Chapter 1425 - 1336: Rising Sun

Chapter 1425: Chapter 1336: Rising Sun

The sun rose, and under the morning light, the rooftops of the small town were all littered with the heads casually placed by vampires.

For vampires, marching in the desolate Roaring Corridor was pure torture.

However, in the relatively populated areas of River Island, Dawn Island, and Immortal Stone Field, marching was smooth.

Because there were towns and villages everywhere, even without provisions, they could replenish their strength just by sucking human blood.

This was one of the reasons Konyaz and Serafe dared to take the gamble, cutting off supplies would only mean frequent killings.

Although it would lead to wasteland devoid of human presence in the future, losing governance value, they would worry about the future later.

Under the leaden clouds of winter, cold winds howled, but it was the vampires’ favorite chilly weather.

Why was the Royal Court’s demand for silk so high?

Because even in the coldest winter, they wore silk all year round, perhaps just adding a cape.

Entering late November, the temperature felt barely twenty degrees Celsius, and vampires were just changing from short sleeves to long sleeves.

But compared to this comfortable weather, vampires weren’t feeling so comfortable.

Could they feel comfortable?

With the Southern Army upfront, the Central Army behind, and the Eastern Army at their side, they hadn’t fought a battle yet after entering Immortal Stone Field, yet already faced a crisis!

External pressure was immense, but internal pressure was equally unrelenting.

Not just because of marching routes, but also due to the internal conflicts among the generals and clan elders under Serafe.

The vampire soldiers slaughtering livestock and humans at the town entrance occasionally lifted their heads to glance at the noisy church.

"Why is Lakunio, a human traitor and a defeated general, the chief of staff?" Clan elder Grupside from Tedis clan roared at the vampire aide Reitino.

This Reitino was of human origin, yet rose to the vampiric council’s high chamber through Serafe’s favor.

She glared at Grupside without backing down, "Because you didn’t believe the Holy Alliance could block Lakon Castle and Fruit Ridge City, and insisted on withdrawal, wasting so much of our time!"

"You don’t understand, little girl," Grupside sneered, replying with malice, "There’s a difference between false victory and true victory; Lakunio excels in false victories!"

"Whenever has he not won big, only to lose it all at the end?"

"Regardless of false or true, surviving comes first, and it’s Lakunio’s route we’re taking. Not following him means listening to you and leading everyone to death?"

Grupside’s mouth twitched twice, "Little girl, you speak well, but I fear he leads us not on the right path, but one that merely appears correct!"

"Don’t forget, Lakunio was appointed chief of staff by His Majesty!"

"But clan elders’ opinions are important too!"

"Then go find His Majesty yourself!"

Listening to the commotion downstairs, Serafe sitting on the second floor furrowed her brow slightly, looking at Lakunio calmly writing orders: "Are you a spy for the Holy Alliance?"

"The Holy Alliance killed Prince Kongdai, nearly severing the Bloodflower Dynasty’s lineage," Lakunio’s quill swiftly moved over the paper. "If you consider me one, then I am, without argument."

Serafe chuckled lightly, "I know you’re aggrieved, but don’t worry. They’ll only call out like that."

Vampires’ concept of loyalty differs from humans’.

Humans who become vampires are perceived, during their human phase, as unenlightened children.

Actions from these children seem like mere child’s play, what loyalty is there?

At least, since coming to the Royal Court, Lakunio had been diligent, loyal to the court.

The opposition mainly stemmed from his rapid rise from low status and the cumbersome action reports he demanded, restricting freedom as if shackled.

But Serafe personally found Lakunio rather trustworthy.

After all, Lakunio nearly sealed the Holy Alliance at one point.

If not for Prince Kongdai’s madness and rebellion of five Counts, the factions in the Thousand River Valley War might have been divided and conquered.

Regarding the Alliance’s achievements from beginning to now, these were among its enemies’ best results.

Moreover, politically, Lakunio was a clan-less vampire she personally elevated.

He was a blank slate, more trustworthy and obedient than clan elders.

Even if Lakunio were a deep-sea spy, Serafe still held the reins.

Though Serafe struggled with new warfare styles, past military experiences lingered in her mind.

Due to physical limitations, unlike the Wolf Woman’s higher potential body, recognizing if Lakunio was guiding well was manageable.

Contemplating this, Serafe, or rather Lilith, couldn’t help but feel resentment.

Blame that fool Serafe for attempting to seize Lilith’s anchor point, yet wanting to separate Lilith’s consciousness.

They didn’t consider that anchors weren’t objects, but concepts, acknowledgment, and authorization.

Without Lilith’s authorization, the power couldn’t be obtained by anyone.

The result was Serafe’s soul dissipating, and Lilith failing to enter the chosen body, being forced to possess Serafe.

More daunting was that due to Serafe’s clockwork heart given to the Wolf Woman, it was actually powered by the Holy Tree.

Thus, Lilith couldn’t take the Wolf Woman’s body, only severing her legs.

Thinking of the Wolf Woman, Lilith couldn’t avoid thinking of Horn.

Initially, Horn’s arrival as an otherworldly soul was seen as an Eternal Flame’s oversight by her.

Now, it was clear it wasn’t an oversight—it was a trap!

If she hadn’t linked the anchor to Horn, she wouldn’t be in such dire straits; losing means endless damnation!

If defeated now, the True God Witch would revive, but her consciousness would be overtaken by Horn, the alien soul.

Each time she pondered these, Serafe’s chest surged with blood, nearly bursting with anger.

She suppressed the fury and anxiety, asking Lakunio, "Are you sure Konyaz’s plan is viable?"

"I’m sure," Lakunio replied confidently. "Aside from the Eastern Army’s unpredictability, we’ll pass through Winter Embrace Valley on time, and Horn will certainly follow."

According to estimations from Serafe, Konyaz, and Lakunio, Narran army’s defense should be handled by the Eastern Army.

With this, their plan through Winter Embrace Valley would have more leeway.

Unexpectedly, held by Western forces at Shalan Castle, the Narran troops established themselves in Wood Measure City.

Konyaz blundered, failing to capture Wood Measure City quickly.

Yet, the Holy Alliance burned the Langbo Bridge themselves, achieving the major objective, leaving them on the brink of engagement.

"That’s good," Serafe nodded. "How do we address the Eastern Army’s unpredictability?"

"Your Majesty, could you trust me?" Lakunio gazed earnestly at Serafe.

Serafe hesitated briefly, then rose and sat facing Lakunio: "State your thoughts freely."