Rein's Current Combat Strength

If Rein and his group were to leave the Ice Ridge Wasteland, there were some hidden dangers that needed to be addressed, otherwise they would inevitably leave a huge future threat to Black Dragon City.

For example, the two great empires of Sid and Omar.

Now that Omar has split up, the threat is much less than before.

However, the old Xid Empire should not be underestimated.

Although it seems that the development of Black Dragon City in recent years has greatly compressed Sid's living space, its population, economy and national strength are rapidly shrinking and declining.

But this is only a superficial phenomenon; it has not yet caused any serious damage.

This ancient empire, which has been passed down for thousands of years, possesses an unimaginable foundation. No one knows what trump card this vast empire is hiding.

The main reason it can't do anything to Black Dragon City now is because Black Dragon City has absolute superior combat power.

Whether in terms of military strength or High-tier Extraordinary, the Xid Empire cannot gain the upper hand.

Of course, there's also the advantage of location.

However, if Rein leaves the Ice Ridge Wasteland with a group of top experts, the Black Dragon City government's control over this still "newly emerging city" will definitely decrease.

It is foreseeable that without the deterrent power of absolute combat strength, all forces will covet the prize of Black Dragon City.

Just like when the Oma Empire was split up, even if Sid didn't have the ability to directly attack Black Dragon City, those conspirators would still use methods such as subversion, instigation, bribery, and enticement to split Black Dragon City.

Rein and his men certainly didn't want their "City of Freedom," which they had built with their own hands, to become easy prey for those Established Nobles. Therefore, these potential threats had to be eliminated in advance.

While the ancient Xid Empire was powerful, it also had a fatal weakness.

And this Achilles' heel is its bloodline system.

Sid is an empire where the imperial power is controlled by vampires.

The hierarchy among vampires is extremely strict, with titles such as Blood Marquis, Blood Duke, Blood Prince, and Blood Ancestor. High-ranking vampires have absolute control over the lower-ranking blood descendants they transform into.

This is a bondage rooted in blood ties, a kind of contractual binding force that cannot be defied.

And among these, there is a key point.

Today, over 80% of the vampires in the Sid royal family are descended from the lineage of the [Blood Ancestor] Lilith Dracula!

This means that once a pact is reached with that Blood Ancestor, Sid's threat to Black Dragon City will instantly vanish.

This is why Rein has been wandering around the city alone these days.

He was waiting for that vampire to come to him.

Only that [Blood Ancestor] Lilith had the confidence and courage to show her face in Black Dragon City, a place teeming with experts.

Sure enough, a few days passed.

Sid's intelligence agents have learned of Rein's movements, and the Blood Ancestor has also appeared.

Rein was well aware that the other party had the same idea as him.

Once he controls himself, Black Dragon City will likely fall largely under Sid's control.

There is no better way to control Rein than by converting him into a bloodline.

So, Lilith took action.

Then, because of this action, she was punched hard by Rein.

Lilith's attention was entirely on Bazel was standing to the side.

After all, she felt that at this distance, only Bazel had a slight chance of saving Rein's life.

But she never expected that it would be her close and intimate friend, Rein, who would make the move.

This guy whose fighting spirit I couldn't sense at all before!

Caught off guard, Lilith was punched in the waist and abdomen. Before she could react, her body was sent flying like a cannonball.

Then it smashed through the tavern wall and crashed into the stone house across the street.

The collapse of the house was extremely loud, with sand and gravel flying everywhere and a cloud of dust rising up.

Lilith leaped out of the ruins like lightning; such injuries were naturally insignificant to her.

However, at this moment, looking at Rein sitting calmly at the table not far away, her face was full of shock, and she was greatly puzzled. "How is this possible?"

Intelligence indicates that this guy is only at the Fourth Tier of the Transcendent!

Their Nightingale organization in Sid is not just famous for nothing. They possess extremely detailed intelligence on important figures like the Lord of Black Dragon City.

Rein's intelligence, even his two years in the "Weasel Bandit Group," is clearly recorded!

Every piece of intelligence he revealed about his public appearances was collected and recorded by Sid's intelligence agents, and a specialist even analyzed everything about Rein.

Personality, combat strength, and Transcendent abilities.

A fighter, proficient in the Six Forms of Combat Profound Meaning, and skilled in a strange healing ability.

Patient, low-key, decisive, and slightly lecherous (possibly with a preference for large breasts).

Lilith originally thought she knew everything about Rein.

There are no major flaws in his personality, except that his "lust" can be exploited.

Of course, even if it was "seduction," she, as the Blood Ancestor, didn't need to personally intervene.

She's a vampire who's lived for a thousand years and has seen all kinds of men.

A man? Ha!

