Chapter 1, The Late-Night Customer

Just like a monster hunter, in order to hunt demons and evil spirits, one must seal a demon or evil spirit within their own body

At this moment, the entire bookstore, both inside and out, was filled with the sounds of howling and wailing.

Why is it foggy outside?" Ling Ping'an felt puzzled. He clearly remembered that before he closed the door, the alley outside was as quiet as usual, with not a single shadow in sight, yet the streetlights were still lit, and tonight's moonlight was beautiful, with the moon being quite large.

Han Li raised his head and saw the flames rising within the dark eye sockets of the man with a blurred face

Is it a decoration

As he twisted it open, a certain component inside the sphere seemed to be activated

And Ling Ping'an also awakened from his stupor

Initially, it was possible to earn some money, but gradually it could only cover basic living expenses. Now, there hasn't been a single transaction made in an entire month.

This book, this forbidden book, records the taboo knowledge of over one hundred types of ghosts and malevolent spirits, as well as methods to strip them of their power and completely eradicate them

Thus, Han Li came to understand what knowledge was carried by those terrifying words and forbidden images

Countless murmurs suddenly filled her mind

As he twisted, the seemingly closed pupils began to slowly open.

Then, she stepped forward and gently knocked on the shop door: "Is anyone there?"

What kind of bookstore is this

Everything around seems to be shrouded in a certain unsettling atmosphere

Han Li kicked it in the chest, then swiftly drew out the short blade, infusing it with spiritual energy, and slashed forward.

Thus, she also learned the name of this book—"Report on the Investigation of the Lower Abyss"

Both hands tightly grasp the book in hand

In the eastern part of Jiang City, in a small alley, Ling Ping'an looked at the gradually deserted streets and sighed softly: "Why is this business getting worse and worse?"

It is as if, since Ling Ping'an arrived, the presence of the bookstore in this area has become increasingly sparse

A yellowed note made of an unknown material

So, is this the proof of leaving this place? Han Li thought, then turned back to the figure gradually disappearing into the thick fog and bowed deeply: Thank you

The entire person sat foolishly and blankly at the counter

"With such thick fog, you must be unable to see the direction clearly..." The strange person stuffed something into Han Li's hand and said, "Take this and head home early!"

Language that evokes horror and taboo

Thus, with a deep bow, gripping the book tightly in hand, I turned around with trepidation and fear.

Han Li stepped out of the peculiar bookstore, feeling an immediate sense of relief in his heart

He walked all the way to the end of the bookshelf and carefully selected a book from a row of reference books

In that book, it seems as if there is something flowing like magma

That light emanated from a tightly closed door

Then, these things began to whisper among themselves

Girls of her age can freely enjoy the world of studying, socializing, and dating in the university campus

It appears to be made of wood, with a surface coated in a paint that evokes an indescribable feeling, giving it a somewhat eerie appearance

Han Li raised her head, looking at the indistinct face before her, as if all her secrets had been laid bare.

There is some concern in my heart regarding the public security in Jiang City, although it has always been very good

Within the eye sockets beneath the two lenses, flames burn with an unprecedented intensity, dazzling like the sun

With a snap

Happy

Gripping the short blade tightly, Han Li suddenly turned around and thrust the knife into the dark air

Along the mist, Han Li continued forward, heading towards the place where the light was located

Why is she so nervous

Ling Ping'an, hurry and pick it up

happiness

Monsters cannot be completely eradicated

Han Li was eager to seize this opportunity to escape from this terrifying and bizarre place

Han Li finds it difficult to describe his current feelings

As Ling Ping'an pulled down the roller shutter, he turned around and looked at his bookstore

The short blade suddenly pierced its heart, and the monster turned to ashes

... ...

Does such an existence require money, this lowly currency?

In the mist, there is only a flickering light.

Thus, she flushed with embarrassment, gritted her teeth, and, enduring the pain, removed the short blade she carried with her along with its sheath from her waist

She cautiously held her eyes, scrutinizing the area behind the man

He thought to himself, "I have become too deeply immersed in the role!"

