Chapter 169-1: Today, the Long Cord Is in My Hands (Part 1)

Words : 1057 Updated : Oct 1st, 2025

The Elviss Tavern, run by an elf, was the best tavern in Green City—without question. No one doubted the taste of elves, just as no one doubted that dwarves made the best weapons. Elegant layout, magical lights in shifting brightness, vibrant or refreshing murals, intricate and tasteful small sculptures—all these decorations gave the tavern a distinct and exotic elven flair. After Li De entered the tavern, his expression slowly returned to normal. Once he confirmed that Ariel hadn’t made a move, he was sure that his faith energy had completely masked his Vampire aura. That Level 17 elf hadn’t detected his true identity. Otherwise, things would not be as peaceful as they were now. A nature-aligned elf who detested evil encountering a dark-aligned Vampire—it was unthinkable they wouldn’t clash in battle. This unexpected encounter made him place even greater importance on faith energy. Without such pure energy, he would definitely have run into serious trouble today. The reason Ariel hadn’t sensed his true identity was because the faith energy surrounding Li De was simply too pure. What were the doctrines of the Dawn Order? Self-improvement, perseverance, unity, fearless bravery, love for family and country. With such overwhelmingly positive doctrines, it was impossible to derive any dark or negative faith energy from it. No matter how sharp an elf’s senses, they couldn’t perceive the truth when it was masked by a superior power. Once his mind had stabilized, a strange expression appeared on Li De’s face. What happened today was truly absurd. Encountering a Level 17 master archer right after stepping outside was one thing. But the combination of wild allure and seductive charm... That fiery figure and dominant demeanor were a world apart from the noble, graceful, always-head-held-high little elven maidens he’d imagined. Completely different creatures. Still, his sharp perception told him that the natural energy flowing through Ariel was undeniably real—it was a presence wholly distinct from humans. Nature-aligned beings were extremely sensitive to dark-aligned ones. And the reverse was just as true. Fifth Floor of the Elviss Tavern. Under the guard’s guidance, Li De arrived at a refined private room. Emi, who had been waiting for some time, bowed with a hand on his chest after the guard left. “Good evening, Lord Progenitor.” Just as Li De was about to speak, Emi’s next words made his heart tighten. “Your Majesty, we have big trouble.” From this Level 15 Shadow High Priest—a blasphemer who dared to toy with the gods—Li De could feel a genuine sense of danger. After glancing at the tightly closed door, he sat down beside the green-leaf-covered table near the window and got straight to the point. “Speak.” Emi nodded, his voice heavy. “Do you know about the Dark Pact?” His eyes locked firmly onto Li De. Dark Pact? Li De raised an eyebrow. He vaguely remembered that Emi's status panel showed him as a Vice President of the Dark Pact, but he had never paid it much attention and hadn’t asked before. But judging by the context, the trouble they were in clearly had something to do with this underground organization. “The Dark Pact is the most mysterious and powerful force in Green City. This organization includes Abyssal Demons, Necromancers, followers of Evil Gods, underground leaders, and many other deeply evil but entirely concealed entities.” Without waiting for Li De’s response, Emi explained. “Over twenty years ago, I was saved by one of the Dark Pact’s high-ranking members by chance. That person also helped me change classes to a Shadow Priest. Over the past two decades, I rose within the Temple of the Knight God, becoming second only to the Bishop—with significant help from the Dark Pact. Of course, I also provided them considerable convenience. When I reached Level 14, I was appointed as the twelfth Vice President of the Dark Pact, with the President’s approval.” Li De nodded. He remembered bits of this story from when he transformed Emi into a Vampire, though not in such detail. “What does the Dark Pact have to do with the Crimson Mage Tower?” Although the underground organization sounded powerful, neither Dawn City nor the Crimson Mage Tower had had any contact with it. Then, something seemed to click. Li De’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Emi and asked slowly, “Are you saying that the Abyssal Demon who spied on the Crimson Mage Tower that day... was from the Dark Pact?” Emi’s gaze grew even graver. “Your Majesty, though I hate to admit it, yes. The Dark Pact has set its sights on the Crimson Mage Tower. The demon you encountered was one of theirs.” After speaking, Emi paused, his tone turning weighty. “The Dark Pact has at least five Level 15 members. Moreover, their President, Viscount Berna, may be nearing the Transcendent level.” Li De felt a jolt. Five Level 15s??? And one potentially close to Transcendence? An overwhelming pressure surged over him. Though the Crimson Mage Tower was thriving under his leadership, it was still in its infancy. Barely over three years since its founding—it hadn’t had enough time to develop its own mages. And the previous Vampire Progenitor hadn’t paid much attention to humans, so even with money and resources, it would be hard to rapidly grow a powerful force in the short term. This was a stage every rising power had to endure. He was already lucky to have a Level 19 Grand Mage openly supporting the Crimson Mage Tower. But his greatest disadvantage was that the Tower was located in a human city, so he couldn’t deploy many Vampire forces. His usable power, aside from Emi the local powerhouse, was limited to Spark, the Grand Mage. But against an evil underground force like the Dark Pact, if things escalated to conflict, Li De couldn’t guarantee that Spark wouldn’t discover his true identity. Meaning, the most powerful combatant on their side might have to be ruled out. Emi’s expression remained grim as he twisted the knife further. “And that’s only the power we know. The strength they have hidden in the shadows is likely even more terrifying.” Li De looked deeply at Emi. Thankfully, this blasphemer was now his bloodline descendant. Otherwise, he would’ve had a Level 15 Shadow High Priest on his enemy list.

Chapter 169-1: Today, the Long Cord Is in My Hands (Part 1)

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