“Yes!” Rupert responded, transforming into a bat and disappearing around the corner.
Soon, the distinctive screech of bats echoed from ahead.
When Leo reached the wooden door around the corner, the two guards had already collapsed to the ground.
Rupert, now in human form, had blood at the corner of his mouth, indicating he had fed on the guards.
Leo hesitated briefly before pushing open the wooden door.
The creaking sound of the door seemed to carry the weight of history.
As the door opened, a vast church came into view. The walls were equipped with special lighting, illuminating the entire space.
In the center, rows of neatly arranged seats led up to a large altar, where a massive bronze statue of Jesus crucified stood.
The walls on either side of the statue were adorned with religious murals.
Apart from Leo and Rupert, the church was empty.
“Rupert, why did you bring me to this empty church?” Leo asked coldly.
“Sir, this should be House Rupert’s main cathedral. According to our informants, their elder has lived here for years and rarely leaves,” Rupert explained hurriedly.
“If that’s the case, where is he?” Leo scanned the surroundings with a puzzled expression.
Just as Leo finished speaking, an elderly voice echoed through the church: “Cough, cough, young man, are you looking for me?”
Startled, Leo and Rupert saw a side door at the front of the church open, and an old man in a white robe emerged.
The old man appeared to be in his seventies, with white hair and beard, and deep wrinkles. However, his face was rosy, and he stood straight and vigorous.
Moreover, his expression was calm, showing no surprise or panic at the intrusion.
“If I’m not mistaken, you must be the elder of House Rupert?” Leo asked calmly.
“It seems you two know quite a bit about my estate,” the old man smiled slightly. “So, what brings you uninvited guests here?”
“Nothing major, just a small secret we’d like you to share,” Leo smiled faintly.
“Heh, House Rupert is just a group of merchants; we have no secrets,” the old man replied calmly.
“Not quite,” Rupert stepped out from behind Leo. “The descendants of Yeliel know more secrets than anyone else.”
“You’re a vampire!” The old man’s expression changed slightly. “A sinner who betrayed God, a vile creature of darkness. I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”
“Stop pretending. The secret of King Solomon’s treasure has burdened your family for over two thousand years. It’s time to pass it on,” Rupert sneered.
The old man’s calm demeanor faltered. “What treasure? I’ve never heard of it. According to United States law, I can kill you for trespassing. So neither of you will leave here.”
Leo was now certain that the old man knew the secret of Solomon’s treasure.
“Not leaving?” Leo sneered. “I don’t think so. I advise you not to make unnecessary sacrifices. Just tell us the treasure’s location, or I can’t guarantee your safety.”
“Arrogant,” the old man sneered. “Guards!”
Bang!
The side door opened again, and four men appeared, each wearing ancient knight armor and carrying crosses and swords.
“Eliminate them without damaging the sanctuary,” the old man ordered.
“Yes.” The four knights drew their swords and crossed them in the air. “Holy Space.”
With a loud bang, blinding white light enveloped them. Leo felt as if he had entered a completely different world-a white expanse created by holy power.
“A human and a vampire,” said one knight who seemed to be the leader. “Anyone who seeks House Rupert’s secrets meets their end.”
Leo sneered. “Rupert, since they won’t tell us willingly, play with them.”
Rupert hesitated but then nodded. “Yes, sir.”
He looked at the four knights and sneered. “You pitiful humans, let me send you to hell.”
“Vile vampire,” a thin knight sneered back. “Let me, Holy Knight Odin, send you back to hell. Amen!”
Odin raised his sword and chanted loudly: “The Lord said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”
Boom!
As Odin finished speaking, his sword emitted intense white light that spread in all directions.
The entire barrier was bathed in holy light.
Leo felt extremely comfortable under the holy light, as if bathing in warm spring water.
But Rupert screamed in pain as black smoke rose from his body.
Holy light is the nemesis of dark creatures.
Rupert shrieked and released a black mist filled with roaring evil spirits that surged towards Odin.
Odin snorted coldly as his sword’s holy light grew even stronger.
With a loud crash, the curse’s power clashed with the holy light, causing the barrier to tremble violently as if it would collapse.
Soon, both forces dissipated like a breeze.
Rupert coughed up blood while Odin looked pale and breathless; neither had gained much advantage.
Leo now understood that Odin’s strength was similar to Rupert’s-a low-level vampire duke.
Odin and Rupert glared at each other like fighting cocks, ready for another round of attacks.
Leo stretched lazily. “Rupert, hurry up. You need to work hard for your future.”
Rupert shuddered, knowing Leo was displeased with his performance.
He glared at Odin with bared fangs, ready to devour him.
Then Rupert roared and unleashed hundreds of blood-red beams from his sharp claws towards Odin.
“Watch out!” The other three knights shouted in warning.
Odin raised his sword to his chest and chanted: “The Lord said, ‘I grant you an olive branch to spread peace…'”
Before he could finish, countless blood beams enveloped him.