While thinking this way, Ling Ping'an couldn't help but take out his mobile phone

But Han Li heard it in his ears and only felt that it was a command

Tentacle-like entities crawled from the ground towards the bookshelves of the bookstore, then burrowed into one book after another

Gradually, it seems that people have forgotten about this matter

Everyone has their own hobbies

And individuals like her must bear the last hope of humanity

She quickly bowed deeply to the other person and said, "Thank you, I really like this book"

Utilize their power to expel ghosts and evil spirits

Ling Pingan looked at the woman in front of him with a strange expression

However, it is unclear whether it was due to his carelessness or some other reason; in any case, his phone fell to the ground with a thud.

But one thing she is very clear about is that the book she is holding in her hands is the hope of the world

There is no essence

What is this? Ling Ping'an couldn't help but comment: "This is neither rhymed, nor aesthetically pleasing, and lacks logical coherence as a poem. Who wrote this?"

Han Li approached it expressionlessly and whispered: "Rest in peace"

The poor child... he could not help but imagine a scenario where a passionate role-player, opposed by his parents, runs away from home and wanders the streets at night. Eventually, he finds professional literature, but due to financial constraints, he is forced to pawn what he considers to be the most precious belongings he possesses.

... ...

Ling Ping'an looked at the woman in front of him and asked, "Are you here to buy a book?"

Therefore, Han Li is uncertain whether he can bear the cost

When Ling Ping'an discovered it, the note was already stuck to his hand, as if it were glued on.

This is an exquisitely crafted small knife, with a sheath wrapped in genuine leather and a handle adorned with yellow and green stones

Role-playing? Ling Ping Anxin thought, and did not take it to heart.

Last month, I could at least earn some money for the utility bills

A very fair price

She slightly furrowed her brows: "In Donglin City, there is no bookstore called Qiyuan?"

However, since Ling Ping'an took over, this business has inexplicably declined.

You should return home early

He could not help but softly recite: "In the gentle embrace lies foolishness, in the dream of Nanke, the blind see not, today I finally know that I am myself, a single leaf boat crossing the myriad realms"

Even though it was scalding hot, her hand felt somewhat painful to the touch

In a state of anxiety, Han Li heard the other party's response: "Thank you, fifty-five yuan..."

Han Li looked up at the building in front of him; it was an old structure, merely three stories tall

As long as it does not affect others and does not violate social order and good customs, Ling Ping'an believes that outsiders should not criticize the personal interests and hobbies of others

There is simply no business

If she does not look ... ... she will die

Han Li's face turned pale in an instant, as tension and unease immediately filled her body and mind

... ...

Impossible

But Han Li knows that they will appear again

Allowing her to finally recognize the path back

After some thought, Ling Ping'an picked up a flashlight from the counter, turned it on, and a strong beam of light immediately shone from the flashlight

The cover of the book is blood red, as if blood is surging from within. In a daze, Han Li also sees something resembling blood vessels densely woven throughout.

Oh no! Ling Ping'an cried out in pain, quickly cradling his hand and began to blow on it

The area is not large, only about 30 square meters

It seems that there are pairs of eerie eyes lurking in the darkness, watching her with ill intentions

Han Li vigilantly watched the man in front of him

A monster with two wings growing from its back struggles in the light

However, a girl like this, walking alone on such a foggy day, is ultimately not very safe. What if she accidentally steps into a void and falls into a sewer?

Guest ... ... Guest ... ...

Ah...! A monster with a human body and a ghostly head emerged from the darkness, its dark green blood dripping down drop by drop

No matter how one looks at it, she believes it is necessary to conduct an investigation

Thick fog spread from outside the bookstore, obscuring all phenomena and severing the entire bookstore from the world

Walking amidst terror and danger, bearing the consequences that may distort at any time and in any place

Han Li stood up, gripping the short blade tightly at his waist, and stepped into the mist

fifty-five yuan

May I ask..." Han Li raised his head and sincerely inquired, "What price must I pay to obtain it?"

"It's just buying a book, how big of a deal is it? Acting as if one is a thief, so neurotic..."

It is customary to greet each other and inquire about one another's well-being in daily life

But his complaints are not yet finished

Your family should be looking for you...

This left her somewhat disoriented, unable to see ahead, and she could only rely on her memory to move in the direction from which she came

Beneath the black combat uniform, the flesh is gradually splitting apart

The frame is simply too old, causing the photos to be somewhat yellowed and blurred, making it difficult to see clearly

Somewhat difficult to understand

At that moment, a voice suddenly came from behind.

