Chapter 142: Zheng Zha: Whether I Live or Die Doesn't Matter, But Dracula Must Die

Hearing this, Van Haixin's first reaction wasn't joy, but a strong urge to ask Wu Xian where he'd gotten his sources—how could he possibly know Church orders? He desperately wanted to know who the mole was.

He silently muttered a mental complaint, then began considering the possibility of cooperating with the other.

As he thought this, the scene of Wu Xian's first appearance flashed through his mind, making him shudder twice before replying: "It's possible, of course—your strength is truly formidable, and I'd be glad to have a powerful ally."

"But I must clarify: Dracula is no ordinary dark creature. His power is immense—even the Church at its peak failed to exterminate him.

And now, with only our small group, even if we somehow manage to destroy him, we'll suffer catastrophic losses. Are you all prepared to die for this?"

"Of course we are!"

Wu Xian's expression turned solemn in an instant. He pounded his chest and shouted: "From the moment we joined the Zhongzhou team, we've already placed life and death beyond concern. For the sake of love and peace in this world, what is a mere life? Take it whenever you want!"

"That's right!"

"I follow the captain."

"Life and death? We don't care. If you're Bufu, just fight!"

"Me too!"

…

After hearing Wu Xian's impassioned speech, the Zhongzhou team all enthusiastically cheered in agreement—even Zhao Ying and Zero, normally cold and reserved, clapped their hands. The scene instantly became harmonious.

"I didn't expect all of you to have such determination. Then I won't try to persuade you further."

Seeing this, Van Haixin was deeply moved. His gaze toward Wu Xian changed, as if he'd found a kindred soul—he longed to drag him straight to a tavern for a drink and hours of deep conversation.

Suddenly, he noticed Zheng Zha, who had just awakened.

As an A-rank vampire marquis, Zheng Zha's self-healing ability was immense. Only a short while had passed, and he'd already slimmed back down, returning to his pale, handsome appearance—as if already recovering.

Van Haixin was startled, quickly pulling out a short crucifix sword to finish him off—but Wu Xian stopped him.

"Wait! Don't kill him yet!"

Wu Xian's eyes narrowed slightly: "This pale-faced fellow is Dracula's servant—he must know many of his secrets. We could interrogate him. That would make dealing with Dracula much easier."

"That makes sense!"

Van Haixin nodded and reached for two vials of holy water from his belt pouch—when the pale-faced man on the ground shouted loudly:

"Wait! No need for all this trouble. Ask me anything you want—I'll tell you everything I know, as long as you promise me one thing!"

"Hmph! Boy, understand your position. What right do you have to make demands?"

Wu Xian sneered. Out of Van Haixin's sight, he secretly gave Zheng Zha a thumbs-up, praising him mentally for his quick reaction—his acting had improved far beyond before.

Damn it! If I don't improve, you'll all play me to death!

Zheng Zha rolled his eyes inwardly, then lifted his head, gazing at the night sky at a forty-five-degree angle, and spoke slowly: "I have no right. But if you refuse, I'll kill myself before revealing any secret about Dracula."

"What do you want? If you're asking us to spare you, forget it!"

Van Haixin frowned and snorted.

"No! My demand is… when you fight Dracula, you must take me with you!"

As he spoke, Zheng Zha's eyes suddenly turned blood-red, his handsome pale face twisting into a grotesque snarl.

【You're good, kid. Seriously—have you been secretly practicing acting?】

Wu Xian teased in the mental network. The other Zhongzhou team members burst into laughter, making Zheng Zha's face flush even redder—now it looked unmistakably real.

"What do you mean? Aren't you Dracula's servant? Why would you want to kill him?"

Van Haixin froze, his expression strange: "And as a vampire he created, don't you know that if Dracula dies, you die too?"

"Whether I live or die doesn't matter—Dracula must die!"

Zheng Zha gritted his teeth and began fabricating a detailed tale of his bitter feud with Dracula.

The details were too lengthy; here's a simplified version:

I lived by the edge of a Romanian town, with a house and fields—life was blissful.

But Dracula, cruel and lawless, seized my home and land, turned me into a vampire, and drove me from my home.

Mocking stares, hunger's chill, fangs grinding in darkness—my hatred piled like mountains.

I hid in the Blood City, biding my time, gathering strength for three hundred years.

But our power is as distant as cloud and mud—I can't even scratch him.

So I've stored every piece of intelligence in my heart—I vow eternal vengeance!

…

"I didn't know you had such a tragic past."

Looking at Zheng Zha's face, twisted with hatred and madness, Van Haixin suddenly recalled fragmented memories. A sharp pain pierced his chest—he stepped forward, helped Zheng Zha up, and nodded:

"Fine. If your information proves true, I'll allow you to join us and fight Dracula together."

"Thank you! You're a good man!"

Zheng Zha's eyes welled with tears as he nodded gratefully—inside, he was laughing triumphantly.

【Look! Look! Who dares say my acting is bad now?】

Wu Xian rolled his eyes, too lazy to respond to the fool—but a voice came through the mental network: Lan Zhan.

"Ah Xian, I've been probing Van Haixin's mind. Just now, strange fragmented images appeared in his thoughts—seemingly tied to his lost memories. I'll show them to you."

"Van Haixin's past memories?"

Wu Xian paused, stunned. Then, as he saw the images, his pupils shrank involuntarily.

…

Another month later—Transylvania!

This was the ancestral village of the film's female lead, located in western Romania—a remote, desolate ancient town.

At the same time, Dracula's Blood Castle lay hidden here. For centuries, this vampire count had ruled the land through fear and death, leaving the people in misery.

Neigh—

On the snowy mountains, sixteen riders entered the ancient town.

As a remote rural area, it paled in comparison to European metropolises like London or Paris.

Everywhere stretched snow-covered wooden huts, muddy ground from melting snow, and a band of fierce, rustic villagers.

As in the film, the townsfolk viewed outsiders with hostility and suspicion.

Seeing Van Haixin and the Zhongzhou team didn't look like peaceful folk, they gathered friends from all directions, surrounding them with farm tools as weapons—clearly intending to drive them out.

"What's going on? Do you have a bounty on you even out here in the sticks? That's terrible."

Seeing this, Wu Xian glanced at Van Haixin's furrowed brow and teased.

————

Requesting monthly votes!

(End of chapter)