Volume 4: Hidden Battles – Chapter 148: The Proud God of Vampires

“What’s monkey wine? I’ve never heard of it. I’ve been to China several times, and all I’ve heard of are things like Moutai, Ducang, and Grassland White. Hehe, speaking of your wine culture, it has a long history—I know quite a lot about it. When there was wine in China, Europe didn’t even know what to do yet!” Fernando interjected.
That was exactly what Chu Tianyu wanted. He immediately followed up with his evidence and topic: “Monkey wine isn’t something that commonly appears in the ordinary world. It’s a pure liquor brewed by mountain monkeys in tree holes, gathering the essence of heaven and earth. Legend has it that it often attracts wild creatures like mountain demons and zombies to steal sips from it…”
As soon as Fernando heard Chu Tianyu mention zombies, his expression changed immediately. He eagerly asked, “Why do they drink that monkey wine?”
“I’m not entirely sure about the specifics. I only read about it in books. It’s said that monkey wine can increase the blood flow in zombies’ bodies, greatly enhancing their abilities. I can’t remember the exact details…” Chu Tianyu hesitated.
Just as Fernando was about to press further, he suddenly seemed to remember something and said, “Hey, that doesn’t add up. You said monkey wine usually doesn’t appear in the ordinary world, but now you mention remembering some monkey wine from your hometown. That’s contradictory!”
Ouyang Ziyi and Li Rou, listening nearby, were also completely confused. From the start, they didn’t understand why Chu Tianyu had invited such a strange stranger in, and now he was talking nonsense. They really had no idea what he was up to.
But obviously, both of them had absolute confidence in Chu Tianyu. He must have his reasons for doing this, so they didn’t interfere and just sat aside, watching what would happen.
Chu Tianyu smiled slightly, thinking, “I’m just teasing you, old bat.” Then he said, “That’s right! My hometown is China! Only China has this unique monkey wine. One of my relatives found it in an old mountain and brought back a lot. He said that after drinking it, his whole body felt as if its ‘blood’ was boiling! Later, when he asked me, I helped him look up information. It turns out this wine is also very beneficial for zombies. Hehe, I guess you must be that zombie foreigner, which is why I mentioned it!”
Chu Tianyu emphasized the word “blood” especially. Sure enough, at that moment, Mr. Fernando’s expression changed again.

“Oh, young man, since I arrived, I haven’t sensed the slightest sign of panic from you. Knowing my identity, you still dared to let me in boldly and treat me well. And you even talked about zombies without any concern—it seems you’re definitely not ordinary people!” Fernandi said, narrowing his eyes as if trying to see through Chu Tianyu.

Chu Tianyu looked straight ahead, answering calmly, “If one can live in such a castle, how could they be ordinary?”

“Good, you’re honest enough, young man. Speak plainly—no beating around the bush. I want that Monkey Wine. What do you want me to do in exchange?” Fernandi finally couldn’t hold back and blurted it out.

“Hehe, Mr. Fernandi, I only have one small request. That is, with your vampire insight, take a look at those two rooms, and then we can discuss further!” Chu Tianyu said with a smile.

……

After checking Sister Xin and Duke Ret’s rooms, Fernandi indeed looked grave, frowning and staying silent.

Chu Tianyu remained calm and composed, also staying silent. After a long while, Fernandi finally raised his head and asked, “Has someone among you been captured?”

Chu Tianyu nodded gently. Fernandi didn’t continue speaking but shifted to another topic. “I have a question for you, young man. How come, with no basis and no real understanding, you claimed I’m the highest-ranking vampire? You didn’t explain this clearly at first, and later you insisted I could help you by bringing up the Monkey Wine. Hmph, let’s clarify this first before moving on to other matters, okay?”

Chu Tianyu replied as if he had expected this question, “I’ve read some legends about you before, maybe just hearsay, but there was some basis to it. From the moment you appeared until you managed to fight against several people with holy power throughout the castle—even though it was a bit messy—you didn’t seem too affected. From your expressions and words, it’s clear that such attacks at most cause you some inconvenience, not any fatal harm!”

“That’s impossible! Is that all you have? There are many vampires with great powers. How can you say I’m the highest?” Fernandi asked skeptically.

