https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-603-Divine-Offspring-and-Heaven-s-Mountain/13677418/
Chapter 602: Empire vs. Hell
At the forefront of the队伍, a Player draped in a pitch-black cloak stepped forward, his heart thrumming with excitement as he approached the front door of the Soul Exchange.
“Finally, it’s my turn.”
The hood of the Black Robe lifted, revealing a face unnaturally pale—bloodless, almost corpse-like. His eyes burned crimson, and a faint, mocking smirk curled at the corners of his mouth, exposing sharp, fang-like teeth.
Upon closer inspection, one would notice a delicate emblem embedded in the chest area of his cloak—the face of the watch was carved with the image of a crossed dagger and violin.
This was the insignia of Nocturne, the most feared secret intelligence unit within the Empire of Ashen, composed entirely of Vampires.
And the Player’s identity became clear.
He was Langli BaiTiao—the former commander of Nocturne Unit, the sole high-level Vampire in the Empire, and a notorious figure in the Player community.
Gazing at the slowly creaking front door, its surface carved with a grotesque skull, Langli BaiTiao rubbed his hands together eagerly, flashing his trademark smug grin.
“I’m going to be the first Player to wield the powers of Vampire, Devil, and Illusionist all at once!” he declared euphorically. “Once I sign the Pact, I’ll scour the ruins of forgotten temples for a cursed Divine Blood sacrifice, then bathe in the Abyss to absorb Demonic strength. I’ll even raise a venomous cult within my own body! I, Langli BaiTiao, am destined to become the King of All Evils!”
A flicker of eerie red light seeped through the crack of the door, carrying the faint scent of purgatorial smoke.
Yet Langli BaiTiao didn’t hesitate. He charged through without a second thought.
From within, Desire Demon emerged slowly, her black dress slit high up her thigh, revealing long, pale legs. Her face—beautiful, radiant—bloomed into a smile. She whispered, “Hehe… another new guest arrives.”
She began to step forward, coiled in anticipation.
But Langli BaiTiao raised one hand, palm out, in a firm gesture of refusal. His tone was firm, almost dignified.
“Lady,” he said, “I know you’re drawn to my charm, but I must ask—you stay back.”
Even Desire Demon paused, stunned. Her flawless face flickered with genuine surprise. Her lips parted slightly. “You… what?”
Langli BaiTiao only smirked, his grin widening. “Ah… so this is the Desire Demon from the Guide?”
“Not bad,” he continued, “for a paradise called HellSoft. You’re certainly stunning. But your charms won’t shake my iron will!”
With a sudden burst of motion, he leapt into the air. His cloak billowed behind him like a storm-wracked banner, and his voice rang out, stronger, fiercer.
“Beauty? In the end, it’s just dust in the wind.”
He raised his right fist high.
“Only strength—true strength—is the essence of all things!”
“Ah, dear guest,” Eunice cooed, her voice honeyed and sweet, “I’m your guide, your personal escort.”
She advanced, her gaze hypnotic, her presence radiating an intoxicating aura. The air filled with a subtle, intoxicating fragrance—like liquid fire. Her crimson eyes, deep as pools of wine, locked onto him.
Desire Demon was confident. No mortal could resist her. Even the strongest minds would crumble beneath her gaze—kneel at her feet, drown in her allure.
But Langli BaiTiao was ready.
He flashed a bright smile, then pulled a gas mask over his face.
The fragrant air was filtered out. Her hypnotic gaze was blocked by a glass shield imbued with 【Anti-Magic】 properties.
His eyes, now clear and unshaken, were unwavering.
He drew a crossbow bolt, aimed it straight at her, and spoke firmly:
“Lady, I warn you—step any closer, and I will invoke justified self-defense.”
“Wait—”
Shwip—
In an instant, the Vampire Player shot upward, soaring through the air with inhuman speed. In mere seconds, he vanished down the Hell Corridor.
Left behind, Desire Demon stood frozen, utterly stunned. Even her chestnut hair was stirred by the wind he’d created.
“Damned mortal! Insufferable, incomprehensible!” she muttered, fingers brushing her hair. For the first time in her long existence, she felt a pang of defeat.
But only for a moment.
She quickly composed herself, her lips curling into a familiar, seductive smile. She stood still, waiting—patiently—for the next prey.
Inside the grand hall of Hell Exchange, the sight was overwhelming.
