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    [Heart of the Faceless Demon]


    [Quality: Cursed Object]


    [Curse]: Can link with the heart of a designated target, but requires a large amount of fresh blood daily for sustenance.


    [Description]: Every part of a powerful Faceless One contains a curse, especially their heart. Once you hear your own heartbeat, be cautious, for it might no longer be your heart...


    Lin En: "!!!"


    The old woman laughed eerily, "If you want someone dead, just think of them and use the most vicious method on this heart. You''ll find great joy in it, hehe—"


    Lin En felt a chill run down his spine.


    The things this old woman carried were indeed far from ordinary.


    This heart seemed to be a formidable weapon.


    But surely, the cost of using it must be immense.


    Soon, the old woman slowly disappeared into the black mist ahead, pulling her cart.


    Watching her leave, Lin En looked at the beating heart in his hand with a peculiar expression.


    His collection of creepy items was indeed growing.


    But this trade was definitely worth it.


    The scavenger passed by the shop every morning, making him a reliable NPC for exchanging various items!


    When the weekly delivery monster arrived, Lin En spent a large amount of Skull Coins to restock the shop''s warehouse.


    And by the looks of it, his teacher would be returning tonight or tomorrow.


    Returning to the counter, Lin En quietly awaited the day''s first customer.


    Outside, the black mist churned.


    And just then—


    Knock, knock, knock—


    Three knocks sounded at the door.


    Lin En immediately looked up, a professional smile on his face, and said:The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    "Welcome..."


    The Soul Lantern hanging on the doorpost flickered violently.


    Lin En''s pupils contracted.


    The intense flickering of the Soul Lantern indicated that the visitor''s level was definitely not low.


    Outside the door stood a woman in a striking red evening gown, smiling at the threshold. Her wavy hair cascaded down her back, and she was the kind of alluring woman who seemed to drain you with just a glance.


    "Boss, may your business flourish."


    [Blood-Clad Wraith]


    [Level]: ???


    [Alignment]: Chaotic Evil


    [Combat Ability]: She will slowly drain you.


    [Description]: A twisted amalgamation wandering the dark world. Never be swayed by their enchanting forms, or you''ll face a nightmare...


    Lin En''s mind displayed the panel of the woman.


    She held a covered dish, from which a faint aroma of meat wafted.


    Lin En heightened his vigilance but maintained a calm demeanor, saying:


    "Hello, is there anything uncomfortable that you need treatment for?"


    The Blood-Clad Wraith''s smile was dazzling, her red lips revealing a row of unnervingly white teeth, giving off an indescribably eerie feeling.


    She playfully twirled her curls, speaking with seductive charm:


    "I''m not uncomfortable. I just moved to this street this morning and thought I''d visit my neighbors. You wouldn''t... mind, would you?"


    She lightly licked her red lips.


    [Lin En''s Sanity Value -1]


    Lin En knew very well that in this dark world, the more normal a monster appeared, the more dangerous it was.


    And this woman exuded an unmistakably ominous aura.


    "Welcome, of course, you''re welcome!" Lin En''s smile remained unchanged.


    Meanwhile, he discreetly placed his revolver and the heart within easy reach under the counter.


    "Please come in, Blood Saw Apothecary welcomes any friendly neighbor."


    For a monster whose level couldn''t be discerned at all, the Soul Lantern outside was of little use.


    If she truly harbored ill intentions, there was no stopping her.


    The woman, full of smiles, gracefully stepped over the threshold.


    Almost simultaneously, Lin En''s ears rang with a system notification.


    [Ding! You have triggered the mission: Survive.]


    [Mission Objective: Maintain your Sanity Value above ''0'' before the Blood-Clad Wraith''s malice towards you reaches 100%, and ensure her malice doesn''t reach 100%, for 30 minutes.]


    [Mission Reward: 500 Skull Coins, 200 Basic Experience, Special Reward +1]


    In an instant, Lin En''s heart tightened.


    Indeed, this wraith was up to no good.


    And to trigger a mission like "Survive" indicated that this crisis was on par with last night''s.


    He was well aware that if he did nothing last night, the headhunter would have devoured all the residents of Wandering Soul Alley, a massive crisis indeed.


    And this woman?


    She didn''t seem like a Root-Level Monster, but if she wanted to kill him, it would be effortless.


    "Boss, you don''t seem like a native here, do you?"


    The woman sat gracefully on the stool in front of the counter, resting her chin on her hand, gazing at Lin En with a charming smile.


    "Aren''t you afraid of being eaten by some unfriendly customers?"


    She lightly traced a finger across Lin En''s chest, exuding an irresistible allure.


    [Lin En''s Sanity Value -10]


    But Lin En quickly regained his composure.


    With a professional smile, he swiftly raised the boning knife left by his teacher, smiling:


    "I''m a bit afraid, but a doctor''s duty is to heal and save lives. No matter how scared, as long as they''re my customer, I must treat them seriously. That''s the principle of being a doctor."


    [Ding! Current Crisis Level 51%]


    The woman blinked her alluring eyes, exhaling a fragrant breath as she laughed:


    "Interesting, but what if they''re not a customer?"


    "What if... I want to eat you?"


    She blew a gentle breath at Lin En, like a whisper in his ear.


    [Ding! Current Crisis Level 61%]


    Lin En remained calm, smiling earnestly:


    "Impossible, you''re so beautiful, your heart must be as lovely as your appearance. A lady as elegant and graceful as you would surely dine with the poise and dignity of a noble."


    [Ding! Current Crisis Level 56%]


    "You sure know how to talk."


    The woman smiled seductively, tracing her lips with a finger, "Do you really think I''m beautiful?"


    "Of course!"


    "Do you still think I''m beautiful now?"


    In that instant, right before Lin En''s eyes, the woman''s face slowly split open from the middle.


    Her face still bore a smile.


    And from the bloodied gap, a row of sharp, jagged teeth emerged, along with thick, foul-smelling tentacles that squeezed out from the split face.


    Simultaneously, a heavy stench of rot and blood emanated from her.


    [Lin En''s Sanity Value -30!]


    "Do you still think I''m beautiful now?"


    From the sinister gap in her face came a series of sticky, eerie chuckles.


    [Ding! Current Crisis Level 81%]


    [Ding! Current Crisis Level 85%]


    [Ding! Current Crisis Level 90%]


    Slowly, as the crisis level surged, the woman with the split face inched closer to Lin En.


    The sticky, raspy voice grew nearer and nearer.


    "Am I... really beautiful?"


    Gradually.


    The terrifying visage was less than five centimeters from Lin En''s face, the sticky tentacles and sharp barbs nearly enveloping him.


    And at that critical moment—


    Mua~~


    Lin En kissed her.


    "......"


    "......"


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