But because he had also developed some interest in Rein, the little man who created Black Dragon City, and considering her large breasts, he seemed to meet the criteria. His earlier flirting was merely a matter of curiosity.

Unexpectedly, he was punched hard by that clueless guy!

This punch shattered all of Lilith's impressions of Rein.

She suddenly realized that she couldn't understand this guy who had such detailed information about the Nightingale group at all!

"Damn it! Is this all the intelligence said? At most, he's at the early stage of the fifth rank?"

Lilith stood up, cursing under her breath.

The fact that that punch landed so unexpectedly shows that it's definitely not something a regular fifth-tier Transcendent could possess.

However, it was only a moment of shock before Lilith's expression returned to normal.

This level of attack posed no threat to her.

Her gaze, however, fell on the surrounding streets, trying to find the people lying in ambush.

In the Blood Ancestor's mind, since Rein had made a move, it must mean that it was a "trap" aimed at her.

However, to Lilith's surprise, apart from a team of City Guard who rushed over after hearing the commotion, no other experts of note appeared.

At this moment, Lilith turned her gaze back to the tavern and landed on the small table for two by the window.

The sudden commotion left all the patrons in the tavern stunned, their eyes fixed on one spot.

Those who placed bets held their coins tightly in their hands, not losing a single penny.

He was completely unaware that the cigarette had burned his hand.

The drinkers, engrossed in gulping down their drinks, forgot to swallow, and the liquor dripped from their chins, soaking their clothes.

The bartender forgot that he was putting liquor into the barrel, and the glasses overflowed. He didn't turn off the valve, and liquor spilled all over the floor.

The scene seemed to freeze. Those grown men who had just been eyeing Lilith's beauty were now frozen in place, looking as if they had seen a ghost.

Everyone could see that the punch that sent someone flying was definitely from High-tier Extraordinary.

Moreover, that seemingly delicate and sexy dazzling woman crashed into a stone house and actually stood up from the ruins completely unharmed?

Everyone realized that this woman was definitely not simple.

"Gurgle."

Faintly, the sound of everyone swallowing their saliva could be heard in the tavern.

Just then, a rough, grumbling voice broke the silence.

Bazel stared at the tavern wall that had been breached, then glanced at Rein beside him and muttered, "Hey, Rein, don't think I'll give you face just because you're the city lord. You'll have to pay for the tavern's damage."

Rein smiled noncommittally and said, "It's not just my fault. That lady outside also has to pay half."

Bazel pursed his lips, looking at the cold-faced Lilith outside with a hint of schadenfreude, and said, "That old woman must have money. Remember to ask me for it after you beat her up."

"."

Rein smiled but didn't respond.

At this moment, the tavern's bartender also recognized their boss, the "Ten Great Legends" [White Wolf] Bazel.

With this important figure present, the patrons, seeing the familiar-looking Rein, naturally associated him with the sculptures in the city.

"Lord City Lord!"

"Heavens! It's the City Lord!"

"Wow, the city lord is indeed incredibly strong!"

"."

The citizens of Black Dragon City cheered and shouted excitedly at Rein, like crazy fans, in a hysterical frenzy.

In Black Dragon City's deliberate "god-making plan," Lord Rein's status rose higher and higher, eventually reaching an almost ethereal level. In the eyes of ordinary citizens, he was not only a city lord but also a spiritual leader, his status bordering on "god."

The City Guard saw that Rein was in Bazel, went up to greet him, and then left.

The matter was reported, but no more people came.

All of this was observed by Lilith, who was not far away.

She didn't teleport away immediately because, even now, she was still confident she could leave calmly.

Just like the battle in the Oma Imperial Capital.

In her perception, apart from Bazel, she didn't sense any other threatening presence approaching.

A hint of suspicion flashed in Lilith's eyes. Could it be that these guys had other hidden tricks up their sleeves?

However, having lived for over a thousand years and seen all sorts of situations, this unexpected situation was not enough to cause the Blood Ancestor to panic in the slightest.

She straightened her slightly disheveled clothes and asked Rein, who remained calm throughout, "Lord Rein, is this how Black Dragon City treats its guests?"

Rein stood up and smiled, "If Lady Lilith hadn't acted with malice just now, I wouldn't have done something so rude."

He paused, then raised an eyebrow and said calmly, "Besides, it was precisely because you are a guest, Madam, that I showed mercy just now."

If they hadn't held back, this wouldn't have been such an easy conversation; it would have definitely been a life-or-death struggle.

"."

Upon hearing this, Lilith's pupils contracted slightly.

She vaguely sensed that things were going beyond her expectations.

However, I couldn't figure out exactly what was wrong.

"Lady?"

