A wave of unease surged within me as I gazed at the black mountain in the distance, its surface flickering with a faint red glow. Countless figures in tight black attire were flying toward it.
Something was clearly happening. Standing atop the building, the breeze brushed past as Rachel Lan gently held my hand. Basil Bertram and Yvonne May had already returned. We knew the location of the Immortality Society—they were right across from us in District 6.
"Be careful, Ethan."
I answered with a quiet "Mm," my gaze fixed on District 3 in the distance. The goal had been clear for three months now: eliminate those people from the Immortality Society.
"Too bad I can't really help much!"
Rachel Lan muttered softly. I smiled at her gently.
"No idea what's happening over there."
I said, my eyes lingering on the mountain flickering with red light in the distance. But deep down, I understood: Earthly Soul had successfully drawn the attention of the Dark Banquet. With his abilities, he wouldn't be in danger for now. It was our turn to act.
"Hurry, Ethan Zhang, get down first. We're about to move."
A chill swept across my back as Deathcurse emerged from the ground. I nodded. After he vanished, I kissed Rachel Lan on the lips and took her downstairs.
The atmosphere inside was heavy. Redmond sat quietly in his chair, and everyone else wore an odd expression.
"Dead weight is always a problem."
Redmond muttered irritably. Basil Bertram shot him a vicious glare.
"What do you mean by that, Redmond?"
"Bringing along two dead weights, and now we have to leave someone behind to protect them?"
Redmond's meaning was clear—he was talking about Rachel Lan and Leah King. They really couldn't fight, and with six Ghost Sovereigns, Deathcurse, Isabelle Frost, and myself, that made nine. The Immortality Society had thirteen.
Nine against thirteen—it wasn't going to be easy. Facing that pack of monsters, even though I hadn't mentioned John Chou and Mr. Brown residing within me.
John Chou's strength was still the same, unable to recover, and if Mr. Brown emerged, he'd be driven off by the darkness. With so much pressure, having to spare someone to stay behind made Redmond's anger understandable.
But now was the best time—Earthly Soul's disturbance had successfully drawn the Dark Banquet's attention. Before the Dark Banquet began, this was the perfect moment to strike.
"No one needs to stay behind. We can protect ourselves."
Rachel Lan stepped forward and began to speak. Redmond glanced at me and sneered.
"Maybe I should stay behind."
No sooner had I spoken than Basil Bertram immediately objected.
"If it comes to it, Ethan, open your Shadow Realm. After all, John Chou has already cultivated Sixfold Blossoms inside it."
I responded with a simple "Mm." That much was true—I was their supply line, and that was essential.
"Can you do it?"
Redmond stood up and walked over. Rachel Lan nodded, then he looked at Leah King, while Basil Bertram wore a worried expression.
"Don't underestimate us. Go do what you need to do. If anything happens, we'll deal with it then. Worst case, we die."
Leah King seemed very calm at that moment. Basil Bertram stared at her in disbelief.
"I told you that day—I don't know why I came here, but this is how it ends."
The wind brushed softly as we left the hotel, drifting slowly toward District 6 across the way.
Except for Yvonne May, who seemed a little reluctant, everyone else showed no hesitation—ready to take down the Immortality Society.
"Once you're ready, let's go straight over. And let me be clear—don't delude yourselves into thinking they're still human."
Redmond said, turning to look at me. At that moment, every pair of eyes was on me as we paused above the city.
I nodded in response.
"They're no longer human."
"Well, honored guests, where are you heading? How about I show you the way?"
Suddenly, The Smiling Host appeared before us, his cold smile fixed as he stared.
"Move aside."
Lord Shenyan spoke two words. The Smiling Host's grin twisted into a snarl, his eyes blazing with fury as he glared at us.