C?u D?ng’s family stood in the middle of their living room, still shaken. Their villa had been frozen solid for days, yet now everything had returned to normal. No frost. No melting water. No lingering chill in the air.

  Join placed his hand on the wall, then crouched down to touch the tiled floor.

  Every trace had vanished — clean, perfect, impossible.

  Mary, standing beside him, narrowed her eyes:

  – “Strange… not even a drop of water. It’s like everything that happened these past few days was just… an illusion.”

  C?u D?ng and M? Linh stood nearby, their foreheads damp with cold sweat. They couldn’t escape the fear gnawing at them — that the eerie phenomenon had been caused by the vengeful spirits of their late sister-in-law and her husband.

  ---

  Anh ?ào tried to recall the scene she had witnessed in the mirror the night before.

  But every time she closed her eyes, only one image surfaced: hellfire. Dozens of tormented souls screaming, a suffocating crimson landscape stretching endlessly.

  She asked shakily:

  – “That’s all I remember… Do Mom and Dad or Anh Ph??ng recall anything else?”

  C?u D?ng and M? Linh frowned, digging through their hazy memories.

  But all they could recall was the faint silhouette of a horned man wearing a crown — no details, just a blur.

  M? Linh shuddered:

  – “I remember someone… but the image is too fuzzy. I can’t recognize anything.”

  C?u D?ng exhaled heavily:

  – “Same here. It’s all fragmented.”

  ---

  Join turned to Anh Ph??ng:

  – “Did you dream of anything? Any detail at all?”

  Anh Ph??ng shook her head:

  – “No… Only the hellscape from the mirror.”

  Join looked at her, then at the couple across the room, a deep suspicion forming.

  – “Impossible… The Demon King Satan appeared right in front of them. How can they not remember?”

  Mary’s thoughts mirrored his concern:

  – “Were their memories erased? But by who? And when? And why didn’t I sense anything?”

  ---

  Just then, Dì T? came up from the kitchen, a plastic basket in hand, ready to go to the market.

  – “Sir told me yesterday — today I’ll buy ingredients to cook Bún M?m. If you want anything else, just say the word.”

  C?u D?ng startled slightly, but quickly composed himself:

  – “Oh right, buy a bit more. Anh Ph??ng’s friends are coming. Make extra bún m?m. Invite Bác Tài’s family and the professor over too.”

  Anh Th? sat down on the sofa, smiling softly:

  – “Dì T?, can you get me some green mangoes?”

  Dì T? beamed:

  – “I’ll get you all the sour fruits I can find. Craving sour food during pregnancy is normal, dear.”

  ---

  Meanwhile, at the international hospital — inside the MRI review room.

  Dr. Tùng and Dr. Th?nh stood before the MRI scans, unable to hide their disbelief.

  Dr. Th?nh held the film up to the light:

  – “Strange… there’s absolutely no abnormality. Her brain and nervous system look perfectly normal.”

  A male nurse scribbling notes into the chart added:

  – “If the scans show nothing unusual, then this is likely psychological in nature.”

  Dr. Tùng nodded:

  – “Send her file to the psychiatry department. I’ll speak with the specialist myself.”

  The room fell into a heavy silence.

  A new mystery had emerged — yet no clues could be found.

  Dr. Tùng hurried into the hospital room where My was resting under the effect of sedatives. Her family stood around her bed, faces tense with worry. The moment they saw him, Mr. Quy and Mrs. Lan rushed over.

  – “How are the MRI results? Is something wrong with my daughter?” Mr. Quy asked anxiously.

  Dr. Tùng offered a reassuring smile.

  – “The results are completely normal. Dr. Th?nh and I reviewed them together — this is a psychological condition. I’ve already transferred her case to a psychiatrist, and they’re preparing a treatment plan combined with medication.”

  Mrs. Lan exhaled deeply, relief softening her expression.

  – “As long as she can return to her cheerful self, that’s all that matters.”

  Tu?n smiled, the heaviness in his chest easing.

  – “I told you, it’s nothing serious. She’s probably been stressed and had a bad nightmare.”

  Deep nodded in agreement.

  – “Then she should avoid horror movies. People who get easily frightened tend to be deeply affected.”

