My whole body felt weak. I struggled and looked around. Hugh Thompson was covered in blood, lying just below me. His glasses were shattered, and he was clutching his chest. The ground was stained with blood. I saw Rufina Howard lying quietly next to Hugh, face down. Her light blue dress was stained with blood.
"Awake yet, Ethan Zhang?"
Cousin... please...
I looked around and saw my cousin lying on the ground not far behind me. Yu Mingxuan and Huang Jun were also there, while the other two seemed unharmed.
"Cou...sin..."
A cold wind blew, swirling sand into the air. I opened my eyes wide. My cousin lay motionless, a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. His face was ghostly pale, and the once-crimson blood had dried to a dark, almost black stain.
Waves of grief surged through me. I couldn't believe my cousin was dead.
Cousin, please get up! Cousin...
I shouted, hot tears streaming down my cheeks.
"Hahahahaha..." Lord Wraith's voice came from in front of me. I slowly turned my head, my eyes instantly filled with murderous intent as I stared at him.
Lord Wraith held back the vacant-eyed Rachel Lan with his left hand, his eyes filled with mockery.
Scream, go ahead and scream, Ethan Zhang. Cruel, isn't it? You're all alone now. What will you do? Right now, you can't do anything. This is what happens when you dare to oppose me...
Ah...
My voice choked, unable to say a word, tears streaming down my face.
Heh, Ethan, giving up so soon?
Hugh Thompson clutched his chest, braced himself, and stood up.
Oh, as a human, you're quite interesting. Hugh Thompson, is it? After you die, come work for me. Heh, looks like your brain works better than my other subordinates.
With a crack, Hugh Thompson pulled out a cigarette, lit it, took a leisurely drag, coughed, and blew out a smoke ring.
Girl, how are you feeling? Have you woken up yet?
Hugh Thompson said as he lifted his foot and stomped toward Rufina Howard lying on the ground. Suddenly, I widened my eyes as Rufina Howard reached out a hand.
Four-eyes... what... what are you trying to do?
Rufina Howard's frail body slowly stood up. She closed one eye, blood still streaming from her forehead.
Clap, clap, clap—Lord Wraith applauded, laughing again.
So, do you still have the strength to fight?
Hugh Thompson's legs buckled, he tore open his suit, and his white shirt was stained red with blood. He leaned against the twisted purple vine that held me down.
To be honest, I can't take another step, but for some reason, I stood up again, right, Howard Zhang...?
Hugh Thompson called out Howard Zhang's name.
Suddenly, Lord Wraith stood up. With a boom, a gust of wind swept over us. Rufina Howard raised her hand, her gaze showing no hint of surrender.
Rest for a bit, girl.
Hugh Thompson reached out, pulling Rufina Howard back. He was still smiling. I looked at him in surprise—there was no trace of despair in Hugh Thompson's eyes.
Not afraid to die, Hugh Thompson?
Lord Wraith spoke, pulling Mia Lin into his arms and letting go of Rachel Lan.
How should I put it? Of course I'm afraid. I'm very afraid. Death means nothingness, just like Howard Zhang—once you're dead, all that's left is a corpse lying on the ground.
As soon as Hugh Thompson finished speaking, I gasped, choking up as a wave of pain crashed over me.
Enough. Open your eyes wide and watch closely. Today, I, Lord Wraith, claim my rightful place. Tremble in fear, mortals...
As Lord Wraith spoke, a burst of purple light flared. He ascended into the air with Mia Lin. With a thunderous boom, the bright sky began to darken, clouds swirling, and the air vibrating all around.
With a tearing sound, Lord Wraith ripped Mia Lin's clothes, revealing her snow-white skin and graceful figure.
Did you know? Hahaha, this woman was still a virgin two years ago. The prince from the manor turned out to be impotent. He tormented her in every way, but couldn't perform. Heaven truly favors me, hahaha...
As Lord Wraith laughed wildly, a beam of purple light shot into the sky. Instantly, the cloud-covered sky opened up with a huge hole, and the surrounding clouds turned purple.
