I looked over at the table—before the Blue Wraiths, a plate had appeared out of thin air. On it were two Rakshasa Fruits, one green and one purple.
The Blue Wraith called Old Mu by Mark Tao smiled and glanced around. Strangely, though, none of the dozens of Blue Wraiths seated nearby reached for the Rakshasa Fruits on the table.
"Gentlemen, is there a problem? Why aren’t you eating?"
"Heh, Old Mu, if I may, I have a question—though I’m not sure if I should ask?"
"Go ahead, Mark."
Mark Tao glanced around, and I noticed several Blue Wraiths signaling to him with their eyes.
"Recently, I heard that Lord Wraith attended the Feast of Ten Thousand Ghosts hosted by the Eleven Yama Kings. Some friends who came back said there was a bit of trouble. The world is chaotic now, and we’re all here to celebrate Lord Wraith’s birthday. But whether we join or not, at least let us see Lord Wraith’s current condition."
I cursed inwardly—Mark Tao hadn’t acted this way before. At that moment, I noticed Gongsun Sheng, the Blue Wraith who’d escaped from the Soulbound Inn. I recognized him instantly as he turned his face, sitting among the guests, stroking his beard with interest.
"Mark, it’s true—our lord had some trouble in the Hall of Malice. But don’t worry, tonight our lord will break through the Blue Wraith’s limits and become the eighth Ghost Lord. When that happens..."
Hold on, Old Mu. May I ask—how does Lord Wraith’s current strength compare to John Chou’s?
Mark Tao suddenly blurted out a question.
Old Mu chuckled and replied.
John Chou is no longer a match for our lord, so rest assured. Eating these Rakshasa Fruits will greatly help our lord tonight.
But in that instant, I noticed some of the Blue Wraiths at the table were smirking.
Is this Buddha statue really something Lord Wraith acquired?
Suddenly, a Blue Wraith in a rough blue robe stood up. He looked delicate, almost feminine, with a gentle aura and a soft voice.
Of course it’s real. Is there anything else you’re unsure about?
Oh? But I know for a fact that Lady Ji was defeated by this Buddha statue. Did Lord Wraith really beat that monk?
The Blue Wraith in blue robes asked again. The scene was getting out of control, with all sorts of discussions erupting. I saw Lord Wraith’s twelve subordinates exchanging glances.
It was already 11:40. Not far from the Wedding Avenue, I could see rows of ghost brides walking by.
Alright, everyone, it’s getting late. You can take a moment to think it over. When our lord appears, you’ll all get a good look.
Ironmask lowered the hand he’d placed on my forehead. I glanced around anxiously, wondering how I could save those four people and then retreat—there was little chance of winning head-on.
Ironmask’s eyes shone with excitement. Suddenly, he looked straight at me.
Qingyuan Zhang, step outside.
I let out a confused sound and looked at him, baffled.
Are you afraid?
Ironmask asked. I stared blankly at the situation, unable to answer his question. Watching the time tick by on the clock, anxiety flooded my mind—my palms and the backs of my hands were slick with sweat.
Suddenly, Ironmask pointed a finger at my heart.
What is your instinct, Qingyuan Zhang...?
The clang of bells echoed through the city. It was 11:50—only ten minutes left for me to think.
I clenched my fists and stared blankly as the ghost brides drew closer—they were now clearly visible.
Suddenly, Ironmask grabbed me with one hand, lifted me up, and hurled me hard toward the iron cage. I screamed as I flew through the air.
I felt a surge of malevolent energy wrapping around me. Just as I was about to hit the ground, there was a boom—I stopped and landed steadily.
Suddenly, the room fell silent. Every ghost around stared at me with vicious eyes.
Fear—my heart was full of it. Alone, I stood before the ghost brides. The entire procession stopped.
My hands were trembling, my legs weak and unsteady. I stared blankly at the four people inside the cage—the hope in their eyes was unmistakable.
Damn it, cousin, what took you so long? Think of something—get us out of here!
My older cousin shouted, and suddenly the room erupted in mocking laughter. My mind went blank—I couldn’t hear anything, just stared ahead.
I felt like I was about to collapse.
Someone—someone save...
