"What are you laughing at, Ethan Zhang? Did you figure something out?"
Phoebe Fang asked, but I shook my head and looked at her. Still searching for the Sanzu Seal Relics—these Nether Syndicate guys are clearly acting with intent. Right now, I can't control anything in this Shadow Realm.
At that moment, Phoebe Fang crouched on the ground, giggling. I saw a rooster radiating golden light appear on the ground. Phoebe picked up the Five Spirit Threads and stroked the rooster.
"Keep an eye on Ethan Zhang."
The 117 people were still rummaging everywhere, even searching the wasteland. I started recalling that day when John Chou recited that incantation—only I heard it.
Now I’m even more certain—the incantation echoed directly in my mind, as if it was meant for me alone. Only John Chou and I know about this.
They want to probe my memories now, but that’s basically impossible. With my complete Instinctive Space, anyone entering it would be facing destruction.
After John Chou sealed Tai Shan King, that power appeared in my Instinctive Space, and I managed to suppress it. I’m starting to understand what my instincts truly are.
"John Chou, you bastard."
I couldn't help but curse, thinking about the past. I also remembered the time Mr. Brown beat up John Chou—the Sanzu Beast. If I’m not mistaken, John Chou did it on purpose, wanting me to see all this.
Then I noticed several Nether Syndicate members gathering at the doorway of a room they seemed unable to see.
"What's going on? Did you find something?"
Maya Yin saw this and immediately floated over. I saw a young man pointing at the door.
"There should be something inside."
My heart skipped a beat. The old man didn't hesitate, waved his hand, and with a boom, the door to the Lake of Deathbane shattered instantly. From all directions, Nether Syndicate members swarmed in like starving wild dogs.
I've been exposed—the place where I store Deathbane Aura. Suddenly, the rooster holding the Five Spirit Threads flapped its wings, cackled, and dragged me toward the room.
Every Nether Syndicate member stared at me. I glared back at them.
Once inside, a few Nether Syndicate members had already reached the floating boulder, while others stood at the edge of the quietly spinning Lake of Deathbane.
"I didn't expect such a vast power to be hidden here. But unleashing it won't be easy!"
Maya Yin said, as I was dragged to the edge of the Lake of Deathbane. The force blocking me in the Shadow Realm was growing weaker—I quietly waited for my chance to break free. After all, this is my Shadow Realm.
Suddenly, a hand pressed against my forehead. I screamed as multicolored patterns appeared—some kind of formation.
My body felt unbearably heavy, radiating five-colored light. With a thud, I collapsed, and the Five Spirit Threads binding me began to creep over my body.
That's the only way. If this kid tries anything, who knows what'll happen. Alright, Ethan Zhang, we need you to go into the lake and help us find the Sanzu Seal Relics. Can you do it?
Maya Yin said, and Master Autumn slowly walked over.
If this kid goes in, the spells sealing his power will be devoured by the Deathbane Aura. You'd better go in yourself.
Hmph, Master Autumn, are you trying to get me killed?
Enough, you two.
Just then, the woman called Phoebe Fang by the old man drifted gently over.
If we all work together, we should be able to locate the Sanzu Seal Relics. After that, things will be easier.
I quietly watched the Nether Syndicate members as they lined up around the Lake of Deathbane. I sneered.
It started—a series of strange, muttered incantations. I saw all kinds of unfamiliar spells cast into the Lake of Deathbane.
Suddenly, my chest felt as if it were burning with fire—utterly unbearable.
After about half an hour, I started laughing—it was almost time. Ethan Zhang, the corpse, should arrive soon.
"I've reached the bottom, but there's nothing here," I said.
Master Autumn spoke. Some Nether Syndicate members succeeded with their spells, some failed, but all they found in the Lake of Deathbane was Deathbane Aura—nothing else.
One suspicious face after another, voices debating, some still searching, but nothing was found. I burst out laughing.
"Ethan Zhang, what are you laughing at? Do you know where it is?"
Maya Yin asked, and I crawled up from the ground.
"Of course I know."
"Say it, Ethan Zhang. Since you know, it'd be better for all of us if you told."