"Oh, my dear Decurion, it is simply marvelous to see you! You cannot possibly imagine how I survived these past three days. I missed you as deeply as my grandmother's apple pie—every word is the gospel truth, God be my witness!"
Grinning from ear to ear, Zhang Yuanqing stepped forward and pulled Li Dongze into an exuberant embrace.
Just then, a young female clerk attentively offered a glass of red wine. Li Dongze raised a hand with practiced grace, gently waving it off as he said in all seriousness, "Oh no, please swap that for an iced Coke!"
And so Zhang Yuanqing carried the iced Coke over to the sofa, greeting Wang Tai and Teng Yuan in turn.
"You'll probably be leaving Team Two soon, or perhaps you'll end up becoming our direct supervisor," Wang Tai said, holding a slice of cake and savoring it with visible satisfaction. "Made with dairy cream—quite delicious. The beauty of real cream is that you never get sick of it, unlike vegetable shortening, which is cheap and revolting. Their compositions are completely different—"
No, I'm not interested in their ingredients! Zhang Yuanqing cut him off at once. "For some reason, Elder Dog hasn't reached out to talk to me yet. I tried calling him, but nobody picked up. It's rather odd. What do you guys think?"
Teng Yuan, Wang Tai, and Li Dongze had no answer. Meanwhile, Guan Ya sat in a distant corner, pretending to chat and laugh cheerfully with a female employee.
Zhang Yuanqing turned his gaze toward Jiang Jingwei, who was gorging herself on food and drink. "Jingwei, do you know anything?"
Jiang Jingwei was completely immersed in the culinary feast, deaf to the world around her.
"Jingwei. Jingwei!" Zhang Yuanqing delivered a chop to the back of the girl's neck. "Jingwei!"
With a loud sputter, Jiang Jingwei coughed up a mouthful of roast meat and ham slices. Furious and heartbroken at the waste, she snapped, "What the heck are you doing?!"
Zhang Yuanqing repeated his question.
"Ooh~" Jiang Jingwei reached an epiphany. Watching with lingering regret as Teng Yuan swept the spilled meat into the trash, she said, "He's probably still watching the killing trial."
Seeing the confusion on her colleagues' faces, she explained, "During the killing trial every year, the alliance master takes a handful of elders to spectate from outside the instance. Though how they actually watch from outside, I have no idea. My dad said people whose level is too low can't go in. Once I reach the Dominator stage, he'll take me along for fun."
The alliance master can bring elders in to watch? The members of Team Two were deeply shaken; this was the first time they had ever heard of such a thing.
Zhang Yuanqing was just as stunned—and thoroughly horrified. Throughout the killing trial, he had exposed far too much.
The Demon Lord's teleportation jade talisman; the Demon Lord's Disguise Ring... Even if neither item was the Demon Lord's signature relic, anyone among the bigwigs who had seen them before would inevitably become suspicious.
Neither item belonged to the Night Walker class.
In theory, there was no plausible way he could have obtained them.
Furthermore, his thoughts naturally linked back to the task settlement, when the black full moon concealed within his character card had suddenly manifested and reduced itself to a crescent.
That was the character card disguising itself—hiding his identity as the Demon Lord's successor.
"So that's how it is..."
Zhang Yuanqing muttered under his breath, his expression turning grim.
He realized that the character card possessed a mind of its own. Back when the Tiger Tally had been involved, the black full moon had surfaced only under the provocation of a rule-based item, which could still be considered a passive reaction.
But what about this time?
The bigwigs outside the trial had exerted no direct influence on him, yet the character card had taken it upon itself to mask the full moon.
That proved beyond doubt that it possessed self-awareness. It knew bigwigs were watching from outside, and it knew his identity as the Demon Lord's successor could not be exposed. Just who... or what was it?
A mere character card couldn't possibly have consciousness. If it did, it had to be something else dwelling within.
This realization sent a chill down Zhang Yuanqing's spine, leaving him squirming in his seat.
He could readily accept the Demon Lord's character card as a mere object. But if someone else's consciousness was lurking inside that object, it became something that would keep him awake at night.
At least there's one silver lining: I won't have to worry about my identity as the Demon Lord's successor being leaked in the future, he thought, finding cold comfort in the situation.
This way, he wouldn't need to rack his brain to hide his tracks; the character card was mature enough to conceal itself. For instance, back in the stone temple, the Maoshan Daoist's probing had been doomed to fail from the start.
His response back then was the quintessential three-piece denial of the Demon Lord's successor: Not me! You're talking nonsense! Stop framing me!
Wait... If the elders spectated the entire killing trial, then... the things I told Yuan Ting... Zhang Yuanqing's heart grew heavy, and his future suddenly looked fraught with peril.
Just then, Teng Yuan remarked, "The Saint stage killing trial should wrap up tomorrow, right?"
Zhang Yuanqing nodded. "For the Transcendent stage, the main storyline takes three days. For the Saint stage, it's five days. It should conclude tomorrow morning around seven."
Teng Yuan inclined his head. "I'm eager to see the results."
With that, he reverted to his usual salted-fish demeanor, lethargically nibbling on his food.
