At that moment, Ye Fan asked, "Has the European Church Court attacked your headquarters?"

Indeed, this place was the headquarters of the Vampire Clan.

The Blood Ancestor spoke somberly, "Lord King, the European Church Court has not attacked our Vampire Clan headquarters, but the European Pope did launch an attack! He fought the Cain Ancestor at Holy Mountain. The Cain Ancestor was injured, but the European Pope suddenly retreated at the last moment! As for why he retreated, we truly don’t know." He had shared such critical news with Ye Fan, who was struck by the complexity of the situation.

It seemed the Vampire Clan possessed something that even the European Pope feared. Otherwise, he would have seized the opportunity to kill the Cain Ancestor. To renounce such a chance was completely out of character for him.

Ye Fan said, "War is the ultimate agent of destruction, and to think the Vampire Clan would be the one to suffer so grievously this time."

Shaking his head, Ye Fan observed the Vampire Clan martial artists guarding the city. He saw sadness, despair, and even fear on their faces. However, he had to admire their resolve. Even with their clan on the verge of collapse, none of them had fled. It seemed the Vampire Clan was truly united in their conviction.

Had it been any other power, the followers would have scattered like rats from a sinking ship; they would not have remained until now.

Ye Fan arrived at the Vampire Clan’s Holy Temple.

Upon seeing Ye Fan, Heather was incredulous. She couldn’t believe that the man her grandfather had once injured had actually returned. His return shocked and delighted her, and she immediately threw herself into his arms, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. In that moment, her heart was filled with elation.

Ye Fan said, "Silly girl, why are you crying? No matter what happens, I will fight alongside you!"

"But the European Church Court is too powerful! You don’t have to make a pointless sacrifice!" Heather said worriedly.

At that moment, she had no desire to drag Ye Fan into this mess, as the European Church Court possessed the power to destroy everything. After a thousand years of accumulating power, the European Church Court had become unassailable. Even without the four Holy Envoys, they could still easily deal with the Vampire Clan.

At this, Ye Fan spoke, "My participation in this battle doesn’t necessarily mean sacrifice—it could lead to a miracle! Besides, I too have an irreconcilable feud with the European Church Court. So, no matter what, I won’t back down. Besides, avoiding a fight is not my style!" His declaration was incredibly powerful.

Heather replied, "I believe in you!"

She had pondered the choice between kinship and love many times, even daily. Ultimately, she had concluded that she couldn’t give up either.

Ye Fan said, "Alright. With me here, everything will be fine. Take me to see your grandfather."

"But he might be angry with you!" Heather said quickly.

Ye Fan laughed. "It’s fine!"

In the end, Heather led Ye Fan into the deepest part of Holy Mountain to find the Cain Ancestor.

In the deepest part of Holy Mountain, the Cain Ancestor struggled through each day. He had been severely wounded by the European Pope. The purest form of the Holy Light of the Church had eroded his body, and the blood energy within him had reached an uncontrollable state.

Just then, Ye Fan and Heather arrived together.

When the Cain Ancestor saw Heather, he said, "Heather! It’s you!" He then fixed his gaze on Ye Fan.

Ye Fan spoke, "Yes, it’s me, Cain Ancestor. We meet again."

Cain’s face was pale and weak. He spoke faintly, "You’ve come to laugh at my misfortune, haven’t you?"

"How could that be?" Ye Fan said with an awkward smile.

The Cain Ancestor said, "I was wrong about what happened before. For that, I apologize to you."

"You did nothing wrong," Ye Fan said. "Besides, I never held it against you."

The Cain Ancestor said, "So be it. Things have come to this. I am a withering tree, and I don’t know how much longer I can hold on. But I must ask you for a favor!"

"Grandfather!" Heather had just started to speak when the Cain Ancestor cut her off.

Ye Fan said, "Senior, please tell me what it is. If I can help, I will do so with all my might!"

"You must give it your all!" the Cain Ancestor said, his tone urgent. Ye Fan nodded in agreement.

He then said, "I want you to take Heather and leave. Leave at once."

"Why?" Ye Fan and Heather were both puzzled.

Cain continued, "Because the entire Vampire Clan won’t last much longer. The European Pope’s cultivation is powerful, and he is incredibly cunning. He used the Holy Court’s Spiritual Artifact and gravely wounded me in a single move! Now, the Vampire Clan is beyond saving!" A desolate tone laced the Cain Ancestor’s voice.

Seeing him in this state, Ye Fan’s heart was filled with a complex mix of emotions. Perhaps this was just how cruel the world was.

The Cain Ancestor continued, "Heather is my only granddaughter. She must survive. Take her with you and escape if you can! I suspect the European Pope’s next target will be your Divine Land."

Heather began to cry. In her memory, her grandfather had always been the strongest—an unyielding figure who would not be afraid even if the heavens themselves were to fall. But now, she saw a hero in his twilight years.

"Promise me you will ensure Heather survives, no matter what it takes!" the Cain Ancestor said gravely.

Ye Fan hesitated for a moment before saying, "Actually, the situation isn’t as hopeless as you believe. You’re just being too pessimistic."

"What do you mean?" Cain asked, looking at Ye Fan with confusion.

Could there still be a way out of this? No, that was impossible. The European Church Court’s assault was overwhelming. If the European Pope didn’t fear the Vampire Clan’s ultimate weapon, he probably would have wiped out the Blood Clan long ago. But only I know that our so-called ultimate weapon can’t fool the European Pope for much longer.

Ye Fan said, "Because I can help you turn the situation around!"

I hadn’t wanted to reveal my breakthrough, but Cain has finally come to his senses and is no longer so stubborn. I’ll reassure him. If the Cain Ancestor had remained obstinate, I would not have helped the Vampire Clan, but I would still deal with the European Pope regardless.

"And what will you use to turn the situation around?" the Cain Ancestor asked.

Ye Fan’s expression turned serious. "Strength!" he declared.

That’s right—strength. The very strength he prided himself on. He had broken through. Within the Reincarnation Realm, he feared no expert. That was what he would use to turn the tide.

Shock filled the eyes of the Cain Ancestor and Heather.

But the Cain Ancestor said, "You may have just broken through to the Reincarnation Realm, but the European Pope is formidable. Having just advanced, you are certainly no match for him!"

"Is that so?" Ye Fan replied, his tone indifferent. "No matter how strong the European Pope is, can he be stronger than the Spirit Clan Commander?"