American variety show world begins with subduing Jason

"Of course!"

The girl waved her hand dismissively, her bright green eyes wide open.

"Let the big shots worry about those important matters; it's none of our business!"

Chapter 242 sequel, Gathering 2

The Caribbean Sea is filled with gentle waves, reflecting the warm autumn sun, lapping softly against this remote reef island just as it has for thousands of years.

After several groups of smugglers disappeared one after another, Ghost Island's reputation spread like wildfire. Superstitious fishermen and daring outlaws alike tried to stay away from the island, allowing it to return to its former tranquility.

In stark contrast to the gentle breezes and bright sunshine outside, the scene beneath the collapsed cave on the island is one of stark contrasts and harshness.

An invisible force expanded the small space, forming a hazy and illusory miniature world. Wisps of lightning danced in the swirling dark clouds, and howling winds whipped up towering waves that fiercely pounced on a dark shadow, revealing the owner's burning rage.

Even if dark clouds, lightning, raging winds, and towering waves are all illusions, under the control of a high-level being, a ten-thousand-ton ship can still be easily torn to pieces.

Under normal circumstances, the shadowy figure, presumably mindful of his status, would likely show some tolerance and be too lazy to argue with the other party.

But today he clearly lacked that patience!

A gigantic black python, seemingly capable of encircling the world, emerged. Its head, sprouting fleshy horns like those of a dragon, opened its mouth and inhaled. Instantly, the previously raging winds, clouds, and waves were all thrown into its gaping maw, unable to struggle against them.

"How dare you...!" The shrill female voice grew even angrier, and the illusory seawater condensed and compressed, transforming into a blue crystal-like trident, ready to shoot out and slay the dragon and snake!

"What do you dare? Calypso! Haven't you caused enough trouble, you arrogant and madwoman? Do you think your identity as the grandson of Poseidon and the daughter of Atlas can scare people?"

Open your eyes and look around! What era is this?!

"I've put up with you for far too long!" The shadowy figure clenched his teeth and cursed, unleashing all the pent-up resentment he had accumulated over time.

"What does your disappearance of your sacred essence have to do with me!"

The trident spun with light, pointing towards the dark figure with the imposing aura of a ruler of the seven seas, its surging energy vibrating the air.

"You think I'm taking my anger out on someone for no reason? I'm not that bored!"

A figure draped in a long, wave-like dress appeared from the void, emitting bursts of cold laughter.

"The person I want to hold accountable is some idiot who infiltrated the secret realm and dared to attack those mortals in his own clever way, only to be killed in the process!"

"Not only did we lose our avatars and carefully nurtured followers, but we also exposed the organization's weaknesses. Now, those humans have become alert and are searching the world for our traces!"

Her tone was full of resentment, "I was also forced to withdraw my avatar because of this, and the plan to take control of the Voodoo Cult was interrupted. The great situation collapsed instantly, and even the organization's future action plans had to be scrapped and rewritten. Shouldn't he be held responsible for this!"

"You..." The shadowy figure was speechless for a moment, trembling violently with anger. At their level, all pretense and embellishment were useless, and besides, his pride did not allow him to make excuses or justify himself.

He remained silent for a moment, then suddenly opened his palm, and a small, shimmering object flew over as if it had a spirit.

A wisp of water vapor rose like silk, hooked onto something, and disappeared into the long skirt of waves, instantly calming the raging wind and waves.

“My subordinates have found Madam Qing’s glasses. With them, you have seven of the nine divine essences. I will also try to help with the remaining two.”

Abandoning his plan to use this to manipulate the other party, the shadowy figure coldly said, "This was indeed a case of my oversight. Now, the urgent matter is how to clean up the mess!"

After calming his most crazed companion, he looked around and, noticing the few shadowy figures in the corner, said in a deep voice, "Now, in the name of the convener of the Shadows of the Past, I hereby suspend all operations. Everyone, please lie low to avoid being tracked down."

"And then what? Hide for a hundred years? This lesson should teach you that humans are not as weak as you think!" Having obtained what she wanted, the goddess of the ocean calmed down considerably, calmed the vast expanse of blue waves, and only uttered a slight sarcastic remark.

Ignoring her words, the shadowy figure continued to explain the arrangements.

“I have already had initial contact with that little bat and can see that he harbors a deep-seated hatred for the federal government. He could become a powerful pawn in a critical moment.”

He said coldly, "Human society is indeed stronger than us overall, but their most fatal flaw is selfishness, especially those corrupt upper-class elites. As long as we give them a push, they will be crushed by their own greed!"

"Besides, aren't there a few young people who refused our kind invitation? Let's quietly give them a push and let those ignorant little brats find something for humans to do!"

The shadowy figure touched the significantly reduced golden specks on its face and nodded to a murky ball of colored light beside it.

"Your Highness, another holy day is just around the corner. Are you confident that you have returned to your prime?"

"If there's no interference, it shouldn't be a big problem..." A strange old man's voice rang out, a mixture of shrill laughter, wailing, festive songs, and the crisp sound of bells.

