The little fox's expression grew more focused upon hearing this, intently analyzing Ye Tiancheng's deductions.
Ye Tiancheng spoke as he thought, pausing intermittently. He continued to the little fox, "After thinking about it, I believe that both Zhang Liushun and I subconsciously assume the reason the little monster resembles you is likely due to this."
"Even if one's gaze is drawn to the scars and birthmarks on the little monster's face, if one looks for a long time, or sees it many times, they would at least retain some impression of the little monster's features."
"However, due to the presence of those scars and birthmarks, this impression would not allow anyone to associate the little monster's appearance with the word 'handsome'."
"Of course, when I say this, I'm not absolutely certain that the little monster is as handsome as you. I can only say that his inherent facial features must possess some unique similarities to yours."
"And the way I've described this, using this particular phrasing, is not about me. After all, I've only met him once. The one person among us three who might have seen the little monster multiple times, or for extended periods, is Zhang Liushun."
"Therefore, I'm referring to Zhang Liushun, and his potential familiarity with the foundational features of the little monster's face."
The little fox had already begun to grasp some of it upon hearing this, but he remained quiet, prompting Ye Tiancheng to continue.
Ye Tiancheng went on, "Although this is the first time I've met the little monster, I've known you for quite some time."
"This fact means that I also have a very deep understanding and familiarity with your facial features."
"The reason why both Zhang Liushun and I feel that your appearance and the little monster's are similar, I suspect, is because both Zhang Liushun and I possess the same sense of familiarity with similarly unique facial characteristics. Therefore, when we see another similar entity, we experience a feeling akin to 'you look alike'."
"As for how much you and the little monster truly resemble each other, that's something that, at least for now, cannot be clearly distinguished. No one can say for sure."
Ye Tiancheng's explanation was truly clear. The little fox nodded again and replied, "I understand. So that's how it is. Then let's hear about him next."
"If his origins are interesting enough, we'll investigate him superficially. If we truly find a connection between him and me, then we'll proceed more seriously. If, after that, we still find no connection between him and me, and he's also unrelated to our initial objective, then we shall leave him be. We'll just consider it satisfying our curiosity and not pay any further attention."
The little fox's decision was quite rational and reasonable.
If they didn't conduct any investigation at all, it would clearly be impossible to determine whether the little anomaly had any connection to the little fox or the fragments of the Fuxi Qin. Therefore, a degree of investigation was indeed necessary. However, it was also important to maintain a balance, and there was no need to delve too deeply from the outset.
For instance, their current plan to inquire with Zhang Liushun about the little anomaly could be considered a basic, superficial investigation to a certain extent.
Through such investigations, they could then make judgments about whether the little anomaly was worth further in-depth investigation. If it was, then of course they should investigate, no need to say more.
If not, it would save them more effort. Neither Ye Tiancheng nor the little fox needed to waste time dealing with him, as their free time was not abundant.
Ye Tiancheng and the little fox agreed on these matters. From the initial proposal to the final decision, it didn't take much time. They quickly finalized everything, and in reality, not much time had passed.
Moreover, discussing matters concerning the little anomaly with Zhang Liushun on the street was somewhat inappropriate. Therefore, they needed to find a place to sit down and talk properly. However, even so, there was no need to find an exceptionally good place; any suitable place to sit would suffice.
Thus, they didn't walk far. The streets in the Oddity Market also had some establishments resembling small food stalls. Ye Tiancheng and the little fox found a tea stall. The little fox confirmed that it was alright to sit there and have a cup of tea from the stall before they specifically chose it.
Eating in the Oddity Market, street food was different from restaurants or inns. Establishments that could open restaurants or inns in the Oddity Market should have some guarantee in their goods. They should at least offer benefits to malevolent spirits or even living beings to be sold there. After all, with the Grand Proprietor overseeing things, no one dared to sell counterfeit or shoddy products.
Therefore, the goods in restaurants and inns were generally reliable and could be consumed freely. The little fox had verified all of this during these days.
However, street stalls were different. Street stalls were not as strictly regulated, and they sold all sorts of things. If one didn't look carefully, even if they didn't find any problems with the taste, they couldn't be sure what the raw materials were. Knowing the truth might even make them nauseous enough to vomit their hearts, livers, spleens, and kidneys.
Unless the food used special ingredients, those foods would emit a special aura that the little fox could identify at a glance. Otherwise, Ye Tiancheng would not dare to eat street food.
Let alone street stalls, without the little fox's personal certification, Ye Tiancheng wouldn't even dare to eat or drink anything in restaurants or inns.
