Liao Tingyan was once a modern-day office worker with no grand ambitions—her life revolved around the everyday grind, small comforts, and avoiding trouble. After a sudden accident, she awakens in an immortal world as a disciple of the Qinggutian Sect, her fate bound to forces far beyond her control.

Sima Jiao, on the other hand, is a cultivator of terrifying power. Sealed away for 500 years, burdened with a spirit fire that corrodes him from within, he has grown cold, bitter, and merciless. Betrayal and isolation have long hardened his heart, leaving him with nothing but rage.

When Tingyan becomes his disciple, their connection begins out of necessity. Unbeknownst to her, she was chosen by the demon realm to get close to Sima Jiao. Yet instead of betrayal, she brings into his life something he thought he had lost forever—gentleness, warmth, and an unexpected calm.

Through political intrigue, betrayal, and battles across the realms of Immortals, Demons, and Humans, the bond between them deepens. Tingyan’s quiet strength slowly melts Sima Jiao’s defenses, while he becomes both her protector and her greatest test.

Their story spans lifetimes and realms, where love must defy fate, sacrifice weighs heavier than destiny, and redemption may be the only path to survival. Together, Sima Jiao and Liao Tingyan must decide—will they fight against the heavens, or surrender to the destiny that binds them?

The sky over the Demon Palace darkened with restless clouds. Whispers spread among disciples that the Demon Lord's temper was sharper than ever.


Liao Tingyan moved quietly through the palace halls, hoping not to draw attention. She knew all too well that one misstep could put her back into punishment. But her silence did not protect her—because wherever she went, eyes followed her.


Summoned before him, she stood in the great hall. Sima Jiao reclined lazily on his throne, yet the cold weight of his presence pressed down like iron chains.


"You've grown bold," he said softly, his tone laced with mockery.


Tingyan lowered her head quickly. "This disciple dares not."


He chuckled, not believing her. With a flick of his hand, chains of black energy shot out, binding her wrists.


"You think you can hide from me?" His voice was both a question and a decree. "Everything in this palace belongs to me. Including you."


But then, as if the storm passed in an instant, he released her. The chains vanished, leaving faint marks on her skin.


"Do not forget," he warned, his gaze burning into her, "you remain only because I allow it."


She bowed low, her heart racing, knowing that any wrong word could turn that fleeting mercy back into cruelty.


Elsewhere in the sect, disciples gossiped about her openly.


"Why does the Demon Lord favor her?" one asked.


"She's no different from us," another muttered bitterly.


But none dared say it within Sima Jiao's hearing.


Tingyan heard their whispers as she passed, and though she kept her head down, she felt the weight of isolation pressing in.


That night, Sima Jiao summoned her again. In the flickering light of the hall, he leaned close, studying her face.


"Do you know what happens to those who betray me?" His tone was calm, almost gentle, yet his words dripped with menace.


Tingyan swallowed hard and shook her head.


"They die," he whispered, his smile sharp as a blade.


She froze, her body stiff, caught between fear and something she could not name.


As she was dismissed, Tingyan turned slightly. His figure remained on the throne, shrouded in shadow, eyes glowing faintly in the darkness.


It was a look that promised two things—danger and inevitability.


No matter how she tried to run, she knew Sima Jiao would never let her go.


✨ End of Episode 11 — Between Chains and Shadows


Chapter 11 - Episode 11 — Between Chains and Shadows