Cousin! Suddenly, my cousin’s angry shout rang out in front of me.
Think hard, cousin—don’t be afraid. Have you forgotten? Back in high school, remember that time? Come on, remember, damn it! Recall what’s most important...
Just as my cousin finished speaking, there was a thunderous roar to my left. A black figure shot toward the cage with a piercing sound.
Old Mu barely had time to react and cried out in surprise.
You actually dodged my ghost web—who are you?
I’m here to kill you." Ironmask said coldly, raising his fist, black malevolent energy swirling around it. With a bang, he struck Old Mu’s face, leaving a deep dent.
[Irrelevant passage skipped.]
Ironmask burst into wild laughter. With a thunderous blow, Old Mu’s head exploded, releasing streams of black light.
With a creak, Ironmask smashed the cage. The whole thing happened in one swift motion—I landed hard on the ground.
It was fear—I should have realized it long ago. Ever since coming here, after all I’ve been through, I now see that fear has already taken root in my heart.
The massive wings on Ironmask’s back vanished. He turned and glared at me.
You’ll die, Qingyuan Zhang...
Ironmask kept laughing wildly as Blue Wraiths soared through the air. The other eleven Blue Wraiths serving Lord Wraith stood motionless, watching.
After the four people in the cage got out, they ran toward me. I was still sitting on the ground.
Let’s go, cousin—fall back.' My older cousin said, grabbing my hand and pulling me to my feet.
Where do you think you’re going?
Accompanied by a sinister voice, Lord Wraith appeared before us. I stared in shock as Mingxuan Yu, without hesitation, raised the Celestial String Sword and lunged at Lord Wraith.
Mingxuan Yu screamed as his right hand, holding the Celestial String Sword, was severed and sent flying, blood spraying everywhere. None of us saw how Lord Wraith attacked.
Ah, I’ve waited so long. Before I become a Ghost Lord, let’s have a little entertainment.
As he spoke, Lord Wraith’s body glowed green. Suddenly, it felt like our feet were stuck in mud—we couldn’t move at all. Purple sludge bubbled up from the ground.
I stared in terror at Mingxuan Yu, who was screaming in agony, his arm severed.
Girl, think of something!' Hu Tianshuo shouted.
Suddenly, Lord Wraith moved behind Ironmask.
Oh, you’re quite the odd one—just like Qingyuan Zhang, but a hundred times stronger. You dealt with my subordinates so easily. How about you play with me for a while?
I’m fine, my lord,' Old Mu said, panting and standing below Lord Wraith.
You all step back for now—this one’s strong. On my big day, I don’t intend to waste too much time.
Ironmask burst into wild laughter. Lord Wraith suddenly widened his eyes, and none of us saw where Ironmask went—it was like he vanished in an instant.
Suddenly, a burst of black light flared up behind Lord Wraith. Ironmask appeared, shrouded in black malevolent energy, and swung his fist at Lord Wraith’s face.
Petty tricks.
Lord Wraith reached out and grabbed Ironmask’s fist. With a thunderous boom, black light shot skyward, and a powerful blast of air knocked down a swath of ghost brides.
Ironmask’s expression changed as Lord Wraith gripped his fist tightly. Black wings unfurled on his back, flapping desperately.
What’s wrong? Weren’t you supposed to be tough?
Lord Wraith didn’t budge, no matter how Ironmask struggled. I watched in terror as my cousin reached out a hand.
Don’t be scared, I’m here, Qingyuan. There’s nothing to fear.
My cousin said confidently. Hu Tianshuo adjusted his glasses and glared at me, while Huang Jun pressed on Mingxuan Yu’s severed arm, worry etched on his face.
Even if you can dodge my ghost web, you’re still slower than me.
As Lord Wraith spoke, he vanished in an instant. I saw flashes of green light, and Ironmask’s body was suddenly covered in wounds—his wings were riddled with holes.
Ironmask kept laughing, but he was laughing at me.
Qingyuan Zhang, run!
Before he finished speaking, there was a slash—Ironmask’s blood splattered everywhere as his body was torn apart, chunks of flesh falling to the ground. The iron-masked head soared through the air and rolled toward me.