Sang was practicing his swordplay alone near the main gate of 【Heavenly Key】.
As he swung his blade, the gate suddenly swung open.
Sang quickly halted his movements and glanced over. A dazzling beam of light poured in, carrying a chill gust from the depths of winter.
Three figures followed in its wake.
As the glare faded, Sang’s vision blurred momentarily. It took a moment before he could make out the newcomers clearly.
The leader was a man who appeared to be in his forties, with short red-gray hair and gray-white stubble linking his temples to his chin. He looked every inch the perfect English gentleman, exuding a commanding presence that didn’t require raised voices—an aura of extreme oppression.
A second man trailed behind him, also middle-aged. The knight’s sword at his waist marked him as the leader’s personal guard. What drew even more attention, however, was the iron chain he held. At its other end shuffled the third figure, hooded in a black sack like a prisoner. Even so, her build made it clear: this was a human woman.
What an odd trio.
A master, his knight, and a slave?
The moment the middle-aged leader appeared, Aisha Hodhua and Lusana paled in fear beside Sang. They bowed their heads, curtsied formally, and spoke in unison.
“Duke Cape, greetings.”
Sang’s eyes widened in realization. So this was Richter Cape, current head of the Cape Family—one of the Four Great Dukes and the true power behind Central.
Indeed, in the True Ancestor’s absence from governance, Richter Cape had seized control of all Central, wielding authority equal to hers and standing at the pinnacle of power on this continent.
Of course, this wasn’t the original world, where numbers alone could topple rulers who lost their grip or public support.
This world was different. As long as the True Ancestor’s personal strength vastly outstripped Richter Cape’s, he could never usurp her—no matter how long he lived.
In short, the True Ancestor’s individual might was overwhelming, akin to a demon king. One of her could match tens of thousands, leaving Richter Cape no path to replace her.
Besides…
No wonder the man looked familiar. He was Samuel Cape’s father. Like father, like son—villains bred villains. Richter Cape didn’t strike Sang as any better: arrogant, dismissive of all, especially humans.
Truly… only one Blood Race commanded his genuine admiration—that snow lotus blooming atop the snow-capped peaks.
Lusana took a step forward. “Duke Cape, to what do we owe the pleasure of your unannounced visit to 【Heavenly Key】?”
Richter Cape’s arrogance was palpable; he had no patience for explanations to underlings. He replied coolly, “Stand down. You don’t have the right to question me.”
As he spoke, his gaze shifted to Sang, not far away. Those eyes held the same subtle yet intimidating force, sending chills racing across Sang’s skin. What a terrifying presence—nothing like the juniors from his last visit. This man could hide his aura like Snow Hill, yet he chose the opposite, deliberately unleashing his pressure.
It felt like the weight of an endless ocean bearing down on his shoulders.
Sang didn’t back down. He stood his ground, meeting Richter Cape’s stare.
Truth be told, he bore a grudge against this man. If not for him selecting Sang as the True Ancestor’s Blood Servant, he’d still be living his peaceful rural life in Kaen Town.
But…
Their eye contact lasted only a moment before Richter Cape looked away. He strode deeper into 【Heavenly Key】, bypassing any formal announcement and heading straight for the True Ancestor.
Remarkably, not a single maid dared intercept him along the way.
Sang didn’t follow. He stayed put.
Roughly an hour later, Richter Cape and his knight returned to the Earthly Pavilion. They departed together—but the hooded woman was gone.
Had she been left behind in the Heavenly Pavilion?
For some reason, an ominous premonition stirred in Sang’s gut. Could she be… another Blood Servant? Was he about to be replaced?
Sang had no desire to be ousted. Don’t misunderstand—he wasn’t jealous, or afraid of losing the True Ancestor’s favor.
No, it was simpler: once replaced, he’d lose all purpose. He might even die. This was a matter of life and death.
…
That night…
Earlier than usual—not quite the same routine—Sang headed alone to the Heavenly Pavilion. But as he rounded the final stairwell corner, a horrifying sight met his eyes.
The True Ancestor raised her hand and slashed lightly. In an instant, a human woman’s head tumbled free, hitting the ground with a thud.
The head rolled several times before coming to rest at Sang’s feet.
Face up, eyes wide in deathless shock, staring right at him.
Sang’s pupils contracted sharply. He froze in place, dumbfounded. He’d known this world was brutal, a daily parade of bullying and tyranny. Yet this was his first brush with such raw gore.
Having slain her victim, the True Ancestor licked the blood from her hand. Her crimson eyes turned to the youth, and she flashed her usual carefree smile. “Little Bug, you’ve arrived.”
“What a shame. If you’d come sooner… you could have tried the thrill of killing yourself.”
Her smile was so natural, utterly devoid of guilt. So radiant, it chilled the soul.
Last time, when she’d called down thunder, the distance had spared Sang the details—no real discomfort despite the casualties. The time before, she’d only hurt him, non-fatally; painful, but bearable. But now… killing right before him, severing the head. Too savage, too bloody.
“Why kill again!?” Sang couldn’t contain his rage. He shouted as he stormed forward, stopping right in front of her.
The True Ancestor blinked, feigning a touch of innocence, as if she’d done nothing wrong.
The next instant…
She reached out with her bloodied hand, pressing it to his throat. A hint of irritation colored her voice. “A mere little bug—don’t get too cocky!”
With those words…
A shock slammed into Sang’s chest, hurling him backward. He crashed precisely into the wall. If not for his enhanced physique, a normal body would have shattered in multiple fractures.
The Black-Haired Woman sat atop the Black Coffin, her icy gaze fixed on Sang. “Don’t get one thing wrong. I’ve only spared you because you’re mildly amusing. Know your place.”
In that moment…
The sudden pain snapped Sang back to his senses. He’d lost all reason just now, daring to question the True Ancestor. He had to survive—play it smart, not hotheaded.
The next moment…
He gritted his teeth, dropped to one knee, and feigned sincerity. “My apologies, True Ancestor. I overstepped.”
“Humans… always so greedy. Give them a taste of kindness, and they forget their station. Little Bug, I’ll forgive you this once. As punishment, clean up this mess. Dispose of the corpse however you like.”
