Chapter 79 - Final Preparations Part 1

The silence that followed Park Zhen’s departure hung heavy in the room. His disciples trailed after him, leaving the rest of the team in a muted state of uncertainty. For a moment, nobody moved. The faint sound of Jianfeng’s slow, shallow breathing was the only noise breaking the stillness. His position remained unchanged: seated on the cold floor, head bowed, arms draped over his knees, and gaze fixed somewhere below. The dim lighting cast shadows across his slumped figure, emphasizing his defeated posture. His eyes were vacant, devoid of the spark that once defined him.

Kazue was the first to act, stepping forward with her characteristic energy, though even her movements were tinged with hesitation. Her usual cheerfulness seemed almost out of place in the oppressive atmosphere.

“Hey, Jianfeng…”

She began, crouching down slightly to meet his level. Her voice carried a tone of forced optimism.

“Come on, you’re out now! We’ve got stuff to do, right? Big plans, big fights. We need you back in action!”

There was no response. Jianfeng didn’t flinch or even acknowledge her presence. The silence that followed was suffocating. Kazue bit her lip, a nervous gesture, before trying again, this time with a touch more desperation.

“Jianfeng, seriously, say something! You can’t just sit there forever. We’re all counting on you!”

Nothing. Not even a flicker of recognition. Kazue straightened up, her hands balling into fists. She turned toward the others, frustration plain on her face.

“Okay, what’s the deal with him?”

She demanded, her tone sharper now. Li, who had been leaning against a wall with his arms crossed, sighed audibly.

“This is pointless.”

He muttered, pushing off the wall and walking toward Jianfeng.

“You think he’s gonna snap out of it just because you’re yelling at him?”

He stopped a few steps away, staring down at the lifeless figure.

“Jianfeng, get up. We don’t have time to babysit you.”

Li said, his voice cold and direct. When that, too, failed to elicit a response, his frustration boiled over.

“Damn it! Are you just gonna sit there while we’re risking our necks? Pull yourself together!”

Drake stepped in, placing a hand on Li’s shoulder to pull him back.

“Enough, shouting at him isn’t going to help.”

He said, his tone calm but firm. He knelt beside Jianfeng, his usually steady demeanor now tinged with uncertainty. “Hey, I don’t know what you’re going through, but we’re here for you, okay? Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out together.”

Drake said softly, almost gently but Jianfeng remained silent. The blonde sighed and ran a hand through his own hair, clearly unsure of what else to say.

Adam, who had been observing the scene with a deep frown, finally spoke up.

“This isn’t working.”

He said bluntly. His logical nature took over as he turned to Abbess.

“You were his ally for years. Surely you can do something.”

The hesitation in Adam’s voice was subtle but noticeable. His hands trembled slightly as he addressed the woman beside him, a detail he fought to control. He clenched them into fists at his sides, trying to steady himself.

Abbess, standing off to the side, tilted her head as if considering his words.

“I was his ally, yes, but I was never close to him. Our interactions were... functional, at best. Every fond memory I have is tied to you, master. Even if I had some with him, they have been replaced.”

Adam’s jaw tightened at her words. He looked away, clearly uncomfortable.

“So, what you’re saying is, you’re useless in this situation.”

He replied, his voice laced with frustration. Abbess nodded, her expression unchanging.

“In this case, yes.”

The bluntness of her response irritated Adam further, but he pushed the feeling aside. He took a deep breath, his gaze drifting back to Jianfeng.

After a few more futile attempts to rouse him, the group finally relented. One by one, they began to settle in for the night. The tension in the room was palpable, a mix of frustration, unease, and exhaustion.

Adam found a relatively quiet corner to sit in, his back against the wall. He was acutely aware of Abbess’s presence as she followed him, keeping a noticeable distance but still close enough to make him uneasy. When he finally stopped, she sat on the floor nearby, her posture straight and her hands resting neatly in her lap.

The sight made Adam’s discomfort grow. After a few moments of silence, he spoke, his voice low and strained.

“Are you really just going to sit there like that?”

Abbess opened her eyes and glanced at him and replied calmly.

“This is fine, I am here to serve you, Adam. Being close by in case you need anything is enough.”

