Yi Bai suppressed the wandering thoughts in his mind.
At this moment, he came to a realization.
Shir was a ghost, and her understanding of punishment was fundamentally different from that of humans.
Lady Mirror, from what he had observed, didn't seem like the type of ghost to physically discipline a child.
Therefore, it was more likely that the "punishment" Shir faced was some form of soft reprimand.
Yi Bai guessed that, more often than not, when Shir made mistakes, Lady Mirror didn't resort to corporal punishment.
This led to... Yi Bai's assumption that things like stir-fried bamboo shoots with pork—normal actions in the human world—were, in Shir's eyes, simply playful gestures from her big brother.
"Ah..."
Upon realizing this, Yi Bai felt speechless. This was... too...
"Cough, cough!"
Snapping back to reality, Yi Bai cleared his throat twice, trying to appear serious.
"Let's not play this game today. We can do it another time. But Shir…"
"Don't worry, big brother!" Shir immediately placed her hand over her small chest, making a promise, "I'll remember! I won't make the same mistake again!"
"Good. I believe you, Shir." Yi Bai nodded.
Then, the two of them sat quietly, watching the last rays of the setting sun.
This was a sight Shir had never witnessed in the world of terror.
Time passed.
The sunset faded, and the sun's edge was no longer visible.
Darkness enveloped the earth.
Above, a crescent moon peeked through the clouds, casting a soft, diffused light.
The sparse stars flickered faintly.
A fog began to rise outside the lumberyard.
The wind gently swept across, causing the forest to emit a mournful, almost weeping sound.
The night forest had a certain resemblance to the world of terror.
It lacked the eerie cawing of enormous crows and the bone-chilling cold that penetrated to the marrow.
"How beautiful..."
Shir gazed up at the stars and the crescent moon, unable to contain her awe.
Her amber eyes glowed with an unprecedented spark.
The human world, so different from the world of terror, was full of strange new sights.
Though it shared the cruelty of the terror world, it also had its own distinct "landscape."
"Let's go outside and watch the stars," Yi Bai said, gently patting Shir's small head.
He noticed the longing in Shir's eyes and made the offer.
"Yay!" Shir cheered with joy, clinging to Yi Bai's chest like a koala!
With a swift motion, Yi Bai, strengthened by his vampire physique, effortlessly jumped to the roof of the lumberyard.
Finding a flat area, he and Shir lay together.
The breeze gently swept by, and the sky was filled with stars.
The moon shone brightly, and there was no hint of chill. Instead, the atmosphere felt perfectly fitting.
It was a scene the world of terror could never offer.
The grim, lifeless world of terror lacked the "vitality" the human world possessed.
Perhaps this was the true and only difference between the two worlds.
A sleepless night passed.
As dawn's first light broke, life began to stir again. The forest, no longer ominous like it had been during the night, felt full of renewed life.
Sunlight bathed Shir's form, but she felt no discomfort.
Ghosts weren't afraid of sunlight here, unlike in other bizarre worlds.
"What a beautiful world."
As Shir admired the sunrise, the sunlight breaking through the darkness, she couldn't help but express her awe again.
"Yes, it is a beautiful world," Yi Bai agreed, "But, don't forget, the world of terror also has its own unique beauty, doesn't it?"
"That's true, big brother! When we get the chance, I'll take you to see the beautiful sights of the terror world!"
Shir made a promise, holding it close to her heart.
"Alright, I'll wait for you to show me the beauty of the terror world."
Yi Bai lightly scratched Shir's smooth little nose.
Then, in the midst of her playful "ee-hee" giggles, he pulled her into his arms.
Literally pulled her into his body!
As a contractor, Yi Bai had the unique ability to pull spirits into his body for nurturing.
It was an ability granted by the contract itself.
Soon, they would head out for their trade, but Yi Bai couldn't risk exposing Shir in the chaotic realm of the game.
In such a crowded, suspicious place, he didn't want the little girl to be seen by the other players of the Ping Luan Palace.
That would only cause him trouble.
And by trouble, he meant invitations, constant invitations, or even attempts to win him over.
Though Ping Luan Palace kept tight surveillance on the players of the Great Xia terror game, their reputation was impeccable.
They never took harsh measures against rogue players.
On the contrary, they would do their best to recruit them.
Every new player could potentially lead to another "blessed one."
Ping Luan Palace's purpose was to maintain order and protect the Great Xia from chaos caused by monsters.
They supported their players, nurturing them as much as they could.
Of course, this all came with one condition: players could not rely on the power of ghosts to ignore the rules of order.
In this world on the brink of collapse, maintaining that order was no easy feat.
So, for talented, extraordinary players, Ping Luan Palace would go all out to recruit them, hoping to increase their strength and maintain stability.
However, Yi Bai wasn't keen on joining any organization, seeking resources, and risking the usual conflicts.
He preferred his current rhythm.
Playing strategies, making friends in the world of terror, and winning by doing little.
Then, returning to the human world to enjoy a peaceful life.
Wasn't that enough?
Even with the best of organizations, Yi Bai knew one thing well—
Where there are people, there will be conflict.