Volume 1: Chapter 8 - Love, Memories

Xiu glanced at the alluring figure beside him. She was as beautiful as ever, her smile still enchanting. Yet, that smile, which seemed to belong to anyone and no one at the same time, was a mask he disliked. He knew it was a facade, a mask everyone in the organization wore. Underneath those masks were gaping wounds of blood and pain.

His bright eyes were filled with affection. He had been deeply attracted by her smile the first time he saw her. He couldn't help but draw close to her, to understand her, to worry for her, and to feel her pain and her wounds.

Two Years Ago, Headquarters of the Shadow Empire

The sun blazed in the sky above the heavily guarded Shadow Island, with clear skies all around. Yet, the island itself was eerily silent, shrouded in low pressure and heightened vigilance.

Today was the inauguration ceremony of the new Shadow Emperor, and heads of various regions had returned to the headquarters to attend the ceremony. Each inauguration was a day marked by blood and turmoil in the Shadow Empire.

Since ancient times, it has been said that "a new ruler means new ministers." The new Shadow Emperor would, upon assuming the role, announce the new heads of various regions. The first task of the new Emperor was to wrest power from the old heads, a crucial moment to showcase his abilities and establish his authority.

In the grand hall of the Shadow Empire, the black, glossy floor stretched out, and the nearly thousand-square-meter white carved ceiling was supported by a hundred or so creamy white stone pillars. The ceiling's scattered light windows allowed warm sunlight to flood the hall. The blend of black and white exuded a mysterious, imposing aura that impacted the senses.

The usually cold and solemn hall was now bustling with people. Faces that were typically cold, cruel, and bloodthirsty revealed genuine smiles upon seeing long-lost acquaintances. However, the undercurrent of tension in the hall remained as turbulent as ever, growing more intense with the passage of time.

"Master, the time has come, but the young master is still missing," said Su Sha, the cold and unfeeling personal guard of the Shadow Emperor, with sweat on his face.

"Let's go! I believe in my son. He will appear!" Lei Li, in his fifties, had a stern and handsome face, his dark, deep eyes filled with determination. The worry in his heart was known only to himself.

Lei Tianyi, Lei Li's son and the next Shadow Emperor, was the heir to the LE Group, a top ten multinational corporation, due to his mother, Mo Ziyan, being its president. After completing special training at fifteen, he left home alone, and there had been no news of him for three years.

"Shadow Emperor, can the ceremony begin?" asked the elder of the Shadow Empire, who was presiding over the ceremony.

"Proceed!" The deep voice betrayed no emotion.

"Please invite the young master to the hall!"

All eyes turned to the door.

"Please, young master, come to the hall quickly!"

--- The long wait filled the crowd with confusion. Lei Li's gaze flickered slightly.

"Please—"

"Elder, no need to call again. Shadow Emperor, may I boldly ask, is the young master truly absent?" He Tangzhu, in charge of North America, looked directly at the Shadow Emperor, his tone respectful but a sinister smile flashing in his eyes.

"Is the young master really absent? Should we consider another candidate?" asked Li Yin, the head of Shengli Doya Academy, following He Tangzhu. The other head of the academy, Hei Lei, was absent, as the academy could not be left without a leader.

Seeing someone speak out, others quickly followed, indicating that there was indeed some truth to the question. Although they feared Lei Li, their comments were pointedly directed at Lei Tianyi. They all understood that if the next Shadow Emperor were not Lei Li's son, their authority would not be respected, and their power could not be reclaimed.

Even the seasoned Shadow Emperor Lei Li could not hide his worried expression. 'Is the empire we worked so hard to build facing fragmentation?' He was not afraid of the Shadow Empire falling into outsiders' hands; capable individuals could take the throne. But he feared the empire breaking apart. The Shadow Empire was filled with elites, and leading them and ensuring their loyalty was no simple task.

Aside from Lei Tianyi, no one else could fulfill this role. Tianyi's capabilities were well recognized. If Tianyi were in charge, though his subordinates might not be as loyal as they were to Lei Li, they would fear Tianyi's methods. The next batch of elites would be entirely loyal to him.

But now—Lei Li's expression grew darker.

The crisp sound of applause, though not loud, clearly reached everyone's ears. The once noisy hall fell into silence. If not for the lingering words, people might have thought they were dreaming, as the reality was too terrifying to imagine.

"Your performance was truly impressive. I almost didn't want to make my appearance! Is this your 'gift' for my ascension?" His icy gaze swept over the terrified faces, and his mocking words cut through like a knife, lightly grazing the heart.

"Should I also 'return the favor' to each of you?" Each word struck like a heavy blow, pounding on the already overwhelmed hearts, the veins seemingly on the verge of bursting, blood threatening to shoot up like a fountain.

A ruthless glint flashed in his deep, pool-like eyes. His chilling voice seemed to come from hell. "I've established a new Ghost Palace in Africa. Go and 'inspect' it for me! Oh, and He Tangzhu and Li Yin must try the new inventions. Thank you for your concern over the past three years!"

The faces of the crowd turned ashen. Overwhelmed by fear, some collapsed to the ground, while He Tangzhu, fearing a fate worse than death, bit his tongue and committed suicide. Li Yin was so terrified that he died on the spot.

Lei Tianyi looked at his dazed father, Lei Li, and smiled faintly. His smile contained a complex mix of emotions: comfort, care, gratitude, and apology.

Lei Li was deeply moved by the events but was highly satisfied with his son. He composed himself.

"From now on, the position of Shadow Emperor will be passed to Lei Tianyi. From this moment on, all under the Shadow Empire shall obey the new Shadow Emperor Lei Tianyi."

Lei Li and Su Sha left the hall, and Lei Li's voice was faintly heard. "Sigh, Su Sha, we're getting old! I actually felt a pang of reluctance. —Let's go play a game of chess. It's been years since we last played. I remember when..."

Lei Tianyi watched his father's figure disappear from view, took a deep breath, and resolved to build his own empire.

"Before we proceed with new personnel arrangements, I'd like to introduce two people. Qi and Xiu, please come forward! They will be my personal guards from now on."

The crowd looked at the two with admiration, appreciation, and envy. No one questioned the Shadow Emperor's decisions, and being trusted by him meant they had exceptional qualities.

"Li Yu, you did an excellent job monitoring He Tangzhu and Li Yin. I'm granting you a one-month vacation. After a month, you will go to manage Shengli Doya Academy."

"Yes, I will go to Shengli Doya Academy immediately. No need for a vacation." Li Yu didn't know what to do with the vacation; she would rather work. Work was her life, and she needed nothing else.

Xiu turned his face, his bright eyes gazing at Li Yu with interest. Her smile, so seemingly capable of melting hearts, was puzzling. Why did she not seem to enjoy life? At that moment, he decided to reshape her.