Once, as a boy, he trusted his father completely. In his eyes, his father was a hero, a safe harbor, endlessly gentle.
Their family was harmonious, and his father always told him: this world is beautiful, as long as you believe in it. No matter what difficulties you encounter, the world remains beautiful.
From childhood, the boy believed his father's words without question. Even when facing darkness, he could always persevere, following the steadfast figure of his father like a mountain.
But then tragedy struck. Life is unpredictable. Overnight, everything changed for their family—his world was no longer beautiful, but ugly, filled with hypocrisy and malice.
The father, once so optimistic and positive, now cried helplessly, full of anger and hatred, utterly disappointed in the world. All of this was etched into the boy's heart. Everything he once believed in was shattered.
"Are you talking about yourself?"
I smiled at Agent Seven in front of me. He took off his glasses, and in an instant, his gaze became tinged with sadness, yet chillingly cold.
"Maybe so. Do you understand now? Everything here is born from the death of human faith. We Forsaken, those with numbers, are sentient beings, while the Saints of the Four Sacred Realm are the true invaders of this world."
I understood everything about this world now. I stood up from the rock and said with a smile.
"None of this has anything to do with me. Take me to the Four Sacred Realm."
"So that's how it is. It seems your purpose here isn't just a simple journey."
I said nothing and started walking.
"You don't know the way, do you?"
Agent Seven asked, and I smiled.
"If you don't want to take me, then I'll just keep walking. One day I'll find what I need—it's only a matter of time. And I have plenty of time. Besides, this world is quite interesting."
I laughed wildly, clenching my fists. I had found a way to break through the Deathbane Aura density limit. This world was a natural training ground for me. I looked around; in the distance, there seemed to be a forest. I ran toward it.
Food is still a major problem for me, but my body's density should be enough to support me until I find something to eat. I'm not worried about a few months. Continued training will only make me stronger. By the time I return to the living world, the density of my Deathbane Aura should be even greater.
"Wait."
Agent Seven suddenly caught up to me. I turned to look at him.
"What do you want? If you want me to do something for you, forget it. I don't trust any of you."
"It does seem that way. From what I see, you don't trust anyone."
I didn't answer, just sneered. I won't deny it—deep down, I think trust is the most hypocritical thing. Only power is worth trusting, only power is reliable.
I once believed Master Zachary Wu. If I hadn't trusted him back then, I wouldn't have died and lost the body I'd fought so hard to obtain. Maybe none of what followed would have happened. When I was completely dormant in a body dominated by the Human Soul, by the time I woke up, those bastards had already stripped me of it.
A surge of rage erupted in my heart. At that time, I lost everything—my memories hadn't returned, and I was at their mercy. The Immortality Society and those from Ghost Mound may be hiding now, but one day, when I find them, I won't spare a single one. Only by utterly destroying them can I quell the anger in my heart.
What hurt me most was the attitude of the Human Soul and the Heavenly Soul. I thought Rachel Lan's death might help the Human Soul grow, but he only disappointed me—completely. Clinging to unrealistic delusions, he'll only cause greater tragedy someday. Now he's even lost his emotions, yet his mind is still stuck on those things.
Everything must be settled by my own hands. That's why I need even greater power—the power of the Wraithlord, enough to shake both the worlds of the living and the dead. Everything, whether in the Underworld or the living world, will bow before absolute power. Even Kṣitigarbha can't do anything about the Wraithlord.
"What's wrong? You look troubled. Why not tell me about it?"
Agent Seven, leading the way ahead, suddenly turned and looked at me. I glared at him.
"None of your business."
This is the last time I'll help Ethan Zhang. I had already decided not to get involved with his affairs, but he's stepped deeper and deeper into the Wraithlord's business.