[Thirty-Two] Maria’s Confession

On the island of Sicily, inside the dark and damp Bat City, morale had fallen extremely low ever since news came back that Anderson had been killed and Rufu had left.

In the council chamber, White Wolf and General Black Bear were holding a meeting with the witch Sumei and several junior commanders.

White Wolf said dejectedly, “The Ghost Emperor is gone, and all that’s left is our ragtag band of defeated soldiers. I predict that before long, either the Dragon Knight’s Iron-Blooded Imperial Guard or the Church’s Demon-Slaying Army led by Father Chen John and Father Stryker will come attack us. With the remnants of our forces now, I’m afraid we’ll be completely wiped out…”

Black Bear said indignantly, “Even though the situation is already lost, how can we just sit here and wait to die? I have an idea. We can split up and capture more living humans as hostages. When the enemy comes in force to surround and attack us, we can use those people as human shields. White Wolf, what do you all think of that idea?”

The junior commanders present nodded one after another. One of them said, “That’s a great idea, General Black Bear.”

White Wolf and the witch Sumei looked at each other.

Sumei said coldly, “I’m not trying to dampen everyone’s spirits, but actually, before the Ghost Emperor and the two commanders set out with the Bat Army, I already knew from my crystal ball that the Ghost Emperor would end up this way. Now, it seems I have to say the same thing again. You all know that this is impossible, yet you still want to take a gamble. What more can I say?”

Sumei stood up and left them with these words: “Turn back while there’s still time! Stop struggling like trapped beasts!”

Sumei turned and walked out of the council chamber. Black Bear and the several junior commanders looked at one another.

White Wolf said, “I agree with the witch’s view. But if you all want to take another gamble, I’ll go along with you and follow you all straight into hell.”

“Plans never keep up with changes.” Before Black Bear’s plan could even be put into action, by the following day, the Iron-Blooded Imperial Guard led by the Dragon Knight had already sealed off every entrance and exit of Bat City and was preparing to launch a “fire attack” by pouring barrel after barrel of kerosene into the underground tunnels. Carrying out the fire attack in broad daylight meant that even if those ghost soldiers managed to escape, the Imperial Guard stationed at the exits would cut them down. Even if they somehow escaped the Imperial Guard, they would still be exposed to the sunlight and their bodies would catch fire and burn.

A guard hurried into the council chamber and reported the situation to White Wolf and Black Bear.

“General, this is bad! We’re surrounded by the Dragon Knight’s Imperial Guard and a large number of military and police forces. They’re preparing to pour barrel after barrel of kerosene into our city…”

White Wolf remained calm and said, “They intend to use a fire attack. I’ve decided to give up resisting, surrender to the princess, and save our brothers’ lives. Black Bear, what’s your decision?”

Black Bear lowered his head and remained silent for quite some time before finally saying quietly, “Better to live badly than die well. I don’t want to die here.”

White Wolf said, “Sumei, represent us and go outside to negotiate with them.”

The witch Sumei was the only suitable negotiator who could walk around during the daytime. She was an evolved vampire. In fact, no one knew that she had been recruited by Maria as an undercover agent. She had previously taken Dragon Blood Pills, which allowed her to move about during the day.

Sumei emerged from the underground city, and the guards escorted her to meet the Dragon Knight.

Sumei said, “White Wolf and I have persuaded them. They are willing to abandon the darkness, turn to the light, and submit to the princess.”

The Dragon Knight said, “Sumei, take this bag of Dragon Blood Pills back with you. Give each of them one pill. After half an hour, have them all come out and surrender.”

Sumei took the bag of Dragon Blood Pills and turned to leave.

Half an hour later, more than a hundred elderly and wounded remnants emerged one after another from the underground tunnels. Under the tight security of the Imperial Guard and the local military and police, they were escorted into prisoner transport vehicles. These ghost soldiers would be sent to the Paradise Hotel on Lake Lucerne and then taken to the Sky Castle for treatment and rehabilitation.

