Departure

But the current situation left me in a bind. After all, there were still many things here I hadn't finished dealing with, but Isabelle Frost suddenly insisted on leaving, catching me completely off guard.

"We have to go back, Ethan Zhang. If we keep dawdling here, my essence will start to unravel."

I swallowed hard. All of this was probably closely linked to John Chou’s sudden appearance on my side. Gradually, I started to understand.

"Ms. Yi, may I ask you something?"

Isabelle Frost turned her head and glanced at me, then nodded.

"Ms. Yi, was it John Chou who used your essence to trace his way back here and find me?"

That was the only explanation I could think of right now. Isabelle Frost looked at me in surprise.

"Looks like you’ve gotten much smarter. Hmph, that bastard tampered with my essence without my permission."

I could tell that Isabelle Frost was genuinely furious at this moment.

The Sleeper had arrived as well, but The Undertaker was still nowhere to be seen.

"Ethan Zhang, you’re in a hurry to leave, but there are still many things here that need your help."

The Sleeper spoke, then informed us that they’d found a way to temporarily suppress the weapons within the domains of the Yan and Huang Emperors. They also needed to find a way to move the Promise of Delusion directly into one of those domains. If any weapon in the domain malfunctioned, they would immediately activate Delusion, letting it devour everything inside.

"Is that even possible? Something like that?"

I stared at The Sleeper in disbelief. Behind him, The Artisan nodded.

"We’re about to start testing it, Ethan Zhang. Is there anything else you want to ask us?"

I shook my head.

There was no need to ask anything more. Even if I did, the Dark Banquet would probably still join forces with the Emperor Gods.

"For us, cooperation based on mutual interest is far more important than distinguishing between friend and foe. I hope you understand, Ethan Zhang."

The Sleeper and The Artisan both sensed my thoughts through this darkness. At that moment, The Undertaker finally descended, looking at me with surprise.

"It seems you’ve completely changed, Ethan Zhang. The nature of your power is entirely ghostly now—I can’t sense even a trace of humanity left in you."

I shouted energetically. Heavenly Soul kept washing dishes, while Qi and Lan Ruoxi helped serve food. I was genuinely happy doing all this. The three members of the Dark Banquet sat at one of the tables, drinking with the people on the street.

Before I knew it, someone started singing, and soon everyone was celebrating. I looked around at everything, feeling a deep joy from within.

As midnight approached, those who had helped began to clean up. I sat quietly at the table, while Qi started eating.

"Can you really get that flavor from grilling?"

Qi shot me a glare.

"Someday, when I get tired and return to the world of the living, I’ll let you try my cooking."

"Definitely."

I replied, but tonight Qi kept avoiding my gaze. I started to understand—maybe she had unfinished business in this darkness and wanted to stay and run the shop. I didn’t call her out on it.

"Be careful when you go back, especially take care of Lan Ruoxi."

Qi glanced at Lan Ruoxi and spoke. I acknowledged with a hum.

"Don’t worry."

After we finished cleaning up, we returned to the place of the Thirteen Pillars and waited quietly. Otherworldly flower petals drifted down as Isabelle Frost floated in the air, preparing something. The three Dark Banquet members stood outside, while Qi watched us happily. I held Lan Ruoxi’s hand; she leaned on me, feeling safe. Heavenly Soul was already getting impatient.

"It’s fine, Qingyuan. If I get the chance, I’ll come back here with you. I just feel this place suits us."

I smiled and nodded. Strange red light began to fall, enveloping us. Isabelle Frost stood before us.

"Listen carefully—when you go back, no matter what you see, can you promise not to tell anyone?"

Isabelle Frost stared coldly at the three of us. I nodded. She glanced at us again, and I felt a strange power. Beneath our feet, a giant otherworldly flower bloomed, lifting us into the air.

The petals closed around us, and suddenly, the scenery disappeared. In that instant, I saw reluctance in Qi’s eyes; Lan Ruoxi seemed to notice it too.

"That child is a lot like you, Qingyuan."

I looked at Lan Ruoxi in surprise. Her eyes were full of reluctance. I shook my head.

"There’s plenty of time left, Ruoxi. We’ll have lots of time to spend with that child in the future."

Gradually, I felt my consciousness blur. All around me was red, but I could still see Isabelle Frost’s stern face—she seemed worried about something.

Then it hit me: the so-called origin is a record of everything from a person’s past. So when we return to the world of the living, it’s through Isabelle Frost’s origin—as a medium, I can see her past.

Don’t worry, Ms. Yi. I promise I’ll never mention your past to anyone.

As long as you know, Ethan Zhang. Close your eyes and think of the light.

I hummed in response. A radiant city appeared in my mind—it was H City, where I lived. Gradually, I lost consciousness.

When I opened my eyes again, Lan Ruoxi was gone. I shouted in panic, searching everywhere.

Keep moving forward, Ethan Zhang. I’ve scattered everything of the four of us evenly between the here and the other shore. Head toward the light.

I hummed in response—it was Isabelle Frost’s voice. I looked around and spotted a red glow in the distance. I rushed toward it.

I got closer and closer to the light, running at full speed and entering the red glow. Suddenly, everything around me became multicolored. I felt myself moving forward—not just an illusion, but my body could feel the warmth.

Gradually, I noticed the scenery changing. Suddenly, I opened my eyes wide—I found myself in an old courtyard, surrounded by beautiful views.

Lush green trees, a small bridge over flowing water. I noticed a little girl with pigtails standing by the wall. Her cheeks were rosy, and she was adorable, watching the fish in the water.

What is this...?

Suddenly, everything around me froze. A flash of red light, and petals of the otherworldly flower danced around me. I reached out to touch one, and Isabelle Frost was standing beside me.

That must be you as a child, Ms. Yi.

I realized we were inside Isabelle Frost’s origin. She looked at me coldly and nodded.

It would be better if none of this ever came to mind, especially that bastard Yin Choujian.

Isabelle Frost’s anger toward Yin Choujian came through clearly in her voice.