"John Chou, what are you saying? I'm completely exhausted."
John Chou crouched in front of me, pressing one hand onto my shoulder.
"You're tired, aren't you, brother?"
I nodded slightly, clutching my head. My thoughts were a tangled mess.
"Neither side is right. No matter how many reasons or excuses they have, neither side is right. For their own sake, they've sacrificed others. All of this is wrong."
I stared blankly at John Chou. He smiled, nodding lightly.
"So if it's all wrong, brother, what do you want to do?"
I shook my head.
"I don't know what to do. I just..."
I slowly stood up, looking at the three up above. Inside, I was torn between grief and rage. Their struggle ignored everyone else—living or dead. That alone was wrong. The fate of this world shouldn't be theirs to decide.
"There's a simple way—use your power to show them they're wrong. Why did you come into this world? What are you fighting for?"
John Chou asked softly. I turned my head, lost for a moment. He leaned close, speaking into my ear.
"Just do what you think is right, brother. Don't hold back. If there's truly something worth fighting for in this world—even if it costs your life—then..."
"That's enough, John Chou. What are you trying to do?"
Lord Shenyan grabbed John Chou, pulling him back. I stared, stunned at John Chou—his eyes filled with grief and rage.
"It's because none of us can do it now—that's why we need you, brother."
I trembled, quietly watching John Chou, then looked over at Emperor God and the others.
"I'll do whatever it takes. Help me. I'm unleashing the power of the Evil Ghost now."
I said firmly, but Yuna Ji stepped in front of me and shook her head.
"It's too soon for you to bear such a heavy burden, Qingyuan. Let me do it, John Chou—if this is truly what you wish."
Yuna Ji spoke, and John Chou shook his head.
"This isn't what I want, Yuna Ji. Even if you use all your power, you still won't be able to defeat them. You know why. Don't waste your strength on something so pointless."
I quietly watched John Chou.
"Yeah, something this heavy shouldn't be left to Qingyuan."
Basil Bertram stepped forward. Lord Shenyan pushed John Chou aside, shooting him a sideways glare.
"What exactly do you want Zhang Qingyuan to do—die?"
A piercing cry rang out. From far away, a blue-green bird flew toward us—the Azure Luan landed gently on the lake, turning its surface a shade of blue.
John Chou drew Belle from his hand. Yvonne May put down the Red Hair and joined the four of them.
"Don't go any further, John Chou. If you insist, I'll crush you all."
Emperor God spoke coldly.
But just then, a mass of brown matter appeared behind Emperor God. My eyes widened.
A rumbling sound continued. I glanced back—it came from below us. Suddenly, through the lake's surface, I glimpsed a streak of violet.
"It's been so long and still not resolved? That's not right. So I came."
I stared in shock as five Ghost Sovereigns stood before me. Their silhouettes radiated determination.
"Interesting. Maybe this is the final battle."
Yuna Ji let out a chilling laugh. I stared in terror at the newcomer—Tan Tian.
"Things really aren't looking good. These people were already tough to deal with."
Basil Bertram commented. Yvonne May stared quietly at the newcomers, then spoke softly.
"Just go on ahead. I'll lock your four timelines in place."
"If you do that, Yvonne, you'll..."