From a distance, the concrete road winding up the mountain looked like a white serpent, twisting its way upward toward the cloud-shrouded summit. Towering trees lined both sides, their gaps wide enough for the occasional tourist to startle resting birds, sending flocks fluttering skyward.
Although it wasn’t the weekend, there were still plenty of people heading up the mountain, carrying bags and supplies. I’d heard that at the summit, there was a patch of hillside covered in lush greenery, with a large, flat area perfect for camping.
Once you reached the top, the entire mountain’s scenery unfolded before your eyes. There was a place called Cloudwater Ravine at the hillside—a spot said to offer the best views.
I watched as the Hades Circle members began climbing the mountain, with only Walter Wu staying behind. He seemed quite polite; thinking about it, he’d always treated Rachel Lan well.
I walked over and greeted him. Walter Wu looked at me and pointed to a rest area. At this hour, aside from a few staff chatting, the wooden benches and tables beneath the shelters were mostly empty. I followed Walter over and sat down, only to realize I hadn’t brought any money, which made me panic.
"Let me treat you."
Walter said, ordering some drinks. It was still early—not yet six o’clock. We decided to set out at night and rest once we reached the hillside.
"Thank you," I quickly added. Walter smiled.
"You know, it’s really something. I always thought Rachel would never get married, that she’d just follow her father’s wishes. I never expected..."
I gave an awkward smile, then asked about Rachel Lan’s recent situation. After all, it had been a long time since I’d seen her.
"How should I put it, Ethan Zhang... Last time, Rachel let a soul go without permission and even saved that girl, Mona Tong. She was supposed to be sent to the underworld for judgment, but thanks to various reasons, Judge Bao of the Fifth Tribunal spared her. Still, a reprieve from death doesn’t mean escape from punishment."
Hearing this, my heart skipped a beat. Suddenly, I shot to my feet, a surge of anger flaring up inside me.
"Where is she? What happened to her?"
My voice was a little too loud, drawing the attention of nearby staff. I forced a stiff smile and sat back down, but inside I was furious and deeply worried about Rachel Lan. My thoughts tangled with anxiety.
Why didn’t Rachel Lan tell me anything? I had no idea what kind of punishment she might face, but my worry only grew, my right eyelid twitching uncontrollably.
"Ethan Zhang, just listen to me for a moment. Don’t get angry yet."
"What do you mean?"
I glared at Walter Wu, full of anger. He sighed, glanced around, and noticed John Chou and the others had already settled into a small restaurant, apparently ordering food.
"Let me put it this way: If someone from the Hades Circle saves a person who was supposed to die, and manages not to get caught, they must return to the Hades Circle to undergo the Underworld Stone trial and help cultivate the next generation."
"What does that mean, exactly?"
My anxiety grew. Walter Wu seemed to hesitate, silent for a long while, so I pressed him for answers.
"You’d find out sooner or later. Originally, I thought Rachel’s mother, Helen Lane, would tell you, but she didn’t. She only told Princess Yuna Ji and asked her to relay the message. I didn’t expect you all to arrive at such a critical moment."
Walter looked like things were very serious. I clenched my fists and stared at him.
"Rachel Lan came back mainly to do some chores, like cleaning and such."
I immediately felt a wave of relief wash over me.
"So that’s all it is."
I smiled.
"It’s not that simple. Remember what I said about cultivating the next generation?"
"What do you mean? Can you just explain it all at once?"
I looked anxiously at Walter Wu.
"The so-called Underworld Stone is brought back from the underworld and possesses immense power. To ensure purity in the next generation, members of the Hades Circle almost never marry outsiders. The Hades Circle has ten sects, all subordinate to the Ten Judges of Hell, so marriages are always arranged internally."
I listened quietly, watching Walter Wu.
"Let me put it this way, Ethan Zhang. Members of the Hades Circle must have children before age thirty. Many men and women return here at marriageable age, and under the guidance of the Underworld Stone, they marry and spend some time together before leaving again. Rachel Lan’s situation is more complicated; you’ll have to ask Helen Lane yourself when you reach the Hades Circle."
My heart clenched, and I squeezed my fists.
"What are you trying to say? Rachel Lan is my wife."
