At 10:00 AM, Zhang Yuanqing arrived at Fujia Bay by taxi. Swiping first his white card and then his black card to clear security, he entered the villa and, greeted by bowing bunny girls, came to a stop before the brown double doors.
Fu Qingyang really knows how to live. So many bunny girls looking after his daily needs. Once I become a high-level powerhouse among Spirit Realm walkers, I'm going to hire a bunch of bunny girls too, having them pour my tea, fetch my water, wash my clothes, and massage my back... Zhang Yuanqing mused inwardly as he knocked on the study door.
The moment his knuckles struck the wood, he felt that something was off with his train of thought, though he couldn't pinpoint it right away.
Knock, knock.
After two knocks, he pushed open the brown double doors.
The reason he didn't wait for a response was that Young Master Fu's study was simply too vast and soundproofed so well that voices inside couldn't be heard from outside.
Even if Fu Qingyang shouted until he was hoarse, no one would come running.
Inside the study, Fu Qingyang sat upright behind his desk, fingers interlaced upon the tabletop. On the wooden reception sofa, Ling Jun sat cross-legged, engrossed in brewing tea.
Zhang Yuanqing walked across the long red carpet and stopped before the desk.
"Feeling fully recovered?" Fu Qingyang nodded, inquiring after his subordinate with concern.
Nearby, Ling Jun narrowed his eyes and smiled. "Night Wanderers are unkillable cockroaches. What could possibly happen to him? Yuanshi, come have some tea."
Zhang Yuanqing glanced at him. "Centurion, why is this guy still loitering here?"
Ling Jun had come to Songhai to help Fu Qingyang hunt down Hei Wuchang, but he had turned out to be a complete slacker who achieved nothing.
Every day, he drank tea, slacked off, and went out to discuss high ideals and life goals with Songhai's top-tier ladies.
Fu Qingyang gave a slight nod. "He really ought to be kicked out. I don't harbor deadbeats."
Ling Jun clicked his tongue. "Qingyang, look at you, forgetting the old flame the moment you find a new sweetheart. Does our years of friendship pale in comparison to this kid flattering you for a few days?"
Fu Qingyang said nothing. Banter and verbal sparring were not his style.
Zhang Yuanqing, however, excelled at it. He said indignantly, "Watch your mouth! You can slander me, but how dare you slander the Centurion? Is the Centurion the kind of person who enjoys sycophancy? And I have never flattered the Centurion—everything I've said came straight from the bottom of my heart! Besides, can you open your eyes when you speak?"
Ling Jun sighed, shaking his head with squinted eyes. "Kid, that thick skin of yours is truly unmatched."
Fu Qingyang cut in to end their pointless bickering, his tone turning serious. "After deliberation, the Elders have decided to award you a Class A merit, a cash prize of two million, and two items. Do you have any objections? If you do, I will submit your feedback. If not, then this is finalized. Headquarters will publish an announcement on the official website—a privilege exclusive to Class A merits."
A Class A merit? Zhang Yuanqing was startled.
Under the Five Elements Alliance's system, a Class A merit carried immense value. Beyond elevated clearance and increased benefits, it meant a smooth path forward in his official career.
From now on, as long as his level caught up, becoming a Decurion or Deacon would be a breeze.
After all, Acting Decurion Teng Yuan, despite being a Level 4 Saint, still received only elite member benefits due to a lack of merit.
Had Decurion True Eye not been recuperating at home, Teng Yuan wouldn't have even gotten to serve as acting decurion.
A two million cash reward... That puts my net worth at 2.5 million, which sounds a bit cursed... And the item rewards will just make up for losing the red dancing shoes and the Prudent Orb... Zhang Yuanqing said, "I have no objections!"
Fu Qingyang immediately pressed a button at the corner of his desk. A few minutes later, ten slender-waisted, long-legged bunny girls filed in, each holding a silver tray with both hands.
They lined up in a row across the study, standing straight and tall with trays held firm.
Pushing back from his desk, Fu Qingyang stood up. With calm, elegant steps, he lifted the red cloth draped over the first silver tray. Resting on the tray was a circular piece of emerald jade carved with vine motifs.
"This item is called the 'Resuscitator,' an item for the Wood Demon profession," Fu Qingyang introduced. "Its function is to restore the owner to peak condition upon reaching the brink of death. It is simple to use: just wear it on your person. However, keep in mind that if you are killed instantly, its effect will not trigger."
Fully restored at death's door? That's a trump-card item! It's practically an extra life. Wood Demons really are healing specialists... Zhang Yuanqing's eyes lit up. "And what's the cost?"
A faint smile curled on Fu Qingyang's stern face. "Its cost is also termed 'revival.' It instills in the user an intense reproductive urge. Quite a few official walkers in the branch have applied to borrow it due to certain declining bodily functions, rediscovering the joy of being a man."
Zhang Yuanqing marveled once more: Wood Demons really are healing specialists!
To some degree, this is a cost every man dreams of. But it'll cause a chemical reaction with the straw doll's penalty and turn my fantasies about sows into reality... Zhang Yuanqing hesitated for a few seconds before shaking his head. "I'd like to look at the others."