The boy’s frown deepened.

“You don’t have to do that. Stop treating me like some kind of... master. Just act normal.”

“I cannot do that.”

Abbess replied, her tone unchanged.

“The more time I spend near you, the stronger my desire to serve becomes.”

Adam exhaled sharply, running a hand over his face.

“That’s the system… it’s messing with your head.”

He muttered, but Abbess didn’t respond. She simply closed her eyes again, her expression serene.

With a sigh, Adam shook his head.

“At least don’t sit on the floor, there are chairs. Use one. And... try to sleep if you can.”

Abbess stood immediately, her movements smooth and deliberate.

“If that is your order, I will comply.”

She said, walking to one of the nearby chairs. She sat down, adjusted her position slightly, and closed her eyes again. Within moments, her breathing evened out, signaling she had fallen asleep.

Adam stared at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he leaned back against the wall, his mind racing even as his body ached for rest. Sleep, as always, would elude him, but at least the room was quiet—for now, perfect to open his statistics window and start reading what he had missed. His fingers moved methodically, scanning the panels of information with a level of precision and focus that helped momentarily distract him from the lingering discomfort of the evening. Every number, every icon, represented his progression, but it was the new elements introduced by his recent transformation that caught his attention. The changes were intriguing and extensive, but also unsettling—pieces of himself he wasn’t sure he recognized anymore.

He stopped, his eyes narrowing as a faint sound broke the silence. Turning his head slightly, he saw Sebastian moving across the room. The old man wasn’t sleeping; instead, he had gathered several blankets in his arms and was making his way toward Jianfeng, who still sat on the floor, motionless. Adam watched as Sebastian crouched next to the silent figure and draped one of the blankets gently over him.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t want to talk right now.”

Sebastian said softly, his voice carrying a warmth that contrasted with the cold air in the room.

“But it’s chilly tonight, and you’ll need this. Trust me.”

Jianfeng didn’t respond or even acknowledge him, his gaze still fixed downward, but Sebastian didn’t seem to mind. He placed a few pillows on the floor nearby, settled down on them, and leaned against a nearby couch. After adjusting himself slightly, he let out a contented sigh and closed his eyes.

Adam’s brows furrowed in concern. He closed the statistics window abruptly, stood up, and crossed the room toward Sebastian. His steps were quick but deliberate, his voice tinged with worry as he spoke.

“Sebastian, you can’t sleep like that! It’s not good for someone your age. I might not have a complete education in medicine, but I know enough to say that proper posture is essential, especially for older people.”

Sebastian opened one eye and looked up at Adam with a smile, his expression calm and reassuring.

“Thank you, don’t fret over me, Adam, these old bones aren’t what they used to be when I first got here. Not only did I pick up a physical stat package in the lobby, but I also have Ki now. I feel younger than I ever have before.”

To prove his point, Sebastian allowed a gentle wave of energy to radiate from his body. The golden hue of his Ki filled the space around him, creating an atmosphere of peace and serenity. Adam could feel its calming effect immediately; it was as if the room itself exhaled, releasing some of its tension.

Even Falk, perched atop Sebastian’s head, seemed to react. The mechanical bird’s inner flame flickered with an intensity that Adam hadn’t seen before. For a brief moment, it burned brighter, almost alive in its glow.

The boy hesitated, unsure whether to push the issue further. Finally, he let out a soft sigh.

“If you’re sure…”

He said, though the concern in his voice hadn’t entirely faded. Sebastian chuckled softly.

“I’m sure. But if it’ll ease your mind, you’re welcome to sit with me.”

After a brief pause, Adam nodded and he agreed, lowering himself to sit near the old man. The two of them sat in silence for a while, the only sounds in the room coming from the occasional rustle of blankets or a faint snore from one of the others.

The night passed quietly, the atmosphere tranquil yet heavy with unspoken thoughts. As the first rays of sunlight began to filter through the cracks and holes in the walls of the ruined building, Adam glanced toward the others. Everyone awoke promptly, a rare occurrence that surprised him. Normally, at least one person struggled to rise on time, whether it was due to exhaustion, stubbornness, or simple carelessness. But today, there was no groaning, no complaints—only quiet determination as each member of the group began to prepare for the day ahead.

