Author: 木尺素 / Mu Chisu

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 87

A total of eleven people walked into Hall C, subsequently entering a new virtual game instance. However, since two players chose to stay at the hotel, only nine players followed the tour guide, who was waving a small red flag, out of the hotel and boarded a minibus.

Driving through the fog-thickened city, they arrived five minutes later at the “Fluttering Dream Tattoo Shop.”

This was an enormous tattoo shop, almost akin to an art exhibition center. Inside the vast space, all four walls were adorned with exquisite tattoo designs. To the shock of all players, they recognized the material below these designs—it was human skin.

On one of the walls hung a particularly stunning piece: An entire human back of a beautiful woman.

The upper portion of the wall showcased a painted neck and strands of hair in oil paint, while the lower portion, the spine, was made of real human skin.

On this skin was painted a phoenix, its feathers meticulously detailed in shading, color, and gradient. It looked as though it was about to take flight in the next moment.

However, it could never rise from the ashes again. Its original owner was dead—not just dead—their entire back was skinned to become a specimen for a human skin tattoo.

Zhou Qian then looked towards the center of the room.

There were many glass display cases, all filled with various human skin tattoos. Different cases showcased tattoos with varying pigments. Surprisingly, one tattoo even had the texture of embroidery on human skin, giving the work a macabre beauty.

At this moment, all the players probably had the same thought—

Why are products made of human skin displayed so openly?

Suddenly, Zhou Qian approached some display cases to inspect them closely. He then turned to look at the wall in front of him. He noticed a detail—none of the human skins bore the “卐” symbol.

The players’ journey into the tattoo shop was led by their tour guide. Two employees, a man and a woman, guarded the area, but the rumored tattoo master hadn’t appeared yet.

After scanning the surroundings, Zhou Qian’s gaze landed on Bai Zhou, who was observing a piece of human skin.

The flamboyantly dressed tour guide sashayed over, saying, “Little Brother, do you like this skin? If you do, I can speak to the master for you. Maybe he’ll gift it to you. Hee hee.”

Before the guide could get close, Bai Zhou retreated a considerable distance, not even looking at him but focusing on another skin piece.

Zhou Qian approached him, laughing. “It’s just an NPC. Why are you avoiding it? It’s not like it’s some kind of evil spirit that’s going to eat you.”

Bai Zhou gave him a playful look, asking, “What kind of description is that?”

Zhou Qian didn’t respond, attempting to put an arm around Bai Zhou, but was quickly stopped by a wrist grip, which was then released.

What was Bai Zhou’s deal? 

Zhou Qian narrowed his eyes, trying to figure him out. He noticed Bai Zhou had turned back to observing the tattoos. His face was expressionless.

Frustrated, Zhou Qian snapped, “You’re acting so serious now. You still haven’t told me what you did after you turned into a dragon last time.”

As soon as Zhou Qian finished his sentence, he noticed Bai Zhou’s previously calm expression didn’t change, but his posture became tense. It looked as if he was suppressing something.

Many times, Zhou Qian couldn’t understand Bai Zhou’s true intentions or what he was thinking. Now, he suddenly realized that if he just followed his intuition, maybe he would get answers when Bai Zhou could no longer hold back.

But now was not the time for that. So, Zhou Qian left Bai Zhou and approached the wandering tour guide.

He tapped the guide’s shoulder, asking, “What’s the deal with these human skins? Don’t the police care?”

The guide replied, “Are you joking? Why would the police care about this?”

Pointing at the phoenix tattooed back, Zhou Qian asked, “Where did this skin come from? That entire back…”

“It was done willingly!” the guide explained. “Whether from Blue Harbor city or tourists from elsewhere, everyone highly respects the master!”

“Who would want to be skinned alive?” He Xiaowei, having overheard, interjected. “Once you remove the skin, can they even survive?”

“Do you think this is a slaughterhouse?”

The person speaking wasn’t the guide but a man with an androgynous appearance.

He had long hair that reached his waist. His face was beautiful, and his eye makeup was striking, with colors as varied as a peacock’s feathers.