Fu Qingyang then lifted the red cloth from the second tray, revealing a ring woven from dark vines. "Whispers of the Forest. It allows one to communicate with trees and animals. You will understand what they mean, and they can comprehend your commands. While it lacks offensive firepower, in certain areas it is far more practical than offensive items—tracking, for instance. The cost of using it is that you will become an extremist animal and plant rights activist."
An image popped into Zhang Yuanqing's mind: a man with a blurred face gently stroking a sow, asking, Feels good, doesn't it? And the sow happily conversing with him in response.
Fuck! With a grim expression, Zhang Yuanqing shook his head. "Let me see more."
Fu Qingyang glanced at him, baffled as to why Yuanshi's mood had suddenly turned so heavy. Does he think the items aren't good enough?
Fu Qingyang walked over to the third tray and pulled away the red cloth. "This one is called the 'Cute Hairpin,' from the Musician profession. Wearing it grants universal charm over both men and women; no one will have the heart to raise a hand against you. The cost of using it is that your personality will become increasingly feminized."
Looking at the pink cartoon hairpin, Zhang Yuanqing questioned, "Why is this even here? Don't the Elders know my gender?"
"Elder Gou personally picked it for you," Fu Qingyang said.
"Ah, then it makes sense..." Zhang Yuanqing weighed his options. "I think I'll keep looking."
He already had a red bridal veil and red dancing shoes. Pinning on a hair clip on top of that would be utterly unpresentable.
Next, Fu Qingyang introduced the remaining seven items, belonging to Earth Monsters, Fire Masters, Scholars, Night Wanderers, and Scouts. Dazzled by the selection, Zhang Yuanqing asked, "Centurion, what do you recommend?"
Fu Qingyang seemed to have been waiting for the question, answering immediately: "Night Wanderers are suited for close combat, but your martial prowess is mediocre at best, severely restricting your potential. If you run into an enemy proficient in martial arts like Guan Ya, an ambush could easily backfire on you. Therefore, you need a ranged attack item. I suggest you choose the Burst Pistol."
After a brief pause, he continued, "I know you're about to say you don't know how to shoot. That doesn't matter. For the second item, pick the Eye of the Insightful. It allows you to see through obstacles, discover hidden enemies around you, and enhances your vision so you can predict the trajectory of moving objects. Paired together, even someone who has never touched a gun can become a marksman in no time."
The Eye of the Insightful was a pair of black-rimmed glasses that gave off a scholarly air, while the Burst Pistol was a large-caliber firearm in a deep crimson casing, fierce and domineering, with recoil sufficient to fracture a normal person's wrist.
Zhang Yuanqing thought it over for a few seconds. The combination really did suit his current situation. Delighted, he said, "Then it's settled."
He received the two items from Fu Qingyang. As he held them in his hands, their information quickly surfaced:
[Name: Eye of the Insightful]
[Type: Glasses]
[Function: Insight, Enhanced Vision]
[Description: An excellent detective needs a sharp pair of eyes to catch elusive details. An excellent swordsman must possess an observant heart that sees through an enemy's moves. Such is a sharp heart and sharp eyes. —Excerpted from an indescribable swordsman.]
[Remarks: Being too clever isn't always a blessing; sometimes ignorance is bliss...]
[Name: Burst Pistol]
[Type: Weapon]
[Function: Armor Piercing, Explosive Burst]
[Description: This pistol is infused with the will of a powerful Fire Master. The bullets it fires possess an innate explosive effect, making it the nemesis of all armor. Its rounds carry a minor purifying effect.]
[Remarks: Please keep your temper in check.]
It was worth noting that the cost of the Eye of the Insightful was that once worn, the wearer would involuntarily observe the people around them and dissect their minds. Seeing right through human hearts was never a pleasant thing. One might perceive malice harbored by family and friends, or realize one's wife had fallen out of love—or was even decorating one's head with a green hat.
As for the cost of the Burst Pistol, it was concise and clear.
Satisfied, Zhang Yuanqing stowed the items away, then added, "Centurion, there are two things I'd like your help with."
Fu Qingyang waved his hand to dismiss the bunny girls. Returning to his desk, he nodded. "What is it?"
Zhang Yuanqing first summoned the ash-gray tainted red dancing shoes. "This item was corrupted by Hei Wuchang and can't be used right now. I'd like to ask if you can help me purify it, Centurion."
Fu Qingyang took the red dancing shoes and gazed at them for a few seconds, showing no surprise or shock. "If I handle it, I'll pass it to Elder Gou, who will commission an Elder from the Taiyi Sect to purify it. It can be returned to you within three to five days."
Zhang Yuanqing considered it for a moment. "Sounds good."
Given his current merit and strength, he no longer had to worry about people within the organization coveting his treasures, unlike in his rookie days when he had to keep everything hidden.
Nor would someone of an Elder's standing seize a low-level rule-based item by force from a holder of Class A merit.
Next, he produced the straw doll and handed it to Fu Qingyang. "This is my spoil of war from killing Hei Wuchang. I'd like to turn it in to the organization."
Fu Qingyang paused slightly. Setting down the red dancing shoes, he took the straw doll. Taking a close look, he promptly dropped it back down onto the desk as if it were scalding hot.