“I’m not judging solely based on your abilities, but on the wisdom of a being! Generally speaking, even if vampires don’t need to hunt, they naturally exhibit traits distinct from humans—be it ferocity, coldness, or hatred. Yet I don’t see the slightest sign of any of these in you. Moreover, since you appeared, I’ve never sensed the slightest threat from you. In other words, either you’re not a vampire, or if you are, you must be of the highest rank. If vampires have ranks, then the higher the rank, the greater the wisdom, allowing one to better control all emotions and behave more like humans…” Chu Tianyu explained.

Fernando nodded in agreement but still asked, a bit puzzled, “Then how are you so sure I’m the ‘highest’ rank?”

“Nothing much. First, it’s based on my earlier inference; second, it’s intuition. And lastly, I’m just guessing…” Chu Tianyu replied honestly.

“Just guessing? That’s it?” Fernando exclaimed in surprise.

“That’s right, just guessing. There’s no rule against it. If I’m right, great! If not, just consider it a compliment—I have nothing to lose!” Chu Tianyu said with a smile.

After hearing this, Fernando immediately closed his eyes and gazed upward, pondering Chu Tianyu’s last words. He even felt the urge to bang his head against the wall. At the same time, he lamented inwardly, “Fernando, Fernando… You claim to be the proud god of vampires, but it seems these thousands of years have been in vain in front of Uncle Space!”

Before he could think further, he heard that cunning little guy say, “Mr. Fernando, look, our matter…”

Fernando gave a bitter smile, realizing he had fallen step by step into the trap they had set. He admitted frankly, “Yes, there is a vampire presence here. I know someone must be missing. But I also have a question. Even if we vampires can transform into bats to enter through windows, I’m just one example. With such strong holy energy here, it’s impossible not to be affected—unless…”

“Unless what?” Chu Tianyu asked urgently.

Fernando rolled his eyes and stopped speaking, adopting an indifferent expression. This made Chu Tianyu immediately realize what was going on. He said, “Mr. Fernando, I don’t want to know the details. I just want to rescue our people. If you have a way, Monkey Wine is definitely on the table! And next time you come to China, you’ll be my guest of honor!”

“Ah, it’s getting dark. I should go to bed too. How about we rest first and then talk?” Fernandi avoided the topic and said.
Chu Tianyu knew this old bat wanted to save face, so he came up with such absurd nonsense as going to bed at night—something utterly ridiculous for their kind of vampires! Chu Tianyu didn’t expose him and nodded in agreement. “Alright, let’s all rest first and then talk! Mr. Fernandi, would you like me to help you find a room?”
“No need. I’m not used to this eerie atmosphere here. I’ll just go outside and hang myself from a tree. But I’m afraid of the dark. Could you, young man, accompany me outside?”
Chu Tianyu smiled and said, “Heh, coincidentally, I’m young and strong, and I’m not afraid of the dark at all. I’ll go with you now!”
“Great! I finally don’t have to be afraid of the dark!” Fernandi said, tears welling up in his eyes, forgetting the youthful and handsome act he had put on in front of Ouyang Ziyi and Li Rou just moments ago!
Ouyang Ziyi wanted to say something, but Chu Tianyu’s gaze stopped her.
“Wait here. I’ll be back in a moment!” Chu Tianyu said firmly.
Fernandi was surprised. As he walked outside, he said, “Okay, young man. You’re quite confident! Heh, no matter what happens, I’ll definitely help you!”
“Then thank you, old man!” Chu Tianyu laughed.
“What ‘old man’? At most, I’m your elder brother! Oh, and don’t get too happy just yet. I’ll definitely help you, but I can’t guarantee you’ll still be here later!” Fernandi said as if it were obvious.
…
The two walked out of the castle, chatting the whole way. As soon as they reached outside, Fernandi immediately looked refreshed and energetic, giving Chu Tianyu a look full of affectionate adoration.
“Haha, kid, don’t say I’m bullying you. You can strike first…” Before Fernandi could finish speaking proudly, Chu Tianyu’s fist already slammed into his “elder brother’s” face!
Fernandi didn’t even grunt before being sent flying far away, blood dripping from his nostrils. Before he could even land, Chu Tianyu reappeared right in front of him, as if having teleported. But this time, Chu Tianyu didn’t hit his face again—instead, his fist landed hard on Fernandi’s stomach…
Severe pain hit again, and Mr. Fernandi’s tears flowed freely. But it wasn’t from the pain—it was from deep sorrow. Tears of regret and humiliation. The proud God of Vampires, reduced to being attacked without any chance to defend himself—what a shame!

Before he could think further, with a “Ah~~~”, Chu Tianyu’s foot struck his chest again…