Adam sat for a moment, watching them with mild disbelief. Was this the same group that usually needed coaxing to get moving? He shook his head, a faint smirk crossing his lips. Perhaps the tension of the situation had finally managed to instill a sense of urgency in all of them.

As they finished gathering their belongings, Park Zhen appeared, stepping into the room with his usual composed demeanor. His false smile was firmly in place, the kind of expression that never reached his eyes but conveyed just enough politeness to avoid suspicion.

“Good morning, everyone.”

Park Zhen greeted, his voice smooth and unyielding.

“I hope you all slept well. Please, eat quickly. We have much to do, and time is not a luxury we can afford to waste.”

Before anyone could respond, his three disciples—Shu, Xian, and Luo—entered behind him, each carrying bundles wrapped in cloth and containers of water. They moved with practiced efficiency, distributing the items among the group.

Adam received his portion, unwrapping the cloth to reveal a white bun. It was soft to the touch, with a faint aroma that reminded him of bread, though there was an unfamiliar sharpness to the scent. He took a cautious bite.

The texture was dense yet airy, similar to a well-baked roll. The flavor, however, was unusual—a mix of savory and subtly salty undertones that lingered on his tongue. He didn’t feel anything in particular, but as the others chewed, they felt a wave of alertness wash over them, as if the simple act of eating had awakened every nerve in their bodies. It seemed that it didn’t provide extra energy, but it banished the fog of sleep entirely.

But for Adam, something wasn’t right. The bun filled his human stomach, but it did nothing for the gnawing hunger deep within. A sharp, twisting pain gripped his abdomen, making him wince. He gritted his teeth, knowing exactly what the problem was. Vital energy, he needed vital energy.

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His thoughts turned reluctantly to Drake. He’d helped before, but asking again felt awkward. Adam glanced over at his friend, wrestling with how to phrase his request. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, his stomach growled loudly, the sound echoing embarrassingly in the quiet room.

Drake looked up, his expression softening with gentle amusement.

“Adam, if you need more energy, just say so. You know I don’t mind.”

He said, chuckling lightly. But before Adam could respond, Abbess stepped forward. Her movements were deliberate, her piercing gaze fixed firmly on Adam.

“My master, it is not necessary for you to rely on your companions for sustenance. If you require energy, I will provide it.”

She said, her tone formal yet resolute. Adam blinked in surprise, his discomfort increasing.

“What? No, that’s not possible. You’re undead now. Undead don’t have vital energy for me to—”

But Abbess interrupted him without hesitation. She raised one clawed hand and, with swift precision, made a deep cut across her other palm. Dark red blood began to pool in her hand, glistening unnaturally in the dim light. She knelt before Adam, extending her hand toward him as if offering a sacred gift.

The room fell silent. All eyes were on her, and Adam could feel the tension thickening. He tried to back away, but the rich, metallic scent of the blood reached his nostrils, and his stomach growled again, louder and more insistent.

He clenched his fists, his thoughts spiraling. What was happening to him? The sight and smell of the blood triggered a primal hunger that he couldn’t suppress, and it made him sick. His human mind rebelled against the instincts of his new form, creating a storm of nausea and frustration within him.

“How do you even know I can consume that?”

He demanded, his voice strained. His mind raced back to what he’d read about his transformation. As a Demi JiangLich, feeding on undead blood should have been impossible—except for the Overmind’s Parasite. That cursed part of him made it possible, allowing him to absorb any type of blood. However, the woman didn’t respond.

Drake stepped forward, his face calm but his voice firm.

“Adam, you don’t have to do this. You can take my Ki, like before. It’s not a problem.”

The boy’s head snapped toward Drake, the offer stirring a pang of guilt. At that moment, memories flooded his mind—The blonde’s strained expressions each time he’d shared his Ki, the pain he’d endured silently. And then there was the fight against Bai Huolong, the agony on both Drake’s and Kazue’s faces as they fought to save him from himself.

“No…”

Adam’s throat tightened as the room’s uneasy silence seemed to weigh on him. He had spoken up, his voice faltering, his nerves visibly affecting him as he glanced at each of them.

"I... I want to say it clearly."