However, just as she turned around, she saw at the door from which she had come, what seemed to be a pair of twisted, malevolent eyes, waiting for her

Many lovely young ladies have thus earned a substantial fortune

fear

Let's play a game first

Moreover, this object seems to be capable of being twisted open

Although it appears to be a carefully crafted appearance, in reality, even an outsider like Ling Ping'an can see through it

Cold Li crouched on the ground, gasping for breath after she sheathed the short blade back into her waist.

The thick fog still envelops the surroundings, allowing only a faint glimpse of the girl in black as she walks through the mist

Fear

Let the world return to the hope of the golden age as spoken by our ancestors

... ...

There are popular science books, as well as educational reference materials, along with various dictionaries and bestsellers

Ling Ping'an is the owner of the bookstore named 'Qiyuan'

It is precisely when it comes time to buy books that this matter is forgotten

A dazzling light erupted from within the short blade

The bookstore is located in a small alley next to the industrial park in the eastern part of the city, and it used to have an explosive business.

The torn flesh gradually heals, and the pain slowly fades away

His face was shrouded in a layer of mist that was utterly impenetrable, with only a pair of metal-framed glasses exposed.

There is an old cash register counter at the entrance, next to an outdated cash register, and an old computer is placed beside it

At that time, she will also become a member of the monster, transforming into the nightmare of this world

Everything ahead is so quiet

... ...

money

However

She raised her head and saw that the thick fog enveloped everything in the streets ahead.

Why think so much

An astonishing event occurred

A coastal industrial city

For example, he always enjoys writing some online novels, although he has consistently failed to gain any success or earn any money, and is often ridiculed by those who are aware of his endeavors

Initially, people would still remember a bookstore called Qiyuan, which had a wide selection of books at affordable prices, and they often came to buy books

... ...

The monster hunter has become a nightmare for humanity

This bookstore is the inheritance left by his parents

Moreover, this bookstore appears amidst such a strange mist

They secrete a viscous liquid resembling tar, dragging all the bookshelves into an invisible abyss

Please be sure to accept this! The young girl bowed deeply

With the temporary demise of the monster, a battle against the demons has also been temporarily concluded

Ling Ping'an smiled as he looked at the girl in front of him, who was full of a chuunibyou aura

"Who?" Ling Ping'an stood up, walked to the door, and raised the rolling shutter.

A place without ghosts, without evil spirits

Creak!

After some thought, it is quite late, and the fog is so thick

Ling Ping'an listened and immediately felt a sense of compassion

However, there are still many parents who believe that playing role-playing games is immoral and a waste of time

He curiously unfolded the note and discovered that it contained a poem written in clerical script, which was inexplicably puzzling

She trembled as she lowered her head, cautiously glancing at the cover of the book

Watching the girl in black leave through the door

This doesn't seem quite right..." Ling Ping'an said softly

Renowned worldwide for automobile manufacturing and precision machining

In the display case behind the counter, there is a framed picture that appears to be a family portrait

This design is absolutely brilliant! Ling Ping'an couldn't help but exclaim.

... ...

As he walked into the abyss, Han Li saw something that resembled asphalt writhing within the depths, and then the figure of that man completely vanished from sight

Moments later, Han Li saw the figure of that man emerge from the darkness

It is also the sorrow of the world

However

His body appears very thin, quite ordinary, as if it could be easily crushed by a single finger

However, to like is to like

... ...

I bow deeply before that person and say: "May I exchange this for that book with you?"

She gazed at the person before her and the abyss-like void behind him

It often rains for half a month at a time, and when it stops, it can remain dry for two months.

... ...

Holding the book, Ling Ping'an walked up to the guest and handed it over, saying: "Guest, you may take a look at this book... it should be quite suitable for your current needs..."

Han Li had no choice but to reach out and take the crimson book, which was clearly not an ordinary item. The moment her palm made contact, she immediately felt an intense heat.

Han Li took a deep breath and bravely moved forward

However, he did not have the slightest intention of mocking or ridiculing.

So, what does the fifty-five yuan he mentioned refer to

Han Li could not make sense of it no matter how hard he tried

He saw a tall woman standing at his door, dressed in a strange tight black outfit, wearing a felt hat, and her face covered with a mask resembling black silk

Han Li took the item

Guest ... ... Guest ... ...

Then he walked to the roll-up door and looked outside

How long has it been!

This lack of business has left Ling Ping'an deeply troubled.

Ling Ping'an placed the short blade pledged by the other party and the bag that seemed to contain tea leaves into the counter and locked it up

... ...

