novellhall Chapter 30 A Belated Beginning, A New Beginning
Chapter 30 A Belated Beginning, A New Beginning
"Tap, tap tap."
The incessant knocking woke Lu Qingfeng.
He sat up from the recliner and looked towards the door, where two people dressed in street office uniforms were standing.
He walked to the door and opened it.
The man at the head of the group spoke first: "Hello, are you Shop Owner Lu? We're from the neighborhood committee, just making a routine visit. My surname is Qin, and this is my assistant."
Can't you officials come up with a better excuse? Do you think I don't know who's in the local neighborhood committee?
That's what he thought, but on the surface, Lu Qingfeng didn't show it at all, acting as if he were just an ordinary shop owner.
"Yes, yes, is there anything I can help you with?"
The leading man spoke again:
"Well, there was a heavy rain last night, which damaged the shops on this street. We're here to check the damage."
"Are you familiar with the Shanshifang restaurant? That restaurant collapsed last night, and we want to know if it has affected the surrounding residents."
A perfectly timed look of surprise and bewilderment appeared on Lu Qingfeng's face:
"Oh? That shop collapsed? I heard the clerk mention it this morning, it was quite sudden. But Brother Qin, my little shop is a bit far away, and it was raining heavily last night, so I slept soundly and didn't hear anything."
His tone reflected the natural reaction of an ordinary citizen to a public official—a sense of detachment coupled with a desire to get closer.
The middle-aged man surnamed Qin was not surprised and continued to ask questions:
"Does Boss Lu run this shop alone? Yesterday... or recently, have you noticed anything unusual about the restaurant? Like strange customers? Or any unusual smells?"
The questions, though seemingly random, went straight to the heart of the matter; they were investigating every possible clue related to the anomaly.
Although Lu Qingfeng's investigation in the store last night and his battle with the evil puppet left no trace, the fact that the bookstore owner had visited the food court before the incident is itself a point worth noting.
Lu Qingfeng's mind raced, but his face remained calm: "Just me and one employee. That shop is newly opened; I've only been there once. Hmm..."
He pretended to recall something, "The decor was quite unique, in an ancient style, with a statue of a deity... As for the smell, the incense was quite strong, and the food... was just so-so."
The investigator surnamed Qin listened quietly, his gaze lingering on Lu Qingfeng's face for a few seconds before turning back to the interior of the bookstore.
He didn't press for details, simply nodding: "Okay, thank you for your cooperation, Boss Lu. If you remember anything unusual, feel free to contact this number."
He handed over a simple business card with only his name and phone number.
"Definitely, definitely."
Lu Qingfeng accepted the business card and responded politely.
Just then, Jolyne, who had just fallen into a deep sleep during her lunch break, was woken up: "Boss, what's up?"
"It's nothing, just a routine visit from the neighborhood committee."
"Also, when you wake up, go to the front desk for your shift. I'm going to the backyard."
Lu Qingfeng, carrying a rattan chair back to the small house in the backyard, casually opened the online forum.
The post I made this morning has already received responses from forum members, and even replies from several experts.
[Lord of the Wasteland (private chat)]: "Kid, you made quite a commotion last night, didn't you? How's that Rain Night Walker still working? Judging from your condition, you seem to have improved again? Not bad, you've got some of my old style (thumbs up)!"
What, interested in that invitation? Don't be a coward, just do it! Remember to stream it live (evil grin).
[Xuanzhenzi (private chat)]: "When spiritual energy surges back, turbid currents also arise. These evil creatures that steal life force are probably not isolated cases. If you encounter any troublesome matters, you can send me an email."
Although given the restrictions on your plane, it's unlikely I'll be able to get in, I'll offer my moral support (laughs).
Also, the "Zhuo Er Photo Collection, Volume 1.52" is an artistic gem; please don't be distracted by studying it while appreciating it (serious face).
[Anonymous User (Post Reply)]: "The original poster asked about the official reaction in the early stages of the spiritual energy revival? Based on my experience traveling through multiple newly formed/reviving planes, there are usually several stages:"
1. Occasional unusual events occur sporadically and are dismissed as rumors or accidents.
2. The frequent occurrence and expansion of these incidents have caused localized panic, and the authorities may establish a secret investigation department.
3. The secret service is overwhelmed, trying to reach/recruit awakened individuals or those who carry on ancient traditions.
4. The lid can't be kept shut; supernatural powers will be semi-public or fully public... The speed of this process varies, depending on the strength of the world's will, whether there is an external invasion, and... whether there are variables like us (winking).
And another post about the Red Moon Core:
[Hey pros! I just cleared a dungeon called Red Moon Cavern and got a purple material called Red Moon Core. The description is terrifying (screenshot).]
This thing is extremely dangerous; it causes ongoing mental pollution and may attract unknown attention. Even legendary alchemists say they need to write their wills…
What exactly can this thing do? How do I handle it safely? I need an answer urgently, please! [@All you knowledgeable experts]
Bloodlust Maniac: [Holy crap! Purple materials! Newbie, did you accidentally raid the lair of an evil god? Red Moon... that sounds creepy!]
Runaway Master: [Bro, you're awesome! But judging from the description, this thing is a hot potato! Mental pollution + monster-attracting aura, are you sure you want to keep it? I suggest you throw it away or sell it on the black market for money! Safety first!]
Knowledge is power: [Wait! Let me check the database... The Core of the Crimson Moon... Hiss! This thing is extremely rare! It's a fragment of a high-dimensional distorted projection core, containing extremely high and chaotic energy.]
[Also, if you're going to sell this item, it's best to seal it with an epic-level item. Of course, you can also leave it in the network without taking it out.]
[Appendix: 108 ways to use the Crimson Moon Core]
Lu Qingfeng stared at the flood of messages, lost in thought. The value of the purple material was undeniable, but the accompanying risks were terrifyingly high.
Selling sealed items seems like the safest option, but finding epic sealed boxes and reliable buyers are both challenges.
"It seems we need to think this through more carefully..."
Lu Qingfeng temporarily put aside the matter of the Red Moon Core.
He took out a bottle of [small cultivation potion], tilted his head back, and drank it down.
A gentle yet pure energy flowed through his body, accelerating his recovery and subtly nourishing his newly upgraded foundation.
This cultivation potion was not the one that was originally a reward from the dungeon. After becoming wealthy, Lu Qingfeng bought many similar resources for cultivation.
In addition, Lu Qingfeng also devoted a large portion of his resources to Chongyue.
First, there's a 500-coin enhancement stone, and then there's a bunch of maintenance materials.
We didn't have money before, but now that we do, we naturally can't skimp on our main weapon.
After doing all this, Lu Qingfeng's gaze finally fell on the dark gray invitation.
"An unknown instance... dynamically adaptable level... a ticket obtained by exchanging artifact cores..."
He muttered to himself, his fingers unconsciously stroking the cold metal card.
Danger is inevitable, but the opportunities are equally tempting.
However... we won't encounter any fatal crises.
Taking a deep breath, Lu Qingfeng's eyes hardened.
He focused his mind and locked onto the [Random Dungeon Invitation] in his inventory.
[Use item: Random dungeon invitation?]
[WARNING: The instance linked to by this invitation is extremely difficult and its information is unknown, posing unpredictable risks.]
【whether】
No hesitation.
【Yes! 】
The dungeon "Earthly Calamity" is now open!
[Special mechanism loading...]
"Bang!!"
"A crossover web novel...!!!"
Lu Qingfeng felt as if his consciousness had been struck by an invisible giant hammer, and he instantly sank into a chaotic darkness.
The intense tearing sensation did not come from the body, but from the soul, as if something had been forcibly stuffed into it.