He began, his tone heavy with guilt and discomfort.

"Drake, I appreciate your offer, but I don’t want you or anyone of you to get hurt because of me anymore."

There was certain merit in this aside from personal feelings, and that hurting his teammates in this situation was something they couldn’t afford. His gaze flickered briefly toward the ground, shame overwhelming him.

“But… if it’s possible, I’d like to ask a favor of all of you.”

The room’s atmosphere shifted subtly as everyone leaned slightly forward in curiosity. Adam clenched his fists tightly at his sides, taking a deep breath to steady his voice before continuing.

"Could you all… turn away while I do this?"

He gestured awkwardly toward Abbess, who stood unwavering, her crimson-stained hand extended before him.

"Please. I know it’s not something easy to ask, but I don’t want you to see this. I can’t… I don’t want anyone seeing me like this."

His voice cracked slightly as he pushed through his explanation.

"I understand that biologically, I stopped being human a while ago, but I still consider myself one… as long as my mind stays intact."

His words came faster, as though he feared losing the nerve to say them.

"But drinking blood? It’s... it’s not something I can reconcile with. Yet I know it's the logical choice to avoid further issues—for myself and for everyone else."

Adam’s hand trembled as he raised it to cover his face for a moment.

"Even if I’ve changed, I don’t want you to see me as some bloodthirsty creature. I’d rather you all think of me as human for as long as possible."

His confession hung in the air, and the team’s reactions varied. Kazue’s face showed deep concern, her lips parted as if to speak, but she stopped herself. Drake crossed his arms, his brow furrowing in thought, while Li leaned back against the wall with a nonchalant shrug.

“Do whatever you need to do.”

Li muttered, his tone void of judgment but equally devoid of care.

One by one, the others complied, turning their backs to Adam, though their postures betrayed unease. Only Park Zhen remained unmoving, his enigmatic gaze fixed firmly on Adam. His silence was unnerving, his expression unreadable, yet he made no move to intervene or comply.

Adam swallowed hard, his attention drawn back to Abbess, who remained kneeling before him. Her golden eyes locked onto his, her outstretched hand unwavering despite the dark ichor pooling in her palm.

The boy’s stomach churned as his instincts flared against his will. The scent of the blood filled his senses, rich and strangely enticing. It was like nothing he had ever experienced—a mix of metallic tang and something primal that he couldn’t place. His humanity screamed in protest, revolted by the act, yet his body betrayed him, leaning forward almost against his will.

As he lowered his head, his trembling lips touched the dark liquid pooled in Abbess’s hand. The first taste was overwhelming, sending a shockwave of energy through his body. It wasn’t just sustenance; it was power, raw and intoxicating. His hunger roared to life, his stomach no longer aching but instead demanding more, and his hands instinctively gripped Abbess’s wrist as he consumed what she offered.

Behind him, Park Zhen’s eyes narrowed slightly, his attention unwavering as he observed every movement.

When the last drop of blood was consumed, Adam pulled away, panting and trembling. His hands released Abbess’s wrist as though burned, and he stumbled backward. The hunger and pain had vanished, replaced by an almost euphoric clarity.

Then, a translucent system window materialized before his eyes, its text glowing faintly:

[ Skill: Blood Consumption Lv 1 ] [A fundamental ability of the vampiric race, 'Blood Consumption' allows the user to absorb energy, heal injuries, and suppress hunger by consuming blood. The more potent and fresh the blood, the greater its restorative effects.] [ Cursed Vision Knowledge ] [Notice: For a variant of the vampiric race, this skill has a hidden enhancement: it grants a temporary buff based on the quality and origin of the consumed blood.]

[You have consumed High-level Jiang Shi blood! The potent energy coursing through your veins invigorates your body. All physical abilities are temporarily highly enhanced.]

Adam’s breathing hitched as he processed the information. His hands clenched into fists, and he felt the surge of vitality coursing through him—a strength unlike anything he had ever known. The sense of power was undeniable, yet it brought with it a pang of guilt and revulsion.

He wiped his face with a trembling hand. His thoughts lingered on the notification he had just read. The implications were unsettling, giving him ideas he wasn’t particularly eager to explore. Yet, he knew priorities had to be set. The training ahead was more immediate and pressing.