The civilian staff and spirit walkers of Team Two ate and drank until eleven in the morning before dispersing, leaving a few clerical workers behind to clean up the mess.
Taking advantage of a trip to the restroom, Zhang Yuanqing sent Kou Beiyue a message:
"I heard some news: high-ranking figures of the orthodox faction have a habit of spectating the killing trials. The evil faction likely does the same. Keep your guard up."
Kou Beiyue replied almost immediately:
"Heh, I already knew that. Xiao Yuan said the big shots might not remember someone like me, but to be safe, I'm keeping a low profile for the next few days. Once those bastards return to reality, Xiao Yuan will gather intel to see if there's a bounty on my head."
That's a relief! Zhang Yuanqing breathed a sigh of relief.
Kou Beiyue sent another message:
"Are you messing with my underling?"
He's pretty well-informed... Zhang Yuanqing replied with a simple "Yeah."
"I know what you're trying to pull, but I don't think it'll work. Didn't those big shots watch the whole thing? They're bound to know what actually happened. Once they get back from the killing trial, they'll vouch for him," Kou Beiyue messaged back.
Aside from the Southern branch of the Nihility Sect, why would any other organization vouch for Good Minister Chooses His Master to Slay? They'd love nothing more than to see the chubby guy get bumped off.
Zhang Yuanqing didn't panic in the slightest.
Kou Beiyue was still too naive, seeing the world strictly in black and white. Even within the same organization, members fought tooth and nail for survival; how could the three evil factions possibly be of one mind?
Given the chance to sabotage a genius from a rival faction, evil organizations were far more zealous than the orthodox faction could ever be.
"You don't need to worry about any of that. Just reach out to Good Minister Chooses His Master to Slay in a few days," Zhang Yuanqing texted back. There was no reply for quite a while.
By the time he tucked his phone away and stepped out of the restroom, Kou Beiyue's delayed reply finally popped up:
"Fuck your whole family! I crashed straight into a hedge just to reply to your text! The takeout in my delivery box spilled everywhere! You're paying me back for this!!"
Zhang Yuanqing silently sent him a fifty-cent red packet and powered down his phone.
From the lounge bar, he grabbed a bouquet of roses that the clerical staff had gathered up and tossed aside. Hiding them behind his back, he climbed the steel staircase to the second floor.
Only Guan Ya and Wang Tai remained in the second-floor office area.
Jiang Jingwei had been picked up by a butler sent by her mother since she had school, and Teng Yuan was the last person who would stay behind to do overtime. That left only Wang Tai and Guan Ya.
The former, having eaten and drunk his fill, was wholly immersed in his own world.
Guan Ya had her headphones on and was watching a variety show. Hearing the footsteps, she glanced up, then discreetly dropped her gaze.
Yesterday's events were still vivid in her mind. She hadn't yet managed to crawl out of the swamp of awkwardness, embarrassment, and sheer social death. Every time she saw Yuanshi, visions of drenched bedsheets and undergarments flashed through her mind.
It made her want to burrow into a hole in the ground.
"Sister Guan Ya, a rose for you." Zhang Yuanqing presented the bright red bloom.
The seasoned flirt shot him a sidelong glance, caught between annoyance and amusement, and scoffed, "Borrowing flowers to offer to the Buddha—completely insincere."
As if anticipating her reply, Zhang Yuanqing answered on the spot, "Then let's switch to something sincere. Sister Guan Ya, my grandmother wants to invite you over for dinner. Tomorrow evening."
"Not going!" Guan Ya pretended to focus intently on her show.
At a time like this, I have to be persistent and act like a rogue... Bearing his life mentor's advice firmly in mind, Zhang Yuanqing grinned cheekily. "If you don't come, I'll bring my entire family over to eat at your place."
Caught completely off guard by his shamelessness, Guan Ya raised her eyes, glared at him, and snapped, "Why should I eat at your house? What's our relationship anyway?"
This wasn't how she had envisioned things going. Her plan was to downplay what happened yesterday as much as possible; once the awkwardness faded with time and both of them tacitly agreed never to bring it up, she would be able to joke around with Yuanshi just like before.
To her, that was the most reasonable and ideal outcome.
And from what she knew of Yuanshi, while the brat could talk a big game, he lacked real experience in romance. Given his sociable nature, seeing her sensitive and embarrassed, he ought to have struck up a casual conversation, tossed out a few playful jokes, and smoothed over her embarrassment.
Who would have guessed that far from breaking the ice, he would press his advantage and invite her home for dinner?
Just what is our relationship that... that you're inviting me over to meet the family?..
Zhang Yuanqing glanced over at Wang Tai in the distance, pulled up a chair, and sat down right next to Guan Ya. Leaning in, he breathed against her delicate, translucent earlobe, his voice low and teasing: "What kind of relationship do you think we have?"
They were sitting inches apart, and being taller than Guan Ya, his downward gaze caught the pale, velvety expanse visible through the two unbuttoned collar studs of her white blouse.
She was the type of woman whose frame could stretch a button-down shirt taut.
A slender waist, an ample bust, and a crisp white shirt—a combination that forever held a top rank in the realm of uniform allure.
