When the Wild Beast is Trapped in the Nightmare Cycle (BL)
Chapter 529: Ghost Festival

Chapter 529: Ghost Festival

As Noir was being entrusted with a task he had never asked for, what was Jin Jiuchi, this wandering ghost, doing?

Unbeknownst to the other three, he had long gone away after making sure that Shen Nianzu had no other instructions for him. After everything that had been said and done, how could he not understand? From this moment onwards, his team’s glory or failure lay in the palm of his hands. Only he could locate the main reward and carry everyone to victory! And it was absolutely not because he was nosy about the festive Red Zone and couldn’t remain still any longer!

...Alright, he had to admit that he was somewhat curious.

Why did the Red Zone on the other side appear so different? Where did all these people – or ghosts, to be more precise – come from? And most importantly, could they be preparing for another tea party???

Jin Jiuchi couldn’t help but swallow when he was reminded of the wide assortments of desserts he hadn’t had the chance to devour earlier. Fortunately, he was quick to realize that his thoughts had strayed off to the wrong path and hurriedly gave his cheeks a firm slap.

"The black supply box first!" he reminded himself sternly. "After I find it, I can eat as much as I want!"

With the solid plan in mind, Jin Jiuchi became cheerful again and he practically skipped toward the Red Zone, humming an off-key tune under his breath. The closer he got, the more ghosts he encountered along the woods.

They looked just like normal humans saved from their overly pallid complexion, the faint glow outlining their bodies, and the various costumes they wore. Some were dressed in elegant medieval ballgowns and suits, while others donned long robes and cheongsam typically seen in the Republican era. There were even those in military uniforms, exuding a bloody and fearsome aura!

Compared to them, Jin Jiuchi in his black tactical gear seemed somewhat plain and mediocre. Of course, the main reason why he was able to blend in seamlessly was due to his leisurely demeanor and the thrilled smile on his face, making him no different than any other ghosts around.

After a little observation, Jin Jiuchi came to the conclusion that a ghost festival seemed to be held here. Like any festival in the real world, colorful stalls lined the paths with merchants calling out to attract customers. The air buzzed with activity and lively chatter— of course, if one could overlook the fact that every single person here was a ghost.

"Limited edition teaware set used personally by the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty! Guaranteed authentic!"

"Beautiful miss, what do you think of this jade hairpin? It is scavenged from a 500-year-old corpse, brimming with the aura of death! Only your striking beauty can complement such a rare hairpin!"

"Foul blood of an unborn fetus! Foul blood of an unborn fetus! Available just for tonight, don’t miss it!"

"Come here for fresh roasted eyeball skewers— Da-ge¹, Da-ge, yes, you! Are you here for the first time?"

Jin Jiuchi looked left and right before pointing at his own nose. When he saw the merchant nodding energetically while beckoning at him, Jin Jiuchi slowly made his way over, his gaze immediately drawn to the skewers sizzling on top of the grill. Each skewer consisted of three perfectly round eyeballs, with a little flesh still attached to it.

A mouth-watering aroma wafted to Jin Jiuchi’s nostrils, causing his stomach to growl in hunger.

"Da-ge, I can assure you, throughout the whole forest, my skewers are the most delicious!" The ghost merchant began endorsing his stuff, his words smooth and eloquent. "Do you see how round and perfect these eyeballs are? They’re pulled out from those who died a slow and excruciating pain, making them crunchy and chewy! And if you’re lucky, some of them still retain their muscle reflex and will pop in your mouth when you bite down! Da-ge, you will lose out if you don’t try it!"

Even without the merchant elaborating, Jin Jiuchi’s drool had almost overflowed and dribbled out of his lips already. And with this description, he became all the more tempted. "Uh-huh, they do look chewy..." he gulped. "But... But I don’t have money..." Jin Jiuchi patted his body all over and as expected, he found not even a cent. Players could not bring their personal possession into the Cycle, but who could have guessed that he would encounter something like this here?

Jin Jiuchi was so sad that he nearly shed crocodile tears of regret.

"Aiyah, you must be new to this area!" The merchant slapped his thigh enthusiastically and, without any preamble, stuffed one of the skewers from the grill into Jin Jiuchi’s hands. "Here, here, here, just take it as a bonus from me. Remember to come back and buy more if you earn some later, kay?"

Jin Jiuchi: !!!

Happiness came so sudden that Jin Jiuchi almost leapt up in joy. Sure enough, good children would be rewarded!

"Mister, you’re so kind! Rest assured, you can count on me to buy all of your stuff later!" Jin Jiuchi thumped his chest proudly. "Nian’er – oh, I’m talking about my super pretty drop-dead gorgeous boyfriend. He’s filthy rich, no kidding! I will bring him here later... oh wait, he’s not dead like me."

As Jin Jiuchi rattled his mouth off, he did not forget to bite into the first eyeball on his skewer and— hmm! It’s really so chewy, not to mention the thick, savory and rich juice that burst into his mouth with each bite he took!

His eyes lit up as he flashed a thumbs up to the merchant.

The poor player, who happened to witness this: "..."

The outstretched hand that was about to pat Jin Jiuchi’s shoulder from behind halted in midair and could no longer go forward. He had recognized Jin Jiuchi ever since the latter stepped into the Red Zone, but just as he wanted to invite the man over to the players’ team, he was greeted with the spectacular sight of this bigshot eating roasted eyeballs with relish.

The player’s pupils quaked, terror clawing at his senses. T–Those were not a mere imitation created with mold and food coloring— but real, authentic eyeballs! More solid than gold!

Even then, how could he still eat it with such a blissful expression as though he was tasting a rare delicacy?!

C–Crazy, the player thought in fear. This guy is batshit crazy! Is he even human?!

Ashen-faced, he was ready to abort the plan and run as far away as he could, when all of a sudden, Jin Jiuchi whipped his head around and looked squarely at him!

"Oho..." a slow grin spread over Jin Jiuchi’s face, revealing his sharp and pointed canines. With the eyeball skewer still in his hand, he looked just like an unhinged and bloodthirsty serial murder – the kind with a sick, perverted hobby. "Look at who we got here. I remember you. Aren’t you that guy at the tea party... uhh..."

Before Jin Jiuchi could finish his warm and friendly greeting to a familiar acquaintance, the player’s eyes rolled to the back of his head and he straight-up fainted on the spot, leaving Jin Jiuchi utterly baffled.

What the hell was wrong with this guy? Wait, could someone still pass out after turning into a ghost???

.

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Mini theater

Q: How are you feeling right now?

JJ: (hurt) ...why’s he so rude? Where is Nian’er? I need my emotional support jade doll QAQ