"What nonsense are you talking about? If it's an illusion, why did Jin Jing die? Then why is Jiang Ran, who also encountered an illusion, completely unharmed?"

"This problem is probably quite simple, because Jiang Ran has always believed he won't die, while Jin Jing clearly doesn't have that confidence," the subordinate explained based on his conjecture. "After all, illusions arise from the mind, don't they?"

"...I think you have a lot of potential to be a ghost story teller."

"Sir, please don't joke with me. We have God's perspective here. Bystanders see things clearly. If I were really sent in, I might not even do as well as Jin Jing."

The effects of the illusion on the ghost story masters continue. As time goes by, five ghost story masters have died in the illusion. Don't think this number is small. You have to know that everyone who can enter this world has some skills. If it were in other ghost story worlds, they would be one of the competitors for the chance to pass!

The illusion can mimic pain in a way that is indistinguishable from reality, but fortunately, the control over the details is still full of loopholes. As long as the ghost storyteller can calm down and think, he will soon find that something is wrong.

Whether one can realize it's an illusion, or think it's something else entirely, is another story.

Jiang Ran still couldn't find Gwen's whereabouts. According to the contract, Gwen must have come to this world, but the two had been separated from the beginning. Jiang Ran couldn't be sure if he had encountered Gwen along the way, because under the influence of the black mist, everything he saw was unreal.

The soil beneath his feet became somewhat sticky. Jiang Ran stopped in his tracks. A river stretched out before him, its water as black as ink. Obscured by the black mist, Jiang Ran could neither see the opposite bank nor judge how wide the river was.

"Is this the River Styx?"

[Rule Four: The island is surrounded by the River Styx. Do not attempt to approach the River Styx, do not have any contact with its waters, do not drink its waters, and do not discuss its existence with any creature.]

Since no one has a specific sense of direction and visibility is extremely low, it is almost impossible to completely avoid approaching the River Styx. Theoretically speaking, as long as you keep walking, you will eventually reach the edge of the River Styx.

You can only discover this river when it appears before you.

However, the fact that Jiang Ran was able to reach the River Styx so quickly also indicates that the route he chose is moving further and further away from the center of the island. Oh well, it doesn't matter if he's going in the wrong direction; he can just go back the way he came.

[You have acquired the Copy Talent: S-Rank - Blood Blade]

[Effect: Consumes your own blood to forge a blade; this blade can kill most strange creatures.]

The more you cut, the weaker you become; the weaker you become, the more you cut.

[Remaining usable time: 30 minutes (not yet started)]

Suddenly, a notification popped up, and Jiang Ran unexpectedly copied an S-level talent, which meant that the owner of the talent was within 100 meters of him and had been there for ten seconds!

Such a talent seems to be unlimited on the surface, but in reality, after using it a few times, one's body will basically be unable to hold on. Of course, I may not use it, but I cannot be without it. Having such an extra layer of protection is definitely not a bad thing.

Jiang Ran had no idea which country or which ghost storyteller possessed this talent, nor did he intend to find him. A range of 100 meters seemed close, but with visibility only three meters, the chances of meeting him were still very slim.

"It's really strange that we haven't encountered a single bounty poster after walking for so long."

Does this mean that bounty posters only appear in areas close to the center? Jiang Ran is standing in front of the River Styx, which means he is on the edge of the island. If that's the case, it's normal that no bounty posters have appeared yet. He needs to return as soon as possible, otherwise he won't be able to keep up with the consumption of lamp oil.

Clang—clang—clang—

Jiang Ran hadn't taken more than a few steps after turning around when the intermittent sound of metal dragging on the ground faintly came from the black mist. It didn't sound like any common weapon, but rather like the sound of chains!

[Rule Five: There is no sun or moon on this isolated island. A bright yellow flame on the Soul Lamp represents daytime, and a dark green flame represents nighttime. If you hear the cawing of crows at night, immediately find a place to hide. If you hear the sound of chains being dragged at night, immediately leave your current location and move at least 100 meters away.]

Jiang Ran looked at the soul lamp in his hand again. The flame flickered and emitted a bright yellow light. According to the rules, it was daytime now, so the second half of the rule could be completely ignored.

If you think like that, then you're not far from death.

This rule doesn't have an asterisk, so no one knows if it's completely correct. Jiang Ran is more inclined to believe that there are some errors in it; the mix of truth and falsehood makes it easier for people to make wrong judgments.

A bright yellow flame does not necessarily represent daytime; it could also be nighttime. The color of the light is not the focus of this rule; the only thing worth noting is the second half of the rule!

Jiang Ran walked towards the center of the isolated island and quickly left the area.

"The sound of chains? I'd better hurry!"

A ghost storyteller in the black mist said this.

He is none other than the S-rank ghost storyteller of the Sakura Kingdom, the one who has become a ghost storyteller! Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Tomoyuki, he has also successfully become an S-rank ghost storyteller, and his talent "Blood Blade" is his ability!

"Excellent! My talent allows me to kill strange creatures, which gives me a huge advantage in this world. If Jiang Ran's luck with his random talent isn't good, he'll have to be a step behind me!"

Upon hearing the sound of chains, Yiji dared not linger and immediately quickened his pace forward. Unfortunately, after walking a few dozen meters, a Styx River blocked his way.

Damn it!

With the River Styx blocking his way, this was the best place to avoid. Logically, he should have turned around immediately, but the source of the chain sound was right behind him. If he turned around now, wouldn't he be running into that ghostly thing head-on?

He was caught in a dilemma during his defense, and he didn't have much time to think because the sound of chains was getting closer and closer to him!

"Entering the River Styx means certain death. At least if we encounter that strange creature with chains, we can use the Blood Blade!"

Based on his defense, he ultimately chose to return the way he came. He carefully moved forward step by step, constantly turning his head to observe his surroundings.

Clang—clang—clang—

The sound of chains grew closer! An encounter with that monstrous thing was now inevitable!

"Come on, whatever you are, do you really think I'm afraid of you?!"

Encouraged by his thesis defense, a blood-red longsword appeared in his hand, its blade gleaming with a scarlet light!