"I'll give you seventy points, brother. Take a good rest for a couple of days, then head back."
John Chou said this, then turned around and flew straight toward the Ten Guides' chairs, aiming directly for Julian Lu's seat.
"Don't even think about it, John Chou."
Before John Chou could sit down, Julian Lu was already calmly seated in his own chair. The others burst into laughter, and John Chou ended up sitting next to Julian Lu.
At this moment, everyone was looking at Lan Yin. He still appeared heartbroken, squatting on the ground. Yet, the Trial Marriage Stone, which had shattered into powder, began to rise, carried upward by a swirl of yellow mist.
"Ungrateful wretches, just as I thought. The descendants of those ten are just as ungrateful as their ancestors."
A woman's voice drifted out from the Trial Marriage Stone, and gradually, the yellow mist seemed to dissipate.
"What the hell are you, anyway?"
Lan Yin, furious, sprang to his feet and rushed toward the swirling mist, desperate and enraged, wanting to do something.
"Hmph, remember this: those of the Hades Circle can never escape its curse. You are destined only to collect souls. Your fate was sealed the moment your ten ancestors revealed their insatiable greed. The people of the Hades Circle, generation after generation, can never defy my will."
As she spoke, the yellow mist vanished. Lan Yin turned and shouted at Poison Dreadstar.
"Do you know anything? Did that old bastard Lan Miu never tell you certain things?"
"About that, I really have no idea."
Poison Dreadstar replied, while Lan Yin stomped angrily. At that moment, Old Moe smiled and walked toward Lan Yin.
"Ancestor, next time I'll bring you something with a different flavor. Don't be upset. And you all, too."
Old Moe said this, glancing at the Soul Collectors present. All the other people of the Hades Circle, except for Thirteen Lives, had disappeared from the area. The surrounding steps and rooms had vanished too, seemingly sealed off outside.
I looked at all the Soul Collectors, their faces tinged with anger. I knew very well that anyone who learned that part of their life was being manipulated like a game would feel furious.
"It's not too late to know now, right? Better than finding out after death that everything was just beginning. No matter how long you've lived or suffered, from now on, as long as the Hades Circle keeps spinning, enjoy the days ahead. As for future marriages among the people of the Hades Circle, you don't need to worry—they at least have the right to choose freely now, don't they?"
Old Moe paused, then continued speaking.
"There's no need to hold a grudge against the past. The Hades Circle needs change, and it should start with you. Existence is reason enough. No matter how unreasonable our existence may seem, we're all here, breathing, because we are human..."
I watched Uncle Mo intently. At that moment, I saw Miles Mo walk up beside him, grab his collar with one hand, and suddenly hurl him backward with force.
"You noisy brat, we've lived far longer than you, so it's not your place to lecture us. Pass the word—hold a three-day feast, at least to drive away the bad luck. Come on, let's drink, Rachel Lan."
All around, the invisible staircases and rooms reappeared, and the rest of the Hades Circle denizens showed up. Everyone was discussing the disappearance of the Trial Marriage Stone, but the nine Soul Collectors gave no explanation, only instructing the Thirteen Fates to inform the others.
Rachel Lan had already gone to find Uncle Mo, but no one knew where he’d gone. He was just here a moment ago, but after a brief hesitation, he disappeared again. I gathered with everyone else.
"Ethan Zhang, you’ve figured it out, haven’t you?"
Hugh Thompson said, and I smiled.
"That’s right, I’ve completely figured it out. Hugh Thompson, when we get back, I hope you can help me."
Hugh Thompson patted my shoulder and said.
"Don’t worry, Ethan Zhang. When we get back, I’ll prepare something detailed for your power."
At that moment, the night sky reappeared, and the glowing things had completely vanished. My stomach started to rumble. Vivian Maple was carrying Rufina Howard on her back; Rufina looked so hungry she was about to faint.
"I’m so hungry, Ethan Zhang, I’m starving."
I could already smell the food. John Chou and Yuna Ji were still sitting at the Soul Collectors’ table, but Jason Su was starting to get annoyed.
Yuna Ji said, smiling as she winked at Jason Su. Jason Su could only sigh helplessly.
Everyone around started to get busy. I sat in a chair with Hugh Thompson, waiting for the meal.
"Hugh Thompson, when we get back, after my cousin recovers, I’ll go help out with the Dirty Ghost Squad."