Chapter 3059: Blood-Colored Addiction 35

The fusion of the Blood Soul Vessel is not an easy task that can be done quickly.

What is sealed in that mask is not only immense power and memory fragments, but also a trace of Motis's final intense obsession before his fall; merging the memories takes time and will cause a period of unstable power and weakness.

To avoid any further mishap, within this palace hidden deep in the Ancestral Land, shrouded by layer upon layer of ancient seals and illusions, besides Nuoya no living being sets foot; not even the lowest blood servant or guard is present.

It's not that Nuoya himself is particularly trustworthy to Jin Chen, but as he said, their bloodline has always been Motis's most loyal followers and keepers of secrets, with an ancient blood covenant imprinted deep in their blood that cannot be defied; only now, with his memory still somewhat chaotic, does Jin Chen feel assured using him.

Evening of the seventh day.

Nuoya went down on one knee before the empty throne, saying, "My lord."

A figure appeared on the throne, once again putting on the Blood Soul Vessel mask belonging to Motis.

"Welcome back, my lord..."

Jin Chen had just finished an argument with Ling Gun Gun in his consciousness; hearing that, he restrained his smile, slightly lowered his gaze to look at the figure kneeling before Your Highness.

"Get up." Jin Chen's voice came through the mask, revealing little emotion.

Nuoya rose respectfully and stood with his hands at his side.

He lifted his eyes to the figure on the throne and couldn't help but ask, "My lord, concerning the heart matter from back then..."

Upon mentioning this, Nuoya's handsome, gentle face showed irrepressible hatred and killing intent; he wished to rush straight to the Holy Court and tear to pieces those treacherous mages who had participated in the conspiracy back then.

"I have my own plans for this; for now, let's do something else first."

Jin Chen said slowly, "Spread the word abroad: say… your bloodline has already mastered the revival method, and Motis will soon awaken."

He turned his gaze to Nuoya, "When the time comes, you will hold a banquet in your territory and invite all the clans."

Those traitors lurking in the dark will reveal themselves, and perhaps those few treacherous mages of the Holy Court will lose sleep.

Nuoya immediately understood the intent and obediently agreed, "Yes, my lord. I understand."

"As for internal affairs…" Jin Chen's tone shifted, gaining an elusive nuance, "Directly summon the other six earls to see me."

Nuoya complied, took a few steps forward to the small table beside the throne, where a pot of blood brew exuding a rich aroma had already been prepared—an excellent supplement for those who have just undergone revival.

Nuoya first poured a cup of blood brew for Jin Chen, held the cup with both hands, and asked respectfully, "My lord… do you still need more nourishment?"

Jin Chen leaned forward slightly, and from a distance he lightly inhaled; the rich, magic-tinged scent of blood slipped into his nostrils.

However, he presently has little appetite, not as good as Saiyin's delicacy.

"No need." He said indifferently, pointing casually at the cup, "Consider it a reward."

Nuoya blinked slightly, his handsome face breaking into a surprised, delighted smile as he carefully put the cup away.

"Thank you, my lord, for the gift." Nuoya's voice grew more gentle, "I will attend to this now; my lord, please rest well."

He stepped back a few paces, performed the salute again, his black robe fluttering behind him before disappearing into the palace.

To avoid interception or probing by surveillance arrays, Nuoya did not use a standard sound-transmission array; instead he turned six drops of his own blood into six bats, flying to the territories of the different earls.

——

When Saiyin received the bat, it was precisely the moment when the blood moon was at its fullest.

He stood at the window of the castle's highest tower, his black robe spread at his sides, one hand holding a wine cup, the other gripping the messenger bat, the blood-red pupils in his eyes flashing with surging hostility.

That bastard Nuoya took Jin Chen away and still dares to show up before him like this!

— "By order of His Majesty Motis, summon Earl Strand to the Ancestral Land immediately for an audience."

Saiyin: "... What?"

How could Motis possibly really be resurrected? Could those few nights' dreams… be an omen?

That deep-seated fear in his bloodline of the memory of his first embrace resurfaced vaguely; if Motis merely stood there, he would collapse utterly, reverting to that newborn, fragile vampire trembling in the dark, pulled from nothing by a hand, then devoting everything to that hand's owner without reservation or resentment.

But soon, Saiyin thought of something else from within that fear.

His Majesty himself issued the summons, so he cannot refuse, and Jin Chen's array cannot block such a decree coming directly from the Ancestor.

This means he can leave the castle to find Nuoya and take back his Jin Chen.

As for Motis… if Motis awakens, the blood clan will have a supreme king, the seven great earls will no longer be the highest authority, and all blood clans will need to rearrange their power structure—but that is not the most important thing; what he cares about is Jin Chen, and how Jin Chen will think when he sees Motis.

Saiyin's gaze grew deep and complex; he and Motis share a blood covenant and the bond of the first embrace, and Jin Chen… will not be happy.

Thus, a bolder, even somewhat rebellious idea took root silently in his heart.

If he could coax Jin Chen back, then… Motis's presence would become an eyesore, and he must find a way to keep Motis confined in that palace, never to emerge, continuing as the legendary Ancestor rather than a living threat.

Just as he had said before…

The blood clan now has no need for Motis.