The air was heavy and tense, a faint breeze stirring. Redmond smiled as he gazed at the figures across from him.
The Underworld Court's officials did not act immediately, seemingly observing the situation. Judge Bane glared furiously at these sudden marshals and magistrates, his eyes fixed on Redmond with gritted teeth.
I looked around—my Specter Web had already taken root in the ground. We had left Hollowbelly's domain behind; the place we now stood was surely Judge Bane's great hell.
I had heard before that Hell is endless, without direction. Every soul cast into Hell loses everything here, until their sins are cleansed and they become pure spirits able to enter reincarnation.
Everything here felt weighty and oppressive. When my Specter Web pierced the ground, it was as if I saw a towering, majestic mountain reaching into the clouds.
"Looks like things are getting complicated."
Ray Lin muttered beside me, glancing around. The desolate expanse stretched on; the black stones visible earlier had vanished, leaving an open ground perfect for battle.
"Judge of the Sixth Tribunal, leave this to us. If you intervene personally, Hell won't be able to withstand it."
Mr. White turned and bowed to Judge Bane, then raised his Mourning Staff and looked toward us.
"Brother Wujiu, let's go first. The rest of you, please stand aside and do not interfere."
Lucas Dao sighed helplessly and looked at Redmond.
"You're still the same as when you were a kid, Redmond."
I glanced at Lucas Dao in surprise. It seemed he had some history with Redmond.
"Old Dao, what's changed or not changed doesn't matter. Let's not bring up the past."
A clear ringing sounded—a bell chimed. Mr. White and Mr. Black drifted slowly toward Redmond, the bells on their black-and-white Mourning Staffs jingling crisply, sending visible ripples through the air.
"Redmond, can we talk?"
Mr. Black called out as he nearly reached Redmond.
"Talk?"
Redmond swept his gaze across the group, then looked at Judge Bane and chuckled.
"I originally came here to discuss business, but your approach has seriously pissed me off. Now that you want to kill me, there's really nothing left to talk about."
Redmond's tone was firm, showing no fear of the underworld marshals or the three chief magistrates before him.
"If we fight, it will cause serious trouble for Hell. If possible, let's find another way to solve this problem."
Mr. Black continued, while Redmond chuckled and sat down. A chair appeared behind him; he crossed his legs, brushed back his hair, and straightened his suit.
"Go ahead, what's your solution?"
Mr. White nodded, then looked behind him as Lucas Dao and Judge Cui floated over.
"There's only one way to resolve this: you must temporarily remain in the Underworld Court. The Yamas have discussed it and will grant you certain privileges, but you are strictly forbidden from leaving Hell."
Judge Cui spoke, and Redmond nodded.
"How is that any different from imprisonment?"
Judge Bane burst out laughing.
"Hmph, so this is the real purpose of your visit."
Suddenly, a surge of overwhelming ghostly energy swept toward us. I immediately crouched, drew Belle, and stabbed it into the ground, raising one hand as baleful aura spilled out to resist the chilling force.
"Judge of the Sixth Tribunal, the Fifth Tribunal entrusted us with this matter, hoping for a peaceful resolution. I believe Redmond came here knowing the risks, yet he still came—this says it all."
A round of applause rang out as Redmond clapped his hands and laughed heartily.
"Indeed, I knew from the start you wouldn't let me leave quietly. The Underworld Court wants me dead, and I'm well aware of that. That's why I came—some things can't be settled without confrontation, and my subordinates have been detained."
"So, what do you propose?"
Judge Cui asked again. Redmond raised a finger, shook his head, and smiled.
"I don't like being controlled; I prefer to be in control. If you truly wish to avoid violence today, let's think carefully and find a practical solution—after all, I'm a businessman."
Mr. White nodded and bowed to Judge Bane once more.
"Judge of the Sixth Tribunal, since Redmond has spoken so openly, if we continue to..."
"There's only one solution: cast him back into Abyssal Hell. Only then can peace be restored. You know what he's done—he's even more dangerous than Yin Choujian was back then."
As Judge Bane spoke, I glanced at Redmond. I knew he was Lord Malice, his power tied to malice itself, but I didn't know its exact nature. Judge Bane's attitude showed just how much he feared Redmond's strength.
"So there's nothing left to discuss?"
Redmond muttered darkly, then slowly stood up as the chair vanished behind him. His eyes turned a deep, ominous red.
"Even if I die here, I'll make sure this hell never knows peace."
With a thunderous crash, Judge Bane, furious, floated over and struck at Redmond with his right hand.
A massive burst of red light split to either side, forming two enormous beams beside me. I swallowed hard as wisps of green smoke rose in the air, but strangely, the ground remained undamaged. I sat down, trying instinctively to reach Mr. Brown—our only escape route now. Redmond would never go down without a fight.
"Ethan Zhang, if you think you can escape, you'd better abandon that idea. There's no way out for you."
Judge Bane spoke coldly. I stared at him in shock—he seemed to know exactly what I was planning.
The marshals and magistrates wore various expressions, but all looked helplessly at Judge Bane. No one dared speak; everyone felt the weight of his fury.
"If you want to come at me, I'm ready anytime."
Redmond spoke, snapping his fingers with a crisp sound, a wicked smile spreading across his face.
A streak of purple light flashed past Judge Bane's neck. With two sharp clangs, Mr. Black and Mr. White charged forward, while Vivian Maple flipped back, landing behind Redmond.
"Your power keeps growing. If it's not dealt with, you'll become a grave threat to the Underworld Court. If you don't want me to act, then take this brat down."
The Mourning Staffs extended toward Redmond with a ringing sound. He closed his eyes and tilted his head to dodge.
"I heard you, all your malice... heh."
With a booming crash, Mr. Black and Mr. White were sent flying by a powerful force. They flipped in midair and landed in a crouch, gripping their Mourning Staffs and staring at Redmond in shock.
Judge Bane had vanished—I looked around but couldn't find any trace of him.
"I'm nothing special, not even a match for you four chief magistrates. But if you all come at me together, maybe you'll manage to kill me."
Redmond spoke with confidence, but the Bullheaded Keeper and Horsefaced Marshal had already stepped back. Marshal Leopard chuckled.
"If we all attack, it'll only make you stronger. Redmond, do you really think this is your home? This is Hell—the place where the dead must be punished. You're just a wicked ghost, so don't get too..."