Chapter 125: The Witch of the Cocoon

More and more people are rushing into this carriage; it feels like a noisy auction house.

You sweep your Spirit Sight over the items, and many of them radiate an extremely thick aura of Aspects!

When you were still a Night Watchman, you had heard that many wealthy merchants would hold a large-scale auction and trade fair in District 8 of the New Capital during the month of December. Those traveling merchants would auction off many precious treasures!

Standing here now, you can feel that the treasures being sold in this carriage are definitely superior to those of the merchant-organized trade fairs. Many of the items sold here emit a powerful aura of Aspects!

You prick up your ears, eavesdropping on the situation on the train; many people have not yet arrived.

As your game character enters the carriage, a mini-map appears on the game interface. Within the entire trade center, the area is divided into multiple sections based on Aspects. Up ahead, there is a trade point for the Lantern Aspect. Chen Qi maneuvers his character toward that Lantern Aspect trade point.

You walk quickly forward and arrive at a trading booth.

This is a rather crude stall. In front of you, you see an ailing craftsman; you can see lantern-like spores on his shoulders.

You cannot view his level, but you can still view some of his panels. Chen Qi checks the panel.

Lantern Craftsman:
Aspects: Forge, Lantern, Grail (You can sense a hint of the madness of the Grail Aspect mixed within him).
Introduction: A lantern craftsman from District 8 of the New Capital. Clearly, he is suffering from a very serious illness and is in urgent need of treatment. For this reason, he is willing to sell his treasures at a low price!

Seeing a fellow Lantern-aspected individual arrive, the Lantern Craftsman’s eyes light up, and he leans in toward you:
"Sir, what I have left here are all fine goods of the Lantern Aspect! Only we of the Lantern Aspect can equip them. There aren't many people here yet; if you miss this opportunity, you won't find them anywhere else!"

You scan the look in his eyes; he seems extremely desperate!

Seeing your hesitation, he pleads again.

The Lantern Craftsman begs once more:
"I need money! I need to go find that witch for surgery, and I'm still short on funds! That witch’s surgical fees are simply too expensive! Sir, take a look, my items are much cheaper than theirs. These are the best things I have obtained in my life."

A witch performing surgery?

He ponders this. It seems the craftsman is selling his belongings due to an urgent need for money. He is in need of exclusive items for the Lantern Aspect. Hopefully, the man won't charge too much.

Do you wish to inspect the Lantern Craftsman's items?

Yes.

Chen Qi looks at the text with curiosity.

Just then, a conductor passes by you, glares at the Lantern Craftsman, and warns him not to engage in any fraudulent activities.

The conductor, Zhi, once told you that if anyone dares to deceive you on the train, you can call the conductors at any time.

Thanks to his invitation, he doesn't have to worry about anyone scamming him for now.

Chen Qi examines the items the craftsman is selling one by one. The Lantern Craftsman is selling three items.

One is a Lantern-forged iron hammer, used for crafting weapons, though unfortunately, only those with the Forge Aspect can equip it. Then there is a garment that increases inspiration and defense, priced at 3 Day-Coins, but overall, its effects are not as good as the Cloak of the Mistwalker he is currently wearing.

Chen Qi looks at the final item, and his eyes light up.

Lantern-Fire Bow:
Aspects: Lantern, Scale
Description: A bow belonging to an Abyssal Hunter. Observing closely, you can sense a tracking eye upon it, an eye that will hunt down all things that crawl in the darkness!
Status: Severely Damaged (It is covered in scars and must be repaired)
Equipment Requirements: Strength 30, Inspiration 50, Aspect of Lantern or Scale.
Effect: It can consume 1 point of Spirit Power or the power of a Lantern-stone to fire arrows formed from Spirit Power, dealing 10 damage.
Skill:
Radiant Mark: Consumes 3 points of Spirit Power. The arrows you fire will mark the enemy. Marked enemies will be tracked by subsequent arrows and will enter a "Spirit Vulnerability" state, taking an additional 20% damage from Spirit-based attacks.
(Note: Due to the severe damage, some of this weapon's skills require repair before their full power can be unleashed.)

