"Rachel Lan, how did John Chou discover this?" The question cut through the heavy air, suspicion hanging between us like a shadow.
As we entered the square, Jason Su soon spoke up. I shook my head, and at that moment, Wendy Hsieh patted my shoulder, her touch cold and reassuring.
"You can tell us anything. After all, you're the head of the Hades Circle, and one of us. There are things you really shouldn't keep from us."
Wendy Hsieh spoke, casting a sharp, wary glance at John Chou and Isabelle Frost, who lingered several hundred meters behind us, then continued.
"Those two evil ghosts... what exactly..." Her voice trailed off, thick with dread.
"If I knew, I'd tell you. Besides, John Chou helped Qingyuan before, and now he's helped me plenty. He may be somewhat sinister, but I don't see a problem. We're on the brink of war, aren't we? There's no need for this mutual suspicion."
As I spoke, Jason Su gave a faint, knowing smile that barely softened the tension.
"Then think about who could possibly know the whereabouts of the Buddha Relic."
After a long moment of thought, it struck me—the only one who might know is his senior brother, now reborn as the Holy Child of Universal Temple, Master Lucian.
"It must be Brother Owen. Didn't he end up at the Dark Banquet with us after being summoned by darkness? I think he found something there, and two people I know said Leo Yuan definitely went into that darkness."
I still remember what the Founding Emperors told me—they told Ethan Zhang as well. Back then, in the darkness, a monk did go in, and that monk was Leo Yuan. So maybe Brother Owen found something in that darkness.
Gradually, we arrived at the gathering place of the Underworld Denizens. Everyone from the Hades Circle stood on both sides, respectfully watching the three of us. It felt awkward. When we reached the front, the Underworld Denizens lined up along both sides—thousands of people moving in a grand procession toward the waiting lamas.
"Honored guests, it has been a long time."
As soon as we arrived, Elder Samuel spoke, and all the lamas bowed.
"Enough, Samuel. We’re here to resolve things. You owe us an explanation, and an apology won’t cut it. The fact is, you imprisoned our Lanworth head for two days. For any sect, that’s a disgrace. If you don’t give us an answer, don’t blame us for what happens tonight."
I blinked, about to say something, but Wendy Hsieh tugged at my sleeve, signaling me to stay quiet.
At that moment, Samuel looked embarrassed and sighed helplessly.
"Master Su, it’s true—this was all because of a moment of darkness in my heart. I sensed John Chou’s presence in Lady Lan, and in my panic, I did something that brought shame to the Hades Circle. Here, I..."
"Enough talk. We’re here to resolve this. Just hand over Leo Yuan’s Buddha Relic."
Instantly, the three Living Buddhas’ faces changed. They seemed to realize something, and the tension rose—both sides looked ready to fight. We had the numbers, and with Jason Su and Wendy Hsieh, the lamas would lose if things turned violent.
"There’s nothing here..."
Samuel was just about to speak when Jason Su snapped angrily.
"Stop hiding things. We only want that one item. Besides, it doesn’t belong to your sect. You may have helped Leo Yuan, but he’s repaid that debt. He passed away here—a high monk capable of channeling the Buddha’s power, and his passing brought your sect great benefit. That goes without saying. And the Buddhist sect must have already negotiated with you. Now, I’m representing the Ten Kings of the Underworld to ask for it."
Samuel was stunned. I sighed—this was basically forcing the lamas to hand it over, or we’d attack. It felt nasty, and it was all John Chou’s plan. My cheeks flushed; I didn’t like this hardline approach, and it made me uncomfortable.
"You have one hour to decide. If you don’t hand over Leo Yuan’s Buddha Relic in an hour, don’t blame the Underworld Denizens for what happens. Plus, with the two evil ghosts outside, you stand no chance."
Jason Su looked domineering. Samuel could only nod.
"Allow me to discuss with the monks."
With that, Samuel led the lamas back into the temple. I glared at Jason Su.
"Can’t we just talk it out?"
"Talk? What’s the point? Do you want to hear the lamas go on about their philosophy and argue with them? That’s pointless. It does nothing for us."
I swallowed and asked.
