My Celestial Ascension Chapter 917: Vampire King Evander

"Oh, finally someone has recognized me... Now that you realize my identity, won't you swing open the gate for us?" A faint smile curved Nerith's lips as she advanced a step.

The guards nodded at once and swung the gate wide for Yuan and his group. Overawed by Nerith, not a single one among them had the courage to challenge or block her path.

From within, the city appeared even more stunning. Vampires filled the streets, resembling humans closely except for their subtly pointed ears and ghostly pale complexions.

Their gazes held a distinct allure too—resembling gleaming rubies, captivating while harboring a perilous edge.

As they navigated the avenues, countless vampires turned their heads to stare. The Vampire King's fortress loomed high on a towering peak, with the whole settlement sprawling around its base.

Yuan and his companions brushed off the intrigued stares from the locals and pressed onward. The urban landscape offered little of note, save for a handful of standout vendors.

The majority of refreshment stands offered blood drawn from mighty beasts, a fare that held no appeal for Yuan and the rest.

"Vampires sustain themselves chiefly on blood—human blood ranks as their ultimate treat. Yet since the conflict ended, they've had to make do with beast blood," Nerith clarified, gesturing toward the outlets peddling newly harvested animal essence.

She went on, "They lack options. Rank-and-file vampires can't endure without ingesting blood from fellow beings—it would push them to insanity if they fought the urge."

"That said, the noble vampires stand apart. They manage by drawing sustenance from their mates' blood. Through mutual sharing, they persist, and certain elites even slip into deep slumber spanning centuries."

"Such dormancy aids their long-term endurance while boosting their power. Even so, it's far from widespread—not every vampire opts for it," Nerith noted further.

"I see... they echo certain tales of demons... yet they bear no resemblance in looks or temperament. Beyond their ashen hues and scarlet gazes, they strike me as far more akin to humans," Long Yuyan remarked, her face showing clear astonishment while she studied the vampires.

She added, "I'm positive they share no ties with the demons I brought up before. Still, their lineage feels utterly singular—nothing like what I've encountered or learned about previously."

"It looks like you planned to eradicate every vampire upon reaching here... suspecting some link to those demons you mentioned," Nerith let out a light chuckle.

"You have sharp instincts, Princess," Long Yuyan answered, her lips forming a grin.

Moments afterward, they halted in front of the Vampire King's stronghold, an enormous structure.

"This fortress houses the Vampire King... an impressive spectacle, wouldn't you say?" Nerith commented, glancing toward Yuan.

"It's truly impressive... a real wonder of construction," Yuan agreed, offering a nod and a warm smile.

"It's decent enough. Though next to the Earth Immortal Sect's palace, it pales in comparison," Long Yuyan stated evenly.

"I concur," Anna Grace affirmed with a nod, having beheld that grand residence firsthand.

"Alright, then—let's enter and greet King Evander. By this point, he surely senses our entry into his domain," Nerith suggested, striding toward the doorway.

The pair of sentries at the portal dipped their heads low in deference to the Demon Princess upon spotting her.

"Greetings at the Crimson Palace, Princess. His Majesty awaits you and your party in the throne chamber," one sentry announced.

"That crafty elder never ceases to amaze me with his prowess... age may be catching up, but his edge remains keen," Nerith whispered with a sly grin before crossing the threshold into the fortress.

The corridor brimmed with relics, ancient artworks, and the preserved skulls of formidable beasts hung as conquest symbols.

A chill permeated the fortress's interior, mingled with a subtle aroma of blood that hung in the air. The vibe felt serene, though an uncanny quietude prevailed.

With each step Yuan and his allies took deeper in, their footfalls resounded along the passages, infusing the space with a disquieting presence.

Soon enough, they reached the throne chamber, where Vampire King Evander sat expectantly on his seat of power.

"Greetings, Princess Nerith. You've rushed here without delay, skipping even a missive to herald your coming," King Evander declared, his face lit by a wide grin.

"Oh? And you've arrived with companions. Some of them are humans, no less..." he continued, eyeing Yuan and his wives with keen interest.

’What in the world is this?! How can I detect such vast Qi surging inside them?! When did humans gain the ability to harness Qi?!’ Disbelief widened his eyes as he perceived the power coursing through Yuan and the group.

"Curious... How did you come across such remarkable figures, Princess Nerith? They're anything but commonplace," King Evander remarked, his stare intensifying.

"These individuals serve as esteemed visitors to our realm. Thus, I trust you entertain no odd notions toward them, Your Majesty," Nerith responded, her face turning solemn.

"Understood... So what prompts your journey all this way, Princess? How fares your sibling?" he inquired, arching his brows just a touch.

"Circumstances compelled my visit here, Your Majesty. My brother remains in good health... though that might hold for just another week or so," Nerith replied with a deep, burdened exhale.

King Evander caught the gravity in her look and the worry in her eyes, prompting an instant shift in his own bearing.

"We'll relocate to a more suitable spot to converse... The throne room suits not such grave talks," he declared, standing from his royal perch.

He guided the group to a separate chamber and commanded the attendants to vacate and avoid interruptions.

Once seated comfortably, he fixed Nerith with a stern visage and questioned, "What has transpired? From your expression, calamity looms near."

"On this occasion, I've arrived to warn of an immense peril heading our way—and to forge a pact with your realm," Nerith stated, her resolve unwavering.

"What sort of peril do you mean?" Evander's eyes narrowed, his features growing taut.

Nerith drew in a steadying breath and explained, "Undead have started emerging close to the frontier. Initially, just a handful appeared. Lately, though, their ranks have swelled enormously."

"Not much time past, our patrols uncovered a vast horde of undead advancing on the frontier, commanded by the Undead King. They'll reach us in a week or two at most," she disclosed.

Shock gripped the Vampire King. He gaped at Nerith, eyes bulging, struggling to accept her words.

"A crisis of this magnitude brews, yet I remained oblivious... How could that be?" he murmured, his countenance stiffening as the threat's full impact settled upon him.