Who left their last words here?

Chapter 66 The Underworld Cloak! Entering the Ghost Market, Number 66 Moon Lane (6k)

Jewel witch?

"...Disrespect, disrespect!"

Bai Zhou was filled with awe, while discreetly examining the few sparkling, special-effect-laden "gems" in the witch's hand.

Isn't she really not the Marble Witch?

To record the elegant poems of love? To uphold the scales of reason? To guide the way with radiance?

It certainly sounds intimidating.

But who would claim such a title...?

However, Shiraishu must admit—

Judging solely from the title of "witch," the other party truly lives up to it.

Gorgeous and noble, elegant and mysterious.

Even with half her face covered, this imposing witch was as beautiful as a fairy under the moon, her presence so striking it was almost otherworldly.

Her waist-length silver-white hair was elegantly braided, and the girl stood gracefully under the moonlight.

Although the makeup under the mask is gorgeous and noble, the delicate features reveal her youthful innocence. The naivety she tries to hide but cannot conceal is definitely not much older than Bai Zhou!

Her slender figure, with almost no curves, was wrapped in a gorgeous dress. The combination of her thin frame and the heavy dress matched people's imagination of a witch of knowledge, and her noble temperament was set off with solemnity and dignity.

With her chin held high in pride, the gemstone in the girl's hand occasionally glittered, adding a touch of danger to her elegant charm.

but……

As the two sides approach each other.

Bai Zhou, who is usually good at observing things, inexplicably noticed something in the other person that seemed to come and go...

It feels out of place!
The stitch marks on the edges of the skirt indicate that this gorgeous dress has either been repaired multiple times or was simply handmade by her!
The so-called "gemstones" are actually high-quality imitation glass beads.

Even the silver mask, upon closer inspection, is made of plastic!
Jewel witch?

—Neither a jewel nor a witch.

These discoveries stand in stark contrast to the initial shock and awe they evoked upon first sight.

Two conflicting feelings, like soldiers on opposite sides of the Verdun battlefield, were locked in a fierce internal struggle.

However, that's what they say.

However, Bai Zhou still maintained full respect for this witch and dared not utter a single word of complaint.

—Because she is very strong!
He's so strong it's unfathomable!
That blazing ray came too fast, too fiercely, and too sharply.

Although it was that silly monkey that was taking the ray, if that ray were to fall on Bai Zhou—

Even if Bai Zhou hadn't been injured, his fate wouldn't have been much better.

—An unstoppable ferocity!

Just as humans cannot stop the attack of "light".

Bai Zhou subconsciously compared her to Van Gogh.

Almost without thinking, he arrived at the answer—

She is stronger.

This carefree witch stood there, striking a cool pose—

It can even trigger an alarm from the extremely faint spiritual energy within Bai Zhou's body when there is absolutely no hostility!
Bai Zhou had reason to suspect that this person—

He might be a Level 5 Extraordinary!
Although he was somewhat different from the powerful and extraordinary "senior" he had imagined, Bai Zhou wisely refrained from saying anything more.

—If you can't afford to offend them, it's best to keep quiet.

A village girl in a princess dress is not a princess... but what if this village girl had superhuman strength and could actually summon a god to possess her?

Even if she was wrapped in a quilt

She is also a "pure white saint" who is more real than real gold!
"Today is the third day of the Lunar New Year."

The silver-haired witch sized up Bai Zhou, who appeared honest, obedient, and harmless, and seemed lost in thought.
"Judging from your secretive appearance... you're not going to the 'ghost market' either, are you?"

You can't say "browse" in "ghost market," you have to say "take a trip."

You have to wade through the water yourself to see how deep or how fast it flows; it's like feeling your way across a river by touching the stones.

Everyone who goes to the ghost market hides their identity.

Therefore, on the 3rd, 6th, and 9th of each month, a "mysterious person" appears in the Reflection Ruins, hiding their face...

Almost without exception, they were all heading to the ghost market!

however--

"...Ghost Market? What's that?"

Bai Zhou's answer carried a simple sense of bewilderment.

