165 The Taste of Grandeur (1/2)

Krann's demonic energy spread through Konrad's veins, soothing his internal damage before rising to his soul to check possible issues.

He was relieved to see that besides some internal damage Konrad didn't have any injuries. His soul, as robust as ever. Thankfully the Infernal Soul Devouring Art magnified his soul power to impressive levels. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a simple matter of spitting blood.

Konrad raised his hands, stopping Krann's worries.

”It's nothing, we've gained a lot today.”

Konrad explained while his lips curled into a contented smile.

Krann's eyes showed his incomprehension, why was it that his master's heart seemed to overflow with happiness? Did he relish in pain?

However, as servant, it wasn't appropriate for him to inquire on the master's tendencies; so, he didn't. Instead, he focused on what truly mattered.

”What are the gains?”

”I'd already inferred that Adelar was our enemy. Confirming it was just a formality. But now, I can roughly guess the source of his powers. To say nothing of us, it's very likely that Olrich doesn't realize the gravity of his own situation.”

Konrad explained while wiping off the blood on his lips.

”First, cultivation. There isn't really much to say on that topic. Ninth step Semi-Holy Priest, ordinary physique and no martial cultivation whatsoever. However, his spiritual talent is outstanding, and his soul power dreadful, rivaling that of Profound Saints.

In terms of fighting capabilities, Elmar is simply not his match.”

Those were information Konrad gained from the system while he examined Adelar.

”As for the origin of that soul power, that's hard to say. But considering the nature of his bloodline, my money is on the Tower of Rebirth. It's likely he obtained the formidable inheritance of a previous Celestial Church leader and used it as foundation to develop his own abilities.

Though his blood is impure, he has surpassed its limitations, bringing his bloodline abilities to a level his pureblood peers can only dream of. And this is where it gets interesting.

His spiritual mist can seamlessly dominate the mind of those with inferior soul power. Within the imperial palace, how many of the emperor's men have already fallen to his control? His cultivation speed is fast, and he will soon reach the Holy Priest Rank.

Even if I didn't appear, it's very likely that before he could refine him, Olrich would perish.”

Konrad couldn't understand how Olrich could be reckless enough to choose Adelar as one of his refinement targets. It didn't make sense. Taking his character into account, Olrich could never allow such a hidden danger to grow beneath his nose.

Was it that impossible to find another refinement target among his nine children? No, if it was just about fostering love, he could pick any one of them. Why was it then that he chose the most problematic ones, the most gif…

Konrad's eyes widened in sudden enlightenment.

”Could it be that from the beginning…if that is true, then I must be warier of him.”

Although it was only an assumption, Konrad couldn't help but think it held merit, and the implications made him shiver.

”Master, what is the nature of his bloodline?”

”Half-fiend. However, the power of his fiend blood is sealed.”

…

Konrad spent the remainder of the night in silent cultivation.

The next morning, three of his maids knocked on his doorstep to prepare him for his first official meeting with Olrich. They brought with them several items:

A luxurious black robe embroidered with a golden winged serpent around which nine stars hovered.A pair of golden boots, and a golden crown encrusted with nine holy crystals.

One maid helped him don the robe, while another tied his hairs to fit in the crown, and the last one placed the boots on his feet.