The stars glittered brilliantly, like pearls embedded in a deep blue curtain. Waves of clouds surged, and silver moonlight spilled across them, resembling a tranquil ocean flowing gently.
The journey back was farther than we expected. Spirit Snake's flight was slow—much of its strength had already been spent in the aerial battle before.
Earthly Soul sat quietly atop Spirit Snake's head, his profile bathed in silver light, looking spirited as if admiring the delicate beauty above the clouds.
“Such a beautiful and free world, yet it faces the doom of destruction. Don’t you think that’s a pity?”
I hummed in response, and immediately recalled everything Rachel Lan said atop the city wall that day. Apart from its desolation, this world is truly free—endless land stretching as far as the eye can see. Watching it, many worries and sorrows seem to ease.
When I first arrived in this world, it was truly unbearable—the memories of that desert linger vividly. But after so many events, I’ve grown to appreciate its quietness, though I can’t say when that change began.
“Nothing gained today.”
Earthly Soul nodded.
“You mentioned the Sundusk Cataclysm before. A world collapses because it can no longer bear what exists within it—so it falls apart on its own.”
“Is that so.”
I replied blandly. By now, I could see it—the distant cloud sea had a pitch-black hole, as if swallowing the moonlight. We were about to return to the Devouring Woods.
Soon, we arrived above the Devouring Woods, and Spirit Snake suddenly stopped.
“You two go down. I need to head back over there and keep checking things.”
I looked at Spirit Snake in confusion, but his eyes were serious, not joking. I nodded.
“Be careful, then.”
“It’s fine. Even if I die here, I’ll just return to the living world and continue as your ghostly soul.”
I hummed, slowly drifting upward, coming before Earthly Soul and reaching out my hand. Earthly Soul stood up and extended his hand. I grabbed it, quickening our descent toward the Devouring Woods below.
Halfway down, Earthly Soul tugged at me suddenly. Though blurry, I could make out two figures atop the city wall—they must be Sylvia Blue and Rachel Lan.
“Take me to the other side.”
I nodded, accelerating around the edge of the Devouring Woods with Earthly Soul. When we landed on the city wall, Earthly Soul yawned and headed for the sleeping quarters.
"By the way, Ethan Zhang, there’s something I need to remind you of."
"Go ahead."
"Don’t use Vermilion Bird’s Power anymore. Maybe you haven’t noticed, but I felt it today—the moment Endbringer’s power entered your body, even just a little, your ghostly side was being devoured. I’m not sure why, but it feels intentional. You’d better be careful."
I stared at Earthly Soul in surprise; even I hadn’t noticed that.
"Are you saying the Four Guardians allowed me to use their power for another purpose?"
I asked, and Earthly Soul immediately nodded.
"I trust them."
I stared blankly at Earthly Soul as he sneered and entered the room.
"Suit yourself."
"Sorry to keep you waiting. There was a bit of trouble."
I landed behind Rachel Lan and Sylvia Blue at the city wall. The two, who had been gazing into the distance, turned and smiled as I approached.
"Ethan, are you alright? Get some rest."
I hummed in response. Next to me, Sylvia Blue yawned and glanced over, asking:
"Did you find anything?"
I shook my head.
"Not a single clue. By the way, Rachel, can you still use the Four Guardians’ power?"
Rachel Lan lowered her head, looking displeased. Then she raised it, her expression tinged with sadness.
"Ethan, I can’t hear them anymore—the Guardians, not even…"
Rachel Lan turned her face away, unwilling to continue. I noticed her hand behind her back and immediately grabbed her left hand, pulling it forward—a scar ran across her palm, still tinged with dark red.
"What happened, Rachel?"