A smile returned to her alluring face, and Lilith instantly regained the composure befitting a top-tier powerhouse.

For some reason, she suddenly became concerned about how Rein addressed her, and said reproachfully, "Although I have lived quite a long time, I have never been married. It is not appropriate for you, Lord Rein, to call me 'Madam'."

Upon hearing this, Rein immediately changed his tune, saying, "Then please forgive my rudeness, Miss Lilith."

Miss?

A lady over a thousand years old?

Upon hearing this even stranger title, Lilith frowned slightly, but did not argue about the topic any further.

Looking around at the growing crowd, Rein asked, "Miss Lilith, shall we go somewhere else? I'd like to invite you for a drink."

Lilith's visit to Black Dragon City was, of course, to keep her appointment.

She looked at Rein, who was making a "sincere" invitation, and narrowed her eyes slightly.

After thinking for a moment, she readily agreed, "Okay."

"Miss Lilith, where do you think would be suitable?"

"What about the 19th District of the North City?"

"As you wish."

"."

Rein knew that Blood Lord was wary and that it was impossible to have a proper conversation.

The North City 19th District is a newly opened suburban area of Black Dragon City, where there are few people, making it suitable for murder and robbery.

He naturally knew where Lilith was going, which meant she didn't trust him enough.

Of course, they weren't going to drink; they were going to fight.

When Lilith saw that Rein had actually taken her away all by himself, she immediately understood.

She thought that Rein's strength lay in the experts of Black Dragon City, but clearly, that wasn't the case.

His only reliance has always been himself.

Although Lilith didn't know where Rein's confidence came from, allowing him to face her, the Blood Ancestor who had become one of the "Ten Great Legends" hundreds of years ago.

But she also instantly realized her situation.

She had no way out.

The moment she appeared in the tavern, it meant that either she could subdue Rein and convert him into her own bloodline;

Those guys from Black Dragon City would definitely keep her here.

Although Lilith never expected that anyone in the Ice Ridge Wasteland could keep her, whose [Instantaneous Movement Technique] had reached its peak.

But her intuition told her that these guys in Black Dragon City really knew what they were doing!

The two were moving very fast; it looked like they were walking, but it was more like they were teleporting.

The city guards spotted them and reported it, but no one stopped them.

No one came over at all.

This made Lilith even more confused.

Where does this young man named Rein get his confidence from when he's facing himself?

This time, she didn't rush to make a move.

The two soon arrived at a quarry in District 19.

The surrounding area was filled with massive, cut stone blocks and large pits. There were few people, and the ground was solid enough.

Lilith cut to the chase. "Lord Rein, are you planning to keep me here today?"

No, no, no

Rein smiled and shook his head, correcting him, "From beginning to end, I only intended to invite you to discuss some things."

"To discuss matters?"

Lilith narrowed her eyes and asked in return, "Is this a deal that I have to agree to whether I want to or not?"

"Yes."

Rein didn't beat around the bush and readily admitted it.

Sid's matter must be resolved. Once this Blood Ancestor shows up, he will definitely not let her leave.

At this moment, he smiled and said frankly, "This is a matter of great importance. For the future of everyone in the Ice Ridge Wasteland, Miss Lilith must agree to this."

"Heh. Lord Rein is quite straightforward."

Lilith sneered as she listened.

Although she was very Rein about what Ryan wanted to say to her, the current situation was clearly unfavorable to her.

From beginning to end, the initiative was in the hands of the other party.

This strange feeling made her, the Blood Ancestor who was at least second Number One Under Heaven in the world, very unhappy.

Now that we've come to this remote quarry, there's no need to hide our purpose.

What's the point of talking? We have to fight first!

The weak have no room for negotiation!

Having said all that, a hint of malice flashed in her crystal eyes. "Fine. If you can defeat me, Lord Rein, then I might as well agree to your conditions."

Lilith knew very well that since Bazel hadn't come along, he must have enough confidence in this young city lord and believed that Rein was capable of protecting himself!

But so what?

Even Lilith, the "Blood Ancestor" among the "Ten Great Legends," is not without temper.

If she couldn't even defeat this young city lord, she felt like she had wasted over a thousand years living as a werewolf!

Rein was not afraid at all. "It's a deal!"

Lilith's eyes narrowed, and she said again, "If you lose, how about becoming my bloodline?"

Upon hearing this, Rein smiled and shook his head, simply saying, "You can't kill me."

He hasn't advanced to the Legendary level yet, so he's definitely not confident he can defeat the renowned Blood Ancestor Lilith, who has been famous for thousands of years.

However, he was confident that this woman couldn't kill him.

"Snort!"

Lilith felt that she had been looked down upon by a young man.