Beneath the hood, he blinked and asked curiously:

"Walking extraordinary, aren't we all like this?"

Everyone understands the principle that coveting wealth is a crime, and possessing a treasure is a sin.

The so-called "ghost market" may not have real demons or monsters... but the human heart is the most "ghostly" thing.

—In particular, Bai Zhou was carrying a huge sum of money that he couldn't show to anyone!

"Isn't that right...? That makes sense."

Bai Zhou's innocent foolishness successfully fooled the witch.

She nodded and said:
"It's normal that you don't know about the Ghost Market—after all, you're so weak."

"I bet you've only recently awakened your destiny, haven't you even been to the Reflection Ruins a few times?"

As she spoke, the witch muttered under her breath:
"It feels like even a roadside trash can could eat you up."

"This……"

Bai Zhou's heart skipped a beat.

Was he mistaken for someone who had just awakened to the principles of destiny?

Does this mean that she can see her own current "weakness"?
however.

Bai Zhou's surprise and silence were interpreted as embarrassment and awkwardness by the witch.

"Don't be shy."

"Many extraordinary beings know that the [Gem Witch] has a pair of insightful eyes that can see through the truth."

"The light emanating from you is so faint, it's like a tiny flame that could be extinguished at any moment, which is why I made my move just now."

Simply put, it means being able to discern the strength of another person's "spirituality" and thus judge their level of power.

It is especially suitable for those who seek advantage and avoid harm, and those who bully the weak and fear the strong.

—It can be used to save people occasionally.

"If you ask me, you shouldn't wander around aimlessly."

"Quickly find a place to squat down and go back at 36 o'clock."

The witch patted Bai Zhou on the shoulder and glanced at him a few times:
"From now on, you should cultivate diligently in the mortal world. The Reflection Ruins Realm is not a place for a newbie like you to wander around aimlessly."

"—I'll come back when I'm strong enough!"

As she spoke, her expression seemed somewhat wistful:
"Back when I was like you, I cultivated in silence for five years! I only returned to the Reflection Ruins Realm for the second time after advancing to level 3."

Five years?!

Bai Zhou blinked.

Without reaching level 3 speedrun in the Void Realm, this person's talent...

Isn't that a bit too good to be true?
"So, you're going to that 'ghost market'?"

Bai Zhou pondered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm.

He simply asked very sincerely:

"I hope I haven't taken up too much of your time?"

"Not really."

Upon hearing this, the witch coughed lightly and waved her hand apologetically:

"...A ghost market is nothing but a gathering place for rats!"

"I have no interest in that."

"I see... I'm relieved to hear that."

Bai Zhou gave the witch a deep look, then said with difficulty:

"I have no way to repay your life-saving grace. I have no experience in this area and don't know how to express my gratitude..."

—That question seems to have hit the nail on the head.

The witch reacted immediately.

"No need for thanks—"

Her long, silvery-white hair swayed gracefully in the air twice.

Her expression turned serious, her righteous and awe-inspiring demeanor making it seem as if she were running for one of the top ten most touching figures in history.
"Helping the weak and oppressed, and helping each other, is our extraordinary duty."

"If you can still recall the feeling of being rescued today..."

"Just like me, let's extend a helping hand to the weak!"

The lines were delivered with such fluency and ease, as if they had been memorized beforehand.

However, at this point, the witch's tone shifted again:
"...Of course, remember to pay the cost fee when you get back."

"..."

Bai Zhou was speechless.

The witch's answer was exactly what Bai Zhou had never imagined.

He considered various possible answers and worried about whether his wanted status had been exposed.

To be honest, although I haven't been involved in the mysterious world for very long...

However, Shirashu had a rather poor impression of the extraordinary.

At least from the people he encountered, this group of people who wielded power were either madmen or perverts, their arrogant gazes looking down on everyone else.

But this time...

It seems he really did meet a good person?

If Bai Zhou had simply read too many adventure stories;

This witch may have read too many fairy tales and imagined herself as a... somewhat stingy magical girl who protects love and justice?

Not sure.

After all, it was only the first time we met, and we can't make any definition based on just a simple interaction.

