Finally, I saw Hades Village again. The strange, massive houses were just as I remembered, and many of the Hades Circle Born had gathered in and around them, busy with their tasks.
"Uncle Martin, why are you all..."
As soon as I stepped out onto the Ten Halls Road, I saw the Ten Soul Collectors of Hades Village. All were present except for Lan Yin; Martin Lane and Helen Lane were there too, the couple smiling happily at me.
"Come on, Ethan Zhang. Did you see..."
Julian Lu was about to say something when Death Curse glared at him again.
"Come with us, Ethan Zhang. You can have all four road markers, but once you're done, we'll need to reclaim them. Is that alright?"
Jason Su said this, and I nodded. But at that moment, the smiles on Martin Lane and Helen Lane's faces vanished, replaced by a look of concern as they gazed at me.
"It's alright, Uncle Martin, Aunt Helen."
I forced a bitter smile, my face stiff.
When I entered one of the large houses, I saw four small boxes arranged on the table, and the Soul Collectors sat across from us.
"I'll find a way."
Julian Lu couldn't hold back any longer; he suddenly sprang to his feet.
"Doesn't Yuan still have something to explain? Let me..."
Jason Su shot Julian Lu a glare, and Julian obediently sat back down.
"The matter you mentioned to Lord Quintus, Judge Bane has already agreed to it. We'll be responsible for bringing the two souls you need from the underworld back to the living world."
"Thank you."
As I spoke, Jason Su closed the boxes, then handed me the Azure Dragon slab, gave the Vermilion Bird slab to Helen Lane, the Black Tortoise slab to Uncle Martin, and the White Tiger slab to Wendy Hsieh.
"Rest for a day first. We'll leave tomorrow. Lan Yin has some things to explain to you—Helen Lane and her husband will tell you."
Jason Su said this, glancing sidelong at Uncle Martin. The other Soul Collectors clearly disliked him, except for Julian Lu, who cheerfully stayed behind after the others left.
"Uncle Martin, don't take those guys too seriously. Is it really worth holding a grudge? Everyone makes mistakes, right?"
Uncle Martin burst out laughing, clapped Julian Lu on the back, then nodded.
"Alright, you should get some rest too. This is family business, after all."
Julian Lu gave a quick "Oh" and had just stood up when Death Curse dragged him out. He seemed reluctant. Yuki Han patted my back and left with Black Moon.
"What should I say, Qingyuan?"
I responded with an "Oh," looking at Uncle Martin in confusion.
"Isn't there something Lan Yin needs to tell you?"
"Ah, right. It's like this, you..."
"Go cool off somewhere else."
Helen Lane shoved Uncle Martin aside. He stood up and casually sat on the table, while Helen Lane looked at me seriously.
"Tell me honestly, Qingyuan—what's really going on with you?"