  Ti?n remained silent. His mind buzzed with questions:

  – “How many times has this happened already? Medically, it’s a psychological disorder… but after what happened at Mr. D?ng’s house, it’s obvious some supernatural force intervened. Yet without clues, there’s nowhere to start.”

  ---

  Morning in Ch? L?n – District 5

  Ch? L?n in the morning bustled like a never-ending river of life. Streets around Kim Biên Market and Bình Tay Market were filled with a mix of Vietnamese, Cantonese, and Teochew voices calling out prices. Roasted duck and crispy pork hung glistening behind glass displays. The aroma of herbs drifted from traditional medicine shops, blending with sesame oil, steaming buns, and the smoke from street stalls.

  Cargo tricycles weaved through crowds; elderly Chinese women in bright X?m tops chatted cheerfully; shop owners did lightning-fast calculations on their machines.

  Amid this lively chaos, four operatives of the Serpent Clan sat inside an old cháo shop famous for its plain rice porridge with salted duck eggs. The warm scent of porridge filled the narrow alley.

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  A steaming bowl was set on the table, the salted egg yolk glowing like a ruby in the center.

  L?p Thành picked up half an egg and chuckled:

  – “It’s been ages since I last ate this. I’ll order a century egg too — anyone want some?”

  H?u K? took a sip of porridge, nodding in satisfaction.

  – “Order it. And don’t forget an extra serving of pickled vegetables.”

  ---

  Not far away, Erion’s group stood outside a herbal medicine shop across the street from the porridge stall. Erion removed his sunglasses, his cold gaze scanning the area like a radar.

  – “So this is where the Serpent Clan and the Chinese-Vietnamese community operate?”

  Yin, a vampire of Chinese-Vietnamese Ch? L?n descent and a successful businessman in the food industry, looked around with nostalgia.

  – “Chinese-Vietnamese people in Ch? L?n are exceptional at business — hardworking, frugal, loyal, and deeply community-oriented.”

  Trúc Di?n nodded proudly.

  – “We value practical experience. Degrees matter less than diligence and real-world skill.”

  Trang brushed her hair behind her ear, recalling her own struggles.

  — “Different from those places I applied to before. They all demanded high qualifications and good looks — basically, you had to be pretty. I had neither, so I switched to selling mixed rice paper and milk tea on the sidewalk.”

  H?ng Nhung glanced out at the street and sighed.

  – “And companies now don’t even want to hire older people. Once you hit thirty, they ignore you.”

  A small demon beside her smirked.

  – “Because older workers are harder to control. Experience — both life and work — makes them difficult to manipulate.”

  Din laughed, nodding in approval.

  – “Exactly. If you want control, you pick bamboo shoots, not old bamboo that snaps your fingers.”

  Chen scanned the bustling street, his eyes subconsciously searching for the girl he had quietly admired for so long. Arian glanced at him, then shifted his gaze to the others.

  – “Chen, are you looking for a certain lady?”

  Chen jolted in surprise, scratching his head awkwardly.

  – “I’m… looking for the Serpent Clan operatives. We’re already here but still haven’t spotted them.”

  Erion smirked playfully.

  – “Is that so? Funny, because I don’t see them either. Trúc Di?n, where exactly did you say they were?”

  Trúc Di?n stepped forward, his enhanced sense of smell immediately locking onto his subordinates’ location.

  – “Over there. The porridge shop with salted duck eggs, right across the street.”

  Din waved eagerly.

  – “So that’s where they are. Let’s go. The sun’s getting hotter.”

  ---

  Inside the Porridge Shop

  The moment H?u K? glanced outside, he recognized them instantly. He tugged L?p Thành’s sleeve.

  – “Their Highness and the others have arrived.”

  Nh? Phu and ??i Ng?c quickly straightened their clothes, joining the group as they stepped outside to greet the newcomers.

  As soon as they met, all four Serpent Clan operatives bowed respectfully in unison.

  – “We greet Your Highness.”

  Trúc Di?n nodded.

  – “At ease.”

  When ??i Ng?c lifted her head, her gaze landed right on Chen. Embarrassment flushed her cheeks. Chen, blushing like someone drunk, stuttered:

  – “M–Miss ??i Ng?c… how have you been? It’s been a while.”

