Upon entering the city, I discovered that there were quite a few ghosts inside, including many fierce ones. Yet most of them behaved almost like robots—except for those who greeted the newcomers, they rarely spoke or interacted.
The situation was strange, but the fierce ghosts said nothing. The entire city had fallen into ruin, and with these dull ghosts everywhere, the atmosphere grew even more oppressive.
After entering, I saw that when the city gates closed, something like a spiderweb wrapped around the walls. From the gate, a powerful aura radiated—extraordinary and unsettling. Many fierce ghosts sensed it too, and the mood became even more bizarre.
Some fierce ghosts tried to fly out, but the sky was covered with layers of transparent spiderwebs that could not be penetrated. The Spider Wraith had vanished, and his Hundred Ghosts Feast was set for three days from now.
Many fierce ghosts gathered together in groups, and the joy of finding a supposed protector quickly faded, replaced by growing fear.
There were only three days left until the Hundred Ghosts Feast, yet there was no sign of any preparations. Even the ghosts who had welcomed the newcomers had disappeared, and the city was plunged into silence.
John Chou leisurely found a tavern. There wasn't much left, but there was still some hidden wine, and he began to drink.
Just then, a noise sounded. John Chou glanced over but kept watching the outside. It was nighttime, and the bright moonlight shone down.
Violet Swallow came upstairs, smiling sweetly as she approached John Chou, her expression playful and charming.
"May I ask, sir, what is your honorable name?"
John Chou took a sip of wine and smiled.
"No need to worry. I just happened to pass by."
Violet Swallow smiled and, with a gentle whoosh, drifted to John Chou's side. She poured him wine, and he drank in silence. Then Violet Swallow floated up, a pipa appearing in her hands. She began to play, her clear, ethereal voice instantly adding a dazzling beam of light to this dead, gloomy place.
John Chou listened with great enjoyment, continuing to drink.
"It's been so many years since I've heard this."
John Chou said with feeling, closing his eyes and immersing himself in Violet Swallow's exquisite skill and the bright melody that seemed to pierce the darkness.
At this moment, I noticed that the fierce ghosts around us were gathering, enjoying the music. On the rooftop opposite, Soren Black was drinking, smiling.
"Brat, when you were alive, I bet you had no shortage of wives and concubines."
Soren Black muttered.
Just then, with a bang, a section of the floor collapsed. Lucas Lan came up, glaring fiercely at John Chou and grabbing Violet Swallow's hand.
"Brother, this young master..."
"Go downstairs, sister. We need to find a way to escape this place—it’s far too strange. That Spider Wraith seems to be plotting something."
Violet Swallow bowed gently to John Chou, then, urged by Lucas Lan, went downstairs. Lucas Lan, eyes fierce, approached John Chou and spoke sternly.
"My sister is the apple of my eye. If you dare have any designs on her, I’ll..."
"What a pity—the beautiful melody was interrupted."
John Chou stood up as he spoke, took a sip of wine, and, with a whoosh, floated out.
"If it’s something important to you, then keep it safe."
With that, John Chou drifted over to Soren Black and landed beside him.
"Looks like you’ve been used again, John Chou."
Soren Black spoke leisurely, and John Chou smiled and sat down.
"Isn’t this good? You willingly helped me."
Soren Black burst out laughing, gazing into the distance.
"That guy is truly vicious. If he weren’t wary of what exactly is between you and me, he’d have torn you apart the moment you entered the city."
John Chou nodded.
"But next time, I won’t help you."
"No need."
John Chou spoke, then dropped down with a rush, scanning the surroundings. He gathered all the fierce ghosts together. Many looked terrified, as if they were finally realizing why the ghosts here seemed so vacant.
Upon closer inspection, it was clear that all these fierce ghosts were formed from the ghostly aura released by the Spider Wraith. The only explanation was that they’d all been devoured by him.
Now, deep inside the Spider Wraith’s lair, escape was impossible. In just over two days, the Hundred Ghosts Feast would begin.
"You little Outcast Wraith, you’re only relying on a ghost weapon, aren’t you..."