Cheng Shi had been pondering what connection this ghost had with the Ear of Secret Prying, but no amount of speculation could compare to seeing it with his own eyes. So he decided to personally meet the theater's guardian, the one all scavengers were so tight-lipped about.
"None of you have seen it before, right? Good.
"Luckily, my eyesight is pretty good. I can see through illusions and perceive the truth, so today, I'll take a look for you first."
As he spoke, Cheng Shi lifted Barto up and walked step by step toward the wire fence.
Barto realized what was about to happen. He felt as if he were about to become the lab rat used for an experiment, and he was terrified. He struggled frantically, but it was useless, so he could only whimper and beg in a fawning manner:
"Sir, I was wrong! Sir, don't throw me in! I'll die, sir! I'll die!"
"Shh, keep quiet.
"Don't be afraid. Let me tell you, I'm the greatest priest in the world. No matter who dies, I can save them from death's grasp!"
Barto froze mid-struggle. He pointed at Wells in astonishment and said in a trembling voice, "Then what about Wells...?"
"Ahem, that's not important."
Cheng Shi quickly reached out and covered Barto's eyes, soothing him kindly:
"Don't worry. You're different from him. You definitely won't die. At worst, you'll suffer a little.
"But judging by your virile energy... Hmm, it's quite abundant. I imagine you aren't afraid of a few minor injuries and aches."
"I'm not! I'm afraid! I'm terrified, sir!" Barto was scared witless. He kept protesting, but it did no good.
Cheng Shi stopped outside the wire fence and looked at the scavenger in his hand with a half-smile, delivering his final ultimatum:
"I think