You've found the Gusha-hime Knight, so put your hair up in a bun!

After several reconciliations, the two have quickly stabilized, their auras becoming incredibly solid, allowing them to handle any unexpected events occurring beneath the inheritance grounds with ease.

Several hours later, Moen was unusually silent after waking up, simply following quietly behind the group, clearly indicating that the scene she had just witnessed had had a great impact on her.

Standing before the gate at the deepest part of the Land of Inheritance, Ruby stopped, glanced back at Moen, and said coldly, "You'd better stay outside. You won't be of any help even if you go in looking so distracted."

Upon hearing this, Mo En frowned, straightened up, and retorted, "What...what are you talking about? I'm not that fragile..."

Although she was full of energy, Moen's words sounded rather unconvincing. However, the girl knew that this wouldn't work, so she used calming magic several times before she finally calmed down and walked forward with a tense expression.

Upon seeing this, Shiloh chuckled twice and then opened the door.

Boom—!

The moment the door opened, an ancient and distant shadow energy drifted outwards, instinctively moving closer to Irene, as if wanting her to accept it.

However, after Irene gave birth to her own source of inheritance, this power was repelled the moment it approached. Thus, the energy, having lost its target, drifted in the void, wandering aimlessly.

tread--

The group walked inside and descended the long, deep spiral staircase.

The deeper they went, the stronger the shadow elements became, but Ruby and Irene frowned in unison and said, "Something's not right!"

Before the words were finished, a tremendous, earth-shattering tremor spread from the ground, causing cracks to appear on the steps beneath their feet. Stone chips and fragments fell everywhere, and with a loud "crack," the steps suddenly collapsed into several pieces and fell downwards!

The collapse of the terrain did not affect Xi Luo and the others, but at this moment, an invisible suction force was coming from the depths of the ground, seemingly trying to swallow up the people flying in the air.

"There seems to be something underground!"

Moen frowned and shouted, raising his hand to unleash a high-level spell, [Fiery Dragon Barrage], downwards!

Roar--!

The blazing dragon-shaped flames roared and surged into the depths of the earth, illuminating the surroundings of the bottomless cavern.

Just as the dragon flames were about to touch the ground, several shadowy tentacles suddenly emerged from the surrounding rock walls, like soft-bodied predators in the deep sea, capturing and binding the dragon flames before swallowing them whole.

"Hiss—what is that?"

In the instant the dragon flames illuminated the area, Moen was able to see the appearance of the unknown creature deep underground.

It was extremely ugly, its bloated and enormous body made entirely of shadows. Claws and tentacles extending from its muddy body were firmly nailed to the rock wall, eroding the surrounding rock wall and creating dense shadow threads.

What made Moen even more horrified the moment the flames illuminated the monster was that its body was studded with countless human faces. The instant these "people's" eyes all looked over, a chill ran through his body.

"【Nightmare】, an abyssal creature that parasitizes shadows and can manipulate living things through shadows."

Upon seeing the monster below, Ruby learned its origin.

"It was probably planted secretly during the last demonic calamity in Camberloh—there will always be some short-sighted fools who choose to betray their compatriots and join the demons, just to satisfy their own selfish desires."

Ruby squinted, examining the faces of the missing nobles attached to the monster's body below, and gave a mocking laugh.

The Nightmare can indeed grant immense power to those willing to coexist with it, but the price is that they can only live near this monster, and both their bodies and minds can be taken away by it at any time.

It seems that choosing to focus on the source of the birth and inheritance first was absolutely the right decision. Now, we just need to kill this guy right now.

"Little Irene!"

Ruby shouted, while Irene, who was standing to the side, could no longer contain herself. After all, the monster and those nobles below were most likely the culprits who had caused her family's destruction. With her enemy in front of her, Irene's eyes were already bloodshot.

"Shadowthorn Garden - Nothing Lives!!!"

In a fit of extreme rage, Irene unleashed an epic-level spell.

