Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1292: Chapter 1290: Vampire’s Night Visit

Sure enough, when you’re trying to introduce a game-changing weapon, you’d better be prepared to bear the risk of backlash.

Natalie’s obsessively twisted character, when slightly guided, is undoubtedly the perfect poison pill, a master at stirring up trouble.

Well then, let’s wish Brother Butler a hearty appetite.

Shaking his head with a sigh, Fu Qian raised his left hand, examining the special reward from this outing.

It was a small metal vial, like one left among the jars in a doctor’s kit, and with a shake, you could tell it held about half a vial of liquid.

As he observed it, information surfaced in his consciousness simultaneously.

[Name: Fine Brew]

[Type: Consumable]

[Introduction: Crimson fine brew, rich and smooth.

After drinking, you can briefly savor the glory of the Bloodline Clan and feel the favor of the Children of the Stars.]

[Remarks: This sweetness will be sought after by countless people and will bring more bittersweet regrets upon awakening.]

It sounded like Miss Winslow’s fate was woven into it, didn’t it?

One wonders if she’s feeling the bittersweet regret mentioned in the remarks right now.

Fu Qian casually unsealed the vial, and sure enough, there was the familiar scent of blood. With the crimson liquid swaying inside, it emitted a hint of intoxicating allure.

To share glory and feel favor—though vaguely articulated, it easily brought Jane’s experiences to mind.

If one drinks this, could they touch the Decree just like her?

It’s definitely an intriguing item, but considering the effect is only temporary, deciding when to indulge in it is a dilemma in itself.

Though it wasn’t the primary goal of this outing, Fu Qian was still quite satisfied with this unique reward and promptly stashed it close to himself. He then raised his head to gaze upward.

The night remained deep, the silent sky adorned with twinkling stars.

With the spoils from this mission, looking upon this grand sight seemed to offer a deeper understanding of what The Sect must feel.

Leytin’s nightlife was clearly unimpressive; he hadn’t run into a single pedestrian since setting out.

And for this bountiful night, what was next on the agenda?

Fu Qian patted his head, oriented himself, and began heading west.

Every second counts—it’s not just empty words.

On such a fine night, it was undeniably the perfect time to honor a promise and visit an old acquaintance.

His destination? The Western Cathedral of the Celestial Sphere Cult.

The day for the vampires’ gathering was still almost a full day away, but Brother Orintel was surely restless by now.

…

Flitting like smoke, moving with lightning speed, Fu Qian’s physique and appearance were rapidly transforming.

Pale skin, crimson eyes—in no time, he had adopted a completely different guise.

This was no one recognizable in reality; this form had appeared in an Ancient Reminiscence when he visited alongside Selana—Herbert.

One must practice consistency; even though the Herbert he saw back then was merely a Moon Follower and not in this vampiric form.

However, borrowing his name, Fu Qian decided to add a bit of flair to restore the image of this First Apostle to its peak.

And why did he choose this vampiric guise?

First off, the Sect would surely have scrutinized every detail of the events at the Winslow mansion, including his method of departure.

Under Frostburn’s glow, the visual effect of the Decree Residue was undoubtedly unforgettable.

Fu Qian believed Amila’s report, submitted earlier today in the morning, would also describe the scene in full detail.

A striking vampire appearance would easily distinguish himself from Anke.

Even better, his peculiar diagnostic procedures at the Winslow mansion had already set the groundwork.

Additionally, according to Yack, the Bloodline Clan had been so discreet over the years that the Sect never obtained concrete evidence of their existence.

This time, Fu Qian was giving them a flashy showcase. If Herbert and Anke were confirmed to be two distinct individuals, the Sect would infer that contamination suspected from the World Within the Painting had silently spread, perhaps connected to an ancient, deeply concealed race.

Thinking this through deeply brings a chilling realization—the Sect would undoubtedly respond with full force.

Furthermore, judging by Yack’s earlier reactions, the Children of the Stars’ organization was currently quite fragmented; his words alone might not hold much sway.

But news of a Decree-corrupting entity, suspected to be a Fallen vampire, would certainly lend weight to his call, thereby enhancing attendance rates at their gatherings.

In summary, the benefits were abundant.

…

Now, however, there was a problem: how to exemplify the vampiric elegance, perhaps akin to that of “the Untouchables”?

Fu Qian came to a halt.

After rushing for a while, he had finally arrived at his destination.

Compared to the buildings he visited during the day, the Western Cathedral of the Celestial Sphere Cult was noticeably more striking and ancient.

Gazing up at its towering and majestic spire, it was easy to understand why those massive bats insisted on choosing this place as their gathering spot.

Unwilling to be observed yet terrified of truly being forgotten—this location was practically tailor-made for those reclusive elites to flaunt their superiority.

True to the Sect’s ethos, the interior was bustling with diligent individuals, making it arguably the liveliest spot he’d encountered all across Leytin tonight.

Come tomorrow night, when a group of “the Untouchables” infiltrates, one wonders what fascinating scenes will unfold.

There’s also a second issue: where to find Orintel and assess his treatment progress?

It wasn’t even confirmed yet whether Orintel had been transferred elsewhere.

Interestingly, these two issues could be resolved together.

Selecting a vantage point, Fu Qian leapt repeatedly, ultimately landing silently on a particular rooftop.

Beneath the narrow skylight, a face brimming with solemnity stared up in contemplation.

Without hesitation, Fu Qian repeated his usual tactics, stretching his form into a streak.

Hmm?

Seemingly sensing something amiss, the young Sect member furrowed his brow and glanced about.

Unfortunately, this vigilance still didn’t lead him to notice the source of the brief dimming light.

“Where is Orintel?”

And just as he gave up the search and tried to return his gaze to the stars, an intrusive thought suddenly surged to the forefront.

Uncertain why this crossed his mind, he instinctively tried to dismiss the distractions.

Yet, a peculiar urge compelled him to contemplate the answer.

“Right below… They say he’s injured and has been receiving treatment ever since.”

At one point, he finally murmured an answer to himself, even providing an impressively detailed route.

As the words left his mouth, a strange euphoria washed over him.

Looking back to the heavens, the starry expanse seemed even more vivid than before.

Momentarily radiant with delight, he scanned around once more to confirm that no one was present, before eventually shelving any lingering doubts.

In an unseen angle, Fu Qian was already descending step by step, following the exact path the young man had described.

What Fu Qian had done earlier was straightforward—entering a dreamscape, posing a question, and concealing himself.

The resulting perception in the victim’s mind translated to a mere “voice,” compelling him toward the peculiarity of uttering self-directed murmurs—nothing more, nothing less.

Just like Miss Winslow’s experience.