The Transaction Between John Chou and Quentin Henderson 6

A gust of wind howled. In an instant, the three Grand Judges were already standing beside us—Victor Wei, Lucas Dao, and Judge Quinn.

"Long time no see, John Chou."

Lucas Dao spoke, while Victor Wei sat down silently. Judge Quinn picked up the wine jug and took a sip.

"We received word from Lady Meng about you and rushed to the Bridge of Remorse. But that place was already surrounded by Underworld Marshals, so we couldn't cross the boundary. What brings you here this time?"

Judge Quinn asked, and John Chou smiled, raising his wine cup.

"Thank you all for coming. I offer you three a toast."

I looked at John Chou in confusion.

"Wasn't it Lady Meng who betrayed our whereabouts?"

Victor Wei immediately shook his head.

"We received word that John Chou would be coming even before you arrived."

The three Judges looked at each other, then turned to John Chou.

John Chou, why would someone like you suddenly want to negotiate with the Underworld Court?

Judge Quinn was baffled. At that moment, Allen Zhang turned into a wisp of yellow sand, drifting slowly toward the window.

If you want to negotiate, hurry up, John Chou. Those people are coming after us.

Lucas Dao stood up and looked into the distance.

Suddenly, I saw our small town wrapped in a blanket of yellow sand. The sand formed a barrier, enclosing the town within.

You must have heard something about how this hell was seized from the rulers of Old Hell back then.

Are you saying the forces of Old Hell plan to overthrow the Underworld Court?

Lucas Dao looked at John Chou with caution.

Of course, the forces of Old Hell have already started to act. No matter how strong the Infernal Judges are, they can’t leave Hell even half a step. So, all it takes is to trap Hell by certain means, then gradually consume all its forces, and finally take down the Infernal Judges. That way, control over Hell can be reclaimed.

That really is a shocking affair, John Chou.

Victor Wei spoke, rising to his feet and flicking his sleeve.

I don’t want to hear your speculations. Even though the three rulers of Old Hell still exist in the shadow world, returning would be harder than ascending to heaven.

John Chou smiled helplessly and shook his head.

Because of Ethan Zhang, the Old Hell faction has already found a way in. Heh, I’m not clear on the specifics, but I just returned from the darkness, so naturally I know more than you. If you don’t believe me, you can see for yourselves.

John Chou said, walking to the window.

Which is the nearest city to here?

Rockfall City.

Jerry Li pointed to the distant mountains as he spoke.

That city is under the rule of the Blue Wraith, hidden within the mountains.

We all left the small town and flew toward Rockfall City. Soon, we crossed mountain after mountain, and in the distance, nestled among the peaks, a large city appeared.

Now, with the aura of the Underworld Court upon you, go inside and see for yourselves.

About half an hour later, we walked up the mountain path. In the distance lay a city surrounded by mountains. Most of the houses were built into the cliffs, supported by wooden frames. The path was fairly wide, and countless ghosts bustled about. It looked like a prosperous city, except I noticed many ghosts carrying weapons and large bundles into the city.

Except for me, Jerry Li, and Allen Zhang, the rest had changed their appearances, transforming into four burly, fierce-looking men.

When we reached the city gate, I noticed there were no checkpoints—entry and exit were free. At the gate, a notice was posted.

Recruitment Notice

The notice said that any ghost who could fight could join, and the pay was generous. As soon as we entered the city, we saw that the shops were filled with ghosts carrying weapons, and armored ghost soldiers patrolled the streets.

After walking for a while, we found a tavern and ordered some food. The city already felt like a military camp.

Why are there so many ghost soldiers?

Victor Wei stared at the ghost soldiers in confusion. Lucas Dao and Judge Quinn went out to ask around. After a while, they returned.

They are indeed recruiting a large number of soldiers, but we couldn’t find out the reason.

Lucas Dao spoke, while Judge Quinn looked off into the distance, toward a large mansion perched atop the mountain.

Let’s just go and capture the Blue Wraith here and ask him directly!

It’s better not to cause too much commotion.

John Chou said, but the three Judges were already storming out in anger, clearly intending to capture the Blue Wraith and interrogate him about his plans.

We could only follow them. After a long walk, we saw several workshops forging weapons and armor in full swing.

At the mountain road entrance, soldiers stood guard. Just then, a streak of green light flew down and landed in front of us.

Please turn back, sirs. Outsiders are not allowed inside.

Lucas Dao glared angrily, clenching his fists, clearly ready to fight. At that moment, John Chou stepped forward.

If you want us to leave, at least give us a reason.

The Blue Wraith in front of us stared intently at John Chou, then nodded.