Countless dark thorns burst forth from Irene's fair palm, twisting and grotesque as they furiously hurtled towards the earth below!

Sensing the chilling killing intent, the Shadow turned everyone's heads around and let out a sharp, piercing roar in the direction of the attack. The powerful sound waves shattered the surrounding rock walls, turning into sharp flying objects that attacked the group.

Faced with such trivial tricks, Ruby simply waved her hand, wiping out the attacks. Then she placed her hand on Irene's back and applied her authority to Irene.

As a result, the number of Shadowthorns multiplied several times, and like a raging python, they surrounded Nightmare from all sides, intending to tear it to pieces!

Guji ji—!

The thousands of eyes on the Nightmare vibrated incessantly. With a roar, its body collided and launched multiple shadow spikes, forcefully creating a space within the shadow thorns.

Even so, with Ruby's support, Nightmare's attacks were far beyond what it could handle. Its living space was gradually compressed, and its bloated body was already torn in many places by thorns. Before long, this monster would be crushed into dust under the massive thorns.

But just as the nightmare was taking its first steps toward death, its entire body suddenly froze, and the eyes of everyone attached to it suddenly became bloodshot. Then it let out a shrill roar, and its bloated body suddenly swelled up!

"It's... about to self-destruct?!"

Moen exclaimed in surprise. In such a narrow space, it would be very difficult to withstand such an upward blast wave.

Moreover, this kind of attack is unlikely to harm our group, so the monster's goal is probably one thing—to destroy this place!

"We need to get out of here quickly! They're trying to seal off this place to buy time!"

Moen was smart and realized the problem almost instantly.

However, Nightmare's self-destruction was extremely fast. Its body, formed from countless sins, suddenly exploded, turning into a cursed shadow that bypassed Shiloh and the others, firmly sealing the exit above!

boom--!

Moen tried to bombard the area with magic, but the blows had no effect whatsoever, like a mud ox sinking into the sea, failing to make the slightest ripple.

Moen stared intently at the seal. She was initially anxious, wondering what kind of schemes the abyss forces behind this monster were plotting. However, when she saw Xi Luo's dark eyes, the chaotic emotions in her heart suddenly calmed down.

In those deep eyes, there was no extra emotion, only indifference, even detachment.

Although this look can drive you crazy and leave you helpless when you're being disciplined, it can also give you a strong sense of security in times of crisis.

Faced with the Shadow Cage that was powerful enough to neutralize the attack, Shiloh simply snapped his fingers, and Moen and the others couldn't even see what happened before the shadows clinging to the rock wall instantly disintegrated and vanished.

"Looks like some people are starting to get anxious..."

Suddenly, Shiloh uttered a seemingly random statement, drawing Moen's attention.

After flying out of the land of inheritance, the Blackthorn Flower, who was temporarily stationed in Camberlo, frantically approached Shiro and told him about the shocking changes in the evil god!

"Lord Sirlo, the evil god has descended upon the capital once more! And no matter what we do, we cannot contact anyone in the capital. What should we do?!"

After hearing Blackthorn Flower's report, Moen, Ruby, and Irene all looked solemn. This descent of the evil god was extraordinary, not only causing such a commotion, but also taking place while Shilo was away...

Thinking of this, Irene suddenly realized that the matter of Cambero was likely a bait thrown out by the evil god to transfer Shilo away from the capital. The sense of relief after getting revenge was instantly replaced by worry and guilt for Cecilia and the others.

"Brother Xiluo, I—"

Shiloh patted Irene's head, interrupting her.

“Don’t worry, I know His tricks, and He knows I know what He wants to do. Now let’s see whose plan is more perfect and whose will is stronger.”

After saying that, Shiloh dismissed Blackthorn, signaling Irene and Ruby to wait inside the villa for a while. Then, he took Moen's wrist and teleported her into the bedroom.

"Eh?"

Looking at the suddenly changed scene, Moen stared blankly at Xiluo and asked, "Um, what should we do now to fight against the evil god?"

