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

Chapter 97 The Federation Takes Action, Third-Tier Expert!
Upon hearing this, everyone present immediately showed joy.

Even the usually composed Elisa couldn't help but ask.

"really?"

"Will the Federation reinforcements arrive tonight?"

Feiya nodded and said frankly, "Actually, as far as I know, the Federation's Secret Pathfinders infiltrated the [Blood Moon Secret Realm] a few days ago, just waiting for an opportunity to make their move."

"When to strike?"

At this moment, a one-eyed pirate dressed in black with a gloomy expression sneered.

"I think they'd rather wait until we're all wiped out by the vampires before they're willing to make a move!"

This one-eyed pirate was none other than Caius the Ripper, captain of the Skyhawk, one of the three great pirate ships.

Upon hearing this, the people who had been somewhat delighted just moments before fell silent, as if doused with cold water.

Yes, in the end, the relationship between pirates and official forces like the Federation is one of irreconcilable conflict.

Being wanted and hunted are commonplace for them.

Who can guarantee that after dealing with the vampires, the Federation's secret guides won't take the opportunity to wipe out these pirates as well?

"Captain Caius."

Feiya's face darkened, and she said in an unfriendly tone, "I should have told you that the Federation expert who made this move is a senior member of the Steam Church."

"He has sworn an oath to the God of Steam that he will not pursue your crimes in the [Blood Moon Secret Realm], and a temporary cooperative relationship has been established."

"If we don't even have this much trust between us, how can we talk about cooperation?"

He was petite, and even prettier than a girl.

However, when facing fierce pirates, he exudes an aura of power that makes it impossible for anyone to underestimate him.

Aside from the prestige that Feiya has established within the Blood Hunter Guild these past few days, another reason is...

In the process of constantly helping and purifying others, he has advanced to the second stage of the priest's secret path!
It was only because of her status as a second-tier secret guide that Fei Ya had the right to speak on par with the three great pirates.

"Ah……"

Caius was clearly still somewhat distrustful, but out of respect for Faia's authority, he merely chuckled twice and then fell silent.

The atmosphere became somewhat tense.

Loren, standing nearby, tried to smooth things over, saying, "Since Mr. Fei Ya has said so, we are naturally willing to believe you."

"Besides, in any case, tonight... everything will come to a conclusion."

"So, what is the plan for the counterattack?"

Feiya's expression softened slightly, and she said seriously, "This is what we're going to discuss next."

……

……

The blood-red full moon tonight appears somewhat dim.

Under the cool moonlight, "The Ripper" Caius led his pirate crew through the streets.

The "steam balls" on their bodies concealed the scent of blood, thus failing to attract the attention of the vampires.

During the journey, the first mate of the Skyhawk showed a hesitant expression, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't.

Caius glared at him: "Damn it, spit it out!"

"Captain, are we really going to do this?"

The first mate asked cautiously, "While the Federation may not be trustworthy, the vampires' promises... aren't much better!"

Caius sneered, "Do you think I don't know those vampires are a bunch of lunatics?"

"But the problem is, we have no choice!"

"This is, after all, the home ground of the vampires. Even if the Federation's powerful figures come in, they will most likely not fare well."

"Besides..."

A glint of greed and desire flashed in Caius's only remaining eye.

"That grants immortality!"

Upon hearing this word, the first mate's heart pounded even harder.

This ability would be incredibly tempting to any intelligent being.

That's right, these pirates, including Caius, were traitors within the Blood Hunters.

What they need to do now is not to launch a sneak attack on the vampires of the [Blood Moon Secret Realm] as originally planned.

Instead, they went to the planned location to ambush the Blood Hunters and joined forces with the vampires to end it all once and for all.

As long as they can cut off Feiya's head, they can all be transformed into a member of the vampire clan!

But soon...

Caius discovered that things were not developing as he had expected.
Arriving at the neighborhood not far from the "Red and Black" castle, the surroundings were exceptionally quiet, and even their heartbeats could be clearly heard.

"Strange...where are they?"

Caius's heart skipped a beat, a sense of foreboding rising within him.

Judging by the time, the rest of the Blood Hunters should have arrived by now.

Moreover, why can't we even sense the presence of other vampires?
—As the leader of the traitors, Caius had actually received some small gifts, which enabled him to "luckily" survive several sieges by the vampires.

laugh……

Just then, a familiar sound of steam depressurization came from a building not far away.

"Oh? They've finally arrived?"

Accompanied by the hissing sound of airflow, a hoarse voice rang out.

"Perfect timing, we've also gotten rid of those bedbugs over here."

As Caius and the others stared in disbelief, a tall figure emerged from the crimson moonlight.

This person was covered entirely in armor made of white alloy.

Its breastplate, waist armor, and arm guards are covered with numerous pressurized pipes and steam valves.

A thick steel mask concealed his true face.

All the people could see was a faint red glow through his goggles, thick blood flowing down his armor, and a vampire corpse he was carrying in his hand.

Upon seeing the vampire's appearance, Caius's pupils constricted sharply.