After all, one had to consider that people ascend, people descend, but they remain people. Regardless of any changes in their fundamental nature, some human nature is deeply rooted. Even with strict control by the Grand Proprietor, there should be no shortage of those willing to feign obedience.
Isn't it just like this in the mortal world? Even with numerous control systems, as long as there is profit, there are plenty of madmen willing to take risks.
After Ye Tiancheng and the little fox found a place to sit, they sat next to each other. Zhang Liushun sat beside Ye Tiancheng, but not on the same side.
Zhang Liushun was very clear about his position. He did not dare to sit next to Ye Tiancheng and the little fox. If he were to sit directly opposite Ye Tiancheng and the little fox, Zhang Liushun would not dare to do so at all.
After they were seated, Ye Tiancheng asked the stall owner to bring a pot of tea and some small snacks. Once everything was served, Ye Tiancheng said to Zhang Liushun, "You mentioned a strange creature before. Please tell us in detail about it."
Zhang Liushun dared not refuse, so he nodded and began to tell Ye Tiancheng about the little anomaly.
"Then I shall tell Master Chen and Little Master Chen everything. I believe you two must be quite curious, as this concerns Little Master Chen. I believe both Master Chen and Little Master Chen cannot help but be concerned about this matter."
"Regarding the little anomaly, I will start from the beginning and tell you both."
"As for the origins of that little anomaly, no one can say for sure. It's unclear when he entered here during an opening of the Oddity Market. After entering, he settled in this vicinity and has lived in this area ever since, not going anywhere else."
"No one knows where he came from because he is ugly. Uh, I mean, this ugliness in his appearance cannot be concealed even after transforming into human form."
"The Grand Proprietor requires everyone to be civilized. They must transform into human form and are not allowed to reveal their true, ghastly forms. If even the Grand Proprietor doesn't mind someone being as ugly as that little anomaly, it undoubtedly means his original appearance has such severe flaws that cannot be changed. No matter how he transforms, he can only become like this, and thus he will not be held accountable or considered improperly attired by the Grand Proprietor when walking in the Oddity Market."
"Like that anomaly, who is extremely ugly by nature. And another thing is, that little anomaly never interacts with anyone. He has been here for nearly a hundred years, and truly, no one has heard a single word from him. Only when he is beaten can he let out a few grunts."
Upon hearing Zhang Liushun say this, Ye Tiancheng and the little fox's thoughts drifted slightly. They thought that since this little anomaly had been in the Oddity Market for nearly a hundred years, the possibility of him being related to the little fox at the end of the month was extremely low.
Then, they wondered if this little anomaly might have any connection to the fragments of the Fuxi Qin.
Any clue was worth noting. Ye Tiancheng noticed that Zhang Liushun mentioned that this little anomaly only settled in this area and never went anywhere else. However, this area was too close to the Grand Proprietor's mansion, which made Ye Tiancheng inevitably want to know the reason.
However, Zhang Liushun was unaware of Ye Tiancheng's extensive thoughts. He continued to tell Ye Tiancheng about the little anomaly.
"Everyone actually suspects that he is not only inherently ugly but also very likely mute. Because of this, many beings are even more inclined to bully him."
"When I walk in the Oddity Market, I often see that little anomaly being beaten. One reason is that he takes other people's things. After all, his strength is weak. If he doesn't steal to sustain himself, he would have died long ago."
"The second reason is that there are simply too many beings who like to bully that little anomaly."
"The Grand Proprietor's rules are strict, and many beings suppress their temper. They need an outlet, but they cannot go too far. That little anomaly serves as a tool for many beings in the Oddity Market who lack self-control to vent their malice and tempers."
Upon hearing this, Ye Tiancheng's brow furrowed slightly. He accidentally crushed the teacup. The horror of human nature, even after death, once they become malevolent spirits, driven by even more malice, people only become worse. The things they do are almost unbearable to hear. However, this was likely a common occurrence, perhaps even just a microcosm of the Oddity Market.
Therefore, Ye Tiancheng could only suppress his thoughts and emotions and said somewhat unhappily, "That child bears some resemblance to my younger brother. Hearing about such things so suddenly is bound to make one feel unhappy."
With his attitude, Zhang Liushun didn't suspect anything. Even malevolent spirits are not devoid of emotions. It was not strange for Ye Tiancheng to care about his younger brother.
Loving someone and extending that love to things associated with them is very common. Because something resembles or is related to a person one loves, or is cared about by that loved one, one naturally pays more attention to it, easily empathizing, which is not uncommon.
Zhang Liushun just lowered his head, wanting to explain clearly to Ye Tiancheng that he had never done such a thing, lest he be disliked.