Silo pursed his lips, gripped Moen's shoulders, looked at him earnestly, and said softly, "First of all, I want to apologize to you. Bringing you here with me to investigate this matter was part of my utterly despicable plan."

It was the first time Moen had ever seen Shilo with such a serious expression, and he was a little stunned.

Upon hearing Shiloh's seemingly ashamed confession, Moen murmured, "Uh... I wouldn't be completely oblivious to that... but I'm quite surprised to hear you admit it so frankly."

Silo shook his head, staring intently into Moen's eyes, and said softly, "You should know how enormous the benefits of that kind of thing can be, right?"

"...It's embarrassing, but that's really how it is... But why say this now?"

"The power of the evil god has sealed off the entire capital. Although I made arrangements in advance to allow me to return to the capital alone, in my current state, I'm afraid my chances of winning against him are not very high."

Hearing this, Moen's expression gradually calmed down. Suddenly, he raised his hand and pressed down on Xi Luo's hands, frowning as he said, "At this point, stop with the wishy-washy talk. As long as we can successfully save the capital, I'll do whatever you want! We can talk about explanations later!"

Moen's resolute decision made Shiloh's eyes widen. Then he smiled, stroked the girl's hair, and whispered, "Let me praise you properly." He then leaned down and kissed her, capturing her lips in his mouth.

The sudden, unfamiliar touch caused Moen's pupils to shrink slightly, but under Shiloh's Lv.max, the girl offered almost no decent resistance and melted into a pool of spring water.

Shiloh needed to reach a higher level to increase his chances of winning. After observing two or three times, Moen figured out that the effect of this kind of thing was greatest when it was the woman's first time. This is why Shiloh brought a woman who had no relationship with him yet to carry out the mission in Camberloh.

As for why it was me, it's probably because I'm talented enough...

Ha, just like that bastard said, he's utterly despicable.

Pfft—

Mo En's clothes were half-open, and a sticky, glistening residue remained on her pink lips. She glared at Xi Luo with narrowed eyes and said coldly, "Listen to me carefully, I did this to save the capital. You didn't manage to take me down!"

Silo stroked Moen's pretty face, looking at her defiant expression and the dark light shimmering on the gemstone of the necklace on her chest, and said apologetically, "Yes, I know."

Moen gritted his teeth, feeling the heat pressing against his hand, and gripped Shiloh's shoulders tightly, shouting in a deep voice, "Save the world properly, you damn hero—!"

With a mournful cry of blood, several bloody marks appeared on Shiloh's shoulder, and glistening tears rolled down Moen's cheeks.

"Don't worry, I'll save the world... and when we get back, I'll continue to explore the parts of you I didn't finish."

"Who, who asked you to keep messing with me! You, you better be gentle!"

Moen was in some pain at first, but under the nourishment of Yin and Yang Qi, the pain quickly disappeared without a trace, and the radiant fluid that seeped out of his body smoothly accepted Xi Luo's presence.

Under the tight embrace, Moen carefully felt every movement and shape of Shilo. With just a slight movement, Moen felt weak and powerless, not to mention the impact Shilo had just made, which almost sent her to heaven.

Silo gently held Moen in his arms, whispering softly beside her delicate ear, which was covered in rosy blush, "Relax, don't think about anything, just give your body to me... I told you I would praise you properly, right?"

What kind of praise is this?!

Moen curled his index finger, biting his knuckle with his teeth, and swallowed the cries that came from the raging storm.

Perhaps out of guilt, Shiloh was unusually understanding and did not indulge in his perverse pleasures. Instead, he acted gently, precisely controlling the situation so that Moen would not lose control while still enjoying himself to the fullest.

During the intense training, Moen's sweat soaked her mage robe, the thin robe clinging to her body and revealing her curves to the fullest.

Under Shiloh's extremely gentle treatment, even if Moen still had some remnants of resistance, it quickly melted away in this gentle embrace, turning her into one of those "brainless" women she had once complained about, completely at Shiloh's mercy.

