Chapter 42: Countess: Why Did Your Head Start Growing Grass?
Chapter 43: The Sword Saintess's Tears
In a short time, a dozen goblins had already been sucked dry and turned into mummies.
"Hehe, Captain, you're too ruthless! You drained those goblins so dry, and so quickly!"
A bat couldn't help but comment.
The red-fanged bat glared at it, "Hurry up and suck them dry, it's not interesting at all. Let's finish early and get those three hundred gold coins."
They had thought they might get to drink the blood of a Goblin Overlord or something similar.
But in the end, it was just a bunch of big goblins, with very few high-tier ones.
Under the cover of night, death kept descending.
No one noticed a thing.
The entire cave was still silent and quiet.
Lin Tian was sleeping in a separate small cave, with Gobu Yue, Lia, Cassandra, and Ifreya beside him.
A bat carefully approached, seeing humans and elves, and couldn't help but feel overjoyed.
He thought, "This place is so remote, quietly drinking some human blood shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Because they belonged to the Adventurers' Guild, they had signed an agreement not to drink human blood.
Even if they killed someone, they couldn't drink the blood if they wanted to maintain their status and work in the Lionheart Empire.
So, these vampires became adventurers, earning money to buy blood.
This bat looked at Ifreya's extremely white neck and couldn't resist any longer, "Money is hard to earn, shit is hard to eat, drinking here won't be discovered!"
Driven by his bloodthirsty desire.
He couldn't help but sink his fangs in.
When his sharp fangs pierced that tender neck like tofu, instantly!
A burst of holy light exploded!
It directly illuminated the small cave and woke up Lin Tian and the others.
"Who!"
Lin Tian woke from his sleep, raising his crossbow to attack, but saw no one.
Only a very small shadow flew out.
Sensing something was extremely wrong, he ordered, "You all stay here, I'll go check it out!"
In the cave, the bat had its teeth shattered completely, "Damn it! A holy nun! Why is there a holy nun in a goblin cave!!"
He would rather believe that someone had dug up his ancestral grave than believe this!
But the holy light just now couldn't be mistaken.
"Captain! There's a holy nun!"
The bat flew to the living area's main cave and shouted urgently.
The Church's forces were like natural enemies to vampires, they didn't dare provoke them.
Hearing this, the red-fanged bat, who was about to continue drinking blood, paused, "Are you crazy? How could there be a nun in this cave?"
"Everyone, be on alert!!!"
At this moment, a shout came from the depths of the cave.
All the goblins got up and were on high alert!
Lin Tian, seeing the group of bats, felt something was wrong, "Goblins generally don't let bats into their caves, how come…"
As he was thinking this, he noticed some goblins hadn't gotten up.
Upon closer inspection, he finally saw clearly!
They had all turned into dried corpses!
"Vampires!"
Lin Tian immediately thought of this, shouting, "Light the fire! Seal the exit!"
Gobu Shan and the others quickly began to act.
In the pitch-dark cave, a raging fire was lit!
The goblins surrounded all the bats in the center.
Lin Tian said, "Dare to come here to drink blood, I want to see what you vampires can do!"
"Captain, what do we do?"
A bat asked, but showed no sign of fear.
The red-fanged bat started spinning rapidly, forming a cloud of black mist, which slowly descended and turned into a human form!
Wearing black light armor, with fair skin, and very elegant auburn hair.
Lilith's eyes were sharp, "Since we've been exposed, let's start killing. It's just a group of goblins."
As soon as she finished speaking, the remaining dozen goblins also transformed into human forms.
And they were all women!
The most venomous were women's hearts!
Lin Tian scrutinized her, deciding to check her attribute panel first.
What he saw shocked him!
[Lilith: Lv61
Race: Vampire
Profession: None
Titles: Countess, Immortal, God's Curse…
Health: 1900
Strength: 500
Defense: 500
Skills: Blood Siphon, Bloodthirst, Transform into Darkness, Infection…
Equipment: Refined Light Armor
Overall: 2800]
Such high attributes!