  Yin cleared his throat teasingly.

  – “Ah, so I know who he was searching for. Chen hides things well.”

  Chen’s face turned a deeper shade of red.

  – “What are you talking about, boss? I was just saying hello!”

  Trying to steer the conversation elsewhere, H?u K? glanced at Trúc Di?n holding Lita’s hand and quickly cut in.

  – “So this is Your Highness’s lover, isn’t it?”

  Trúc Di?n smiled softly, his demeanor gentle when looking at Lita.

  – “This is my fiancée — the second daughter of Lord Satan.”

  He gestured toward Trang.

  – “And this is Lita’s elder sister — my sister-in-law. And that irritating amber-eyed man is her fiancé — my soon-to-be brother-in-law.”

  Erion growled immediately.

  – “Snake, introduce me properly. Don’t act like I enjoy dealing with you.”

  Crown Prince Arian shot both of his troublesome brothers-in-law a look before turning to the Serpent Clan operatives.

  – “I am their brother-in-law. And this is the fairy H?ng Nhung — my fiancée.”

  Din bowed politely.

  – “And I am a Vampire Count under Lord Erion. This is Yin — my right-hand man — and our little demons.”

  L?p Thành responded with respectful sincerity.

  – “It’s an honor to meet all of you.”

  ---

  While the groups exchanged greetings, ??i Ng?c and Chen stood quietly, their eyes locked, a silent conversation flowing between two hopeless romantics.

  Yin finally spoke up:

  – “Chen, we’re greeting guests. Focus.”

  Trúc Di?n chuckled mischievously.

  – “??i Ng?c and Chen should go on a date soon. I still have plans for these two.”

  Erion immediately shot him a glare.

  – “Chen is my subordinate. If you want to plan anything, you talk to me first. Who gave you permission to decide on your own?”

  Trúc Di?n shrugged casually.

  – “I never said I wouldn’t discuss it. You just didn’t listen.”

  Din sighed with a helpless smile.

  – “Here we go again. Those two never stop bickering.”

  Nh? Phu spoke softly:

  – “Your Highness, we’re heading to the Snake Clan’s headquarters now, correct?”

  Trúc Di?n nodded.

  – “Of course. But before we go, does anyone want to try this porridge with salted duck eggs? It’s a very common dish among the Chinese community.”

  H?u K? smiled, adding an explanation:

  – “Salted duck eggs are a signature side dish in Chinese cuisine. They’re made by curing duck eggs with salt and spices, creating a rich, unforgettable flavor.”

  Trang, who had always loved this dish, brightened immediately.

  – “I used to cook this for Father when we lived in the old rental neighborhood. H?ng Nhung often helped me.”

  H?ng Nhung reminisced, her voice gentle.

  – “The salted eggs we made were the brined version. You wash the eggs, dry them, then boil water with rock salt, cinnamon, star anise, and white wine… and let it cool completely.”

  Trang continued with a warm smile.

  – “When the brine cools, you put the eggs into a glass jar or ceramic pot, seal it, and store it in a cool place. After three weeks, they’re ready. If you want the yolk creamier and richer, you can leave them longer.”

  ??i Ng?c added more knowledge.

  – “That’s the wet method. Where we live, we often make the dry version: Coat the eggs in a mixture of ash and salt, seal them in a container, and cure for about three weeks at room temperature.”

  L?p Thành chuckled gently.

  – “White porridge can be eaten not just with salted eggs but with many side dishes: Shredded pork or fish floss, century eggs, caramelized anchovies, pickled vegetables, sautéed shrimp, braised pork…”

  The little demon children immediately squealed:

  – “General! We want to try! All of that sounds delicious!”

  Erion shot them a glare.

  – “Each of you just ate a whole plate of steak less than an hour ago. You’re embarrassing me.”

  Nh? Phu smiled softly.

  – “If they enjoy our food, then we’re honored. Please, everyone, come inside.”

  Arian looked around warily.

  – “And you’re not afraid humans will recognize us?”

  Trúc Di?n reassured him calmly.

  – “Rest easy, royal brother. The shop owner is one of our Serpent Clan.”

