We returned to the village. The Eastern Emperor had taken the form of a young man from the village, dressed in traditional attire. Every household was bustling, preparing for the grand festival tonight.
What’s wrong with these people?
I asked, anger burning inside me at the Eastern Emperor and his group.
I forced a smile and greeted these people, my emotions tangled and heavy. I had no idea how to tell Rufina Howard the truth.
Ethan, sometimes the truth is cruel. Not knowing it might let her live happily. Never mention this to the girl, not even on her deathbed.
Mr. Brown said. I rubbed my forehead, feeling blocked up inside, and nodded.
Sigh. Who’s really the evil spirit here, and who’s the good person, huh?
Yuna Ji quipped sourly, giggling. Shadow covered his mouth, snickering.
So, from the moment we arrived in this village until we left, everything we saw...
Was nothing but illusions.
The Eastern Emperor’s face darkened as he clenched his fists.
This was the only way. We’ve failed thirteen times already. The bloodline of the Prime Ancestor was stolen by those villains and used for all sorts of evil deeds. Now, it’s exposed again. Originally, we wanted to keep the girl locked up here until she turned a hundred and fulfilled her mission, then welcome the next Prime Ancestor. Maybe it’s my fault.
As the Eastern Emperor spoke, a woman with a strikingly beautiful and refined appearance approached. She wore her hair in a long braid, had an oval face and willow-leaf eyebrows, and smiled as she walked over.
Eastern Emperor, trusting these ghosts too much will never end well.
I trust them.
The Eastern Emperor looked intently at the woman before him. She sneered and glanced over at us.
You’d better not do anything to harm the girl, or else...
I sneered, staring at the woman in front of me—the Western Guardian.
Northern Guardian, this spot is especially important—have you chosen well? Nora Northwood, can you confirm?
The Eastern Emperor glanced at the woman—she was Nora Northwood, the Northern Guardian. The middle-aged man must be Samuel Southgate, the Southern Guardian.
The bloodline must be protected. This method prevents the Prime Ancestor’s bloodline from being stolen. Last time, the previous Prime Ancestor’s bloodline was only taken when she was ninety-seven. This time, the place we’ve chosen is nearly impossible to find—if the girl hadn’t brought you here, you’d never have discovered this village.
Ethan, you’ve been standing there long enough—come over, I’ll introduce you.
Rufina Howard skipped over, happily introducing the familiar faces from her memory—these illusions created by the Four Guardians. She remained blissfully unaware of the truth.
I forced a smile and greeted these people, my emotions tangled and heavy. I had no idea how to tell Rufina Howard the truth.
Ethan, sometimes the truth is cruel. Not knowing it might let her live happily. Never mention this to the girl, not even on her deathbed.
Mr. Brown said. I rubbed my forehead, feeling blocked up inside, and nodded.
Who targeted the Prime Ancestor’s bloodline before?
I looked at the Eastern Emperor and asked. He shook his head helplessly.
Both the sorcerer world and the ghost world. It’s impossible to say—those villains have many faces.
And the Immortality Society?
This was my biggest concern.
No idea. This is the first I’ve heard of such an organization.
After greeting Rufina Howard, the Eastern Emperor led us into a villager’s house. We sat down while Rufina played joyfully with several children her age. All her exhaustion from the journey seemed to vanish now that she was home.
Want to see? Fifteen years ago.
I looked at the Eastern Emperor. He extended his hand, and my Ghost Vein slowly linked to his.
A county town, battered by wind and rain. The only light came from candles; the wind howled, houses creaked, and thunder crashed endlessly. In a large courtyard, a faint rainbow glow shimmered atop the roof. Suddenly, four golden beams shot in from all directions.
We’re here. Get ready, everyone—prepare to welcome the Prime Ancestor.
The Western Guardian said. The Eastern Emperor nodded. The beautiful woman I’d seen earlier was there, along with a silent middle-aged man.
Northern Guardian, this spot is especially important—have you chosen well?
The Eastern Emperor glanced at the woman—she was the Northern Guardian. The middle-aged man must be the Southern Guardian.
