The Interlude: Preparing the Bait

When they saw Li Lin appear, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Although everyone's reasons were different, so far, the plan had clearly been successful. Of course, the happiest were probably the sisters Mina and Fina. They had managed to avoid mission failure, so there was no need to explain the punishment anymore.

"How is the situation, Li Lin?"

Nia asked, and to everyone's surprise, Li Lin's expression showed a hint of regret.

"That's such a pity."

"Pity?"

Nia and Angela exchanged puzzled glances, neither understanding what Li Lin was trying to say.

"That female mage is very clever."

Li Lin tapped the table with his hand and said with a hint of regret.

"She actually knows how to assimilate with the crystals of undead creatures and acquire their characteristics—that's a truly audacious idea. If she succeeds, she can continue to exist as a living being, unaffected by negative energy. Even fatal injuries to ordinary mages would likely be minor troubles she can avoid or resolve. Unfortunately, her progress is clearly not yet at that ideal level. If that were the case, I might consider sparing her life."

"I see."

Nia nodded slightly. She naturally understood why Li Lin was disappointed. After all, the coexistence of life and death was one of the greatest topics in the history of mage research. Their central concept was to study how a living being could possess undead-like characteristics. This differed from Vampire Species, who were Vampire Species dead; they had no heartbeat, no body temperature, and even needed to drink blood to survive, so it wasn't a true coexistence of life and death. Of course, it wasn't the philosophical concept of a body alive but a dead spirit either. This research had consumed a considerable amount of Li Lin's time and energy, but his interest stemmed only from theoretical realization. As Arcane Mage, Li Lin knew very well that the coexistence of life and death, like the coexistence of light and darkness, was never a good thing, possessing too much uncertainty and being difficult to control. Not creating or mastering what couldn't be controlled was Li Lin's consistent belief, so he ultimately abandoned this research and began exploring the Weapon Spirit Transformation.

If Isabel truly succeeds in achieving coexistence with life, then Li Lin will definitely not kill her. At most, he will simply throw her far away and observe her in his spare time. Although Li Lin himself doesn't like chaos and dislikes controlling those unknown and unexpected products, he doesn't dislike their existence. As long as they don't involve him in any conflict of interest, he is quite interested in observing them.

Unfortunately, although Isabel was making good progress, Li Lin could still tell that she hadn't completely succeeded yet. In that case, he might as well kill her.

Angela didn't care about these so-called research topics at all. To her, as long as there was blood to drink, people to kill, and Li Lin around, that was enough. So right now, she was sitting on the chair next to them, her eyes slightly narrowed, watching the two sisters in front of her with satisfaction.

You have done very well.

A glint of joy flashed in Angela's bright red eyes.

"How does it feel to kill with your own hands? Remember, Vampire Species are the nobles of the night, and you must maintain a cheerful state of mind no matter what. Vampire Species are a noble race; do not feel fear or panic when granting death to those lowly ones. That is the treatment that worthless people deserve. Killing them is an obligation, while sparing them is mercy. However... you have done so well; you certainly deserve my reward."

At this point, Angela paused slightly, her gaze leaping joyfully across the two of them like a dancing fairy.

"It's been a long time since you've drunk fresh blood, hasn't it? Come, I'll give you a wonderful meal. How does it feel to feel the warm blood flowing into your body, hot and comforting?"

"Why?"

Upon hearing this, both sisters were taken aback.

"Miss Angela, there's no need to do this... that feeling is really..."

"Just come with me."

With that, Angela off the chair and left the room. Mina and Fina exchanged uneasy glances before giving up and following her.

Li Lin and Nia exchanged a glance and gave each other a helpless smile.

M•hetushu. "Miss Angela is indeed remarkable."

Nia exclaimed softly. And the book.

"Although she didn't use magic, her persuasive skills are indeed comparable to high-level charm spells. It seems that Vampire Species are truly a powerful race."

As Nia said, after listening to Angela's words, the two sisters naturally focused their thoughts on the pleasure they gained from drinking blood. Their sense of shame played a very important role at this time, to the point that they completely ignored the guilt they originally felt for drinking human blood. If this continued, it would probably be a few days before these two priest sisters, who were originally healing and saving lives, became completely pure vampires who would not feel any compassion for their prey.

