I looked at Brother Owen with a bitter, resentful gaze, my mood sour and unsettled. He burst out laughing, unable to stop for a long while.
"Sorry, Ethan, haha—never mind. But seriously, are you really planning to rescue that female ghost from the Blue Wraith in this place?"
I nodded silently.
"My advice? Just go back, Ethan. You barely know that female ghost—risking your life for her isn't worth it. The Blue Wraith is a monster you don't want to mess with."
"What's really going on with those female ghosts?"
"You must have heard—Lord Wraith is about to celebrate his thousandth birthday, so all the powerful ghosts nearby are collecting beautiful female spirits for that old pervert's pleasure."
"What happens if they're caught?" I asked, my voice tense.
"They'll never be reincarnated. That place is one step from the underworld—no judge cares, it's a lawless zone. Lord Wraith is the one most likely to become the next Ghost Sovereign, after all."
I let out a gasp, staring at Brother Owen in shock.
"My grandmaster told me once—a Ghost Sovereign and Quentin Kue fought a duel on Lord Wraith's turf. Lord Wraith was badly injured, and their battle nearly destroyed the whole territory. But after all these years, he's recovered."
Hearing Brother Owen, I thought of Lord Shenyan and Quentin Kue—now they're fused together, constantly restraining each other, neither willing to yield.
After the Sevenfold Ghost Sovereign War, their powers weakened—some disappeared entirely. These days, Lord Wraith's reputation keeps rising. Everyone in Ghostrealm says he's the most likely to become the eighth Ghost Sovereign.
My heart skipped a beat—another formidable player in this deadly game.
"Master, can you help me come up with a plan?"
I looked at Brother Owen sincerely—I know nothing about Ghostrealm, and now Snowy has been captured, all because of me. If I'd just checked myself, none of this would have happened.
It's tough, Ethan. Even I have to tread carefully here. If I run into the Blue Wraith, all I can do is run—I'm no match. You know that, unless your family's ghost comes to help.
I nodded, helpless. I'm absolutely no match for the Blue Wraith—when he snatched Snowy, even from afar, I felt his overwhelming ghostly aura.
"Where are those female ghosts being held?" I asked.
Brother Owen shook his head. I lowered mine, deeply troubled—there's already too much chaos, and now I'm trapped in Ghostrealm with this nightmare, while Justin Huang's fate is still unknown.
"How long would it take to get back to the world of the living from here?"
Brother Owen shook his head.
It's easy to enter Ghostrealm, but leaving is another story—especially for someone of your skill, Ethan.
I sighed, thinking again of Howard Lee—he really screwed me over this time.
So how do I get out?
Normally, once someone enters Ghostrealm, it's almost impossible to leave.
I glanced sideways at Brother Owen, who was grinning like a fool.
Master, do you have a way?
Brother Owen stood up, looking like he wanted to say something but hesitated.
There is a way—actually, I do have one.
My eyes widened and I stood up, as Brother Owen kept smiling.
We Renegade Monks have been able to move freely in Ghostrealm for generations, ever since Lord Wraith took our relics. We want them back, but we can't match Lord Wraith's power. So, Ethan, how about making a deal?
I gasped, staring at Brother Owen. He didn't look like a monk at all—more like a businessman.
With no other choice, I nodded.
Alright, what's the deal?
We Renegade Monks spent years creating a passage out of Ghostrealm. You could use it to leave easily, but Ethan, you'll have to help us in return.
I gasped and asked, "How do I help?"
How do I help?
Well, here's the thing—we're planning a major operation to take back our relics from Lord Wraith. We're not strong enough, so when the time comes, could you lend us some of your forces?
I looked at Brother Owen, unsure how to answer.
You don't have to decide now. Once you're out, discuss it with your family's ghost. After all, there are eleven Blue Wraiths in Lord Wraith's territory.
Suddenly, my throat tightened. I opened my mouth and spat out a ball of black flame—it was Redmane.
"Oh, oh, I really felt it—malice."
Brother Owen and I looked over. This time, Redmane wasn't playing any games—he sat seriously in the chair, dressed in leather.
