Behind the bronze door of the ancient tomb.

All of the black paper ships on the crimson ocean spontaneously disintegrated. In the last instant of their existence, tremendous relief dawned on the spirit’s faces as they faded out of existence, along with their vessels.

Gone was the serene, otherworldly girl. In her place was a small ball of fire, quietly burning away. Lu Yun silently stood there for a very long time.

“So it’s hope.” He considered the fire. “Living souls create and nurture civilization through the guidance of hope.”

Only with hope could one see a light in the future and possess the motivation to move forward. With a heavy sigh, he tucked the fire away.

The Enneawyrm Coffinbearers and the Nine-Phoenix Casket rested quietly in hell, archaic, striking, and desolate. They faced the boundless darkness of the depths of the netherworld, guarding the patch of tranquility here.

“Nine-headed...