Chapter 3027: Blood-Colored Addiction 03

The Guide led the last batch, also the finest batch of black-robed people, in through the side door. Jin Chen walked in the middle of the line, only four or five steps away from Aosding; the black-robed hood covered most of his silver hair and face, revealing only a section of his jaw and the slightly upturned corner of his mouth.

He concealed his aura extremely well, his presence faint as a wisp of mist that could dissipate at any moment; gazes sliding over him were all drawn to Aosding.

Jin Chen's gaze, through the shifting crowd and hazy light, boldly fixed on the Strand Count enthroned high above.

This was indeed a visage capable of moving hearts, transcending racial bounds, and excessively gorgeous.

Yet all this perfection had its light stolen by that pair of eyes.

What kind of eyes were those—blood pupils half-closed, hiding most emotion, leaving only an indifferent weariness as if gazing at ants; even this grand selection was, to him, merely a trivial pastime to while away the endless night.

Towering above, unattainable, beautiful yet icy and tyrannical, like a statue of jade and porcelain forged from fresh blood.

Jin Chen observed him with interest, the corner of his mouth slightly curving.

【Detected core plot character of this world: Saiyin·Strand! Triggered side quest: Alter the Strand Count's choice, prevent Aosding from becoming his exclusive first attendant. The quest has no special compulsory requirements, but failure may cause major deviation in later plot; quester, please respond cautiously.】

The Guide announced, "Honored guests, the final batch of candidates has arrived. Among them is someone of special status—a former Holy Court Holy Knight—who volunteered as a token of sincerity and has been sent to the Eternal Night Castle."

"Holy Knight..." someone at the long table let out a low chuckle, tinged with clear amusement and disdain, "The Holy Court sure is generous."

"What about the Blood Scent grade?" another noble asked.

The Guide bowed slightly, "Bloodline purity is at its highest, and the Blood Scent grade is top-notch."

Many blood clan members' eyes showed even greater interest, even greed.

Holy Court Holy Knights, long bathed in so-called holy power, possess blood that, to the blood clan, often carries a unique, contradictory allure—dangerous yet captivating.

Aosding straightened his back, striving to maintain the dignity of a Holy Knight, now trembling on the verge of collapse, amidst countless curious or covetous gazes.

Saiyin leaned forward slightly, his crimson eyes finally lifting from the wine cup; his lingering weariness was replaced by vivid alertness, and his pale fingers curled toward Aosding.

Without words, the Guide immediately understood, gesturing for Aosding to step forward.

Aosding took a deep breath, stepping toward the platform under countless gazes, his head slightly bowed but not fully lowered.

Saiyin leaned in, his nostrils twitching slightly, as if he had caught a whiff of fresh water after a long drought.

"Holy Knight..." Saiyin whispered, "Your blood indeed smells unlike any other."

Several other counts also turned their gazes; among them, the most worldly-worn Filwen Count, who usually had several beautiful youth blood servants around him, temporarily shifted his eyes from the person in his arms and looked at Aosding with interest.

"Looks like Saiyin has finally found a treat to his liking; we won't fight you for it."

Ling Gun Gun spun anxiously inside his hood.

"He's going to choose! He's going to choose! Won't you do something! Quest! Quest!"

The Guide continued his introduction, but no one at the long table was listening anymore.

Saiyin's attention had been wholly captured by Aosding; the other counts, though unwilling, truly dared not contend with the Strand Count for him, especially since he rarely showed even a hint of interest today—no one wanted to invite bad luck.

Filwen spun his scepter between his fingers, laughed and shook his head, withdrawing his gaze from Aosding and listlessly scanning the remaining black-robed figures.

It was Jin Chen's turn.

He removed his hood, releasing his restrained aura; the nearest candidates and low-ranking blood clan members almost simultaneously shuddered, instinctively stepping back half a step, eyeing this hitherto inconspicuous black-robed person with bewildered uncertainty.

On the platform, Filwen Count, who had been idly swaying his crystal cup, jerked to a halt, the dark-red liquid nearly spilling; he abruptly turned his head, fixing his stare on Jin Chen's revealed visage.

And on the throne, Saiyin's gaze, which had been locked on Aosding, also turned toward the platform below at a slow, almost uncanny speed, his sight piercing the hazy light and throng to fall upon the figure who had lowered his hood.

Filwen Count set down his wine cup, unconsciously leaning forward; the jeweled scepter in his hand ceased its spin.

"Interesting… too interesting." Filwen murmured, his eyes glued to Jin Chen's face, especially those blue eyes.

Filwen felt a bit dazed; a distant memory stirred, and though he knew it couldn't be that person, the only thought left was to bring him back to his castle, dress him in finest clothes, seat him beside himself, and make him his first attendant.

Not only Filwen, the ravishing Ilaina Countess also sat upright, her scarlet eyes blazing astonishingly, openly showing her interest in Jin Chen as her gaze flicked between his lips and neck.

What Saiyin smelled was not merely the scent of blood.

It was indeed pure and sweet beyond belief, far surpassing any delicacy he had ever tasted, but there was also an allure that caused even his icy veins, which seemed to retain interest only in violence and slaughter, to faintly stir and warm.

Appetite, and a darker yearning, quietly awoke.

Saiyin's Adam's apple moved involuntarily, a slight roll, as he stared deeply at Jin Chen.

Filwen was the first to break the silence: "How… marvelous a creation."

He stepped down from the platform, gave a slight bow, his scepter tracing graceful arcs between his fingers, the corner of his mouth curled in his usual rakish smile: "I am Filwen, a seventh-rank holder."

"Unknown beauty, will you come with me to Night Song Castle? If you nod, you'll be my first attendant, enjoying status and glory."

He even reached out, as if to touch Jin Chen's cheek, but then withdrew, as though blocked by an invisible force.

It was the pressure emanating from the foremost one.

Filwen's smile froze; he turned his head to Saiyin, raised an eyebrow, and said, "You already have that Holy Knight—do you really want to vie with me for this one?"