We agreed to set sail, so you'd become the ruler of the deep sea?

Chapter 487 [Holy Blood Lake] [The Traitor]

Followed by.

The world before everyone's eyes underwent a dramatic change.

When visibility returned, the Black Swan was already docked in front of a magnificent dark red palace.

The palace was constructed from some kind of blood-red crystal, and its surface flowed with a liquid, dark red light.

Twelve giant pillars support the dome, each carved with an ancient blood totem.

"Welcome to the Crimson Sanctuary."

Alkain bowed slightly: "This is the last sanctuary of the [Holy Bloodline]."

Looking down, Xia En saw a vast, blood-red lake behind the Crimson Temple.

An exceptionally rich secret power of blood is swirling within this blood lake.

"That is……"

Xia En's gaze was deeply drawn to the blood-red lake.

The lake was as calm as a mirror, yet it exuded a chillingly ancient atmosphere.

The lake water is a deep, dark red, as if it were formed from the purest blood, with golden ripples occasionally appearing on its surface.

Al-Kain followed his gaze, a hint of awe flashing in his eyes.

"That is the projection of the [River of Blood] in the secret realm, which we call the [Holy Blood Lake]."

"The [Holy Bloodline] is able to survive in this secret realm entirely thanks to its protection."

Xia En nodded thoughtfully.

He could sense that the energy contained in this lake resonated in a strange way with the bloodline within Fei Ya's body.

Al-Kain hesitated for a moment, then spoke.

"In fact, this [Holy Blood Lake] is one of the reasons why our vampire clan is divided into [Holy Blood Descendants] and [tainted Blood Descendants]."

"Ok?"

Xia En raised an eyebrow and asked.

"What do you mean?"

Alkain explained, "Normally, we vampires need to feed on blood to replenish our internal secret energy."

"However, in the Crimson Realm, there are no other races left."

“We cannot draw blood from other groups, so…”

At this point, Shane immediately understood what Alcain meant.

"So, you can only draw power from this [Holy Blood Lake]?"

Al-Kain nodded, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

"However, the secret power in the [Holy Blood Lake] is insufficient to support the consumption of the vampires in the entire [Secret Realm]."

"Therefore, some of the vampires began to hunt their own kind and drink their blood to survive."

"Over time, they degenerated into the [tainted bloodline]."

Xia En frowned.

"So, the [tainted bloodline] survives by hunting other vampires?"

"good."

Alkain's expression was solemn: "They especially crave the blood of pure-blooded royalty, because it can allow their bloodline to undergo a transformation."

"It can even purify the pollution suffered from inhaling its own kind."

"That's why we must get His Highness away from there as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, Fei Ya's rose-gold pupils contracted slightly.

"Your Highness? You've always called me that... What exactly is my identity?"

Alkain gave Fia a deep look, then suddenly knelt on one knee, his right hand on his chest.

"You have the purest royal blood flowing through your veins."

"In ancient times, your ancestors ruled the entire vampire clan and were the undisputed kings."

This sudden move stunned everyone.

Feiya was so shocked that she couldn't speak.

He never imagined that his background was so illustrious.

Xia En looked at Alcain kneeling on the ground, then at Fei Ya who looked completely bewildered, his mind filled with a myriad of thoughts.

He had long known that Feiya's bloodline was extraordinary, but he never expected it to be this noble.

Xia En took a deep breath and asked in a low voice.

"Alcain, are you sure you haven't mistaken me for someone else?"

Al-Kain raised his head, his gaze unwavering: "There's no mistake."

"The rose-gold color in Your Highness's eyes is the most prominent characteristic of a pure-blooded royal."

"and……"

He pointed to the cut on Fia's wrist.

"Your blood contains golden patterns, which is the most direct proof of your royal lineage."

Feiya looked down at her wound.

The blood there did indeed shimmer with a faint golden light, and it was healing at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"But if I am truly of royal lineage, why am I stranded in the Seven Seas World?"

Al-Kain stood up, his expression becoming complicated.

"This story begins a long time ago."

"In ancient times, the Crimson Realm was a sacred place for vampires and was ruled by royalty."

"But later, a rebellion broke out, and the Bloodstained Bloodline seized the opportunity to rise to power, and the royal family was almost completely wiped out."

"And one branch of royal blood escaped from the Crimson Realm and went to other worlds."

"Perhaps, that was your ancestor, Your Highness."