After Chen John and the others left the Monster Forest, the Monster Forest gradually disappeared into the thick fog. Yami and Colin waved goodbye to them. Lin Xiaoyang knew that Tanya had begun fulfilling her promise. From that point onward, there would no longer be any route into Netherworld Valley.

Everyone traveling with Chen John noticed what had happened, but apart from Chen John, no one understood how the Monster Forest could simply disappear into thin air.

After passing through the Limestone Forest Mountains, Chen John and the others received a report that Luwang, the leader of the Lizardmen, had learned from his scouts that David was coming. Luwang waited with his trusted subordinate Chocolate, Montana, and several other commanders at the entrance of a small lava cave, hoping to meet David, the young man with the Eastern appearance, in person.

When Chen John and the others arrived at the entrance of the small lava cave, Luwang and his men came forward to greet them.

Luwang extended his hand and showed his goodwill to Lang En. “Old Wolf Head, long time no see.”

Lang En said, “You old bug, what kind of hospitality is this? I thought you wanted to avoid me forever.”

Luwang gave an awkward smile. “I apologize for what happened earlier. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Luwang turned toward Lin Xiaoyang and Huang Minhua and cupped his hands. “Young warrior, you must be David. I’ve long heard of your reputation.”

Lin Xiaoyang said humbly, “It is better to resolve a grudge than to deepen it. We had no choice but to borrow your territory to pass through earlier.”

Luwang warmly shook Xiaoyang’s hand. “No hard feelings, David. I like your attitude.”

The two sides were now on friendly terms, and their previous hostility was completely put aside.

The group passed through Hell Valley and entered the territory of the wolf clan.

Chen John said to the companions, “Everyone, Xiaoyang and Minhua will part ways with us here. They won’t be coming back to the Paradise Hotel with us.”

Adono, Rona, and Keith were all surprised and confused. Keith was about to ask Xiaoyang why he had changed his mind, but Chen John stopped him with a glance.

Adono leaned close to Xiaoyang’s ear and said, “Boss, you really are a good man. I’ll miss you. You’re always welcome to come back to the Paradise Hotel.”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “Thank you. Please help Wilson take care of my grandfather, Huang Lihua.”

The three men each embraced Xiaoyang and his wife in farewell. Their reluctance to part was evident, and everything they felt was left unspoken.

When Lang En realized that Lin Xiaoyang and Huang Minhua did not intend to return with Chen John, his face lit up with delight.

Lang En took Xiaoyang’s hands and said, “David, you and your wife can stay here without worry. Although the place where we live can hardly be called a paradise, there’s absolutely none of the scheming and intrigue you find among humans.”

“Brother, then my wife and I will impose on you for a few days.”

Seeing the eagerness in Lang En’s eyes, Lin Xiaoyang could not bear to refuse him at that moment.

Inside the great hall of the Sky Castle, Princess Maria personally received the companions who had returned from the mission, but she did not see the “Sun Staff” that David and his wife were supposed to bring back.

Maria thought to herself, “David didn’t bring the Sun Staff back. Something may have changed. Could Tanya have persuaded David…?”

Maria shook hands with everyone and expressed her concern for the hardships Chen John and the others had endured on their journey, deliberately avoiding the subject of the mission for the time being.

After everyone present had left, Chen John returned to the council hall and briefly explained Lin Xiaoyang’s decision.

“Princess, David met Tanya, and it seems that Tanya persuaded him. He decided to let Tanya continue to safeguard the Sun Staff and return with Irene to Lang En’s wolf-clan settlement.”

After hearing this, tears began to glisten in Maria’s eyes. She held back her sorrow and asked, “Did David have anything else to say?”

Chen John said, “David asked me to convey one message to the princess: In this lifetime, please set Lin Xiaoyang and Huang Minhua free.”

Tears rolled down Maria’s delicate cheeks. She shook her head and sobbed, “David, I love you. Please forgive me for selfishly making this choice!”

Witnessing the scene, John was deeply moved by the tragic fate of these two lovers…