Chapter 503: Banquet
Even if it was a little strange to drink someone else’s blood, Xiao Lin did not want to betray Ibeiya’s kindness. He put the blood essence in his mouth; it was cool and smooth. Xiao Lin did not even swallow it yet when he felt the blood essence dissolve, turning into energy and flowing into his body.
The increase of 20 attribute points was hard to feel, but jumping from Black-Iron rank to Bronze, even if temporary, brought about large changes.
Xiao Lin immediately felt the mysterious changes. If a normal person got to Black Iron, they would be able to directly perceive and feel the various energies in the air. Getting to Bronze-rank from there was like gaining a deeper understanding of the energies within one’s body.
At that moment, Xiao Lin did not need to enter meditation to feel the various energies flowing within his body. Elemental energy, death energy, and even natural energy. The distributions were not equal; elemental and death energies were more dense, while the natural energies signifying life were comparatively lesser.
It seemed like a change that was not very significant, but it meant that he could control his energy much better during the battles, allowing him to control his energy use better.
To Xiao Lin, temporarily stepping into Bronze rank had given him much more confidence for the tournament.
The location of the tournament was a castle in the outskirts. The lifespans of the dark races were longer than regular natives, and majestic, well-defended castles were usually where a lot of the clans stayed.
“This castle used to be the residence of a clan that had been exterminated a few hundred years ago. It was later occupied by the Argos clan. Of course, only they could really afford to buy it, and they use it for the martial tournament,” Ibeiya explained.
“So the Argos clan is the host?”
“The host?” Ibeiya asked.
“Oh, I mean that they’re the owners. It’s fine, it’s not important. What I mean to say is, will they have even more advantages?”
“They naturally will, but the Argos clan has been like this since the internal power struggle. Be careful of Valen!” Ibeiya’s small face had a very serious look of warning.
“Are you very familiar with Valen?”
“I would not want to know someone like that.” Ibeiya suddenly looked away with a strange look on her face, and did not seem to have any intention of continuing.
Xiao Lin felt that it was strange, but did not continue asking.
They reached the castle after half an hour. The environment was not great around there. There was a cemetery near the castle, and with the dark night sky, standing in the deathly quiet cemetery sent chills down Xiao Lin’s spine.
“This is an abandoned cemetery.” Ibeiya consoled Xiao Lin, but the horrifying atmosphere was not really related to whether or not it was abandoned.
Xiao Lin nodded. “I can see that.” A lot of the gravestones were in disrepair, and multiple spots had clearly been dug out. Planet Norma had the habit of offering funerary objects as well. Even if it did not seem like a n.o.ble cemetery, the objects would still be worth a bit.
Of course, that was not the main point. Xiao Lin looked at a skeletal head not far away. Two large empty holes were staring in his direction. Xiao Lin could not help but look down on the grave robbers. They could have at least tidied up the bones.
The castle was large, even bigger than the Argos clan’s castle he had infiltrated. However, it was not tall, since the original owner did not like tall buildings.
It was very different from the horrifying atmosphere outside. The interior of the castle was extravagant, the most valuable jewels and statues were seen everywhere. Ibeiya told him that even the carpets on the floor were made from high-ranked and valuable beast fur.
It seemed like the dark races were the same as humans when it came to enjoying riches.
Xiao Lin had felt like Ibeiya’s attire was excessive initially, but he found out now that the one who really stood out was himself. The men were all in tuxedos, which was of course influenced by the colonists. The women were all scantily clad in extravagant clothes, some even completely baring their b.r.e.a.s.t.s, causing Xiao Lin and Ibeiya to blush at the sight.
Ibeiya even cursed softly in an unladylike manner. “Those cursed succubi! What right do they have to be here!
“Big Brother? You’re liking what you see!” When Ibeiya noticed where Xiao Lin’s attention was focused, her voice was suddenly raised.
“Ahem!” Xiao Lin immediately averted his gaze, seriously saying, “I was just trying to observe their strength so I’m prepared for later.”
However, even Xiao Lin was starting to get suspicious. It looked like an extravagant banquet. Would there really be a tournament? There were various liquors and delicious foods in the middle of the hall. Of course, the ‘delicious foods’ that were dripping with blood caused Xiao Lin to hold back the urge to vomit, and he turned around to leave.
“Welcome, St. Claude clan! My dear Ibeiya, I thought you would not come tonight. This is the biggest surprise I’ve had tonight!”
A flamboyant man raised his goblet as he walked over. The crowd automatically moved aside, and followed the man’s gaze toward Ibeiya. However, everyone had already noticed them, though Xiao Lin had been the focus of attention instead of Ibeiya. Xiao Lin had casual clothes on, and stood out like a sore thumb in their eyes.
In truth, the old man had wanted to give Xiao Lin a change of clothes, but Xiao Lin had rejected it. He was not used to wearing suits, but the local Normese, donned in Earthen attire staring at him like he was garbage, caused Xiao Lin to shed a tear.
“That’s Valen Argos!” the old man suddenly said. The old man had fallen silent since they stepped into the city. He was only a servant of the St. Claude clan, so he did not have any right to speak in public s.p.a.ces. He had strictly adhered to that custom.
Xiao Lin composed himself, looking at the current leader of the Argos clan in shock. Valen was much younger than he had thought, since necromancers had the same lifespan as regular people. Valen’s young voice and face were enough to surprise him.
Ibeiya was very careful toward the slowly approaching Valen. She retreated a few steps like a scared rabbit, furrowing her eyebrows as she said, “Valen Argos! You barely know me!”
“Oh, what are you saying, you’re my future bride.” Valen’s face looked like he was chiding Ibeiya for being cheeky, but his eyes were cold, not matching his smile. He continued moving forward, and reached his hand out to touch Ibeiya’s face.
Slap!
Valen’s hand was slapped away by Xiao Lin.