The whole weird world is waiting for me to go to heaven

Chapter 1021 Forced Consumption
But Liu Sheng and Qiao Yu don't have time to exchange more information right now.

Not far ahead, Zheng Wanshou was still silently watching them through the smoke and dust.

So they followed them into the "Route 144 Night Market".

As soon as you pass through the archway, the dust and smoke instantly dissipate.

In front of us is a street full of snacks.

Although the air was filled with the aroma of food, it was deserted and quiet; not a single shout could be heard.

If it weren't for the fact that you could vaguely see a figure sitting inside through the window and curtain, you would almost think there was no shopkeeper at all.

However, the silhouette was outside the light, pitch black, with only the face seemingly following them.

Seeing such a sight, how could an ordinary person dare to go in?

However, according to the management regulations—

[Customers must make at least one purchase before entering the store. For a better experience, please do not browse aimlessly for more than 144 seconds.]

"Have you thought of something?"

Zhang Anna took the initiative to come closer, and a faint rose fragrance wafted over, even stronger than the smell of the barbecue stall in the distance.

Liu Sheng took a step back without making a sound.

"I'm just thinking about how many seconds we've been in here."

"We've just come in, there's no need to rush," Zhang Anna said with a half-smile. "Besides... do we really have to follow those rules exactly?"

Liu Sheng did not speak.

Zheng Wanshou, who had been keeping an eye on them, slowly walked over, leaning on his cane, the copper coins hanging from it jingling.

He had put his sunglasses back on, so his expression was not visible.

"I wonder if Miss Liu has any thoughts on this?"

“I just think we should follow the rules first,” Liu Sheng said. “You should have also learned that the laws of the Mysterious Realm are powerful. If you haven’t figured out the strength of this Mysterious Realm yet, forcibly breaking it with force will probably only provoke a stronger resistance.”

“That makes sense.” Zheng Wanshou nodded.

“Besides, 144 seconds is two minutes, so you should have passed 32 seconds by now.” Liu Sheng looked at Zhang Anna, then at Zheng Wanshou, “You’ve passed 28 seconds.”

“How did you know? I didn’t see you looking at your watch.” Anna Zhang blinked.

"Mental calculation," Liu Sheng said calmly. "None of that matters. The key is that you should make your choice."

"Although the regulations state that you only need to make a purchase once, as you can see, there are all kinds of shops around. I believe that everyone who frequently enters and exits the Ghost Realm understands that it is impossible for all of these shops to be safe."

"So whether you choose barbecue, oden, or congee... that's up to you."

The three places Liu Sheng mentioned were all the closest to the entrance.

In terms of time, everyone only has enough time to make a choice among these three companies.

First, you have to go to the door and take a look.

Looking through the transparent air conditioning curtain at the entrance of the barbecue restaurant, although the inside was filled with smoke from the blazing fire, you could see that there was only a table and three stools inside.

Then look at the oden next to it.

This is a small cart with a canopy and two stools.

Behind the small counter was the oden stove, bubbling away, with many wooden skewers on it. The ingredients were all soaking in a thick, dark broth, making it impossible to see what they were, but you could smell an overwhelmingly fragrant aroma that made your mouth water.

The shop owner's face was in shadow.

A hoarse voice rang out: "How about it? Want to eat oden? Hurry up, the shop is small and only has two seats."

At this moment, someone else spoke up from the other side:

"Don't listen to him! Come here! We have the best clay pot congee! Freshly killed and cooked, no pre-made dishes! Unlike this oden, which has been cooking for who knows how many millennia."

Looking in the direction of the sound, I saw a plump old woman standing at the door soliciting customers; inside was a congee shop.

Her apron was bright red, and she used it to wipe her hands, which only made her hands redder the more she wiped them.

He managed to force a harmless smile onto his face.

"Come on, come on! We don't have many seats left. Two guests have already come in, so there are only two seats left!"

As everyone looked, they saw two figures dressed in Taoist robes inside. The plastic curtains were old and yellowed, and the steam made it difficult to see their faces, but they could tell that it was Huo Shu and Sun Yiying.

Seemingly noticing everyone's gaze, they raised their hands and waved, as if inviting everyone to come in.

This is a bit of a problem.

Anyone could see that these companies definitely had some problems, and if they looked further away, they might miss the window of opportunity.

Zhang Anna had originally thought that she could rely on her cultivation to get through this period of time and walk a few more steps to see what was going on, but the surroundings were getting darker and darker, and she could no longer see the shops in the distance.

Only these three companies remain.

It's like being under a spotlight.

Something seemed to be slowly emerging from the darkness. A gust of cold wind blew by, lifting her snow-white Taoist robe and raising goosebumps.