But no matter how you look at it...

Aside from Section Chief Liu, this seemed to be the first time Bai Zhou had encountered a living, extraordinary person who was "doing good deeds."

A "whoop" sound.

A cold wind blew by, rustling the unusual slogans along the roadside and the hem of Bai Zhou's clothes.

Just like Bai Zhou's feelings at this moment.

however……

Bai Zhou's silent contemplation suddenly alerted the witch.

She gazed intently at the white boat:

"You...you don't want to avoid paying, do you?"

It's not 800,000, nor 80,000, it's 8.27 yuan!

Are there really such stingy extraordinary people?
The witch was skeptical.

Keep an eye on it—

The dangerous gaze made Bai Zhou feel like he had a thorn in his side.

"Haha, how could that be..." Bai Zhou chuckled awkwardly, waving his hands repeatedly.

Seen through.

It's not that he doesn't want to pay.

But he genuinely didn't know what "scanning a QR code" meant...

"That's good."

The witch breathed a sigh of relief, withdrew her dangerous gaze from Bai Zhou, and inserted the gem in her hand into the belt slot at her waist—

With a few clicks, it fit perfectly.

"Well, I should go now."

"Good luck, newbie!"

She waved casually and then took two steps back.

Are you leaving?

Bai Zhou looked up curiously.

Judging from this witch's demeanor...

I have a feeling that at any moment, she will pull out a magic broom, surround the golden elf, mount the broom, and fly into the sky.

"Crash..."

With the wide sleeves of her gorgeous dress billowing out, the witch pointed her slender fingertips, clad in silk gloves, at the rooftop of a tall building deep in the mist.

Then, Bai Zhou heard her say:

"Remember this name—"

"Listen to the good neighbor of all the weak in Tinghai City, the [Gem Witch] will protect you!"

The moment the crisp sound fell.

The wrist, clad in a silk glove, was suddenly flung into the depths of the mist!
"call out!"

A yellow claw-like hook, resembling an open broom, suddenly flew out from the lace sleeve of her dress.

Like a shooting star, the hook streaked through the mist, enveloped in a magical purple glow, before flying towards the rooftop of the building.

Then, the witch rose from the ground, her petite body gracefully flying through the air with the grappling hook.

"Wow—"

The ornate, elaborate skirt of her dress fluttered in the wind, like a swing, and the witch instantly disappeared into the depths of the mist. A click echoed from the depths of the mist, likely the sound of the grappling hook retracting—

The witch's figure disappeared.

Bai Zhou was dumbfounded.

...Is it this kind of "magic broom"?

"Jewel Witch" is indeed neither "jewel" nor "witch"!
—But it did “fly”.

Those of extraordinary caliber truly "come and go at a high level".

What a cool grappling hook!
want to.

Although Bai Zhou remained wary of her from beginning to end, concealing all his intentions and information...

But he now has to admit that this witch, who appears and disappears without a trace, who helps those in need and then vanishes without a trace...

She has become the future that Bai Zhou once imagined.

...and that little incident came to an end.

The two did not have any further interaction as a result, and will probably never see each other again.

A chance encounter in a mysterious world, leaving a few ripples before vanishing without a trace...

So much the better.

If the other party were to find out the identity of a wanted criminal, their reaction would be uncertain.

but……

Bai Zhou blinked and frowned as he looked around.

The conversation just now reminded Bai Zhou.

He walked around in that trench coat, and even if people couldn't see his face clearly, they would still remember his clothes.

To wear a hoodie to the "ghost market" like that is far too careless!
He needs a "cloak".

But in this godforsaken place, the Reflection Ruins, where could he possibly find a cloak? There wasn't even any fabric to begin with—

Bai Zhou's idea came to an abrupt end.

His gaze was fixed on the wall to the side.

"New housing development in the mass grave area west of the city! A century-old prestigious residence! Unlimited appreciation potential, down payment only seven figures!"

It's that same slogan again. I don't know which real estate developer has such a powerful influence that they've plastered this kind of advertisement all over the city.

