Just as I steadied myself in midair, I saw a beam of black light—like a pillar—piercing through Brother Owen's ghost domain. The Dragon lay at the edge of the gaping hole, barely clinging to life.
One down, two to go.
Ethan Zhang, I’ll create an opening for you. Our power can’t even pierce his body, but your last strike with the Deathbane Shotgun actually wounded him.
I looked at Quinn Lee and thanked him gratefully.
Shit, damn it, fuck...
The Dragon roared and struggled to his feet.
Oh, still alive? Heh. Your Thirteen Ghost Gates have already been sealed by me. Just lie there quietly. The deal with your boss isn’t finished yet. If I kill you now, things might get complicated.
Mr. Oblivion said, then glanced over at us.
You two hang in there. Let me grab a bite, then I’ll beat this bastard to death.
The Dragon got up, looked around, and grabbed a rock, stuffing it into his mouth. He crunched down, swallowing it with a gulp.
Damn, this tastes awful.
The Dragon’s breathing grew heavy. Suddenly, hundreds of ghost fragments scattered, turning into streaks of green light that shot toward the city’s outskirts. I stared in shock as a gaping mouth lined with jagged teeth split open on his swollen belly.
Crunching sounds echoed as The Dragon devoured stones and chunks of buildings—anything nearby, he grabbed and stuffed into the mouth on his belly.
Mr. Oblivion paid no attention to this. He simply spoke in a flat tone.
Interesting, heh.
Ethan Zhang, follow me.
Quinn Lee raised Resolute, his sword, which shimmered with green light. I gripped my Deathbane Sniper tightly.
Mr. Oblivion clenched his fists and smiled at Quinn Lee and me. I began loading rounds—this time, Inferno Rounds. I had to inflict real damage on Mr. Oblivion. Deathbane Rounds could pierce his body, but his monstrous regeneration rendered them useless.
Celestial Sword Technique: Swift Advance...
With two sharp swishes, Mr. Oblivion’s hands flew through the air—Quinn Lee struck twice, severing both arms. Instantly, Quinn Lee closed in, raising Resolute and thrusting for his head. I leveled my Deathbane Sniper at Mr. Oblivion’s chest.
Mr. Oblivion’s eyes widened in shock. He immediately kicked out at Quinn Lee, blocking the sword.
Die.
My Deathbane Sniper was aimed at Mr. Oblivion’s chest. Bang! But I heard a strange gurgling sound—something seemed to writhe inside his chest.
Bang! A gaping wound opened up in Mr. Oblivion’s chest, black flames burning. Suddenly, my own chest tightened—his kick sent me flying.
Swords clashed—Quinn Lee kept swinging at Mr. Oblivion, who dodged nimbly and blocked with his feet. His severed arm began to regenerate, sticky black fluid oozing from the stump until his hand was whole again.
I crashed to the ground again. In the distance, The Dragon was still devouring anything he could find. I scrambled up and charged forward. In that instant, Mr. Oblivion had shifted his heart—he was afraid.
Quinn Lee noticed too, circling Mr. Oblivion and unleashing streaks of green sword light, probing for an opening. Mr. Oblivion remained relaxed, easily fending off Quinn Lee’s attacks. I dropped my Deathbane Sniper.
Surrounded by Deathbane Aura, I gripped the more powerful Deathbane Shotgun.
I could only wait silently for my chance. As Quinn Lee and Mr. Oblivion’s battle intensified, Mr. Oblivion’s eyes bulged. Black, tentacle-like strands snaked out, wrapping around his eyeballs. Twin golden pupils spun wildly.
With a flash, I saw blue light flicker on Quinn Lee’s sword Resolute—the move that had just severed Mr. Oblivion’s hands. But this time, Mr. Oblivion caught Quinn Lee’s lightning-fast strike with one hand.
Caught you, heh. Your technique is interesting, Quinn Lee, but... that’s all it is.
Boom—Mr. Oblivion punched at Quinn Lee. Instantly, the green glow around Quinn Lee’s body formed into a sword-shaped shield.
Bang! Mr. Oblivion’s fist was blocked, but cracks began to spread across the sword formed by ghost energy.
I couldn’t wait any longer. With a whoosh, I flew forward, ready to strike with Deathbane Aura—pouring my rage into it.