"Ethan, you better be careful. The Renegade Monks aren't exactly good people—honestly, they're only a bit better than ghosts." Redmane said, and I looked up, glaring at Brother Owen.
"Oh, and who is this?"
Brother Owen spoke, but I noticed his eyes were fixed on the black flame, not on Redmane.
"Here's the deal, monk: you help Ethan save the girl, and I'll help you with your stuff. You're after the Buddha Statue of Visions, right? I know all about it!"
I was stunned. I'd heard of the Buddha Statue of Visions, but what exactly is it? All I know is that it's one of the Twelve Buddha Dream Relics given to people in the living world.
"Who exactly are you?"
"I'm just a Ghost Sovereign who likes to stir up trouble—everyone in the ghost world calls me Victor Graves."
Brother Owen stared at Redmane, speechless for a long time.
I looked at Redmane, but I couldn't shake the feeling he was lying.
"Are you serious?" Brother Owen asked, looking convinced.
"Of course. Lord Wraith may seem powerful to you mortals, and his spirit is strong, but in the ghost world, he's not qualified to be a Sovereign—he's not even fit to carry my shoes. We have several Blue Wraiths of his level in our house." Redmane said, and I shot him a disdainful look.
"Come on, Ethan, don't doubt me. I'm telling the truth. I've already sent you an invitation—make sure you come to my Banquet of Ten Thousand Ghosts, okay?"
Suddenly, I remembered what Chou Yin said about invitations and drinking.
"You got out of Exile Town?"
"Of course—what did you think? I really hope you'll come, Ethan. You're my honored guest, so don't be late. I hate tardiness more than anything."
"What about Rufina Howard?" I asked immediately.
"That little girl is asleep in my room. Hurry up and take her away—I can't take it anymore."
I burst out laughing, and Brother Owen just stared, dumbfounded.
Alright, I'll trust you—for now.
Redmane crossed his legs, folded his hands under his chin, and grinned.
You know, Lord Wraith is a real pervert—he loves all kinds of games and insists his ghost brides are spotless. Before the wedding, they're all sent to the Choking River to be scrubbed clean again and again. On the big day, I suggest you wait at Starvation Ridge. As soon as the convoy passes, intercept the prison cart. The Blue Wraith probably won't go with them, since he's busy collecting beauties.
I nodded.
"Great idea." Brother Owen smiled at me, looking pleased, then grinned at Redmane.
Come on, Ethan, let's not waste time. Let's get ready and head to Starvation Ridge for the ambush.
I answered, and Redmane watched me.
Ethan, remember—don't fight head-on. Use your brain, or you'll suffer, especially at Starvation Ridge.
I answered, and the black flame shrank until I swallowed it again.
Brother Owen started packing food and drinks. When we were done, we slung two big bags over our shoulders and got ready to go.
Let me ask you one last thing, Ethan—do you think this is worth it? All for a little ghost girl you barely know.
I smiled and replied.
It doesn't matter if it's worth it or not. If she calls me brother, then it's only right for me to save my little sister.
Really? That's all there is to it?
Brother Owen led me through the alleys, weaving past the main streets, where plenty of ghosts were searching for me.
We left Halfstep Town and headed north along the main road.
Starvation Ridge really is a good spot. It's big, so once we rescue the girl and get into the woods, we'll be safe. But Ethan, remember—there are places in Starvation Ridge you must never go.
I nodded.
The eastern part, called the Starving Ghost Woods, is crawling with starved ghosts—most of them have lost their minds. The path there is guarded by fierce spirits.
"Why?"
Because, just like you said about Louis Lee, some ghosts try to sneak into the underworld and cross the Bridge of Regret to reincarnate. To charge fees, Lord Wraith sends people to guard the area. Only those who pay can pass safely. The starved ghosts don't dare come out, and there are too many for us to handle.
I answered and kept walking.
"What if they don't come for a long time?" I asked.
Don't worry. Redmane was right—I've seen new prison carts arrive and leave every so often. With Lord Wraith's birthday coming up, the Blue Wraith will want to get things ready fast. Let's hurry and get to Starvation Ridge.