The older woman, with her deep gaze and a wide, round face, was all smiles.
"It seems this beautiful lady doesn't have much time left..."

The sound traveled through the wind, sounding particularly cold.

Zhang Anna felt another chill creep up her spine.

Seeing the two figures eating inside the shop from behind, I gritted my teeth and wanted to go inside.

Since they are alright, they must be safe.

She was so focused on rushing toward the plastic curtain that she didn't notice the old lady next to her grinning from ear to ear.

However, just as she was about to touch the curtain, her hand burned and she hissed in pain.

When I opened my palm, only a small clump of ashes remained.

The skin was also burned off.

However, for Zhang Anna, it was actually a blessing in disguise.

Because she almost actually stepped inside.

Now protected by the Taiyi Life-Protecting Talisman, she looked again into the plastic curtain—

Is there anyone else there?

They were just two paper figures.

The so-called Taoist robe was just a rough patch of indigo paint. His pale face was unpainted, and his dark eyes stared straight at Zhang Anna. His scarlet lips curved into a strange and huge arc.

The thin paper hand was swaying gently in the wind that seemed to come from nowhere, as if beckoning.

How could Zhang Anna not know that something was wrong in this situation?

Quickly back away.

Only then did I notice the smile on the old woman's face, which was exactly the same as the paper figure inside!
The torn edges of the paper revealed the molars.

He even asked in a friendly tone, "What? Don't you like congee?"

Anna Zhang did not answer.

The other person's already strained smile became even more unsightly.

"You're out of time, aren't you going in?"

"Do you think you're still alive?!"

"answer me!"

The darkness tightened, enveloping Zhang Anna completely.

Hands and heads reached out from the darkness, trying to pull her in, but Zhang Anna was still protected by the Taiyi Life-Protecting Talisman. Upon contact, a burst of lightning and thunder crackled, and the darkness instantly receded.

The old woman also looked wary and took a step back without making a sound.

The streets were once again illuminated by lights.

This means that Anna Zhang has more options now.

However, she knew her time was running out; although she hadn't specifically calculated it, it was definitely close to exceeding 144 seconds.

She had initially thought she could withstand the attack with her skills and cultivation, but now she realized that this strange place was beyond her current capabilities.

The girl named "Liu Sheng" was right.

At this stage, the priority is to follow the rules first, and then see how to break the deadlock.

Oh, right! Where's that girl?
As soon as Zhang Anna had this thought, she turned her gaze and saw the girl and the senior sister named "Qiao Yu" leading a big yellow dog into a barbecue restaurant not far away.

Without thinking, I chased after him.

Before darkness completely blocked all her paths.

She rushed into the transparent plastic curtain at the last moment.

The chill behind her was blocked, so she didn't dare to turn around. But from the way the two girls looked at her, she could tell that there was definitely something bad behind her.

However, the plastic curtain acted like an impenetrable wall, blocking everything out. Only after the barbecue restaurant owner waved his hand impatiently did the chilling atmosphere slowly dissipate.

However, there was another oppressive force looming ahead.

The boss stood up, his buzz cut reaching all the way to the low ceiling. His tall figure was like a giant mountain, completely blocking out the light and creating a strong sense of oppression.

"Don't bring in anything unclean, or it will interfere with my hygiene inspection."

Zhang Anna raised her eyebrows, wanting to say what it had to do with her, and that she didn't want it to be!
However, noticing Liu Sheng narrowed his eyes, as if reminding her of something, and seeing the shopkeeper sharpening his knife with a sharpening sound, she quickly realized: Be civilized and polite.

"Yes, I'm sorry, it won't happen again."

Only then did the boss calm down a little.

He also tossed a greasy menu in front of her.

"Sit down quickly and order whatever you want to eat."

Zhang Anna quickly pulled up a stool and sat down next to Liu Sheng.

How did you come up with the idea of ​​coming here?

Liu Sheng and Qiao Yu exchanged a glance.

He pointed to Xiaotian, who was sticking out his tongue and drooling as he looked at the boss.

"She chose it."

"A dog?" Anna Zhang was shocked.

"Her name is Xiaotian."

Xiaotian immediately raised his dog head proudly.

However, his eyes were still glaring towards the boss, and there was a hint of drool at the corner of his mouth.

Perhaps it was because the stare was too intense.

The shopkeeper scoffed and tossed over a piece that looked like a liver, which Xiaotian caught in one bite, popped into his mouth, and chewed with great relish.

"Thank you, boss," Liu Sheng said immediately.

"Hmph, look at you, you know what's good for you, I'll give it to you for free."

The word "free" sparked an idea in the three of them.

"Do we have money?" Zhang Anna asked quietly.

Before Liu Sheng could answer, the boss immediately looked up warily and said with a cold smile:

"Freeloaders are not welcome here."

