The morning in Cát Tiên National Park was heavy with damp air. Mist drifted lazily among ancient trees hundreds of years old, clinging to their rough bark covered in green moss. Massive roots twisted up from the ground like fossilized pythons, locking into one another in the soft red earth. Only a few rare shafts of early sunlight pierced the dense canopy, falling in thin, cold streaks.

  Calls of forest birds echoed near and far, mixed with the endless hum of insects hidden beneath layers of fallen leaves. The untouched wilderness carried a deceptive calm, concealing an invisible pressure that made any outsider feel as if the jungle itself were watching.

  Hidden deep within a smaller section of the forest, behind tangled vines and thick undergrowth, stood what looked like a long-abandoned factory complex. Cracked concrete walls, a sagging rusted metal roof, and a crooked, weathered sign with nearly unreadable letters. Outside, weeds grew wildly, young trees even breaking through the cement floor, as if the structure had been swallowed by the forest.

  But beneath that decayed shell was an entirely different world.

  A biometric-sealed metal door opened, revealing a modern production line running without pause. Cold white lights reflected off stainless steel surfaces. Machines vibrated with steady, precise rhythm. Transparent pipes carried streams of dark liquid, each parameter tightly controlled.

  Workers in gray uniforms, masks, and specialized gloves labored in absolute silence. No one chatted. No one looked around. Every movement was practiced like pre-written code: extracting, refining, packaging, sealing. The air was thick with chemical fumes and Velvet Crave essence — sweet yet throat-irritating.

  In contrast to the ruin outside, the interior was a giant breathing mechanism — alive, cold, and patient like a hidden monster in the jungle.

  In front of the factory gate, Nicolas and the four judges from yesterday stood observing the surroundings. Nicolas inhaled deeply and spoke slowly:

  – “Velvet Crave will be here soon. The mayor is always punctual.”

  The woman in the pastel purple suit nodded lightly:

  – “I’m only afraid the Demon King Satan might learn about this. He punishes traitors brutally.”

  The man in the ash-gray suit beside her showed clear unease:

  – “Being imprisoned in hell is an indefinite sentence — unless he personally releases you.”

  Nicolas shrugged and smiled smugly:

  – “You’re all overthinking it. We’re perfectly safe.”

  He looked up at the rare sunbeams through the canopy:

  – “The Satan Royal House can only rule the Dark Planet. Here on Earth, he can’t touch me.”

  From the deeper forest, Grimm heard rustling high in the branches. He raised his binoculars:

  – “Nothing special — just long-tailed monkeys. There are also yellow-cheeked gibbons and some bird nests over there.”

  Kane sneered:

  – “It’s a forest — of course it’s full of wildlife. I ran into a rhino here the other day. Almost got charged.”

  Grimm laughed:

  – “You were lucky. I heard there are wild gaurs here too. Watch your step.”

  The woman in the red dress checked the contest schedule on her phone:

  – “We resume the competition tomorrow morning. Today the contestants rest and prepare. We still have scoring to finish.”

  A young man in the group spoke up:

  – “Let’s go inside. Velvet Crave essence is almost depleted. We need to contact the mayor for an urgent shipment.”

  ***

  At the Bình Chánh headquarters, the full video and audio of Nicolas and the shareholders displayed across a 180-degree curved screen. Demon King Satan sat on a rosewood throne, chin resting on his hand, cold eyes scanning each frame:

  – “This mayor — which city on the Dark Planet?”

  An agent working at a holographic keyboard bowed:

  – “My Lord, the data is still unclear. We are coordinating with field agents for precise identification.”

  The Grand Madam Advisor, calmly embroidering fine stitches on a handkerchief, said slowly:

  – “The Queen and the Princess Consort likely already have results, but they’re digging deeper before reporting.”

  Satan adjusted his vest collar:

  – “Continue surveillance. They mentioned Velvet Crave running low — meaning a new supply is being prepared.”

  ***

  At C?u D?ng’s villa, breakfast unfolded in a somewhat relaxed atmosphere — except for Huy, who sat stiff and subdued, barely daring to breathe too loudly or sit upright.

  C?u D?ng turned to Anh Tú:

  – “Come to the company with me later. I’m meeting strategic partners today.”

