The ghost formation had already been dispelled. The others were busy discussing; for anyone who was a Shade Green Ghost, what Isabelle Frost had accomplished was something they all desperately wanted to achieve—to seal such immense power with high-density ghost energy, preventing it from erupting. This was far superior to simply taking it head-on or dodging.
With a swoosh, I was already moving toward Ray Lin, swinging Belle in my hand. There was a metallic clang—the military saber didn't break. Things produced in this world could harm ghosts, but were fragile. Yet, Belle in my hand didn't strike; instead, it stopped a few centimeters short. It was ghost energy. I had never seen Ray Lin's eyes so serious.
"It seems I won't be able to do it for now. Sigh, I used to want to just drift through life, taking each day as it came. But now, it's been a long time since I felt that way."
I stared in surprise at Ray Lin. His gaze suddenly turned sharp, hands in his pockets as he walked toward Ethan, abandoning his usual carefree demeanor and growing serious.
"I think I finally understand why I joined Blackfang, Ethan. It wasn't just to help you."
Suddenly, Ray Lin kicked at me. I quickly twisted my body, but his saber came down toward my shoulder. I thought I was doomed. With a crack, Ray Lin's saber shattered, fragments flying as the broken blade slid down past my shoulder.
"You know, Ethan, among all of us—whether human or ghost—we've endured and experienced far more than you have. We've existed in the realm of humans and ghosts much longer than you, so there's no need for you to be just like us."
"That's right. Even Felix Zhou started training in curse power from a young age, while I only started halfway through life."
"It's good that you understand—you're not as stubborn as you used to be. Come on, instead of just sitting here and daydreaming, let me help you."
As Ray Lin spoke, he stretched out both hands, stood facing me, and pointed at me.
"You must have your own strength, Ethan—no, Fang. Only then are you worthy of being Blackfang's leader. Cast aside all those meaningless things. In a world where the weak are prey, without power, you'll keep losing everything again and again."
Isabelle Frost's sharp voice rang out. I looked over—she stood up and stretched lazily.
"That's not right, Ethan. You tell him, Felix Zhou—Ethan, what kind of ghost are you really?"
I looked at Felix Zhou; he walked up to us and pointed at me.
"You're not a Blue Wraith, Ethan Zhang. The defining trait of a Blue Wraith is that all their power is constructed from ghost energy. But you're different—ghost energy is just a small part of your strength, almost insignificant. It's Deathbane Aura that you excel at. So you're not a Blue Wraith, but a... fiend named Ethan Zhang."
"All along, you've been taking the wrong approach, Ethan. Only the modern firearms you create with Deathbane Aura are your true path to power—not imitating other ghosts, not relying on deceptive tricks, not slowly clashing ghost energy with your opponent, searching for an opening, then using your trump card to finish them off. That's your way, right?"
Looking at Ray Lin, I seemed to understand why he insisted on fighting me with so many unfamiliar weapons. If he'd used the Tenfold Annihilation, I'd already be down for the count.
With a swish, I swung Belle in the air, Deathbane Aura billowing out like mist around the blade.
"You're not suited for nimble combat, Ethan. All this time, watching John Chou fight, maybe you still haven't understood what he's trying to teach you—your core essence."
In my mind, every memory of John Chou and me surfaced like a lantern parade. Whenever John Chou fought others, he always sought out their weaknesses. Many opponents, he defeated with intelligence. I finally understood—John Chou's strength wasn't just brute force, but wisdom.
"Maybe I'll never be able to fight as brilliantly as John Chou does."
Ray Lin let out a breath, floated over to me, and patted my shoulder.
"That's the end of this lesson for now. All right, Isabelle?"
I glanced at Isabelle Frost, who had already turned and gone upstairs. Everything I use now—releasing ghost souls, drawing on their power—looks impressive. But in front of a Blue Wraith of Ray Lin's caliber, it's not only useless, it quickly drains my strength.
"I'll find my own way to fight."
I tilted my head back, fell to the floor, and lay there quietly, staring at the ceiling.
So all this time, I've been chasing John Chou's shadow—and lost myself in the process!
"Ah, you never said how many you needed."
Felix Zhou muttered.
"Go get one."
I called out, smiling as I watched Ray Lin. His attacks had no real technique—he was completely unfamiliar with swordsmanship, relying solely on speed and strength.
"I told them to bring down all the weapons."
Susan Zhou said, then quickly went upstairs. Soon, there was a commotion as all sorts of weapons—sabers, spears, swords, and staffs—were brought down. Ray Lin reached out, and Felix Zhou tossed him a broadsword. The moment Ray Lin gripped it, it flashed with green light; he was suddenly in front of me, slashing down.
I quickly raised Belle. With a metallic clang, I plummeted to the ground at high speed. With a thunderous crash, a crack split the earth. Suddenly, Ghost Painting Book Immortal swooped in, brandishing his brush around us. A burst of green light, and the cracked ground immediately returned to normal.
"Attack, Ethan!"
Ray Lin shouted again. Instantly, wild Deathbane Aura surged from my body, striking toward Ray Lin. With a flurry of slashing sounds, Ray Lin’s broadsword shattered all the Deathbane Aura before it could take shape.
With a swoosh, I slid up to Ray Lin, thrusting Belle at him. With a crack, Ray Lin’s broadsword split as it blocked Belle. I immediately swept Belle across.
Belle's tip grazed Ray Lin’s brush. He dodged beautifully, then tossed me a spear. Ray Lin grabbed it, and with a snap, I transformed into a black mist. Spear shadows stabbed through the mist again and again, forcing me to keep dodging.
"Attack quickly, Ethan!"
Ray Lin looked serious, still shouting.
I didn't understand what he was trying to do. Suddenly, flames burst forth, flying toward Ray Lin. In the surrounding air, black ice spikes quickly formed and then attacked Ray Lin.
After the spear broke in Ray Lin's hands, he immediately caught the double-edged blade Felix Zhou tossed to him, slicing through the flames and shattering the ice spikes. Brandishing the blade, he charged at me.
Gripping Belle in both hands, I clashed with him in a flurry of metallic strikes. Dodging aside, I swung Belle with a roar at Ray Lin's position, sending out a sword beam of Deathbane Aura. After Ray Lin split the Aura with his blade, the weapon broke again. My right hand raised the Ghost Eagle.
Gunshots rang out—black bullets flew at Ray Lin. He dodged calmly, then rushed at me again, catching another sword tossed by Felix Zhou. With a swoosh, I flipped in midair, evading the thrust.
With a thud, Ray Lin abruptly switched tactics. The back of his sword struck me, and I landed on the ground again. His sword split, and he tossed it away. Felix Zhou grabbed another knife to throw, but Ray Lin raised his hand and shouted.
"No need. I get the gist now."
After I got up, I saw Isabelle Frost nearby and gave her a knowing smile. The serious look on Ray Lin's face faded as he slowly came down.
"Are you really a Blue Wraith, Ethan?"
I sat quietly on the ground, watching Ray Lin. I’d never really thought about it before—being a ghost, I could defeat some low-level Blue Wraiths, even those with a Shadow Realm. As long as I used all my strength, I could win.
"I suppose so."