Chapter 190 Some Changes and Solutions “Happy New Year 2024!”

Chapter 190: Some Changes and Solutions 「Happy New Year 2024!」

The Mist Shop's existence is undeniably unique. This uniqueness extends beyond its merchandise or the abilities of its owner, Su Bai; it lies in its very "existence" being a special concept. So special that the Fog City Lord himself was unaware a foreign structure had manifested within his own being. So special that, despite the Fog City Lord's keen interest in Su Bai and his knowledge of Su Bai running a general store, he has never formally visited the Mist Shop.

It's as if, even if many people are aware of the Mist Shop's "existence," a mysterious force prevents them from investigating or even acknowledging its presence. This same force has kept the Fog City Lord from visiting the Mist Shop to this day.

"Getting him into the Mist Shop shouldn't be too difficult." Su Bai hadn't forgotten his last encounter with the Fog City Lord, when the latter was preparing to transform him into a new type of puppet.

"Additionally, Madam likely used the shop door this time because prolonged combat and numerous enemies led to insufficient energy reserves." Though small, the Thread-Wrapped Doll's serious tone conveyed a sense of reliability. "I had anticipated such a problem might arise and have found some solutions."

Xiao Wu then guided the Thread-Wrapped Doll to take a few wobbly steps forward before firmly clutching Su Bai’s left wrist—more precisely, the blood-red bead bracelet adorning it.

"Previously, to regulate the rate at which you, Madam... Boss, acquired power, this item was rather selective about the ghosts it drew energy from. This slowed its energy absorption, allowing you to better control the new power brought by the Mist Shop." Xiao Wu paused before continuing, "However, given your current mastery over this power, the method by which this item absorbs energy can now be adjusted."

"Adjusted?"

Though Su Bai considered himself far more knowledgeable about the Nightmare World and its items than the average human player, he was still vastly outmatched by the enigmatic Mist Shop and Xiao Wu.

Until now, the bead bracelet on Su Bai’s left wrist had been capable of draining the power of formidable ghosts after he defeated or subdued them, but it was indeed as selective as Xiao Wu had described. After entering the misty area with Jin Zheng and Jin Yi, Su Bai had dealt with many ghosts, yet the bracelet showed no reaction whatsoever—clearly, none of the ghosts were deemed worthy of having their energy absorbed. In short, it had yielded nothing.

"Yes." The Thread-Wrapped Doll clumsily patted the bead bracelet on Su Bai’s wrist with its round arms. A red light shimmered through the crimson beads but soon settled back to calm. At least to Su Bai’s eyes, the bracelet looked unchanged—still composed of blood-red, translucent beads. Only after absorbing power from sufficiently powerful ghosts would it take on a darker, red-black hue.

"From now on, in addition to helping you restrain powerful ghosts and absorb their energy, this bracelet—aided by the mark on your palm—can continuously absorb scattered energy within a certain range around you." Xiao Wu did not release Su Bai’s wrist. "This means that even during chaotic battles, these beads can collect and store the dissipating energy of all fallen ghosts on the battlefield. This energy can later be used to create items for sale once you return to the shop."

Xiao Wu’s round arms then brushed over the Möbius strip-like mark on Su Bai’s palm. This mark, engraved with countless unfamiliar characters, appeared on the day Su Bai became the owner of the Mist Shop. It symbolizes the identity and power of the shop’s proprietor, tying Su Bai closely to the Mist Shop. Yet, when Su Bai isn't looking at his palm, the mark is easily overlooked, as if it doesn’t exist.

"The energy absorbed this way might be a bit chaotic, but I believe with your current abilities, Madam, you can handle some minor disorderly situations." Xiao Wu spoke earnestly.

"This is exactly what I need right now." Even though Su Bai had encountered many powerful items before, he still breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Xiao Wu’s words.

The small Thread-Wrapped Doll didn’t immediately release Su Bai’s right hand but continued to cling tightly to his wrist. Just as Su Bai found it strange, a familiar, cool and refreshing energy began to flow into his body. It was the power of the red moon, yet slightly different. The energy depleted from prolonged combat was restored within seconds, leaving him with an even greater feeling of fullness than when he first entered Fog City.

"The reception here is too spotty; this is all we can do for now." Xiao Wu’s voice sounded somewhat regretful as it released its round arms.

"Thank you." Su Bai held the small Thread-Wrapped Doll in his hands, giving it a good squeeze and even giving a quick kiss on its round head. "Xiao Wu, you’ve been a great help."

"..." The little one turned its face away as if shy, its tone becoming flustered. "Th-This is just what a shop assistant should do."

"Ah, right." As if remembering something, Xiao Wu patted its own round head with its small, round hands, then cleared its throat and seriously advised, "Madam, when you leave the shop this time, don’t forget to take the cat with you."

"Don’t misunderstand—it’s not because I dislike that fellow that I’m asking you to take it away. After all, compared to letting the cat stay in the shop, what I dislike even more is how it sticks to you every day." Xiao Wu explained, "But aside from being lazy and greedy, the cat does have some abilities that could be useful."

The Thread-Wrapped Doll’s tone was reluctant, as if it didn’t want to admit that the black kitten could ever be of any use.

"If you’re so unwilling, next time you can find a way to get out of the shop and accompany me yourself." Su Bai played with the Thread-Wrapped Doll while teasing again, "Maybe we need to find a place with a stronger signal?"

"That day will come." The Thread-Wrapped Doll clung to Su Bai’s fingers, urging its dear Boss to stop squeezing it. "But even if I can only stay in the shop, I will do everything in my power to ensure your safety."

This time, uniquely, Xiao Wu did not use honorifics when addressing Su Bai.

Su Bai regretfully gave the Thread-Wrapped Doll’s small arm one last pinch. After finalizing the next steps and the quickest way to leave Fog City with Xiao Wu, he left the lounge with the doll in hand.

As soon as he pushed the door open and returned to the shop, Su Bai noticed Jin Zheng and Jin Yi perched nervously on the sofa, looking even more anxious than before.

"What’s wrong? Did my face suddenly become terrifying?" Su Bai placed the Thread-Wrapped Doll back on the counter before curiously asking.

The Jin brothers instinctively looked up toward Su Bai.

Standing under the warm-toned lights of the Mist Shop was a person of androgynous beauty, with long jet-black hair and a warm sweater, smiling at them. If this being were a ghost, it would undoubtedly be the most beautiful eerie entity they had ever seen. Without a doubt.

What kind of existence was he?