They all call me Great Master

Gleisa Hamlet looked at Count Bert before him, a chill rising uncontrollably from deep within his heart, as if it were about to freeze him solid—

'Father, why don't we annex the Bert Territory?

As long as the benefits are allocated properly, those guys will certainly agree.

Moreover, by stirring up the old 'controversy' of the Demon Hunters tied to the Ainhars Territory, it will become the next battlefield.

A battlefield of enticing allure, inviting those guys to enter.

We only need to watch and we can reap a great harvest.'

This was the question Gleisa privately asked his father after his coming-of-age ceremony.

The Old Lion laughed at that moment.

'This world is far more complex than you see.

And in the South County, there's another fellow I need to be cautious of.'

'Count Bert?'

The Little Lion guessed immediately.

'Yes, it's him.'

For the eldest son's wisdom, the Old Lion gave affirmation.

And to praise him, the Old Lion revealed some secrets—

'That monster Count Bert is undying!'

Undying monster!

In that moment, Gleisa, Hamlet remembered his father's words.

Hence, even though they could have very 'smoothly' annexed the Bert Territory, they had waited all these years for a 'perfectly fitting' reason.

However, just at the moment Count Bert appeared, the Little Lion understood that he had still underestimated him.

The intuition inherent in Spirituality made him see death.

The body's muscles, bones, blood, organs, were experiencing an unprecedented pain.

As if iced over!

That chill was not a metaphor!

It was a real attack!

Without any hesitation, the Little Lion played a trump card.

An ancient scroll with golden patterns was directly torn open.

Instantly, warm white light filled the chamber.

At that moment, amidst the white light, an image of a lady seemed to appear, looking at the suffering Little Lion, lovingly and caringly reaching out to stroke the Little Lion's head.

In an instant, the chill dissipated.

The muscles, bones, blood, organs frozen and necrotic from the chill not only recovered but became even stronger than usual.

"Ilena's compassion?

Indeed, the Golden Lion Family obtained the treasure of the last Holy Court."

The handsome middle-aged count chuckled with interest.

Ilena, the only Female Pope of the Holy Era.

A Female Pope in the shadow invasion period, a respectful Lord, who not only spearheaded the fight against the 'shadows' but also effectively curbed their spread—at the cost of her life.

This Female Pope burned her flesh, soul, and destiny, keeping the shadows from the land.

'Ilena's Radiance'!

Everyone called it that.

And 'Ilena's Compassion'?

Was the legacy the Female Pope left for the Holy Court.

A total of twelve scrolls.

Claimed to completely revive anyone as long as they aren't instantly killed, and increase defense and recovery with special secret techniques.

Some say it has the Pope's 'path' imprinted on it, others say the Pope, upon discovering the special nature of 'shadows,' had prepared for sacrifice by preemptively splitting her soul, and there are malicious speculations that the Pope was preparing for resurrection.

Whatever the case.

'Ilena's Compassion' turned the tide for the Holy Court numerous times.

Originally twelve scrolls, only three remained.

But, as the Holy Court was overthrown by the nobles, they became lost.

Now, appearing again, they were in the hands of the Little Lion.

"Indeed, the original pact was exploited by your ancestor.

The Golden Lion Family, truly a detestable family."

Count Bert said leisurely.

But the Little Lion didn't pay attention to this.

After fully recovering and becoming three degrees stronger, the Little Lion didn't attack, but instead...

Ran away!

A ripple of space appeared behind the Little Lion.

He leapt backward into it.

No doubt, he didn't know why Count Bert appeared here; it could have been a slip-up from his intercepting subordinates, or Count Bert noticed something amiss.

No matter which, he needed to leave.

If he didn't leave, it really would be a death wish.

The most optimal solution is waiting for the undying monster to age.

As for battling?

The Little Lion hopes the Spirit Medium from South Los would confront the monster before him, test its reality, but he definitely didn't want to face the monster himself.

The Little Lion accurately concealed himself in the ripple behind him.

Count Bert looked at this scene, shook his head, then raised his right hand and snapped his fingers—

Snap!

The ripple, which had disappeared with the Little Lion, reappeared.

In its original location.

After taking a step forward, the Little Lion was full of astonishment.

If previously upon seeing Count Bert, his face was only shocked, now it was full of incredulity.

His 'Talent' was constrained.

No!

Not constrained!

It was...

Controlled!

At this moment, the Little Lion's scalp tingled, his gaze filled with fear as he looked at Count Bert.

Almost unconsciously, the Little Lion stepped back.

Count Bert did not chase, but like the Little Lion, also stepped back.

In the next instant Count Bert left the spot, a small, crimson dot appeared beneath this handsome middle-aged count's feet.

But immediately, the crimson dot began to spin.

Like a whirlpool on a river, rapidly expanding and full of 'fatal danger'—

One after another, withered arms extended from the whirlpool.

Fresh blood dripped, turning into more crimson dots.

The dot immediately became whirlpools, with more arms emerging.

In a seemingly endless cycle, it threatened to engulf the entire chamber, even Rondohart Port.

For this was the Blood Duke's strongest secret technique: River of Death!

Even the Blood Marquis didn't inherit it due to an accident.

But now, it appeared again in the hands of the Little Lion.

Even as a scroll.

But it was enough for Count Bert to express admiration.

"Deception, cunning, greed...

Truly worthy of the Golden Lion Family's heir.

Truly a noble's paragon."

Noble's paragon was the Golden Lion Family's reverence during the 'Silver Era,' though it became 'less known' with the advent of the 'Pioneer Era,' yet amongst nobles it's still traditionally revered.

Of course, this tradition was maintained because of disdain and ridicule towards the Old Lion for ushering in the 'Pioneer Era.'

All nobles long for the 'Silver Era.'

In that era, they were true nobles.

In the 'Pioneer Era' they were just nobles.

Count Bert was different.

This count showed genuine appreciation without any disdain or ridicule.

After all, the Little Lion was worthy.

From the moment he met him, the Little Lion had orchestrated everything.

Fear was real.

Pressure was real.

But even under fear and pressure, to still orchestrate such a plan, doesn't it deserve admiration?

If not for his 'insight into the situation,' he would have been at a disadvantage.

And now?

Count Bert appeared behind the Little Lion, his hand pierced through the Little Lion's back, grasping that heart full of vitality.

Then—

The middle-aged count's brow suddenly furrowed.