Seeing that C?u D?ng and his wife kept yawning nonstop, dì T? gently reminded them:

  – “I think you two are tired already. You should go rest.”

  C?u D?ng checked the clock — it was almost midnight. He turned to his wife and said:

  – “It’s late. Let’s go to bed. Tomorrow you handle the áo Dài fitting, and I need to finalize the guest list for the invitations.”

  Join and Mary bowed politely.

  – “We wish you a good night, uncle and aunt.”

  C?u D?ng replied, his voice thick with sleepiness:

  – “You kids sleep early too. You need to help the professor prepare his teaching materials tomorrow.”

  After that, the couple, along with Anh Th? and Anh ?ào, headed upstairs to rest. Only the three apprentice witches remained in the living room.

  As soon as dì T? closed her bedroom door, the trio hurried into Anh Ph??ng’s room, bringing along the black strands of fur they had found earlier.

  Mary shut the door as quietly as possible. The three of them sat down, turned on the desk lamp, and examined the hairs closely.

  Anh Ph??ng carefully observed them through a magnifying lens:

  – “These are definitely black cat hairs… but when magnified, they don’t look like normal cat fur.”

  Join tilted his head, analyzing:

  – “You’re right. They don’t match typical feline fur. Could it be dog fur or something else?”

  Mary leaned in closer:

  – “No. Dog hair isn’t this soft or fine. This is cat fur.”

  But Anh Ph??ng still frowned:

  – “But this house doesn’t have a cat. And a stray wouldn’t just wander in — Aunt T? would’ve chased it out immediately.”

  The three witches-in-training were still puzzled when suddenly

  ---

  Somewhere in a dark room…

  Darkness veiled everything, pierced only by a sliver of cold moonlight slipping through the window, casting a pale silver streak across the tiled floor.

  A tall, muscular figure stood motionless by the doorway. His long, black hair — smooth and glossy down to his waist — swayed gently with the passing night breeze, like strands of living shadow.

  But his eyes were the most terrifying part:

  The left eye glowed a deep ruby red,

  The right shimmered dark sapphire blue.

  Moonlight reflected sharply in them, cutting through the dark like the gaze of a hidden predator — a silent assassin waiting within the mist.

  His face was unnaturally handsome, yet chilling — cold as ancient ice. When the moonlight brushed across his cheekbone, it drew a razor-thin line of silver along the edge of his face.

  Then a deep, commanding voice broke the silence, merging with the whisper of the wind:

  – “It’s almost time… the karma of this family is near. And it’s also the perfect moment… for me to reveal myself.”

  The next morning, the sun was already high, shining brightly. Everyone in the house was prepared for the day’s work.

  Mary and Join, each carrying a heavy backpack, spoke politely:

  – “We’ll go help the professor prepare his lecture materials. We should be back around noon.”

  C?u D?ng smiled:

  – “Alright, go ahead. Make sure to come back for lunch. Then we’ll go get the áo dài fitted… and remember to invite the professor to join us for lunch.”

  The two nodded and headed out. Professor Charles was already waiting in his black Camry. The moment he saw Anh Ph??ng peeking from the doorway, he winked at his two students:

  – “Let’s go to the café. Join, you’ll help me check the PowerPoint slides. Mary, you’ll type the documents. Try not to make spelling mistakes.”

  Both got into the car, and the Camry slowly rolled out of the villa district in District 2.

  From the living room, M? Linh overheard the conversation. She simply shrugged:

  – “You’re not in the same field as the professor, so going with him wouldn’t help. Go downstairs and help Aunt T? check the tea and pastries. If anything’s missing, your father and I will order more.”

  A little disappointed, Anh Ph??ng still obediently went down to the kitchen.

  There, Dì T? was washing a set of teacups. Seeing Anh Ph??ng walk in, she gently said:

  – “Check the expiration dates on the tea and pastries. If anything’s expired, put it on the bottom shelf — I’ll throw it out later.”

  As Anh Ph??ng examined a tea package, she muttered:

  – “What kind of fur was that…? It looked like black cat fur, but it wasn’t.”

