In a daze, I opened my eyes. Warmth filled my hand, and I immediately turned my head to look at Rachel Lan. She looked back at me, and we shared a smile. The six Ghost Sovereigns were by our side, along with Deathcurse and Isabelle Frost. Yet, the scene before my eyes left me utterly astonished.
A cacophony of noise rose and fell around us. The sky was devoid of even a trace of light—only distant, dazzling lights glimmered—but I could see everything hidden in the darkness.
Thirteen colossal pillars came into view. We were in a vast plaza, surrounded by people—so many that they filled the entire square. The crowd was immense, easily numbering in the tens of thousands.
Beside us, some people had already started discussing, representing all walks of life—from children to the elderly, men and women alike. Except for us, I sensed no presence of ghosts.
“What on earth is going on?”
Redmond stared intently into the distance, at the brilliantly lit city behind the pillars—a blend of modern and ancient styles. People could be seen faintly. Most important to me was Howard Zhang; I searched everywhere, but in this vast sea of people, I couldn’t spot him.
Earlier, I told him to come to the rooftop of Redmane Entertainment Company during the solar eclipse, but he refused, saying he wanted to come with certain people.
Those nearby who were talking didn’t approach us. Soon, this massive crowd began to split into several groups, gathering together. The people on our side looked fierce and intimidating—none of the others dared come near.
Judging by their conversations, it seemed they also knew what this place was.
“What kind of damned place is this? Am I dreaming?”
Not far from us, someone suddenly shouted. The surrounding people looked bewildered. Instantly, we released our Specter Web, searching for any trace of the Immortality Society.
At that moment, some people began walking toward the brightly lit city beyond.
One question filled our minds: Why were there so many people here? Most of them looked like ordinary folk—so why had they come to this place?
“That guy over there is Xu Fu.”
As soon as Lord Shenyan spoke, I hugged Rachel Lan, and the others floated up with a swoosh. The crowd erupted in startled cries.
Our target was clear: Xu Fu. Ideally, we’d hurt him right at the start—maybe even take him out.
Suddenly, I felt a buzzing in my head, and in an instant, we dropped back to the ground.
“Is there something out there?”
Redmond rubbed his forehead and muttered, now clearly seeing Xu Fu. Dressed in his usual Taoist garb, Xu Fu stood before two quarreling men, grinning as he mediated.
“Since we’re all here, let’s not argue. We should help one another—after all, we’re all human, aren’t we?”
As Xu Fu spoke, the people nearby nodded in agreement. We walked over, and those blocking our way sensibly stepped aside.
“Xu Fu.”
I roared. Xu Fu glanced over at us, waved, but the two quarreling men continued their argument.
Suddenly, Xu Fu seized both men and slammed them to the ground. With a sickening thud, blood and flesh splattered. Xu Fu, wearing a wicked grin, spoke in a mocking, low voice.
“Didn’t I say to stop arguing?”
Xu Fu glanced at the two corpses on the ground and said quietly.
“But you can’t hear me anymore.”
As he spoke, Xu Fu wiped the blood from his face. Panic erupted around us—the crowd surged outward, shouting that someone had been killed.
With a rush, I flew toward Xu Fu. My Spectral Shotgun was already loaded—I wanted to draw his attention. The six Ghost Sovereigns moved as well. I felt Deathcurse attach himself to my back, and in the darkness, petals of Red Spider Lily swirled around Xu Fu.
“Looks like you intend to fight us!”
With a whoosh, twelve figures shot out from the crowd—the other twelve Thirteen Golden Masks. None wore masks. In an instant, waves of powerful energy flooded the plaza; a great battle was about to erupt.
“Everyone, stop!”
A high-pitched voice rang out. Instantly, we felt a suppressing force—a hand pressed down on my shoulder. Isabelle Frost suddenly appeared at my side. Deathcurse shook his head at me and removed his hand from my shoulder.
The six Ghost Sovereigns stopped as well. Rachel Lan came over, and we all looked upward.
With a rush, figures wearing black veils and tight suits floated down from all directions, showing only their eyes. Two crouched beside Xu Fu, inspecting the corpses.
“Oh my, guests, how can you just kill people so casually?”
The voice from above revealed its source. On a black, floating, semi-transparent stage stood a broad, heavyset man—fat-faced, big-eared, holding a microphone, his smile warm and kindly.
“On behalf of the Dark, I welcome you all. I am the host of this banquet—the Smiling Host.”
The Smiling Host tilted his head, bent forward, and raised his left hand to his cheek, striking a pose like a schoolgirl. Instantly, boos erupted from below.
More and more people in black suits gathered, their numbers surpassing the tens of thousands present—like an army.
The Smiling Host's grin froze, and he coughed a few times.
“Alright, everyone, this is the Dark Kingdom. For this Dark Banquet, we've invited many guests. Thank you all for attending. You are all our guests. Next, our staff will escort you to the city over there—everything is free, so enjoy yourselves. The official banquet will be held in thirteen days. By the way, there’s only night here—no daytime—but don’t worry, there’s still time.”
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As the Smiling Host spoke, he landed before Xu Fu. His smile had turned sinister, eyes narrowed as he stared at Xu Fu.
“Guests, this is the only exception. The responsibility is mine, since I didn’t explain the rules—no fighting, and no killing.”
Xu Fu nodded at once, smiling at the Smiling Host.
“Oh, I had no idea. Sorry for the trouble.”
Xu Fu reached out to pat the Smiling Host’s shoulder, but the host quickly dodged.
“Let’s skip these pointless tricks, guest. You and the next group are both VIPs—please respect your status.”
The Smiling Host turned to us, walked over, and bowed slightly.
“It’s an honor to have the six Ghost Sovereigns with us, and the others as well. Thank you all for coming.”
Discontented voices rose around us. Only then did I notice some people holding invitations—just thin slips of paper.
“Alright, everyone, our staff will guide you to your accommodations. Enjoy these thirteen days! The banquet in thirteen days will be spectacular—we’ve prepared dishes you’ve never tasted before. It will be held right here.”
“May I ask a question?”
I called out. The Smiling Host immediately looked at me.
“Go ahead.”
“Could you call out for me? Where is Howard Zhang?”
The Smiling Host looked at me in confusion, then nodded and called out loudly. No one answered. I never found my cousin. By now, people were leaving the plaza, and several tight-suited figures approached, gesturing politely for us to follow.
“Care for a drink?”
Xu Fu suddenly called out. I glared at him, while Redmond chuckled.
“No need for drinks. Our grudge runs deep, after all. My men owe you a debt.”
A burst of wild laughter rang out as Mr. Oblivion stepped forward.
“You mean that fat guy who used Dead Qi? He’s still alive?”
Redmond glared at Mr. Oblivion, speaking each word through gritted teeth.
“We came here to wipe out your lot. It’s time for an ending.”
“Who are you talking about?”
With a whoosh, Mr. Oblivion appeared before Redmond. In an instant, murderous intent flared between them. Crimson flames of malice burned behind Redmond, and with a swift motion, Lord Shenyan drew the Sinblade. Lan Ruoxi and I also readied ourselves.
“Let’s talk this out, guests. Both sides are VIPs—please, let’s not make a scene.”
We were separated—led to the right, while Xu Fu’s group was taken left. Our two parties headed in opposite directions.
“No need to follow so closely. Wait for us at the edge of the city.”
Basil Bertram spoke up, and those around us wisely withdrew.
“We need information—what is this place, really?”
Mona Ouyang quietly studied the distant city. We all nodded. Suddenly, I felt something in my pocket and pulled it out—a slip of paper. My eyes widened instantly.
“Brother, don’t eat anything for now.”