Timeline Player

The scroll given by the bishop mentioned that Dragon Blood Crystals can elevate the bloodline of vampires, allowing them to evolve into higher-ranking vampires. It will exert a powerful bloodline suppression on vampires of lower ranks, and even if ordinary people use the Blood Crystals, the effect will not be significantly weakened.

Chi Que speculated that the Dragon Blood Essence Crystal might contain a trace of the Demon King's power, and not entirely originate from the Blood Lord, which would explain its astonishing effects. This could also correspond to the seven-headed, ten-horned red dragon.

That's why he wasn't worried at all that Cameron becoming stronger would pose a threat to him.

Aston appeared more restrained, but his eyes were filled with shock. Nobility was not a profession skilled in flesh and blood, so the effects of the soup were more pronounced for him. His gaze toward Chi Que had completely changed.

Even with the preciousness of the ingredients, it is by no means easy to cook such a delicious dish.

Being a chef is a difficult profession to find, since it's unlikely that a normal person could pass a certain level by cooking.

Furthermore, chefs lack combat skills, making them even more scarce among players who are willing to fight to the death.

"Your Excellency—" Aston had barely opened his mouth when Cameron eagerly interjected, "Be my personal chef. You want an invitation to the banquet? I can try to get you one."

Chi Que looked at him, mimicking Aston's expression, and gave a smile: "How could I possibly accept this—"

"Ahem." Aston quickly interrupted their conversation, "Don't forget our purpose."

As he spoke, he stared intently at Chi Que.

Cameron then realized that the purpose of replicating the dishes was to curry favor with the Duchess; this was just an unexpected bonus.

He couldn't help but sigh, "What a pity."

If Chi Que were truly favored by the Duchess, he wouldn't dare to try and steal her even if he had ten lives.

Aston spoke up at the opportune moment: "Your Excellency Cameron, now that you have personally verified the soup's effects, what about the matter of introducing the Duchess..."

"Of course, of course!" Cameron immediately suppressed his regret and said reservedly, "I will certainly not forget Lord Aston's contribution, as for the matter of introducing him to the Duchess..."

He looked at Chi Que: "I will use my connections to arrange for you to work as a kitchen helper at the Secret Banquet. Although it's just a kitchen helper position, it's the best stepping stone to get closer to the Duchess and showcase your talents."

I knew it.

Chi Que mentally complained, though he didn't expect to be able to directly contact the Duchess through this.

Aston thought the same thing, but on the surface, he remained polite and said, "That would be perfect."

"As for this pot of soup," Cameron pointed to the pot of thick soup that was still more than half full, "I'll leave it here. I need it to impress some people and prove that I wasn't lying. What do you think?"

Despite saying that, a subtle emotion welled up in his eyes.

Aston looked at the pot of soup, feeling a little regretful, but since someone else had provided the ingredients, he nodded in agreement.

Chi Que had no objections whatsoever; he simply withheld half of the materials, enough to replicate it himself once he got back.

Having achieved their goal, the two did not linger. With the butler's respectful farewell, they left the vampire mansion.

It was already late, and the streets were filled with the bloody glow of dusk. Chi Que noticed that Aston was hesitating about something.

As they approached the fork in the road, Aston finally stopped and turned to Chi Que: "Actually... I have another request."

Chi Que's heart stirred: "Please speak."

Aston sighed: "Last night, several of my men had an accident, and they probably won't recover anytime soon."

Who did it? It's so hard to guess.

Chi Que thought to himself, guessing Aston's request.

"I wonder if you would be willing to cook some restorative dishes for me? It doesn't need to cost any Blood Coins, just something that can heal and stabilize my injuries." Aston's next words confirmed his thoughts.

He paused, then added, "Of course, I won't let you work for nothing. I'm willing to offer a piece of purple equipment as compensation."

As he spoke, he took out a piece of jewelry from his personal space—that's right, the one he wanted to exchange for Qidian.

【Starlight Protection Brooch - Hidden Purple】

[Rank: Iron]

[Stargazing: Allows you to observe celestial phenomena and predict the fortune or misfortune of a certain event. Can only be used once per night.]

【Star Protection: When attacked, the Star Power Shield will be automatically activated. It needs to be charged under the stars.】

[Concealment: On a starless night, it can conceal one's presence and reduce the likelihood of being detected.]

[Elemental: Enhances equipment effects based on elemental mastery.]

[An exquisite piece of jewelry imbued with a trace of celestial power, once a cherished possession of a stargazer.]

Chi Que glanced at the equipment description. Good heavens, four attributes, half of which are unusable. Of the remaining two, one is a mastery effect. The only one that can truly be effective is stealth.

Aston seemed a little embarrassed and explained, "This equipment can conceal one's presence, which should be a great help for a profession like a chef, and it also has the effect of mastering the elements."

He seemed to be enthusiastically promoting the equipment.

It's at least a purple-grade weapon.

And to be honest, if this piece of equipment weren't so useless in this dungeon, Aston probably wouldn't have put it up for trade.

Chi Que finally nodded slowly: "Since you are so sincere, I am naturally willing to help."

Upon hearing this, Aston visibly relaxed and smiled sincerely: "Then please accept this brooch."

Without hesitation, he handed the Starshine Protection Brooch to Chi Que, along with a money pouch, presumably for the cost of the ingredients.

"Then it's settled." Chi Que nodded gently. "After the celebration ends tonight, I will prepare a meal in the old town square."

The two parted ways at the intersection, disappearing into the deepening twilight.

Chi Que first went to the market to buy some ingredients, and then returned to his rented apartment. It seemed that Mi'er stayed at the church for dinner today, which gave him time to cook the Dragon Blood Essence.

Chi Que closed the doors and windows, drew the curtains, took the small dragon blood crystal from his pocket, and placed it on the stove.

The dark red crystals gleamed faintly in the candlelight. He then took out six blood gold coins from his pocket and neatly arranged them in the bowl.

Five of them were stolen from Cameron, and the other one was taken from his salary.

"That's really expensive," he muttered under his breath.

Dragon Blood Essence requires Blood Gold Coins as a catalyst to neutralize its violent energy and unleash its deeper power. Without the catalyst, cooking it directly will not only greatly reduce its effectiveness but may also trigger uncontrollable mutations.

As for how to handle it, there aren't many rules, so cooking it is also acceptable.

Chi Que placed six blood gold coins into the pot one by one, and finally placed the dragon blood crystal in the very center.