A large banner with slogans printed on it, black background with white lettering, had an eerie and unsettling style, and it was rustling in the cold evening wind.

Her clear eyes blinked.

I want to make a black cloak...

—Isn't this just ready-made fabric?

……

In the distance, at the top of the building.

Through the thick fog, the witch raised her hand to adjust her silver mask, observing the direction in which the tiny figure on the ground had disappeared.

The distance was too great for her to see clearly; only a flickering, faint candlelight drifted further and further away in her unique vision.

"weirdo."

The witch behind the mask narrowed her eyes and muttered to herself under the red moon.

It was clearly very weak, yet it hid its head and face.

No matter how you probed, they remained tight-lipped, revealing absolutely no usable information.

Even when faced with "abnormalities," this person remained calm and composed, showing none of the panic one would expect from a novice.

If he didn't intervene, how should he respond?

Relying on that meager spirituality?

—Could it be that she misjudged him? Is this kid actually not a newcomer?

It doesn't make sense; this person's spirituality is just very weak, almost as if it's about to go out at any moment...

You slippery little brat!
But it doesn't matter anymore, they're just strangers anyway...

Most importantly, the great [Jewel Witch] has also completed her daily good deed today!
Give yourself a pat on the back!

Shaking her head, the witch stopped thinking.

She then pulled a folded cloak from her dress.

With a "whoosh" sound—

A black cloak unfolded and draped over her body.

The sneaky witch made a low-key appearance, no better than the white boat from before.

Just now, in response to Bai Zhou's question,

She said she had no plans to go to the ghost market.

This is a lie!

Human hearts are like demons; for safety's sake, it's best not to reveal the content of your transactions in the black market, and even more so, not to reveal your identity.

Even though the other party was just a newbie who had just entered the Extraordinary Realm, Miss Witch maintained basic vigilance.

Walking the mysterious path, every seasoned extraordinary individual is anything but simple.

If she really is as carefree as she appears on the surface...

That lone extraordinary being, the [Gem Witch], was long ago devoured by various forces, leaving not even bones behind!

"……what?"

As she was pondering this, the witch suddenly noticed that her plastic mask was cracking again.

Things bought from two-dollar stores are just unreliable in terms of quality!

Gritting her teeth, the witch began to consider her increasingly strained finances.

Then, she gave up.

"never mind……"

Go back and get some glue to fix it.

After that kid goes back and pays by scanning the QR code, she'll go buy a new one.

Whatever he's hiding—

At least no extraordinary person would have the nerve to renege on such a small debt, right?
……

Miss Witch, pulling herself along with a grappling hook, glided through the mist, showing no intention of taking the usual route.

Bai Zhou, meanwhile, hurried along the quiet street under the streetlights.

In the shadows by the roadside, many "abnormalities" seemed to be hidden. Their eyes peered at the white boat standing in the light, drooling with envy, yet unable to cross the "blockade" of the streetlights.

Unanimously—

Both Bai Zhou and the Gem Witch chose to take a detour, avoiding being noticed along the way.

But no matter how many detours you take... the destination is still the same.

"call out--"

The grappling hook gripped firmly at the bottom of the steel bridge, and the jewel witch, who had come swinging on a swing, landed gracefully.

The hem of the dress fluttered slowly in the wind, like a blooming black rose.

Wearing safety shorts on her slender, smooth legs shows a strong sense of self-protection.

The grappling hook returned, the claws flew into her sleeve, and the witch, who had donned a black cloak to conceal all her features, cautiously looked around.

After confirming that no one was around, she lowered her head, put on her hood, and slowly walked into the dimly lit alley around the corner.

Reaching the shadowy end of the alley, the witch stopped in front of an empty concrete wall.

Just as he was about to make a move, he suddenly heard a noise behind him.

—Someone's coming!
She immediately turned around alertly, her sharp gaze from under the hood locking onto him instantly.

Just then, a figure also wearing a black cloak sneaked into the alley entrance.

"..."

Their eyes met across the distance, and the air seemed to freeze for a second.

The witch's gaze began to turn strange.

That cloak...