Please follow me, sirs.

Near the foot of the mountain, inside a tall building, the Blue Wraith led us inside.

You must be a spy from the Underworld Court. Tell us, what’s going on?

The Blue Wraith immediately bowed deeply before us.

Please, sirs, calm your anger. As for the reason, I cannot tell you. I have a direct order from Lord Yanluo.

With that, the Blue Wraith produced a token. The number on it was one.

Looks like the Infernal Judges have long been aware of the Blue Wraiths’ movements. Heh, but why didn’t they tell you Judges?

Provoked by John Chou, the three Judges looked embarrassed. Judge Quinn placed a hand on the Blue Wraith’s shoulder.

Speak. If you don’t talk today, I’ll have no trouble going up the mountain and asking the Blue Wraith who runs this city myself.

The Blue Wraith in front of us hung his head miserably. After a long pause, he finally gave in.

I understand, sirs. If Lord Yanluo punishes me for this...

If Lord Yanluo blames you when you return, I, Lucas Dao, will take the heat first. Whatever happens, let it come to me.

Then, as an Underworld Court spy, the Blue Wraith began to explain. Years ago, the Infernal Judges noticed the situation in the Eight Provinces of Hell and sent out many spies to observe. Over the years, these Blue Wraiths have been training soldiers and forging weapons, seemingly preparing for war. Now it’s certain—they intend to launch a full-scale war against the Underworld Court.

Why didn’t Lord Yanluo tell us?

Judge Quinn asked angrily.

That’s because if we, the Underworld Court, make a move, war will break out early. The current situation doesn’t allow us to act first, so Lord Yanluo has kept silent, hoping to find a solution in secret.

What solution could there be? With so many ghosts, in the Eight Provinces of Hell, aside from Netherhell where Yuna Ji resides, the other seven provinces—except for Fangyuan City and Jialan City which have declined—all the other cities are filled with Blue Wraiths. Damn!

Lucas Dao sat down in anger.

I’m afraid this all has something to do with those three, doesn’t it?

John Chou spoke, and the Blue Wraith replied.

We don’t know who leads these Blue Wraiths, but just as you said, there are three figures among them. They go by the names Xiao Yan, Phantom Born, and Emperor God.

At this, John Chou stood up, laughing softly.

I’ll leave the job of persuading those old timers to you three. We’ll be waiting for you in Netherhell.

After leaving Rockfall City, we gathered at the foot of a mountain, quietly watching the roads leading into the city. Countless carts and horses were transporting supplies inside. This was the city closest to the Underworld Court—a key strategic location.

John Chou, if war breaks out early...

Both the Yin and Yang realms will be thrown into chaos. If war erupts prematurely, they could instantly sever the connection between the Underworld Court and the Living World, completely surround the Underworld Court, and then keep capturing ghosts in the Living World to absorb fresh troops. Or they might unite with our Ghost Lords. If that happens, the Underworld Court will be doomed.

As soon as John Chou finished speaking, the three Judges stared at him, their expressions grave.

Of course, we don’t plan to cooperate with this rabble. After all, our real enemy is the Immortality Society. Whether they’ll get involved is unknown, and so are the various sects—these are all uncertainties. That’s why I think it’s necessary for the Infernal Judges to come and have a proper talk. I don’t want things to spiral out of control at such a critical moment.

After leaving Rockfall City, we gathered at the foot of a mountain, quietly watching the roads leading into the city. Countless carts and horses were transporting supplies inside. This was the city closest to the Underworld Court—a key strategic location.

John Chou, if war breaks out early...

Both the Yin and Yang realms will be thrown into chaos. If war erupts prematurely, they could instantly sever the connection between the Underworld Court and the Living World, completely surround the Underworld Court, and then keep capturing ghosts in the Living World to absorb fresh troops. Or they might unite with our Ghost Lords. If that happens, the Underworld Court will be doomed.

As soon as John Chou finished speaking, the three Judges stared at him, their expressions grave.

Of course, we don’t plan to cooperate with this rabble. After all, our real enemy is the Immortality Society. Whether they’ll get involved is unknown, and so are the various sects—these are all uncertainties. That’s why I think it’s necessary for the Infernal Judges to come and have a proper talk. I don’t want things to spiral out of control at such a critical moment.

The wind howled through the mountain pass, carrying with it the uneasy tension of what was to come.

No one spoke. The silence was suffocating, heavy as the sand that had sealed our town.

We waited, uncertain and anxious, as the night deepened.

Only the distant sound of weapons being forged echoed through the darkness, a grim reminder of the war looming ahead.

In that moment, every soul present understood: the balance between worlds was about to shatter.