In the northeast part of the city, the commotion was swelling, a sinister chorus of unrest. I saw ghosts rising, their forms twisting as they flew toward us, gathering with predatory intent. Clouds of dust swept in thick, choking waves, and a surge of malevolent ghostly aura pulsed from that direction, suffocating the air with dread.
"What's going on? What happened?"
With a whoosh, a flash of green light burst forth. It was Cash Myles, who stood before his subordinates, looking at them in confusion.
"I, Cash Myles, haven't made any enemies since I've been here. Who could it be, making such a big move?"
"Boss Cash, it's... it's Baron Lin. That brute is merciless. He brought a swarm of followers and swore he'd tear this place apart."
Boss Cash's face was taut with urgency. He glanced at me, then forced a smile and walked over, the tension in his movements betraying his fear.
"Brother Zhang, come with me. Let's go take a look."
I smiled and nodded, following Cash Myles as we drifted over. As soon as we arrived, I saw that the northeastern part of the city had already been badly damaged. Many Wraiths were hauling food—some had already started eating. In an open space cleared from the collapsed buildings, a burly man, about two meters tall, sat drinking happily from a wine jar.
"Damn it! Boys, grab everything! Let that fat bastard know what happens when he messes with me!"
This burly man had to be Baron Lin. He was massive and rough-hewn, with a square face, long gray hair tied back, a white leather vest, coarse pants, and bare feet—his whole presence radiated menace.
"You finally showed up, you fat bastard."
"Hmph, Baron Lin, have you lost your mind? Look what you've done to my place."
"Bah! You crooked merchant, the junk you sold us was defective. How am I supposed to attend Brother Owen's Jialan Ceremony in a few days? Damn it, today you'll pay for crossing me."
Baron Lin said this, downing the wine from the jar in one gulp. Then, with a crash, he smashed the jar, stood up, and with a whoosh, flew over to Cash Myles, extending a hand.
"Boys, bring me the gear."
As he spoke, I saw more than ten Wraiths hauling a nearly three-meter-long, silver-bright spiked club. Baron Lin swept his hand, and the Wraiths hurled the weapon to him. He seized it, his body erupting with a sickly green light, the air thick with supernatural malice.
Cash Myles was visibly unnerved, glancing at me for help, his eyes pleading. The Blue Wraith looming before us was far beyond Cash's reach, and terror gnawed at him, his bravado stripped away.
Baron Lin's presence grew oppressive as he strode toward us, radiating raw aggression. Cash Myles' subordinates had already retreated, their faces pale with fear, the threat palpable in the air.
"Baron Lin, everything I sold you was handpicked from the freshest offerings brought in from the mortal world. Don't you dare spit venom at me!"
"If I say there's a problem, then there's a problem. Heh, boys, strip this place bare—food, clothes, drink, women—leave nothing behind."
Baron Lin in front of me looked every bit the bandit. Thinking it over, I realized what he was up to—he was planning to join Brother Owen, so he decided to pull off a big heist, robbing Cash Myles of everything he could before leaving.
"You... you... you..."
Cash Myles pointed at Baron Lin, too afraid to say anything at first. Then he forced a smile.
"Baron Lin, there's a limit to what you can do—even as a ghost. Just because you're switching sides doesn't mean you should raid your old neighbor. Weren't you planning to join Quinn Lee before? Why the sudden change?"
"Who I join is none of your business. Hmph, you fat bastard, let me be clear—today I'm here to rob you, plain and simple. Move faster, boys!"
Baron Lin tilted his head and laughed loudly, not taking Cash Myles seriously at all.
"Brother Zhang, this guy might know something about Brother Owen. I saw some of Brother Owen's men looking for him earlier."
Cash Myles whispered this in my ear.
"Hey, fat bastard, what are you whispering about? Who's this old guy?"
Baron Lin looked at me. I was still in the form of an old man and said nothing, just staring at him. Cash Myles quickly smiled and spoke up.
"Who is it? That's none of your business. Since you have a new boss, so do I. But as neighbors, tell me—what exactly is Brother Owen planning with this Jialan Ceremony?"
"No harm in telling you. Brother Owen is taking a disciple—just one. It's strange, but that person..."
With a whoosh, I floated right up to Baron Lin, glaring at him fiercely.
"Speak. Who is it? Where are they?"
"Damn you, old man—are you looking for trouble?"
In an instant, Baron Lin swung his massive club down at me. I stared quietly at the club as it came for my head. Baron Lin laughed wildly, but I slowly raised a hand. With a whoosh, my old man's appearance vanished, and I gripped Hell's Sentinel.
In a flash, Hell's Sentinel stopped right in front of Baron Lin's forehead. His laughter cut off abruptly, and the whole area fell silent.
Black mist drifted through the air, growing thicker, while black snowflakes began to fall from the sky, swirling everywhere.
Baron Lin was stunned, unable to speak or move. The killing intent I was releasing filled the area—my Deathbane Aura now mixed with a burst of murderous intent. My eyes turned gold and red.
"Speak. Tell me what you know. Don't move, or you'll die instantly."