford a diamond ring. We can choose a lab-created gemstone instead.”

  Right then, C?u D?ng walked downstairs. He deliberately raised his voice so Huy could hear every word.

  – “My daughter is the heiress of a steel corporation, and you want her to wear a lab-created ring? Just buy a diamond ring — whatever it costs, I’ll pay. If he likes artificial stones so much, let him wear one himself.”

  M? Linh immediately chimed in, her tone sharp.

  – “Order a pair of rings. My daughter’s ring must be natural diamond. Make sure he heard that clearly.”

  This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

  On the other end of the call, Huy heard every word — but could only laugh it off.

  – “Just get ready. I’ll be there in a bit.”

  After she hung up, M? Linh sat on the sofa, her expression sour.

  – “He can’t even afford a proper wedding ring, and he dreams of becoming our son-in-law?”

  C?u D?ng smirked with disdain.

  – “He planned to dig gold from this family from the start. Let’s see how much he can dig. I already spent five billion paying off our daughter’s debt — not to mention his share in it. It’s about time I took it back.”

  Join and Mary paused for a moment, but Dì T? shook her head and gently reassured them.

  – “Don’t mind them. The master and mistress care too much about reputation. They hate losing face in business circles. Now, come help me finish this, okay?”

  Join and Mary nodded and continued preparing the ingredients. In their hearts, they understood even more clearly why the Demon Lord Satan and the other factions constantly targeted this family.

  After hearing every harsh and belittling word from his future in-laws, Huy could only swallow his anger. He comforted himself with the same thought he always clung to.

  – “Sacrifice a shrimp to catch a lobster… If I want to become the son-in-law of a rich family — if I want to rely on their wealth later — then I must endure a little. A diamond ring is nothing… I’ll get it back a hundred times over.”

  Inside the shop, Mr. Tín and Mrs. Nguy?t were happily choosing wedding decorations for their son, completely unaware that Huy was harboring dark, greedy intentions — planning to seize his future in-laws’ assets once the marriage was secured.

  ---

  Back at the porridge shop, everyone had eaten until their stomachs were round and full. Each little demonling looked like they were hiding a drum under their clothes.

  – “I’m stuffed! This dish is really amazing! If Princess Trang makes a hundred salted duck eggs, your humble servant will still finish them all!”

  Another one rubbed his swollen belly.

  – “Maybe Princess should teach us how to make it. We can use the Great General’s money to buy the ingredients!”

  Erion raised an eyebrow, his tone dangerous.

  – “What was that? Use your own money. Stop eyeing my pockets every time!”

  Din let out a weary laugh.

  – “Fine, I’ll buy it. It’s just a hundred salted eggs. I’ll even buy them pre-made, otherwise I’ll be the one cleaning the kitchen after you destroy it.”

  Trúc Di?n stood up and pulled Lita along.

  – “Now, I’ll take everyone to the Serpent Clan headquarters for a visit. It’s close by.”

  ---

  Everyone got into the cars. After a short drive, they stopped in front of an old apartment building in District 5, hidden deep inside a narrow alley. Around them were small food stalls selling sweet soups, herbal drinks, steamed buns… The building’s walls were stained with moss, its architecture simple and aged. A traditional herbal medicine shop occupied the ground floor.

  Erion looked up at the upper floors and smirked.

  – “Probably smaller than my headquarters in ?à L?t.”

  Trúc Di?n shot him a teasing look.

  – “I know you’re always confident, brother-in-law.”

  Erion fired back without hesitation.

  – “Well, my brother-in-law is perfect. Better at everything than me.”

  Arian sighed, crossing his arms.

  – “Enough. Don’t start again. We’re guests — don’t let the Serpent Clan think anything strange about the royal son-in-law of Satan.”

  At that moment, an elderly man with silver hair and round glasses hurried out from inside, bowing respectfully.

  – “Your Highness has arrived — this servant could not come out in time to welcome you. Please forgive the discourtesy.”

  Trúc Di?n smiled calmly.

  – “It’s fine. Today I brought my wife and her family to visit. Just make sure the guards stay alert.”

  The old man bowed even deeper.

