On a frigid winter night, thick feathery snow drifted gently over the silent city. The cold, carried by gusts of wind and snow, swept through the deep winter darkness.
Anyone would choose to burrow into warm blankets and drift into peaceful dreams.
All was serene—until a black figure landed silently on the street’s covered walkway.
He moved with lightning speed, a blur of motion, yet not a single sound escaped him.
Silvery moonlight bathed his form, casting his shadow onto a chamber door.
Within the dark silhouette, a sharp dagger gleamed in his right hand.
Before the exquisitely carved grand door stood a man clad in black, a half-face mask concealing his features.
*This is it,* he thought. *Even if you’ve sealed every escape route, I won’t surrender.*
Confirming the room, his hand gripped the doorknob. His resolve hardened.
*Tonight, I send you to your grave—even if it means mutual destruction.*
He turned the knob slowly, pushing the door open just enough to slip inside.
Stepping into the chamber marked on his "hit list," he shut the door swiftly behind him.
Xue Yu was here to assassinate—to avenge his fallen brothers.
This was his first mission outside his calling. But this chance—hard-won, once-in-a-lifetime—would not come again.
Success was non-negotiable. He *would* kill the Succubus Empress.
The moment he entered, an overwhelming fragrance assaulted his senses. It saturated the room, surging wildly into every corner.
One breath nearly overwhelmed Xue Yu’s mind with its cloying sweetness.
The scent was irresistibly alluring—hundreds of times stronger than the finest flower or richest delicacy he’d ever known.
He nearly choked, pressing a hand over his nose as he edged along the wall.
It was said Succubus Curses, male or female, bore a skin fragrance ordinary humans couldn’t resist. But Zi Li’s… was terrifyingly potent.
Like ants drawn to sugar, humans were helpless before her allure—especially Zi Li’s.
Even a single inhale left Xue Yu dizzy, his warrior’s will faltering.
That one breath left his thoughts clinging to the scent, craving it.
Feeling the wall, he crept cautiously toward the bed.
By the dim light through the sealed window, he spotted the lump beneath the covers. Dagger raised, he aimed for the pillow.
He thrust down hard—a strike fueled by grief and vengeance for brothers lost forever.
*Crack~* A soft tear of cotton stuffing.
The blade pierced the pillow easily; he felt it sink deep into the mattress.
But something was wrong.
He’d slain female Succubus Curses before. A woman’s body felt different.
This? Like stabbing a bundle of cotton.
*Whoosh~*
The window swung open. Moonlight flooded the room.
A cold draft snapped his attention toward the frame.
Then he saw her—and knew: this assassination had failed.
“To hide in my kingdom, slay nobles unseen… you, the last fish who slipped the net, have skill.” A youthful, honeyed voice drifted from the sill.
Melodious as a nightingale at dawn.
*If a singer had that voice, concerts would sell out instantly,* Xue Yu mused.
Leaning there was a girl with silken lavender hair nearly brushing the floor. A purple-and-white sleep robe bared her shoulders, cut short like a skirt.
Bathed in moonlight, she glowed like polished porcelain.
Two generous curves strained gently against the fabric.
Cuteness and sensuality fused perfectly in the Succubus Empress.
Her slender legs seemed fragile enough to snap—yet that delicacy accentuated their elegant curve.
Every detail radiated innate, intoxicating allure. One glance stirred forbidden thoughts.
She stood effortlessly, one heel lifted. Each motion flowed with ethereal grace, as if descended from the moonlit heavens.
Yet behind that celestial beauty swayed a demonic tail—a stark contrast to her aura.
A violet pendant hung from its heart-shaped tip.
With a flick, she brought the necklace to her palm. Then her heterochromatic eyes—purple and gold—locked onto the intruder.
Cloak and mask concealed Xue Yu’s face, yet she read his expression clearly:
dazed… almost entranced.
Her captivating voice purred, “Hmm? Do you want to lick it?”
She’d noticed his gaze fixed on her feet. *A leg admirer?* she tested.
“To assassinate nobles unseen… you have talent. Submit to this Empress. Become ‘livestock’ providing ‘sustenance’… and I might just grant your desires.”
*Huh? What am I thinking!* Xue Yu slapped his cheek, shaking off her honeyed words.
He’d seen Zi Li in battle armor—yet her beauty blazed through steel and leather like fire through paper.
Anything she wore became perfection.
And now? Only sleepwear.
His mind resisted the Succubus Curse’s lure—but his body betrayed him.
Clear-headed yet… aroused.
Thankfully, his thick robe hid the evidence.
“Demon Empress Zili,” Xue Yu sheathed the dagger that had felled nobles, “I won’t fall for your charms again!”
He drew a worn longsword from his back—taken from a Succubus Curse grunt during his escape.
“You’re the first human to break my enchantment,” she mused. “Pity. Even untouched by my allure… aren’t you still my defeated foe?”
They’d met before—on the battlefield where Human and Succubus Curse armies clashed.
Xue Yu had lost. Crushed by raw power. Nothing else.
As she spoke, the necklace on her porcelain fingers glowed—two intertwined flowers, violet and gold.
Blinding purple light erupted. Xue Yu shut his eyes.
When he opened them, Zi Li advanced with elegant cat-steps.
Her right hand now gripped a longsword: silver blade, hilt woven with purple and gold.
Demon Empress Zili’s gaze returned—familiar, sharp.
Her heterochromatic eyes shone like jewels, yet brimmed with cold killing intent.
In seconds, Xue Yu felt it: blades hidden in her stare.
His courage faltered.
*She’s unbeatable.*
He spun toward the door—but a violet flash slashed the floor before him.
A magical blade cratered the wall. Plaster rained down; dust swallowed him.
“Cough—so fast!” Choking, he sensed shifting air. Instinct seized the sword hilt. He rolled clear.
*Crash!* Stone shattered where he’d stood.
“Such power… from a girl this young?”
Not his first clash with the Succubus Empress—but awe still gripped him.
*Is this the might of the Belanite Clan—the strongest Succubus Curse lineage?*
What human could ever stand against it?
And what fate awaited those who fell?
