Chapter 131: Conversation of the Hidden and the Future

"I wish to make a trade with you."

The text on the screen paused for a moment, followed closely by: "Regrettably, however, I do not possess the secret lore or data you desire.

I merely have some worldly wealth and a few personal connections.

If you require them, or if you find my meager resources acceptable,

I am more than willing to trade with you." —— Albino.

He looked at the words on the screen, touching his chin as curiosity stirred within him.

He actually had a rough idea of who was on the other end.

On the very first day these users logged into the forum, Chen Qing had used a Trojan horse to steal some of their login information.

Such as text messages and contact lists.

And through these contents, he had formed a general impression of the person behind the screen.

Her claim of possessing worldly wealth was not false; those medical bills amounting to hundreds of thousands every month were the best proof.

Those medications laced with cocaine and ephedrine were inherently symbols of money and capital.

After thinking for a moment, he nodded in front of the screen.

"I have a use for this trade."

He said softly, tapping the words onto the keyboard.

"Very well. I can impart a portion of the information you wish to know.

At the same time, I require 'information' and money as compensation."

This was a private chat, and in less than two seconds, a reply came from the other side.

"Information? Sir, I'm afraid the information you require... is not something I can provide."

Chen Qing frowned slightly. Sir?

It seemed these users had also communicated privately.

"Would you care to listen first?"

On the other side of the screen, a girl whose complexion was as pale as paper coughed heavily twice.

"Very well. Of course, Sir."

"First: I need recent rumors and news articles concerning the keyword 'Slit-Mouthed Woman'.

Second: I need recent rumors and informational data concerning the keyword 'Skin-Stealer'.

Regarding these two topics, whether they are videos, text, or music,

I hope you can gather as much of it as possible for me. This is merely simple physical labor, and I believe you can accomplish it.

Or at least have someone else do it."

She looked at the words on the screen and nodded slightly.

Yes, this was indeed effortless.

"Third, I require a certain amount of funds. The funds will depend on what questions you ask and what information you need. Now, it's your turn."

Gazing at the words on the screen, she tilted her head back and drank a bottle of cough syrup from beside her. Enduring the pain in her chest, her fingertips landed on the keyboard.

She tapped gently, but her typing grew faster and faster.

Word by word, she typed and deleted, deleted and typed, repeating a single sentence over a dozen times before finally editing it into one sentence and sending it out.

"What can an Awakened achieve?"

"What can they achieve? Quite a lot. What is it you wish to ask?"

"Superman-like strength? Physical functions far surpassing ordinary society, and all kinds of incredible abilities."

"Two hundred thousand."

"Deal."

"Yes, everything you mentioned is true.

You might perhaps..."

Chen Qing hesitated for a moment, turned his head to glance at Bu Zhaozhao by the window, where she was propping up her head and gazing out at the street.

"You can look into the superpower projects of the 1980s.

Perhaps the accounts sound like sheer fantasy, but I can assure you with certainty:

An Awakened can accomplish all of that."

"An Awakened... Is touching upon extraordinary power all it takes?"

"Fifty thousand."

The young woman's expression turned solemn, as if she were contemplating various possibilities.

"Up to two million, I will agree to any sum you propose.

Please answer directly."

Watching this, Chen Qing chuckled happily.

"An Investigator. Perhaps they are only half a step stronger than ordinary people, or perhaps half a step weaker.

Some possess heaven-reaching abilities, while others are frail and pathetic.

Investigator, the collective term for these extraordinary individuals, merely represents a possibility."

"I have heard that Awakened... no.

An Investigator's power originates from those ghosts and spirits."

"Heh... Someone manipulates souls, but that doesn't mean everyone is keen on using that.

To be honest, the value of this question will be very, very high.

Think carefully about whether you want me to answer."

The young woman looked at the words on the screen, a rare flush of color appearing on her pale face.

"Please proceed."

"Ex-artifacts—grudge—emotion—death—corpses.

Everything associated with the ominous, disasters that ordinary people shun, is the source of an Investigator's power.

I once told you that gods exist.

Then I can tell you that the gods are dead, and the corpses of gods may well be the coveted goal of many Investigators.

Every single taboo and curse passed down in stories represents a step upward for an Investigator."

He finished typing in one breath, a sharp glint in his eyes. He looked at Bu Zhaozhao's back and inputted the remaining words.

"And the Backrooms—are places that gather the remains of gods, curses, corpses, malevolent spirits, hatred, and taboos.

In those myriads of Backrooms, taboos cover the ground.

He who steps beyond taboos becomes an Investigator."

As she looked at the text, a trace of fresh blood trickled from the corner of her lips.

"That's right... that's right!"

She clenched her teeth, terrified that her voice might carry outward.

"I've searched for so many people... and finally found... real extraordinary power..."

She suddenly smiled: "Called an Investigator.

I've finally made contact with a true Investigator.

This money was well spent."

She said softly, inquiring of [Thousand-Faced Man].

"How much for this piece of information?"

"Two million nine hundred thousand."

"Quite reasonable."

She continued: "I hope to acquire more information from your side, but my current working capital is not abundant. May I owe you for one?"

"If it's not in addition to the previous ones—

Very well."

"An Ex-artifact—can it grant someone a intense pleasure that surpasses what the neural center can naturally provide?"

He fell silent for a moment and tapped out two words.

"Yes. Far more effective than any drug in the world."

"Do you know my situation?"

"I have seen many addicts, but an addict would not remain this calm, nor seek information in a false world in this manner.

You are not one, which leaves only one kind of person who requires such intense pleasure."

The young woman blushed deeply, brushing away the blood slipping from the corner of her mouth with a casual swipe of her hand.

She was thrilled; she had never felt her life to be so bright.

The person on the other side of the screen, the one called Thousand-Faced Man—the more sophisticated and intelligent he was,

The more it proved that she had not stumbled upon a charlatan this time.

"Ex-artifacts, for those whose mental strength is insufficient, will destroy the sanity of the bearer.

That illusory sense of fulfillment is enough to plunge every victim deep into its abyss."

"If my mental strength is able to sustain..." She paused for a moment.

"Is there a charge, Sir?"

"This one is free."

Chuckling, he typed: "If you can control it, then congratulations, you have stepped through the gates of another world.

Right, here is some supplementary information.

In the suburbs of Jiangnan and Lingnan, there is a desolate mountain—and upon it lies a pauper's grave.

Two months from now.

On the day of the Ghost Festival.

There is a Backroom that will lose its entry rules and taboos.

On that day, anyone can enter this Backroom directly."