I tried everything in a daze, like a cat stretching, face-to-face bonding, and even potty training a child.

Finally, with a melodious warbling of a nightingale, the rich Yin and Yang energies enveloped the two like a silkworm cocoon, beginning a nourishing process that was enough to transform them completely.

This process was very fast; most of the nutrients were absorbed by Shiloh and then converted into pure energy that Moen could accept, which was then transferred to her.

Nourished by the Yin and Yang energies, Moen's fatigue and exhaustion vanished instantly. The barrier of the [Erosion Realm Steps] was now as transparent as a thin film, seemingly ready to be pierced at any moment.

However, Moen did not do that. Whether it was because she wanted to consolidate her energy further or because she didn't want to appear to have broken through so easily because of Shilo, she chose to keep the excess energy in her body.

As spring fades, a moist blush lingers on Mo En's fair skin, and glistening beads of sweat gently slide down her alabaster complexion, making her appear even more alluring.

Moen, panting heavily, stared blankly at Shilo above, seemingly still reeling from the breathtaking beauty he had just witnessed.

Only when he felt a slight chill on his skin did Moen suddenly shiver and slowly widen his eyes.

"what--!"

Watching Moen suddenly pull away from under him with a sharp crack, and bury himself under the blanket, Xiluo said speechlessly, "Isn't shouting this loudly a bit outdated these days?"

"Aaaaaaah!!! Leave me alone! Go save the world, you bastard—!!!"

Even with the blanket over his head, Moen's voice, loud enough to shatter gold and split stone, still made Xilo's ears hurt. So he reluctantly got dressed and said, "Alright, alright, you stay here and deal with Cambero's matter with Ruby and the others. Wait for my news before returning to the capital."

Chapter 244 The Brave One Who Plays Tricks on the Gods (5k words, bonus chapter)

Rewind to an hour earlier, in the Emperor's bedchamber, the Third Imperial Concubine leaned on Rodel's shoulder, her still-charming face clouded with worry.

"Has it really come to this...?"

This morning, the Third Princess felt uneasy. It wasn't until Rodel summoned her to his bedchamber and told her that the Third Prince, Meredith, had vanished from the palace as if he had evaporated into thin air that she realized that what she had been worried about all along had finally happened.

"Your Majesty...it's all my fault..."

The Third Princess's eyes were red and moist, clearly from crying just now.

Seeing his wife, who had been by his side for many years, looking so sorrowful, Rodel felt as if his heart was being torn apart, but he said nothing. He simply squeezed her shoulder and whispered, "We are both responsible for this. We shouldn't have underestimated the power of the gods... If I had been able to harden my heart and kill the child, perhaps some things wouldn't have happened."

The third prince, Meredith, is a person who should not exist.

When the empire's prophet made a prophecy for Rodel when he was crowned emperor, he indicated that he would only have five children in his lifetime.

Therefore, when the Third Princess became pregnant with her second child, Rodel seemed incredulous, but the feeling of blood connection between him and the child in her womb could not lie; it was the second child he and the Third Princess were carrying!

Rodel thought the prophecy was wrong, so he asked the original prophet to check it again. However, an unexpected thing happened.

This child is indeed his own, but he is a seed of misfortune; his birth may lead to the destruction of the entire empire.

This prophecy, which was no less than a curse, enraged Rodel. Even though the man was a highly respected prophet of the empire, Rodel condemned him severely and ordered him to be imprisoned in the imperial mausoleum as a guard until he bowed his head and admitted his mistake.

However, faced with such punishment, the prophet did not say much, but simply shook his head and returned to his residence.

The next day, upon learning that the other party had not fulfilled the punishment, Rodel angrily sent people to forcibly take him away, and then witnessed a horrific scene.

The prophet's once lean body had now turned into a stinking, bloated mass of sludge. The entire room was filled with an ominous, slimy substance. The only way to identify him was by the single, once intelligent, gray eye atop the sludge heap.