Through the system interface, they learned his name was Chang Shu, the owner of the shop and the tattoo master.

Emerging from the back workshop, Chang Shu said, “I’m an artist, not a butcher.”

Pointing at the phoenix tattoo, he revealed, “That skin was from my first love.”

He Xiaowei muttered to himself—”Damn, in this era, do murderers look so innocent and straightforward that they just confess?”

The next moment, he heard Chang Shu say, “She was diagnosed with a terminal illness. When she got the medical results, she said she hoped she could be reborn like a phoenix through fire. Even if it couldn’t be realized… she wanted to die beautifully.”

“When she was still healthy, her parents wouldn’t let her get a tattoo. She was afraid of being seen as a rebellious child in their eyes. But with the terminal disease, she no longer cared.”

“When I tattooed the phoenix on her myself, she was very satisfied. She said it’s a piece of art and shouldn’t be buried with her when she dies. Hence, leaving this skin behind was her request. Of course, this is my most cherished piece, and I won’t sell it. You can just look.”

He Xiaowei wore a skeptical expression and asked, “What about the other human skins? Where did they come from?”

“They were all willingly given to me. Some people’s skin is naturally suitable for such craftsmanship. When I tattoo them, I ask if they’d be willing to leave their skin to me after death. If they agree, I won’t charge them, but they must leave their skin to me after death.”

“We sign contracts. If someone dies of old age, their skin will no longer be beautiful, and I won’t want it. Besides, I might be dead by then too.”

“But if someone dies unexpectedly, I’ll retrieve the skin with the contract and bring it back.”

“I have many customers. So, having the skin of many who died young isn’t unusual.”

As Chang Shu spoke, he approached the group, scanning each one.

“Not everyone’s skin is suitable for such artwork. Perfect skin is rare—”

The tattoo artist stopped in front of Bai Zhou and seemed amazed, saying, “Your skin…ha, it’s amazing! It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such perfection—”

Before Chang Shu could touch Bai Zhou, he was struck by a bone.

In this instance, the players’ abilities and weapons were restricted. Zhou Qian couldn’t unleash the full power of his Rib of God but using it as a mere stick to hit someone was more than enough.

“Stay away from him.” Zhou Qian glared at Chang Shu and coldly warned. He didn’t even know if that strike hurt, as Chang Shu seemed entirely lost in excitement and obsession.

“Such perfect skin… is ideal for craftsmanship. It doesn’t seem human. It’s too perfect…”

“Please, let me tattoo you!

“Your skin is awe-inspiring…”

Zhou Qian stepped forward to shield Bai Zhou, confronting Chang Shu, “Rare to find skin suitable for your art, is it?”

“Of course, it’s very rare,” Chang Shu replied, shifting his gaze from Bai Zhou to Zhou Qian. “Actually, your skin is not bad either. But you’re still human. The one beside you don’t seem like one…”

Suddenly, Chang Shu’s attention shifted to Hidden Blade behind Zhou Qian.

His eyes became even more obsessed. “Ah, this one is also special… I’m really lucky today. Haha, both of you have unique skins.”

“Please, let me tattoo you. I won’t force you to sign anything. Just let me feel it…”

Hmmm… Chang Shu singled out Bai Zhou and Hidden Blade.

Can NPCs identify which are Rank God players?

Zhou Qian quickly messaged Bai Zhou privately. “Will you follow my lead?”

Bai Zhou looked at him and nodded.

Zhou Qian then turned to the tattoo artist Chang Shu and said, “The one with the special skin is my brother. He’s afraid of pain. Let us discuss.”

“Sure, take your time. I hope you can appreciate my art and let me try on… their skin. When you’ve decided, find me in my workspace! I’ll wait no matter how late.”

Chang Shu left with an eager glance at Bai Zhou and Hidden Blade.

Tour Guide Hua remarked bitterly, “Hmph…I’ve never heard him talk so much. I had to beg* for my tattoos.”

*Begging grandpa and telling grandma. Colloquialism referring to the lengths someone goes to in order to achieve a certain result.