Almost three thousand!
The remaining vampires also had nearly two thousand in strength!
Damn, how could they possibly win?
Wouldn't they be annihilated?
Lin Tian quickly changed his tone, "Ahem, madam, we can talk this out, no need to be like this."
"There's nothing to talk about. Didn't you want to see our abilities just now? Come on." Red Fang Lilith sneered.
If they had been discovered when they first entered, they would have fled immediately.
But now they were all full of blood, their strength greatly enhanced, why would they be afraid?
Seeing her malicious intent, Lin Tian said, "If we fight, neither of us will benefit. Vampires fear fire, don't they?"
Red Fang Lilith sneered and snapped her fingers.
All those dried goblin corpses on the ground stood up! Their eyes glowed red, and their fangs protruded; she had infected them all with vampirism!
They surrounded them.
Lilith continued, "Do you think the fire will reach us first, or will you die first? Hmph."
"Hallelujah!!!"
Suddenly, a burst of holy light attacked!
It directly forced Lilith and the others to retreat behind the dried goblin corpses.
It was Lin Tian standing upright, with his arms outstretched, forming the shape of a cross.
"My hair! A goblin, a goblin is posing as a cross!"
"He actually shouted those four words, 'holy shit!'"
"Pickled radish! Should we rush up and tear him apart first? This low-level goblin isn't simple!"
A group of vampires was dumbfounded!
A goblin knew how to pose like this!
Lilith also didn't react immediately and quickly said, "Tear him apart!"
Lin Tian quickly ordered, "Everyone, hold this pose like me!"
When all the goblins posed as crosses, the holy light actually illuminated the entire cave at that moment!
If the Church's people saw this, they'd probably exclaim in awe!
Monsters using holy skills to fight other monsters!
Both sides remained in a standoff.
Neither moved, unless the other did.
Finally, Lin Tian couldn't bear it anymore, "This is pointless. How about we negotiate?"
Lilith was silent for a moment, "Speak!"
Indeed, being bathed in holy light made it hard for them to move and very uncomfortable.
"What do you want?" Lin Tian asked directly.
Logically, vampires wouldn't specifically come to kill him, right?
Lilith didn't hide it, "We are an adventurer team from the human side. Someone posted a bounty, so of course, we came to kill you."
"Damn, so I was on a bounty list? No wonder so many adventurers came to Bright Town!" Lin Tian realized.
Then he asked, "You vampires, still need to earn money?"
He really couldn't understand what they needed money for.
A vampire, displeased, said, "Don't we need money to buy blood? Do you think in the Lionheart Empire, we can kill people whenever we want? Guardian Holy Sword, Holy Church, which of these are easy to mess with?"
"I see, how about we cooperate?"
Lin Tian first canceled the pose, signaling the other goblins to cancel as well.
There was no need to fight in this situation; cooperation could be mutually beneficial.
Seeing this, Lilith wanted to strike directly but held back, "How do we cooperate?"
Lin Tian thought for a moment, feeling a bit embarrassed, "Don't you need blood? How about I provide it for you?"
"Boss, they are vampires; they need a huge amount of blood every day!" At this moment, Lia ran out, worriedly saying.
Lin Tian ignored her.
Lilith snorted coldly, "Your little bit of blood is not enough for long-term supply. You have guts; we can leave directly."
She didn't expect goblins to exorcise demons!
She had to admit defeat.
Otherwise, they could have easily killed them all.
"Wait, I said it's enough, and it will be enough." Lin Tian stopped them, speaking seriously.
Lilith and the others looked at her in surprise.
"In traditional Chinese medicine, there are records stating that the kidney governs essence and blood; it's the most important organ for a person. To be healthy, you must avoid kidney deficiency."
Hearing this, a group of vampires was confused and naive, asking in detail, "What do you mean?"
