Everything quieted down. I sat silently on the ground as the Mimic from the Dark Banquet departed, leaving me in lingering shock.
"Thank you."
After a long while, I finally spoke. My heart felt desolate. For so long, that thing had been my shadow—I never even suspected it. But now, the truth was undeniable.
I didn’t know how to settle my feelings. My Ghost Souls returned to my body, while the Deathbane Ghost silently watched from the side.
"Listen carefully, Ethan Zhang. Don’t use this power unless absolutely necessary, or your remaining vital energy will be exhausted. If that happens, your hope of becoming human again will vanish."
I gave a soft response and looked at the Deathbane Ghost, who explained further.
"You are not among the living, but the dead. Only those who walk beneath the sun can continuously generate vital energy. You’re different—you’re not completely dead. You still retain a part of human strength, perhaps because you’ve been to the world of the living."
I wasn’t ready to think about power yet. What worried me most was Rachel Lan’s safety—she too had received an invitation to the Dark Banquet.
"Also, that young girl’s power is crucial for you. Her Genesis Instinct will be a tremendous help."
I responded and tried to stand. The Deathbane Ghost extended a hand—I grasped it, pulled myself up. He smiled faintly, and I nodded as ghostly threads connected us.
You must reclaim your Ghost Soul. Including me, you now have eight—there’s still one more.
I responded. Zhu Tang had vanished since then—I wasn’t sure what happened, but it seemed necessary to visit the Underworld. Rachel Lan, though silent, must be deeply concerned about its condition, since its people have lost the protection of the Underworld’s power.
Black threads of ghostly connection entered Deathbane Ghost’s body. I instantly felt a chill. He nodded, and I closed my eyes, pressing a hand to my heart, gradually sensing the murderous intent from his body—a feeling I’d never experienced before.
Now it felt as if I were submerged in an ocean of murderous intent—one wrong move and I’d be torn apart. I kept searching for Deathbane Ghost’s aura amid this immense, chaotic malice.
It seems this isn’t good luck, Ethan Zhang.
Deathbane Ghost suddenly smiled mysteriously. As I opened my eyes, the murderous intent stopped abruptly, and a familiar sensation flowed into my body, quickly replenishing my Deathbane Aura.
Instinct... coexistence...
Gradually, the black aura around Deathbane Ghost faded, revealing a face identical to mine. Then, like flowing water, Deathbane Aura streamed down from his head, transforming into long hair that reached his waist.
Suddenly, I widened my eyes—this appearance was like my future self, The Lost Mediator, though the age was the same as mine now. The future Ethan Zhang looked over forty, steady and seasoned, much like Deathbane Ghost now.
In an instant, I lost consciousness. When I opened my eyes, cherry blossoms danced around me—I was back in the apartment building. My Ghost Souls were all present, and Deathbane Ghost sat alone atop a cherry tree.
Congratulations, we’re all on the same team now. Heh heh.
Thought Ghost suddenly spoke. I looked at him—he still hadn’t fully connected with me, so half his face resembled mine, while the other half remained blurred.
Hey, hey, why are you sitting up there acting so cool?
Tong Ghost called out. Deathbane Ghost smiled slightly, looking composed. He landed on the ground and pointed at a nearby table.
Now we have just enough for two tables.
Resentful Ghost laughed, and Desire Ghost rushed over.
Let’s play a round—it’s been ages since we had fun. Now we’re not short one anymore.
I smiled helplessly. Thought Ghost went over to get close to Deathbane Ghost, but Deathbane Ghost remained indifferent toward him.
Remember this: if you ever betray us, I’ll deal with you myself.
Spirit Snake came over and nodded seriously. The other Ghost Souls looked at Thought Ghost with cold indifference. Indeed, he could manipulate others’ thoughts—if he wanted to betray us, he could change our minds without us knowing. That’s why I haven’t fully connected with him.