"Stop! You snatched our BOSS—don't you owe us an explanation?"
Blood War's gaze was icy, fixed on Lin Bei.
"What more do you want explained?"
Lin Bei pointed toward Blood Spirit, who was approaching, and said, "Weren't you here for a world fragment? I've already handed it to her. Your mission is complete—head back."
"What?!"
Blood War's pupils flashed with disbelief, but when he saw the black fragment Blood Spirit produced, his stare turned blank.
How is this possible?
This kid… actually gave it up so generously?
This is a world fragment!
An incomparably precious world fragment!
Even slaying a World BOSS won't guarantee it drops!
Something the Celestial Gods covet!
And he just… handed it over?
It has to be fake, right?
The speech Blood War had rehearsed evaporated; he stood dumbstruck, soulless.
Ignoring him, Lin Bei simply nodded to Blood Spirit, stepped past the pair, and resumed setting crystals into the altar's grooves.
Blood Spirit glanced around and announced, "All right, mission complete—everyone can return."
"Wait! Blood Spirit, doesn't this feel odd?"
Blood War snapped awake, seized Blood Spirit's arm, and snarled, "Why give us a priceless world fragment free? There's a trap here!"
"Calm down, Blood War. We're done—let's report back."
Blood Spirit frowned coolly.
"No! He must have gotten something even more valuable—otherwise he'd never gift the fragment!"
"Yes! He's just diverting attention! He definitely looted something better!"
Blood War's eyes blazed. "More precious than a world fragment? Only the Legendary origin shard that contains the world's fundamental rules!"
"Blood Spirit! He must have a origin shard! We can't leave—any single piece is worth a hundred—no, a thousand—world fragments!"
"If we bring a origin shard to the council, we'll gain full support—our futures limitless!"
"He may have killed a wounded World BOSS, but I'm sure he paid a steep price—he's weak right now!"
"That calm façade is an act!"
"Trust me—together, plus the Blood-Slaughter Array, we can kill him and loot the origin shard!"
Blood War trembled, eyes wild with madness.
"Blood War, come to your senses—this is impossible."
"Records say only one type of fragment drops at a time."
"Since Blade Cutter left a world fragment, no origin shard can appear."
"Besides, in a King-Level Dungeon World, only World BOSSes above ten billion Combat Power have the faintest chance to drop origin shards."
"Blade Cutter at full power had merely 1.5 billion—impossible to drop a origin shard."
Blood Spirit's voice was cold. "You're delusional. We've finished; let's return for our reward—don't court disaster."
She had no idea how strong Bei Ming was.
But someone who could boost Combat Power by a billion in seconds was anything but simple.
Not even the vampire council possessed such means.
She had to stop Blood War from doing something fatal.
Otherwise… he would die.
"What do you know? Typical woman's timidity!"
Blood War roared, "With a origin shard we could become Clerics! If you're scared, stay back—hand me the Blood-Slaughter Array disc!"
"You're beyond saving!"
Blood Spirit's eyes flashed; she cursed, then erupted, pinning Blood War and binding him with Blood Spirit Shackles before slinging him over her shoulder and leaving the altar area.
As she passed the Lord of Tian Kui City, she paused and tossed him a Storage Bag.
"Final payment as promised. Hope we work together again."
With that, Blood Spirit left without looking back.
The Blood God Hall members exchanged glances.
"What do we do?"
"What else? Head back!"
The group departed together.
Not far off, Lin Bei—stooping to place crystals—sighed with regret flickering in his eyes.
"Tch, almost had them."
"Fine, let the tiger return to its mountain. With Blood War's temperament he won't give up—if he brings more helpers…"
"Next time I'll harvest even more stats!"
"Cast a long line to catch a big fish."
On the altar only Lin Bei—still setting crystals—and the dazed Lord of Tian Kui clutching a Storage Bag remained.
"Not bad, that vampire girl. If chance arises, we can cooperate again."
"But that vampire boy's lost his mind—must be mad!"
"Forget it, none of my business. Time to absorb crystal energy—hehe, easiest mission ever. Did nothing yet scored hundreds of crystals!"
"Bliss~"
The Lord of Tian Kui beamed, glanced at Lin Bei, hesitated, then mustered courage and asked, "Um, young Bei Ming, are you going to challenge another World BOSS?"
"Mm, need something?"
"Looking for a partner? My fee's cheap—only two… no, one hundred spirit devouring crystals per challenge."
"A partner? I don't need one."
Lin Bei shook his head. "But I can do another deal—agree and I'll give you a thousand spirit devouring crystals."
"A thousand spirit devouring crystals?!"
The Lord's almond eyes widened in shock.
Then, as if realizing something, her cheeks flushed crimson.
"Tch, pervert!" she silently cursed, hurriedly stepping back.
"I—I only accept mercenary jobs; no… special services! Find someone else!"
With that, she spun into a red streak and vanished from the altar.
Lin Bei, having just placed the final crystal, stared in bewilderment. "What's the rush? Afraid I'd eat her?"
"At least hear my terms!"
"Forget it, I'll find her later. Right now, summoning the BOSS is priority."
He shook his head, produced a challenge token, and began calling the World BOSS. Meanwhile, in the darkness, a colossal figure slowly opened its eyes, puzzled.
It glanced at one black talon; an irreparable crack ran across a claw.
"Strange—my released power isn't fully returning."
"What's happening out there?"
"No point pondering; I can't leave anyway."
"Back to sleep—immortality is so boring."