Cain learned how to harness power from blood for his own use. Driven by loneliness, Cain created the second generation of vampires, who then produced thirteen grandchildren for Cain.
The third generation were survivors of Noah’s Great Flood. They established thirteen great clans, later rebelling and destroying the second generation of vampires.
The third generation claimed to possess power comparable to gods.
Thousands of years later, the vampire bloodline had reached the thirteenth to fifteenth generations.
Vampires were divided into thirteen clans, each sharing the same bloodline and characteristics. Some clans formed alliances based on similar philosophies, known as factions. The two main factions were the Hidden Alliance and the Demonaic Feast Alliance.
The vampires in Vitre Castle belonged to the Demonaic Feast Alliance.
Even as day turned to night, there was no trace of fear on Cedric’s face, only a proud solitude. He slowly raised his right hand and shouted, “Knights of the Royal Faith’s Order, are you afraid?”
“Never afraid!” the nine knights responded in unison, drawing their Cross Swords and raising them to the sky.
“Today, in the name of God, let us send these creatures of darkness to hell!”
As Cedric finished speaking, the Cross Swords in the hands of the nine knights emitted a holy and gentle light, and a vast Holy Power pressed down on Deane and his companions.
Deane, Gawain, and Duke Joseph also unleashed a powerful aura, pushing back against Cedric and his men.
The battle was imminent, awaiting only the command from their leaders.
“Your Graces, Cedric is here for me. I want to take him on,” Leo said as he stepped in front of Deane and the others.
Leo chose to act because he sensed Cedric’s strength. Fighting a powerful opponent would be beneficial for his own strength and cultivation breakthrough.
Deane and the others were surprised but did not stop Leo. Duke Joseph said boldly, “Since Mr. Bloomer wants to deal with Cedric, we’ll handle the nine knights. Watch us make them cry for mercy!”
Leo walked up to Cedric and taunted, “The church’s treasure is with me. If you want to catch me, here I am. Show me what you’ve got!”
Cedric narrowed his eyes, his powerful aura causing his red robe to flutter. He shouted coldly, “Glorious knights, attack!”
Leo quickly retreated to the side as Cedric took a step forward, seemingly teleporting to block Leo’s path.
On the other side, Deane and his companions clashed with the nine knights, their battle echoing with explosive sounds.
Leo focused entirely on Cedric, recognizing his formidable strength.
Leo wanted to challenge himself and see if his upper-tier Spirit General Realm cultivation could stand against an Ecclesia strongman.
Of course, if he couldn’t win, Leo would definitely seek help from the vampire dukes.
Cedric looked at Leo with an unusually calm expression, like a priest observing someone confessing their sins. This demeanor made Leo reassess his opinion of Cedric.
“Can you tell me what you obtained from the church?” Cedric asked calmly.
Leo shrugged. “I can’t disclose that unless you defeat me.”
“Oh? Confidence is good for young people, but overconfidence can lead to suffering.”
Cedric smiled slightly, showing some appreciation but no disdain. The young man before him had defeated two of his generals.
“Thanks for the reminder.” Leo looked at Cedric’s hands and asked, “Where’s your weapon?”
Cedric extended his right hand, and a sheathed sword different from a Cross Sword appeared in his hand.
Cedric slowly drew the sword from its sheath, and Leo’s gaze fell on the blade.
The sword was beautiful. Despite the dim light, it reflected a metallic sheen, emanating a pulse that made Leo’s heart race.
Magically, once the sword was drawn, the sheath disappeared from Cedric’s hand.
“This is…” Leo couldn’t identify the sword but knew it was extraordinary.
Cedric proudly said, “Young man, it’s your honor to see this sword. It’s called Sword of the Lake, also known as Sovereign’s Blade.”
Sword of the Lake!
Sovereign’s Blade!
Leo was genuinely astonished by its significance.
Legend had it that during King Arthur’s reign in Britain, he brought unprecedented unity and strength to the kingdom. He helped the poor and established a prosperous kingdom.
When young Arthur pulled the sword from the stone to become king, it broke during a duel with King Pellinore due to violating knightly principles.
Regretting the loss of his holy sword, King Arthur was guided by the great wizard Merlin to a sacred lake where he received a sword called Sovereign’s Blade from Lake Naiad.
The sword was crafted by elves in Avalon. Its hilt was made of gold and encrusted with gems; its blade could cut through iron like mud and emitted a light brighter than the sun.
Merlin told King Arthur, “Sovereign’s Blade is powerful, but its scabbard is even more precious. The one who wears it will never bleed. You must not lose it.”
However, King Arthur eventually lost the scabbard. Despite having a powerful sword, he was mortally wounded by his illegitimate son and nephew, Knight Mordred.
In his final moments, King Arthur instructed his last knight, Bedivere, to return Sovereign’s Blade to the lake. Together with King Arthur, it returned to the mythical land of Avalon.
Cedric looked at Leo’s right hand and asked similarly, “Where’s your weapon?”
Leo extended his right hand, and Divine Dragon Sword appeared with an ancient and powerful aura.
Feeling the ancient and powerful aura emanating from Leo’s sword, even the proud Cedric couldn’t help but feel awe-struck.
The aura was no less powerful than that of Sovereign’s Blade in his hand.
“What’s your sword called?” Cedric asked, eyes fixed on Leo’s sword.
Leo replied proudly, “Divine Dragon Sword!”
Cedric raised Sovereign’s Blade high with both hands, his battle spirit surging as powerful Holy Power waves radiated outwards.
Sovereign’s Blade emitted a holy white light. Combined with Cedric’s crimson robe, he looked like a war god descending from heaven.