While in Hollywood, I used Taoist magic to quell American terrorism.

"Click..."

A crisp cracking sound rang out.

When the bright light faded, Ivanka opened her eyes and found that the red monster had completely vanished in the golden light and lightning.

And that terrifying red door, seeping with blood, that kept her awake for half a month...

It was now covered with cracks like a spider web.

Finally, with a crisp cracking sound, it turned into countless dark red fragments and disappeared into the hazy mist.

The clocks around us stopped ticking.

The desolate wasteland returned to peace.

Cao Kun turned his head, looked at Ivanka whose complexion had become slightly rosier, and smiled slightly.

"The door is broken; no one can knock on your door tonight."

……

The real world.

The curtains in the second-floor guest room were being stirred by a gentle breeze.

Cao Kun slowly opened his eyes, and the love charm that had been passed from his fingertips had turned into a pile of ashes.

He released his grip, looked at Ivanka who was still asleep beside him, but whose brows were relaxed, and let out a long breath.

"Huff, huff..." Cao Kun gasped for breath, his face full of exhaustion.

Using magic in this spiritual world is more tiring than drawing a few talismans outside.

Because that's not magic at all.

Rather, it is a power simulated in the spiritual world through strong mental strength.

Despite the many incredible changes, it is far more tiring than the real world.

He felt that Ivanka's previously weak pulse was now beating strongly.

"Master's charm is so irresistible, even demons can't resist it."

The succubus Chris's voice rang in my ears.

Cao Kun glanced to the side and saw that Chris had transformed into human form at some point and was sitting on the rocking chair by the bed.

Her long legs were crossed, and she looked at the man and woman on the bed with a playful gaze.

"Still haven't had enough sleep?" Cao Kun ignored her teasing.

"They're guarding it for their owner."

Chris got up and walked to the bedside, leaned down, and brought her red lips close to Cao Kun's ear.

"That Miss Dong... she must taste very sweet, right?"

Cao Kun pushed her face away: "Go prepare some warm water, she'll wake up soon."

Not long after, Ivanka on the bed let out a soft moan.

She slowly opened her eyes, and the first thing she saw was the magnificent crystal chandelier on the ceiling.

That feeling of being surrounded by death and coldness completely disappeared.

She sat up abruptly and saw Cao Kun sitting next to her; her eyes instantly welled up with tears.

She threw herself into his arms and burst into tears.

That was the pent-up fear of the past two weeks, which was finally released at this moment.

Cao Kun let this "first socialite," who was a powerful figure in the New York business world, soak his shirt.

He simply patted her back gently.

He knew that he hadn't lost out at all by taking that million dollars.

Ivanka's crying gradually subsided, turning into soft sobs.

She still clung tightly to Cao Kun's neck, her forehead resting against his shoulder.

Cao Kun could feel her fingertips stiffen slightly from exerting force.

And the warm body temperature unique to women that emanates through the thin shirt.

Chris stood to the side, holding a cup of steaming warm water.

She watched the two embracing, a playful smile on her lips, but she didn't say anything to disturb them.

She simply placed the water glass quietly on the bedside table, then transformed into a wisp of pink smoke and disappeared back into her phone.

"Okay, it's all over now."

Cao Kun felt that a large patch of water had soaked through the shoulder of his shirt.

He patted Ivanka on the back and said softly, "The door is broken; that thing can't enter your dream anytime soon."

Ivanka finally slowly raised her head.

Her makeup was a little smudged, and her eyes were red-rimmed.

Her face, which usually exuded arrogance and competence, was now filled with vulnerability.

Due to the violent movement just now, the shoulder strap of her dress slipped halfway down, revealing one of her round, snow-white shoulders.

She stared into Cao Kun's eyes for a long time, her gaze somewhat unfocused.

"I really thought I was going to be sucked into that door just now."

Ivanka's voice was hoarse, tinged with the trembling of someone who had just survived a close call.

"That gray, misty place, and that red-faced monster... Cao, if it weren't for you, I don't know what would have happened."

Cao Kun reached out and gently ran his fingertips across her cheek, taking away a glistening tear.

"That's my job," he said calmly.

"No, it's not just about work."

Ivanka grasped Cao Kun's hand that was still on her face; the warmth of his palm gave her a strange sense of security.

She didn't let go; instead, she pulled Cao Kun's hand towards her heart.

"You have no idea how I've gotten through the past two weeks."

Everyone keeps telling me it's just a hallucination, even my father thinks I'm just too tired.

Ivanka chuckled self-deprecatingly. "Only you noticed that mark at a glance."

An ambiguous atmosphere permeated the narrow bed.

Moonlight streamed through the gauze curtains, casting a silvery glow on the two of them.

Ivanka looked at Cao Kun's tired yet still stern profile, and her heart pounded erratically.

This is not due to fear, but rather a more primal sense of dependence on the strong.

She leaned forward slightly, her nose almost touching Cao Kun's.

Suddenly, Cao Kun remembered something: "By the way, check your marks, are they still there?"

Ivanka paused slightly, the dazed look in her eyes instantly replaced by a hint of coldness.

She didn't say anything, but instead turned over with Cao Kun's shoulder in her hand, her right hand reaching for the delicate zipper behind her back.

"Sizzle—"

The metal zipper broke the silence of the night.

Ivanka lay down on the pillow, her black silk dress sliding down her smooth back and stopping at her waist.

His ivory-colored lower back, glistening in the moonlight, was exposed.

Cao Kun leaned forward slightly, his spiritual sense scanning the area in conjunction with his gaze.

In that beautifully recessed waist dimple.

The dark red, distorted pattern resembling a child urinating is still clearly visible.

Not only did it not disappear because of the broken red gate, but its color actually deepened, like a newly formed scab.

Cao Kun stretched out his finger and gently touched the mark.

"Well……"

Ivanka's body trembled violently, and she let out a short, muffled groan.

He instinctively gripped the sheets beneath him with both hands.

The coolness from Cao Kun's fingertips seeped through her burning skin, sending an indescribable chill through her.

"It's still there."

Cao Kun withdrew his hand, his voice as deep as a stone falling into a well.

"It's not just a projection from a dream; it's already etched into your destiny and aura."

Ivanka froze for a moment, then slowly pulled up her clothes, turned around, and sat up.

Her face was even paler than before, and her blue eyes were filled with helplessness.

"Didn't you say the door was broken? Why is this disgusting thing still here?"

"The red gate is the bridge through which they enter your spiritual world."

"It's broken, which means they can't take your soul away tonight."

Cao Kun looked at her, his tone devoid of emotion, "But this mark is a 'coordinate' left by the Gongyang School."

It's a reminder to those things that you are still the soul they've ordained.

Ivanka wrapped her shawl tightly around herself, her breathing becoming rapid.

She suddenly leaned forward and grabbed Cao Kun's arm, her nails digging deep into his flesh.

"Then... what if a monster breaks into my bedroom at any moment, or tears me apart when no one is watching?"

Cao Kun was silent for a moment, then nodded: "As long as the mark isn't removed, you'll always be under their noses."

"Then I won't leave tonight."