Deathbane Aura erupted wildly from within me. I raised Hell’s Sentinel, but before I could reach Mr. Oblivion, Quinn Lee was sent flying past me, a gaping hole torn through his chest, blood pouring out.
So, killing intent?
Mr. Oblivion saw through my intent, stretched out his arm—bang! My Hell’s Sentinel struck his arm, but it was like steel. My Deathbane Aura split in two, dispersing to either side.
I immediately grabbed the Deathbane Shotgun strapped to my back.
I know what you’re trying to do, Ethan Zhang. But go ahead, try it—see if it works.
Mr. Oblivion spoke. I drew my Deathbane Shotgun and aimed at him, but he just smiled as his body began to swell.
My finger rested on the trigger, but I hesitated for a split second. What was he planning? A chill ran down my spine.
What’s wrong, Ethan Zhang? Not coming?
Mr. Oblivion said casually. Bang—he blocked my attack. I lowered the Deathbane Shotgun and flew aside, hurling waves of black flames at him.
Flames roared, but before I could steady myself, they were snuffed out. Mr. Oblivion blew out the fire still burning on his hand.
Not enough force, Ethan Zhang. What’s wrong? Afraid? Unleash all that power you’re hiding inside. Pour every ounce of rage into me—maybe then you’ll feel better.
Mr. Oblivion taunted me, but I wasn’t fazed. I had to wait for the right moment.
Celestial Sword Technique: Frenzied Dance...
It was Quinn Lee—he soared above Mr. Oblivion, unleashing massive sword beams that spun and slashed down.
I saw Mr. Oblivion curl up, hands and feet tucked in. A violent explosion shook the air.
Celestial Sword Technique: Falling Dust...
Quinn Lee soared higher, his entire body morphing into a ghostly green sword. He dove straight for Mr. Oblivion, now visible through the fading smoke.
I gripped the Deathbane Shotgun again—this was my chance. Mr. Oblivion was on the defensive, while Quinn Lee’s ghost energy kept surging. He refused to let Mr. Oblivion catch his breath.
Mr. Oblivion crossed his arms overhead. With a whoosh, Quinn Lee landed atop him. I floated closer, Deathbane Shotgun raised.
I had to seize this chance—Deathbane Aura flooded out of me, wrapping my entire body.
Boom! Quinn Lee’s attack was blocked by Mr. Oblivion. Blinding green light erupted. I closed in, determined—Deathbane Shotgun pressed to his chest, I pulled the trigger.
But just then, a pale, delicate arm appeared before me. I stared in shock—it was another Gold Mask operative.
Black light vanished in an instant—my bullet disappeared the moment it was fired.
I stared at the female Gold Mask operative. Her mask bore a five-petaled flower on the right side, and her long black hair whipped in the wind.
Enjoying yourself a bit too much, Mr. Oblivion?
Suddenly, the female Gold Mask operative waved her hand—my Deathbane Shotgun exploded, and I was sent flying, crashing to the ground.
Why are you here, Sheng? I’m in the middle of something.
Only then did I notice Quinn Lee lying motionless on the ground, looking utterly drained. I stared in disbelief.
The female Gold Mask operative, apparently named Sheng, looked over with icy detachment.
Mr. Oblivion, stop playing around. This mission must succeed. Failure is not an option.
I clenched my fists, teeth gritted, glaring at the two Gold Mask operatives. One of them was already exhausted, and with another in play, our odds of victory were less than one percent.
Go ahead, Sheng. I want to play a little longer.
Mr. Oblivion said, but Sheng looked displeased and muttered a complaint.
Mr. Oblivion, I know exactly what you’re trying to do. Ethan Zhang won’t side with us anymore. Stop wasting your time. Even if you’d hit him with that last attack, it wouldn’t matter—it’d just hurt. Next time, I won’t bail you out.
Mr. Oblivion burst out laughing, then placed a hand on Sheng’s forehead.
Sheng, go on ahead—the real show’s about to start. If you’re here, they’ll be on guard, and that ruins the fun.
Sheng nodded and vanished in an instant.
I looked over. Quinn Lee slowly got to his feet, raising Resolute and pointing it at Mr. Oblivion.
Coward—sneaking an attack from behind. Is that all you’ve got?