"Who are you, really? Why..."
I quietly watched Ironmask. Two streaks of tears marked his cheeks, crystal drops spilling from his eyes, rolling in large beads down the iron mask.
Suddenly, Ironmask shoved me aside and began to laugh.
"Who I am is none of your concern, Ethan Zhang. I don't intend to blame you, but..."
At that moment, we all turned toward the spot John Chou had sealed. A crisp sound rang out—ding—a streak of blood red appeared, followed by a vibrant Red Spider Lily blooming. As I stared in surprise, more and more Red Spider Lilies blossomed around us.
"Let's set this aside for now, Ethan Zhang. And you, too."
It was Isabelle Frost, her voice cold and indifferent. Her crimson eyes fixed on the three of us. Then, behind her, a glow of green light appeared—it was Mr. Brown. I sensed it immediately.
"Ah, young master, things aren't as you expected this time. Now you're sealed in, truly a self-made disaster—and you've dragged Ethan Zhang into it, too. Young master..."
As soon as Mr. Brown appeared, he looked down at Quentin Yin, sealed on the ground, and sighed in anguish.
Isabelle Frost slowly crouched beside John Chou, quietly watching him.
"Qingyuan..."
I forced a smile and shook my head.
"What's the situation outside?"
I asked, though both Zuo Quanji and the Ghost Syndicate members had gone to the Hall of Malice, I didn't know the details. Mr. Brown nodded, extending his hand. Strands of green wraith thread emerged from his fingers. I instantly released my own black wraith thread, connecting to his.
Gradually, I began to lose consciousness, and an image appeared in my mind.
"Damn it, still haven't found it? The entrance to the Ghost Syndicate—shit, what are you idiots doing? Why do I even keep you useless trash around? Tell me, Fatty, what were you up to? Why didn't you bring me that Immortality Society member?"
Redmond sat in the Hall of Malice's chair, with a crowd of Blue Wraiths standing below—all his subordinates. Vivian Maple stood to Redmond's right, Noah Grimm to his left. Vivian Maple looked much better than before.
"Boss... oh, no, President, that's what Ethan Zhang said. He said that guy was his opponent. You see, I couldn't possibly..."
With a bang, Redmond slammed his palm on the armrest, glaring furiously at the Blue Wraith below.
"President, why not ask Prince John Chou? He might..."