Everyone stood frozen, as if waking from a dream.
The awe of Black and White Impermanence's appearance slowly receded, replaced by a surge of fervent excitement.
They had doubted the existence of the underworld—even after seeing the three thousand ghost soldiers—but Black and White Impermanence were different. These were gods they had known of since childhood.
And by what they said… was there truly a City God in Huadu?
If that were true, then whoever could command Black and White Impermanence must wield unimaginable power.
More importantly… it seemed they stood on humanity's side.
Driven by this revelation, the crowd poured into the hospital.
Chen Yan's face was streaked with tears as he cradled his brother in his arms, his voice trembling.
"Hang in there, Bin! Just hold on! Director Chen and the others are almost here—you're going to make it, I swear!"
"Bin! Please!!"
He looked down at Chen Bin's pale face and fading eyes, and it felt like his own chest was about to explode from the pain.
He would rather it was him lying there instead.
He didn't care about the godlike presence that had just appeared—he only cared whether his brother would live.
Chen Yuxi stood silently by the window, the thrill of seeing Black and White Impermanence already fading.
Chen Bin's barely-breathing form weighed heavy on everyone's hearts.
Perhaps, the fate of a Ghostbinder had always been sealed from birth.
"Brother… take care of Grandma… take care of Huadu… it's our home…" Chen Bin's voice was almost inaudible, as if he were about to drift off forever.
"No! Don't say that!" Chen Yan's tears flowed without pause. "Let me handle the rest! Director Chen is coming! He'll bring the Ghost Doctor! He'll save you, right?! Right, Director Chen?!"
Chen Yuxi knelt beside them, brows furrowed. He wanted to promise—but how could he?
A Ghostbinder who burns their ghost power… was one who burns through their life. Even the top Ghost Doctor from the Imperial Capital couldn't reverse that fate.
Seeing Chen Yuxi fall silent, Chen Yan's eyes grew bloodshot.
"I haven't… taken Grandma to light incense for the City God yet…" Chen Bin murmured softly, as if seeing their grandmother's kind face one last time.
Even the hardened veterans around them felt their eyes sting.
He was still just a child. Someone was waiting for him to come home.
And then—Buzz—!!
A soft, golden light suddenly burst from the talisman hanging on Chen Bin's neck.
In an instant—
The cold, sinister air left behind by the Fragment Ghost was swept away.
In its place came a sense of sanctity—indescribable, pure, divine.
In that moment of stillness...
A figure cloaked entirely in golden light slowly took form.
Bathed in radiance, his face could not be seen clearly—but his mere presence brought inexplicable peace.
It felt like—as long as he was here—even in this era of vengeful ghosts rising, there would still be light. There would still be hope.
He wore ancient robes and a ceremonial crown, his long hair falling like silk. Though his features remained indistinct, his aura commanded reverence.
"The Chen family, three generations of valor. Rich in merit, life not yet due to end."
His voice was calm and gentle, filled with profound authority. He walked forward without touching the ground.
Raising one slender hand, he extended a single glowing finger.
A halo of divine light fell.
The power it contained was righteous and awe-inspiring, holy and unshakable.
A breath of sandalwood filled the air.
Like mist, it swirled gently into Chen Bin's body.
The deathly shadow looming over his forehead began to fade.
The light seeped into him, as if being absorbed into his soul.
His once-pale face regained its color, and the wounds on his body began to visibly heal. Even his ghost eyes began to glow once again…
"This is…?" Chen Yuxi's mouth hung open.
He couldn't believe what he was seeing. It shattered everything he thought he knew.
Ten years ago, his best friend had died from burning his ghost power.
And the Ghost Doctor—the best in all of Huaxia, even the world—had said this clearly: once the ghost power burns, unless a god intervenes, there is no saving them.
And yet—this…
Chen Yan was completely dumbfounded. He knew better than anyone how close to death his brother had been.
People often said someone had "a thread of breath left." That was generous. Chen Bin barely had half a breath.
But now? This mysterious figure spoke of "unfinished lifespan"… and brought him back?
Was this… fighting with the King of Hell over a soul?
"The human world has long been sullied. But such pure-hearted children, such kind families, should not suffer."
The man's voice was as gentle as a breeze. Even the most short-tempered of men would feel calm in his presence.
Before anyone could fully react, the golden light flared.
Sandalwood filled the air.
His form faded, vanishing like mist.
Everyone stared at the place where he had stood, expressions filled with awe.
And then, as if possessed by the same thought, a single name echoed in all their minds:
"The City God!"