Crimson Plume Fortress was already visible. I halted and landed on the ground, gazing at the distant stronghold where crowds had gathered atop the ramparts. That green Nameless Phantom Beast was already outside the city walls.
I moved swiftly toward the city gate. That monster, lacking any physical substance and existing only as a phantom, would remain unseen unless attacked. I intended to warn them about the creature, to help restore order to the fortress, which had descended into chaos.
The soldiers atop the city wall had already retreated. From afar, I saw a silhouette on the ramparts—it was Yuna Ji. I stopped. She held two weapons, one long and one short, their cloth-wrapped handles fluttering in the wind.
Suddenly, Yuna Ji sprang into action. As the Nameless Phantom Beast drew near, she leapt up, and instantly, a wave of cheers erupted from within the city. I watched silently as Yuna Ji engaged the six-legged, crocodile-like Nameless Phantom Beast.
"What's happening?"
I cried out in shock as a furious roar erupted. Yuna Ji had made contact with the Nameless Phantom Beast; its enormous jaws slammed shut with a bang. Yuna Ji stood atop the creature's head, her long spear stabbing down mercilessly.
In an instant, I saw two gaping holes appear on the Nameless Phantom Beast's head. It howled in rage, twisting its massive body as Yuna Ji nimbly flipped back and forth atop it.
The cheers from within the city grew louder and louder, wave after wave. Many generals had already emerged from the city, the sound of war drums echoing. On the city wall, skeletons were beating the drums.
The Nameless Phantom Beast, riddled with holes, let out mournful cries. Yuna Ji showed no mercy, stabbing hole after hole into its skull. Clenching my fists, I sprinted over—I had to confirm something.
The Nameless Phantom Beast's body began to sink, its wails echoing. Yuna Ji stood atop its head. As the creature hit the ground, I stood below, and just as I suspected, there was no physical body—only a phantom.
With a loud bang, the monster's body shattered, dissolving into countless black-green motes of light. Yuna Ji slowly descended. My eyes widened as the motes surged into her body. As expected, this was the manifestation of the monster sleeping within her heart, now dispelled and returned to her.
"Ethan Zhang, why are you only returning now? As a general, you've neglected your duty. This must not happen again."
Yuna Ji turned away as she spoke, releasing her grip. The two black spears in her hands shattered instantly. I could barely recognize her—this was not the Yuna Ji from a day ago. Her voice was icy, and the aura she exuded was overwhelmingly forceful, completely different from before.
I quietly watched the rows of soldiers inside the city gate, standing in perfect formation on either side, respectfully welcoming Yuna Ji as she entered the city.
"Listen up! The assault on White-Collar Fortress will begin in three days. Prepare yourselves, sharpen your blades, and be ready to fight alongside me at any moment."
Thunderous cheers erupted. I stepped forward, entering through the city gate, where a general greeted me with excitement. He relayed Yuna Ji's orders: tomorrow morning, I am to lead 500 men to camp at the banks of the Styx River.
Inside the fortress, everyone was talking about Yuna Ji. The atmosphere was strange—none of this felt normal.
I stopped at a tall tower in the center of the fortress, where Yuna Ji waited above. As I approached, two soldiers blocked my path, insisting I report in first.
After a while, I was finally allowed through. On the third floor, Yuna Ji sat behind a massive white bone table, her hands pressed together, hollow eyes fixed on me.
"What's wrong? Ethan Zhang, hurry and prepare. There must be no mistakes next time. As a general, you should have reported back immediately."
I laughed heartily, stepping closer with each stride.
"Don't worry about these things. By the way, Yuna Ji, it's been days since you watched Jing Le's new drama, hasn't it?"
Suddenly, Yuna Ji lifted her head.
"What did you say? We're at war right now..."
I plopped down on the table. Yuna Ji seemed a little angry.
"There should be several new episodes by now—you could binge-watch them all. Wouldn't that be satisfying?"
I added, and Yuna Ji seemed moved. I chuckled.
"Do you remember those food stalls on the pedestrian street? I recall you used to sneak out for snacks—they really did taste good."
"Enough. Get out."
Yuna Ji suddenly roared in anger. I slid off the table and nodded.
"Got it. When this is all over, I'll take you out for hotpot. I know a place—it's excellent, you'll love it. Let's invite Jing Le too; she should be happy to join. I helped her before, so she'll definitely come. What do you think?"
Yuna Ji stared at me in silence. After a long moment, she nodded.
