Chapter 86: The Blood Prince

Having just destroyed the Bai family, I—the Night Witch—sat atop a high-rise in this small city, beside the rooftop railing, watching the bright moon in the sky with keen interest.

“I’m glad to see you again, Lady Lilith.” A young man appeared behind me. His silver hair was tied at the back of his head, violet eyes glimmering with enchantment, and his handsome face was almost intoxicating. Indeed, he was nearly a perfect man.

“Well, it’s been a long time, hasn’t it, youngster? Our last meeting must have been three hundred years ago.” I gazed at the moonlit night, speaking without turning my head.

“It truly has been three centuries,” the young man remarked wistfully.

“So, what brings you to me, little one?” I asked casually. “It seems that in just three hundred years, your strength has advanced remarkably. You must be on the threshold of the legendary Emperor rank, am I right?” I turned to look at his handsome face, laughing softly. “You’ve done well, little one—even I am almost tempted.”

“I’ll pass, Lady Night Witch. Your favor is more than I can bear,” he replied with a bitter smile. “I’m here for a minor matter, merely to ask you something, Lady Night Witch.” His tone was respectful, but beneath it crept a chilling edge. “I wonder when you might be willing to depart from my daughter’s body and return to where you belong, so that I may have my daughter back?” The young man’s cold eyes stared fearlessly at the woman before him, a figure whose very name made the Vampire King tremble. This nearly perfect young man was, astonishingly, the ruler of the bloodline—the Blood Prince.

“Heh, don’t worry, little one.” At his question, I chuckled. “I’ve slept for far too long, and the world has changed in so many fascinating ways. When I’ve enjoyed myself enough in this world, I’ll return. Rest assured, I have no intention of occupying your daughter’s body. No need to be so tense.”

His face relaxed instantly at my words. “That’s good to hear. If possible, I truly wish to avoid crossing swords with you, Lady Night Witch. Your power still haunts me.” The Blood Prince smiled, then his expression became solemn once more. “I am truly grateful, Lady Night Witch. Without you, my daughter might have been in grave danger. Please accept my most sincere thanks.” He placed a hand on his chest and gave me a gentleman’s salute.

“Since you offer your thanks, I’ll accept it.” I no longer looked at the Blood Prince, turning my gaze back to the bright moon in the night sky. “However, you’re not much of a competent father. I can feel the pain in the girl’s heart; you’ve done far too little for her.” My tone was indifferent.

“Perhaps so,” the Blood Prince sighed softly. “Maybe it’s because every time I see her, I’m reminded of Lydis. Though I showered her with affection, I’m afraid to face her. Perhaps it’s because she so closely resembles Lydis—sometimes I even mistake her for Lydis.”

“Is that so?” My lips curled into a cold smile. “Liliana Lydis Dracula. Quite a name.” I praised with a half-smile. “I wonder what meaning it truly holds?” I looked again at the Blood Prince. “Is it really a mistake, or did you intend all along for this child to be her replacement?”

The Blood Prince fell silent, saying nothing for a long time. “It’s my business, isn’t it, Lady Night Witch?” he finally replied.

“I have no interest in interfering in your affairs. But having taken over this child’s body and being able to see the moon again—I owe her a favor. So I’m only asking on her behalf. If you won’t answer, let it be.”

I stood and brushed the dust from my clothes. “Dawn will break soon, and I need to find a place to rest. I have no wish for a sunbath.” Smiling at the Blood Prince, I said, “I care for this child. I hope she won’t be hurt again, and I believe you want that too.”

“Yes. Lilith is my daughter, Lydis’s beloved in life, and Lydis’s last wish was for Lilith to be happy. I’ll do everything in my power,” the Blood Prince declared firmly.

“Then I’m reassured.” I smiled at the moon in the night sky. “May the Moon Goddess bless this child to find her happiness.” With that, I spread the wings at my back and soared into the night. “I’ll return this child to you safe and sound, don’t worry.” My fading figure left these words for the Blood Prince.

Watching my silhouette vanish into the night, the Blood Prince sighed. “Lilith, my daughter, you’re just as stubborn as Lydis once was. May the happiness you choose not lead you to endless pain.” He gazed at the moon, and then his figure disappeared, leaving only a sigh behind.

Meanwhile, Bai Ye—who had devoured all the Vampire King’s blood—was hiding in a deserted manor on the outskirts of the Bai family estate, enduring excruciating pain.

“Damn it, did I lose too much blood fighting Liliana?” Bai Ye felt the weakness in his veins and sighed helplessly. “It hurts… I’m so hungry… I need to feed.” He muttered. In order to accept the Vampire King’s power, Bai Ye had initiated himself, losing vast quantities of blood. The Vampire King, grievously wounded in battle with the Night Witch, had also lost much blood. Thus, though Bai Ye inherited the Vampire King’s bloodline, he was left in a state of extreme weakness.

“Liliana, I will have you. It won’t be long before I become the king of this world,” Bai Ye whispered, then glanced toward the corner of the room, where Xingyu was chained. Smiling, he said, “Xingyu, as the only witness to the birth of a new king, don’t you feel honored?” His smile was twisted by pain, turning it somewhat ghastly.

“Pah! You lunatic. King of the world? Keep dreaming! Liliana will kill you, just as she killed that arrogant vampire.” Xingyu struggled to lift his head, speaking weakly.

“Perhaps,” Bai Ye replied with a ferocious smile. “But I believe Liliana will eventually fall into my hands because I still hold one last trump card, don’t I? My dear Xingyu, do you think using you as bait will lure my lovely Liliana?” With that, Bai Ye laughed loudly. “Xingyu, if I do ascend to the top of this world, it will all be thanks to your help.” His laughter echoed through the empty manor.