Chapter 383: Chapter 344: The Wedding Date Is Approaching, the Duke Has Arrived

"ROAR!"

A deep, distant roar came from the center of the lake.

The Eternal Giant Turtle’s island-sized head turned toward Raylo. Deep within its nebula-like eyes, the reflection of him holding the Head of the Demon Serpent was mirrored.

Sun landed beside Raylo.

A moment later, Sun turned its head and spoke to Raylo.

"It is warning you, Raylo."

Sun’s voice was like a great bell.

"Though the will of the Nine-headed Demon Serpent within the Head of the Demon Serpent is temporarily suppressed, it has not dissipated. It is like a potent poison lurking in the deep sea, constantly trying to corrupt your mind. Be careful not to become a slave to this Catastrophe Weapon, reduced to a monster that knows only slaughter."

Raylo looked down at the serpent’s head in his hand, which had now grown calm.

Its pale, cold touch still seemed to carry the lingering might of the world-destroying power it had just unleashed.

He reached out and gently stroked Moonlight, who was nestled in his arms like a ball of white fluff.

Moonlight comfortably squinted its pale golden eyes, letting out a satisfied purr as the tip of its tail swayed contentedly.

"Thank it for its concern on my behalf!"

He raised his head, looked toward the distant Eternal Giant Turtle, and gave a slight nod to express his gratitude.

The matter here was concluded.

"Baofeng," Raylo called out softly.

"We’re going back."

"SCREE!"

Baofeng let out a shrill cry. With a powerful beat of its wings, it stirred up a strong gale and soared into the sky.

The Golden Dragon Sun let out a high-pitched draconic roar, its massive body taking flight to follow beside the Griffin.

They became two specks of light, one gold and one yellow, and quickly vanished over the dim horizon.

In the lake, the Eternal Giant Turtle watched them depart. Its enormous eyes slowly closed as it gradually sank back into the water.

At dusk, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed Black Stone Castle in a warm, golden light.

As the massive figures of Baofeng and Sun appeared in the sky above the castle, Raylo leaped from Baofeng’s Back and strode toward the main keep.

Inside the dining hall, the flame in the fireplace burned brightly, letting out a soft CRACKLE.

The long oak dining table was laden with a lavish dinner.

There was a whole roasted lamb sizzling with fat, spiced roasted chicken, steaming hot meat broth, and freshly baked bread.

Raylo took off his armor and changed into a set of comfortable clothes.

Moonlight was dozing on the warmest spot on the rug in front of the fireplace.

Beside it, the jet-black Space Young Dragon Coal Ball was furtively hopping about until Moonlight impatiently swatted it away with a paw, at which point it settled down considerably.

Ed joined Raylo for dinner.

"My Lord, everything in the territory has been fine during your absence. However... we’ve received a message from the northwest."

"Speak."

Raylo didn’t even look up, focusing his full attention on the food on his plate.

Ed’s expression turned more serious.

"That Vampire Prince of the ’Crimson Bloodline’ has sent an invitation to all the surrounding human territories."

"An invitation?"

Raylo’s movements paused, and he looked up at him.

"Yes, an invitation to an ’Initial Embrace Ceremony’."

Ed’s tone was somewhat heavy.

"The Prince claims that any Human Lord, or any Extraordinary Being of Tier Three or higher, who is willing to pledge allegiance to him will receive the protection of the Crimson Bloodline. He also says that after undergoing the Initial Embrace Ceremony, they will shed their short human lifespans and gain a much longer life and great power."

The atmosphere in the dining hall instantly grew tense.

Eternal life—the most fatal temptation for mortals.

Raylo wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin and leaned back in his chair.

He had previously received a good deal of intelligence about that Catastrophe Level Vampire Prince of the "Crimson Bloodline" to the northwest.

To the northwest, the Witch Demon King was consolidating his Undead Legion and waging war against the Vampire Prince of the Crimson Bloodline over some ruins.

’For the Crimson Prince to make such a move at this time, his intentions are obvious.’

’He’s trying to expand his army for this great war.’

’Those Human Lords and their armies who accept the Initial Embrace will become the first wave of cannon fodder in his fight against the Witch Demon King.’

’And those tempted Extraordinary Beings are just high-quality recruits.’

’A clever scheme, indeed.’

’Using what people crave most to trade for their very lives.’

"How far has this news spread?" Raylo asked.

"Very far, my Lord," Ed replied. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

"Nearly every Lord within a radius of several thousand kilometers has received it. Rumor has it that a few nobles from smaller territories have already been tempted and are preparing to travel to the Crimson Mountain Range for the Initial Embrace Ceremony."

"Fools," Raylo scoffed.

’They only see the temptation of long life, but not the gaping, bloody maw behind it that devours all.

’By becoming a Vampire, they may seem to gain a long life, but in reality, they lose their most precious human freedom, becoming Blood Slaves and tools for a High Tier existence.’

"We will not get involved," Raylo said decisively.

"The war between the Crimson Bloodline and the Witch Demon King is a fight between jackals and tigers. There’s no need for us to throw ourselves into the fray."

He looked at Ed and gave his orders.

"Starting today, double the patrols in the territory, especially in the areas bordering the northwest. Thoroughly investigate all strangers entering or leaving."

Ed asked, "Are you worried the Crimson Bloodline will move against us, my Lord?"

"I’m not worried about them," Raylo said, shaking his head.

"Tell the Knights to keep their eyes peeled. Any sign of unrest must be stamped out at the first opportunity."

"Yes, my Lord!"

The dining hall returned to its previous tranquility, with only the crackling of the fireplace and the soft clinking of cutlery remaining.