As Adam composed himself, Park Zhen broke the silence with his usual authoritative tone.

“Today, I will depart with the first team: Kazue, Katya, Gregor, Sebastian, and Chloe. Our destination will be the designed location 1 where you will face Don Sung Ja-In. Once we arrive, I will brief you on the strategy to follow and detail your opponent’s abilities and how to counter them.”

The room grew tense as the man’s gaze swept across the remaining members.

“The rest of you will continue your physical training from yesterday. There will be no exceptions—except for Emir.”

All eyes turned to the young boy, whose expression was a mixture of confusion and apprehension. Before anyone could interject or question him, Park Zhen strode toward the kid, his steps deliberate. From within his robes, he produced the strange cubes he had shown the group the previous day.

“Emir, you have the most important and difficult task of all. But you are the only one who can accomplish it.”

Park Zhen said with a rare smile. The boy’s small hands clenched instinctively at his sides.

“These devices, are called ‘Interdimensional Containment Cubes’. They are artifacts from another world, designed to imprison a target indefinitely—until the person who seals them decides to release them. However, they only work when the target is sufficiently weakened.”

Park Zhen explained, holding up the cubes. Emir’s brow furrowed as he looked at the cubes.

“Are you planning to use these on Lord Varek when he’s weak?”

Park Zhen’s expression shifted slightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

“Yes, but not in the way you’re imagining.”

The air grew thick with curiosity and unease as the rest of the group exchanged glances. Park Zhen continued, his voice steady.

“When we engage Lord Varek, sealing him with these cubes won’t work—not entirely. He would break free almost immediately. But that’s part of the plan. When he does, the cube will retain traces of his energy, linking itself to him permanently. Once that link is established, the cube will be given to you, Emir.”

“Me?”

Emir’s voice wavered, his confusion deepening.

“Yes, with the link established, you will be able to gradually drain Lord Varek’s energy over time. Even if only a fraction is siphoned, it will weaken him—a critical advantage we cannot afford to ignore.”

Park Zhen affirmed. The room fell silent. Everyone seemed stunned by the audacity and intricacy of the plan. Emir’s small voice broke the silence.

“But… how am I supposed to do that?”

“You’ve already demonstrated the ability to dispel otherworldly energy.”

Park Zhen replied, his tone patient but firm.

“Just as you did with Abbess. If you could do it then, you can do it now. To prepare, you will train with the second cube. It was used to link to another otherworldly creature. Shu will take you to the location where this will happen.”

Emir’s eyes widened, and he nodded slowly, though the weight of the responsibility seemed to press heavily on his small frame.

After a brief pause, Park Zhen straightened and glanced at Adam.

“Adam, you will accompany Emir and Shu.”

He said, his voice as commanding as ever. Adam blinked in surprise.

“Why me?”

“For precaution.”

Park Zhen replied simply, as though the answer were self-evident. Adam frowned but didn’t argue further. If Emir was to shoulder such a significant burden, having someone experienced nearby was only prudent.

The man then turned back to Emir, his expression softening slightly.

“Do not worry. You are stronger than you realize, kid. This task may seem impossible now, but you will rise to the challenge.”

The young boy nodded hesitantly, determination flickering in his eyes despite his obvious nervousness.

As the group gathered, Park Zhen stood at the center, his calm demeanor radiating an unshakable authority.

"Team 1, come to me."

He commanded, his voice sharp and unwavering. Without hesitation, Kazue, Katya, Gregor, Sebastian, and Chloe stepped forward, forming a tight semi-circle around him. Park Zhen reached into his robes and retrieved one of the familiar transporter spheres.

"We will return in approximately half a day."

He announced, his tone leaving no room for questions. With a decisive press of his fingers against the sphere, a blinding light engulfed the room. The air seemed to shimmer as the group vanished, leaving nothing but an echoing silence behind.

Once the light had subsided, Shu stepped forward.

"The rest of you, return to the training field. Xian and Luo will oversee your practice. Adam, Emir, you will come with me to the place Master has indicated."