Therefore, he simply reported the price honestly: "The total is fifty-five yuan"

... ...

Playing video games is his greatest hobby, without exception

"The Secrets of Role-Playing" is a highly authoritative work on role-playing in the Federation. It contains many exquisite illustrations, and more importantly, it includes tutorials that are very suitable for beginners to read

Each nameplate categorizes all the books

Ling Ping'an took it and sat down on the chair, feeling that this object must have been stuck under the table of this counter a long time ago

The surrounding thick fog is becoming denser

Han Li raised his head, gazing at the indistinct figure of the man, as the flames in his eye sockets gradually extinguished

It felt as if darkness suddenly enveloped me, and my eyes sank into the void.

It was not until he graduated from university that his aunt returned these items to him

Then, she carefully walked back in the direction from which she came

The girl appears to be at most seventeen or eighteen years old

That is a flashlight

So, he picked up the flashlight and chased after.

He carefully looked at the title of the book.

As one of the few surviving witchers in Donglin City, Han Li remembers the name of every shop in the city.

This is a book that records taboo knowledge about more than one hundred kinds of ghosts and evil spirits.

He seems to have forgotten everything that just happened.

A small knife with an extremely sharp blade protruded from inside the sphere. With a "whoosh" sound, it cut through Ling Ping'an's finger, taking away a drop of blood, and then retracted back inside!

Han Li watched helplessly as the blurry-faced man turned and walked towards a dark abyss.

A book that records forbidden knowledge.

In recent years, with the popularity of various animations and e-sports, role-playing has also gradually become popular.

Ling Ping'an looked at the short blade handed over by the girl.

Ling Ping'an looked at the professional books in front of her, finally obtaining what she wanted, and the trembling girl who wanted to cry was also very relieved in her heart.

This is the mission of the Witcherーーto investigate the unknown and eliminate monsters.

This short blade should be the beloved of the opponent.

An eerie pupil appeared on the glass door of the bookstore.

The mood of Han Li is extremely nervous.

What did I just do? He asked himself, "Why can't I remember?"

The evil eye at the door has already vanished without a trace

Clearly it is the hell in the nightmare, the devil's lair!

Insert those terrifying words and forbidden pictures into Han Li's mind.

Is anyone there? Just finished playing a game, and was hesitating whether to play another one, when Ling Ping'an heard a female voice coming from outside the shop door.

Therefore, he speculated that this short blade should be the equipment of a character that the young girl in front of him likes.

Young people, who hasn't gone through a phase of being overly idealistic or dramatic

Please wait a moment, guest! Ling Ping'an turned around and walked towards the bookshelf

I will keep these two items for you for now..." Ling Ping'an said to the other party in the gentlest tone, "You can take the book with you for now..."

The nameless mist emanated from his body, spreading throughout the bookstore and its surroundings

Therefore, she understood that in the face of this unprecedented situation, she should remain calm and do her utmost to avoid provoking the entity before her

After some contemplation, Ling Ping'an finally accepted the item that was offered by the other party

Soon, Han Li arrived at the place where the light was.

He was also holding a sinister crimson book in his hand

Han Li held it up, shining it forward; the thick fog seemed to thin out a bit under the flash of lightning

However, when his parents passed away, he was only ten years old, so this store, along with his parents' other assets, was managed by his aunt

Therefore, there are no expenses, and Ling Ping'an can also write some online novels to earn a bit of manuscript fee

However, Han Liming knows that one day his body will collapse due to using too much spiritual power.

Soon it turned into fine ashes, drifting down upon him

After passing the counter, there were rows of bookshelves, all neatly arranged.

His face is still blurry and looks even more eerie in this thick fog.

Yet she truly desires to possess this book in her hands

She does not know

However, the consequence is often that the monsters sealed within the body break free.

However, the sphere, when he was not paying attention, automatically opened in all directions, revealing the items hidden inside.

The book not only records the forbidden knowledge of ghosts and evil spirits, but also contains information on how to strip them of their powers, create potions, and consume them using special methods

Beneath the two thin lenses lies a pair of pitch-black eye sockets, within which flickers a certain kind of heart-stirring fire, intermittently glowing and dimming.

... ...

Whispers from the nightmarish depths of hell echo in my ears

She swallowed hard and nodded cautiously

Moreover, what use does he have for this kind of role-playing thing

However, he did not take it to heart, after all, the weather has been increasingly abnormal these days

A gray object fell in front of Ling Ping'an.