  – “Please, everyone, come inside. Our men will guard the vehicles carefully.”

  Everyone followed the old man deeper into the herbal medicine shop, his posture respectful as he led the way.

  The old man spoke slowly:

  – “You may call me Old Wu (L?o Ng?). I am the steward of the Serpent Clan’s headquarters.”

  In front of the group stood a massive wooden door, painted a deep crimson like the ancient palace gates of dynasties long gone. The red was both solemn and archaic, radiating the authority of a secretive clan that had existed for hundreds of years.

  Old Wu turned back to explain:

  – “The entire exterior is covered by an illusion barrier, disguising the place as an old apartment building. The herbal medicine shop and the little food stalls around it exist to keep ordinary eyes away. Please step inside.”

  The heavy wooden door slowly opened, groaning with a deep echo as if resonating from the earth’s core. And the moment they crossed the threshold… the world changed instantly.

  The shabby apartment was gone.

  Before them was another realm entirely — separated from the human world.

  A long path paved with jade-green stone stretched forward, flanked by rows of glowing jade bamboo that shimmered softly as if breathing. Above them, thin layers of clouds drifted lazily, illuminated by floating red-and-gold lanterns hovering without any visible string — held up by ancient spiritual force.

  A faint scent of incense drifted through the air, mixed with the distant echo of a pipa, making the atmosphere serene yet steeped in mystery.

  In the far distance, through layers of bluish mist, a few small palaces could be seen floating in midair.

  Each palace bore classical architecture:

  – curved roofs of smoky jade gray,

  – small bronze bells hanging under the eaves, chiming softly with the wind,

  – a gentle green glow beneath each palace, keeping it suspended aloft.

  The palaces were connected by spiritual bridges — thin glowing walkways suspended in the sky, like shimmering trails of rainbow light.

  The pillars of each palace were carved entirely with serpent motifs — long bodies coiling upward, scales glinting faintly beneath the mystical light, creating the illusion that they were subtly moving.

  Each pillar bore a golden serpent entwined from base to roof, its eyes set with emerald gems glowing faintly, exuding an aura of silent authority.

  At the center of it all stood the grand palace.

  Around this palace was a crystal-clear lake, its surface smooth like a mirror. Thin silver-like waterfalls cascaded continuously around its edges, filling the air with the sound of gentle water. Floating rings of light drifted across the lake — the visible traces of illusion wards that kept the entire Serpent Clan headquarters hidden from the mortal world.

  – black curved roofs,

  – pillars carved from flawless white jade adorned with intricate images of white serpents,

  – a courtyard paved with milky-white stones,

  – pale blue spiritual mist drifting around like living cloud.

  The entire realm resembled an ancient royal kingdom of mythical beasts — silent, powerful, and breathtakingly unreal.

  Erion glanced around, nodding with satisfaction:

  – “Not bad at all. Though still smaller than my headquarters.”

  Trúc Di?n shot him a side-eye:

  – “Then I’d really love to visit your grand headquarters someday and see just how magnificent it is.”

  Yin shook his head helplessly:

  – “How are these two men both sons-in-law of the Satanic Royal Family? They can’t open their mouths without arguing.”

  Din sighed, completely resigned:

  – “Well, fate made it so. Nothing we can do.”

  H?u K? raised his hands in surrender:

  – “If these two ever lived under the same roof, peace would be impossible. I just hope Lord Satan has enough patience to endure all this noise.”

  Stepping past the grand hall doors, an immense and breathtaking space unfolded — so magnificent that any ordinary person would lose their breath.

  The floor was paved with azure-gold jade, and each step created a gentle ripple of light, like waves on water. Scaled patterns shimmered along their footsteps before fading away.

  At the center of the hall lay an octagonal serpent formation — eight intertwining curves glowing a deep blue, pulsing faintly like living veins.

  The illumination in the hall didn’t come from lamps, but from floating spirit orbs drifting in the air like pale blue flames — a signature mark of the Serpent Clan.

  Two rows of massive ebony pillars stood on either side, carved with raised serpent motifs, but the patterns followed the style seen in traditional Chinese assembly halls in Saigon’s Ch? L?n. Red couplets written in gold calligraphy hung on the pillars, reading:

  “Serpent Clan Legacy – Honor and Trust First.”

