"Ah! Did you write that?"
The expression on Wilde's face changed. He had originally held the book carefully, but now his actions were even softer, as if he was dealing with a piece of fragile glass.
Lin Jie's words were clearly printed there, and in retrospect, all that was said was clearly that he was recommending his own work.
Wilde glanced at the printed title, "Corpse Eating Sect, Rites and Ceremonies" . He looked up and asked cautiously. "Is that your field of study? Rites and ceremonies?"
Rites and ceremonies are easy to understand while the Corpse-Eating Sect . It seems like a certain religion... but I've never heard of it before.
There were three main faiths in Azira:
With Knowledge as their belief, the Union of Truth.
The worshippers of the Moon, the Dome Church.
Believers of the Wall of Mist, Church of the Pestilence.
There are other disparate religions that were pretty obscure, but as a wizard who wandered around and did work as a hired hand for various factions, Wilde still knew a bit about them, but the Corpse Eater sect did not.
It sounds like the religion of a demonic tribe that eats people. But if it wasn't, it would mean...''
Wilde felt his heart shudder.
Scholars were usually good in law, and all this time, Wilde had thought that Lin Jie would at least be neutral. This was the reason why he didn't dare to reveal his identity or talk about his past in too much detail.
The mercy of such supreme beings was usually temporary, so he couldn't be sure that this bookstore owner wasn't just doing an experiment out of boredom to 'persuade a ruthless black magician to become good'.
If Wilder goes against the will of this supreme being, there could be unimaginable consequences.
However, this book written by Lin Jie had an ominous atmosphere. Undoubtedly, the author was determined to be evil.
A formidable scholar researching taboos had to be eliminated by the mainstream. Is that the reason why he's a recluse! With his heart pounding frantically, Wilde looked at Lin Jie, who didn't mind the curious gazes of the customers, and nodded with a gentle smile as he recalled. "Yes, it's part of my research tasks that also changed my fate..."
"Never mind, it happened a long time ago. There's no reason to dig it all up again." Lin Jie sighed.
A long time ago? A change in fate?
An outrageous conjecture arose in Wilde's mind, but he noticed the expression on Lin Jie's face and thus turned his attention to the slightly rough cover of the book. "This book seems to be hand-bound," he remarked.
Lin Jie nodded. "At that time, I was unable to publish it due to unforeseen circumstances and could only keep this book that I printed by hand. I decided to lend this book to you since we are soul mates. Of course, if you don't believe me, I can recommend other books to you as well! "
Before his relocation, Lin Jie was a doctoral student studying folklore as well as a teacher. There was a story behind the title "Teacher Lin". Moreover, giving life advice and serving chicken soup for the soul was something he hadn't learned overnight.
If Lin Jie hadn't decided to relocate back then, he would probably be an associate professor and would probably have published the sixth edition of his books on folk customs.
Although it wouldn't be particularly outstanding considering the many other 'youngest associate professors' and 'brilliant students', he was confident in his specialization.
"Thank you. I am honored to read your work." Wilde bowed slightly and continued. "However, the fact that the only copy of such an important book is in the hands of a miserable old man makes me worry."
Like a cunning old magician, Wilde was not worried about the loss of the book. However, the book was unpublished, which meant that whatever was written inside was experimental in nature.
Who knew what unimaginable result could come from studying it?
From the looks of it, it seems that Lin Jie had perceived him as a sort of guinea pig....
"Old Wil, there's nothing to worry about. I believe that you will bring even more value to this book. My research has value only when it is seen by others."
"As for it being the only copy? That is no longer important to me." Lin Jie smiled and pointed at the bookshelf behind him. "I have a whole forest now. Besides, I can easily make a replacement at any time. Knowledge in the mind can't be stolen, and fame and wealth can be taken away. But in my opinion, they are simply inconsequential."
Lin Jie looked at Wilde intently.
Take this, old Wil! This is already the last of my chicken soup!
Lin Jie sensed Old Weel's misgivings about his research. However, this was not directed at the subject matter, but rather a concern about where this study could lead to.
As an empty nester, Old Wil may have seemed amiable, but his arrogant and aloof disposition caused him to distance himself from friends and family. As a result, he placed great importance on academics.
He needed achievement, fame and fortune in this aspect to fill the void in his heart!
However, this was a morbid and fanatical way of thinking that further distanced himself from society. Therefore, Lin Jie decided to guide him to experience caring from others again!
Wilde met Lin Jie's gaze and was startled for a moment. He took off his hat and said: "I could use your advice."
His fingers holding the hat trembled.
Fame and wealth are inconsequential.... Is this a warning not to divulge this information to others? He must have sensed that I had figured out his identity.
It became heavier on the black magician's heart.
Lin Jie then continued. ''In any case, let's return to the topic. Since you could understand, cough cough, the devilish language, you should be able to understand this book, and if you think it's good, I'll be more than happy if you recommend it to others."
He revealed a polite smile that seemed to be full of hidden meanings.
Looking at the book in his hand, Wilde nodded. "I see, I'll do my best."
It seems he wants me to help spread his work. That should be the price I have to pay.''
Wilde felt his heart lighten.
After all, there was a price to be paid. Free lunches didn't exist in this world.
Wilde would be even more frightened if Lin Jie continued to be generous, as it would mean a higher price to pay in the future, which might end up costing him his life.
Spreading the contents of this book, but never divulging the identity of the author.... It seems like the only way to do that is to study the content first and pass it on to others verbally. I have to be very careful. Wilde thought to himself.
'Well, then I must leave.
Wilde put his hat back on, then hesitated for a moment before pulling a black stone sculpture from his breast pocket and placing it on the tabletop.
"Thank you for the guidance you have given me all this time. Please accept this small token of appreciation."