Guan Ya's body stiffened, and the base of her ears flared crimson in an instant. Keeping a stern face, she said, "We're colleagues."
Just as Lingjun said, she's pulling away like an ostrich, trying to sweep yesterday under the rug as if nothing happened, all so she can keep stringing me along in this ambiguous limbo. What a heartbreaker... Zhang Yuanqing muttered inwardly.
In truth, Guan Ya's ostrich mentality stemmed from the pressure of her family.
She yearned for romance, yet she dreaded her family's reaction. Depressed and pessimistic about the future, she was caught in a deep contradiction.
"At a time like this, you need to press your advantage and take full control of the dynamic. Waiting for her to make a move is a lost cause."
The mentor's words echoed in his mind.
Without a second thought, Zhang Yuanqing took her delicate, translucent earlobe into his mouth. It felt cool, carrying a refreshing fragrance that he couldn't quite identify as body scent or perfume.
It smelled wonderful.
Caught entirely unawares, Guan Ya shuddered as if struck by lightning, her entire body snapping taut.
The base of her ears burned hot, and a dizzying flush swept rapidly down her pale neck, raising fine goosebumps.
She sat there stunned, never imagining this kid would be so bold. Teasing her flirtatiously in the office was one thing, but... but he was actually feeling her up!
Zhang Yuanqing knew when to quit while he was ahead. Looking at Guan Ya's flushed cheeks, he said, "My cousin's promotion last time was all thanks to you. My grandmother has been wanting to treat you to dinner for ages. Tomorrow evening, I'll come pick you up."
Guan Ya scrambled to her feet, snatched her handbag off the desk, and kept her face rigid. "I have errands to run, so I'm clocking out early. Yuanshi, I'm not free tomorrow evening."
Bag in hand, her high heels clicked sharply against the floor as she beat a hasty retreat.
"You have to come!" Zhang Yuanqing called after her retreating figure.
Once the sound of Guan Ya's panicked footsteps faded away, Wang Tai lifted his head, his dead-fish eyes locked onto Zhang Yuanqing.
"Have you thought of names for the child yet?
"If not, I can help come up with one. Trust me, Scholars are professionals at this."
Zhang Yuanqing shrugged. "Is it free? If it's free, I'll take you up on that."
In high spirits, he pulled out his phone and called Fu Qingyang's bunny girl, telling her to return Blood Rose.
After leaving Guan Ya's place that day, he had sent Blood Rose back to Fujia Bay once more.
Now he needed to fetch her back. If Guan Ya remained adamant in her refusal, he couldn't very well force her, and he would need a "backup plan" to pacify his grandmother.
At four-thirty in the afternoon, Zhang Yuanqing stealthily returned home with Blood Rose in tow.
The living room was quiet. At this hour, his grandfather loved chatting, drinking tea, and playing chess with his old buddies, while his grandmother would be out at the wet market buying groceries. Knowing his family's schedule like the back of his hand, he had deliberately picked this window of time to come home.
Zhang Yuanqing entered his bedroom, hid Blood Rose inside the wardrobe, and cast an eye over the room.
"The old crone can only remain in reality for two days at a time. She should be back by tomorrow morning.
"Fu Qingyang returns tomorrow. Well, he probably won't blame me. After all, nobody should hold a grudge against him just because of his 'trash' theory. What's said is said. Elder Dog, on the other hand, is definitely going to chew me out...
"My cousin hasn't moved in on his targets yet..."
With various thoughts swirling through his mind, Zhang Yuanqing retrieved the Demon-Subduing Pestle and placed it inside his desk drawer.
***
Fujia Bay.
Inside the spacious, luxurious master bedroom, a figure materialized out of thin air. It was none other than Fu Qingyang.
His short ponytail was undone and draped loosely over his shoulders. His armor was covered in slashes from blades and swords, alongside scorched marks from smoke and flames.
Beneath the breastplate, faint traces of blood seeped through.
Though he looked disheveled and caked in the grime and blood of battle, the young master's chiseled features remained impossibly handsome.
Far from turning reserved, his aloof aura was now underscored by a newfound majesty between his brows.
Like a youthful emperor. Like a commander who held dominion over the three armed forces.
"Cough, cough!"
Fu Qingyang pressed a hand to his mouth, coughing violently as blood trickled from the corner of his lips.
He had sustained severe injuries in the killing trial. Although his life-tier had undergone a sublimation the moment he advanced to Dominator—passively mending a portion of his wounds—his physical condition was still terribly poor.
Fu Qingyang walked over to the bedside and pressed the call button.
A moment later, two tall, slender bunny girls answered the summons, pushing open the master bedroom door and crossing the outer chamber to stand before him.
"Young Master, you're awake?!"
The bunny girls broke into bright, dazzling smiles, overflowing with joy.
Every bunny girl in the entire villa had been preparing, fretting, and praying for their young master's safe return.
Fu Qingyang gave a slight nod. "Prepare food, hot water, and clean clothes..."
Having given his instructions, he added, "Pull up the leaderboard for the Transcendent stage killing trial."
He had achieved the results he had promised; now it was time to see how Yuanshi Tianzun had performed.
Chapter 291