Chapter 78: The Little Ghost Bound by Shackles

At this hour, was that the sparse voice of a woman in the darkness? Having already faced the shadow beasts, Chen Qi was confident that the ghostly women from horror films could no longer frighten him.

Or at least, they shouldn’t be able to…

He muttered this reassurance to himself once more as he glanced toward the text.

[You have the Lantern Fox turn around and look behind.]

[You take a deep breath, but see no one…]

This…

A drop of cold sweat lingered on Chen Qi’s brow.

Suddenly, a new line appeared.

["Cellmate, cellmate, I'm here, down here!"

A small voice called from below.]

[You grip your long blade and look down.]

[Looking down, you see a little figure just over a meter tall, bouncing up and down, looking up at you seated atop the Lantern Fox and greeting you.]

[On her head is a white cloth bag, with two black circles drawn upon it, tightly obscuring her true face.]

[She is trying to catch your attention.]

[In her tiny paw, reminiscent of a beckoning cat, she holds a Proof of Sin, inscribed with "Major Crime No. 3, Little Ghost".]

[Though the shackles on her wrists have vanished, you are certain this is a sinner.]

[She greets you with her Proof of Sin—will you show yours in return?]

A figure wearing a white cloth bag…

Chen Qi steeled himself. Anyone encountered in the Land of Scattered Light must be treated with utmost caution.

He could check the panel.

[Little Ghost (title)

Nature: Flower Cup

Level: 13 (Heart severely damaged, under heavy constraint.)

Attributes:

Health: 10/10

Strength: 5

Agility: 50

Inspiration: 40

Spiritual Power: 20/??? (suppressed)]

Little Ghost—what a peculiar title…

This was the highest-leveled sinner Chen Qi had seen, with multiple suppressions indicated. Moreover, she was the first full-health sinner he’d encountered, and her agility was astonishingly high!

No matter her stature or bouncy demeanor, caution could not be relaxed.

Yes, he would show his Proof of Sin.

[You reveal your Proof of Sin, pretending to be a “sinner” as well.]

[At the same time, you grip the cloth-wrapped hilt of your blade.]

[Little Ghost sees the coldness in your gaze, shudders, and retreats a few steps.]

["Cellmate, don't, please! We can cooperate, and I have information! Trust me, the Kin-Eater cannot help us."]

Little Ghost is frightened by the icy light in your eyes, and instantly steps farther back.

Cellmate? Does she think I’m a sinner too?

Information?

Perhaps she could be useful… Chen Qi exhaled and read on.

[Little Ghost says she has intelligence regarding the Kin-Eater’s schemes, and a plan.]

[But first, could you light a fire?

Little Ghost places her hands together in prayer.]

[The moment daylight faded, the world was shrouded in darkness; only the distant tower’s beacon gave the faintest glimmer.]

[In this blackness, you can sense the whispers of dark creatures.]

According to the map of the Land of Scattered Light, it was best to light a fire at night, lest one suffer continuous mental damage and attract creatures known as Shadow Monsters.

However, Chen Qi possessed the Blessing of the Morning Star, greatly increasing his resistance in the night, allowing him to ignore the mental harm.

Still, to guard against Shadow Monsters, it was best to light a fire.

Before reaching the true treasure, conserving strength was wise.

But just then, a new text appeared.

[The Lantern Fox is also afraid of the dark; its ears twitch, and it asks if you can light a lamp.]

The Lantern Fox had a small lantern around its neck, perfect for brief camping in the wild.

Chen Qi found a hidden place to rest.

[You ride the Lantern Fox and find a secluded ruined wall outside the city.]

[At your command, the Lantern Fox assumes a resting pose, and the little lantern on its neck glows like a bonfire.]

[With the light, both of you can see each other’s faces clearly.]

[Little Ghost gives a surprised gasp.]

[She senses that you are like her, bearing the aura of the prison, and are also a sinner free from shackles, one who resists the Kin-Eater’s temptations—a strong sinner!]

[Little Ghost looks at you with admiration, seeing you as a savior.]

Kin-Eater…

Chen Qi recalled that, according to the information, the Kin-Eater was the mastermind behind this operation.

Not all sinners trusted the Kin-Eater.

[You do your best to conceal your expression beneath the Night Wanderer’s cloak, scrutinizing her and remaining alert.]

[Seeing you astride the imposing Lantern Fox, the black circles on her bag betray a hint of awe!]

Chen Qi chose to ask her for information.

[You dismount from the Lantern Fox and inquire about her intelligence.]

[Little Ghost sits up straight, ready to tell you what she knows.]

To evade the Hunters of the Prison, she had to follow the instructions in the letter and head for Mist City.

Yet she discovered something astonishing: many people had already settled there, preparing to rekindle the tower’s beacon!

[As she spoke, Little Ghost tugged at her white cloth bag, trying to appear as serious as possible, her voice rising.]

But—

According to her intelligence, the Kin-Eater’s true objective was not to gather them, nor to avenge Black River Prison!

[The Kin-Eater had meticulously planned this event to use these sinners, seeking the treasure of Mist City—and the core of the Hunters themselves!

As for the fates of the sinners, those people cared not at all!]

[She knew that, like other sinners, if she pinned all hope on the Kin-Eater’s group, she would only end up as their nourishment.]

[Little Ghost’s tone grew even more grave. She told you that, after observing the city, she found those people were striving to open a great door, searching everywhere for something!]

As expected, their gathering here was driven by greed for the treasure of Mist City.

They did not hesitate to oppose the Hunters; such commotion was no small matter.

Chen Qi continued reading.

[Little Ghost looks to you, expecting a shocked reaction!]

[Please make your choice.]

[One, show a curious look, signaling her to continue.

Two, remain silent, using your presence to urge her onward.]

Hmm, what an odd set of choices… Option two, then.

[You let a cold gleam show in your eyes, urging her to speak quickly.]

[Little Ghost leans back, impressed by the strength she saw in you at first glance, sensing you are leagues above the others.]

[Seeing your expression, Little Ghost can’t help but admire you, recognizing you as a powerful sinner like herself.]

[The murderous aura from your blade at your waist is palpable! Beneath the black hat, your features are striking and mysterious!]

[Your seated posture is so graceful, so full of poise!]

[Even the Lantern Fox beneath you looks so majestic and domineering!]

Chen Qi was taken aback—how did Little Ghost suddenly start praising him?

[The Lantern Fox, hearing someone compliment it, happily wagged its tail…]

Chen Qi realized that the person before him now needed something from him.

[Little Ghost placed a hand over her chest, expressing that those people were not to be trusted, and that the only way to escape the Hunters was to rely on oneself!]

[Immediately, Little Ghost proposed a trade.]

A trade… So this little one finally revealed her intentions.

Chen Qi pondered, but listening could do no harm.

In Mist City, even a brief, fragile alliance could serve some purpose.

(End of Chapter)