Zhou Qian asked him with a smile, “If you didn’t bring customers here, he wouldn’t tattoo you?”

“What kind of question is that?!” Tour Guide Hua glared at Zhou Qian angrily and walked away.

After a while, the tattoo shop was silent, with no more customers coming in.

The four members of the Invincible Legion stood together in a corner. Chen Dami kept following his boss, Batu Fei, and there didn’t seem to be anything unusual about the two of them.

However, the other two were different. Perhaps due to their experience with Zhou Qian in the earlier instance that saved them from Ruan Mei’s hand, they occasionally glanced at Zhou Qian, always watching his movements. It seemed that they intended to follow whatever Zhou Qian did.

As for the skinny guy who had been to Hall D, he initially didn’t stick with anyone. But he probably noticed the difficult nature of Batu Fei and the others, so he approached Zhou Qian and asked, “Can I join you?”

Zhou Qian nodded noncommittally, then went back to examining the human skins. At this moment, He Xiaowei whispered, “Qian’er, what do you think?”

“Blue Harbor City is a normal society with police and law. For a tattoo artist like Chang Shu to openly display the skins of people he’s killed… Do you think that’s reasonable?” Zhou Qian began, “So, even though it sounds incredulous and feels like an urban legend, what Chang Shu said might be true. There are people who greatly admire this tattoo art and are willing to dedicate their skin to him after death. It’s possible.”

He Xiaowei asked, “Hmm, he might not be a killer. But wouldn’t a killer target those with tattoos?”

“Yes, but also no.”

At this point, Zhou Qian had browsed the entire store and looked at every skin. A suspicion in his mind was gradually taking shape.

After examining all the skins, Zhou Qian approached a clerk and asked, “Can I make a call?”

“Yes.” The clerk led Zhou Qian to the front desk and handed him an old-fashioned landline phone. Picking up the receiver, Zhou Qian looked towards Tour Guide Hua, near the entrance, and asked, “What’s the phone number for the Saiya Hotel?”

Tour Guide Hua had been rebuked by Zhou Qian earlier and now looked very displeased, rolling his eyes without saying a word.

“Heh, you were so arrogant earlier, speaking to me so rudely. I bring tourists like you here, and I don’t earn much from it! Do you think I enjoy catering to your every whim?”

Hearing this, Zhou Qian didn’t show much reaction. However, He Xiaowei gave him a look that seemed to say, “See Qian’er, you still need me.” He hurried over to Tour Guide Hua and said some flattering words to him.

Tour Guide Hua looked at He Xiaowei. “Want my help, huh? It can be arranged.”

He Xiaowei nodded eagerly. “You tell us, and we’ll do whatever we can.”

Tour Guide Hua immediately cast a flirtatious glance at him. “Little Brother, give me a kiss, and I’ll tell you.”

He Xiaowei: “…”

Tour Guide Hua continued, “If you’re not willing, other handsome guys can do it too. Whoever kisses me, I’ll tell.”

He Xiaowei complained to Zhou Qian, “I have the worst luck. Last time, they wanted me to marry a ghost. Now a man wants me to kiss him.”

He Xiaowei wasn’t pleased and whispered to Zhou Qian, “My love life is truly filled with obstacles. Last time they wanted me to marry a ghost, and now there’s a guy asking me to kiss him.”

“Just give him a peck. It’s no big deal,” Zhou Qian suggested.

He Xiaowei retorted, “No way. Qian’er, we share a deep bond, true. But I can’t sell my dignity for you! Not happening!”

“Just imagine he’s a girl!”

“That still won’t work! Whether it’s a man or a woman, it’s not happening! I have principles! If there’s no feeling, it’s a no!”

“You’re right. We shouldn’t take such things lightly.”

“Exactly!”

“If you’re not going, should I?”

At this, Zhou Qian playfully looked over to Bai Zhou, who was not too far away. “Zhou Ge, how about you?”

Bai Zhou slightly furrowed his brows, looking like he was about to do something.

