TSFLIP Chapter 969

“That’s… that’s not such a simple issue.” Wang Ci’s smile faded as she looked at her daughter, bound against the wall by vines. “You don’t have to be with Situ You, but you must be with a pureblood vampire. You know your status, and you know the Elders’ Council’s rules. Purebloods are incredibly precious to vampire society. The Council will never allow you to be with someone who isn’t pureblood.”

Vampire hunters were regulated by the Hunters’ Association, while vampires were governed by the Elders’ Council.

Normally, the Council didn’t interfere in family matters. Their main roles were to maintain balance between humans and vampires—working in opposition to the Hunters’ Association—and to preserve the legitimacy of pureblood families.

Pureblood vampires were becoming increasingly rare. It was like when only two animals of the same species remained in the world—humans would intervene to ensure they reproduced and continued the line.

Fengguang’s heart pounded. “Do I really… really have to follow the Council’s decision?”

“You never cared about these matters before, and I didn’t push you,” Wang Ci said. “But now you need to understand: if the Council issues an order and our Xia family refuses, we will become enemies of all vampires. Even if your father and I want to protect you, we can’t fight everyone at once. In the end, they’ll take you away for judgment.” She frowned. “I told you before—those found guilty at trial have their hearts torn out. Fengguang, you’re my only child. I can’t watch something happen to you.”

“I…”

“So,” Wang Ci cut her off, returning to her decisive, no-nonsense tone, “today I have to strip you and check for myself!”

“W-wait!” Fengguang cried as the green vines began to move, alive as if they had a will of their own, starting to pull at her clothes.

Before they could fully strip her, the vines stopped. Her collar had been undone, revealing pale skin marked by red love bites and a striking black rose.

Her clothes were still mostly on, but her secret had been exposed. For a moment, Fengguang didn’t know whether to feel relieved or terrified.

The vines quickly retreated. She collapsed to the floor with a thud. When she looked up, she saw her mother’s face—cold as ice.

She thought, I’m finished.

Wang Ci strode over, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her to her feet. Then, unable to believe what she’d seen, she tugged Fengguang’s collar open a little more and stared for a long time. Once she was certain she wasn’t mistaken, she asked in a trembling voice, “Fengguang… tell me. Which man did this?”

Her mother wasn’t angry—she was afraid. Fengguang froze. “Mom… what are you scared of?”

“You don’t know… No, it’s better if you don’t,” Wang Ci muttered, suddenly trying to steady herself. In a shaken whisper, she added, “That person… that person shouldn’t be someone you know…”

Fear rose in Fengguang’s chest. “What are you talking about?”

“Listen to me carefully,” Wang Ci said coldly. “No matter who that man is, I will not allow you to see him again. I’ll apply to the Elders’ Council and say you’re unwell. You’ll be taking a leave of absence from Osiris for a while.”