Sunlight pierced through from the distant mountains. The scholar had left a long time ago. Zachary Justice smiled as he basked in the light, while his two disciples kept bickering about last night’s encounter with the Vengeful Lady.
“It was you, Senior Brother! You always say your cultivation is far above mine, but when it really counts you left me like that—almost got me killed. Your neck is thick, so the Vengeful Lady couldn’t strangle you, but I’m not the same. She nearly squeezed me to death. Look, there are still marks on my neck, and it still hurts!”
Master Zachary Wu glanced aside, a little embarrassed, and muttered to himself.
“Didn’t Master always say we need to train ourselves? Junior Brother, wasn’t this a great learning experience?”
With two quick slaps, Zachary Justice pressed his hands on his disciples’ heads, gazing at them with affectionate eyes.
“You two did well this time. But what you’ve seen is still not high enough, not broad enough, not deep enough. This world is filled with endless resentment, all born from a single word—love. Enough. Let’s take advantage of this morning and get moving.”
Zachary Justice glanced back at Elder Peach, nodded, and Elder Peach quickly followed. Just as the sunlight hit Zachary Justice, Elder Peach seemed to see a powerful radiance—one that could drive away all darkness.
This was Elder Peach’s first time experiencing something like this. Normally, a ghost’s resentment comes from its heart and cannot be resolved. But just now, he saw it dissolve—not only the Vengeful Lady’s resentment, but also the scholar’s. None of the negative energy tainted the two disciples.
Elder Peach couldn’t believe it. In just one night, with a single contract and a few words, all the Vengeful Lady’s resentment was resolved. When she disappeared, Elder Peach saw hope blooming on her face.
And when the scholar left, there was joy on his face, along with the last words he spoke.
“Master Justice, does that scholar still have feelings for his cousin somewhere deep in his heart?”
Zachary Justice smiled and replied.
“Of course. The human heart is made of flesh. That’s why I set this contract. Time can solve many things, but people get fixated on the present and forget the future.”
Elder Peach looked at Zachary Justice, puzzled.
“But what if, in the future, the Vengeful Lady goes looking for her cousin again?”
Zachary Justice shook his head.
“She won’t go. Come on, let’s travel while it’s still cool. When it gets hot, we’ll find a place to rest.”
Elder Peach still couldn’t understand. Ghosts aren’t to be trusted. Even if they show hope for a moment, someday resentment might return and the Vengeful Lady could become a threat to the scholar again. He didn’t understand how Zachary Justice could be so certain she wouldn’t go looking for her cousin.
By afternoon, the sun was like a blazing fireball, scorching everything on the ground. The four of them stopped and took shelter under a big tree by the roadside.
Elder Peach drifted off to sleep. It was the most restful sleep he’d had in ages. In his dream, he saw everything that happened between the two brothers last night, and a smile crept onto his lips.
Elder Peach was completely confused by what was happening. Suddenly, he sensed a powerful ghostly energy. The ground beneath their feet began to shift, and with a low buzz, the door behind them vanished. In front of a vast, empty hall, a group of people were still making a commotion.
You all, stop playing around. There are more important matters at hand.
At that moment, an old man in white robes with an imposing air stepped forward. The Blue Wraiths who had been making a racket quickly quieted down. Clusters of green light flickered as they flew over, and Zachary Justice looked up, smiling at each descending Blue Wraith.
No matter how many times I see it, it's always beautiful—such a vivid green.
Elder Peach was completely paralyzed with fear. He didn’t understand why Zachary Justice had brought him to the Hall of Bloodbane. The Bloodshade Sovereign John Chou was a tremendous threat to everyone in the mystical arts. Though Elder Peach had never met him, he’d heard stories since childhood—he was a formidable evil spirit.
Just then, a young man in casual black clothes, wearing a half-smile, drifted over. Blue Wraiths quickly brought over tables and chairs. Zachary Justice walked over and sat down.
John Chou, you invited everyone here and they all came. Why did you take so long to arrive?
A Blue Wraith spoke up. Elder Peach stared at the young man sitting at the table, wearing a half-smile. He was none other than the Bloodshade Sovereign John Chou. Contrary to the terrifying rumors, he looked handsome and gentle, more like a frail young noble than a fearsome spirit.
Still haven’t found anything?
Zachary Justice raised his wine cup, took a sip, and nodded.
But I heard something strange—Chimei Wangliang.
A Blue Wraith immediately spoke up. They already knew about it. Recently, a sect called Ghost Mound suddenly appeared in the mystical arts community. Their people had come to pay their respects and brought generous gifts.
By the way, is that Taoist behind you your new disciple?
Zachary Justice immediately shook his head.
No, he’s my old friend’s disciple. There’s been a bit of trouble, so I’ve had him join me for now.
John Chou examined Elder Peach thoughtfully, then smiled.
Looks like he’s done for.
What do you mean?
Elder Peach blurted out, but the other Blue Wraiths stared at him, making his whole body go weak with fear.
Young man, the light in your eyes is gone, so you’re not far from death. Or perhaps your heart is already dead.
John Chou said coldly, then clapped his hands. The Blue Wraiths began moving tables and chairs, looking ready for a banquet.
Go to this place next, Zachary Justice.
At that moment, John Chou handed Zachary Justice a slip of paper. He took it, looked at it, and smiled.
I’ll go tomorrow.
Be careful. I don’t want to see you dead one day.
Zachary Justice took a sip of wine, then burst out laughing.
It’s fine. I’m tough—I might even outlive you, John Chou…
A Blue Wraith spoke up. Elder Peach stared at the young man sitting at the table, wearing a half-smile. He was none other than the Bloodshade Sovereign John Chou. Contrary to the terrifying rumors, he looked handsome and gentle, more like a frail young noble than a fearsome spirit.
Still haven’t found anything?
Zachary Justice raised his wine cup, took a sip, and nodded.
But I heard something strange—Chimei Wangliang.
A Blue Wraith immediately spoke up. They already knew about it. Recently, a sect called Ghost Mound suddenly appeared in the mystical arts community. Their people had come to pay their respects and brought generous gifts.
By the way, is that Taoist behind you your new disciple?
Zachary Justice immediately shook his head.
No, he’s my old friend’s disciple. There’s been a bit of trouble, so I’ve had him join me for now.
John Chou examined Elder Peach thoughtfully, then smiled.
Looks like he’s done for.
What do you mean?
Elder Peach blurted out, but the other Blue Wraiths stared at him, making his whole body go weak with fear.
Young man, the light in your eyes is gone, so you’re not far from death. Or perhaps your heart is already dead.
John Chou said coldly, then clapped his hands. The Blue Wraiths began moving tables and chairs, looking ready for a banquet.
Go to this place next, Zachary Justice.
At that moment, John Chou handed Zachary Justice a slip of paper. He took it, looked at it, and smiled.
I’ll go tomorrow.
Be careful. I don’t want to see you dead one day.
Zachary Justice took a sip of wine, then burst out laughing.
It’s fine. I’m tough—I might even outlive you, John Chou…