Large yellow cloths were hoisted up, cordoning off the area already confirmed as the entrance to the Four Sacred Realm. The rice fields had been tidied up, and Elder Peach was busy inside, having declared that no one was allowed within a hundred meters—not even me.
"There must be something shady going on, that's why we're kept so far away. Who cares, tch."
Redhair grumbled in dissatisfaction. By now, nearly all my friends had arrived, and Ji Zhang was smiling and shaking his head.
"A lot of the Mount Mason Order's techniques are indeed rather unsightly. In fact, you could say the Mount Mason Order is like a renegade offshoot of the Buddhist sects."
I nodded in response. Everyone was waiting anxiously. After all, this was a rice field next to a highway—such a big commotion might go unnoticed at night, but in daylight, it would surely attract attention. Hugh Thompson had already sent the Ghost Burial Squad to start sealing off the road.
Two hours had passed, and Elder Peach was still tinkering away. The moon was beginning to set in the west.
But my mind felt much lighter now. Being able to use the array to reach the Four Sacred Realm—sooner or later, it made no difference to me. I didn't care about a few hours' wait.
No one truly understood the Four Sacred Realm—not even the denizens of the Hades Circle. All that was known was that it was the source of their power, and even interactions with the Guardians were extremely rare. It was said only Wendy Hsieh had managed to form any real ties with the Guardians within the Four Sacred Realm.
As for what happened between Zhu Tang and me, I had told almost no one.
Earlier, I'd asked Zhu Tang about the Four Sacred Realm, but he refused to say a word. It was as if he didn't want to reveal anything to me. When I pressed him, he only told me I'd understand once I went there myself.
Although I had to go alone this time, at least I had Zhu Tang—a resident of the Four Sacred Realm—so things should be easier for me.
The Four Guardians, evolved from the ancient Four Symbols, have existed for so long their origins are lost to time. I once saw Yuna Ji's memories—back in her era, there were already many totems resembling the Four Guardians.
Elder Peach walked toward us, and everyone turned to look.
"Don't look at me. There's still one last thing that isn't ready."
Elder Peach glanced at Redhair as he spoke.
"Xiao Feng has already gone to bring her over. She'll be here soon."
I looked at Redhair in confusion. His eyes were full of contempt, while Elder Peach just chuckled.
"I'm not going to do anything, nor do I want to. If you still can't trust me, then there's nothing I can do."
Redhair snorted coldly.
"Was it you Taoists who messed things up last time?"
Elder Peach waved his hand dismissively.
"This has nothing to do with our Mount Mason Order. That was the work of some rogue Taoists—wild ones, really. In the end, they're all just heretics and crooks."
Redhair stared coldly at Elder Peach.
"With something so valuable right in front of you, aren't you tempted to do something?"
The atmosphere instantly grew tense. I quickly stepped between the two of them, raising both hands.
"Can someone explain what's really going on here?"
Just then, I sensed a wave of ghostly energy drifting from afar—it was Vivian Maple. She'd arrived, and Mr. Brown could only shake his head and sigh.
"Enough with the bickering."
At that moment, Elder Peach suddenly drew a Peachwood Blade and pointed it at the ground not far away. Bubbles began to rise from the rice field, then a jet of blood shot up, slowly coalescing into a figure—a blood-red person. Luantian Xuekui gradually took shape before us.
"It's been a while, hasn't it? Hmph."
Luantian Xuekui shot Elder Peach a cold glance, then slowly drifted toward the array surrounded by yellow cloth. With a swish, Elder Peach's sword blocked Luantian Xuekui's path.
"What do you think you're doing, monster?"
"I'm just here as a witness. You have no objections, do you?"
With a rush of wind, Vivian Maple landed on the ground, accompanied by a clear, childish shout.
"Ethan, I'm here!"
I looked over and saw it was Rufina Howard. She waved at me, running barefoot with her pants and skirt hiked up.
"I can finally be useful! Go ahead, draw my blood—take as much as you need."
I let out a startled cry. Suddenly, Redhair strode over and grabbed Rufina Howard by the collar.
"What are you doing?"
With a loud smack, Redhair slapped Rufina Howard on the forehead.