The arrival of Eerie Knowledge Explainer sent the livestream chat into a frenzy.
The Stream Viewers had been speculating whether the evil spirits were treating Tang Xiaoling so kindly because her father was some powerful figure.
But a single remark from him completely changed the Stream Viewers' minds.
"That poor kid. First her dad tricked her, and now they're raising her like a venomous creature in a gu ritual!"
"Man... it's just like they say: misfortune always picks on those who already have it hard!"
"I wonder what those evil spirits will do to Tang Xiaoling. Too bad the expert won't tell us any more."
"Expert! Don't leave! How are we supposed to survive without you?!"
Along with their sympathy for Tang Xiaoling, the viewers all expressed their disappointment.
Many even began frantically posting comments, repeatedly calling for Eerie Knowledge Explainer and begging him to reveal more.
Unfortunately, no matter how much they pleaded, he never responded.
Left with no choice, everyone turned their attention back to the livestream.
Looking at the thick stack of Evil Spirit Coins before her, Tang Xiaoling said with a solemn expression:
"Granny, I don't want them."
"Daddy said I can't just take things from other people."
Rejected, Old Lady Zhao stared at Tang Xiaoling, whose eyes were still wet with tears, and froze.
But she quickly came to her senses.
I've really gone senile!
This little darling can even keep Lord Sky Dog as a pet. Why would she need this pittance from me?!
She's just a child, so she doesn't think that deeply about it.
But Lord Sky Dog must think I'm insulting her with this paltry sum!
I'm done for! I'm done for!
My attempt to flatter her has completely backfired!
The more Old Lady Zhao thought about it, the more she panicked, terrified that Sky Dog might get displeased and slap her dead on the spot.
Her shriveled brain was working so hard it nearly burst into flames.
Yet in the end, she still couldn't think of a way to make amends.
Although she was a Vengeful Ghost who could throw her weight around in the Amusement Park,
this instance was ultimately only beginner-level.
There were usually some spoils to be had, but never very much.
Even if she searched through everything she owned, she had nothing worthwhile beyond a little money.
Let alone anything presentable enough to offer this little darling!
Damn it!
It's all that evil spirit Zhou's fault! If it weren't for him, how could I have offended her?
That bastard wasn't trying to give me a gift. He was trying to get me killed!
But just as Old Lady Zhao was at a complete loss,
Tang Xiaoling suddenly looked toward the Carousel and asked in a slightly choked voice full of anticipation:
"Granny, c-can I ride the little wooden horses?"
"Of course!" Old Lady Zhao sprang to her feet without the slightest hesitation and said:
"I'll take you to ride them right now. You can stay on as long as you like!"
Then she scooped Tang Xiaoling into her arms and headed straight for the Carousel.
The evil spirit Zhou, who had been standing frozen in place, finally snapped out of his daze when he saw them leave.
Watching Old Lady Zhao hurry away, he let out a heavy breath.
"That old lady sure likes to mess around. Was she putting on an act earlier?"
"Looks like she's had enough fun and can't wait to eat the kid now!"
Watching Old Lady Zhao's retreating figure, the evil spirit Zhou smiled with relief.
He even began imagining how glorious his entrance into the Amusement Park would be!
The livestream viewers, however, all began sighing at the sight.
"It's over. Once the kid gets on the Carousel, she'll meet a horrible end!"
"Honestly... I think this might be for the best. I know that Carousel. It shreds people instantly, so there probably won't be any pain."
"That's a cruel thing to say, but it really is the best outcome she could hope for."
"Wait, wasn't this supposed to be a gu ritual? The evil spirit's going to kill her already?"
That comment instantly left many viewers puzzled.
Right, the evil spirit hadn't really done anything. How was this a gu ritual?
Would Tang Xiaoling develop resentment just from dying like this?
For a while, many viewers called for Eerie Knowledge Explainer, hoping to hear his explanation.
But he was staring at his computer in bewilderment himself, with no idea what was going on.
Based on his understanding, these evil spirits should have slowly coaxed Tang Xiaoling along.
Then, when she was at her happiest, they would torture her to death through extremely cruel means!
But what was going on with this evil spirit?
She had only said a few reassuring words, and now she was about to kill her?
Was she simply too hungry to hold back?
Faced with something beyond his understanding, Eerie Knowledge Explainer forced himself to come up with a logical explanation.
However, he wasn't in a hurry to share it. He planned to observe a little longer.
Perhaps this evil spirit would do something "reasonable."
Then he would have facts to back him up, making his words more convincing!
The viewers who received no response immediately fell silent as well.
By then, Old Lady Zhao had already brought Tang Xiaoling to the Carousel.
"Where's the attendant? Come out! My granddaughter wants to ride the Carousel!"
Standing at the ticket gate, Old Lady Zhao called out in a low voice.
If she hadn't been worried about frightening Tang Xiaoling in her arms, her expression would have turned vicious long ago.
"C-coming!"
Just then, a player named Wu Fan came running out of a corner, trembling.
He had actually spotted Old Lady Zhao as soon as she arrived.
But he had been too terrified to come out.
As the Carousel attendant, however, he realized there was no avoiding her and forced himself to run over.
"M-mighty Vengeful Ghost, h-hello. W-what can... can I do for you?"
Wu Fan trembled all over, so frightened he could barely speak coherently.
He didn't even dare lift his head, keeping his eyes fixed on the ground.
At the sight of him, Old Lady Zhao's face darkened with displeasure.
Damn it, I'm talking to you, and you won't even raise your head?
Do you think you're too good for me?!
Fury surged through Old Lady Zhao, and she instinctively moved to bite Wu Fan.
But then she suddenly remembered that she was still holding Tang Xiaoling!
To avoid frightening this little darling, she forcibly suppressed the impulse.
She channeled all her anger into a cold snort and, reining in her temper, said:
"My granddaughter wants to ride the Carousel. Open the gate!"
Although she tried to keep her tone gentle, Wu Fan still flinched in fright.
"Yes, I'll do it right away!" Wu Fan replied in a panic.
He scrambled over to the gate in the fence, took out his key with trembling hands, and inserted it into the lock.
But the instant he opened the gate, countless children's laughs suddenly rang out from inside.
Numerous blood-red little footprints instantly appeared on the floor covered in cartoon designs, standing out starkly!
Judging by their size, even the largest footprints belonged to children only around ten years old.
At the same time, all the stationary wooden horses began revolving on their own.
Creaking sounds also came from within.
At first, they sounded like rusty gears turning, yet they also resembled bones being crushed!
The sound was unbearably grating, sending an involuntary chill through anyone who heard it!
Before you continue