Xia En looked thoughtful.

Although it sounds unbelievable, this could indeed be the origin of Feiya's bloodline.

Of course, he hadn't forgotten that the original Fei Ya needed alcohol and willpower to overcome the urge to drink blood.

However, after obtaining the Crimson Fruit, Feiya's bloodline underwent purification and transformation, revealing various extraordinary characteristics.

Looking back now, that [Crimson Fruit] only acted as a "catalyst".

What's truly amazing is the ancient bloodline buried deep within Feiya's body.

at this time.

Feiya's hands clenched unconsciously, and her rose-gold eyes shimmered with a complex light.

Xia En patted him on the shoulder, offering silent support.

Just then, a long, drawn-out bell rang out from deep within the temple.

Alkain's expression turned serious: "The Holy Blood Council has noticed Your Highness's arrival and wishes to have an audience immediately."

Xia En frowned slightly: "We're together."

Al-Kain hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"Of course, you are all His Highness's companions, so you can naturally go together."

Led by Al-Kain, the group walked through the magnificent temple corridors.

Ancient murals hang on both sides of the wall, depicting the glorious history of the vampire clan.

Finally, they arrived at a rotunda.

Twelve vampire elders dressed in dark red robes stood on either side.

On the throne in the very center sat an old man with a dignified face.

His eyes, like two solidified blood crystals, radiated a captivating light.

"Great Elder."

Alkain bowed respectfully: "I have brought His Highness the Royal Heir."

All the elders' eyes were focused on Fei Ya, and a strange tension filled the air.

The elder slowly rose to his feet, his voice deep and powerful.

"Child, come closer, let me see you."

Feiya glanced at Xia En, and after receiving an affirmative look, stepped forward.

The elder extended his withered finger and gently touched Fei Ya's brow.

In an instant.

A dazzling golden-red light burst forth from Fei Ya's body, illuminating the entire hall!

The elders exclaimed in amazement, some even standing up in excitement.

"It is indeed royal blood!"

"And the purity is so high!"

The elder withdrew his hand, tears glistening in his eyes.

"So many years... We have finally waited for the return of the royal family."

He turned to Xia En and the others and said solemnly, "Thank you for bringing His Highness here safely."

Xia En nodded slightly: "Feiya is our companion, this is what we should do." The Grand Elder nodded in satisfaction, and then said to Feiya.

"Your Highness, your return signifies a turning point in the fate of the vampire clan."

"The [tainted bloodline] is growing stronger, while the power of the Holy Blood Lake is constantly diminishing."

"Only those of royal blood can awaken the dormant Crimson Artifact and lead us out of our predicament."

Fia frowned: "You want me to inherit the throne?"

"exactly."

The elder's voice was full of anticipation.

"You will become the new King of the Vampires, leading the [Holy Bloodline] to reclaim our glory."

Feiya fell silent.

This sudden heavy burden was hard for him to accept for a while.

Seeing his hesitation, Xia En stepped forward and said.

"Elder, this matter is of great importance. Could you please give us some time to consider it?"

The elder pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Of course."

"Your Highness has just returned and certainly needs time to adjust."

"Alcain, take the guests to rest."

Even after leaving the council hall, Fei Ya remained in a daze.

Xia En asked in a low voice, "Are you alright?"

Feiya gave a wry smile: "To be honest, I'm a little at a loss."

"Suddenly, I was told that I am a descendant of the vampire royal family and that I am to inherit the throne..."

Xia En patted him on the shoulder understandingly: "Whatever decision you make, we will support you."

Al-Kain led them to a magnificent side hall.

"It's safe here. [Bloodstained Descendants] cannot enter the temple grounds."

"You can all rest assured."

After Alcain left, the crew gathered together to discuss their next steps.

"I think this is an opportunity."

Youxing said, "If Feiya becomes the King of the Vampires, we will gain the support of the entire [Holy Bloodline]."

"This should be helpful in finding Lyra's secret."

Joey disagreed: "But that also means that Faia will have to stay here and lead the vampires against the [tainted bloodline]."

Vivian nodded in agreement: "Besides, we know too little about this secret realm."

"It's too risky to get involved in the vampire clan's internal strife so rashly."

Everyone expressed their opinions, and the discussion reached a stalemate.

Just then, Shane suddenly sensed an unusual fluctuation.

