Volume One: Entering the City Chapter Thirteen: Insight

“Since neither of you intends to participate, Da Feng, take them to another room so they can rest early. The little one can come down to pay,” the old woman’s voice rang out clearly from below.

Lu Yi paid, putting away his bank card, and watched as the old woman smiled at his receipt.

“Young man, what are you staring at me for?” The old woman’s smile faded as she looked at Lu Yi with displeasure.

“I’d like to buy something from you for self-defense,” Lu Yi stated directly.

“You’re interested in that special glass, aren’t you?” she asked, her expression kindly.

“Yes,” Lu Yi nodded honestly.

“Those won’t help you at all, just a waste of money. If you have any wishes or things you want to do, now’s the time,” she shook her head, clearly disapproving.

Lu Yi watched her, sensing that she was a strong-willed person—if he acted submissive, she’d certainly look down on him. So he steeled himself and spoke boldly, “Madam, whether it’s useful or not, I’ll only know after I try.

To be frank, I know nothing about this town—I should have died at the hands of monsters, but was lucky enough to stay at your place thanks to someone’s advice. Later, I was ensnared by a monster’s hypnotic sound, my life hanging by a thread, yet by chance I escaped the illusion and received your generous aid.

Forgive my arrogance, but I feel fate is favoring me. Even if something seems useless, if there’s a chance, I will take it and fight—perhaps I’ll turn misfortune into blessing.

Besides, money is external; we don’t bring it into life, nor take it out in death. If it’s not used at a critical moment like this, it’s meaningless.”

Lu Yi finished and watched her quietly. He was tense—the best outcome would be her opening her shop, the worst being thrown out and devoured by monsters.

The old woman was silent for a moment, then turned to Lu Yi and chuckled, “If you’re willing to spend, I have no reason to refuse. Come with me.”

She led Lu Yi through several rooms and finally to a small, inconspicuous chamber. “Everything here is for sale—choose what you like.”

Under the lights, Lu Yi saw pendants, armor, weapons, and odd bottles and jars gleaming in various colors, momentarily unsure where to begin.

“Madam, could you tell me about these items?” Lu Yi asked, at a loss.

She chuckled, “Choosing is a matter of keen eye—pick something you like and that’s skill; pick poorly and that’s lack of ability.”

Then, her tone shifted, “But since you seem quite bold, I’ll give you four chances to ask for item introductions. Each time you ask, the total price of what you buy rises: by twenty percent for one inquiry; fifty percent for two; doubled for three; and quadrupled for four.”

She laughed aloud, “You claim fate protects you—so find the best items within a price you can accept. Oh, and you said money is only external, so I should’ve raised the price more!”

Lu Yi could only brace himself and begin. He first considered small, easily hidden ornaments.

He walked to the pendants and examined them, finally resting his hand on one intricately carved pendant adorned with strange patterns and a sapphire at its base.

The moment his hand touched it, a mechanical voice sounded in his ear, “Usable equipment detected, activating equipment template.

Name: Aquamarine Pendant
Quality: Tier One, Green
Weight: 120 grams
Equip Requirements: None
Ability: Blocks one fire-based attack from a low-level monster; activate to release a small amount of water energy, after which the pendant is destroyed.
Activation Requirement: Able to manipulate any kind of energy
Description: Inlaid with a low-grade water spirit core, made with traces of rare metal.”

Lu Yi paused, glancing at the holographic screen from his wristwatch, and asked mentally, “Mist City, what is an equipment template?”

“The equipment template is like an inventory slot in online games—equipment must be equipped here to activate its effects. Regular clothing is like blank cosmetic skins; you can choose to display your outfit while hiding equipment, or let the equipment show.

Note the difference: when equipment is hidden, only passive defensive abilities function, and those abilities will become visible. Weapons and other offensive gear must be displayed to attack.

Additionally, the template allows instant donning or removal of gear.”

You can even hide equipment! That was great news—no need to worry about standing out.

Lu Yi felt the pendant—it wasn’t suitable. This trial was about evading the designs of Death; as long as he didn’t wander into strange places like tonight, the city shouldn’t send random monsters after him.

From this perspective, something providing a defensive shield was best, or anything that could disperse force. This aquamarine pendant wouldn’t do.

He examined several other pendants, shaking his head—most were basic or green-tier items, offering only single-use defense against low-level monsters of certain elements. Then he came upon another pendant’s information.

“Usable equipment detected:
Name: Demon-Sealing Pendant (Fine)
Quality: Tier One, Blue
Weight: 600 grams
Equip Requirements: None
Ability: When attacked by a monster, it can seal the monster inside the mirror, though stronger monsters may break free.
Activation Requirement: None
Description: Sacred prayer, special mirror surface, silver threads imbued with willpower—a piece worthy of its price.”

Lu Yi’s eyes flashed with joy; this pendant was excellent. Though it didn’t defend against physical attacks, its versatility against monsters was invaluable. With only one necklace slot, and no better options, this was clearly the best choice. After brief hesitation, he took two from the box.

The old woman was surprised to see Lu Yi pick the Demon-Sealing Pendant, but quickly shook her head, thinking he’d merely stumbled onto it—after all, it was the only pendant with a mirror.

Lu Yi shifted his gaze from the pendants to the armor, pausing briefly. Though such gear would certainly provide physical defense, being fully encased in metal—would that really stop Death’s schemes?

Obviously, the task wouldn’t be that simple. And the greater the coverage and resistance, the heavier the armor would be, impeding movement once equipped.

He then picked two rings from a pile, both enhancing willpower, followed by the three best bottles of Purification Liquid, under the old woman’s amazed eyes.

“Mist City, can I store these three bottles in my space?” Lu Yi asked mentally.

“To open personal space, the challenger must purchase a space-type item,” the city replied, leaving Lu Yi dumbfounded.

“So stingy?” he grumbled inwardly. “No other way? I can’t carry them all the time.”

“You may form a temporary team with other newcomers to gain access to temporary team space.”

“How do I team up?” Lu Yi brightened.

“Simply use your wristwatch to form a team with newcomers who have unlocked equipment or skill templates. Temporary teams cost no reward points; if not made permanent after the mission, the team disbands and items in the temporary space are destroyed.”

After roughly estimating prices, Lu Yi selected two sets of chainmail.

When he presented his chosen items to the old woman, she could not hide her surprise. “You don’t want to confirm their prices?”

“No, I’m afraid I won’t be able to afford them if I ask,” Lu Yi replied crisply.

The old woman snorted, her expression colder. “Young man, I have a weapon here—interested?”

Without waiting for his reply, she produced a dagger, drawing it with a sharp sound. As the gleaming blade appeared, Lu Yi seemed to hear countless wails, as though souls slain by this dagger still mourned.

The moment the dagger was revealed, Lu Yi’s left eye felt uncomfortable, as if fearing the weapon.

“This is called Demon Hunter,” she said, twisting the dagger and suddenly thrusting it toward Lu Yi’s chest.

Lu Yi shuddered, frowning in confusion.