Counters lined the space, each brimming with temptation. Demons displayed their wares: mountains of gold, exquisite wines, rare delicacies, and rows of dazzlingly beautiful women.
“Come, take a look!”
“Just offer your insignificant spiritual soul, and you’ll have everything this world has to offer.”
“My Pact is the best—want a stunning beauty? Even kings of old would beg for such a prize.”
“Want strength? I can kill anything you despise!”
Yet Langli BaiTiao ignored them all. He walked straight past the flashy devils, heading deep into the heart of the exchange.
“Pfft. This? This is nothing,” he scoffed. “I’ve been a god in a solo holographic game. These fake riches, these illusions of beauty—worthless.”
Even killing a chicken in Ximu Village felt more rewarding than this.
At the far end of the hall stood a door forged of green copper, its surface etched with terrifying, writhing faces. Hellfire roared from their eyes and mouths like molten rivers.
To any mortal, the sight would inspire paralyzing fear.
But Langli BaiTiao’s eyes lit up.
He checked his image projection, excitement bubbling. “This is it—Past Lord of Avernus, Great Demon Bair’s hidden chamber.”
“Enter, honored guest,” came a voice from within.
The door didn’t creak open with a roar of dread. Instead, a deep, smooth voice echoed through the air.
With a slow, thunderous groan, the distorted faces on the door parted, and the gate swung wide.
Langli BaiTiao stepped inside—only to be surprised.
The chamber was far larger than it appeared. The interior was opulent beyond imagination—gold and marble, grandeur overflowing. Yet, among the lavish murals, subtle horrors lurked: a banquet table piled high with bloody human limbs, while noblewomen laughed and feasted as if nothing were amiss.
“Who would’ve thought,” he murmured, “that Vampire essence, Dragon bloodline, and the power of some ancient edict could all coexist in one being?”
“Frankly… you’ve piqued my interest.”
That familiar voice again.
Langli BaiTiao turned.
At the far end of the hall stood a man in rich, flowing robes—his back to the light.
He turned.
Not the monstrous, horned visage of a demon, but a face of striking beauty—calm, serene, almost divine.
This was Bair’s avatar, left behind in the Empire.
Langli BaiTiao strode forward without hesitation, grinning.
“You must be Bair-sama. Where’s the Pact? I’m ready to offer my spiritual soul.”
Even the Devil, who had corrupted countless mortals over millennia, was momentarily stunned. Never had he seen someone so eager to hand over their soul—no rehearsed speech, no hesitation.
“Very well, Mortal,” Bair said after a brief pause.
He extended his hand.
A blood-stained parchment, etched with hellish runes, appeared before Langli BaiTiao.
Langli BaiTiao stared at the character sheet, a grin spreading across his face—but a flicker of doubt remained.
“This… doesn’t match the Guide.”
“Guide?” The voice came from behind him, suddenly close. A chill ran down his spine.
“Also,” Bair continued, “you haven’t even read my Pact. May I ask… what exactly are you staring at?”
Bair advanced, his presence overwhelming despite his human appearance.
Langli BaiTiao turned, meeting the Devil’s gaze. His stomach twisted. What in the name of Ailezegai’s official records is going on? Is there a machine crisis?
He forced a smile. “No, no, Bair-sama. You’re mistaken. I’m just a mortal willing to trade my soul for strength.”
“Ah… I see,” Bair said, still smiling. “How noble.”
Langli BaiTiao glanced around, relieved to find no signs of danger. Only then did he dare take a stealthy peek at his own character sheet.
> [You have unlocked an Advanced Career Path: 【Oathmage – Devil Lord】]
> [You will bind a Pact with a Great Demon from Hell. Such entities crave the corruption of all things, seeking endless spiritual souls.]
> [The Devil you sign with will become your Lord and Master, granting you power.]
“Looks impressive,” Langli BaiTiao muttered, glancing at the bold, powerful description. After a brief hesitation, he pressed 【Confirm】.
Instantly, the Hell Pact flared to life. Hellfire blazed brightly. Whispers of ancient, damned voices echoed through the chamber.
Langli BaiTiao levitated into the air—like a criminal hanging from a gallows—his body flooded with waves of evil, corrupting strength.
With the soul-selling pact sealed, Langli BaiTiao left with a triumphant stride.
Behind him, the bronze door slowly closed.
Bair stood motionless, his gaze darkening—deep, endless, like a devouring abyss.
