"That's how it is. For us, the denizens of the Hades Circle, most parents have no emotional attachment. After a child is born, they usually go their separate ways. Once they've passed down their legacy, there is little interaction. This has been the way since ancient times—countless examples. Do you really think you have the power to change all this?"
Lan Yin looked at me intently. I shook my head. He smiled and sighed.
"I'm not trying to change anything. Everything in this world exists for a reason. My instinct is called coexistence."
Lan Yin laughed lightly. Aside from the despair reflected in the golden eye on his left cheek, he seemed almost normal.
"It's difficult—much harder than the path I chose before. The path you've chosen."
I nodded, then turned around, spread my wings, and slowly rose into the air.
"Is that so? I think I understand the source of your power now. Zhang Qingyuan, tomorrow you will learn what Hades' Will truly is."
I took off. There was no need to continue talking with Lan Yin. His thoughts seemed to have been shackled by something—that was the feeling I just had. That thing had guided him to make the decision to bring Rachel Lan back.
I returned once more to the plaque inscribed with 'King of Hell.' This time, I saw Helen Lane, Rachel Lan's mother, waiting for me at the bottom of the steps.
Step by step, I walked down.
"Qingyuan, may fortune be with you tomorrow."
I nodded, offered my thanks, then circled to the right of the thirteen houses before me. Along the way, I saw many denizens of the Hades Circle.
Gradually, I returned to our temporary residence, where everyone—human and ghost alike—had gathered together.
"Brother, what's wrong? You look so serious."
As soon as I approached, Yin Choujian walked over. I shook my head, saying nothing, just looking at him. I couldn't understand why, in Lan Yin's memories, he had said those things to me.
Hu Tianshuo wore a grave, focused expression, twirling a pen in his hand as if pondering something important.
I walked past him, and as I passed Yin Choujian, he suddenly flashed a strange, unsettling smile.
I stopped immediately and looked at him.
"Did you find something out?"
Yin Choujian immediately started laughing.
"Brother, it's nothing. Just a few guesses, but we'll have to wait until after tonight for any conclusions."
"Qingyuan, tell me, did those Hades Circle folks say anything?"
I looked at Ji Yuner in confusion, blinking silently. I had no idea what she wanted to ask, and for a moment, I was stunned. But then Ji Yuner giggled, wrapping her arm around my neck.
"What are you doing?" I pushed her away, but she grabbed my hand and pulled me to the table.
"Come, Qingyuan, have some apple. I peeled it just for you."
I made a sound of acknowledgment, picked up a piece of apple, and started eating. Yin Choujian chuckled quietly on the side. The old eccentric seemed to notice something, nodding knowingly.
"What exactly is going on?"
"Just now, I heard Yin Choujian say..." Huangfu Ruofei was just about to speak when Ji Yuner suddenly darted over and stuffed half an apple into her mouth.
I grew even more confused. Yin Choujian came over and patted my shoulder.
"Alright, brother, don't worry about these little things."