He said, his voice carrying a sense of calm authority. The group began to move, but Adam paused, his keen senses picking up the faint sound of footsteps behind him. Turning, he saw Abbess trailing closely, her pale, otherworldly form unwavering.

"Abbess, you can’t follow me."

Adam called out, raising a hand to make her stop. Her crimson eyes glowed faintly as she tilted her head, her expression a mix of defiance and obligation.

"I must stay near my master."

She replied, the word "master" dripping with reluctance. Adam’s brow furrowed in thought before an idea struck him.

“Then I order you to stay here and train with the others.”

He declared firmly. Abbess’ lips curled downward, her dissatisfaction evident. She crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at him.

"If that’s what you truly wish… I will obey."

She muttered, her tone begrudging. Yet, after a brief pause, she nodded reluctantly. Her reaction left Adam with a strange sense of unease. It was clear that while she was compelled to follow orders, her spirit remained her own, brimming with personality and resistance when she was displeased. As she turned to rejoin the group, Adam couldn’t shake the feeling that Abbess was more than just a servant bound by duty.

With the others gone, Shu led Adam and Emir through the winding corridors of the fortress. Their path descended into what seemed like a forgotten part of the structure, one long abandoned and left to decay. The air grew colder as they ventured deeper, the faint scent of mildew and rot hanging heavy around them.

As they reached a massive iron door, Shu pushed it open, revealing a long staircase spiraling downward. The walls were damp and cracked, the occasional sound of water dripping echoing ominously in the confined space. Each step they took seemed to amplify the oppressive atmosphere, the light from their torches flickering as if struggling against the consuming darkness.

The further they descended, the more unsettling the environment became. Low, guttural growls echoed from somewhere below, reverberating through the stone walls. Emir clutched his Interdimensional Containment Cube tightly, his small hands trembling slightly. Adam noticed and placed a reassuring hand on the boy’s shoulder, though his own unease was evident in his furrowed brow.

Finally, they reached a massive chamber. The room was vast, its ceiling disappearing into shadows. The space was dimly lit by scattered torches, their light barely illuminating the area. The walls were lined with crumbling pillars, and the floor was cracked and uneven. At its center stood a massive cage, its bars made of a strange black metal that seemed to absorb the light.

Shu raised an arm, stopping Adam and Emir in their tracks.

"Wait."

He said quietly, his voice steady but tense. And before either of them could ask why, a massive shadow lunged toward them from the darkness, its speed and ferocity leaving them frozen in place. A deafening roar filled the air, and Adam instinctively stepped in front of Emir, his hands raised defensively.

The creature came to a sudden halt, the sound of chains rattling as its momentum was abruptly stopped. Before them, stood a colossal white tiger, its body covered in countless scars, each a testament to a brutal history. Strange amulets hung from its neck and limbs, glowing faintly with an eerie light. Its eyes, red and spiraling, burned with unrelenting rage, and a thick, black chain was wrapped tightly around its neck, anchoring it to the center of the room.

"That is a Voidshadow Abyssal Tiger."

Shu said slowly, his voice heavy with gravity. Adam and Emir stared in disbelief, their breaths caught in their throats. The tiger snarled, baring its massive fangs, as it strained against the chains holding it back.

"This beast is revered by many sects in Murim. This particular one was captured and subjected to experiments by Lord Varek. Its energy is not of this world anymore, infused with abilities that are... unpredictable."

Shu continued, while Emir took a step back, clutching the cube even tighter.

"And... what do I do?"

He asked, his voice trembling. Shu pointed to the cube in Emir's hands.

"That cube is linked to the tiger’s energy. Your task is to absorb it—just as you will do with Lord Varek’s energy."

Adam’s eyes darted to Shu.

"And me? Why am I here?"

Shu glanced at him, his expression unreadable.

"As Master said—precaution. We don’t know how the tiger will react to the process. If the worst happens and it breaks free..."

Shu’s voice trailed off, but the implication was clear. Adam clenched his fists, his determination hardening.

"Understood."

He said firmly, standing his ground. Emir swallowed hard, looking up at Adam and Shu.

"I’ll do my best."

He whispered, his voice barely audible over the tiger’s relentless growls, it made little sense to Adam, the kid was extremely brave for someone his age, what must have happened for him to become like this?