A bit weird!

It was clearly not a special fabric, nor did it show any signs of ritualistic spiritual energy fluctuations, yet it inexplicably blocked all inquiries.

It seemed to form a silent resonance with the Reflection Ruins, even making her eyes, which observed the spirit particles, "fail"!
—There are words on it.

The white lettering, slanted across the body, was incomplete, but upon closer inspection, the content could still be pieced together little by little…

"The mass grave in the west of the city... a new house... a century-old mansion... down payment..."

Miss Witch: "?"

A sudden, eerie chill crept into my heart.

What a strange person!
Can……

Does it look familiar?
Miss Witch thought carefully for a moment before suddenly remembering where she had seen this content before.

—Isn't this the same advertising slogan that was hanging on the wall when I met that newbie earlier?

If you look closely, you'll see that the "black cloak" is also like that.

The left arm is longer than the right, and the cut is so rough it looks like a dog chewed it...

It was just a banner that was casually torn off the wall on the way here, with a few holes hastily cut in it and then put on my head!
Talent!
Miss Witch was dumbfounded.

Therefore, even though she couldn't detect any spirituality, she recognized Bai Zhou's identity at a glance.

—And you say you don't know about the Ghost Market!
But the next moment, her heart skipped a beat.

Because, seeing the other person's cautious way of sizing her up from afar, she suddenly had a strange intuition...

The other person recognized him too.

……

Bai Zhou did recognize her.

Although she was wearing a black cloak, her slender figure was very recognizable, and she hadn't changed the high heels she was wearing.

Most importantly, even when she wore a cloak, her unique and contradictory aura could not be concealed.

Proud and conservative, elegant but impoverished.

...In fact, Bai Zhou had guessed that the other party might come to the Ghost Market.

After all, most of the high-level extraordinary individuals who will appear in the Reflection Ruins tonight are here for the Ghost Market.

But he didn't expect that after taking such a long detour, he would still run into this witch here.

Perhaps she took a roundabout route...

"...Ghost markets and such are places where rats gather. I have no interest in that."

The witch's words still echoed crisply in my ears.

It's just embarrassing.

However, both of them remained silent.

One is at the beginning of the alley, and the other is at the end.

Once again, without prior agreement—

They both pretended not to recognize each other.

With a slightly stiff expression beneath her hood, the witch turned around as usual and strode straight toward the wall in front of her.

No spells, special actions, or rituals were needed; he simply charged towards the rough, hard wall as if crashing into it.

The witch then disappeared.

Beside the wall were several dilapidated huts, with the names "No. 64 Moon Lane" and "No. 65 Empty Lane" written on them respectively.

—And the Ghost Market is located at the non-existent "No. 66 Moon Lane".

Before long, Bai Zhou arrived in front of the wall.

"..."

It is here.

After observing cautiously for a while, Bai Zhou followed the witch's example.

Leaning forward, he closed his eyes and slammed his head against the wall—

I didn't encounter anything.

Bai Zhou slowly opened his eyes.

A cold, fishy smell, similar to that of underground silt, lingered around my nose and wouldn't go away.

The faint whispers, seemingly carried across the water, gradually reached my ears.

A series of figures came into view, a group of "mysterious people" wearing cloaks walking around.

Through the thin mist, their movements resembled those of little figures in a shadow play.

On both sides of the road, there were tables set up with various dark stains, as if the old ghost had brought out his altar.

These are one type of "stall" in the ghost market.

These stalls offer a wide variety of strange items for trade.

Closer to the white boat were biological organs submerged in an unknown liquid, shimmering with an ominous, dark gray luster.

There are also old black and white photographs, recording some unknown era, with figures in the paintings moving slowly.

"..."

In a daze, Bai Zhou thought he had really hit the wall and died.

Otherwise, how could one arrive in the real underworld?

Even if you randomly pick two stalls and sprinkle a whole truckload of salt, it won't be clean. You'd need to add at least ten more baskets of glutinous rice.

But he knew that this was "No. 66 Moon Lane".

—We've arrived at the Ghost Market.

(End of this chapter)