Time rewinds slightly...
I quietly lift my head, gazing at the black-green sky, standing at the edge of the Nether Throne. From here, I can still see it all—the mass of skeletons marching northward, toward the border that connects the Eight Provinces of Hell. There are thirteen entrances in total.
It’s been almost a month since negotiations with the Underworld Court. Under Yuna Ji’s orders, the Boneguard Host has moved to thirteen locations to gather and garrison, preparing to build massive fortresses.
“Brother, what are you doing here all alone?”
John Chou’s voice sounded behind me. I turned around, excitement in my voice as I replied.
“It’s a shame the war can’t begin yet.”
For some reason, I didn’t feel anything wrong about this war. In fact, after the negotiations, I even started to look forward to it—hoping for total failure, so the fighting could start.
“You’re really that eager?”
“Of course. In this war, I’ll get to face off against powerful opponents and grow stronger. Honestly, there’s no need for negotiations at all. Winner takes all—that’s the law of this world. The folks from the Underworld Court don’t trust the Emperor God either. I can already see it—the war is coming.”
John Chou sat cross-legged beside me, gazing into the distance with a half-smile.
“It’s always been this way, in every era. War is the final solution. This year-long negotiation is just buying time to prepare for battle—everyone knows it.”
“The other Ghost Sovereigns have gone back to get ready. They should be arriving soon—especially Lord Shenyan. What he said when he left was really something.”
As I spoke, I remembered clearly: over ten days ago, when Lord Shenyan left, he said this unjust war shouldn’t happen.
“That’s just how he is—but it doesn’t matter.”
“You two, if you have time to sit around and enjoy the view, why not help me out? Seriously, John Chou, what are you even doing here?”
Yuna Ji stood behind me, clearly annoyed. Suddenly, skeleton generals and ministers began to emerge, all talking at once, urging Yuna Ji to return and discuss troop deployment. She clutched her head in frustration.
“I’m so fed up. Can’t I get a moment’s peace?”
Then Yuna Ji walked over, looking pitifully at John Chou.
“Come on, help me out. You’re the best at this sort of thing, John Chou.”
John Chou said nothing, still staring into the distance. Yuna Ji, frustrated, rested her chin in both hands and squatted beside him.
“What are you thinking about?”
As she spoke, Yuna Ji grabbed John Chou’s head with both hands and twisted it toward her.
“Handle your own problems. I’m not your subordinate—I’m not obligated to deal with your chores.”
I smiled and shook my head helplessly.
“Let me help you, Yuna Ji.”
Yuna Ji stared at me, eyes wide, clearly distrustful.
“What kind of look is that? You should be grateful I’m even willing to help.”
“Sigh, Ethan Zhang, you look so excited now, but you’ll understand when the war starts. War isn’t as fun as you think.”
Yuna Ji spoke, her tone heavy. John Chou just grunted in response.
“War means everything gets dragged in. By the end, you might not even remember why you’re fighting. It all turns out like this—utterly tragic.”
“What’s up with you two? Working together for once—is the sun rising in the west today?”
I said, my tone relaxed. Their relationship seems better now. In the past, John Chou treated Yuna Ji terribly—at least that’s what I saw through the Soul of Man. Back then, John Chou didn’t trust Yuna Ji at all.
“Brother, aren’t you going back to handle things in the Living World?”
I shook my head.
“For now, I’ll just wait and watch. After all, your best subordinates are keeping an eye on those two for me, so I can relax a bit.”
John Chou sighed helplessly.
“Let’s hope those three don’t cause any trouble. To them, I’m just someone they want to defeat.”
“If you have time, go gather your Hundred Ghosts, then break through the Sanzu Force’s restriction and reclaim your Bloodbane Power. Otherwise, when the war really starts, what will you do?”
Yuna Ji muttered helplessly. I noticed the skeletons behind her were restless. Early this morning, I saw a towering stack of documents waiting for Yuna Ji to handle. She’s the emperor here—every institution is meticulously organized and managed.
“John Chou, let me ask you seriously—what do you really think about this war?”
“What do you mean?”
John Chou turned his head. Yuna Ji stared at him seriously.
“Or are you saying you don’t want to take part in this war?”
“Maybe. After all, none of this means anything. The Immortality Society is probably already moving.”
The smile vanished from my face. I didn’t need John Chou to say it—I already knew. They’d never let an opportunity like this slip by.
“Enough. We have guests.”
John Chou stood up, a wicked grin on his face, and turned around. Instantly, I sensed a unique presence—it was Old Cat.
“Kitty, how are things over there?”
John Chou walked over slowly. Old Cat nodded and then sighed.
“Uncle Chou, isn’t it time you gave us our stuff back?”
John Chou gave a bitter smile.
“I don’t have it. How could I give it back?”
Old Cat squinted and walked over, smiling.
“Uncle Chou, I did what you asked—I got into the Dark Banquet first, uncovered a ton, and figured out the Immortality Society’s situation. If no one else knows, I do. Uncle Chou, you want to give that thing to Ethan Zhang, don’t you? But it’s too dangerous. Give it back to us instead.”
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I stared at John Chou in surprise. I’d suspected before that his feigned death was intentional, and now it seemed true. With Old Cat’s help, John Chou had done a lot before we even reached the Dark Banquet.
“Let’s wait until Ethan Zhang returns before we discuss this. You came here to help the Underworld Court and Emperor God connect, right? How are things on their end?”
“I observed the Yin-side world, but couldn’t find a path to Hell for them. Still, they’re preparing for war—soldiers training everywhere, weapons being forged, and no one trusts the Underworld Court. Sigh, it’s a mess.”
After thinking for a while, John Chou asked:
“Is there really no room to negotiate?”