Those who are fooled by this little guy won't be so easily deceived... their downfall is only a matter of time.

"As long as they remain loyal to you, I won't interfere, Li Lin."

As she spoke, Nia frowned.

"However, I also hope to minimize unexpected factors."

"Of course, I understand."

After this brief exchange, the two fell silent for a moment. The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat awkward. Li Lin had originally planned to finish reading the book about the customs and culture of the mainland to pass the time, but he noticed that Nia's expression seemed a little unusual. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks, and her beautiful, slender fingers seemed to be unconsciously stroking the staff in her hand. This made Li Lin a little curious, because he had never seen Nia like this before.

"What's wrong?"

Li Lin asked.

Are there any other questions?

"Ah, no... it's nothing, Li Lin."

Faced with Li Lin's question, Nia paused slightly before answering immediately. However, she quickly lowered her gaze; her long, flowing golden hair complemented her expression, making her look exceptionally beautiful. Li Lin looked at Nia with a puzzled expression, wondering what was making her so hesitant to speak. Just then, Nia seemed to finally sort out her thoughts and looked up at Li Lin.

"Li Lin... I'm a little curious, you've had those kinds of... interactions with many women before, was it really comfortable?"

"Why?"

Li Lin was slightly taken aback. He had initially thought that Nia might be troubled by her research on magical theories, but he never expected that this spellbook, which had been with him the longest, would also have such questions. Nia's fingers moved slightly uneasily, making various meaningless gestures, seemingly representing her master's inner doubts.

"Of course, I've witnessed many times you and Miss Angela together, but I can't understand it. Is it really that comfortable? Or did you use magic to make them feel comfortable? What kind of feeling is it exactly? I can't comprehend it."

"This..."

Faced with Nia's earnest question, Li Lin was momentarily speechless. He understood Nia's question, of course, but men and women were ultimately different. Li Lin could experience the pleasure of "insertion," but he had absolutely no understanding of the feeling of "being penetrated." Although Angela said she felt very comfortable, and Li Lin's techniques could indeed make most women addicted, it didn't mean he could "empathize" with what a woman's body actually felt. Of course, he could perhaps answer Nia's question by transforming into a woman and talking to a man, but unfortunately, Li Lin had no interest in that area, neither in the past, present, nor future.

If Angela were here, she would definitely push Nia to try it out herself, and Nia might actually do it.

But here is Li Lin... He knows Nia's personality very well. If she really wanted to try, she wouldn't have asked such a question, because like Li Lin, she's a pragmatist. Right now, Nia is clearly just trying to gather some firsthand, direct information to prepare for the future. Unfortunately, even though he's witnessed similar scenes several times, Nia is, after all, a book, not a born human being; their natures determine their differences. Even so, the questions she raises far exceed what Li Lin can answer.

I'm afraid I can't answer that question.

In the end, Li Lin could only shrug helplessly.

"All I can say is what I felt when I touched Angela's body... and what was inside her body... well, but that's not really relevant to you. If you really want to know the details, you should ask Angela."

Although she wasn't entirely at ease with the little one's personality, Angela showed none of her usual sinister and vicious side in front of Nia. This was probably mostly because Nia resembled Li Lin, so it was possible that Nia and Angela got along well.

Fortunately, the awkward silence didn't last long. A knock broke the silence, and a servant entered the room with a message from the three old mages. Nia quickly left to negotiate with the mages in Li Lin's place. Li Lin trusted her to handle this matter well, so there was no need for him to go himself. Besides, everything was normal at the moment; it was just a routine check. As long as they ensured no accidents occurred during this period and that the lower-ranking nobles didn't notice anything amiss, they could guarantee that they would capture them all when they acted.

Now, Li Lin was the only one left in the room. He flipped through the book in his hand, put it down after more than ten minutes, and then slowly walked to the bookshelf. He took out a modern continental map and, following the image that Kalatu had given him before his death, began to search for his next destination.

Soon, Li Lin's finger stopped on the distant southern coast. He frowned, unable to understand why it was here.