Chapter 56: Who’s Scrawny?!

White Bird?

There was no doubt. Those red eyes…

No one—no one—in the Underworld possessed such striking, menacing red eyes except for White Bird, the infamous leader of the White Bird Organization.

Everything suddenly made sense.

That day in Japan—how effortlessly she took down those thugs, how ruthlessly she handled the so-called Boss of Black Tiger. She had known all along that the man was a fraud, a mere pretender.

That was why she humiliated him instead of outright eliminating him. If not for her rare moment of mercy, he and anyone foolish enough to be associated with him would've been erased from existence.

Impersonating one of the Divine Beasts of the Underworld… That was an unforgivable crime.

Ethan swallowed hard, his mind racing.

"How?" He muttered to himself, unable to tear his gaze away from her.

It was surreal.

Too similar.

They were like two halves of a perfectly cut gem. Was this some cruel joke from fate? Or was the god of love simply biased in their favor? Either way, he wasn't about to complain.

Lillie Bai… White Bird…

Was it really just a coincidence that her company bore the same name?

Hong Long and White Phoenix.

Ethan almost laughed. Even in the Human Realm, their paths were destined to intertwine.

Lillie's gaze remained impassive as she studied his reaction. "Aren't you upset to meet your past enemy?"

She arched a brow, as if expecting hostility—yet all she found was amusement flickering in his dark eyes.

Ethan smirked, leaning back. "On the contrary, it just proves that heaven wants us together."

Lillie ignored his flirtation, but a quiet relief settled in her chest.

Ethan had been one of the Divine Beasts long before Lillie took over as White Bird. But even though she was new to the power that came with the title, her influence had risen to rival his. Emperor and Empress of the Underworld—that was what they were once called. Not true enemies, but never quite allies either.

Their subordinates often clashed, engaging in fights to prove their dominance. And more often than not… White Bird emerged victorious.

Lillie exhaled softly, the red in her eyes fading back to their usual ice-cold blue. "Since you've left the Underworld for good, this matter will no longer be discussed."

Ethan frowned. Something about the way she said it… It wasn't just a simple statement.

She was dismissing him.

He straightened. "Wait."

Lillie shook her head, her voice unwavering. "It is no longer your concern. Just continue your work here."

Her tone carried a finality that made his chest tighten. This wasn't just about his past—something had happened back there.

But if Ethan had left, she would respect his decision. She would not let him return.

That was why she had revealed his identity. It had to be done.

Because now, there was proof that She Gu was an impostor. That man was not the real Red Dragon. And with this revelation, even his strongest ally—Azure Tortoise—would abandon him.

In the Underworld, overthrowing a Divine Beast without following the proper rites was a crime punishable by death.

The Reaper's Association would not let this slide.

But even with this crucial information, Lillie needed more. The files she had stolen—proving that Ethan was the true Vermillion Dragon—were not enough. The Underworld wouldn't accept mere documents.

She needed someone who knew Ethan as Vermillion Dragon.

Personally.

Ethan, unfortunately, was not that person.

Unless…

"I did say that I wouldn't come back," Ethan murmured, watching her intently. A slow grin spread across his lips.

"…but when did I ever promise not to?"

For a moment, Lillie said nothing, but Ethan could see the slight flicker of exasperation in her expression. He still couldn't believe it—his wife had been closer to him all along.

Then a sudden memory struck him—one that made him wince.

Oh, shit.

He had met White Bird before.

And back then, he had said some really dumb things.

Like…

"Who's this pipsqueak? The new White Bird? Pfft! Are you kidding me?"

And…

"Already fighting with the big boys? You're not done drinking your mother's milk yet!"

Oh.

Oh, God.

He barely resisted the urge to clutch his head.

And then there was the worst one—

"Look at that scrawny body of yours, I bet you can't even touch my fingernail."

Ethan had been young, arrogant, and completely unaware of the trouble he was provoking.

And then she annihilated him.

Brutally.

Ethan swallowed hard, silently sending a prayer to every god and deity he could think of.

"Please, please don't let her remember that."

Lillie's lips curved into the faintest smirk.

"En. Don't worry," she said coolly. "This scrawny body of mine can handle anything."

…She remembered.

Ethan wanted to curl up in a corner and cry.

Who's scrawny?! My wife, your body is perfect! Even the goddess of beauty would pale in comparison!

Please, don't torment your husband like this!