SSS Awakening: Rebirth of the Strongest Vampire God Chapter 676 More vampire followers

Damon observed as the group crossed over to the other side, one by one. Though it was unexpected, every single person he had extended an invitation to had chosen to use the portal, teleporting into the remote outskirts of the wilderness.

Lirae and Kate were the first to arrive, following almost immediately after him. His loyal followers soon trailed in: Ellora, Kaelthorn, Erin, and Malia appeared in succession. They were followed by Mallana and Green Eyes. Finally, Riven stepped through, his expression filled with hesitation and uncertainty.

His family followed shortly after. Since Damon had already retracted the castle into his soul space, they hadn't really been given much of a choice in the matter. Sylvara and Nevin were next to emerge, with Phoenix, Meira, and Blood Wraith close behind.

Blood Wraith was visibly trembling with excitement; had his sister not been physically restraining him, he likely would have leaped through the portal much sooner. Arya was the last to appear, her natural timidity preventing her from cutting ahead of anyone else in the queue.

It was evident from their behavior that no one entertained the thought of staying behind. Just as the queue finished, a dark streak blurred through the air and bounded out of the portal's exit.

"Master, I have arrived." Third announced himself. Damon acknowledged him with a simple nod. He didn't recall specifically inviting the man, as Third wasn't in any real danger of being targeted due to their association. However, since he had made the trip, Damon didn't mind his presence.

Surveying the gathered crowd, Damon let out a soft chuckle. "So, everyone actually decided to show up? Excellent. In that case, let us begin."

Damon prepared to lead the group forward, but the portal flickered unexpectedly once more. Three additional figures stepped out. Damon recognized them instantly. It would be impossible to forget them; these were the three greatest blacksmiths of his previous life, men whose influence could once move the entire light faction continent.

Leonel, Mathao, and Holden stood before him.

His ghost spirit arrived alongside them, quickly merging back into his soul. Damon felt a sudden drain on his energy, though it was nothing a quick drink of blood couldn't fix. "What are you doing here?" he questioned the old vampire.

"Brat, do you think I'm deaf? You decide to incinerate half the light faction continent with poison, and you expect me to gamble with the lives of my prized disciples?"

Damon laughed. He hadn't truly believed these men were in any peril, which is why he hadn't sent word to them. But since they had arrived...

"Very well. I was actually hoping to see you all again to pass on some items. I've come across some fascinating things lately." He gave the three legendary figures a respectful nod of greeting.

Surprisingly, the three young men seemed incredibly tense standing in his presence and remained suspiciously silent. "Did something occur?" Damon asked the old vampire privately through their mental bond.

Silence followed for several moments. The old vampire eventually cleared his throat awkwardly and confessed. "I may have mentioned a few things about you to them."

"Oh?" Damon found himself amused.

"Brat, why are you laughing? You're the one who tricked me, aren't you? Where is my disciple with the heaven-defying talent? Hmph. Unlike you, I simply shared a few details while omitting others." Damon raised an eyebrow. Just a few details?

The old vampire’s tone became even more defensive. "Stop looking at me like that. I merely explained that you were a monstrous prodigy of the highest caliber, a being capable of altering the threads of fate itself, possessing talent that would make ancient emperors look like amateurs. It was just a tiny bit of exaggeration. Hardly anything at all."

Damon continued to stare in silence.

"...And I might have mentioned you've slaughtered ten thousand people without batting an eye," the old vampire added reluctantly. "But that is a fact, so it doesn't really count."

Damon’s stare didn't waver.

"...And that your bloodline is among the most terrifying sights I have witnessed in my entire undead existence. Again, that is technically true."

The silent treatment continued.

Finally, the old vampire threw his hands up in frustration. "Fine! I might have told them you were cursed, unstable, erratic, half-mad, and on the verge of an ascension that would consume entire worlds! Are you satisfied now?"

Damon blinked in surprise. "You said what?"

"And I might have also let slip that you encountered the world forge and were tested by an entity so ancient it predates countless eras."

A bitter smile touched Damon's lips.

"Also... cough... cough... all three of them are desperate to become your followers. They wish to be transformed into vampires and officially recognize you as their Senior Brother."

Damon glared at the old vampire. The old man simply sniffed and crossed his arms defiantly. "Don't look at me like that. If anything, I didn't say enough. I kept plenty of secrets, like that fire sprite you've bound or your capacity to devour and seize what belongs to others."

"...You are truly something else."

"I learned it from you."

Damon gave him a deadpan look, which the old man met with a smug grin.

"Look, I'm all for recruiting talented followers, but I don't want to warp their destinies too much or force them off their natural paths. I might end up destroying their potential if I interfere."

"What on earth are you blathering about, brat?"

Damon sighed heavily. He looked at the three young men and the pure reverence in their eyes. He rubbed his chin, feeling awkward. Did he truly want them as his followers? On one hand, it could provide them a massive Cultivation boost; on the other, it might become the very obstacle that halted their growth. It was a gamble.

Then again, he had already drastically altered their timeline. Their master was now an ancient vampire ghost. Was there any point in trying to preserve their original path now?

"Fine. I will take these three as my followers, but I'm asking you to stop trying to brainwash and convert every person you meet. Let them develop at their own speed." Damon shook his head in resignation and began to walk. "Let's find a spot to pitch camp first. We can discuss the details properly then."