Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Chapter 282: Chapter 281: The Lingering Ghost Shadow (Part 1)

Chapter 282: Chapter 281: The Lingering Ghost Shadow (Part 1)

“This woman is kinda interesting.”

Watching the Ogrande party munching on instant noodles while sitting on the stairway in the distance, Fang Zheng couldn’t help but smile, then he spoke.

“Indeed, I thought she would only buy her own share.”

Kuliya had also eaten her fill and, curiously looking towards the distant group of “refugees,” couldn’t help but wonder. After all, the impression that woman left during the day was one of arrogance and conceit, a demeanor acting as if she was the best in the world. In Kuliya’s opinion, given Fang Zheng’s seemingly unreasonable demand, that woman might have only bought enough to satisfy her own hunger. Unexpectedly, the woman actually bought a bowl of instant noodles for everyone on her side.

What could be said about that? Just rich and capricious.

“However… Mr. Fang Zheng, is what we’re doing really alright?”

Taking a bite of roasted chicken, Nanali also voiced her concern.

“After all, they are so unlucky, I feel like we’re taking advantage of them…”

“This is a lesson they deserved.”

Fang Zheng raised his goblet, gently swirling the 1982 Lafite inside by the light of the candle, and snorted lightly.

“Some people, you can’t be too kind to them, otherwise they will think everything they get is a matter of course. Remember, Nanali, gratitude is a beautiful trait, not everyone possesses it.”

“Indeed, as Elder Brother says.”

Tilia wiped her mouth with a napkin, then smiled faintly.

“Everything in the world requires equivalent exchange. We saved their lives and provided them with food; only asking for money in return hardly seems strange to me.”

“I see…”

Hearing Fang Zheng’s and Tilia’s responses, Nanali nodded her head. She initially felt what they were doing was somewhat indecent, but Tilia’s explanation made Nanali suddenly feel there was reason in their words. After all, if Tilia hadn’t taken action, that cruise ship would certainly have been sunk by the pirate ship, and the fate of those people could have been even more miserable. Their own group had saved their lives and brought them aboard the ship, merely taking some money as compensation… It really didn’t seem wrong, did it?

As evening came on, the sea wind grew ever more fierce, but for Fang Zheng, none of this was a problem. With the Magic Barrier and Spiritual Light in effect, the howling wind and waves were kept at bay, and the deck remained incredibly stable. Illuminated by the radiance of the candles, they enjoyed the night sea view while savoring the steamy dinner—a true delight.

Indeed, a Mage could do as they pleased.

Unfortunately for those who were not Mages, it was quite a struggle.

“Cousin, let’s just go back now, now, now…”

Huddled at the entrance of the cabin, casting envious and resentful glances at Fang Zheng who was enjoying his candlelit dinner outside, the finely dressed man whispered his persuasion.

“No… he took so much of my money, the least he could do is arrange a livable place for us. Do you think where we’re staying now is fit for sleep?!”

Just the thought of that room filled with the stench of fish, and those damp beddings with their dried and crusty lumps, made Ogrande’s blood boil. After finishing her meal, she used the excuse to tour the entire ship and found that aside from the captain’s quarters which were barely acceptable, the rest of the cabins were similarly awful!

This only added to Ogrande’s frustration. She wanted to see where Fang Zheng and his group were sleeping—the narrow captain’s quarters hardly big enough for two people. With so many women around that wretched man, she wanted to see how he would handle the arrangement! If it came to it, she would… She would just spend more money on a room!

That’s why Ogrande, despite facing the chilly wind, insisted on staying put. She was determined to see where Fang Zheng would rest with these delicate girls!

“Alright, I’ve pretty much had my fill.”

After a hearty meal topped with dessert, Fang Zheng also stood up contentedly. He stretched out his hand and slapped it down on the table, and the next moment, the dining table before everyone vanished without a trace.

