"An alternate personality?"
Fu Qingyang's brow furrowed immediately. Some people appeared to be bootlickers on the surface, yet turned out to be obsessive madmen behind closed doors. "The factors behind the formation of dual personalities are quite complex, aren't they?" he asked.
Doctor Sun nodded. "Generally speaking, severe trauma during childhood, or growing up in an environment of prolonged distress, will slowly foster a split personality."
Fu Qingyang's frown deepened. "Yuanshi lost his father at an early age and lived under another's roof, which indeed fits the criteria. However, I have looked into his family background and relatives. In theory, it shouldn't have reached this degree. His maternal grandparents treated him well."
Doctor Sun was startled. "Elder Fu, secretly investigating the family members of an official member violates organizational regulations."
Fu Qingyang cast him a cool glance. "Under normal circumstances, yes."
*What do you mean 'under normal circumstances'? Does that imply digging into Yuanshi Tianzun's family was done under abnormal circumstances?* Doctor Sun grumbled inwardly.
*Besides, your actions have already broken the rules. If Yuanshi Tianzun's condition were any worse, he'd be throwing punches at you right now—the guy can't stand the slightest speck of dirt in his eye.*
Naturally, Fu Qingyang wasn't going to tell him that Yuanshi Tianzun had been flirting back and forth with his cousin and had even made their relationship official. By all reason and custom, the bride's family had every right to vet the groom's household. It didn't count as a violation.
Seeing that Elder Fu had no intention of elaborating, Doctor Sun knew better than to pry. Following the topic, he said, "If what you say is true, then the conditions for Yuanshi Tianzun developing a dual personality are insufficient. However, we have no way of uncovering more deeply buried secrets."
Fu Qingyang nodded. "Such as?"
Doctor Sun ventured a bold hypothesis. "Such as being violated in his youth."
Fu Qingyang froze slightly. "Are you serious?"
Doctor Sun hurriedly replied, "I'm merely giving an example. It might not necessarily be violation, but it would have to be an experience of comparable severity."
Fu Qingyang gave an acknowledging hum before asking, "Deacon Sun, from your professional perspective, can his dual personality be cured? How would we treat it?"
Deacon Sun fell into contemplative thought. After a moment, he said, "He is a Spirit Realm walker and a Night Walker at that. His mental strength is immense and his willpower is exceptionally resolute, meaning conventional psychotherapy will be ineffective. The most viable approach is to seek treatment from an Illusionist.
"As you know, Dominator-stage Illusionists are called 'Voidwalkers.' They are the sovereigns of emotion. If a Voidwalker were to take control of Yuanshi Tianzun's mind, awakening his innate 'truth, goodness, and beauty' to dramatically alter his temperament, the therapeutic goal could be achieved.
"However, done this way, it would be less of a cure and more of fighting poison with poison."
Fu Qingyang shook his head. "That is inhumane. If we have to forcibly resolve Yuanshi's psychological issues by warping his core values, I would rather he remain mad."
Anticipating this reaction, Doctor Sun changed tack. "Then there is another method: utilizing the drawback or function of a prop to suppress his mental issues. But such props are exceedingly rare. You might look for them among the Musician and Illusionist classes."
Bewitching Demons also possessed mental manipulation capabilities, but the functions and drawbacks of that class's props typically incited the owner to commit crimes rather than inspiring benevolence and virtue.
Fu Qingyang nodded, a somber edge creeping onto his handsome, chiseled face. "The details of today's consultation must not be leaked to anyone, including Yuanshi Tianzun and the other elders. I will tell him that his drastic change in demeanor was caused by Demonic Eye's curse, not a split personality."
Doctor Sun agreed with his reasoning. "Indeed. Telling him outright about a second personality would either exacerbate his internal psychological friction or make him resign himself to ruin, thereby worsening his condition."
Even so, he was astonished by how much Fu Qingyang prioritized Yuanshi Tianzun. It had far surpassed the ordinary rapport between a superior and a subordinate.
As for why Elder Fu chose not to inform the other elders, Doctor Sun had no desire to investigate.
In the system, aside from actively stepping forward when claiming credit, one should speak and do as little as possible at all other times. Silence itself was a form of wisdom.
***
In the virtual conference room.
At five thirty in the afternoon, the five elders of the Songhai Branch logged in right on time.
The moment he came online, Elder Skyfire asked impatiently, "How did the diagnostic report go? What was Heavenly King Demonic Eye's response?"
Elders Luo Shen, Living Soil, and Veteran of Hundred Battles in Yellow Sands had all been waiting for him to speak on their behalf. An impetuous Fire Master was always the first to voice everyone's urgency.
Elder Dog, whose avatar was an indigenous Chinese pastoral dog, spoke in an odd tone: "Demonic Eye told me that his so-called curse was merely psychological suggestion, not a true curse. The reason he admires and values Yuanshi Tianzun is that he caught the scent of a kindred spirit. He claims Yuanshi Tianzun is fundamentally an exceptionally paranoid, radical individual whose outward personality is nothing more than a disguise."
Before the words had even settled, Elder Skyfire sneered, "Absolute nonsense! Such a clumsy lie could only fool a three-year-old child. If it wasn't for his curse, would Yuanshi Tianzun's personality undergo such a drastic shift? He's only been a Spirit Realm walker for three months; the corrupting influence of dungeons couldn't take hold that fast!"
Elder Dog said in a heavy voice, "I thought so at first as well. But think about it: Demonic Eye is an Ancient God of War, not a Witch Doctor. He doesn't know how to cast curses. Furthermore, there really isn't a single trace of a curse on Yuanshi's body.
"If not even we, with all our experience, can detect any sign of a curse, then in all likelihood, it simply doesn't exist."