  – “Yes, Dad.”

  Anh Th? spoke softly:

  – “Let Huy come along too.”

  C?u D?ng immediately clenched his teeth:

  – “He knows nothing. Tú and I are corporate directors. He’s just a common laborer — no expertise, no credentials, no experience. He’d only get in the way.”

  M? Linh picked up a slice of beef:

  – “Focus on finding more work. You’ve got a wife now — unstable income won’t cut it. Or are you planning to live off your wife’s family forever?”

  Huy choked slightly:

  – “No, ma’am. I’m looking for a second job to take care of Th?.”

  Anh Ph??ng cut in coldly:

  – “Then hurry up and find one. Anyone can talk big.”

  Outwardly Huy bowed his head in submission, but inside he burned:

  – “Sooner or later all your assets will be mine. When that day comes, I’ll throw every one of you out of this villa.”

  C?u D?ng glanced once and understood, his thoughts sharp as a blade:

  – “Try touching my property and see what happens. I doubt you’ll live long enough to enjoy it — or bring anything back to your parents.”

  M? Linh smiled thinly, eyes full of contempt:

  – “I gave birth to people better than you. You think you can climb into high society through my family? Keep dreaming. I’m not afraid of your parents — let alone you.”

  At the Gothic villa, breakfast was served out in the spacious garden, where clusters of red roses bloomed along the old stone path. Early sunlight filtered through arched tree canopies and reflected off the marble table, creating an atmosphere both elegant and faintly somber — a signature mood of this place. Everyone gathered around, chatting lively.

  Din took a bite of garlic butter toast when his phone vibrated. He sipped some water and said:

  – “It’s Trúc Di?n calling.”

  Erion glanced over, voice indifferent and cool:

  – “When that snake calls, it’s never for nothing. Pick up.”

  Din switched to speaker. Trúc Di?n’s voice rang out clearly:

  – “Come by the District 5 headquarters later. Mid-Autumn Festival is coming in a few days — the Serpent Clan and I are preparing decorations.”

  Trang immediately cheered:

  – “That sounds fun — let’s go!”

  The little demons groaned:

  – “Why should we go help the Serpent Clan decorate? It’s their place — let them handle it.”

  Trúc Di?n laughed mischievously, deliberately provoking:

  – “Fair enough. If you don’t want to come, then forget it.”

  He sighed on purpose:

  – “We’ve got tons of food here though — all kinds of Chinese specialties. No idea how we’ll finish it.”

  The little demons instantly changed attitude, eyes lighting up:

  – “We’re coming! Good food solves everything — we’re in.”

  Erion slammed his glass down:

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

  – “Have I ever let you starve? You’re embarrassing me.”

  Din laughed, teasing:

  – “Ch? L?n food is excellent — and there’ll be mooncakes too. We’re heading over soon. If the General doesn’t go, that’s his problem.”

  Erion flushed with irritation:

  – “You… you! I’m your master — not that snake.”

  Trang looped her arm through Erion’s gently:

  – “Come on, you’re basically brothers. Why argue all the time?”

  Erion snorted:

  – “Who’s brothers with that snake?”

  From the phone, Trúc Di?n replied challengingly:

  – “We’re both sons-in-law, remember… brother-in-law.”

  The mood had been relaxed — until sharp yelling suddenly erupted from C?u D?ng’s villa next door:

  – “Where’s Huy? Who gave you permission to water my ancient bonsai pots? One pot costs more than your yearly salary! If a tree dies, sell your house to repay me!”

  Din frowned:

  – “There it goes again — nonstop since early morning.”

  Over the phone, Trúc Di?n sighed:

  – “I didn’t expect being a live-in son-in-law at D?ng’s place to be this brutal. You guys sure have lively neighbors.”

  Erion glanced toward the neighboring gate, voice icy:

  – “Lively — but my ears are being tortured.”

  The little demons urged quickly:

  – “Let’s just go to District 5 — quieter and better food.”

  Erion relented reluctantly:

  – “Fine. But if that snake causes trouble, I won’t hold back.”