Hidden Blade, standing nearby, reacted with alarm. “Holy crap, my god! Once your knife is out, doesn’t it always draw blood? Let me handle this!” Before finishing his sentence, Hidden Blade had already drawn his sword.

With a flash of his knife, the back of the blade was quickly pressed against Tour Guide Hua’s neck.

Lifting his chin, Hidden Blade stared coldly at Tour Guide Hua. “Are you going to tell us or not?”

Choking back tears, Tour Guide Hua responded, “Fine, no kiss, but why are you pointing the knife at me?!”

Hidden Blade remained silent, pressing the blade closer to Hua.

With tears streaming down his face, Tour Guide Hua eventually stuttered out his phone number.

Zhou Qian clicked his tongue twice. “I almost didn’t catch the number he said—”

“You Rank God players are way too violent.”

Directing a meaningful glance at Bai Zhou, Zhou Qian chuckled, but without further delay, he picked up the phone to make a call.

Seeing this, He Xiaowei curiously approached Zhou Qian and eagerly asked, “Qian’er, why are you calling the hotel?”

Zhou Qian didn’t answer.

At this moment, his expression turned serious. He made a gesture of silence towards He Xiaowei as he heard a voice from the other end of the phone. “Hello, Saiya Hotel.”

Zhou Qian didn’t immediately pose his question but instead listened quietly.

Sure enough, he heard some commotion, as if many people were entering and leaving the hotel, shouting loudly.

Afterwards, Zhou Qian asked, “I’m a guest who checked in on the 11^th floor this afternoon. Has something happened at the hotel?”

“How did you know?” Receptionist Wang drew a sharp breath and asked in surprise, “Did you do it?”

“Of course, it has nothing to do with me,” Zhou Qian replied. “Can you tell me what happened?”

“It can’t be unrelated to you guys! Two people are dead!” Receptionist Wang retorted. “Just so you know, you can’t run away. Everyone has to return to the hotel tonight for questioning. The police are waiting for you!”

Sensing that Receptionist Wang was about to hang up, Zhou Qian quickly asked, “Wait. The two people who died are—”

Receptionist Wang interrupted, “The two who came with you! Their blood seeped out from under the door onto the corridor. That’s how someone found them. When I used the keycard to open the door, I saw… It’s horrifying! The killer is absolutely ruthless!”

Zhou Qian further asked, “How did they die?”

Receptionist Wang responded, “How would I know?”

“Were their heads covered with nylon bags? Were their hands and feet tied?”

“No.”

“Alright, got it. Thank you.”

Zhou Qian hung up the phone.

Earlier, when the players noticed Zhou Qian making the call, they all gathered around.

While talking to Receptionist Wang, Zhou Qian deliberately held up the phone so everyone could hear their conversation.

Everyone’s faces turned pale. The thin guy completely broke down. After all, the two individuals from Hall D were his acquaintances. The sudden deaths of two familiar faces caused him to drop to his knees, shivering all over.

Zhou Qian gave him a glance and signaled to Bai Zhou and He Xiaowei with his eyes. Then, he started heading towards the back workspace.

“Wait—” The one who called out to Zhou Qian was the bald guy, Batu Fei.

He asked, “What do you mean?”

Without responding, Zhou Qian continued walking. Batu Fei stared at his retreating figure for a moment and then ran after him.

“Stop!”

“You thought to make that call and guessed that those two players died; does this mean you’ve already figured out the key to clearing this instance?”

“We all heard your conversation with the tattoo artist earlier. Are you going to him to get a tattoo now? Why?”

Zhou Qian paused, turned to look at Batu Fei, and surprisingly began to explain, “In Hall C, there are clearly two murder methods. If I’m not mistaken, there are two killers. One skins people, and the other puts nylon bags over their heads and beats them to death.

“As of now, the clues we’ve found likely relate only to the tattoo killer. So, let’s not analyze the nylon bag one for now.”

“In this case, if we only look at clues related to the tattoos, it’s actually not that complicated.”

