A confident smile curled up at the corner of Yuri's mouth, radiating a smile that could outshine the sun and moon, spreading across his unparalleled face. It was as if he were the only source of light in the world, captivating the gaze of everyone around. His emerald eyes carried a hint of enchantment as they gazed intensely at Emily, as if wanting to draw her into their profound depths. Like performing magic, he conjured up a map, soaring into the air and landing on the car's roof, where he sat cross-legged, spreading out the map.
Benjamin, at this moment, didn't bother to be at odds with him. He jumped onto the roof along with Emily, and the three of them gathered around the map. However, the map appeared somewhat ethereal.
"This map..." Emily pointed a finger at the map, and wherever her finger touched, it was as if a stone had been dropped onto a calm lake. Ripples spread out from her fingertip, rippling across the map, expanding in concentric circles until finally settling back into calmness.
"This is an illusion I created," Yuri proudly smiled, placing his palm on the map and gently lifting it. The map immediately transformed into a three-dimensional model, resembling a miniature model of Cyberville that one would find in a sales center, presenting a panoramic view before the three of them.
"Wow! It's amazing!" Emily exclaimed in astonishment, unable to help but admire.
"Tch! What's so impressive about it?" Benjamin scoffed disdainfully.
Faced with Benjamin's jealousy, the best approach for Yuri was to ignore it.
He pointed to a corner of the map, where another mountain stood in Cyberville, called Tuoshan. It was the highest point in Cyberville, different from the scenic beauty and pristine nature of Miaoshan. Tuoshan was a barren place, devoid of any vegetation. On this scaled-down map, it appeared like a mound of yellow soil, with cliffs and precipices everywhere, rarely visited by people.
"To perform the blood ritual, Alexander cannot possibly leave the vicinity of Cyberville. It's surrounded by the stronghold of the Secret Party. This place, Tuoshan, is the highest peak of Cyberville. Therefore, it's highly likely that Alexander will perform the blood ritual here to get as close as possible to the Crimson Moon," Yuri explained. He enlarged this particular area on the map, making the three-dimensional representation even clearer, allowing them to see every ravine and cliff with great clarity.
He pointed to a flat area on the cliff and said, "This spot is surrounded by cliffs on three sides, making it extremely secluded. Ordinary humans wouldn't be able to reach it. Moreover, it's the highest flat ground in this area, with enough space to accommodate thousands of people. Therefore, it's the ideal location for the blood ritual!" Yuri concluded his analysis and pointed confidently at the flat ground.
Emily furrowed her brow and nodded. Yuri's analysis was logical and flawless, but she hoped they could find the Blood Blade before the blood ritual. Otherwise, they might gather all of Lesombra's people only to be eliminated before reaching their destination. It would be like trying to pull out a tiger's tooth and getting chewed up before even touching it.
"I've been tracking Alexander for over a month. This guy is too cunning. Every time I get close to finding a clue, he changes his location," Yuri shrugged, indicating his helplessness. If he knew where that slippery eel was, he would have torn him apart long ago, and none of this would be happening now.
Emily felt somewhat discouraged. Were they really going to confront the entire Lesombra in a showdown? With just the three of them? It was like hitting a rock with an egg.
"We still have six days until the Crimson Moon Festival. We have time, so don't worry too much," Benjamin reassured, but he also lacked confidence. Although Alexander wasn't old, he was meticulous and cautious. Dealing with him wouldn't be an easy task. He would undoubtedly ensure everything was foolproof for the Crimson Moon Festival, and he would most likely be eager for Emily to come to him.
"Yuri, which clan do you belong to? Aren't you supposed to return for the Crimson Moon Festival?" Emily suddenly realized that her assumption about the three of them having power might have been wishful thinking. Yuri had never mentioned helping them save the Blood Blade.
"That's so sad!" Yuri pouted as if deeply wronged, blinking his eyes sorrowfully at Emily, his gaze filled with resentment. "We've known each other for so long, and only now you think of asking me!"
Emily felt helpless. His expression was like that of an eternal child throwing a tantrum because he couldn't get candy. Was this really a Blood Rose-level vampire? Benjamin seemed more mature in comparison.
"If I don't ask, would you have told me on your own? It's not like you don't have a mouth!" Emily retorted, feeling both annoyed and amused, glaring at him. Her expression seemed more like a playful scolding, making Benjamin extremely uncomfortable.
"Listen carefully now. I belong to the Refano Clan. I'm over six thousand years old this year. Don't ask for the exact number; I can't remember. Unlike other clans, we Refano vampires don't like being melodramatic or gathering together. We have always been solitary beings. So, all that talk about going back and having a base or organizing a blood ritual is simply nonexistent for us. If we happen to join in the blood ritual with another clan, it's just for the sake of joining the fun," Yuri casually explained. Emily and Benjamin were shocked. Emily was surprised that he was actually so "old," and Benjamin was taken aback by his clan.
The Refano Clan is a neutral clan that doesn't belong to the Secret Party or the Demon Party. They are skilled in creating illusions and controlling people's thoughts. They prefer to be solitary and possess a powerful and mysterious force. Due to their elusive nature, very few people have ever seen members of the Refano Clan. Over the years, they have become the most enigmatic legend among the vampires. Some newborns even believe that the Refano Clan doesn't exist.
"Are you really from the Refano Clan?" Benjamin almost blurted out, then muttered to himself, "No wonder... no wonder..."
After dealing with Yuri so many times, witnessing his ability to create illusions, and even Boris being no match for him, Benjamin had never considered Yuri to be a member of that mysterious clan. Now, it all made sense. If they had his assistance, it would be like adding wings to a tiger. But...
Benjamin glanced at Yuri, his face that dimmed the radiance of the sun and moon, his chiseled features, and his stunning countenance that always seemed to carry a lazy smile. Yet, it inexplicably conveyed a sense of dignity and strong detachment. It was as if beneath that seemingly soft smile, there hid a cold and sinister presence, like sharp swords concealed in scabbards, with turbulent undercurrents.
This person gave off a dangerous aura!
"So, are you going to help me save the Blood Blade?" Emily, with a cheeky smile, rested her chin on her hands, acting somewhat sycophantic, using her charming smile that could overturn the world to flatter and ingratiate.
Yuri pinched Emily's delicate face, his smile growing even more devilish. "I'm not helping you to save the Blood Blade! I'm taking responsibility for you!"
"Responsibility? What responsibility?" Emily's face was full of astonishment.
"After stealing your first kiss, of course, I have to take responsibility for you!"
Benjamin gasped, What? First kiss?? Oh heavens, please drag this monster away! Don't waste another moment!