Chapter 228: The Witch Appears

Edward and Aiden were also waiting for an answer. Basil should have sneaked into the passage after everyone had entered the Great Vortex. Given the timing, he must have rushed straight to the Well of Stars upon entering the passage, with a reason in mind.

Basil’s eyes narrowed slightly as he countered, “And why are you here?”

At this moment, the four factions—the Empire, the Blood Race, the Demonic Race, and the Spider-Demons—were gathered around the Well of Stars. While the Empire’s presence was out in the open, the other three factions harbored their own hidden agendas.

Qian Ye’s heart stirred as he scrutinized Basil from head to toe. Basil glared back angrily, but Qian Ye paid no heed, continuing to observe closely. The pupils of his eyes reflected Basil’s massive figure clearly.

For some reason, being scrutinized by Qian Ye made Basil feel deeply uneasy and awkward, as if Qian Ye’s gaze had an unusual penetrating power, making him feel as if every part of his body was being touched and pierced. If Qian Ye continued to look at him like this, perhaps all his secrets would be revealed.

Basil shuddered, a faint glow rising around him as he used his original force to shield himself from Qian Ye’s gaze. This caused the arrogance in his eyes to dissipate, replaced by endless wariness. He moved a couple of steps away, distancing himself from Qian Ye.

Seeing Basil take the initiative to show weakness, Qian Ye did not let his guard down. Basil’s display of strength in both advancing and retreating was extraordinary, far surpassing his peers among the Spider-Demons. Judging from Aiden Anwen’s reaction, it was clear that Basil was a prodigy among the Spider-Demons, someone who could not be underestimated.

Qian Ye had also probed Basil’s strength using his Controlling Eye, subtly testing his reactions. After the test, Qian Ye had a clear idea of the true strength of this Spider-Demon, recognizing him as another formidable opponent that would require the use of the Primordial Gun.

Edward suddenly beckoned to Basil, saying, “Brother Basil, why don’t you come over here?”

Basil hesitated, glancing at Anwen and Aiden before moving to Edward’s side. His movements were lightning-fast, and his large frame inadvertently knocked several Blood Race earls off balance.

Basil chuckled, “Sorry, just molted, still having a bit of trouble controlling my strength.”

Edward’s expression darkened; at their level, losing control of one’s strength was unheard of. Clearly, Basil was using this as an opportunity to assert dominance. However, with a greater threat at hand, he didn’t want to dwell on it.

Anwen was surprised by this turn of events and couldn’t help but ask, “When did the Spider-Demons and the Blood Race become so friendly?”

The Spider-Demons often secretly supported the werewolves against the Blood Race, aiming to weaken them. It was rare for the two sides to meet without conflict, much less to stand together after a brief exchange.

Anwen and Aiden exchanged a thoughtful glance. With Basil and Edward joining forces, along with the strong Blood Race members, they found themselves at a disadvantage. Moreover, neither Anwen nor Aiden had any pressing matters at the Well of Stars. Aiden was merely passing through, while Anwen was there to help Bai Kongzhao create a Prime Crystal. However, the Blood Race and the Spider-Demons seemed determined to secure the Well of Stars. It seemed the Blood Race’s Prism Columns were not simple, and the Spider-Demons had their own reasons.

Anwen smiled and asked, “Lord Basil, what brings you here? Why not share your purpose, and see if there is room for cooperation?”

Basil laughed, “I’m just here to look around.”

Edward, with a sinister tone, said, “Do you really think we’d tell you? Forget about it and leave now.”

Aiden sneered and suddenly turned to Qian Ye, “Would you like to join forces and take care of these guys first?”

This proposal caught everyone off guard, even Qian Ye, who was unexpectedly tempted and almost agreed on the spot.

Edward and Basil’s expressions changed drastically. Basil, in disbelief, pointed at Aiden and asked, “Are you planning to betray the Eternal Night Council?”

“No, I just want to take out those Blood Race members. Basil, step aside, and this won’t concern you,” Aiden already had his sword drawn.

Basil scratched his head, looking at Edward, his face filled with reluctance, “I’ve already agreed to help Edward, I can’t stay out of it now.”

Aiden nodded coolly, “Then prepare for battle.”

Anwen, confused, asked, “Wait, Aiden, do you really want to fight?”

Aiden, staring at the others, replied without turning his head, “How can I not kill the Blood Race when I see them?”

Anwen felt something was amiss but couldn’t put his finger on it. Though he despised the Blood Race, he wouldn’t go to such lengths as Aiden. Besides, wasn’t Qian Ye also part-blood? Why wasn’t Aiden bothered by that?

