After consuming Yun Zhe's blood, Akdina visibly recovered from her physical injuries. Unbeknownst to Yun Zhe and the others, Akdina's abilities also underwent a qualitative leap. However, Akdina only realized this after regaining consciousness. Therefore, she decisively pushed Yun Zhe's hand back. This action finally won the approval of the surrounding soldiers.
With united will, they finally unleashed their greatest fighting power. The Belvali soldiers were utterly astonished by the sight of humans and vampires fighting side-by-side, especially after witnessing someone actually offering their own blood to a vampire.
On one hand, morale was high, on the other hand, fighting spirit was crumbling. The outcome of the battle was predictable.
Yun Zhe hadn't drunk blood for several days, and now Akdina had drained his blood again. Pale-faced and looking utterly defeated, he sat on the ground, having lost all interest in commanding his soldiers.
After inspecting the battlefield, Elke and the others slowly returned to Yun Zhe's side. Akdina, however, was a little later because she had been chasing after the fleeing soldiers.
Although Yun Zhe was weak, he could still sense everyone's thoughts. Clearly, at the same time Yun Zhe discovered the enemy's presence, Akdina had returned to the hut and woken everyone. Therefore, even if Yun Zhe hadn't rushed back, the worst-case scenario he had envisioned wouldn't have occurred.
"My lord..." Elke looked at Yun Zhe, his heart filled with questions, worries, and curiosity. He didn't know what to say for a moment.
Yun Zhe straightened his back; he didn't want them to think he was weak. "What do you want to say about Akdina?"
Yun Zhe's straightforwardness made the soldiers hesitate. They looked at each other, their hearts filled with conflict.
On the one hand, vampires are infamous. Despite years of negative publicity, even in cheesy romance dramas, few portray vampires as positive figures. Although these soldiers didn't have family members killed by vampires, the image of vampires simply can't be good.
But Akdina truly saved Yun Zhe and them, even refusing to drink Yun Zhe's blood. Such a refreshing vampire, and a great beauty at that, is indeed hard to dislike.
“Now you understand how I feel. Akdina saved my life, even though she's a vampire. And now she's saved me twice, and even saved you. Although she's a vampire, I really find it hard to see her as an ordinary vampire.” Yun Zhe sighed. “Moreover, she's a tragic vampire. She didn't become a vampire long ago and was forced into it. Her beauty is also the reason for her tragedy.”
Yun Zhe's subsequent words ignited the soft, righteous corners of these rough soldiers' hearts. While lamenting Akdina's tragic fate, they also began to curse the vampires who had transformed her.
As a result, they felt not only gratitude but also sympathy for Akdina. Soon, the soldiers completely accepted Akdina's existence, so much so that when Akdina returned, she was shocked by everyone's thoughts.
Akdina looked at Yun Zhe with confusion, yet she had to deal with the soldiers' heartfelt gratitude and sympathy. Faced with such a situation for the first time, Akdina was at a loss. She wasn't sure how to respond to this unprecedented enthusiasm. She could only mechanically respond with words of thanks.
Seeing Akdina's panic, the soldiers said nothing more. After all, her vampire identity made them hesitant. Yun Zhe coughed lightly, signaling everyone to go back and rest. He left Akdina to keep watch with him.
Looking at the weakened Yun Zhe, Elke hesitated for a moment. "My lord, why don't you go and rest too? I'll take your place on night watch."
Yun Zhe waved his hand, "You all go and rest. I have something to say to Akdina. After I'm done, I'll naturally go and rest."
Elke glanced at Yun Zhe and Akdina, who stood out from the crowd. He bowed and then led everyone back into the house.
After everyone had gone far away, Yun Zhe asked Akdina in a very low voice.
"Akdina, you drank my blood, will there be any problems?" Yun Zhe hadn't read about vampires drinking each other's blood in the diaries, or perhaps he hadn't read them all. But seeing the radiant Akdina, Yun Zhe still wanted to understand the implications of this.
Akdina looked at Yun Zhe with some surprise. Her first thought was, "How could a vampire over five hundred years old not know this?" But Akdina was simple-minded after all, so she didn't think too much about it and told him everything she knew.
It turns out that vampire blood can be either poison or medicine to other vampires, depending on their ages. Older vampires cannot drink the blood of younger vampires, or even those of similar age; they will die a horrible death. However, the reverse is perfectly fine; in fact, it can enhance the abilities of younger vampires. But vampires generally won't choose this method to improve their abilities unless they know the vampire inside and out—the risk is too great. As for what age is safe, no vampire has conducted any statistical analysis. In short, the greater the age difference, the safer it is.
Yun Zhe nodded. He had thought of the benefits of older people feeding blood to young vampires, but he hadn't expected there to be such a great risk.
"So how are you feeling?"
Akdina blushed slightly. "I feel much better."
Yun Zhe nodded and looked back at the house. The house was brightly lit, so no one was sleeping at all.
"Looks like our plan to find food tonight won't be going to work out," Yun Zhe said with a wry smile, then looked at Akdina. "Akdina, do you still want to come with me?"
Akdina paused, unable to decipher the meaning behind Yun Zhe's words. She did indeed want to stay, but she worried that Yun Zhe might not mean it that way. So she couldn't help but feel anxious.
Yun Zhe grinned. "Stay if you want, no need to hesitate. You saved me twice. If you stay too far away from me and are still struggling with whether or not to die, wouldn't it be repaying kindness with enmity if I pushed you out?"
Akdina felt relieved, and her eyes shone even brighter.
"But I still want to ask for your opinion. After all, if you stay by my side in the future, you won't be an ordinary person staying by my side anymore. You'll face a lot of things, and those things might even cost you your life."
Akdina froze again, Yun Zhe's words leaving her feeling empty. But seeing the look in Yun Zhe's eyes, she finally understood that he wasn't trying to drive her away, but simply wanted her to see the hardships ahead and be mentally prepared.
Akdina nodded.
Yun Zhe smiled. "Alright, but from now on you have to follow my instructions, for example..."
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