"You don’t really mean to attack them, do you?"
At that moment, Wendy Hsieh spoke from behind me.
"Of course I do. You think I’m joking? Sure, the sects in the supernatural world mind their own business, with occasional contact and friction. Over the centuries, there have been plenty of disputes, especially between Daoists and Buddhists. Some things just get buried because they can’t be talked about openly. Remember, Rachel Lan, you’re the head of the Lanworths now. Don’t let yourself get captured so easily again."
My face flushed with embarrassment, but the tension was palpable. Many Underworld agents were gathering the others, discussing what to do if a fight broke out.
Time ticked by, and soon half an hour had passed. Still, there was no movement from the lamas on the mountain.
"Do they really want to fight us?"
I muttered, while Jason Su sat back in his chair with a cold smile.
"They’ll hand it over. That relic isn’t theirs."
After a long half hour, the lamas finally came down from the mountain. As they approached, I saw Samuel carrying a delicate, pitch-black box. He brought only a dozen lamas; Namlo and Bawang weren’t there.
A few Underworld agents stepped forward. When Samuel arrived, they took the box from his hands. I swallowed—an extraordinary power could be felt from the box, and it radiated a sacred aura.
"Honored guests, I hope you’ll return this item to its rightful owner."
Jason Su stood up and nodded with a smile.
"Now that this is settled, we won’t disturb the Living Buddhas any longer. There’s just someone outside who wants to speak with you."
My heart skipped—it had to be John Chou.
Samuel smiled and nodded. We headed toward the edge of the plaza. After a while, we reached the outskirts, where John Chou sat in a chair and Isabelle Frost stood quietly on top of a car.
"Hope you’ve been well, Mr. Chou."
John Chou gave a cold, mocking smile.
"Don’t drag this out. Let Logan out, and we’ll help you solve a certain problem."
Samuel shook his head.
"This is a matter for our sect. No need to trouble yourself, Mr. Chou."
Sure enough, Samuel rejected him outright. But I couldn’t help thinking about Tammy Blade, still imprisoned below.
"Can’t you let Tammy Blade go? She’s not some great villain, and you don’t have the right to keep her locked up. Besides..."
"Sorry, Lady Lan, I can’t explain this to you in detail."
John Chou stood up and pointed toward the distant Golden Temple.
"Without the Buddha’s power, can you still keep that evil ghost suppressed? I fear disaster will strike soon."
Puzzled, I looked at the Golden Temple. There was no sign of trouble—just gentle, white auras floating in the air. I glanced at John Chou, but Samuel spoke up.
"This is our sect’s problem, not anyone else’s. As for Logan, we’ll release him in a few days."
Samuel’s gaze was heavy as he stared at John Chou, then glanced at Isabelle Frost and the edge of the plaza, before turning and leaving quickly.
"Negotiations failed, John Chou. What’s your plan now?"
"If you’re done here, you can head back. As for us, we’ll just keep sightseeing and enjoying ourselves."
I blinked—it looked like we’d be staying here. The Underworld people soon left, and several agents gave me their numbers, telling me to call if I needed anything. Only then did I notice the cars in the parking lot starting up. Soon, only John Chou, Isabelle Frost, and I were left.
"It won’t be long before the Golden Temple runs into trouble."
After Isabelle Frost floated down, she spoke. My stomach rumbled—I planned to check out the nearby night market. It’s lively at night, with music to enjoy.
"Do you know about the evil ghost below?"
I asked. John Chou nodded with a smile and replied.
"Long ago, the Four Demons told me about it. That ghost is incredibly strong—so strong it’s uncontrollable. No one knows how it was created, but it caused havoc here, killed many people, and was finally subdued with the Four Demons’ help. The lamas don’t realize the Four Demons were the real culprits. By the time they wanted to negotiate with the Ghost Mound people, it was too late."
As John Chou spoke, he stood up and glanced back at the Golden Temple, looking eager.
"Are you still after something from them?"
I asked immediately. John Chou said nothing, just walked away and climbed onto a car.
"Let’s go find a place to rest. You can relax for a few days."
Once again, he said nothing. Isabelle Frost and I exchanged a helpless look.