"How do you know?" My voice trembled, the oppressive air thickening. Dread clawed at my chest as I waited for his answer.
I stared at Xu Fu in disbelief, eyes wide and heart pounding. The Realm of Karma is an extraordinary existence—a world born from the divergent points created by the linear flow of time, designed to ensure correctness. These are not just alternate pasts and futures, but real worlds where another version of oneself exists. Yet, those worlds have already reached their outcomes.
"Of course I know. I don't know why, but the Realm of Karma has already opened." Xu Fu’s voice was low, almost ominous. "Who do you think has the ability to open such a world?"
I swallowed, and the first thing that came to mind was the Earth Soul. But I quickly dismissed the thought—Earth Soul doesn't have that kind of power. The only possibility is Ethan Zhang.
Let’s set aside these complicated things for now. Honestly, I was just curious when I started talking to the Earth Soul of the Wraithlord. But then I realized—the Earth Soul of the Wraithlord actually possesses intelligence, and it’s very clever. Everything was just an act. That’s why I suggested to the Sanctuary of Harmony to move out of the darkness and descend into Divine Law, to take the lead. This way, there wouldn’t be a conflict with the dark world, and both the yin and yang realms could benefit. Naturally, the Sanctuary of Harmony, with Ethan Zhang’s mediation, united together. With your efforts fueling the process, we basically killed Ethan Zhang together this time. We’re all accomplices in his death, aren’t we?
I stared, fists clenched. Xu Fu’s words were harsh, but true. The Buddhist Order wanted to save the collapsing Sixfold Cycle, the Old Hell wanted to seize Divine Law, the Wraithlord and the underworld forces planned to seal Divine Law, and I wanted to help Ethan Zhang. If I hadn’t opened the connection between the Human Realm and Divine Law when Divine Law’s power weakened, supplying Ethan Zhang with strength, maybe he would have survived after accepting only the Buddhist Order’s power.
Such immense power descended upon Ethan Zhang through the Coexistence Instinct. Driven by his iron will, it became a miracle. But all of it was orchestrated by unseen hands behind the scenes.
Perhaps the greatest shock was John Chou. He had prepared for Ethan Zhang’s death long ago, but this time, the chaos was far deeper than he ever imagined—too many forces tangled together, and the situation spun out of control.
"What exactly do you want to do?"
I pressed again, my voice hoarse with tension. Xu Fu sighed, his breath heavy with the weight of dread.
"Actually, after I realized the Wraithlord’s situation, I knew this world was doomed sooner or later. But I still helped the Wraithlord. After all, if he really resurrected and chose to come back at the moment when the Buddhist Order moved out of the darkness, he would definitely fail. You saw it for yourself—the power Ethan Zhang unleashed at the end. Have you forgotten how strong it was?"
I swallowed hard.
"Yes, that power was immense, but it wasn’t nearly enough..."
It was enough. At that time, Ethan Zhang still possessed the Coexistence Instinct, and his future daughter, Sylvia Zhang, was there too. Do you think the Wraithlord could have escaped after resurrection?
I shook my head. As soon as Sylvia Zhang was mentioned, I understood. If the Wraithlord had chosen to resurrect then, with Sylvia Zhang present, Ethan Zhang truly could have defeated him.
"Why did you stop him? Clearly that time..."
Before I could finish, Xu Fu burst out laughing, his gaze wicked as he looked at me.
If I hadn’t stopped the Wraithlord, we might never see Ethan Zhang’s shadow in this world again. At least he still lives in the Illusory Realm. The god who saved Ethan Zhang is utterly merciless, and the only one capable of such a thing is Mother Goddess Nuwa. The reason Ethan Zhang’s consciousness was preserved is because the Wraithlord is still unresolved, so Nuwa naturally kept it. She saw unprecedented potential in Ethan Zhang. If the Wraithlord had appeared and been defeated by Ethan Zhang, Nuwa would never have preserved his consciousness. She would never allow anyone who transcends all laws to exist in this world.
"Why are you so sure?"
Xu Fu raised a finger, pointing to the sky.
"The Wraithlord told me. He understands his mother—she hasn’t left this world because she’s still bound by unfinished responsibilities or obligations. If the Wraithlord truly died, Mother Goddess Nuwa wouldn’t have saved Ethan Zhang."