Before she finished speaking, she suddenly transformed into a blur and reached for Rein's heart.

Since it was just a test, she did not transform into a vampire.

But this very probing move caused Lilith's expression to change drastically. She finally understood what he meant when he said, "Because you are a guest, I have already shown mercy!"

Against a space mage like Master Cavo, whose abilities counter melee-based magic, Rein might be hampered and constantly countered.

However, when it comes to dealing with vampires, who are also melee-type Transcendent, Rein is confident that Lilith might not lose, but she also has no chance of winning.

Even if she possesses the bloodline of a progenitor-level vampire!

Just as Lilith reached out, Rein's fighting spirit suddenly surged.

Beneath the purple lightning aura, there was a striking bronze-black metallic skin.

His impeccable aura instantly emanated outwards, like a lion suddenly opening its eyes in its sleep!

"Is this... the golden body technique of the barbarian shaman?"

Lilith's expression changed drastically, and she cried out in her heart, "And how can his battle aura be so terrifying!"

Having lived for over a thousand years, this was the first time she had encountered an opponent who could overwhelm her with sheer power of fighting spirit.

What shocked her even more was yet to come.

Even without transforming, her grab would have been enough to severely injure any ordinary fifth-tier Transcendent. But she never expected that Rein would neither dodge nor evade, allowing her sharp nails to dig directly into his vital heart.

But in the next instant, Lilith knew why Rein was off guard!

She found it increasingly difficult to reach Rein once her hands were a foot away. It was as if she were grasping into a denser, sticky substance, and once she was an inch from his heart, she could go no further.

"This secret technique is a secret passed down within the Oma Royal Family!"

This feeling was all too familiar to Lilith.

If there's anyone in this world who has truly experienced the power of "Condense Qi into Gang," it's none other than her!

Several years ago in the Oma Imperial Capital, he personally witnessed the old man of the Omar royal family using this secret technique.

She never expected to see it in Rein.

Moreover, the level of refinement of this battle aura seems even more impressive.

To her horror, she hadn't even been able to touch Rein's true form!

Rein isn't going to stand there dumbfounded and let himself be beaten.

He did not dodge when Lilith made her move, which meant that he had gained the upper hand.

[Condense Qi into Gang] is not just for protection; its true killing move is for offense.

As the immense pressure came from his chest, he condensed a layer of fighting spirit gauntlets in his hands and unleashed both fists, slamming them heavily onto Lilith's collarbone.

A cracking sound of bone breaking.

These two punches were like drills, easily piercing through Lilith's Bodyguard Battle Qi and breaking her collarbone.

Fortunately, she reacted quickly enough and retreated sharply to dissipate the force of the punches; otherwise, those two punches would probably have blasted two big holes in her chest!

Lilith was blasted away again, like a meteor, and crashed heavily into the quarry pit, creating a huge crater.

After the dust settled, a winged vampire with a blue face and fangs emerged.

This was none other than Lilith, the Blood Ancestor, who had already entered her demonic state!

As soon as the Blood Ancestor appeared, a terrifying dark aura instantly enveloped the entire quarry.

"What kind of Monstrous Strength is this?!"

Lilith wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth, her eyes still filled with disbelief.

She never expected that someone would hurt her in a single encounter.

Thinking back to the time at the tavern, if Rein had launched a sneak attack then, and Bazel had intervened, we might already be doomed today.

She vaguely guessed where Rein's confidence came from.

Lilith's eyes flickered, and she sneered, "Hmph! No wonder Lord Rein is so confident; he's actually a top-tier Transcendent who's been hiding his true abilities."

She was already cursing Sid's various intelligence agencies in her heart.

Those idiots actually thought that this Lord Rein was just a symbolic "gold digger"?

Rein smiled and said, "Miss Lilith, if you're willing to stop now and listen to me talk, I think we can call it a day. After all, it wouldn't be good if such a beautiful lady like you got hurt."

"Heh. Lord Rein, those two punches you just threw didn't seem like those of someone who would show mercy to a woman."

Lilith harbored resentment.

It's fortunate that she's a top-tier vampire; if it were anyone else, those two punches would have killed them instantly.

However, although she was caught off guard and suffered some injuries, it was insignificant to a progenitor-level Blood Ancestor like her!

Rein didn't expect to be able to persuade Sid's top leader so easily.

After advancing to the fifth rank, he still hasn't found a suitable opponent to have a good, satisfying fight.

When sparring with familiar faces like Canossa and Bazel, it's difficult to go all out, and the matches aren't always as enjoyable as they could have been.

Now, well...

An unkillable vampire is the perfect target for our full power!

P. S. My computer crashed, so future updates will be entirely based on intuition. Damn it, all my hard work!