A melodious, haunting flute tune drifted slowly through the quiet night. Atop the courtyard roof, John Chou played the flute in silence. I was a bit surprised—John Chou actually knew how to play.
The flute melody was winding and beautiful, a tune I’d never heard before. The deal with those family members was over, and John Chou had taken back this black flute. The seal was lifted by a Taoist priest, which surprised me—this should be the ghost weapon belonging to Fiona Chen, the Spectral Warrior.
"Come drink."
Allen Zhang raised his glass, and I responded with a nod, clinking glasses and drinking together. Empty bottles littered the floor. Agent Seven was busy in the kitchen, preparing snacks for us, while Ma Yongjie listened on, thoroughly enjoying himself.
"No matter how important someone is, there are always a few memories they’d rather not talk about."
Jerry Li shook his head helplessly.
"Ah, that’s not something we should discuss. We’d better stay out of it. Miss Fiona has deep feelings for John Chou..."
The flute music stopped abruptly, and Jerry Li immediately fell silent, forcing a sheepish smile.
"Let’s not bring up the past."
John Chou’s voice was cold as he descended from above.
"Play a little longer, it’s really nice."
I raised my glass and said, but John Chou shook his head, set down the flute, and gave a bitter smile.
"Women really can be troublesome sometimes."
John Chou suddenly said this. I stared, the wine catching in my throat, and then I coughed violently for a while before wiping my mouth.
"Don’t just say things like that out of nowhere, John Chou. The word 'woman' sounds strange coming from you."
Jerry Li grinned mischievously and shook his head.
"Sometimes women are like warm water, sometimes like blazing fire. I’ve known more women than I can count, but in the end, it all comes down to two words: too much trouble. That’s why I’d rather go to a brothel—never get involved with any woman, just keep it to one night."
I smiled helplessly.
"I don’t really get it."
At this, Ma Yongjie smiled and spoke up.
"When it comes to relationships, you’re all like children. Only after you marry a woman will you know if she’s a gentle little rabbit or a fierce tiger."
At this, Allen Zhang, who had been silent, asked with a grave look in his eyes.
"What’s the deal with Derek White? Why is he working with the Immortality Society?"
John Chou shook his head.
"We’ll talk about these things later. Let’s drink."
After chatting casually for a while, John Chou set down his glass and looked at Jerry Li.
"I’ve already notified Soren Black. He should be here soon. Are you leaving that quickly?"
John Chou nodded.
"Tomorrow morning, Yuna Ji will come here directly to take us into Netherhell. After that, we’ll head straight to the Underworld Court, find one of the Four Grand Judges, and have them pass a message to the Infernal Judge. We have to avoid causing any kind of disturbance."
"The Underworld Court probably won’t treat us kindly right now. At a time like this, no side is having it easy."
Allen Zhang muttered something, and John Chou nodded.
"Felix Fan is already waiting for us at Yuna Ji’s territory. With his abilities, getting into the Underworld Court will be extremely discreet."
At this, John Chou looked at me.
"Are you really going?"
I gave a quiet affirmation.
"I’ve got some business to take care of. I want to go in and ask someone face to face."
We kept drinking until the moon was high overhead. Suddenly, a wave of ghostly energy swept in, and a green light descended. Cloaked in black, Soren Black sat down beside John Chou, grabbed a bottle, and gulped it down.
"At this point, gathering a hundred ghosts, maybe everyone’s heart is already scattered. John Chou, are you sure about this?"
John Chou nodded.
"While we’re gone, just stay here and keep an eye on the girl in the yard."
Soren Black nodded, then glanced at me.
"You’ve gotten stronger, Earthly Soul."
I nodded seriously.
"Thanks, Soren Black."
I’d been to the Netherworld before, thanks to Soren Black’s help.
"John Chou, this time you’re personally negotiating with the Underworld Court. They probably won’t let you leave so easily. You’d better..."
John Chou raised a hand and waved it.
"Don’t worry about it, Soren Black. If I’m going, I’m not planning to have a nice chat with those old guys. The situation now doesn’t allow them to keep sending troops to the Living World."
"Should I go with you?"
At dawn, facing Entity 001’s request, I refused without hesitation.