Lin Tian coughed, suppressing his embarrassment, "It's literal. Medical research has shown it.
Moreover, a type of monster discovered this special effect long ago, which is the succubus.
Otherwise, why would they extract everywhere without harming lives or stealing money?
To gain such good nutrition, who would resort to theft or murder?
You know, we goblins lack everything but that. We can form a long-term cooperative relationship, ensuring you don't run out of blood to drink."
Seeing they seemed unbelieving, Lin Tian immediately prepared to demonstrate.
This was a conclusion of Chinese medicine culture, and Lin Tian firmly believed the effect would be the same.
Lilith roughly understood.
After much thought, she found this method feasible!
But it had to be tested first.
She reached out to take it.
A vampire behind her pulled her back, "Captain, we are the Count's wives. Although he is sealed, aren't we supposed to wait for him?"
"Yes, this is too disrespectful to the Count."
"If this is true, we can wait safely without taking risks. Wouldn't that be better? Over the centuries, how many sisters have died, don't you know?"
As the captain and the rightful wife of Count Dracula, Lilith had to bear a certain responsibility.
Without hesitation, she walked towards Lin Tian.
After all, it was just for the sustenance of life, without any further relationship.
It didn't count as betraying the Count.
When Lilith drank the "blood."
As her bloodthirst was suppressed, she couldn't help but feel excited, "It really can replace blood!!
Everyone, we no longer need to take risks every day, as long as we cooperate with these goblins!"
"No way, we should have discovered this earlier! Damn succubi monopolized this information since ancient times!"
"Is this true? Let me try!"
A vampire couldn't resist trying.
The result was uncontrollable.
One after another, they tried, and without exception, it was true!
The bloodthirst in the vampires' bodies could be suppressed.
Lin Tian was almost turning into a dried corpse, "Lia, support me a bit, huff, huff…"
"Boss, you've worked hard."
Lia said with a mix of amusement and concern.
At this moment, Lilith became serious, "Goblin, I agree to your cooperation. What do you want in return?"
"It's simple. Just protect this cave from intruders. I won't make you go out either.
It's perpetually dark here; you can stay unrestricted." Lin Tian spoke solemnly.
Recruiting these vampires wasn't just because he had no other choice.
He hadn't tested the vampire race yet.
It was a great opportunity to improve the group's quality and gain attributes.
However, he did feel a bit sorry for their 'Count.'
"Alright, I agree with you. I just didn't expect a low-level goblin to possess such intelligence to communicate this way," Lilith said straightforwardly.
A trace of a sly smile flashed in Lin Tian's heart.
It definitely couldn't be rushed now; to test it, he had to slowly develop her feelings.
He then explained the situation there and made some agreements with them.
Lilith and the others were arranged perfectly, to the point where they felt a bit moved.
"I appreciate your actions. As long as the invaders in your cave aren't too strong, we will do our best to help," Lilith said.
"Then, here's to a pleasant cooperation," Lin Tian extended his hand.
At that moment, Lilith's expression showed a surprising change.
Human-like habits!
Although she was a vampire, she had been human before becoming one.
Lilith then added, "No wonder the Sword Saintess was driven to isolation by you. Of course, we mean strong opponents like her."
"I understand. By the way, what's the deal with the count you mentioned?" Lin Tian asked tentatively.
After all, it was akin to cuckolding someone's wife, and several at that!
If he was very strong and came for revenge, it would be disastrous.
Lilith's face showed obvious sadness as she said, "He is our husband, a vampire who has lived for thousands of years. Unfortunately, he is imprisoned in the temple by the Church… The Church spared us from punishment as we were forced to become vampires."
Upon hearing this, Lin Tian roughly understood.
Since he was imprisoned by the Holy Church, there was no need to worry about him escaping for now.
Lin Tian looked at her and said with concern, "Don't worry, when I become strong enough, I'll go overthrow the Church. You see, even a Saintess of the Church has been completely subdued by me."