  ***

  In D?ng’s garden, the expensive ancient bonsai pots were soaked through, muddy water spilling over the edges. C?u D?ng clenched his teeth and shouted:

  – “Watering like this will kill them all! Are you trying to destroy my property?”

  Huy turned pale:

  – “The soil looked too dry… I just didn’t want the trees to wither.”

  C?u D?ng tightened his fist, voice threatening:

  – “Listen carefully — from today on, you are forbidden from touching anything valuable in this house. Your job is to help Aunt T? in the kitchen. Clear?”

  Huy lowered his head:

  – “Yes… I understand.”

  Right then, Anh Tú stepped out in a neat suit, speaking gently:

  – “Huy just wanted to help with small chores, Dad — no bad intention. Also, it’s almost time to meet the partners.”

  C?u D?ng took a deep breath and suppressed his anger:

  – “Fine. Let’s go — don’t keep them waiting.”

  Before getting into the car, he turned and pointed straight at Huy, shouting:

  – “And you — go upstairs and take care of my daughter now. She’s pregnant with your child — how can you be so careless?”

  Huy answered quickly:

  – “Yes, sir — Th? is sleeping, so I came downstairs. I’ll go back up right away.”

  He hurried inside. C?u D?ng watched with contempt:

  – “Such a useless drifter. If my daughter were wiser, you’d never have set foot in my house.”

  Erion’s group stood up and began clearing the breakfast table. Cups and plates were neatly stacked as they prepared to leave the Gothic villa for the District 5 headquarters. The morning felt both lively and hurried. While placing porcelain dishes onto the shelf, Trang asked:

  – “Should we invite Professor Charles to come with us?”

  Erion dried the glass in his hand and gave a slight nod:

  – “Of course. Though that snake probably already invited him.”

  At the Th?o ?i?n villa, My sat motionless on the sofa, her lifeless eyes fixed on the garden outside. In her mind, Trúc Di?n’s image flickered in and out like a shadow drifting across water — the more she tried to remember, the more it slipped away, impossible to grasp. The face wasn’t blank, yet every feature seemed deliberately smeared away by an unseen hand.

  Mr. Quy stood nearby, unease rising in his chest. He lowered his voice and asked carefully:

  – “Tell me — you really don’t remember anything about Trúc Di?n?”

  My shook her head, her tone flat and emotionless:

  – “I don’t know who he is. The wedding yesterday was the first time I met him, and I can’t even recall what he looks like.”

  Mr. Quy turned to his wife, worry clearly written across his face:

  – “Do we have to take her to the hospital again?”

  Mrs. Lan asked quickly, trying to stay calm:

  – “Do you remember the others — Tu?n, Ti?n, Deep, Mr. D?ng’s family…?”

  My nodded immediately:

  – “Of course I remember them. It’s only that guy from yesterday — I just can’t remember him clearly.”

  Vú N?m, the housemaid, approached with a plate of fruit, then froze mid-step, alarmed:

  – “Should we call Dr. Tùng, sir and ma’am?”

  Mr. Quy spoke in a low, hesitant voice:

  – “Let’s monitor her through today. If anything unusual shows up, we’ll take her straight to the hospital.”

  While they discussed, My remained still, eyes empty. Each time Trúc Di?n’s name was mentioned, the air around her seemed to grow a degree colder — as if something invisible was quietly removing a fragment of her memory.

  ***

  At C?u D?ng’s villa, Huy walked up to the first floor, where Anh Th?’s room and Dì T?’s room sat along the same corridor. As he passed by, he suddenly heard a faint scratching — claws lightly scraping against the wall. The sound was subtle but enough to send a chill down his spine. Huy stopped short. As a centipede spirit, he immediately recognized it as the movement of reptilian claws.

  He muttered under his breath:

  – “Who is it? My brother-in-law is a spirit — he has claws — but he just left with my father-in-law. Could there be another entity living in this villa?”

  Huy gently opened Dì T?’s door and slipped inside. The room was small and simple — a servant’s quarters with modest belongings, nothing unusual. He frowned and whispered:

  – “I clearly heard claws. Why is there nothing now? Did I imagine it?”

  After carefully checking and finding nothing suspicious, Huy stepped out and quietly closed the door.