Xia En's pupils suddenly contracted, and the secret power within his body instantly boiled!
"careful!"

He let out a sharp shout, and the [Void Secret Power] surged out of his body like a wave, forming a pitch-black barrier beside Fei Ya.

Almost at the same time——

"laugh!"

A filthy arrow of blood shot out from the shadows and slammed into the void barrier!

The moment the blood arrow made contact with the barrier, it emitted a corrosive "sizzling" sound.

Xia En's expression changed slightly.

The foul energy contained in that blood arrow was actually able to erode his [Void Secret Power]!
"Enemy attack!"

String Song reacted extremely quickly, instantly transforming into a dragon shape, spewing out golden-red dragon flames that illuminated the shadows on one side of the side hall.

In the firelight, three twisted figures were revealed.

Their bodies were covered in thick, black scabs of blood, and their eyes were a cloudy, dark red.

His mouth stretched from the corners to his ears, revealing serrated, sharp teeth.

"【tainted bloodline】!?"

Without needing anyone to explain, Xia En and the others could tell the difference.

They are the "tainted blood" that Alcain spoke of!
But how did they get through the barrier of the Crimson Temple to this side hall?

"There's a mole!"

A cold glint flashed in Xia En's eyes, and he immediately realized the problem.

If not for someone inside the temple providing assistance, these [tainted blood species] could never have infiltrated this place so quietly.

But now is not the time to investigate the mole.

Three [Filthy Blood] beings pounced on them like ghosts.

As they moved, they stirred up gusts of foul wind, polluting the air wherever they went.

"They may be carrying toxins!"

"Do not touch them directly!"

Xia En hadn't finished speaking.

The [Filthy Blood Seed] at the forefront had already opened its blood-red maw, and a black and red blood arrow shot straight at Xia En's face.

Xia En snorted coldly and activated [Void Shuttle], instantly appearing behind the enemy.

The blade formed by the [Void Secret Power] instantly slashed through the air.

"Pfft!"

The body of the [tainted blood species] was neatly cut into three sections.

Strangely, not a single drop of blood flowed from the incision.

Instead, countless black blood vessels wriggled like living things, trying to reconnect the mangled body.

"immortal?"

Xia En frowned and immediately changed his strategy.

"String Song, burn them!"

Golden-red dragon flames arrived in response, enveloping the broken remains of the [Filthy Blood Species].

A piercing shriek came from the flames, and the monster writhed wildly before finally turning into a pool of foul-smelling black water.

at the same time.

Joey's illusory waves trapped the second [Filthy Blood], while Vivian's Annihilation Beam pierced its skull.

The last [Filthy Blood Seed] sensed something was wrong.

His body suddenly exploded, turning into countless drops of blood that splashed in all directions.

"careful!"

An quickly erected a natural barrier to keep the poisonous blood out.

However, a few drops still fell on the pillars of the side hall, and the hard stone pillars were immediately corroded with deep holes.

The battle ended quickly, but no one let their guard down.

Xia En's gaze turned cold as he surveyed the surroundings: "It's no longer safe here. We must leave immediately."

A hint of anger flashed in Fei Ya's rose-gold eyes.

"Alcain lied to us?"

"It might not be him."

Xia En said in a deep voice, "But there must be someone inside the temple who is colluding with the [tainted blood race]."

Just then, hurried footsteps came from outside the side hall.

Alcain led a squad of vampire warriors in, and his expression changed drastically when he saw the black water on the ground.

"Your Highness! Are you alright?"

Xia En stared into his eyes: "You came just in time."

Alkain's face showed bitterness: "I had just sensed the presence of the [Filthy Blood] when I arrived here."

"It seems we were too late."

Xia En and Fei Ya exchanged a glance and temporarily chose to believe him.

"The fact that the [Filthy Blood Seed] was able to infiltrate the temple means there are traitors within your ranks."

When this matter was mentioned, Al-Kain's expression became noticeably unnatural.

Xia En keenly sensed that the relationship between the [tainted bloodline] and the [holy bloodline] was definitely more complex than he had previously stated.

However, the two sides had only known each other for a short time.

It's impossible to directly reveal the deeper secrets.

Xia En didn't press the matter further.

Alkain nodded gravely: "I will report to the Grand Elder immediately and have this matter thoroughly investigated."

"Before that, please allow me to take you to a safer place."

After thinking for a moment, Xia En nodded in agreement.

(End of this chapter)