"Really, really?" Lilith's face showed the expression of a virtuous wife, not expecting someone to be willing to help her husband.
Lin Tian nodded, "Absolutely true. You're also tired, go rest now."
He then supported her delicate, fair hand and led her into a small cave.
The vampires behind them looked at Lin Tian differently.
After Lin Tian left, he heard the group of vampires discussing.
"Oh my, how can I see romance and responsibility in a goblin?"
"Seriously, I could cry, who understands?"
"After wandering for hundreds of years, now given a place to settle by a goblin. Madam, don't you think he is reliable?"
The group of vampires, being women, immediately switched to gossip mode.
Lilith, however, remained steadfast, "Stop it. We belong to the Count, we can't do this. If anyone talks about not waiting for the Count to come out, I can't help her."
At the cave entrance, Lin Tian slowly revealed a smug smile.
This was the charm of a virtuous wife.
Maintaining chastity, resisting strongly, but ultimately falling step by step into the clutches, unable to extricate herself.
It was almost like gaining a virgin bride.
Lin Tian left the small cave with a wicked smile, planning to take a nap.
For now, there was no rush.
…
In Bright Town, the tavern was brightly lit all night.
Many people stayed up, waiting for news from the Cold-Blooded Mercenaries.
But by dawn, there was no news.
The tavern owner sighed, "I think they failed too. Everyone go rest, I can't hold on any longer. If you want to drink, serve yourselves and remember to pay."
Upon hearing this, the others didn't show any sign of fatigue.
Instead, they were filled with fear.
They couldn't accept the repeated defeats!
Even the vampires, who were immortal, had failed.
Only holy attacks could cause fatal damage to them.
Slowly, everyone's eyes turned to the Wandering Hero.
He was now the only Diamond-level adventurer here.
Feeling the pressure of their gazes, the Wandering Hero quickly said, "Why are you all looking at me? I'm here to slay dragons, who cares about those goblins! If you want to fight, can't you gather all your strength and attack together?"
"But how would we split the bounty?" The bald man asked.
Most adventurers, nine out of ten, were in it for the money.
Otherwise, who would risk their lives?
The goblin disaster had nothing to do with them, it was all about the bounty.
The Wandering Hero snorted, "Do whatever you want, I'm not interested."
"Coward."
A voice suddenly echoed in the tavern, then quickly faded.
The Wandering Hero was so angry he jumped up, "Which bastard! Am I a coward? Am I! I'm here to slay dragons; goblins are trash not worth my time!"
No one in the tavern responded.
Just when they thought the tavern had quieted down, several voices rang out again, "Coward."
"Who the hell are you fooling?"
"Diamond-level? More like dog shit!"
This caused the tavern to erupt into a noisy uproar.
In a corner of Bright Town, there was a dilapidated little house.
The interior was simple, with a gray little bed, a cracked wooden table, and a single stool.
In the corner was a dusty platinum longsword and a pile of armor.
Because of the loud commotion in the tavern, the Sword Saintess slowly woke up.
At this moment, her golden hair was disheveled, not knowing how long she had been lying there.
Though awake, she didn't sit up.
Her blue eyes stared blankly at the ceiling, lost in thought.
Suddenly, she noticed something under the door crack.
It was an envelope from that mysterious person.
After hesitating for a long time, the Sword Saintess decided to check it.
Throwing off the covers, she had already removed her armor and was wearing a casual white nightgown.
Her slender waist seemed like it could be gripped with one hand.
The nightgown only covered up to her thighs, revealing a captivating expanse of white skin.
Her jade-like feet were as tender as a baby's skin, an excellent product for soaking in milk.
However, there were faint scars on the soles of her feet.
These were from when she realized she had been tricked at the broken bridge and had to sprint back dozens of miles within half an hour.
At the time, she didn't notice her feet had become a bloody mess.
When she got out of bed, the Sword Saintess staggered and almost fell.
