Thinking back, it's true—the Immortality Society has mobilized in full force this time. This was subtly revealed by Lao Chongyuan and Luke Ling, all in anticipation of the coming Dark Banquet. Just those two alone managed to drag the Ghost Sovereigns of the living world and other sects into the fray.
The Nether Syndicate and the Renegade Monks haven't made a move this time, which suggests there's some kind of problem. Speaking of the Renegade Monks, there's only the Ghost Worm Monk left—he's probably the one actually in charge now. As for Old Tom and the others from the Nether Syndicate, ever since Yin Choujian met him in the Yellow Springs, they've stayed inactive.
The monks of the Brahma Order haven't made any moves either. And although the Mount Mason Order is weak, it's not without experts—there must be more people like Master Zachary Wu. So what exactly happened?
"According to reliable sources, twenty-three orthodox heirs of the Mount Mason Order have mysteriously disappeared. And several temples under the Brahma Order have suffered disasters—earthquakes and the like. Do you really think this is all just coincidence?"
Poison Dreadstar spoke quietly. We hadn't considered this at all, and maybe the Ghost Burial Squad's situation was so overwhelming that it covered up these smaller details.
"Huh? All this was done by those people from the Immortality Society?"
Poison Dreadstar neither nodded nor shook her head. Instead, she reached out with a finger and poked Ghost Fiend Star on the forehead.
"Little piggy, with that brain of yours, aren't you afraid the Immortality Society will play you to death? Be honest—what is the Immortality Society planning next?"
N-no, nothing, Aunt Poison. Really, it's nothing.
Lying again. Ghost Fiend Star, that guy, darted his eyes to the side, clearly trying to cover things up.
"You speak, Ghost Grandpa."
Poison Dreadstar pointed at Ghost Grandpa, who was still kneeling on the ground nearby. He crawled over step by step, glanced at Ghost Fiend Star. Ghost Fiend Star's eyes, in front of so many people, darted left and right nervously.
"Poison Dreadstar, it's true—just as Ghost Fiend Star said, the Immortality Society only wants to resolve this matter."
Poison Dreadstar sighed.
"Fine, do as you wish. Whatever you plan, it has nothing to do with me anymore."
At that moment, everyone from the Ghost Syndicate turned pale and looked toward the outside.
"They're here. Follow me."
Poison Dreadstar spoke, and we immediately turned around. Yin Choujian had arrived, or so it seemed.
After leaving the hall, we stood on the staircase—a wide stairway leading upward. On both sides, members of the Ghost Syndicate stood with their hands behind their backs, each carrying a jar of various colors, looking ready for battle.
I looked over. Many outsiders had been forced back into the hotel, not allowed to come out. Gradually, I saw him—Yin Choujian. He wore a half-smile, dressed in a black suit with a red checkered tie and a small vest underneath.
Yin Choujian looked relaxed, as if he were out for a stroll. He walked up step by step, hands in his pockets, looking quite stylish, but there was a kingly pressure about him. Many Ghost Syndicate members looked tense, as if a major battle could erupt at any moment.
"I have to say, your old place was much nicer—way prettier than this. Now this place looks like some mountain warlord's camp, haha."
"Yin Choujian, stop right there."
Ghost Fiend Star shouted immediately. Yin Choujian suddenly floated up, then crossed one leg over the other and sat in midair.
"What, kid? You asked me to come trade with you. Well, here I am, aren't I?"
"Did you really come alone?"
Ghost Fiend Star asked suspiciously, glancing around.
"Of course I came alone. Isn't that what you asked for?"
"You're lying. There's definitely a trick."
Ghost Fiend Star said, while Yin Choujian rested his chin on his hand, watching him and smiling.
"If you don't believe me, come search me. See if I'm hiding anything."
Yin Choujian said, tugging at his suit. Just as Ghost Fiend Star was about to approach, I saw Ghost Grandpa hold him back.
"Bloodbane Power."
In an instant, Ghost Fiend Star froze in place.
"Hmph, don't think I don't know what you're really up to."
"How about this—why don't we have a fight? If I lose, I'll not only help you heal that Immortality Society guy, but I'll surrender myself to you, let you do whatever you want. How about it?"
In an instant, Ghost Fiend Star looked energized, cracking his knuckles and laughing loudly, pointing at Yin Choujian.
"Alright, you said it yourself. Everyone heard you—if I win..."
"If you win, I'll let you do whatever you want with me. And I'll help you heal the Immortality Society member too."
Ghost Fiend Star kept laughing loudly.