Dolan Cysis, the patriarch of the Cysis family!

They are also powerful individuals with second-tier strength!
And now... a huge hole has been torn open in his chest, and he is completely lifeless!

Clearly, it wasn't just Dolan; all the vampires lying in ambush nearby had been wiped out.

Caius reacted quickly, his expression shifting several times before he hurriedly said, "We are members of the Blood Hunters, and we are planning to attack a vampire stronghold. May I ask who you are?"

"Now you're starting to put on airs?" the man in platinum armor said with a smile. "However, there are fewer of you than I expected."

"What a pity, we can't just kill a few more pirates."

"Otherwise, that brat Feiya will be angry with me."

boom!
Not far away, near the castle of [Red and Black], a loud bang suddenly came.

Caius recognized that sound all too well; it was the roar of the Titan's Grip!

In an instant, Caius understood everything.

Phia probably already guessed his betrayal, and instead used this to lure all the traitors here, wiping them out along with the vampires lying in ambush.

And at the same time, they launched a strong attack!
'Damn it, that brat, how could he have predicted this?'

Caius was filled with shock and anger.

But he didn't hesitate; he knelt down directly in front of the platinum armor not far away and shouted loudly.

"Sir, please spare me..."

laugh!
Violent steam billowed from the platinum armor.

Before Caius could finish speaking, the man appeared before him with incredible speed.

At the same time, a sharp pain came from my chest.

"My name is the Platinum Knight – Karl-Caselle."

"You are hereby sentenced to death!"

The hoarse words reached his ears, and Caius's vision suddenly went completely black.

After casually killing the pirates, Karlless looked in the direction of the Red and Black Castle.

"The show has already begun, how could I miss out?"

next moment.

The steam around Carles seemed to come alive suddenly, bursting forth with powerful force that propelled him into the sky.

In just ten seconds, he flew above the castle.

From his perspective, it's easy to see.

On the ground, numerous Federation secret cultivators, together with the remaining members of the Blood Hunters, launched a full-scale attack on the castle.

Among them were quite a few second-tier powerhouses.

Duran, a demi-human who had met Shane a few times, was also fighting against the vampires.

With the support of the Federation's powerful forces, the two sides' combat strength appeared to be evenly matched.

At this moment, the arrival of Carles undoubtedly attracted the attention of everyone present.

"That aura... is it from a third-tier Mystic?"

The patriarch of the Kaller family, Valen, changed his expression slightly, his face showing disbelief: "How is this possible?"

"If a Tier 3 Mystic Path user were to descend, Blood Moon should issue a warning immediately!"

In fact, as a [secret realm], this space has an upper limit on the level of secret power it can accommodate.

Once a high-level cultivator enters, it will affect the stability of the [Blood Moon Secret Realm] to some extent.

The vampires also use this to judge the combat strength of outsiders.

It was truly unbelievable that this third-tier secret cultivator had managed to sneak in right under their noses.

"No, something's not right..."

Another clan leader seemed to sense something and murmured, "That guy... might no longer be a living being."

"That steam armor is his true form!"

"...Well said."

Unbeknownst to them, Karlless had already appeared behind the vampire patriarch and spoke calmly.

“All living third-tier secret cultivators are under the watchful eye of your Crimson Lord, but this restriction… has no effect on me!”

The vampire patriarch's hair stood on end, and he roared, "Die!"

Countless blades, spears, and daggers made of blood burst forth from his body, attempting to pierce and corrode Karllais's armor at close range.

To this, Carles simply chuckled.

May the steam bless you.

laugh--

The sacred steam suddenly spread, vaporizing and igniting the patriarch's blood.

In the blink of an eye, the vampire in front of Karlless vanished, his entire body evaporating with the steam, leaving nothing behind.

The third-tier opponent against the second-tier opponent, coupled with the elemental advantage, naturally resulted in a devastating effect.

Just as Karlless was preparing to continue wiping out all the vampires present.

An ancient, weathered voice suddenly rang out from the depths of the castle.

"Knight of the Steam Church, you have overstepped your bounds."

The sound came from an exceptionally dark and deep coffin.

The viscous, dark red blood, like magma, boiled and undulated in the coffin, gradually coalescing into a human shape.

Then, he appeared out of thin air in front of Carles.

This was a handsome young man who appeared to be young, with his hair cascading down his back like a deep red waterfall.

His eyes gleamed with a blood-red light, their depths and turbidity making him appear both young and old.

His aura was as deep and unfathomable as a deep abyss or a towering mountain.

Just by standing there, he exerted a powerful sense of pressure on Fei Ya and the others below.

Clearly, he is also a third-tier Mystic.

"Lord Ancestor!"

The vampires looked excited.

This man with blood-red hair and blood-red eyes is the master of the [Red and Black] Castle, and also the strongest living being in the [Blood Moon Secret Realm].

"So you've finally shown yourself, Winston Jaeger."

Carles gave a cold laugh.

"...Then, prepare to die!"

Transitional chapters—I can't skip writing them, damn it!

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(End of this chapter)