Immediately, she didn't even dare to move.

The tension and unease in my heart have reached their peak.

So, he walked up to the water dispenser, poured a glass of water, and handed it to the woman in black clothes, softly saying, "How about it, do you like it?"

Fortunately, the storefront is owned by the family.

The mainland of the Great Xia Federal Empire, Guangnan Governorate, Jiangcheng City

This morning there is wine, this morning I am drunk, tomorrow's worries will come with tomorrow's worries

Very ordinary, also very common.

Han Li turned around and saw the strange person from the bookstore, who was running towards her while holding something.

A world in which everything is falling apart, and all the people are living in fear and nightmare.

However, his counter is of an old-fashioned style, and the space beneath the counter is quite cramped. Therefore, when he bent down to pick up his phone, his head bumped into something under the table beneath the counter

Whispering softly, like the murmurs of galaxies against the backdrop of a starry sky.

He handed over the book directly, with a casual tone like a real bookstore owner: "Guest, you can take a look... This book should be very suitable for your current needs."

The note in hand burns without fire

Upon hearing this response, Han Li furrowed his brows.

Ling Ping'an is aware that role-playing enthusiasts have a fervent emotional attachment to the equipment of certain anime, film, and game characters.

... ...

Having had this experience, he developed some empathy and came to understand what it means to feel for others

No wonder it needs to be hidden

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down as much as possible, and asked in the most peaceful tone, "Do you sell books here?"

He slowly opened his eyes, illuminating everything within the bookstore, bringing a hush over all, and shielding all anomalies. Then he gradually faded into the door, and the bookstore returned to normal, everything was as it had been moments ago, except for the inexplicable mist that had arisen outside the door

With the addition of the central authority of the Federal Empire, there are subsidies and preferential policies aimed at university students starting their own businesses, thus life can still be manageable

On the mottled brick wall, covered in dust, a sign catches the eye: "Qiyuan Bookstore?"

Do you want to take a look

This month, I haven't even made enough to cover the utility bills!

I am afraid it is suggestive in meaning

What she saw in her eyes was only a space as vast, dark, and silent as an abyss.

Within the walls of the bookstore, behind the posters, it seems that something is writhing

Fortunately, Han Li is a hunter who roams in danger and terror, having witnessed countless terrifying and hair-raising things in the world.

A thick fog has risen outside, obscuring even the light of the street lamps

Is this the farewell? she thought to herself

This is the destiny of the monster hunter

Can only stand foolishly in place

Looking at her attire, Ling Ping'an laughed and understood. He then smiled and said, "Guest, I have the book you want here..."

Han Li trembled as he opened the cover of the book, black worms writhing among the pages, forming sinister and terrifying characters, outlining a series of forbidden images

As night falls, it is nearly eleven o'clock

With this question in mind, Ling Ping'an held the sphere and, after careful observation, discovered that its exterior resembled a closed eye.

Forget it... Forget it... After thinking for a while, unable to recall, he picked up his phone: "Let's play a game!"

She seemed to ponder for a moment, then took out a package of something resembling tea leaves from her pocket and handed it over: "This is the most valuable thing I have now, aside from this spirit blade!"

This can be seen from her attire

That is a thumb-sized sphere.

He cannot win the love of others.

Only the lights in the fog are guiding her way forward.

The hope of bringing the deformed world after the great catastrophe back on track.

She took a medicine bottle from her waist, poured out several emerald green pills, and swallowed them.

"Is this ... ... something my parents placed under this counter? Or is it something my aunt put under this counter?" Ling Ping'an murmured to himself.

Instead of the current situation.

... ...

This made her unable to help but swallow.

He attempted to gently rotate the sphere, twisting it in one direction

"What about this month? I must sell at least one book..." Ling Ping'an thought, "Otherwise, it would be too much of a failure!"

How is it? Do you like it? A gentle male voice came to my ears, and a glass of water was handed to me.

What's particularly strange is that the neighbors nearby are all very familiar with Ling Ping'an.

The woman in front of us is probably the kind of person who loves role-playing but is opposed by her parents, so she can only secretly learn to dress up, right?

Many people seem to be unaware that there is a bookstore right in the alley near their doorstep.

She knows that in this world, there is nothing that comes without a price.