"Alright, I will do my best to cooperate in the cover-up, and I hope we can succeed in one fell swoop."

……

……

Midnight is the time when yin energy is at its peak.

In the basement of Zhangji Antique Shop, Zhu Mingyao sat cross-legged in front of the bluestone altar, his head bowed and eyes downcast, a green dragon peach staff resting on his lap.

On the flat altar top, five piles of square-holed paper money of different colors were encircled by cinnabar talismans. Five hazy and indistinct ghostly figures floated on them, some drawing bows and nocking arrows, some leaning on spears and shields, some carrying hammers on their shoulders, and so on. They were a team of ghostly soldiers that he had consecrated.

This team of ten ghost soldiers were all cultivated by Zhang Shouzhong using the orthodox methods of Xuanmen, and further strengthened by him with materials. In essence, they far surpassed those wandering ghosts controlled by unorthodox sects. In the hands of a small-time Jianghu sorcerer, they would be sufficient to serve as guardian soldiers passed down through generations.

However, Zhu Mingyao encountered several extremely powerful enemies in succession. After a series of battles, less than a year later, only half of his troops remained, with a casualty rate comparable to the Verdun meat grinder.

If the ghost soldiers could still lend a hand and provide assistance in the past, their combat power seems to have fallen behind after he cultivated (added points) the [Maoshan Miscellaneous Yang Talisman Scripture] to its peak and greatly improved his skills.

With a spirit of diligence and thrift, and having just acquired a good material with the right attributes, Zhu Mingyao plans to upgrade and refine it again today.

He poured the fragment of the dark crystal he obtained after slaying the mysterious demon into a small bronze cauldron and used a magic incantation to cleanse the evil energy impurities contained within it.

As time passed, the black crystal gradually melted like ice, transforming into a pure and vast mass of death energy. Restricted by the magical artifact's restrictions, it resembled a fist-sized black crystal ball, rolling around inside the bronze cauldron and emitting a dim, cold light.

Chapter 243 Reforging the Five Ghosts, Setting Off Once Again

Seeing that the time was almost right, Zhu Mingyao silently channeled his profound energy, opened his mouth and exhaled, activating the system talent [Five Elements Harmony]. His true energy circulated throughout his heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys, transforming into wisps of five-colored energy that swirled around the five Yin soldiers.

At the same time, he picked up the peach cane and tapped it lightly:

“I have received the decree of the Master of Maoshan Mountain to summon Yao Bisong, one of the Five Ghosts of the Central Region, to stand before the altar and not linger.”

With a flash of light, a pile of yellow paper money on the altar spontaneously combusted without wind, and smoke mixed with sparks rose up, enveloping a phantom figure that began to writhe. After a moment, the translucent appearance of this plate-armored knight-like ghost soldier turned completely yellowish-brown, and a heavy and steady spiritual aura rose from its body.

...Summon the Five Ghosts of the North, Lin Jingzhong...the Five Ghosts of the West, Cai Ziliang...the Five Ghosts of the South, Zhang Zigui...the Five Ghosts of the East, Chen Guixian, to stand before the altar...

Zhu Mingyao chanted incantations and performed the rituals in sequence. Four piles of paper money—green, red, white, and black—burned, summoning the power of the five ghosts from the five directions. Combined with the five elements of true qi cultivated through his Yellow Court Heart Method, he transformed and strengthened the Yin soldiers one by one.

After a while, the smoke gradually thinned, and he picked up a white jade cup, took a sip of the offering wine, and spat it out.

With a soft "poof," droplets of wine fell like a gentle rain, carrying a refreshing aroma that dispersed the smoke and calmed the intense spiritual energy fluctuations—a perfect harmony of yin and yang, a transformation of water and fire.

A crimson, curved blade sliced ​​through the air, bringing with it a touch of heat.

Then, arrows gleaming with a cold, silvery light, spears covered in verdant patina, and a dripping, black katana were all stirred together. The hard wooden stake used for testing was instantly carbonized, pierced, rotted, and finally corroded into a puddle of mud.

Seeing the army's power increase significantly, Zhu Mingyao dared not be complacent. Just as a small pot cannot hold a large bucket of water, if the upper limit of the Yin spirits is not raised in time, the gathered spiritual energy of the five elements will gradually dissipate and eventually return to its original form.

After his soul stabilized, he flicked his finger to the side of the bronze cauldron. Amidst the clear and melodious sound, the newly formed Five Elements Spiritual Ghosts flew into the cauldron and began to absorb the pure death energy to solidify their own status.

After setting up the protective barrier, Zhu Mingyao carefully sealed a foot-long talisman on the lid of the bronze cauldron, allowing it to slowly transform. Then, he quietly slipped away.

The giant axe made from the feathered serpent's scales was too large and, being a divine weapon rather than a magic treasure, it lacked the ability to change size, making it difficult for ordinary people to use. The leaders of Hualian, along with the Yaksha ghost generals, took it away first, intending to melt it into one piece. Since they couldn't get it back immediately, these five ghosts were just the right thing to fill the gap in their powerful summoned creatures.