"Alright."
Her voice sounded much calmer. After I walked out, I breathed a sigh of relief. Tomorrow, I have to find a way to stop those monsters from coming. I fear the Nameless Phantom Beast within Yuna Ji is waking up. The creatures from the Styx River were brought here by Hao Hong and his group, but they never expected these monsters would lose their physical forms. As the Nameless Phantom Beast in Yuna Ji's heart awakens, the monsters manifested from the Styx River are trying to return to her soul.
I can only ask Zhan Jue how to stop these monsters.
Night soon fell. Yuna Ji began gathering the generals, assigning tasks and laying out tactics. Every step sounded promising.
After the meeting ended, the generals went off to carry out Yuna Ji's orders. I stayed behind, waiting until the others left before continuing.
"By the way, when we get back, I'll give you some Sixfold Blossoms. How about it? You want them, right? The mutated Sixfold Blossoms cultivated by John Chou are especially potent—I've tried them myself."
Yuna Ji, who had seemed lifeless before, suddenly looked at me and stepped closer.
"Really?"
I nodded enthusiastically, glad to see Yuna Ji recovering a bit.
"Don't worry. When we get back, you can have as many as you want. In my Shadow Realm, I don't have much use for them anyway."
"What exactly are you trying to do, Qingyuan? This whole day has been unbearable. I just resolved to handle things here, and you keep making it more complicated for me."
I laughed, patting Yuna Ji on the shoulder.
"I'm not making trouble for you. Things have to be handled step by step, right? You can't rush it all at once. If you want to watch, I'll sneak back to Ebonhold tomorrow and bring your computer. There's probably a gateway to the living world there. I'll have Old Man Luban download your dramas and some popular movies and anime—anything you like, just to help you relax. Work and rest should go hand in hand, don't you think?"
"Why are you suddenly being so nice to me, Qingyuan? Are you hiding something?"
I quickly shook my head.
"No, I just see how tired you are. Besides, I need to check on the girl who's been taking the blame for you. Things have gotten complicated for her—thanks to you, she's in a real mess!"
Yuna Ji giggled, and the tension in my heart finally eased.
As the sky turned gray, I led the soldiers toward the Styx River. Yuna Ji agreed to let me return to Netherhell. I had to go back—I planned to enter the Shadow Realm and contact Old Man Luban, asking him to download the dramas Yuna Ji wanted to watch, plus some popular movies and animation. Anything that suits her taste, I'll get as much as I can. For now, that's the only way to keep the monster inside Yuna Ji from waking up.
We reached the banks of the Styx River. I ordered the soldiers to spread out. After confirming the area was clear, I raised my hand, and with a sharp crack, I opened the Shadow Realm on the river's surface and slipped inside.
As soon as I returned to the Shadow Realm, I floated toward room 409. With a click, I twisted the doorknob and entered, nearly jumping in shock—Corpse Ethan Zhang stood inside, his face deathly pale, and the room flickered with red light.
"Is there really no decent light in here? Seriously."
No sooner had I spoken than a creak sounded. Corpse Ethan Zhang raised his hand and pointed behind me. I saw a row of buttons, found the light switch, and pressed it. The room brightened. I immediately approached the monitor behind Corpse Ethan Zhang, who turned his head, watching me curiously.
"Help me contact Luban."
I called out, and a beeping sound followed. An image appeared on the screen, and within seconds, Luban's shadow materialized.
"Where have you all gone, Qingyuan? Hurry and get Yuna Ji back—everything's a mess right now. The Imperial Crimson Plume Fortress has fallen, and the nine generals can't agree on anything. It's a headache. The ministers are in chaos too."
I sighed, then explained what I needed Luban to do. When I finished, his mouth hung open, staring at me in confusion.
"You're not joking, are you, Qingyuan?"
"I'm not joking with you, Mr. Luban. This is important, but I can't tell you everything we're doing right now. I hope you'll trust me. I might come back later today, so I'll be counting on you."
I spoke quickly and hurried out of the room, with Corpse Ethan Zhang following behind.
"Stay here and behave. Don't go anywhere."
After confirming the area was clear, I exited the Shadow Realm, looked around, and summoned the ghost network. In my heart, I began calling for Zhan Jue.
Gradually, a vortex appeared before my eyes. Without hesitation, I dove straight in.
A thunderous roar sounded, and powerful gusts of air swept toward me. The ruined city I saw yesterday had now been completely leveled.
"You two—stop right now!"