The city's disaster alert had been lifted, and the usual bustle had returned. Flying through the air, I looked down at the dense crowds below. As I approached the West Quarter, I could still see plenty of cars.
But over by the Blackwood Forest, the old highway was damaged and no cars traveled that way anymore. I landed directly on the road, gazing ahead at the vast, tangled expanse of forest.
I planned to rest for a moment before heading in. After sensing the area, I felt nothing unusual—no trace of powerful ghostly energy. Confused, I hurried forward.
After walking a while, I spread my wings again, intending to fly. I shot toward the heart of the forest at full speed.
Suddenly, I sensed a surge of powerful ghostly energy below. Startled, I stopped in midair. Three arrows, glowing green, shot toward me with a sharp whoosh.
Surprised, I raised my hands, igniting flames that formed into claws. With a bang, as I touched the three incoming arrows, a violent explosion erupted. The arrows didn't hit me—instead, they burst apart, scattering into countless ghostly green arrows that surrounded me, all their tips aimed directly at me.
"Basil Bertram..."
I shouted. Suddenly, a cluster of green light soared up from the forest below. With a snap, it transformed into a human form before my eyes—it was Serena Jing, Basil Bertram’s niece.
"Miss Serena Jing, you..."
"So it’s Ethan Zhang. I wondered who it was. Why is your yang energy so strong all of a sudden? I almost thought you were someone from the Taoist world. Sorry about that."
As Serena Jing spoke, she raised her hand and the arrows surrounding me vanished.
"Let's go."
Serena Jing descended into the Blackwood Forest. I hurried after her, landing among the tangled roots and branches. The towering trees blocked most of the sunlight, and the moment I touched down, I felt a heavy chill in the air.
"Follow me."
Serena Jing led the way, weaving through the forest. I quickly followed, keeping pace as she guided me along winding paths.
"Is everything alright on your side?"
I asked quickly. Serena Jing smiled.
"It’s all taken care of."
We reached a level, open area covered in fallen leaves. Serena Jing stopped, then raised her hand as if to knock. With a creak, a thick, red-lacquered wooden door appeared and slowly opened.
Serena Jing pointed inside.
"Go on in, Ethan Zhang. I need to continue my patrol."
I thanked her and stepped inside. The door was opened by two Blue Wraiths, one on each side—one dressed in red, the other in blue. They looked identical: tall, broad-shouldered, with similar facial features. I couldn't help but stare.
"Never seen twins before, Ethan Zhang?"
The one in red had his face wrapped in bandages. Embarrassed, I gave a nervous smile. The one in blue looked much more serene.
"Brother, no need to shout like that. Come on in, Ethan Zhang. Basil Bertram and the others are inside."
I thanked them and looked around. The place resembled a palace from a historical drama—pavilions, rock gardens, small gazebos, and ponds. It was huge, and everywhere I looked, ghosts bustled about, tending to chores.
A cobblestone road ran straight ahead, flanked by rows of Blue Wraiths in black uniforms, all standing at attention. Their eyes fixed on me, I stared back in surprise.
"Hello."
I greeted them and looked ahead. Directly opposite me was a huge gold-embossed plaque inscribed with four characters: Wisdom, Courage, Loyalty, Righteousness. Glancing around, I was struck by how much this place resembled a palace from a period drama—strict and imposing. Instinctively, I straightened up and walked forward.
"Brother Ethan, no need to stand on ceremony. Come in and have a seat."
"It's the same poison that afflicted Vivian Maple—all of Bertram's Blue Wraiths have been targeted. Right now, there's no cure. Once infected, their ghost energy dissipates rapidly, and they lose the ability to resist. The stronger Blue Wraiths can hold out for a while, but the weaker ones are left completely incapacitated.",
Noah Grimm explained, and I immediately thought of the Ghost Monk. I hadn't expected his toxins to be so potent.
"Of course. We've all known that guy for years, and there have been plenty of run-ins. In life, he was a high monk of the Renegade Sect. After death, he became a Blue Wraith. He understands both humans and ghosts, and he's obsessed with concocting poisons—his creations are truly troublesome.",
"So what can we do?"
I looked at Noah Grimm, who seemed to already know what I was about to ask. He smiled.
"Earlier, when the boss and I arrived, Bertram and the others had already..."
Bertram coughed, cutting him off.
"Drink up. Heh, no need to say more."
I understood—clearly, something shameful had happened. Bertram and his people must've faced a crisis, and that's why Redmond brought reinforcements.
"Bertram has stabilized things for now. A few cases are still severe, so I'll stay to observe for a while longer."
Just then, a woman's voice sounded—Yvonne May, supported by Matron Noon, entered the room. I looked at them in surprise.
"Oh, Ethan Zhang is here too. So much yang energy clinging to him."
Matron Noon muttered as they entered. Yvonne May walked over gracefully, and Bertram immediately stood up and bowed to her.
"Thank you, Yvonne May. If it weren't for you, this would have been a disaster."
"I couldn't cure the poison—I could only purge it completely, not break it."
Yvonne May spoke, then sat down and looked at Redmond.
"This is your mistake, Redmond."
There was anger in Yvonne May's voice. Redmond stared at her, stunned, and pointed at himself.
"Me? Wait, are you serious, Yvonne May? My fault? I'm here to help—what did I do wrong?"
I also looked at Yvonne May, confused.
"The two from Ghost Mound locked up in your Hall of Malice, and why Vivian Maple was poisoned—I've already sent people to investigate. The poison seems tailored specifically for her. Here, Bertram's Blue Wraiths were hit with exactly the same toxin, as if someone targeted them deliberately."
I couldn't quite follow, so I asked immediately.
"When Vivian Maple was poisoned, I saw that zombie..."
"This poison was inside the Blue Wraiths from the start. It only erupts when triggered by something specific—very clever. I haven't found the trigger yet. Bertram's men all visited your Hall of Malice during the Feast of Ten Thousand Ghosts. Remember?"
Yvonne May explained methodically. I suddenly understood—if the enemy could sabotage Redmond's Feast of Ten Thousand Ghosts, they could certainly poison us.
"Then why weren't my people poisoned?"
Redmond asked. Noah Grimm leaned on his hand, deep in thought.
"Boss...maybe it's as Yvonne May said—the trigger. Our people weren't poisoned because the enemy couldn't activate the trigger on our turf. So they had to use fakes to cause confusion instead."
Noah Grimm said, and Yvonne May nodded.
"I'll need to stay a few more days. Redmond, bring Vivian Maple here—I need a thorough examination to prevent future disasters."
"Eight Enforcers, hear my command!"
Bertram shouted, and the seven Blue Wraiths seated around immediately rose and responded in unison.
"We obey Bertram's command!"
"Go and bring Vivian Maple here safely."
Redmond glanced over.
"How about I send Noah Grimm instead?"
"No need for you two to go. When you leave, call for Serena Jing. If you see anyone from the Immortality Society or Ghost Mound on the way..."
With a loud slap, Bertram struck the table.
"Kill them."
In an instant, seven streaks of green light shot out. Bertram glared at the sky outside, his face twisted with hatred.
"By the way, Bertram, I've already sent Fatty and his people to keep an eye on your daughter."
Redmond smiled as he spoke. Bertram could only smile helplessly, then turned to look at me.
"Brother Ethan, could I trouble you to run an errand?"