Zhou Qian continued. “I don’t think the tattoo shop owner, Chang Shu, is the killer. I’m inclined to believe him. That is, after someone who got a tattoo at his place dies, he would collect their skin, bring it back to the shop for display and memory, and for some rare pieces, to sell.”

“So, the one who kills and skins people is someone else.”

“The key to distinguishing the two is that none of the skins in this shop have the ‘卐’ symbol on them.”

Batu Fei couldn’t help but ask, “But the designs on these skins are all so similar… The victims must have gotten their tattoos here, right?”

“Tour Guide Hua kept emphasizing one thing. Did you hear it? He said many people love the tattoos here. Shop owner Chang Shu claims that these are all works of art and that he’s creating great art.”

“I don’t know about art, but this tattoo shop is famous enough to be a tourist attraction. I saw many brochures about Blue Harbor City at the front desk, and the city promotes this tattoo shop as a tourist spot. Although Tour Guide Hua might have been exaggerating to attract business, he wasn’t making it all up.”

“Furthermore, the fact that so many people choose to leave their skin here… shows that the value and artistry of this tattoo shop have been recognized to some extent.”

“Therefore, it’s reasonable to infer that the killer also appreciates this kind of art.”

“Since it’s confirmed that two players have died, we can rule out Chang Shu. He’s been here the whole time.”

“Similarly, we can rule out Tour Guide Hua.”

“So, the killer is a hunter lurking in the shadows. He might be inclined to target those with beautiful tattoos, especially the clients of this shop. But then the question is, why is Tour Guide Hua unharmed?”

He Xiaowei caught on quickly and said, “Tour Guide Hua has the ‘卐’ symbol tattooed on his hand!”

“Right. Tour Guide Hua said this symbol can ward off evil and protect oneself. It appears that this symbol does offer protection, but it’s against people, not ghosts,” Zhou Qian said. “The killer won’t target someone with a ‘卐’ on them.”

“Hold on. I have a question,” He Xiaowei interjected. “The serial killer targets people with tattoos. If someone has a ‘卐’, he won’t kill them. I get that. But…”

“Why did he kill those two players? They didn’t have tattoos!”

Zhou Qian: “Simple. It means we’ve been thinking about this wrong. Whether the killer chooses to kill someone doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with tattoos.”

“Someone with a tattoo might catch his attention more easily, leading to them being targeted since he appreciates the beauty of tattoos. But I believe the killer doesn’t exclusively target people with tattoos. We don’t yet know his exact criteria; it might even be random killings.”

“Wait… hold on a second,” He Xiaowei continued, still puzzled. “The skins in Hall C and the hotel room all have the ‘卐’ symbol! How do you explain that? This doesn’t add up, Qian’er.”

“There’s a contradiction here. If the killer doesn’t target those with a ‘卐’, how do you explain the decorations we saw?”

“The answer is simple—the ‘卐’ symbols in the hall and hotel rooms were added by the killer, not the tattoo artist,” Zhou Qian replied.

He Xiaowei was taken aback. “Wait, what?”

“As for your two questions,” Zhou Qian continued, “there’s one theory that can explain everything—”

“As I just mentioned, the decision to kill isn’t necessarily based on whether the victim has a tattoo.”

“However, after killing, if the killer sees a tattoo on the victim, he might decide to skin them for decoration. In some sense, this is just a coincidence. Moreover, he would then add a ‘卐’ symbol to the tattooed skin.

“We don’t know the exact reasons for the killer’s actions, but one thing is for sure—if the intended victim already has a ‘卐’ symbol, the killer won’t target them.”

After digesting this information for a moment, He Xiaowei finally understood. “That’s pretty eerie. But in Buddhism, the ‘卐’ symbol is considered auspicious, right? Both ‘卐’ and ‘卍’* have positive meanings… they can protect us. So it seems like the killer is Buddhist?”

*Clarity: The symbol is a Swastika and carries many meanings depending on the religion, though it is usually a symbol of divinity and spirituality and is associated with good fortune. In Buddhism, it’s homologous with the dharma wheel, which symbolizes the eternal cycle. In Sanskrit, the word means “the mark of wellbeing”. Unfortunately, the Nazi party and neo-Nazis appropriated the symbol, which led to negative association with it.