  Dì T? chuckled:

  – “You’re still thinking about those cat and dog hairs?”

  Anh Ph??ng spoke seriously:

  – “The black fur we saw yesterday, Aunt. But it wasn’t cat fur.”

  Dì T? suddenly paused.

  – “If it’s not cat fur, then maybe dog fur… Wait.”

  – “Yesterday, when I cleaned the owners’ bedroom, I remember seeing a few fine black hairs while vacuuming. At the time I didn’t pay attention. But after you mentioned it yesterday, I remembered again.”

  Anh Ph??ng’s eyes widened:

  – “Why didn’t you say anything sooner?”

  Dì T? answered honestly:

  – “I thought it came from Madam’s fur coat. It looked normal, so I didn’t think much of it.”

  Without another word, Anh Ph??ng rushed upstairs:

  – “Mom! Can I borrow your fur coat?”

  C?u D?ng frowned:

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  – “It’s blazing hot outside. What are you doing with a fur coat?”

  Anh Ph??ng shook her head rapidly:

  – “I just need to inspect it for a moment.”

  M? Linh called downstairs:

  – “Mrs. T?! Bring the fur coat from my room for Ph??ng!”

  But Anh Ph??ng quickly stopped her:

  – “Aunt T? can come with me — no need to bring it down.”

  Dì T? wiped her hands on her apron and followed her upstairs. She opened the wardrobe and carefully took out the jet-black fur coat.

  – “This coat is very expensive. Madam keeps it in perfect condition. Don’t damage it.”

  They laid the coat on the bed. Anh Ph??ng gently brushed her fingers across the fur, examining each strand closely.

  After a long moment, her face went pale.

  – “This isn’t the same fur… This coat is mink.”

  Dì T? frowned:

  – “So it’s not the one? I only know it’s real fur — I can’t tell what kind.”

  A cold shiver crept down Anh Ph??ng’s spine, despite the scorching heat outside.

  She had just uncovered a mystery far more unsettling than anyone in the house expected…

  Inside the black Camry, Charles was driving with a deep frown on his face, filled with disbelief.

  – “That D?ng family is truly cold-blooded. They’re not afraid of anything. The Demon King Satan appeared right in front of them, yet yesterday they still had the spirit to go out eating and shopping until midnight.”

  Join, sitting in the back seat, replied:

  – “Right after that night, they forgot everything. They don’t remember a single thing.”

  Charles jerked slightly:

  – “They forgot? Don’t tell me he erased their memories?”

  Mary shook her head:

  – “I don’t think so. In the ancient book I read, it clearly states his abilities are punishment — karma — judgment of sins. Nothing related to memory.”

  Join suddenly remembered:

  – “Yesterday, Anh Ph??ng found several strands of black-cat fur. But that family doesn’t own a cat. And we checked carefully — it’s not normal cat fur.”

  Mary nodded:

  – “We’re witches. We work with black cats all the time — we’d know at a glance. It wasn’t from a cat.”

  Charles’ voice turned serious:

  – “Did you bring them with you? Let me check later. Now let’s head to Deep’s penthouse. He and the other two were shocked to learn D?ng’s family are murderers. They’re discussing with the master about how to teach that wicked family a lesson.”

  ---

  At the Gothic mansion, Erion and Din were already awake, enjoying a light breakfast in the garden. A bunch of little demons were still half-asleep on the mezzanine.

  Erion stretched, his voice lazy:

  – “Good thing everyone went home last night. This morning I don’t have to look at that snake’s face.”

  Din sliced a piece of black bread and said calmly:

  – “I heard he’s going to reveal something surprising soon. No idea what it is.”

  Erion glanced sideways, smirking:

  – “Old man Satan always has his cat-and-mouse tricks. No idea what game he’s planning this time.”

  ---

  Inside a room glowing with shimmering red light, Trang was practicing her time manipulation ability. A rotating circle of temporal symbols — twelve Roman numerals — floated around her wrist. In front of her was an apple. Erion’s training task: Adjust the apple’s ripeness on command — from its early growth, to full decay, then rewind it like a film.

