Chapter 1

The Demon Queen, Grace Sullivan, wanted my heart. With it, one could be perceptive and see things crystal-clear. But she refused to accept a heart tainted by mortal emotions.

She said, “Let’s make a deal, Henry. If your wife or your master is willing to come and save you, I’ll spare your life.

“However, if neither of them comes, your heart will be mine. I’ll forge it into an artifact of immortality.”

I lowered my eyes. My body was covered in wounds sliced almost down to the bone. Even the slightest movement sent waves of unbearable pain through me.

I no longer wanted to vie with Yale Xenford. But I was trapped in the Demon Realm. I had lost all my cultivation, so I had no choice.

Grace flicked her wrist, and a Spirit Mirror appeared before us. The bargain began.

I saw my wife, Snow Lockwood, sparring with Yale. Their swords danced back and forth, and they exchanged affectionate glances with every move.

My master, Emma Carter, sat nearby. She sipped her drink and meditated in silence.

The wound in my heart had only just begun to heal, but it started to ache again.

Grace smiled. She drew the Vital Blood from my heart and ignited a long-distance distress charm.

The crimson charm burned inside the Spirit Mirror. Its brilliant light was impossible to miss.

Yet Emma, who had once cherished me, ignored it. Snow, the woman who had once loved me, ignored it too.

Yale was the only one who frowned. He lowered his sword and stared at the burning charm.

He murmured, “This is all my fault. I was too arrogant. I’m the reason Henry ended up like this. Madam, Snow, let’s go save Henry.”

His eyes were teary, and worry filled his face.

Emma did not move. Instead, she said in a cold voice, “Yale, have you already forgotten what Henry did to you? Don’t let your kindness become a reason for others to hurt you.”

The pain from my wounds grew even worse. The Demon Realm was bathed in blazing heat all year round, yet I felt as though I had fallen into an icy abyss. The cold cut straight to my bones.

Kindness? Hurt? Why did those words belong to Yale?

I was the one who had faced the Heavenly Tribulation for the sake of all living beings. I was the one who had lost all my cultivation.

Yet Yale, the Ninth Heaven’s Divine Son, was the one the gods praised and all living beings revered.

What did he have to feel wronged about?

…

At that moment, hatred and resentment consumed me.

Why was it that a few tears from Yale were enough to make everyone protect him?

Why did I have to become his scapegoat and let everyone trample over me?

Alas, I had no choice.

A faint spark of hope still burned deep inside my heart. I fixed my gaze on Snow.

We had grown up together. We had shared a bond since childhood. I wanted to believe I still held a special place in her heart.

I begged Grace once more. I asked her to help me send another plea for help, this time with a voice transmission.

She was happy to help. This time, the distress charm and the voice transmission charm passed through the Spirit Mirror and appeared in the Ninth Heaven.

I cleared my throat and tried my best to keep my voice from trembling.

“Snow… I’m hurting so much. Please… save me…”

Before I could finish, she lifted her hand with an impatient look and scattered both charms with a burst of spiritual power.

“Urgh…”

The spiritual power rebounded against me. Blood burst from my mouth.

Through the Spirit Mirror, I saw her gently tuck a loose strand of hair behind Yale’s ear.

She said in a cold voice, “If Henry insists on being cruel, if he insists on baiting you to travel to the Demon Realm to fight Grace, then he can stay there and find out what it feels like himself.”