Don’t worry. This time, we won’t fail. It’s been 1,300 years since we last succeeded. This is our final chance—if we fail, the living world will suffer a great disaster.
The Northern Guardian spoke. All Four Guardians gazed down at the courtyard below as the rainbow clouds in the sky burst into dazzling light.
Suddenly, a baby’s wailing pierced the air. Instantly, the Four Guardians turned into four golden beams and shot into the house. Within seconds, I saw the Northern Guardian holding a baby in her arms.
My child is gone—my child is missing!
A woman burst out of the house, hair disheveled, followed by people of all ages, frantically searching. Her cries were soon drowned out by the storm.
Let’s go. We need to get back to the hideout quickly—someone may have already noticed.
Heh, hand over the baby you’re holding.
A cold, sinister voice rang out. I stared in shock as a mass of black mist appeared, two golden-red eyes glowing within. The black fog blocked the Four Guardians’ path.
Don’t even think about it, fiend.
As they spoke, the Eastern Emperor brandished his halberd and the Western Guardian raised his broadsword, charging forward.
Hurry—get the Prime Ancestor out of here!
The Eastern Emperor roared. The Southern and Northern Guardians instantly turned into golden streams of energy. Suddenly, black mist engulfed everything, blocking their escape.
Hand her over. None of the previous Prime Ancestors have ever made a difference. For this world, it’s better if I devour her and gain power—at least that’s useful.
Not a chance.
The Eastern Emperor roared. A streak of golden light pierced the black fog. The Northern Guardian, clutching the baby, dashed out without looking back. But just then, the baby’s cries echoed, and a black mist, like a hand, crawled up the infant’s back.
With a few swift slashes, the Western Guardian severed the black fog with his broadsword.
Hahaha, it’s already latched on. Just wait a dozen years—this child will be my meal.
The black mist vanished. The Four Guardians, carrying the baby, crossed mountains and rivers, finally reaching a dense forest.
What now?
There was a black, birthmark-like spot on the baby’s back.
The Four Guardians took turns entering the living world to collect breast milk, gradually raising the baby. They began clearing the forest and built a small village, using their powers to create illusory villagers.
Our biggest worry was that thing left on the girl—there was no solution. Its power was strange, and by the time she turned eleven, it began to stir. To find a cure, we reluctantly let her enter the living world, and I protected her at all times. We also taught her some spells for self-defense. All of this was thanks to Redmond.
I responded with an 'oh,' withdrew my Ghost Vein, and recalled how Rufina Howard had always been happy since she first learned to speak.
Redmond discovered the girl’s identity from the start. I was worried, thinking we were doomed against such a powerful ghost. But Redmond didn’t devour her—instead, he cared for her like a father, a friend, even a soulmate. Under his power, the black birthmark on her back vanished.
What are you talking about?
Rufina Howard barged in carelessly. I was startled, smiled, and shook my head.
Nothing.
Suddenly, Rufina Howard clutched her chest. I looked at her in confusion.
What’s wrong?
Ethan, your eyes are wandering. Where are you trying to look? I’ll kick you!
I yelped, and her foot was already in front of my face. Caught off guard, I took a kick and fell to the ground.
Yuna Ji giggled. Mr. Brown came over and helped me up. Embarrassed, I looked away, while Rufina Howard snorted disdainfully.
Alright, girl, call your friends—dinner’s ready.
Just then, the village chief walked in. I glared at him coldly.
Who was that person earlier?
I asked. The Eastern Emperor shook his head.
We don’t know. All we’re sure of is that it’s neither human nor ghost. Its power isn’t strong, but it’s extremely evil.
Don’t worry. With us here, there shouldn’t be any problems.
I said, and the Eastern Emperor nodded.
Alright, if you’re looking for the Soul Core, hurry up. I’ve got a pile of things to deal with. When this is over, I need to give that old pervert Jiang Tianci a good lesson.
I stared at Yuna Ji. She smiled, ran outside, and blended into the bustling crowd. I sighed helplessly.
Let’s hope we can resolve this soon.