A few moments later, they both landed at a place that was completely isolated. It looked like a forest, but not an ordinary one. The aura was deeply dark because all the trees were completely black— even the leaves were pitch-black. Lingxi was amazed to see a place like this.
They landed and began strolling through the dense forest. Lingxi looked around in surprise. The forest was so thick that there was no one around, not even a single bird.
"This place is called Night Valley," Zeyan said.
"No wonder," she replied while observing the environment. "The name suits it… but why are all these trees black?"
"Because these trees are evil spirits," he explained. "They tried to harm the people of our kingdom. Many conspired against the royals. Once, these evil spirits were very powerful. We extracted their blood and turned their spirits into these trees. That's why they are black—because they have no blood left, only dark spirit."
"You mean all these trees are spirits? This forest is vast… that means—"
"You're correct," Zeyan interrupted. "All these trees are evil spirits. Not one or two—there are thousands. And they are black because there is no blood and no remaining power."
"You have given me important information, my lord," she said.
"Now I want yours," he replied sharply. "Enough about me. Tell me something about yourself. From which place do you come?"
"My goodness," she said with a small smile. "My lord is finally interested to know about me."
"Don't change the topic," he warned, narrowing his eyes. "Tell me. From where are you?"
"I will not lie to you," she finally said. "Actually… I am from Canglan Realm."
The moment Zeyan heard that, only one thought crossed his mind — she didn't lie. He didn't say anything and simply continued walking.
After a few moments, they reached a well. Zeyan walked closer to it, and when Lingxi looked inside, the water was pink.
"What is this, my lord?" she asked. "Why is the water pink?"
"Because this is not water," he replied.
"This place is strange," she murmured. "The trees are not trees, and water is not water… then what is this?"
"You have encountered only one place of the Demon Realm, and you are already shocked?" Zeyan smirked. "Let me answer. This isn't water. This well shows the result of betraying the demons."
"A… well?" she asked cautiously.
"Yes. Whenever we find someone betraying us, or when other realms send spies to us, they are brought here. Their bodies are crushed so badly that not even bones remain. Their blood and bone powder together make this pink liquid."
Lingxi gulped and slowly removed her hand from the edge of the well, stepping back.
The well was deep, and it was filled with that disturbing liquid.
"Why are you anxious?" he asked, stepping close. "You don't need to be afraid. Betrayers and enemies should fear this— not you, my dear."
He lifted his hand and gently touched her cheek, rubbing it with his thumb.
He pretended to calm her down, but his clever expression made it clear—
he had intentionally brought Lingxi to the Night Valley to show her the consequences of betraying the Demon Lord.
"Don't you think we should leave now?" she said nervously.
"Why?" he asked teasingly. "Aren't you enjoying spending time with me? This is what you wanted, right?"
"Actually…"
"Then come," he said with a faint smile. "Let's have some more look around."
They both again started to walk. Lingxi was looking at those trees, which were once evil spirits. The only thought crossing her mind was: If Zeyan truly care for his kingdom, then why was he taking the life of that man the night I first saw him?
Could he also be the enemy? the doubt flashed in her mind. But the way he killed that man was different. The man standing next to him… the same one who drank the blood of that poor soul… Lingxi could never forget that man's shrieks.
Lingxi was so deeply indulged in her thoughts that she hadn't realized she had stopped walking.
"What happened?" Zeyan asked, looking at her. "What's going on in your mind? Are you afraid?"
"No, my lord. Why would I be afraid?" she replied quickly.
The same moment, Lingxi noticed something near a tree.
"Actually… I stopped for a reason," she said. "My lord, didn't you say all the trees and their leaves are completely black?"
"Yes. So what?"
"Then why is that leaf red?" She pointed at the tree beside them.
"Not possible," he said sharply.
"See for yourself."
Zeyan walked close to the tree. One leaf on that tree was turning red. His expression immediately changed — serious and anxious. He looked around, and to his astonishment, he found that each and every tree contained one or two red leaves hidden inside.
"This is not right. Something is going wrong here," he said.
"My lord… is this not a good sign?"
"Obviously not. But you have sharp eyesight. You noticed a leaf that was hidden."
"My lord—"
"Shhh…" Zeyan interrupted immediately. He had sensed something unusual.
He turned swiftly and extended his hand.
A red-colored snake shot out from the leaves of the tree it was hiding in. With his powers, the snake was suspended in the air before them. Lingxi stood behind him, shocked.
"So you were the one behind this," he said coldly.
The snake wasn't small — it was quite large. A yellow mist flowed from Zeyan's hand, as if that mist was burning the snake. In a few moments, he clenched his hand tightly and pulled the energy back, and the snake disappeared completely into the air.
But the next moment, something unexpected happened.
The right hand he had used to unleash his powers suddenly began emitting a blue light. His face turned tense, as if he was feeling a sudden sharp pain. He grabbed his right hand with his left, trying to forcefully stop whatever was happening — but nothing worked.
He looked ahead. There was nothing visible in the air, yet an invisible aura was absorbing his energy.
He closed his eyes, gathered his strength, and waved the same hand across the air, trying to expose whatever was draining him. The invisible aura became visible — it was a black mist formed after the snake's death.
Now they could see it clearly.
A dark, swirling black mist surrounded Zeyan, above his head, absorbing his energy. His hand stopped emitting the blue light, but it was clear he was not fine. The black aura continued sucking his strength relentlessly.
"What's happening, my lord?" Lingxi said anxiously. She was unable to understand anything.
Zeyan was breathing heavily. He waved his hand again to disperse the black mist, but this time, there was no effect. Not even a spark of light appeared.
Alas… his powers weren't working.