“Mages really have it easy…”

Witnessing this scene, Nanali couldn’t help but feel envious. Although Alchemists could create some magically infused items, spell effects like this were generally beyond their capabilities. After all, these spells were not of low rank, and for Alchemists, creating high-rank Magic Equipment required vast amounts of materials and money. Compared to the ease with which a Mage could cast a spell, spending so much on such items clearly did not seem worth it.

“Well, let’s get some rest.”

Hearing Nanali’s sentiment, Fang Zheng smiled slightly and then traced a few gestures in the air. A Light Gate opened up before him, and through that gate, one could even faintly make out the outline of a phantasmal inn.

This is none other than a Seventh Level Spellcraft System Spell—the Mage’s Mansion!

Although Fang Zheng could only reach the Level Six Circle of Spells at the moment, with the aid of the “Resonant Sound” artifact, he could forcibly touch the threshold of Seventh Level spells by doubling his consumption. The first spell he mastered after that was “Mage’s Mansion”.

This thing was far more useful than any tent!

“Time to sleep!”

Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s words, Kuliya cheered and then pulled Nanali’s hand as they both bounced excitedly into the Light Gate, followed closely by Tilia and Black Katie. Just as Fang Zheng was about to enter the Light Gate, Nymph suddenly came to his side and gently tugged at the sleeve of his robe.

“Master, behind us…”

“Has that stalker not given up yet?”

Seeing Nymph’s somewhat anxious expression, Fang Zheng frowned. In the afternoon, Nymph had approached him, reporting that there was a ship following them. The ship kept its distance, but it clearly followed the same course as the Black Crow Ship. Moreover, Nymph, with her keen senses, detected that there was magic on the ship that hindered her scouting. Fortunately, as an Omnipotent Angel specializing in electronic warfare, Nymph’s radar search capability was unrivaled. Hence, even though the other party used magic to conceal themselves, she discovered their tracks.

“Yes, they haven’t accelerated nor slowed down, but it’s clear they are following us. Should we take action?”

“For now, do not act rashly.”

Upon hearing Nymph’s inquiry, Fang Zheng pondered for a moment before shaking his head.

“We are still not clear about the other party’s identity. Acting on our own might startle them. In any case, let’s leave it at that for now… Aren’t you going to rest?”

“No, Master.”

Nymph offered a slight smile.

“I have a bad feeling that something is not right. To be safe, I think I should stay here and keep watch.”

“That is… alright then.”

Frankly, Fang Zheng did not want Nymph, the Little Angel, to stay outside alone, but as she had said, it was always good to be cautious. After weighing the options, he eventually nodded.

“Don’t do anything reckless. If you detect any anomalies, notify me immediately, understood?”

“Yes, Master.”

After receiving Fang Zheng’s order, Nymph smiled briefly then, in the next moment, the Little Angel swiftly vanished into thin air with a shimmer, activating her optical camouflage to become invisible. Fang Zheng, meanwhile, lifted his head to gaze at the starry sky above before stepping into the Light Gate.

“Hey, wait, wait!”

Just as Fang Zheng stepped through the Light Gate, Ogrande hurried over. She had been waiting to see where Fang Zheng would go to rest. To her surprise, the young man was so resolute—he was a Mage!

So what if he’s a Mage? Does that mean he can do whatever he wants?

What frustrated Ogrande was that she was a step too late; Fang Zheng seemed to have not heard her call at all and just went straight through the Light Gate. Ogrande, unable to stop her momentum, slammed into the Magic Barrier set up outside the Light Gate, crying out in pain as she sat down on the ground, clutching her forehead.

“Cousin, are you alright?”

At that moment, the elegantly dressed man hurried over and helped Ogrande up.

“You should head back. The night wind is strong, take care not to harm yourself…”

“… Alright, we’ll go back for now. Tomorrow, I’ll make that impudent wretch pay!”

Upon hearing her cousin’s words, Ogrande hesitated before giving an angry response. Then she turned and marched into the cabin. However, at that moment, Ogrande didn’t notice that her dear cousin stood behind her, watching her back with a complex gaze.

His lips then curled into a slight, mischievous grin.