  At that exact moment, inside the room, Bách Di?n revealed himself — standing vertically on the wall. In his true chameleon form, he could move across any surface without being affected by gravity. His skin had shifted color to match the wall, rendering him nearly invisible. Bách Di?n exhaled in relief:

  – “Good thing I used the invisibility technique — or I would’ve been caught.”

  At the District 5 headquarters, the atmosphere was unusually lively. The pairs Trúc Di?n – Lita and Arian – H?ng Nhung, along with the members of the Serpent Clan, were busy preparing for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival.

  Across the polished green stone floor, large fabric sacks had been opened, revealing countless traditional lanterns like a vivid tapestry of a royal festival. Hand-embroidered brocade lanterns were tied into clusters, decorated with motifs of carp leaping the dragon gate, soaring phoenixes, and blooming lotuses — each stitch exquisitely detailed. Golden threads woven into the embroidery softly reflected the oil-lamp glow, creating a gentle yet deep radiance — elegant and ancient, almost sacred.

  Mixed among them were glassine paper lanterns in vermilion red, jade blue, and brilliant gold, shaped like five-pointed stars, butterflies, roosters, and jade rabbits. The bamboo frames were smoothly curved yet sturdy. Each lantern bore faint Serpent Clan patterns that revealed themselves when the light shifted, like shimmering scales — blending the folk style of Ch? L?n with the mystical aura of a royal demon court.

  In another section of the hall, mooncake ingredients were neatly arranged on large agarwood trays, separated with ritual-like precision. Lotus seed and mung bean paste had been cooked smooth, glowing golden, releasing a refined fragrance into the air. The mixed roasted chicken filling was blended with Chinese sausage, translucent candied fat like amber, and thin strips of kaffir lime leaf — rich and savory aromas intertwined seductively.

  The premium mixed filling of shark fin and scallop was stored in sealed boxes carved with cloud motifs, gleaming in luxurious golden-brown — a symbol of the clan’s status and wealth. Beside them were more modern yet still court-style fillings: pale purple taro, deep green matcha, and smooth Japanese red bean paste — all preserved within temperature-stabilizing barriers to keep both flavor and spiritual essence intact.

  The entire space was filled with a layered fragrance of silk, baked pastries, and ancient spiritual energy — as if this were not merely a festival workshop, but part of a royal Mid-Autumn ritual in the heart of Ch? L?n.

  Old Wu swiftly arranged combo ingredient bags while speaking:

  – “Every year the mooncakes are selected very carefully, so when they come out, they’re both delicious and soft.”

  Nh? Phu stood by the scale, weighing each crystal of rock sugar to exact proportions, his voice calm:

  – “Sweetness from rock sugar is clean and gentle, not harsh like industrial sugar.”

  In the decoration area, Arian and H?u K? spread out brocade and glassine lanterns to arrange the hanging order. Light passing through the thin paper brightened the entire chamber. Right then, L?p Thành arrived carrying a small spherical glass box filled with slowly drifting points of light like living stars.

  He opened the lid and said excitedly:

  – “These are fireflies from Bích Th?y Kim Tinh. We’ll release them inside the lanterns and around the hall — it’ll look amazing.”

  Lita hurried over and leaned close to the box, her eyes bright with curiosity:

  – “How strange. On the Dark Planet they usually use ghost-flame to light lanterns — one lightning spark from me would light everything instantly.”

  Hearing that, Trúc Di?n immediately turned pale and said quickly to her:

  – “You just sit still and relax. Let others handle the lighting.”

  The whole hall burst into laughter. Arian adjusted a brocade lantern frame and teased:

  – “See that, brother-in-law? Never anger women of the Satan Royal House — the consequences are terrifying.”

  Trúc Di?n lowered his head, mumbling:

  – “I understand, brother-in-law. I wouldn’t dare make Lita angry.”

  Amid the festive bustle, ??i Ng?c spoke, looking toward the entrance as if waiting:

  – “I wonder if Yin and Chen have arrived yet — and Erion’s group too.”

  Trúc Di?n snorted at the familiar name:

  – “Hopefully he doesn’t start trouble.”