……

……

The sunshine at the end of October is like fine wine, having shed the scorching heat of summer and leaving only a warm and gentle feeling.

"So it turns out it's just the three of us? After all that fanfare you put on the invitation, I thought you were going to organize a whole tour group."

Zhu Mingyao handed his luggage to the female driver who was also his part-time bodyguard, and then got into the luxurious silver-blue RV.

"If you don't find it interesting, you don't have to come!" Madison, clutching a fashion magazine, lay barefoot on the sofa with her legs crossed, giving this unromantic guy a disdainful look.

At the birthday party the day before yesterday, Zhu Mingyao brazenly presented her with the demon eye that had been gouged out of the sorcerer's forehead as a gift, which almost made her lose her temper on the spot, and she is still furious.

“Michelle was on short notice to go to the Special Investigations Bureau headquarters for training, so there was nothing she could do about not being able to show up. Originally, several of her sorority companions were also coming with her.”

"But recently, the atmosphere between the authorities and various organizations has been quite tense. It's said that when representatives from the Holy Church and the Witcher Alliance went to New York to negotiate, they had a serious dispute with the government, which caused quite a stir. Many bilateral collaborations have been temporarily frozen, so they returned to New Orleans ahead of schedule," Zoe explained, sitting beside her.

"Didn't your two friends also stand you up?" the girl complained, pouting.

"Old Bai and Brother Qi Yue, for the same reason Zoe just mentioned, unlike me who is carefree, they have positions within the Chamber of Commerce. Now that there has been a sudden major disruption in the relationship between the government and various non-governmental organizations, they have rushed to headquarters to await further instructions," Zhu Mingyao replied with a shrug.

Some things in this world weigh nothing on a scale, but can weigh a thousand pounds if weighed.

Unlike his previous life, in this world, extraordinary powers manifest themselves. Besides lawful factions like the Church and its religions, there are also generous and chivalrous individuals like Eric the Blade.

No matter how much those powerful and wealthy families collude with cults, raise demons, and lead decadent and filthy lives in private, if they try to bring it into the open, it will still attract strong intervention.

The official authorities have actually used large-scale blood sacrifice to cultivate a dark anomaly of the [Crown Rank]. If this matter is well concealed, perhaps everyone can turn a blind eye due to the tyranny of the superpower and pretend that nothing happened.

But now that you've made it public knowledge, no one can continue to pretend they don't know. At the very least, the Holy Temple and the Witchers will definitely make some statement.

The former, whose mission is to protect humanity and fight against dark alien species, must at least say a few words to express their devout stance.

The latter group, such as the Wen brothers, mostly have a blood feud with evil creatures. You've put forward a vampire king, saying he's going to serve the Federation, but who can guarantee that he won't have a brain fart one day and wipe us out?

The reason why other forces joined in the commotion is also quite simple:

Everyone knows why you're secretly cultivating unparalleled experts. The principle of "the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked" applies everywhere. I'm afraid your next step is to recruit us, just like you did with those independent extraordinary individuals.

When this topic came up, both girls had gloomy expressions. As rising stars favored by the organization, they were well-qualified to know what the authorities were doing outside while everyone was exploring the secret realm.

The perverted vampire who had attacked several people has been promoted again with the help of the Federation. Such bad news is hardly something to be happy about.

"Of course I know that. I mean, didn't you invite anyone else?"

Madison rolled over, stretched out her delicate, lotus-root-like arm, scooped up a glass of cool, sweet and sour freshly squeezed orange juice from the small table, brought her red lips to the straw, and mumbled something indistinctly:

"Do you really think this is just a sightseeing trip? Have you forgotten what your girlfriend asked you to do? If the information she got is true, then this trip could be very dangerous for ordinary people."

Zhu Mingyao opened the bag at his feet, took out a stack of documents, shook it, picked out a hastily drawn sketch, looked at the grotesque figure with wings on its back that looked half human and half ghost, and clicked his tongue.

“I’ve looked at it carefully several times. In theory, the Special Investigation Bureau should be very certain that the combat team at the time had already eliminated the monster, and the results of the divination review also confirm this.”

“Michelle would be very angry if she heard your questioning. Her [future vision] has never made a mistake since it was awakened. If there were no substantial evidence, and the authorities were not in a tense situation with various organizations and were short-handed, they would not have asked us to investigate privately.”

Madison pouted, waving her slender, white fingers, standing up for her best friend.

...What's so great about this guy? He's just got nicer muscles, smells better, and is brave enough to stand in front of us when there's danger... She thought to herself, not even noticing when she emptied the juice glass she was holding.

Finding the girl's words reasonable, Zhu Mingyao readily nodded in agreement.

"Alright, let's study this further on the way. Whether that monster is still alive or not, we must put an end to this worry for her!"

Chapter 244 Travel, Investigation