“Again… the chaos of a mindless, floating consciousness. A spirit that exists only in dreams. I can’t even sense their soul.”
He let out a cold, mocking laugh.
“Ah… no wonder the Emperor overlooked them. He left traps on purpose. Looks like I’ve been arrogant. I mistook the Emperor of the Ashen Flame for just another mindless red dragon.”
Bair paced the hall, his handsome face twisted into a fierce, feral smile. Veins bulged on his temples, threatening to reveal the true demon beneath.
“In my intelligence reports, these beings are called Stellarfallen by the Empire—originating from another realm, brought by falling stars. But ‘Soulless Ones’ would be more accurate.”
“They cannot be sensed by wisdom. They resist Hell’s corruption. They cannot be absorbed. The Emperor… he’s playing a masterstroke. He’s making a profit without investment. He’s not a dragon—he’s a Devil in Hell’s image.”
Bair sat on a velvet couch, lifted a crystal wine glass, and casually propped his leg up.
The black pupils in his eyes gleamed with renewed interest.
“From what I’ve observed, these Soulless Ones are immortal. Even killed, they respawn instantly—unchanged. A population of millions, forever alive. Not even the gods could achieve such a thing.”
“It reminds me of the Demons in the Abyss… but even the lowest of them pale in comparison.”
“In such a world, they have no fear, no pressure to survive. They don’t struggle like mortals. They’re not living. They’re playing a game—with no cost.”
“Yet… they aren’t loyal to the Emperor. They’re bound only by the Empire’s Order.”
He swirled the blood-red wine in the glass, letting it cling to the rim.
Langli BaiTiao’s image projection shimmered within the crimson liquid.
Perhaps this one… could be a useful opening.
Meanwhile, on the peak of Dragonblood Mountain, a Red Dragon over fifty meters long lay coiled on a flat rock. Its spine rose like a mountain range, wreathed in thick white smoke.
A crisp mechanical tone rang out. The Magic Communication Device activated.
Lanpu’s image projection appeared atop the peak.
“Master, over three hundred Players have signed pacts with Demons. We’re monitoring closely. Any anomalies, we report immediately.”
“Good. But some things… you can’t uncover with just your eyes.”
“Master… you mean—”
Kai Xiusu slowly opened his pale golden eyes, shaking his head. His gaze reflected Langli BaiTiao’s image.
“Tsk tsk… not bad, Past Lord of Avernus. You caught on quickly. You even planted a hidden thread, trying to influence Players.”
“Bair… you’re clearly interested in Players.”
The Red Dragon grinned, revealing a mouth full of jagged fangs. His massive face twisted into a fierce, triumphant smile.
Devils were arrogant. They believed they could manipulate all beings like puppets.
Bair was no different.
Kai Xiusu had anticipated that Bair would discover his “profit without investment” scheme.
But he also predicted something else.
This Devil would become obsessed with Players—so much so that he’d risk his own strength to uncover their secrets. And he’d find nothing.
That was the plan.
Because Bair’s interest was real. He’d been demoted by Asmodeus for poor performance in the Blood War—unlike Zaril, who was a bloodthirsty berserker. The infinite resurrection of Players made them a unique and invaluable asset.
So Kai Xiusu turned the tables.
Using Players as bait, he aimed to steal Hell’s strength—directly, and even use Bair to manipulate Avernus from within.
“Yet… you, a former Hell Lord—deposed by Asmodeus—dare to pry into secrets even the gods of the afterlife cannot see?”
Kai Xiusu’s pale golden eyes gleamed. His lips curled in a smirk of pure sarcasm.
“Today’s a good day… my heart’s desires are coming true.”
Langli BaiTiao, wrapped in his black cloak, strutted through the Bast with the arrogance of a man who’d conquered the world.
He even hummed a cheerful tune.
With the best Pact from Bair in hand, he couldn’t wait to brag to his friends.
“Hey! How do you know I got Hell power? How did you know I got Bair’s Pact?”
“Who asked you?!”
“Get lost! Don’t show your face!”
Despite his friends’ furious reactions, Langli BaiTiao only laughed louder—unfazed, unrepentant.
But as he danced through the streets, basking in his victory, he had no idea…
He was being watched.
By two entities—standing at the very peak of the Material Realm.
Two beings whose mere gaze could shatter empires.
And he was now nothing more than a pawn in their endless game.
(End of Chapter)
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