But the barrier exploded just as Zac prepared to activate his skills .
Who said he’s alone? - a stern voice cut through the winds as the area was filled with a storm of blood .
Death was no longer Death , and Life was no longer Life . It was fused into blood , the grand heritage of the Eternal Clan . In the heart of the storm , the two vampires walked , accompanied by three Revenants , two Corpselords , and what appeared to be a Death-cultivating human . The two vampires were the very same ones he’d seen at a distance in Vastness City , who he later learned were called Ysaya and Solomis Noz’Serasta . It was Solomis who’d spoken just now , and his face was a cold mask of murderous intent .
He’d also seen a Zoris Noz’Visku in the Vastness City , but he wasn’t present today . It didn’t matter . Ysaya and Solomis were the stronger of the three , each having an aura that matched the lion’s . Furthermore , they were barely restrained by the unstable environment , just like how Uona had thrived in the Twilight Ocean . The individual auras of their followers weren’t at the level of the beastkin , but by adding Zac , undead outnumbered beastkin nine to six .
Your dream must have muddied your senses , - Ysaya added with a smile , though killing intent veritably poured out of her body .
One by one , an array of sanguine icicles formed around her . Each contained enough energy to annihilate most Peak E-grade cultivators , yet the vampire seemed to have no problem forming over thirty .
Maybe it’s time for you all to wake up . -
The lionman frowned at the not-so-veiled threat , hesitantly glancing at Zac , who mutely stared back . His eyes briefly shifted to the three bodies hanging from the chains before he shook his head with a sigh .
Whatever . Guess luck’s on your side , - the lionman said as he motioned the others to back down .
Who’s to say who the lucky one is today? - Zac countered as he walked over to the two vampires , stowing the corpses before the environment damaged them too much .
The woman looked at Zac curiously before shrugging , and the group turned toward the teleporter . Zac was technically among kin , but his vigilance only increased as the minutes passed .
So , are you here to search me as well? - Zac asked after they were well out of earshot . - I doubt you came running out of the goodness of your hearts . -
It was certainly true that while the Undead Empire had internal friction , they stood united against outside pressure . However , his experiences in the Twilight Ocean already proved unity collapsed in the face of opportunity . That was doubly true in secluded places like Mystic Realms , and the Eternal Clan was the most mercurial of the Divine Races . For them to stick out their necks for him was highly unlikely , even if they wouldn’t necessarily go out of their way to rob him .
Something was wrong with the situation . Two sets of sanguine eyes turned toward Zac , giving him an appalling sense of déjà vu of his desperate battle with Uona .
True , - Ysaya grinned . - You’ve given us some prestige in the short window since you arrived , but that’s not enough for us to come running to your aid . We do have ulterior motives . -
33
A FAVOR OWED
Zac calmly looked at the smiling vampire , but his Dao was already coursing through his Thousand Lights Avatar] . He’d unleash Void Zone] at the slightest energy fluctuations and kill as many as he could before they had the chance to react to having their energy and Dao nullified .
Relax , - Ysaya said with a helpless shake of her head . - Why does it feel like I just had a brush with the eternal slumber? We’re not here to take what you’ve found , even if we’re curious about it . We’re here because of them . -
Ysaya pointed at the followers standing to the side , and Zac glanced over with a raised brow .
Them? -
It was only one word , but it conveyed his skepticism . Since when could some Revenants or Corpselords move two Eternal Clan members? Especially when the two vampires were the more powerful party . There were a few Revenant and Corpselord factions with great power and influence in the Undead Empire , but not even the scions of those clans and sects would be able to dictate the actions of Ysaya and Solomis .
Mistress An’Azol sends her regards , Master Umbri’Zi , - the sole living cultivator said with a bow .
Tavza sent you? - Zac said , his eyes turning into narrow slits .
The mistress regrets the misunderstanding that transpired on the outside and had us come here to clarify some points , - a Revenant explained as he handed over a box . - She also asked us to assist you in any way we could . Upon seeing the global task and making some inquiries , we realized it was most likely you who triggered it . Thus , we approached the young masters of the Noz’Serasta to render assistance . -
Assistance in exchange for a favor owed , - Solomis said .
No wonder . A favor from one of the two leading clans of the Draugr race was incredibly useful . Their family would richly reward these two after coming home with such a boon . Even better , it didn’t cost Zac a dime .
Well , convey my thanks to Tavza if you get the chance , - Zac nodded at the Revenant as he accepted the box .
I’ve always heard the Azol princess is beyond haughty , not even sparing her fellow Draugr a glance , - Ysaya smiled as she leaned closer . - Yet she’s showing you such deference . Makes one wonder what’s so special about you . -
Nothing really , we’re just good friends , - Zac said .
Uh , huh , - Ysaya said , clearly not buying it .
I heard of an Umbri’Zi scion a few years ago , - Solomis interjected . - An Arcaz Umbri’Zi . -
That’s me , - Zac sighed , not bothering to hide it .
He wore his standard Arcaz face and was already called Master Umbri’Zi . There was not much point hiding it—it seemed more pertinent to prepare for the fallout .
As I thought , - Solomis nodded , and Zac was surprised to see his cold visage warm up a bit .
What’s that? What’s going on? - Ysaya said curiously .
Noz’Valadir , - Solomis reminded .
Ah! That was you? - Ysaya exclaimed , her four pupils fusing to one as she stopped and looked straight at Zac .
A tense silence stretched out , and the other undead warriors either moved away or reluctantly prepared for battle .
Good job! -
Huh? - Zac said .
Why look so surprised? - Ysaya grinned . - Not like she was part of our branch . Those upstarts have acted all high and mighty lately because of some good luck . They even pressured our clan for a few of our ancestral ponds . Who knows what would have happened if they got a third Autarch in such short order? Their disastrous excursion to the frontier knocked them down a notch . And there’s suddenly a slot to visit the Eternal Halls ripe for the taking . -
Uh , well . Glad I could be of service , - Zac coughed .
You’re cultivating Pure Death , - Solomis commented as his sanguine eyes looked Zac over . - No wonder you’re already running around after breaking the commandments in such an overt way . -
Yeah , well , - Zac shrugged , not wanting to stay on that subject for too long . - You didn’t bring Catheya? -
That Draugr girl? She wanted to come , but the Grand Firmament Coalition got in the way , - Ysaya explained . - She’d only draw attention if she entered the Calamity , so she’s acting as a decoy in Vastness City instead . Thanks to her , only nine entered the Calamity instead of the planned thirteen . -
Those people again? - Zac frowned .
Yes , so it’s time to harvest . -
Zac gave Ysaya a questioning look .
The favor was good , but there’s no reason to return so soon . We’ve already paid the entrance fee , right? More importantly . This is a rare opportunity to collect some high-quality blood and bodies . But the moment you step through the teleporter , the bait is gone , - Ysaya said , the bloodthirsty look in her eyes returning .