Lord Wraith sat in the sky, holding Mia Lin. He placed her on his lap, softly chanting. Mia Lin cried out in pain as Lord Wraith's face twisted into madness, continuing his ritual with her.
I saw a purple light gradually enveloping Mia Lin. Streams of green energy flowed from her mouth into Lord Wraith's body.
With a crack, Lord Wraith's already massive purple muscles began to split, blinding purple light seeping out. His skin, like cracked rock, continued to swell.
All around, the ghosts cheered louder and louder. Those under Lord Wraith's control howled with their mouths wide open, eyes glowing green.
Throughout the city, green lights rose slowly like fireflies, shaking and swaying violently.
The process lasted a long time. Finally, Lord Wraith's body grew to four or five meters tall. He released the battered Mia Lin, who slowly fell among the ghost brides below. Lord Wraith curled up, and his giant Skull Scythe clanged to the ground.
Ah... Accompanied by Lord Wraith's furious scream, a purple ring of light burst out in all directions. With a boom, huge clouds of dust rose in the city, and some nearby houses collapsed instantly.
Lord Wraith's scream drowned everything out. I clutched my forehead in pain, eyes shut against the blinding purple light. Gradually, the shaking faded, and the purple glow weakened. I opened my eyes.
Lord Wraith's once-massive body began to shrink, nearly two meters tall now, floating in the air. To the north, a vast swarm of purple flaming skulls drifted like a giant fan, their mouths wailing with a sound that chilled the soul.
Cracks covered Lord Wraith's body. He looked expressionless and calm, holding the purple Skull Scythe in his left hand.
Especially on Lord Wraith's face, a diagonal crack extended to his chin. Thick purple veins bulged on the surface of his body.
Congratulations, Lord Wraith! Cheers for Lord Wraith! The ghosts shouted in unison.
Hahaha... I've waited so long for this day. Now, I am the eighth Ghost Sovereign. Submit, all ghosts—bow at my feet!
On the ground, all the ghosts knelt—except for the Blue Wraiths attending the banquet.
Don't be ridiculous, Lord Wraith. While your ghost power has grown several times, I've seen true Ghost Sovereigns. Are you sure you're there yet?
It was the Blue Wraith in green robes. Before he could finish, Lord Wraith appeared above him.
Die.
With that short command, the Blue Wraith's eyes widened. A purple flame skull pierced his chest, devouring him completely before he could even scream.
With a whoosh, Lord Wraith sat back on the wide throne, slamming the giant Skull Scythe into the ground with a clang.
Let the festivities continue...
As Lord Wraith spoke, Rachel Lan walked down the steps, her eyes vacant.
What's so amusing, Hugh Thompson?
Hugh Thompson tossed away his cigarette and stood up. Rufina Howard also stood up beside him.
Still want to keep fighting? The next round of entertainment might just give me some fun!
With a clang, a sword flew from behind Lord Wraith—from a Blue Wraith's hand—and landed at the foot of the steps. Rachel Lan picked up the sword and approached us.
Death is truly terrifying. Now, we're not fighting to win—winning or losing doesn't matter anymore. We have to keep fighting, not for victory, but because I can't stand to see your twisted face...
For the first time, I saw Hugh Thompson roar in anger. Rufina Howard crouched on the ground.
Rachel Lan slowly walked toward them.
You... what are you trying to do?
I asked weakly.
Hahaha, Ethan Zhang, watch closely. Soon, this woman will kill you all, one by one. I can't wait to enjoy your woman in front of you—what will your face look like then? For me, that's the best entertainment...
Lord Wraith laughed maniacally.
Rachel... Rachel, don't!
Rachel Lan approached Hugh Thompson, raising her sword. A purple beam pierced Hugh's foot, causing him to fall. Rachel raised the sword and swung it down.
I screamed. In an instant, a strong figure—a thick arm—grabbed Hugh Thompson and blocked the blow.