  “Guard the Boundaries – May All Affairs Flow Smoothly.”

  The couplets carried spiritual meaning while reflecting the merchant culture of the Ch? L?n Chinese-Vietnamese community.

  The vaulted ceiling was intricately carved with the Nine Serpents Deity, nine colossal snakes woven among clouds and waves.

  Hanging from the center was an enormous lantern:

  — its wooden frame carved in the style of Ngh?a An Assembly Hall,

  — its glass panels painted with scenes of old Ch? L?n: Rickshaws, lantern-lit streets, vendors carrying baskets…

  Yet instead of candlelight, it glowed with blue spiritual energy.

  The effect was like watching fragments of a bygone era awaken within the domain of a mythical clan.

  At the far end, atop three ascending steps, stood the Throne of the Serpent King.

  Forged from dragon gold, its surface was matte and seemed to absorb surrounding light.

  The armrests were shaped like silver-scaled serpent heads with ruby-red eyes.

  Behind it, a massive relief sculpture depicted the Serpent King suppressing evil forces.

  A dark crimson carpet lined the raised platform, its subtle scale patterns glimmering under the ethereal light.

  Along both sides of the hall were rows of antique agarwood tables, resembling those commonly seen in Cho Lon’s traditional halls.

  On them rested:

  — bronze incense burners,

  — cobalt-glazed tea cups,

  — carved wooden boxes with Eight Immortals motifs,

  — and several century-old Ch? L?n ceramics, ivory-toned with delicate blue patterns.

  At ground level, silk fans and gourd-shaped bell clusters hung low, chiming softly whenever spiritual energy brushed past.

  Two rows of guards stood in disciplined formation:

  Their bodies were humanoid, but faint silver scales shimmered along their necks and arms.

  Their eyes were elongated, pupils vertical — unmistakably serpent-kind.

  Their armor bore dragon-serpent intertwined motifs, and their weapons were long spears with snake-shaped curved blades.

  Every breath they exhaled distorted the air slightly — not with heat, but with cool, bluish spiritual force.

  The entire hall blended:

  The ancient majesty of imperial Chinese palaces,

  the unmistakable cultural breath of Ch? L?n’s Chinese merchant heritage,

  and the overwhelming spiritual aura of the Serpent Clan.

  Trúc Di?n gestured forward:

  – “Please, come inside.”

  The little demons rushed toward the glowing jade bamboo. One exclaimed:

  – “These bamboo stalks… they’re all carved from gemstone! Looks like glazed glass jade!”

  H?ng Nhung approached a nearby peach tree, her eyes widening.

  – “Oh my god… the trunk, the leaves, even the fruits… all carved from imperial yellow jade!”

  A clan attendant stepped forward with a tray of tea, placing it on the ancient wooden table. The teacups were exquisite, bearing traditional ceramic glazes.

  – “Please enjoy some tea. These cups are handcrafted Bát Tràng ceramics.”

  The little demons buzzed excitedly, eyes shining like children lost in treasure:

  – “Every peach tree, every bamboo stalk here is made of precious jade… and yet the General only uses black diamonds to decorate his fish pond!”

  Trúc Di?n smirked coldly:

  – “Maybe my brother-in-law’s sense of aesthetics is… questionable.”

  Erion leisurely lifted a teacup, swirling it lightly. His tone was casual — yet enough to make listeners want to cry:

  – “What can I do? I only own black-diamond mines and black-gold mines. And black gold can’t exactly be used for decoration. My only option is to purchase… maybe several gardens about the size of your jade bamboo grove.”

  The little demons’ eyes bulged.

  – “General, you have a black-gold mine too?!”

  Din chuckled helplessly:

  – “Yep. Besides black diamonds, he also owns oil fields — what people call black gold.”

  Yin shook his head, completely defeated by the two sons-in-law of the Satanic Royal Family:

  – “I swear… these two are quietly competing over whose fortune is bigger.”

  Everyone burst into laughter, and the atmosphere within the jade palace instantly warmed, lively and cheerful.