I looked at Xu Fu, uncertain. He continued speaking.
"I just found it all rather boring. Besides, the Wraithlord told me he could be killed. The only ones who can kill him are those of his own kind—that means you, or Ethan Zhang himself."
My eyes widened.
"What do you mean?"
Beings born from the Shattered Unreal Realm weren’t supposed to have life, but they were given it. Your experience is much like the Wraithlord’s, but now things are different. You and the Earth Soul have lost your qualifications because you betrayed yourselves. Only Ethan Zhang has never betrayed himself since birth. That’s why the Wraithlord keeps persuading Ethan Zhang, hoping he’ll accept him. But no matter what, Ethan Zhang can never accept everything about the Wraithlord. So they’re destined to clash, just like this endlessly cycling world—they’ll meet at some critical moment and fight fiercely.
I watched Xu Fu. No matter what he said, there was always an ulterior motive. Even if he spoke the truth, everything he said and did was for another purpose. He’s a lot like John Chou, but fundamentally different. In their thousand-year game, they’ve traded victories and defeats.
"I do have a purpose, Heavenly Soul. You don’t need to guess. I said it back in Divine Law—this is just the opening act. We’re all swept up by the tides of the era for different reasons and experiences, riding the countdown to destruction. After years of studying the Wraithlord, we all know he’s unbeatable—until Ethan Zhang appeared. My game with John Chou wasn’t just about refuting each other. Remember this: it’s more like a three-player chess match with the Wraithlord. But now, both John Chou and I are one move short, because another player has joined the game. And now, you’re one too."
I snorted coldly and said.
"Spare me your twisted logic, Xu Fu. It doesn’t apply to me."
I told you just now—this world is boring. Deep down, we only want to use human bodies to achieve immortality, but the greatest obstacle on that path is the Wraithlord. As long as he exists, we can’t succeed. But if he’s gone, we still can’t succeed, because the Wraithlord would destroy everything—everything human and ghost alike. If he’s gone, the many forces in the yin and yang realms will eventually unite and destroy us. The result is the same, so I’d rather choose a reckless path and get everyone involved. Isn’t that better? Who’ll be eliminated first, and who’ll make the final move, declare checkmate, and ascend the throne? Don’t worry, Ethan Zhang will stop the Wraithlord, and together, we’ll defeat him. Once that piece is out, then comes our mutual battle. Or maybe both pieces will be eliminated together. That’s the best outcome—after the war ends.
My eyes widened.
"You..."
"Don’t try to reason with a madman. I’ve said it before—we’re all bona fide lunatics, waiting for chaos. My game with John Chou, and the Wraithlord’s, has already swept everything in. Next comes the great survival tournament, and one contestant has already been eliminated."
My eyes widened. Xu Fu spoke coldly.
Don’t you know? Last night, Basil Bertram disappeared from this world. He’ll likely never return.
"What do you mean?"
I asked, and Xu Fu sighed, a trace of sorrow in his eyes.
You should ask Rachel Lan for details. It’s truly sad—before the war even begins, a contestant is already gone. Next to be eliminated will likely be the Lama Order. Though they survived a great disaster recently, they’re badly weakened and will soon leave the stage for good. They never intended to join the game, just watched from the sidelines, so it’s only natural they’ll be eliminated early. Or maybe, this time, it’s not natural—it’s by human hands.
I stared at Xu Fu in confusion.
"Do you know something?"
The Lama Order has obtained supreme treasures—priceless artifacts even more useful to them, or to the Zen Order, than the Buddha Statue of Visions. But how should these treasures be divided?
I grew increasingly confused about Xu Fu’s meaning and why the conversation had shifted to the Lama Order. At this moment, Xu Fu began to walk slowly.
Think carefully, Heavenly Soul—who will you ally with? I think the next to be eliminated will be the Renegade Monks. They should have left the stage long ago. So I think you and I should join forces and speed up the war. After all, if war doesn’t come, the main players won’t enter the field.
I stared at Xu Fu in silence. After a moment, he turned back.
If you don’t mind, I can accompany you to the Yang Realm. Of course, it’s to help you make The Forsaken stronger. That’s what makes the world interesting—the chessboard needs fresh pieces, doesn’t it?