Chen Qi scans the weapon, feeling a surge of joy. Tracking arrows and a vulnerability debuff—this is quite a decent ranged weapon. He basically meets the equipment requirements. With the Blood-Blade Meal Fruit, learning archery skills will also be easier. Even if it is damaged, the weapon is barely usable. If it can be repaired, the weapon's power should jump up by another major tier!

You stroke and examine the weapon carefully.

The Lantern Craftsman can tell you are a traveler of the Lantern Aspect and keeps praising the weapon.

You think for a moment.

Seeing your thoughtful expression, the Lantern Craftsman expresses that he is truly in dire need of money and must raise enough funds. He offers to sell you the weapon for only 10 Day-Coins!

10 Day-Coins, huh...

After negotiating the price several times, Chen Qi finally settles on 8 Day-Coins. The weapon is now his.

After hesitating for a moment, you purchase the bow with 8 Day-Coins.

"Thank you for your patronage, sir. Believe me, I dug this up from a grave in the depths of the abyss; it is absolutely rare!" The Lantern Craftsman accepts the money and thanks you sincerely.

After you finish purchasing the items, the sweat on the Lantern Craftsman's face decreases significantly. He tells you that the doctor he is trying to hire is the very same one who performed surgery on that treasure hunter, Kano! Only her superb skills can handle the illness he is suffering from!

That doctor is in high demand; if he is even a little late, he might not be able to get an appointment, as he can only stay on the train for two days.

A doctor, is it...

This reminds Chen Qi of the Little Ghost. He wonders how this doctor on the train compares to her.

Suddenly, a line of crimson text pops up!

Behind you, you sense an icy chill.

Someone has approached you!

You exhale and slowly turn around. A two-meter-tall woman appears before you!

Do you observe her?

Approaching me without a sound?

Chen Qi exhales and chooses to observe.

This is a tall woman wearing white goggles on her head and a white trench coat. Her entire being exudes an air of mystery and elegance. She carries a case full of surgical tools, and several pouches are wrapped around her waist, filled with various syringes, medicines, and bandages.

You realize this is a doctor...

The Train Doctor is scrutinizing you!

Chen Qi clicks on "Train Doctor."

Train Doctor:
Description: The most renowned doctor on the Weaving Train. You can faintly sense a trace of a witch's aura about her.

A witch's aura... Is this person also a witch from District 8 of the New Capital?

"Lady Cocoon Witch, I heard of your reputation back in District 8 of the New Capital! Your medical skills can even cure the Rock-Sickness. Please, I beg you to treat my heart-sickness!" The Lantern Craftsman shouts, handing all his Day-Coins to her! He believes the Cocoon Witch can surely cure him!

The Train Doctor puts away the Day-Coins and gives a gentle smile:
"Treating Lantern-Sickness? No problem. This money is just enough. Please wait for me in the surgical carriage; I will come after I finish my business."

The Lantern Craftsman rushes excitedly toward the surgical carriage!

Following this, the Train Doctor stares intently at you.

Staring intently at me?

Chen Qi is taken aback.

You display a "What are you looking at?" expression!

The Train Doctor speaks gently:
"Apologies, I just feel you are somewhat special. Traveler, you carry a trace of the scent of flowers, and, hmm, the scent of that old crow hag. Have you been to the Catastrophe Messenger Tower recently? You are a Herb Gatherer... no, this is the aura of a Night Watchman; I am certain of it. It is a miracle for a Night Watchman to appear in this place; it really makes one want to take another look. Judging by your skin, you are not very old... You have been taking some potions from the Potion Tower recently. Night Watchman, your recent journey has been quite eventful."

Chen Qi is stunned. This person's observation skills are incredibly sharp. Even with the Cloak of the Mistwalker, she was able to deduce his identity by identifying his scent.

The Train Doctor puts a hand to her mouth, appearing very interested in you:
"A Night Watchman from the Black River Prison. With just a little bit of money for a surgery, you could be reborn. You would possess a brand-new, perfect body—a physique that surpasses the limits of a Night Watchman, much like the legendary Death Corps: toned muscles, a handsome face, and a Heart of the Lantern that no longer feels lost. Night Watchman, are you interested in a full-body check-up?"

The two-meter-tall Train Doctor leans over and extends a hand toward you.

You grip your long blade and step back.

Chen Qi looks at the game; the situation has changed.

Suddenly, another line of crimson text pops up!

You faintly feel that there is a monster crawling on this carriage.