"The person chosen to marry Rachel Lan has already been selected by the Trial Marriage Stone."
Suddenly, my anger erupted like a volcano. Killing intent surged from my body as I slammed my fist onto the table. In an instant, Walter Wu grabbed my hand, blue silk wrapping around it.
With a tearing sound, my killing intent shredded Walter Wu’s blue silk, splintering cracks across the table. My fury sent the murderous aura spreading in all directions.
"It’s getting sharper, Ethan Zhang—your killing intent. Still, I’ll say it again: don’t act impulsively."
I snapped back to my senses, but still glared fiercely at Walter Wu.
The staff nearby couldn’t see my killing intent or Walter Wu’s blue silk—only that it looked like we were about to fight, and hurried over to intervene.
With a bang, the table in front of us exploded. Walter Wu’s sleeve tore apart, his wrist split open and blood flowed.
But at that moment, I saw the staff member staring blankly, searching for something, as if unable to see us at all.
Suddenly, I noticed ripples in the air around us, as if an invisible membrane was wrapping us up. The staff stood outside it.
"One coffee, please."
At that moment, the staff’s attention was drawn to a man who walked in, his voice clear and clean. He didn’t seem to care much, though his face showed some confusion before he quickly greeted the newcomer with a smile.
The man who entered seemed able to see us, glancing over from time to time. He had fair skin, short hair, and wore casual clothes—jeans, hiking boots, a white t-shirt, and a blue jacket—with a bright, cheerful smile.
Walter Wu quickly pulled me out of the membrane, releasing my hand. We stepped outside, and I saw the shattered table inside reassembling itself, returning to normal. I stared in shock, then noticed the man pointing a finger in our direction.
After drinking a little, the man stood and walked toward us. Walter Wu stood respectfully to the side. The man looked about thirty, moved with purpose, and kept a friendly smile.
"Nice to meet you, Ethan Zhang. I’m Lance Lan, Rachel’s cousin."
As the man introduced himself, he smiled and extended his hand. I quickly shook it.
This man, Lance Lan, seemed very friendly—and he was Rachel Lan’s cousin. I immediately asked him a question.
"About Rachel..."
"Ethan Zhang, about this, I think you should ask Rachel or Helen Lane yourself."
I responded with an "Oh," then we joined John Chou and the others at the restaurant. They’d ordered a table full of dishes, while Lance Lan and Walter Wu quietly waited for us to eat.
After we finished eating, I looked at Yuna Ji.
"Why didn’t you tell me?"
"Oh, Ethan, didn’t I say this morning I’d take you straight to Hades Circle headquarters? Didn’t I say that?"
I glared at Yuna Ji, annoyed.
"What’s wrong, man? Someone trying to steal your wife?"
I ignored John Chou’s teasing. All I wanted was to get to the Hades Circle and see Rachel Lan as soon as possible. Now that I’d calmed down, I realized things might not be so simple.
"Don’t worry, Ethan. Sister Rachel definitely wouldn’t agree to it."
Rufina Howard mumbled with a smile. I nodded and stood up.
"Sorry, everyone. I hope we can get to the Hades Circle as soon as possible."
As I spoke, John Chou was the first to stand up, and we all decided to leave right away.
"First of all, on behalf of the Hades Circle, I welcome all honored guests."
Lance Lan bowed, then gestured for us to follow. We left the restaurant. Hugh Thompson had already bought some food and water, handing them to me and Rufina Howard. Old Eccentric and Vincent Swallow carried supplies and headed for the mountain, clearly interested in the Hades Circle.
Lance Lan spoke, coming to stand beside me.
"Let’s go, Ethan Zhang. From here to the Hades Circle will take at least five days—there’s still a long way ahead."
I nodded. Since he didn’t want to tell me more, I’d just travel day and night to get there.
Our group reached the entrance to the mountain path. I looked at it—thankfully, it was a concrete road about four meters wide, with thick ropes on both sides and grooves cut into the surface to prevent slipping.
"Man, this trip should be fun. You just got back from snatching your bride in the Corpse Realm, and now you’re at it again. I’m looking forward to it!"
John Chou grinned slyly at the foot of the mountain, whispering in my ear. I glared at him.
"Enough already."