“But, if he is, why would he kill?”

“He doesn’t necessarily believe in Buddhism, but in something else,” Zhou Qian said gravely.

“What does he believe in?” asked the bald man, Batu Fei.

“In Buddhism, the swastika symbol can be represented in two directions. The Nazi swastika, or hook cross, is the unique right-facing ‘卐’. Just like what we see.” Zhou Qian spoke up. “Have you heard the rumor? During World War II, the Nazis made lampshades out of the skin of prisoners in concentration camps.”

Upon hearing this, He Xiaowei and Batu Fei both exclaimed, “Fuck…”

“This symbol is also the emblem of the Nazi Party, but its color and angle are not exactly the same as the swastika in Buddhism. The ‘卐’ we see now is directly engraved on human skin. We can’t make out its color or angle. So, I say it might not be a Buddhist symbol; the killer might worship the Nazis.”

Zhou Qian continued, “With this in mind, everything makes more sense. The serial killer, who worships the Nazis, kills for fun. When he wants to attack someone and sees the ‘卐’ symbol on them, he considers them kin and doesn’t harm them. But if someone doesn’t have the symbol, he will be ruthless.”

“After killing, if the victim has an attractive tattoo, he imitates what the Nazis once did, cuts off the tattooed skin, engraves a ‘卐’ on it to express his beliefs, and finally, using some chemical methods of preservation, makes decorative items out of the tattooed human skin, just like in Exhibition Hall C.”

He Xiaowei asked, “Damn, if we go and get a ‘卐’ tattoo, does that mean we’ll become Nazis?”

“No, don’t feel burdened by that thought, Xiaowei.”

“It’s all about perception. We can view it as a Buddhist symbol for peace and luck.”

Zhou Qian comforted He Xiaowei briefly but kept a thought to himself. He had a bad feeling—could the entire Saiya Hotel become a concentration camp for the hidden butcher?

Zhou Qian took a few steps forward, then suddenly looked back and saw Batu Fei and his three underlings following. Zhou Qian smiled and gestured for them to stop. “Wait, what do you want?”

“Obviously, to get the tattoo artist to ink a ‘卐’ for us!” After saying this, Batu Fei felt uneasy.

Batu Fei looked at Zhou Qian, who was smiling pleasantly. “It’s not that simple. Have you listened to the tour guide? Master Chang Shu tattoos based on fate and mood. Even if you’re willing to pay a high price, he might not agree. However—”

Before Batu Fei could respond, Zhou Qian moved to Bai Zhou’s side. Like showing off a mascot, Zhou Qian presented Bai Zhou, saying, “The tattoo master said earlier that my brother’s skin is the most beautiful canvas! He was begging him for the chance to tattoo him. So, if my brother vouches for you, the master will definitely agree.”

Zhou Qian smiled innocently, but Batu Fei saw through his intentions. Trying to swallow his anger, Batu Fei hoarsely asked, “How much do you want?”

“Ah, Boss Ba! I enjoy dealing with smart and tactful people like you!” Zhou Qian said with a contented smile, then continued, “Look, it’s not that I’m taking advantage of the situation. You wanted to kill me on the beach! You accepted the bounty from the Peach Blossom Legion! I’m worried. I’m now helping you avoid danger. But after this… what if you try to kill me? Hand over all your money and items!”

Hearing this, Chen Dami, one of Batu Fei’s loyal followers, stepped forward, furious. “You’re not trying to help us, you’re trying to—”

“Indeed, if I don’t explain things clearly to you, you won’t understand.

“If you don’t understand, how will you obediently hand over the gold coins and items?” Zhou Qian hugged Bai Zhou’s arm even tighter and tilted his head toward Bai Zhou’s shoulder.

He then looked at Batu Fei and the others with a smile. “We’re about to get the symbol tattooed now. You should make your decisions quickly. I advise you to think broadly. In this kind of instance, items are not really that useful. As long as you have a future, you can always start over. A fortune spent can be earned back, right?”

