Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1338: Chapter 1336: Night Visit to the Vampire (End)

Youth truly signifies infinite possibilities.

Who would’ve thought it was Lady Number Two who delivered new information, assisting Saphar in his final contributions?

Fu Qian was quite satisfied with the progress on the discussion topic.

Ancient laws—do they contain protection methods akin to the World Within the Painting?

So, the Witch’s claim that her mother’s blood was used to craft the painting—is this also a blessing from the Stars Association?

They created that sanctuary, yet they themselves succumbed to Withering amidst the collapse of time. Perhaps they are still wandering in the mist.

Add to this the fact that creating the World Within the Painting requires the Witch’s mother’s blood and Star Law—does this not imply some connection, or even resonance, between the Dark Moon and the Stars Association?

The logic behind it was beginning to take shape.

“From another painting’s origin… Why do I have no knowledge of such laws?”

Bally asked pensively.

“Could it be because you never attend gatherings?”

Based on her prior behavior, Lady Number Two wasn’t holding back, her opening retort sharp with sarcasm.

“Saphar explicitly stated he didn’t appreciate your style—why should he share such things with you?”

“Fair point. Sounds like I’m even less obligated to avenge him.”

Bally’s counterattack was swift, her wit cutting as she dismissed the affront with ease.

“So, through your investigation, do we have clues pointing to another painting?”

“Oh, we do—it’s right before us.”

Lady Number Two motioned at Fu Qian, her tone unwavering.

“As long as Mr. Herbert is willing to answer, of course.”

…

Unbelievable—they still wouldn’t give up!

The previously easing atmosphere was pulled taut again by Lady Number Two’s words.

Clearly, her implication was to take down Fu Qian—but no one rushed to echo her suggestion.

“Fools, do you think keeping your heads down now means he’ll spare you later?”

Lady Number Two made no attempt to hide her disdain.

“Why do you think Dark Moon released him at this moment?”

“Look at what he’s done since he emerged—hasn’t it all been aimed squarely at the Bloodline Clan?”

“Saphar’s downfall—why shouldn’t it be repeated against you?”

After escalating the tension with her provocative speech, and still seeing wavering gazes among the congregation, Lady Number Two sneered and pointed downward.

“Let’s take a step back. Even assuming Mr. Herbert is noble and conflict-averse at heart, are you willing to have him view you as he does that group below?”

“He’s a being of an even nobler race in the eyes of the Stars Association!”

…

Her final remark, seemingly gentle, struck a chord. Several Bloodline Clan members froze, their expressions rigid.

Their pride, born from their supposed superiority, made being the object of someone else’s superiority deeply unsettling.

“Today is the best—and only—chance. Killing Saphar must have cost him something, and we are all here… He even stepped willingly into this room, so there’s no fear of him escaping.”

Sensing this opportunity, Lady Number Two pressed her point further.

“Kill him together, or turn him into a blood thrall—this is our only choice—”

Her speech cut off abruptly with an uncontrollable gasp.

Massive blood-red wings, etched with intricate patterns, suddenly tore violently from her back, their emergence nearly overshadowing Fu Qian seated nearby.

It seemed like she had used her speech as a cover for a sneak attack—except for the fact that her body was retreating frantically.

Having flashed forward abruptly, she didn’t seize the chance to launch a relentless offensive; instead, her entire demeanor was that of someone escaping.

The Bloodline Clan members, observing this scene, felt their previously hard-edged determination dissolve instantly.

Especially when noting that, faced with such brazen provocation, the Dark Moon Apostle—who had effortlessly dispatched Saphar—hadn’t even shifted position in his seat.

…

“Apologies for the interruption; it seems we’re running out of time and slightly veered off-topic.”

Watching Lady Number Two glide into the air in shock and fury, refusing to descend, Fu Qian finally broke the silence, nodding apologetically.

“Does anyone else have anything to add?”

Sweeping his gaze across the room, Fu Qian calmly repeated his question.

While Lady Number Two’s earlier speech was somewhat stirring, its ultimate impact was far from promising and had undoubtedly wasted time that could have been spent discussing efficiently.

So Fu Qian acted simply—he used the Thread of Concern on her.

It was evident that even though Lady Number Two had rallied everyone to eliminate him, she didn’t seize the moment when it arrived.

And often in life, opportunities come but once.

At this very moment, she had lost her ability to incite the group to hunt him down.

“Nothing further?”

Having subtly neutralized the conflict, and noticing a distinct lack of enthusiasm from others to share their input, Fu Qian shook his head and turned to Bally.

The latter seemed to have the most relaxed demeanor in the circular chamber, even showing a hint of admiration amidst her surprise.

“I thought you’d use the same methods as you did against Saphar.”

“Slaughter is but one way to guide lost sheep—and it’s not the reason I came here today.”

Fu Qian waved away the thought dismissively.

“I understand. Though I’m afraid I have no contributions of my own; this world has felt alien since that day.”

Bally sighed, admitting her limitations openly.

“The only thing I can promise now is to help release the constraints if you wish to leave.”

“It is getting late, but before I go, I have one small question—not mandatory for anyone to answer.”

Fu Qian didn’t reject the offer to lift restrictions. Instead, he rose to his feet.

“Why do Vampires need to drink blood? Is it simply to quench their hunger?”

…

No one anticipated such a question—even Bally’s expression turned peculiar for a moment.

“Not at all; we’re not particularly picky when it comes to sustenance.”

After a brief hesitation, she decided to respond.

“If you insist on a reason—it’s the taste, perhaps… Like a dazzling array of desserts swirling before you. You don’t need to indulge, but the allure never fades.”

“Understood.”

Without further inquiry, Fu Qian headed for the door.

All eyes in the chamber locked onto him, yet no one stepped forward to stop him—not even Lady Number Two spoke again.

The prohibition on the door was indeed lifted. As he calmly shut it behind him, Fu Qian gazed down the silent corridor ahead, letting out a quiet sigh.

Red eyes for their beauty, blood for its taste—the origins of the so-called noble and elegant Bloodline Clan were underwhelming, to say the least.

Overall, this visit proved fruitful. With the precious time now saved, it was time to clock in for work.

Otherwise, his generous paycheck would feel undeserved.

From beneath his tattered cloak, an oddly-shaped pair of wings unfolded.

Fu Qian leapt lightly, disappearing into the depths of the night.