  Trang looked at the apple, now shriveled, and couldn’t help laughing:

  – “I overdid it… Let me try again.”

  ---

  Outside in the garden, Din’s phone rang. He picked up:

  – “I’m listening.”

  On the other end, Trúc Di?n sounded cheerful:

  – “Are we going out today? Also, Mid-Autumn Festival is coming — does anyone want to make mooncakes?”

  Erion groaned:

  – “So we have to go to your place?”

  Trúc Di?n chuckled:

  – “To your father-in-law’s place. I heard we’ll be celebrating Mid-Autumn there this year.”

  Din smiled:

  – “Sure. Just text me whatever you need to buy.”

  The sound of a car engine rumbled in front of the Gothic mansion’s gate. Yin, Chen, and four Serpent Clan agents stepped out. Erion let out a bored sigh:

  – “As long as that snake isn’t here, I’ll welcome anyone.”

  Din cheerfully opened the gate:

  – “You guys came early today. Have you eaten? There’s still bacon and black bread in the kitchen — I can cook for everyone.”

  H?u K? and L?p Thành carried several boxes of Eight-Treasure Congee:

  – “We cooked this ourselves.”

  Nh? Phu smiled gently:

  – “Eight-Treasure Congee’ is made from eight main ingredients — usually grains, nuts, and dried fruits. It’s considered a dish of luck and is very nutritious.”

  Yin nodded:

  – “It’s a traditional Chinese dish, very common in Ch? L?n. During Mid-Autumn Festival, it’s always on the feast table.”

  While carrying bags, Chen muttered:

  – “We brought some to the Bình Chánh headquarters earlier. The Demon Lord Satan will probably like it.”

  ---

  Morning sunlight filled the Bình Chánh headquarters. On the dining table, a steaming pot of Eight-Treasure Congee spread its fragrance through the room. Demon King Satan nodded in satisfaction:

  – “I heard this dish symbolizes luck and prosperity for us Chinese folks here. Sounds good — I’ve got to try it.”

  Trúc Di?n nudged the pot closer to Lita:

  – “There are plenty more Ch? L?n dishes. I also brought about fifty salted duck eggs and fifty century eggs — perfect with plain congee.”

  The Grand Madam Advisor took a spoonful, savoring the rich flavor:

  – “It really is delicious. Give the recipe to the chefs later. Where’s Master V?nh? Why isn’t he at the table?”

  Master V?nh hurried over:

  – “I’m packing the eggs into rice husks — that way they stay fresh for months.”

  Arian and H?ng Nhung were also enjoying the meal. Arian shrugged teasingly:

  – “And that brother-in-law of mine over there… he’s probably eating the same thing right now.”

  ---

  Back at the Gothic mansion, everyone had gathered in the picturesque garden. Trang had just finished her magic practice. The little demons had washed up and were getting ready to sit down for breakfast.

  At that moment, in front of C?u D?ng’s villa across the street, Huy’s family arrived. Chen glanced over and smirked:

  – “The dung beetle king has arrived. Amazing how, after everything that’s happened, D?ng’s family still has the mood to go shopping.”

  Din clicked his tongue:

  – “Yesterday we even ran into them at B?n Thành Market. Normal people, after seeing demons appear right in front of them, should be in the hospital getting sedatives.”

  ??i Ng?c answered immediately:

  – “That mistress My — after the night His Highness dealt with her, she went straight to the hospital for an MRI, and still hasn’t returned home.”

  The little demons were puzzled:

  – “But we remember D?ng’s family seeing things far more terrifying than she did. Why are they still acting normal? Shouldn’t they be traumatized?”

  Erion frowned deeply, his voice dropping to a suspicious tone:

  – “Exactly. I never paid attention before… No matter what we do to them, the next morning — or after a few days — they return to normal. Like they forget everything.”

  Inside D?ng’s villa, in the living room, even though he disliked his future in-laws, he still pretended to be courteous. He poured tea for Huy’s parents:

  – “Please, have some tea. I heard from Th? that you two ordered the wedding invitations last week. My wife and I are also working on the guest list.”

