"Please, everyone, remain calm."
A long, drawn-out meow echoed through the air. I saw the space behind John Chou shimmer—Old Tom emerged, raising his Cat-Headed Cane. A white, spectral cat shot forward, and as it collided with Wendy Hsieh's flames, the fire on her body was instantly extinguished.
The meowing continued. The spectral cat transformed into a normal kitten, while the flames on Wendy Hsieh had vanished. The wildness that had twisted her face was gone, replaced by a gentle softness. In her arms, she cradled a yellow, white, and black calico cat, its tiny paw batting at the ribbon in Wendy’s hair as she lay down.
A burst of applause rang out—it was the seductive woman, the Poison Star from Ghost Mound, clapping as she appeared behind Old Tom.
"That was spectacular. It's been ages since I've seen so many ruthless souls gathered for a brawl. But we're all here to talk, after all, for a purpose."
The fighting had ceased entirely. I stood frozen, unsure what all this was for. The Ten Guides gradually returned to their seats, but every gaze was fixed on John Chou. He watched us with a half-smile.
"Um, Mr. John Chou, could you please stand up? That seat belongs to me."
Only Julian Lu was still standing next to John Chou, looking earnest as he hoped John Chou would give up the seat. But John Chou ignored his request completely, leaving Julian Lu awkwardly shifting, unable to decide whether to stand or sit, glancing around in distress.
"You lot don't need to be so nervous. When Hades calls for an explanation, just tell them—that guy was killed by me, John Chou. That'll do."
John Chou called out, glancing at the other Guides, who also withdrew their gazes.
"Where is Rachel Lan?"
I rushed over and questioned Lan Yin directly.
"We don't know. That day, she went to Ten Tribunal Road to find you. After she returned, she disappeared."
I looked at Lan Yin carefully. His expression seemed honest—there was no reason for him to lie.
"Everyone, let's put today's unpleasantness behind us. I'll speak first. Uncle John, once I've finished, perhaps you'll all understand why I came to this Hades Village."
Old Tom spoke, stepping forward. Just then, a voice sounded behind me—it was Rufina Howard.
"Qingyuan, did you find that sister? The passage is open now."
Rufina Howard and Hugh Thompson stepped over a stream of blue water, approaching us.
I could only shake my head helplessly. At that moment, unable to find Julian Lu, I went to the seat at the Tenth Tribunal, moved the scab-covered Mu Yun aside, and sat down. The others looked over; he gave a sheepish smile.
"Everyone's seated, and I'm the only one left standing. That's not ideal, but squatting would be rude. Miss Mu Yun isn't doing well right now, so..."
"That's enough, Julian Lu. Can you stop being so long-winded? Just sit down already."
Miles Mo looked thoroughly annoyed.
"Mr. Mo, you might not understand. We walk among heaven and earth, and must be reasonable. As the saying goes, 'Reason takes you everywhere.' As for Mr. John Chou just now, I felt it necessary to speak up about his discourtesy."
I muttered to myself, isn't this just about your seat being taken?
"Enough, scholar. Stop fussing. You're always hung up on these little things—aren't you tired?"
Sitting beside him, separated by Wang Su, was Zane Zhao—well-dressed and proper, suddenly speaking up.
"But reason must be upheld. It's not just about a chair. That seat was mine to begin with, and..."
"Shut up."
Everyone present shouted in unison. Julian Lu blinked, covered his mouth, and fell silent.
Old Eccentric and Yuna Ji strolled over, and at that moment, Yuna Ji flew toward the Ten Guides, then approached Julian Lu with a bright smile.
"Get up, I want that seat."
Julian Lu immediately blushed.
"But this is..."
"Are you trying to say it's yours? Besides, I already spoke to Mu Yun about this. I can sit here—did you get her permission?"
"Why are you like this..."
"What about me? How do you know I didn't make a deal with Mu Yun to sit in her chair? What are you saying, and what are you looking at? Get up already—reason matters, you know." Yuna Ji giggled, and Julian Lu had no choice but to get up. Yuna Ji immediately plopped down into the seat.
"Wait, that's not right—you clearly..."
Yuna Ji made a playful face and sat contentedly in the soft, wide chair, ignoring Julian Lu completely. He, now sulking, squatted on the floor, casting resentful glances at Yuna Ji and John Chou, drawing circles with his finger.
Just then, beneath my feet, black light flashed and four large characters—table, chair, bench, stool—appeared. Instantly, a set of wooden furniture materialized before me, aligned with the Ten Guides' seats. The pieces were antique, some carved with ornate patterns.
Then the character for "tea" appeared on the table. A steaming teapot and dozens of cups materialized. It was Old Eccentric—he wrote the character for "fly," and his body began to float, ascending to sit on a chair.
"Everyone, let me serve you some tea."
With that, the teacups floated toward the crowd and the other ghosts—each person received one, the number exactly right.
I took a cup too. Old Tom and the Poison Star came over. Rufina Howard, Hugh Thompson, Purple Maple, and Sima Ying each sat by the long, newly appeared black table.
"Excellent tea."
Old Tom took a sip; I followed suit. The fragrance was indeed wonderful.
"Let me put it this way—I had a strange dream. I hadn't dreamed in ages. Qingyuan, let's set aside that young lady's matter for now. If you put your mind to it, you should be able to find her. Don't rush."
I nodded. Old Tom continued speaking.
"It's been over two hundred years since I last dreamed, but recently, in my dream, someone told me to come to this Hades Village. As for the purpose, I suspect you all have some idea. In a few hours, the reason should become clear."
The more I listened, the more confused I became. Then the Poison Star spoke up.
"I was in the middle of some happy business with my darling when I heard that voice..."
Poison Star glanced at me as she spoke. My eyes widened—was this really something to say out loud? No wonder John Chou called her a floozy the moment they met.
"So, that means we have to ask you, Lan Yin."
John Chou spoke, turning to glance at Lan Yin.
"It was Hades' Will that summoned you all here. I don't quite know what it wants, but just now, I received a message." Suddenly, Lan Yin stood up, unfurled his wings, and flew to the Trial Marriage Stone in the center, landing beside it.
Everyone turned to look. Lan Yin gently placed his hand on the Trial Marriage Stone.
"You bastard, are you still trying to toy with us?"
Lan Yin spoke, and a yellow stream of energy appeared on the Trial Marriage Stone. Then he turned and shouted at me.
"Qingyuan Zhang, come here."
I responded and flew over, landing beside Lan Yin.
"Try using your Ghost Network to sense the Trial Marriage Stone."