Alexander Corvinus was the strongest opponent Chen Mo had encountered so far. His sudden charge and attack before Chen Mo landed on the deck demonstrated incredible speed, not inferior to Chen Mo's, and his precise timing and skillful, ruthless swordsmanship were even superior.
Under normal circumstances, Chen Mo would have relished the opportunity to spar with him, using the fight to hone his combat skills. But now, he had no such thoughts.
He had spent three years conquering most of Europe, finally catching up to Alexander here. Missing this opportunity would mean who knows how many more years to obtain the perfect blood, so Chen Mo didn't want to take any risks.
The priority was to completely subdue Alexander Corvinus. Everything else could wait.
Facing Alexander's cunning and ruthless sword thrust, Chen Mo didn't dodge. He let the sharp sword tip approach his chest, while his Sword of Kings slashed forward, aiming at Alexander's sword.
Seeing Chen Mo's response, a hint of joy flashed in Alexander's eyes. Chen Mo didn't dodge his thrust but tried to deflect his sword.
However, the sword tip was already very close to his chest. At this distance, his block was a bit late. Even if he deflected the sword, he couldn't completely avoid it. It would still hit his chest or abdomen, causing serious injury.
Alexander tightened his grip on the sword. Judging by Chen Mo's leap onto the deck, his strength was immense. He had to give his all, ready to counter Chen Mo's block and aim for a vital spot.
As the swords clashed, the expected force from Chen Mo's sword didn't appear.
"Clang!"
With a crisp, short metallic sound, Alexander felt his hand lighten. To his horror, he saw his sword completely severed at the hilt by Chen Mo.
The entire blade fell diagonally to the deck, leaving only a short piece connected to the hilt in his hand. The once sharp sword was now a useless piece of metal.
Alexander was stunned. The sword that had accompanied him for centuries, slaying countless werewolves, was easily severed.
"Thud!"
The falling blade pierced the deck, snapping him back to reality.
Looking at the black-clad, black-armored figure before him, with sharp eyes and an imposing aura, Alexander felt a deep sense of powerlessness.
In their brief exchange, Chen Mo's speed and the immense strength he displayed leaping onto the deck showed that his strength was at least equal to Alexander's. With Chen Mo's sword that could cut through iron like mud, Alexander was no match.
Recalling the scene where Chen Mo unleashed lightning, incinerating a horde of werewolves, Alexander lost his will to fight. Chen Mo's immense power was beyond his ability to resist.
Moreover, after severing his sword, Chen Mo could have easily killed him. His resistance was meaningless.
Waving off his men who wanted to attack Chen Mo, Alexander Corvinus looked deeply at the gleaming, sharp sword in Chen Mo's hand, then at Chen Mo, who had pursued him for years and conquered Europe to capture him.
"Three years, and you finally found me."
Alexander dropped the hilt, speaking with some dejection.
"Are you human or god?"
Staring at the black-clad, black-armored Chen Mo, shrouded in mystery, Alexander's voice was filled with confusion.
Having asked the question that had troubled him for years, Alexander looked at Chen Mo with anticipation, waiting for his answer.
Chen Mo pondered for a moment, then spoke in a deep, authoritative voice from beneath his helmet.
"I am both human and god."
Chen Mo was human, but he possessed extraordinary power, knowledge of hidden secrets, and the ability to traverse movie worlds, growing stronger. To the people of this world, calling him a god wasn't wrong.
To his subjects and knights, Chen Mo was their god!
Chen Mo's words made Alexander ponder. Human and god? Could it be… a god in human form? Chen Mo's answer, combined with Alexander's own thoughts, finally resolved his confusion. It seemed the heavens had come to reclaim the powers bestowed upon him.
These abilities were originally a gift from the heavens. If he couldn't escape, he would let them be taken back.
Having lived hundreds of years longer than others, experiencing all the wonders and grandeur, he should be content.
Maybe it's time to experience the ordinary process of life and death.
Both of his sons were now in Chen Mo's hands. With his abilities, he would surely prevent them from causing further harm, and Alexander no longer needed to clean up after them.
He no longer had to hide and live in fear of Chen Mo's knights suddenly appearing before him.
Letting go of all his burdens, Alexander Corvinus felt a sense of relief, as if he had finally been freed.
Looking at Chen Mo, Alexander's gaze became increasingly calm, with a sense of resignation, as he slowly said,
"I'll go with you!"
…
Chen Mo, having conquered most of Europe, returned to Blackstone Castle with his Templar Knights. The citizens of the territory lined the roads to welcome their great lord's triumphant return.
The imposing black nine-headed dragon flag fluttered in the wind, and the ranks of hundreds of heavily armored knights exuded a formidable presence. Their orderly formation and shining armor inspired awe among the onlookers.
Seeing the knights, strong, handsome, noble, and majestic, riding tall warhorses, the young girls' eyes were filled with admiration, while the boys' eyes sparkled with worship, wishing they could don the handsome armor and become the lord's Templar Knights.
Among this grand procession were dozens of slightly dejected figures, Alexander Corvinus and his elite followers, captured by Chen Mo.
On that day, Alexander was swiftly defeated by Chen Mo's Sword of Kings. Intimidated by Chen Mo's power, he wisely chose to surrender, preventing further resistance and unnecessary sacrifice.
Since he was so sensible, Chen Mo didn't make things difficult for him. After confiscating their weapons, he didn't bind or imprison them, allowing them to ride their horses and follow them back to Blackstone Castle.
It wasn't arrogance on Chen Mo's part. Surrounded by hundreds of fully armed vampire knights, they couldn't possibly win, and with Chen Mo's constant vigilance, escape was impossible.
Back at Blackstone Castle, Chen Mo ordered the knights to detain Alexander's followers and then led Alexander into the castle.
"Do you want to see Marcus and William?"
Marcus had been sent by Chen Mo to conquer the eastern territories and had just returned to the castle a few days ago.
William was imprisoned in the already built dungeon.
"No need."
Following Chen Mo, Alexander shook his head slightly.
"I've watched them from the shadows for many years. It's time to rest. From now on, these are your matters."
One was now Chen Mo's subordinate, the other his prisoner. There was no need for Alexander to worry about cleaning up after them anymore.
Chen Mo said nothing more and led Alexander to the castle's grand hall.
The hall was vast, capable of holding hundreds of people without feeling crowded.
Ordering two swords used by the Templar Knights to be brought, Chen Mo picked one up and tossed it to Alexander.
Alexander caught the sword, looking at Chen Mo in confusion.
"Swish!"
Chen Mo drew his sword, his eyes suddenly sharp, his entire being like an unsheathed sword, exuding a fierce aura towards Alexander.
"Let's have a good fight!"
Alexander glanced at the standard sword in Chen Mo's hand, a gleam in his eyes.
He had used a sword for hundreds of years, countless lives lost to his blade. He prided himself on his unparalleled swordsmanship.
On the ship, Chen Mo had severed his sword, and his previous display of controlling lightning had shattered Alexander's will to fight.
But now, Chen Mo seemed to want a one-on-one sword duel, rekindling Alexander's fighting spirit.
As his fighting spirit rose, Alexander's aura grew stronger. Their gazes clashed, creating ripples in the air.
Locking eyes with Chen Mo, Alexander drew his sword and, without a word, charged at him.
The two strongest individuals in the world were finally about to engage in this epic battle.