  ---

  Inside the Chinese Congee Shop – Ch? L?n District

  The wooden door swung open, releasing a mild, comforting aroma of freshly cooked rice porridge mixed with the warmth of ginger and pepper. The shop was small but cozy — red lanterns hung from the walls, accompanied by calligraphy paintings and old photographs of Ch? L?n’s historic Chinese-Vietnamese streets.

  Polished wooden tables lined the room, each topped with ceramic jars of pickled vegetables, fried shallots, shrimp floss, and small blue-and-white porcelain bowls. In the corner, a large stainless-steel pot of porridge steamed steadily while the elderly Chinese-Vietnamese owner from Ch? L?n stirred it with practiced hands.

  The sound of the ladle tapping the pot echoed gently; customers ordered in a lively mix of Chinese dialects and Vietnamese, creating the unmistakable atmosphere of a Ch? L?n morning. Golden sunlight filtered through the window panels, glimmering on the rising steam — a vivid, living painting of everyday life.

  As soon as everyone sat down, the owner and his staff brought out steaming bowls of plain rice porridge along with the side dishes. Warmth filled the air as the owner bowed respectfully.

  – “It’s rare to have such distinguished guests. Please, Your Highness and everyone, enjoy while it’s hot.”

  Trúc Di?n pushed the plate of salted duck eggs toward the center.

  – “Try this, everyone. Brother-in-law, brother-wife, and Lita probably haven’t seen this dish before, right?”

  Trang placed half a salted duck egg into Erion’s bowl.

  – “Try it. If you like it, I’ll make some for you and everyone. My father loves it too.”

  H?ng Nhung gently picked up a piece for Arian.

  – “Try the yolk. It’s creamy with a light salty taste.”

  Yin opened the jar of pickled vegetables and served Din.

  – “Count, try this. It’s made from green papaya, cucumber, and white radish… pickled in fish sauce and sugar. It has a sweet–sour flavor and stays crunchy.”

  Din added some pickles into his porridge and took a bite. The harmonious sweet–sour taste and the crisp texture made his eyes narrow in delight.

  – “This is truly delicious and unique. It’s my first time tasting something like this.”

  The little demons nodded enthusiastically.

  – “The salted egg is rich and has a light wine aroma. Princess Trang, please make like… a hundred more eggs!”

  Erion glared at them, his expression darkening.

  – “You little brats eat like bottomless pits! A hundred eggs? I might have to sell several hundred grams of black diamond back on the Dark Star.”

  Laughter filled the small shop, warm and lively.

  ---

  At C?u D?ng’s villa, Dì T? returned from the market, preparing to cook the fragrant Western-style fermented fish noodle soup. She placed green mango, green gooseberries, and young ambarella on the table.

  – “I found gooseberries and ambarella too. Let me mix chili salt for you.”

  Mary quickly unloaded the ingredients from the basket

  – “Let me help you cook the noodle soup, Auntie.”

  Dì T? smiled gently.

  – “You and Join are foreigners. The smell of fermented fish might shock you at first, but once you can eat it… you’ll be hooked.”

  Join happily picked up a green mango.

  – “Anh Th?, can I have a piece of mango too?”

  Anh Th?, rinsing fruit, turned to remind him:

  – “Do you want fish-sauce dip with it? Otherwise it’ll be really sour.”

  ---

  On the first-floor bedroom, C?u D?ng and M? Linh were rummaging through the two talismans from Master B?y. His face twisted in frustration.

  – “Mr. Th?ng told us to see that master, but it solved nothing. Such a waste of time.”

  M? Linh sighed.

  – “Our whole house was frozen for days, and this morning everything just disappeared like nothing ever happened. This is magic. Even Master B?y gave up.”

  She suddenly remembered her dream from earlier.

  – “Honey, I dreamed of H?nh and her husband. I clearly saw H?nh holding a baby centipede, saying it was our grandchild.”

  C?u D?ng frowned, skeptical.

  – “A baby centipede? Why don’t you just say a baby dinosaur? They’re trying to scare us. You need to stay sharp.”

  M? Linh nodded quickly.

  – “You’re right. I forgot their spirits have been haunting us.” – Then she hissed loudly,

  – “You think I’m scared? You two can only pull childish tricks!”