Chapter 114: Catastrophe Messenger Map

Chen Qi frowned. The herb gatherer’s map and the investigator’s map could almost be considered two entirely different documents. The herb gatherer’s map focused on the locations of various medicinal plants and primarily marked gathering spots, with little attention paid to the terrain. Meanwhile, the sketch map created by the investigator was even cruder, showing only a few landmarks; it was nothing more than a hastily drawn, temporary reference. If he wanted to determine the train’s travel time, he needed a more precise map for comparison.

Chen Qi pondered for a moment; he needed to acquire a more detailed map—perhaps one produced by the Disaster Messengers. By now, Chen Qi could be considered a minor mogul in the New Sun world, so buying a map was not an issue. He looked back at the *New Sun* game, clicked on the Disaster Messenger Tower, and prepared to head to the library to obtain one.

[You finish breakfast and head toward the Messenger Library.]
[Advancing...]
[You push open the doors of the Messenger Library.]
[As the blizzard rages across District 8 of the New Capital, more and more new calamities emerge on this land, and the Disaster Messengers are busier than ever.]
[Inside the library, you see many Disaster Messengers. They are huddled by the bookshelves; some are leafing through books, while others are writing reports on the calamities in the snow. Every Disaster Messenger must master sufficient knowledge of these calamities to ensure their own safety.]
[You look toward the Core Book at the center of the library.]

The Core Book at the heart of the Messenger Library could not only boost learning efficiency but also help locate books. Chen Qi clicked on the Core Book.

[You greet the Disaster Messengers and walk toward the central Core Book.]
[The Disaster Messengers greet you in return. Over the past few days, as you studied Intermediate Spirit Vision in the library, you shared many stories with them. As compensation, they helped you quite a bit with your studies.]
[You approach the Core Book. Its massive pages turn slowly, and text emerges: "Respected guest, is there any knowledge you are seeking?"]

A text box popped up, allowing for input. Chen Qi thought for a moment and typed in: "Disaster Messenger Map."

[The Core Book slowly displays text: "Very well, respected guest, please wait a moment."]
[Waiting...]
[The pages turn slowly, and a small raven flies out from a gap in the bookshelf, handing you a Disaster Messenger map.]
[You have obtained a Disaster Messenger map.]

Check.

[A map of District 8 of the New Capital, drawn by the Disaster Messengers.]
[Introduction: A map drawn by the Disaster Messengers, detailing the calamities easily encountered in various locations, as well as more precise terrain data.]

Chen Qi scanned the map. This was exactly what he needed! It was a folding map; if fully unfolded, it would be as large as a wall. The Disaster Messengers’ map depicted various calamities in the Land of Faint Light and even recorded the weaknesses of some. Compared to the herb gatherer’s map, this one was far more useful, allowing him to bypass dangerous areas during his journey. Chen Qi looked at the map, satisfied, and purchased it for five Silver Moon Coins. Immediately after, he pulled it out and took a photo.

This map was perfectly consistent with the investigator's vague sketch. Chen Qi made a rough estimation of the distance. If he were to reach the Textile Train, with the help of the Lamp-Shadow Fox, it would be about a day’s journey.

"Phew..." Chen Qi let out a long sigh of relief. For now, he still had plenty of time. The real danger was the Textile Train itself!

Chen Qi looked back at the *New Sun* game.

[An enthusiastic Disaster Messenger notices you have just bought a map and excitedly approaches you.]
[The Disaster Messengers watch your movements and eagerly ask where you are headed, perhaps hoping they can give you a lift.]

Chen Qi thought about it. Although the raven flew in the sky, it was not as fast as the Lamp-Shadow Fox when it came to traveling. Besides, he didn't want anyone to escort him on this journey.

[You shake your head and remain silent.]
[But your silence does not end the conversation. In their eyes, you are a treasure hunter disguised as an herb gatherer. As followers of the Lantern Aspect, the Disaster Messengers are also very curious about all kinds of treasures! Unfortunately, they have strict regulations; without permission from their superiors, they are not allowed to venture deep into dangerous places for even a moment. If they violate this, they face severe punishment. Unlike in the past, the current Disaster Messengers lack a spirit of adventure. The Witch of Ravens strictly forbids them from taking risks.]
[You hear the Disaster Messengers grumbling about the Witch of Ravens. Many of them long to follow you to confront those calamities and witness their true power firsthand.]
[At this moment, the Witch of Ravens pushes open the door, and a few ravens fly onto the bookshelves. The Disaster Messengers hurriedly pick up their books, and the entire library instantly falls silent again.]

Chen Qi rested his chin in his hand. Unlike the Witch of Flowers, the Witch of Ravens was a very stern person, especially toward her students. As expected, Lin Yuxing was making daily progress under her strict tutelage. Chen Qi stroked his chin; because of the different environments, everyone’s way of playing the game was vastly different.

[The Witch of Ravens scans the people in the library and asks you what they were discussing just now.]
[Do you tell the Witch of Ravens that you are preparing to leave the Disaster Messenger Tower?]
[Please make your choice: Yes or No?]

Chen Qi scratched his head. During the few days he spent dealing with the Kin-Eater quest, his game character had stayed in the Disaster Messenger Tower to study techniques. Based on the character's feedback, the learning atmosphere at the tower was good, but the food was not as good as at the Tower of Medicine. He had stayed long enough.

Chen Qi clapped his hands. In the game, his strength had improved significantly! It was about time to prepare to depart for the train. He couldn't stay in the Disaster Messenger Tower forever.

Yes.

[You tell her that you plan to leave in the next few days; you cannot stay here forever and do nothing.]
[The Witch of Ravens places a hand over her mouth and paces back and forth; a traveler of the Lantern Aspect is about to leave.]
[The Witch of Ravens does not say much. Someone who dares to venture into the Fog City alone is not someone they can keep.]
[The Witch of Ravens paces for a moment, hoping you will accompany her to the tower.]
[Please make your choice.]
[Will you accompany the Disaster Messenger to the highest point of the Disaster Messenger Tower?]

Is the Witch of Ravens hoping for his help? Chen Qi was now familiar with the *New Sun* game. While he wasn't a particularly powerful profession, he had already gained some fame in District 8 of the New Capital. Perhaps at some point, experts from certain organizations would take the initiative to seek him out. Chen Qi thought for a moment and chose Yes.

[The Witch of Ravens takes her beloved student and heads with you to the highest point of the Disaster Messenger Tower.]
["Very well, Teacher." The Disaster Messenger apprentice closes her book and follows by the Witch of Ravens' side.]
[The Disaster Messenger apprentice looks at you with a suspicious gaze.]

Chen Qi was stunned. This Disaster Messenger was, as expected, likely Lin Yuxing. The game character’s suspicion was normal.

[You follow the Witch of Ravens up the spiral staircase toward the top floor of the Disaster Messenger Tower.]
[The Disaster Messenger Tower is built on a towering mountain. From this highest point, the view is quite vast.]
[Advancing...]
[You arrive at the highest point of the Disaster Messenger Tower.]
[You walk slowly to the edge of the rooftop, lean against the wall, and gaze at the distant, snow-covered mountains. All the mountains appear so small in your eyes.]
[You look into the distance; this world is vast, so very vast...]
[The Witch of Ravens walks over, keeping her apprentice behind her, and gazes into the distance with a worried expression. She raises her hand and points her finger toward the distance. She tells you that, according to the intelligence of the Disaster Messengers, a speeding train might pass behind those distant peaks in a few days.]