The branch snapped with a sound. Blood-red sap oozed from the break.

Sky Qi frowned slightly at the wound. A pungent, bloody stench rose from the sap.

"No wonder it's a branch near the Bloodline," William clicked his tongue admiringly. "Soaked in endless blood, its very structure might be altered."

This was a Blood Tree—a tree fed by countless lives, its sap flowing like fresh blood.

"Ugh, kinda gross," Sky Qi chuckled awkwardly, tossing the branch aside.

"True," William glanced at the sky. "But we must wait for night. The sun’s still high—almost noon."

Sky Qi shook his head. "You timed this perfectly? They only show at night, and you drag us here at dawn?"

"Better safe than sorry, right, Brother Yanfeng?" William turned to Lin Yanfeng, who was polishing his greatsword.

"Heh, yeah," Lin Yanfeng grinned sheepishly, setting the sword down and scratching his head. "But waiting’s getting on my nerves."

Soon, Blake emerged from the woods, shaking off leaves. "Traps are set. Anything else?"

"That’s all. Rest," William waved. "Now, let’s check on Vicky."

"Can she handle it?" Sky Qi doubted. "Sneaking deep into enemy territory won’t spook them?"

"Don’t worry. Her Ripple Step surpasses even yours. Her armor grants stealth—if she stays quiet, no one notices." William beamed confidently.

Sky Qi’s brow furrowed slightly. Something felt off about the team today, but he couldn’t place it. They chatted leisurely, plans flawless, formation perfect—too perfect. It was as if they brewed a secret scheme he couldn’t fathom.

He stopped guessing.

Rustle rustle rustle! The trees shook. Something approached.

Weapons were grabbed in alert silence.

A figure emerged. Vicky, armored and calm, walked to William and whispered in his ear.

"All clear. The Bloodline’s lax," William said, energized. "Perfect for a sneak attack! Reporting this to the UN means richer rewards."

"Who cares about that?" Lin Yanfeng punched the air. "If they’re alert, we’ll just charge in and wipe them out!"

The sun set. Night fell. Dark purple crept from the horizon. Golden light faded. Darkness swallowed the land.

A blood-red moon rose slowly, casting crimson light over the earth.

The Blood Moon had risen.

Silence reigned. Distant Wolfen howls and Infernal Dragon roars echoed. In the pitch-black forest, breaths were audible.

"Keep waiting," William murmured, then fell silent.

Breaths stayed steady—no haste. They’d faced this too often. No tension here; each was a blade-dancing veteran.

Murky air reeked of blood. Danger lurked everywhere. Anything could leap out.

A long horn blared. Faint lights flickered in the distance. Silhouettes moved.

"So," Sky Qi asked, "surprise attack or charge straight in?"

"Ambush works better," William replied. "But for UN credit, I say charge."

"Who leads?" Blake pressed.

Silence answered. No one wanted to be first. Enemy strength was unknown.

In the dark, eyes turned to Sky Qi.

"Fine. I’ll go," Sky Qi sighed with a bitter smile, pushing up with his sword.

"My lines?"

"Improvise!" William sweat-dropped.

Seriously? No script? Sky Qi thought, mortified.

He kicked off. The Soulsever Sacred Sword levitated from his waist, catching him. As it unsheathed, dazzling golden light erupted.

In the darkness, it was like a spotlight. The Bloodline stirred instantly.

"What’s this? Who dares block us?"

"Holy light? Doesn’t he know it’s useless under the Blood Moon?"

"Foolish humans! Report to the Princess!"

Sky Qi smirked, pleased by their panic. Be bolder, he thought.

"Filthy darklings!" His lips moved slightly; sound waves shot straight. "Your grandpa Sky Qi has come! Retreat now!"

The voice wasn’t loud, yet every Bloodline heard it clearly.

"Thousand-Mile Voice Transmission!" Some Bloodline gasped. Only peak masters wielded this magic.

Damn! So embarrassing! Sky Qi covered his face. He’d copied imperial generals’ bragging tone. He could almost hear his team snickering below.

Whatever. I’ll make William pay later.

"Darklings!" he boomed louder. "Hear me and flee! Hand over your castle too!"

"Sky Qi? Who’s that? Demanding our castle? Arrogant!"

"Sky Qi? The human who shook the world years ago?"

"If it’s him, we’ll be crushed."

"Report to the Princess! Forcing us from our land is outrageous!"

On her throne, the girl frowned slightly. Black, waterfall hair draped her shoulders. Her flawless, icy face and slender waist radiated a frosty princess aura.

"The strongest human?" She chuckled, rising. "I’d love to see him."