"Of course we won't eat for free, but may I ask what currency you use here?"

Perhaps because Liu Sheng had been so respectful, the shopkeeper was still willing to answer, though he said coldly:
“I don’t understand what ‘money’ means; that’s all the fancy stuff you outsiders use. But I do know what ‘equivalent exchange’ means.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a cleaver slammed down on the cutting board.

"Alright, have you decided? What do you want to eat?"

Clearly, he wouldn't answer anymore.

Looking at the menu, it's all meat dishes; there are no vegetables at all.

Furthermore, the description of the meat didn't specify what kind of animal it was; it just listed various parts, which made one's heart clench.

What it means is self-evident.

Anna Zhang felt a chill run down her spine.

Did I really make the right choice?
As the boss approached, a cold glint flashed in his hand, and darkness pressed down on the three of them.

"Have you thought about it?"

Zhang Anna had realized that the rules written at the entrance probably made sense, and she kept pondering them.

[Make at least one purchase.]

In other words, you have to consume, whether it's morning or night; it's just a matter of how you "consume".

Even if she wanted to leave, it was uncertain whether the boss would allow it or whether it would trigger the "be civilized and polite" rule.

If she wants to call...

No, this is explicitly prohibited.

If she dares to do that, she will directly invite the rules to kill her.

[5. Fire safety inspections will be conducted irregularly during the night market hours. Your cooperation is appreciated.]

Zhang Anna had a sudden thought.

Can we make use of this?

If a fire were to be started...

One Explosion Talisman is enough.

Just then, Liu Sheng spoke:
"Boss, I've made up my mind."

So fast!
Anna Zhang was shocked.

But... what would she want?
……

"Well, have you decided what to eat? It's so cold outside, we'd better hurry up and have some oden to warm ourselves up."

At the oden stall, Zheng Wanshou was sitting on a greasy stool.

He gripped his cane tightly, his eyes behind his sunglasses fixed on the dark figure behind the bar.

The words were very considerate.

If it weren't so cold around here.

And the food hidden under the bamboo skewers in the square insulated pot might really feel heartwarming.

Of course, Zheng Wanshou didn't tell everyone that his eyesight was actually bad, which was why he wore sunglasses.

Occasionally revealing it is simply to avoid showing weakness.

And that's why he has excellent hearing.

So he could hear faint screams of pain coming from beneath the bubbling soup.

"Have you thought about it?"

The stall owner urged them on again.

Zheng Wanshou naturally couldn't see the bloodshot eyes peering out from the darkness behind the bar, staring intently at him.

But he could feel the cold air growing stronger, and his blood was almost freezing and stopping flowing.

He needs to make a decision.

Reaching out to touch the wooden plaques hanging there, each engraved with words like "radish," "tofu," and "konjac knot," Zheng Wanshou slowly began to speak.

……

"Do you think those who came later know how to break the deadlock?" Huo Shu asked.

"I'm afraid you don't understand," Sun Yiying said.

"Heh, apart from that old fox Zheng Wanshou, they're all newbies entering the Celestial Master Trial for the first time, especially those two who come from who-knows-where..."

"Do you really accept forced consumption?"

"Stupid! Of course, just kill them!"

Huo Shuzheng was standing in a mala tang (spicy hot pot) restaurant.

The longsword in his hand was covered in blood.

He walked quickly and without much thought, following the compass's guidance directly inside.

On the ground lay a body, twisted and crooked.

With a flick of his longsword, he entered the kitchen behind the freezer, where blood-soaked bodies hung everywhere.

Those that were shortchanged have already become ingredients in the freezer.

"Fighting is not allowed... It should be a give-and-take situation, not outright killing."

"Junior brother is clever," Sun Yiying nodded in praise.

Huo Shu was even more pleased with himself.

"certainly……"

"The old Celestial Master is nearing his end. I've served him for so long, and I've finally obtained some secret manuals..."

"Senior brother, you helped me ascend to the position of Celestial Master this time. I will definitely protect you from now on."

"Alright, let's wait for good news from our junior brother."

Sun Yiying cupped her hands in greeting.

"The so-called 'fire inspection' is clearly another force opposing them. Just introduce it, and that's the key to breaking the deadlock."

Huo Shu sneered, flicking out one explosive talisman after another from his hand.

"I see." Sun Yiying nodded and stood silently beside him, watching.

Flames erupted amidst the flesh and blood, and with each explosion, chunks of flesh and blood were scattered everywhere, splattering their Taoist robes red and robbing them of their original color.

As the flames engulfed the blood-soaked land, Huo Shu was feeling triumphant when he suddenly felt a burning sensation on his skin.

looked down-

The bloodstains on his body were like oil, igniting instantly and engulfing his entire body!