Ethan Zhang seemed to sense something. He looked up, his expression serious as he glanced around, but still carried his luggage into Room 410. As he opened the door, a musty, gray scent wafted out, as if no one had lived there for a long time.
There was only a single bed in the room; the rest was bare. After the landlord explained a few things, he turned on the water and electricity for Ethan, lent him a bucket and a towel, and Ethan began to clean.
He looked genuinely happy, and before long, the room had been cleaned and wiped down. I stood quietly on the balcony outside the door, observing everything. I still didn’t quite understand what this place was, but maybe it was the root of my memories. I kept watching in silence.
Many people here seemed unhealthy, and it was easy to see why—the southern earth energy of the entire apartment building gathered here underground. There were grave hills nearby, and most of the surrounding blocks were nearly deserted. There were plenty of ghosts.
Yin Energy mixed with earth energy, slowly gathering above the apartment building, shrouding the sun of the living world. But judging by people's conversations, they only ever mentioned the heavy humidity here—how uncomfortable their bodies felt in the morning, with aching backs and soreness. There were no stories of hauntings.
But what they didn’t know was that their bodies inevitably absorbed some Yin Energy. Living here long-term would surely make them sick, which is why the place felt desolate and most residents were poor.
This place seemed to fit Ethan Zhang’s ideal home. In the past, it took no more than twenty minutes to walk to the university town. It was also close to bustling streets, the rent was cheap, and the living environment wasn’t bad.
Once the water stains dried, Ethan cleaned away the dust with care, then wiped everything down with a damp cloth. Only then did he make the bed, arranging the blankets neatly. He lay down on the bed, smiling with delight, as if this were his own little world.
"Was I always this kind of person?"
I couldn’t help but mutter to myself, smiling knowingly. I liked this quiet, lonely feeling, but deep down, I seemed to be waiting for something—eager to be part of the crowd.
Actually, I longed for this kind of life. Maybe it’s because I am Ethan Zhang. Though ordinary, every day felt fulfilling and happy.
I stood quietly outside Room 410, watching Ethan Zhang inside.
What do I really feel, looking at my former self?
Suddenly, a voice with a hint of laughter came from behind me. I could already sense the power in this figure—a mix of human and ghost, and a force that could annihilate everything. I slowly turned my head.
Are you the Law of Karma?
I asked. The figure behind me looked exactly like me, wearing a black cloak, floating in the air, holding a strangely shaped sword. Black whirlpools spun slowly along the blade, and his gaze was sharp.
At last we meet, Ethan Zhang. Ever since you were in the Sixfold Cycle...
Suddenly, the one who looked exactly like me tensed up, as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t get the words out.
It’s strange—when I try to talk about your past, I forget it the moment I try to speak. But if I don’t say it, I remember everything clearly.
I made a sound of acknowledgment.