Savior

The Eastern Emperor flew toward Rufina Howard, and as his figure entered the golden barrier, he slowly faded from sight.

"Once we're out, just prick your finger and you'll be fine. Tell Rufina Howard not to act recklessly again."

The moment the Eastern Emperor vanished, the golden barrier disappeared as well. Rufina Howard shrieked and tumbled through the air. I rushed over, but suddenly, capillary vessels rose up from the ground, weaving into a net that caught her.

At that moment, a rustling sound echoed, sending a chill down my spine. The massive blood-red barrier surrounding us, made of capillaries, was steadily fading away.

"Hurry up! Tan Tian can't hold on much longer."

As the barrier vanished, I caught Rufina Howard in time, spread my pitch-black wings, and flew with her toward a distant pavilion where Luna Quay and the others were waiting.

"Girl, in a moment, prick your finger and let your blood drip onto the Golden Soulstone."

Rufina Howard nodded, and we quickly reached Tan Tian. He seemed to have overheard our conversation.

"Soon, I'll lift the restraints. Young lady, be careful and cooperate. This Golden Soulstone is almost depleted."

As Tan Tian spoke, we looked over. Sure enough, Luna Quay's Golden Soulstone was now only the size of a peanut; the rest had completely vanished.

"Luna Quay..."

Tan Tian called out, and at Luna Quay's chest, a fist-sized, diamond-like silver Soulstone had already formed. His once cracked, stone-like body was now revitalized, the fissures gradually closing and his body beginning to recover.

Within minutes, Luna Quay's body was fully restored. He slowly opened his eyes, suddenly gasping awake as if startled.

"What is this...?"

Yuna Ji stood up, not rushing over. She wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes, while Luna Quay, after a moment of confusion, seemed to fully understand what had happened. He rose, dignified, and knelt on one knee before Rufina.

"Thank you, honored guest."

With his head bowed, Luna Quay spoke. Rufina, surprised, quickly crouched down in front of him.

"Big brother, you don't have to. It's nothing, really."

At that moment, Tan Tian also looked at Rufina with hopeful eyes. He quietly approached her, and then Luantian Xuekui joined them. The three clan leaders of the Corpse Realm knelt on one knee before Rufina together.

"Young lady, I sincerely thank you, and I hope you can agree to our request."

In that instant, I stepped forward.

"What do you want this time? Don't tell me it's..."

"No, Ethan Zhang, you're overthinking it."

I wondered if they wanted Rufina to marry Luna Quay. Tan Tian shot me a look, and I gave an awkward smile.

"Young lady, if you ever need help in the future, the Corpse Realm will be there for you. All we hope is that, when you grow up, you can help us restore our lost emotions. I just sensed it—Luna Quay has already regained a part of his feelings. And you are truly the savior of our realm."

"Alright, I understand." Rufina smiled innocently, agreeing without hesitation. I placed a hand on her forehead.

"Kid, you've got me!"

"You? Ethan, I saw you get pummeled like a pig just now!"

I chuckled, and then Yuna Ji slowly rose, looking as if she was about to leave.

"Luna, now neither of us owes the other."

"Ah, Yuna, may we each find peace in the days to come. I only hope, someday, to feel your warmth once more..."

"Wishful thinking. You may look good, but my heart, Luna Quay, died with the one I loved. In this life, I love only him."

Luna Quay smiled gently, then floated into the air, standing before Yuna Ji.

"So I have no chance, do I?"

"Even if there was a chance, it wouldn't be you, Luna. If my heart for my beloved still remained, perhaps I'd choose Ethan Zhang."

I let out a sound of surprise, looking at Yuna Ji with a hint of grievance.

"Don't mess around, alright?"

Amid laughter and cheerful voices, we all gathered in the central courtyard. Suddenly, the vanished zombies returned, music began to play, and soon a large feast was set. Rufina and I sat at a small low table, the fragrance of Dawn Dew wine intoxicating.

"Kid, what are you doing? You're underage, you can't drink, don't you know that?"

Seeing Rufina about to pick up the Dawn Dew wine, I hurried to stop her.

"Hmph, what's the harm in a sip? Ethan, I'm ignoring you."

I took a small sip of Dawn Dew wine. I had no intention of telling Rufina about Redhair—just smiled and asked her:

"Still mad at Redhair?"

At the mention of Redhair, Rufina pouted.

"Hmph, all of you treat me like a child."

I shook my head and rested a hand on Rufina's head.

"It's not about treating you like a child, kid. People need to grow up. No matter how sensible you are, you're still young. Adults don't hold grudges over such little things."

"I... I'm not sulking! It's that guy—hmph, stupid Redhair, smelly Redhair."

Rufina grumbled, picking up food and eating with an angry look.

"Ethan Zhang, come here."

A voice came from behind—it was Lance Quinn. I let out a sound of acknowledgment and got up. Lance led me to a small pavilion, where I saw that although the zombies didn't eat food, they could drink Dawn Dew wine.

"It's nothing special. You've heard of Dawn Dew wine, right? It's brewed at the boundary between night and dawn. We zombies are soul-detached monsters, walking corpses, but this wine is made at the balance point of yin and yang, so we can drink it too."

I nodded, half understanding, while Lance grinned mischievously, slinging an arm around me and leaning close to my ear.

"About our deal... Well, now that the Corpse Realm has found its savior, you see!"

"Are you planning to break the deal?"

I realized immediately.

"What are you saying? Ethan Zhang, do I look like someone who'd break a deal?"

I looked completely unconvinced, seeing Lance's face clearly say he didn't want to help me.

"Sigh, fine. Ethan, the Nether Lantern is hanging in our boss's place, on the top floor. In a bit, I'll distract our boss, you sneak over and steal it. That's all I can do for you."

I shot Lance a look.

"You never keep your word."

"Hey, what more do you want? I'll help you in a bit—activate Corpse Veil, and they won't notice you. Just move quickly."

"Corpse Veil?"

Lance explained that once a zombie reaches the flying corpse level, they gain a special skill—Corpse Veil. It's an excellent way for zombies to hide themselves or escape powerful enemies. He hadn't found me before because the flying corpse who caught me had activated Corpse Veil, making me impossible to locate.

I couldn't help but smirk.

"Be careful. With my skill, I can only hold out for half an hour. After that, the boss will definitely sense something's wrong."

I nodded. After chatting with Rufina and the others for a bit, I excused myself, saying I needed to use the restroom, and left.

With the joyful, laughing scene behind me, no one noticed as I glanced around. I spotted a silvery gleam from the house facing the courtyard. Lance shot me a look, and with no zombies in sight, I smiled and strolled over as if out for a walk.

When I reached the house, the door was open. Before me shimmered a thin, silvery membrane—almost transparent. I looked around, then stepped inside.

"Young Master Zhang, if you want a tour, just say so."

A cold sweat broke out on me—it was Luna Quay, standing right in front of me. Instantly, my face flushed red; I wished I could crawl into a hole.

"Boss, this kid was trying to steal our treasure. Good thing I caught him in time. I activated Corpse Veil too—let's teach him a lesson."

"You..." I raised my hand, pointing at Lance Quinn, who stood beside Luna Quay with a sly grin.