She smiled bitterly, "How long have I been lying here? I can't even feel my legs."
She then picked up the letter.
Upon seeing the image of a lion with its mouth wide open on the cover, she knew who had sent it.
It was from the Emperor of the Lionheart Empire, Emperor Lionheart.
To: Alicenia
I heard your powerful sword will was defeated by a group of goblins. I know that isn't the case.
You were defeated by yourself. I told you long ago, don't be too hard on yourself.
Sometimes it's okay to go wild, to forget yourself.
Be like a lion.
…—Emperor Lionheart, Charles II
Reading these lines, a blue tear, as blue as the ocean, inexplicably rolled down the corner of the Sword Saintess's eye.
She had even forgotten that her name was Alicenia.
"Yes, I am Alicenia. I am not just a sword, I am a person."
Alicenia muttered to herself, her expression subtly changing.
From her ocean-like eyes that embraced her people, it wasn't tears that flowed.
It was herself.
She was crying for herself.
After a long daze, her gaze finally turned to the dusty sword in the corner.
At this moment, the tavern was still noisy.
The Wandering Hero, exhausted from arguing with everyone, was left breathless.
He was being verbally attacked from all sides.
An old man then spoke up, "This coward, I've had enough of him. Hiding in the corner pretending to be a master for so long, and what do we get? A worthless piece of shit!"
"Old man, do you want to die?"
Finally, the Wandering Hero could no longer bear it. A white ball of light appeared in his hand!
He was ready to use force to shut them up.
But then he saw a familiar figure standing at the door, tall and imposing like a mountain!
The Sword Saintess!!
The Wandering Hero quickly retracted his attack, forced a smile, and bowed, "Sword Saintess! It's great that you've recovered!"
"Sword Saintess!?"
Everyone turned their heads, and upon seeing it was the Sword Saintess, they almost jumped with excitement!
But no one forgot their respect, all bowing in greeting.
In the Lionheart Empire, only the Emperor received the same level of respect as the Sword Saintess.
Her path of protection was admired and respected by everyone.
Alicenia gestured for them to be quiet, "I am glad you have come to support Bright Town. Everyone, it's time to put an end to this. I will not give them any more chances to breathe!"
She had originally planned to deal with Dragon Island and then the goblins alone.
Now, with so many people, it was much easier.
"Ah, this…"
Hearing this, everyone looked a bit embarrassed.
Support?
They weren't here for charity work!
But since the Sword Saintess had spoken, they were too embarrassed to clarify.
The tavern owner sighed, "Are you still adventurers? If you are willing to help, you can drink all the wine in my tavern! Drink until you're full!"
"Alright!"
"We'll do whatever the Sword Saintess says!"
"Clear out those who threaten Bright Town!"
"Boss, you are generous. Actually, we would follow the Sword Saintess anyway."
Hearing everyone's fighting spirit, two more groups of adventurers walked in from outside.
The leader was named 'Edison', dressed like a western gunslinger, with a simple flintlock pistol at his waist.
But he was a Diamond-level adventurer, leading a team called 'The Gunslingers'.
The other group was also Diamond-level.
Edison spoke first, "I am willing to help the Sword Saintess uphold the path of protection. It's just a little effort, count me in."
"Diamond-level! Great!"
Someone exclaimed with joy.
But some were indifferent, "With the Sword Saintess in action, isn't it a given we can handle a bunch of goblins?"
Upon hearing this, everyone realized.
They all sighed, "I almost thought he was showing off. Isn't he just here to help out?"
With the Sword Saintess doing the heavy lifting, wasn't everyone else just assisting?
Or rather, they were just freeloading for glory.
"No, this time we will split into two groups. One will deal with the goblins, the other with Dragon Island."
Alicenia interrupted them.
Edison, who had been deflated, straightened up again, "Humph, who did you say was here to freeload? Don't team up with me."
"Sword Saintess, how should we split the teams?" the Wandering Hero asked.