  Mr. Tín nodded:

  – “The place where we ordered the invitations is a friend of Huy’s. They were delivered this morning — very pretty, I must say.”

  Mrs. Nguy?t added:

  – “We came today to finalize the number of guests. Huy is taking Th? to try on wedding dresses.”

  C?u D?ng adjusted his posture, speaking sternly but still polite:

  – “From the beginning, I said the wedding should be simple. The guest lists from both sides should be combined — it’ll help reduce costs for your family.”

  While drinking tea, Huy looked up as Th? came downstairs. He stood up immediately, thrilled:

  – “You’re done? Let’s go try on wedding dresses. I found a place with designs exactly your style. After that, I’ll take you to get your áo Dài tailored too.”

  C?u D?ng reminded him:

  – “Go on. My daughter is pregnant, so drive carefully.”

  Right at that moment, the doorbell rang. Dì T?, excited, hurried over:

  – “Looks like c?u Anh Tú is back.”

  A pearl-white Mercedes parked neatly in the yard. Anh Tú stepped out, smiling brightly at Dì T?:

  – “Long time no see, Mrs. T?. How have you been?”

  She smiled back:

  – “I’m well. How’s your mother doing?”

  Anh Tú replied gently:

  – “Her health has stabilized, so I came back. If anything serious happens, I’ll return immediately.”

  He knew exactly what was going on in this house, but kept a calm fa?ade:

  – “Are my parents-in-law having guests today?”

  Dì T? shot a disdainful look toward the living room:

  – “It’s that boy who got Th? pregnant — now trying to become the precious son-in-law. Look at him: bleached hair, scruffy, shady… Th? will suffer if she marries him.”

  Anh Tú chuckled softly:

  – “She chose him, so she has to deal with it. I’ll go greet my in-laws. Please lock the gate for me.”

  He walked into the living room with confidence, though a cold thought flickered in his mind:

  – “Good… The centipede spirit sneaked into this house pretending to be a ‘good son-in-law,’ aiming for their wealth. Fine. I’ll just use the wind to bend the bamboo. This cruel, scheming family will pay soon enough.”

  But once inside, he instantly switched to a warm expression:

  – “Hello, Dad and Mom. My family sent a fruit basket over for you.”

  C?u D?ng brightened at the sight of his eldest son-in-law:

  – “Sit down. I’m glad your mother’s recovered.”

  M? Linh quickly set the fruit basket on the table:

  – “Sit, dear. Th?’s wedding is coming up — you came back just in time.”

  Anh Tú glanced at Huy’s family, feigning curiosity:

  – “And these are…?”

  C?u D?ng introduced immediately:

  – “These are Th?’s parents-in-law. And this is Huy — her soon-to-be husband. Which also makes him your brother-in-law.”

  Anh Tú walked up to Huy and offered a polite smile:

  – “Nice to meet you. I’m the eldest son-in-law, husband of Anh ?ào. We met before at the Thai restaurant. Welcome to the family.”

  Huy trembled like a wet puppy but forced himself to shake hands:

  – “H-Hello, brother. My parents told me about you. Glad to finally meet you.”

  But inside, he was screaming:

  – “Holy crap… my brother-in-law is a spirit! And from some prestigious clan too!? I’m surrounded by powerful beings — there’s no way I can keep my ‘centipede king’ status!”

  He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself:

  – “I’m taking Th? to try on dresses now. We’ll talk later.”

  Anh Tú nodded gently:

  – “Sure. Drive safe. Let’s grab coffee tonight — my treat.”

  The two men stood opposite each other — their auras worlds apart.

  Anh Tú — refined, noble-born, tall, fair, elegant.

  Huy — the perfect image of a centipede spirit, scruffy and delinquent-looking.

  C?u D?ng watched the scene, feeling utterly disappointed:

  – “Anh Tú is outstanding… then this second son-in-law is the exact opposite. Th?… you stupid girl. Letting him trap you with a pregnancy like this.”