Chapter 7 Human Trafficking

Although he had gone through the ordeal with Skin Stripping and unexpectedly became a Spiritual Ability User,

the moment Li Yelai received his salary, he was in a very good mood.

He rode in Yang Chen's SUV, going to the market and spending liberally.

And in the battle of words with several vendors, he gained the upper hand.

At the same time, so Li Yunyan wouldn't notice anything amiss, he also purposely bought a backpack identical to his previous one.

Just like that, Li Yelai walked towards the apartment, laden with big and small bags.

Along the way, he pondered over what he'd seen and heard that day, determining his path forward.

After initially grasping the secrets of this world, Li Yelai clearly recognized that it was filled with danger,

even with high walls, even with the Disaster Processing Department.

Ordinary people could still inevitably encounter danger.

Spiritual Ability Users, Taboo Items, Sufferers, Calamity monsters... all these were threats.

Now that he had become a Disaster Handler, he would gradually have to become stronger and acquire enough ability to protect himself.

At least... not to be taken down by his own bad luck.

While earning bonuses and receiving his salary, he had to prepare for the possible curse on his sister.

It was said that Highly Awakened Spiritual Ability Users had high clearance levels. Maybe they could suppress his sister's curse without the authorities finding out.

"However, every Awakening poses great risks, and it's unknown if there's any safer method," Li Yelai contemplated, and then remembered 'Black Shadow'.

Although unclear of Its purpose, It had indeed saved him.

The cost was unknown, but he estimated if he traded with It again, another chain on It would break.

What would happen once the chains were all broken and Black Shadow was completely free of constraints...

"Those who trade with demons will have their souls taken,"

Li Yelai thought of this saying, shaking his head silently. Unless absolutely necessary, he must not trade with 'Black Shadow'.

At that moment, Li Yelai suddenly noticed a gaze. Not far away, at the entrance of an alley, a woman in black clothes was staring blankly at him with a little girl in tow.

Li Yelai found it strange and followed her gaze, only to realize she was looking at the plastic bag in his hand.

There was nothing special inside; just some meat, vegetables, and a fish.

Although he was usually frugal, when he got his salary, Li Yelai would still buy some good things to keep at home.

After all, since his sister couldn't leave the house, shopping for groceries was up to Li Yelai.

The freshly killed fish still had blood dripping from it, creating a red stain inside the plastic bag.

What was so interesting to look at?

Although it was weird, Li Yelai didn't pay it much attention.

When the green light came on, he crossed the street.

But the woman's gaze stayed on the bag of blood-soaked fish, until the little girl whined, "Auntie, let's go, I'm starving! Take me to eat something yummy, can you?"

Only then did the woman withdraw her gaze, looking at the girl with a smile tinged with hardship, "Yeah, I'm hungry too..."

Then, she led the girl into the alleyway.

...

Li Yunyan didn't show surprise when she saw Li Yelai returning with bags and bags; instead, her eyes went wide.

Before Li Yelai could explain, Li Yunyan rushed to a photo in the bedroom.

Exclaiming, "Mom, it's terrible, big brother has been kept by an old lady! He has finally gone down this path of no return!"

Li Yelai's face stiffened, and he shouted in irritation, "What old lady? There's no old lady!"

"What? Not an old lady? Could it be an old man?" Li Yunyan's face changed again.

Li Yelai felt so tired in that moment.

Only after much explaining did he manage to calm Li Yunyan down, telling her he had sold a precious antique and made a good commission.

This barely convinced Li Yunyan, though she still had some doubts.

There was no way out, Li Yelai didn't want his sister to know about Spiritual Ability Users yet, to spare her the worry. He had to keep hiding behind the identity of an antiques dealer for the time being.

At the same time, he still had no clue about the curse on his sister.

After graduating high school, Li Yunyan had received an admission notice from a university in Boundary City.

In the era after the Calamity, having a university degree was highly valuable.

Once graduated, one wouldn't worry about landing a high-paying job.

Unlike Li Yelai, who with his high school diploma couldn't find a decent job.

And just when it seemed like her life was about to change, Li Yunyan suddenly developed a severe psychological disorder.

Suddenly, she could no longer interact with or even look at any strangers, she was even terrified of living sparrows.

Gone was her previously lively and cheerful demeanor.

In the end, she didn't dare to leave home, and even for medical consultations, it had to be done through the door.

She stayed like this at home for three years.

Li Yelai had thought of many solutions, but nothing helped.

It now seemed that Li Yunyan, like him, was affected by some kind of curse.

Quite possibly, she was what the officials called a Critical person, that is, someone on the verge of becoming a Spiritual Ability User.

Although not a true Spiritual Ability User, certain individuals were affected by curses.

Or, might she have become a Spiritual Ability User without even knowing it?

Looking at the girl wolfing down her food, Li Yelai pondered, "Look at that silly expression, she doesn't look like a Spiritual Ability User. Seems I'll need to find an opportunity to inquire with the authorities for methods to suppress similar curses."

...

The next morning, as soon as Li Yelai stepped out of his neighborhood, he saw Cheese on the side of the road.