“By the way, to emphasize, I want all your items and gold. Don’t even think about hiding any.”

“I have a pill that makes you tell the truth. This item won’t be affected by the instance’s restrictions. Later on, I will interrogate each of you to see if you’ve handed everything over honestly! If anyone lies or tries to hide something, I’ll send you straight to your death.”

With that, Zhou Qian, pulling Bai Zhou, gestured to He Xiaowei and Hidden Blade, and the group, along with a thin man from Exhibition Hall D, walked into the back room.

Inside, Master Chang Shu’s eyes lit up with excitement upon seeing Bai Zhou and Hidden Blade. “Oh my god, have you agreed?”

Zhou Qian took the lead. “Yes, but with a condition. We’ve heard a lot about you and want some tattoos too. Can you engrave us first?”

“Of course! As long as I can tattoo on their flawless skin, anything!” Chang Shu replied excitedly.

Zhou Qian offered his left arm. “I’ll go first. Carve a ‘卐’ for me.”

“No problem. You’re staying at the Saiya Hotel, right? That place is haunted. Having this will be beneficial.”

With that, Chang Shu began preparing.

Bai Zhou moved closer to Zhou Qian, silently offering his right hand.

“What for?” Zhou Qian asked.

“In case it hurts, you can hold onto me,” Bai Zhou replied.

Zhou Qian chuckled. “You think it’s like getting vaccinated in elementary school?”

Bai Zhou remained silent, just gazing at Zhou Qian. Zhou Qian looked back, then suddenly realized something significant.

What Zhou Qian thought of wasn’t related to the specific instance but rather the entire game.

Zhou Qian had to admit, Bai Zhou’s skin indeed looked good. However, he genuinely felt that Hidden Blade’s skin was rather rough.

Moreover, with so many players, why would the tattoo artist specifically think that only their skin was good for tattooing?

And, even if they hadn’t brought it up, given that everyone knew they were staying at the Saiya Hotel, the tattoo artist would probably have suggested tattooing a “卐” on both of them.

This boldly suggested that such a situation existed because the instance was protecting the Rank God players.

In the game world, the training system for Rank God players was entirely different.

Things related to them in reality were also quite complex, like Zone X in the Spring Hill Mental Asylum.

Unlike regular players, the cultivation of Rank God players seems to require a very high cost.

To allow Rank God players to match and practice with trainee Shepherds, the system had to place them in such instances to sync with the Shepherds.

At the same time, to prevent them from suddenly going berserk and slaughtering other regular players, their abilities were forcibly limited upon entering such an instance.

But since cultivating Rank God players was tough, the system naturally couldn’t allow them to die easily. So, these instances favor Rank God players to ensure their survival rate.

From this, it could also be seen that the system had different training directions for different players. Bai Zhou and Hidden Blade could demonstrate formidable combat power in the game. As for players like Zhou Qian, it seemed that most of the training probably focused on mental strength.

Noticing Zhou Qian lost in thought for a while, Bai Zhou lowered his head and asked, “What are you thinking about?”

Sitting in the chair, Zhou Qian looked up at Bai Zhou and smiled, “Nothing. I just feel that you could be my lucky charm for clearing levels.”

Finishing his words and without looking at Bai Zhou again, Zhou Qian extended his right arm to the tattoo artist Chang Shu and said, “I want the letter ‘Z’ here.”

Hearing this, He Xiaowei, standing behind Zhou Qian, yawned. “Haha, now I get it. The ‘Z’ stands for ‘Zhou’ in Zhou Qian!

“Look, Qian’er, I always said you have an alternative style. I’ve seen people do this, tattooing their names on their arms, but that was when I was in junior high! What adult does this?”

“Of course, in junior high, some would tattoo their boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s name on their arm. But Qian’er, I know your situation. You’re single, just like me!”

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Kinky Thoughts:

Regarding what Zhou Qian said, it seems the Nazis did create lampshades made from human skins… along with other human skin artifacts, though it seems that this was only one instance and there weren’t any systematic efforts by the Nazis to make human skin lampshades.

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