  Right then, footsteps sounded from the entrance. Yin and Chen’s voices rose at the same time. Yin carried several bottles of rare liquor, their labels gleaming dark gold, smiling naturally:

  – “Hello everyone — I brought gifts.”

  Chen carried sealed boxes of premium sweets and snacks:

  – “And extra treats too.”

  He walked over to ??i Ng?c and handed her a small paper bag, his face slightly flushed, voice awkward:

  – “This is freeze-dried fruit tea — very good for women. Drink it regularly and it helps your skin and figure.”

  ??i Ng?c accepted it with a warm smile:

  – “Thank you very much. I also have a gift for you — I’ll give it to you later.”

  H?u K? cleared his throat, half joking:

  – “Men like that tea too.”

  Yin smiled mildly:

  – “I prepared enough for everyone — each person gets a share. Has the General not arrived yet?”

  H?u K? looked up while checking the lantern hanging positions:

  – “They’ll be here soon. His Highness invited Professor Charles. As for Phong Túc and Bách Di?n — they’ll arrange to arrive later on Mid-Autumn Day itself.”

  At the Bình Chánh headquarters, a cold blue glow from enormous curved screens still covered the entire grand hall. Streams of data ran continuously in long bands, displaying not only every corner of the cosmetic factory hidden deep inside Cát Tiên National Forest, but also Nicolas’s villa — now locked by satellite — with every architectural detail, entrance route, and surrounding security zone magnified.

  Demon King Satan sat upon a throne of ironwood, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest, each beat carrying a chilling killing intent. His gaze was fixed on the screens, his voice low and threatening:

  – “You think I can’t touch you? I don’t just rule the Dark Planet — here on Earth, the Royal Satan Mafia network is everywhere. You’re too arrogant. That very arrogance is why many like you are screaming day and night in the Endless Hell.”

  Beside him, the Grand Madam Advisor folded her arms, sharp eyes studying the slowly rotating three-dimensional image of Nicolas’s villa. Her tone was thoughtful:

  – “I believe he cannot pull this off alone. Someone must be backing him.”

  Satan exhaled softly, eyes still on the flowing data, his voice cold but calmer:

  – “Keep watching both planets. Sooner or later, that old fox will reveal himself.”

  ***

  On the Dark Planet, the villa of Victor — the powerful city mayor — had officially been placed under surveillance. Not only by orbital satellites, but also by agents quietly approaching from multiple directions. The mansion lay deep within an ancient forest, towering rough-barked trees stretching high enough to block out the sky.

  Birds were gathering in increasing numbers. Small animals flickered through the underbrush, and insects buzzed in a dense, unbroken chorus louder than usual.

  Several black crows perched close together on the rooftop, their dark red eyes reflecting the fading twilight. Their hoarse cries sent a chill down the spine. In the vast garden below, the steward walked back and forth, carefully inspecting each reinforced carriage prepared to transport Velvet Crave back to the factory later that night.

  One servant looked up at the roof, unable to hide his unease:

  – “Where did all these crows come from?”

  Another guard stared toward the dense ancient treetops, lowering his voice:

  – “Not just crows — other birds are nesting too. Even the insects are louder than normal.”

  The steward didn’t bother looking up. His face tightened in irritation:

  – “What nonsense. We’re in a forest — of course there are birds and insects. Can you even chase them away? Besides, good land attracts birds. If they’re nesting here, it proves this place is peaceful and safe. Stop overthinking and get back to work.”

  The servants bowed and answered obediently, yet worry still lingered in their eyes.

  Just then, Victor stepped out from inside the villa. He looked as arrogant and self-assured as ever, his dark cloak sweeping lightly across the stone steps. He glanced at the black crows on the roof and sneered:

  – “On the Dark Planet, and you’re scared of a few crows? How useless.”

  His gaze swept across the servants, lips curling with contempt:

  – “If I hadn’t taken you in, you’d have starved to death in some miserable village corner by now. This is a technological stronghold — a place for nobles and elites. Move faster. Earth is running out of Velvet Crave essence, and I don’t intend to lose credibility with Nicolas.”

  The steward bowed immediately, voice flattering and confident:

  – “Rest assured, Master. Everything is proceeding according to plan. I guarantee it will all go smoothly.”