"Keep this straw doll for now. I'll report it to superiors so the Elders can evaluate it. Adding or removing an item from the treasury requires a rigorous procedure." Fu Qingyang glanced at the hideous straw doll. "If the Elders determine that its cost is too high and its utility too poor, be prepared to sell it for cheap."
The cost isn't that bad, it just alters your species preference... Zhang Yuanqing nodded helplessly. Even if he wanted to haggle, he wouldn't be able to meet the Elders anyway.
***
Huayu Hotel.
On an empty open-air balcony, beside a round glass table, Xie Lingxi curled up on an armchair. Feeling the cool breeze and bathing in the warm sunlight, she occasionally sipped fruit juice.
Opposite her sat the Palace Master of Halting Slaughter in a flowing red dress. She had switched to a different mask that only covered down to her nose, revealing full, crimson lips.
"I had someone look into it—the Holy Grail incident is over," Xie Lingxi said with a crafty look. "Sister Palace Master, guess who killed Hei Wuchang?"
The Palace Master of Halting Slaughter cast her a lukewarm glance.
Xie Lingxi immediately answered obediently, "It was Brother Yuanshi."
A peculiar glint flashed through the Palace Master's eyes. "Him?"
"He's incredible! A while ago, I actually thought he was dead." Xie Lingxi became animated whenever Yuanshi Tianzun was mentioned. "My dad is very interested in him too, saying we should cultivate him into a connection for the Xie family and telling me to get closer to him lately."
For Spirit Realm clans, investing in and nurturing a promising official member was standard practice.
The Palace Master of Halting Slaughter scoffed, "Wouldn't grooming him to be a son-in-law of the Xie family be even simpler and more direct?"
Xie Lingxi said bashfully, "I'm still too young for that~"
The Palace Master chuckled coldly. "You aren't the only daughter in the Xie family. You have plenty of female cousins."
Xie Lingxi giggled. "With their spoiled, domineering temperaments, they can only marry matrilocal husbands desperate to climb the Xie family ladder. True geniuses wouldn't deign to fawn over them; they prefer girls who show tender care for their man."
The Palace Master of Halting Slaughter rose and walked to the balcony railing, resting both hands on it as she murmured, "He is growing fast..."
***
The old city district, basement of a dilapidated Western-style house.
This was a gathering spot for evil professions. Wearing a trench coat and a mask, Aunt Xiaoyuan passed identity verification and descended the stairs to the basement level.
Stuffy air washed over her, laden with the smell of sweat and cigarette smoke.
The basement was cavernous. Its perimeter had been converted into a bar offering food, drinks, fruit, and certain special services.
Just past noon, there were few "guests" at the booths and counter; it wouldn't get lively until nightfall.
Aunt Xiaoyuan swept her gaze around, walked straight to the bar counter, and sat down beside a bald man. "Any news lately?"
The bald man looked ferocious, with gruesome tattoos etched across his face and scalp—tattoos so dizzying that looking at them made one's head spin.
"What do you want to know?" The bald man set down his glass, rubbed his head, and grinned.
He was the venue provider and protector of this stronghold, a Bewitching Demon of the Saint stage. His Spirit Realm ID was "Tian Lingling."
Aunt Xiaoyuan pulled out ten banknotes, placed them on the counter, and slid them over to the bald man. "Give me something random first."
Pocketing the money with satisfaction, Tian Lingling said, "The trial mission for the large-scale killing dungeon is about to begin. I heard Li Xianzong picked Songhai."
For Spirit Realm walkers, the large-scale killing dungeon was a major clash between the orthodox and evil factions, as well as a class-advancement opportunity that occurred only twice a year. Level 3 Transcendents and Level 6 Saints who wished to change classes and step into higher realms had to participate in a large-scale killing dungeon.
During this period, the major evil profession organizations would assemble promising youths and deploy them into major cities to hunt orthodox walkers, warming up for the opening of the killing dungeon.
It was also an opportunity for promising juniors from both factions to feel each other out and gauge the opposition's combat power, so that once the dungeon opened, they would know both themselves and their enemies.
Naturally, this was one-sided wishful thinking on the part of the evil faction; the orthodox professions held their own arena tournaments.
"He didn't go to the capital, but chose Songhai instead?" Xiaoyuan was somewhat surprised.
The capital was the dream battleground coveted by every ambitious member of an evil profession; after all, both the Five Elements Alliance headquarters and the Taiyi Sect headquarters were located in the capital. Only hunting down genius walkers from headquarters offered true accomplishment.
The bald man smiled and said nothing.
Aunt Xiaoyuan produced another ten banknotes.
The bald man continued, "I heard the bounty list for the Transcendent stage is about to change. Yuanshi Tianzun of the Songhai Branch is very likely to enter the top five. But I don't know whether Li Xianzong came to Songhai to claim his bounty."
How did this Yuanshi Tianzun suddenly break into the top five? Aunt Xiaoyuan didn't pursue that topic. Counting out ten more bills, she asked, "I heard Hei Wuchang is dead? I want detailed intelligence."
Chapter 111