Edward, done talking, silently drew his sword, preparing for battle. All the Blood Race elite spread out in a fan formation, ready for combat. Basil, with a resigned shrug, took up a position on another flank.

The battle was about to begin, and Qian Ye, determined, took out the East Mountain. No matter what, eliminating a few strong opponents was the priority.

At this moment, an indescribable feeling quietly enveloped the scene, like a giant net descending from the sky, covering everyone present. Everyone involuntarily shivered, sensing an unknown danger, including Qian Ye.

Everyone was shocked, looking around. Anwen and Aiden, in particular, paled and looked at each other.

The sky suddenly dimmed, as if a thin veil covered the horizon, blocking the light and casting a gloomy shadow. Within the veil, a faint figure emerged, but no one could see it clearly. Even Qian Ye’s Controlling Eye could not capture this phantom-like figure.

However, this aura was deeply etched in Qian Ye’s memory, never forgotten.

It was his greatest enemy since birth, the Witch.

Qian Ye’s figure flickered, instantly retreating tens of meters. Several shadowy veils, silent and insubstantial, swept past where he had been standing. These shadows, though seemingly ethereal, became incredibly sharp upon contact with the ground, leaving smooth, mirror-like cuts. If Qian Ye hadn’t moved quickly, his limbs might have been severed.

Everyone was shocked again. The shadow attacks were sudden and deadly. If not for Qian Ye’s instinctive evasion, anyone else would have likely fallen victim to these strikes.

The name of the Witch was well-known throughout the Eternal Night. Though those present were geniuses from the various dark races, they mostly bore a heavy shadow in their hearts at the mention of her name. Apart from Anwen, they had never compared themselves to the Witch, as such a comparison was pointless. Just as no one in the Empire could match Zhang Boqian, not even Lin Xitang.

After dodging the attack, Qian Ye did not flee but stood with his sword, gazing at the sky.

A distant, ethereal voice came from the air, “You’ve improved quite rapidly.”

“Thank you for the compliment,” Qian Ye replied earnestly. Praise from the Witch was perhaps more valuable than any imperial medal.

The others finally reacted. Aiden bowed respectfully towards the sky, saying, “Your Highness, you’ve arrived.”

Anwen, however, sighed and addressed the sky, “Must you always be above me?”

“That’s the natural state of things between us.”

Anwen shook his head, resigned. “I didn’t choose this young master, so don’t read too much into it.”

The Witch snorted, filled with disdain.

Anwen remained silent, waiting for her next words.

The figure in the sky became clearer, revealing a slender silhouette, but the face was obscured by layers of mist. She slowly descended, stopping about a hundred meters above the ground, and said, “Edward, Basil, tell us your little secret.”

Edward and Basil fell silent, unsure how to respond. Neither had expected the Witch to be in the Great Vortex. Her presence gave the Demonic Race an overwhelming advantage. If they didn’t speak, they might not be able to handle her even if they worked together. But if they confessed, as leaders of their respective younger generations, their reputations would be ruined.

The Witch, seemingly reading their thoughts, said coldly, “You both obtained a method from the humans to enhance your bloodline with star energy, so you secretly came to the Well of Stars to draw that power. Am I right?”

Edward was relatively calm, but Basil was stunned, “How did you know?”

“Hmph, such a significant matter, how could it escape the notice of the Emperor?”

Basil fell silent. Edward, however, wondered which Emperor she was referring to.

The Witch said coolly, “Hand over all your tools, and we will divide them equally among the three races. I will create a drop of source blood for each of you.”

Edward and Basil exchanged a glance, pondered for a moment, and slowly nodded. The quality of the source blood derived from star energy depended on the strength of the creator. The Witch’s strength was unparalleled, and the source blood she created would be of the highest quality. Thus, they weren’t at a disadvantage. Even if the source blood she created was only suitable for the Demonic Race, it didn’t matter; they could sell it to the Demonic Race later for a good price.

With the agreement set, all eyes turned to Qian Ye.

“You start creating the source blood; I’ll deal with the hindrances,” the Witch said, drifting towards Qian Ye.

Aiden frowned slightly but said nothing.

Edward waved his hand, “Dusk, stay. The rest, scatter and secure the key points.”

The Blood Race members dispersed, securing the important locations around the Well of Stars. Edward then took out a box, opening it to reveal neatly arranged Prism Columns, more than ten in number. Basil, without hesitation, also brought out a case, containing a dozen milky-white, spider-egg-like objects.

Edward’s eyes widened, “You brought so many? Just for yourself?”

Basil said, “We Spider-Demons have always been vigorous. I can manage on my own.”

Edward didn’t say more, dividing some Prism Columns and handing them to Anwen, explaining their usage. Basil also gave a few of the milky-white spider eggs to Aiden.