Elder Skyfire snapped irritably, "There's plenty of stuff we don't know! Besides, aside from fighting, none of that other garbage is worth paying attention to anyway."
*That's just you...* the other elders muttered inwardly.
Elder Living Soil asked, "Fu Qingyang, what were the diagnostic results on your end?"
Fu Qingyang leaned back against his chair, resting one hand on the desk. He did not answer right away. After pausing in contemplation for a few seconds, he said coolly, "Deacon Sun's assessment is that Yuanshi Tianzun's personality is extreme and perverse. He possesses severe moral fastidiousness and harbors intense hatred toward injustice. During their conversation, he even used 'dog feces' as an analogy, arguing that anyone with the ability should sweep clean the filth and depravity of the world."
Elder Skyfire slammed the table hard. "Look at that! Look at that! Isn't that just another Demonic Eye? And he still dares claim he didn't curse Yuanshi Tianzun!"
Elder Dog's expression shifted between shock and suspicion. Displeased by the interruption, he said, "Don't cut in. Qingyang, keep going. What does Deacon Sun think?"
Elder Skyfire fell silent, and the other three elders waited for Fu Qingyang's reply.
Fu Qingyang said, "Deacon Sun believes that for Yuanshi Tianzun's temperament to change so drastically within a single month is highly unreasonable. The likelihood of an organic personality shift is small, while external factors are far more probable. He does not know the root cause."
Elder Skyfire snorted. "Of course he doesn't know. Even we aren't sure... Continue."
Fu Qingyang continued in a calm, distant voice: "He offered two treatment options. The first is to enlist a 'Voidwalker' to warp Yuanshi Tianzun's disposition and restore him to normal. The second is to rely on the functions or drawbacks of a prop to counter Demonic Eye's curse. Yuanshi's current symptoms are still relatively mild. Although he acted first and reported later, he has already recognized his wrongdoing deeply.
"My view is that we should first find a way to suppress Demonic Eye's curse. Once his level increases and his mental fortitude grows tougher, he might be able to resist the curse on his own—or by then, we may have devised a proper solution. As for headquarters, we shouldn't report this for the time being, lest certain individuals overreact."
"Agreed!" Veteran of Hundred Battles in Yellow Sands, who belonged to the White Tiger Guards just like him, echoed in support.
Elder Luo Shen also breathed a sigh of relief. "As long as the influence is still shallow, it's manageable. Once he reaches the Dominator stage, with the nature of a Day Wanderer, what curse could possibly remain unresolved? Demonic Eye can curse the present Yuanshi Tianzun, but he could never curse a fellow Dominator. I also support Fu Qingyang's suggestion."
Elder Living Soil gave a light laugh. "Elder Dog's words genuinely frightened me just now. Yuanshi Tianzun is the flagship of Songhai and our greatest achievement. He can make minor mistakes, but he must not suffer catastrophic flaws."
If Yuanshi Tianzun truly was a latent madman, the nature of the situation would be catastrophic. The higher his talent, the greater the danger. After advancing to a Dominator in the future, he could very well become a second Demonic Eye, or even a second Demon Lord.
Headquarters would never treat it lightly; they would most likely confine him while treating his mental illness, stripping him of freedom forever.
Doubts still lingered in Elder Dog's heart, but seeing that the other elders had raised no objections, he went along with the consensus.
This matter concerned Yuanshi Tianzun's future. If they could suppress it, it was best to keep it under wraps.
"Next, let us discuss how to protect Yuanshi Tianzun," Elder Luo Shen sneered playfully. "Fu Qingyang, we've arrived in your area of expertise."
Fu Qingyang replied indifferently, "Elder Luo Shen, that remark merely highlights your own administrative incompetence."
Elder Luo Shen huffed.
Having delivered his jab, Fu Qingyang continued, "Two solutions. First, submit a formal accusation to headquarters condemning the patrol squad's violent conduct, stating that the actions of Yuanshi Tianzun, Guan Ya, and Jiang Jingwei have severely disgraced the reputation of the Songhai Branch. Demand that headquarters dismiss and imprison Yuanshi Tianzun, and dismiss his two accomplices, Guan Ya and Jiang Jingwei, barring them from future employment."
Elder Skyfire immediately objected: "Out of the question! The Sect Master won't agree, and the Grand Marshal won't agree either!"
Elder Dog chuckled. "If they don't agree, they will naturally exercise leniency. At any rate, once the formal complaint is submitted, the Songhai Branch will be absolved of responsibility. The drawback is that headquarters' stance remains uncertain, so it's a huge gamble."
Fu Qingyang gave an acknowledging hum and laid out his second 'dirty' tactic in a cool voice:
"Build momentum on the official forum to whitewash Yuanshi Tianzun. Arrange for several official walkers to act as an astroturfing brigade, setting the narrative that Yuanshi Tianzun is innocent and creating public pressure on headquarters.
"Everyone here should utilize their connections to plead for mercy with familiar elders at headquarters and seek help from the Spirit Realm families. Headquarters might not truly want to punish Yuanshi Tianzun harshly anyway. If we provide them an honorable way out, the disciplinary action will likely be lighter."
Finishing his piece, Fu Qingyang sighed inwardly. What a pity he had handed over the evil-warding talisman too early.
"Sounds good!"
"No problem!"
"This is the extent of what we can do."
Fu Qingyang's plan received unanimous approval from the elders. They were thoroughly pleased with his ability to handle administrative affairs; with a young elder so eager to get things done, the senior veterans were more than happy to enjoy their leisure.
***
*Tap, tap, tap...*
Dressed in a sharp white suit, the strikingly handsome Fu Qingyang strode down the corridor of the underground holding cells with a somber expression.
The crisp clicking of leather heels on the polished tile echoed behind him with every step.
When he reached the door of a certain cell, his expression shifted slightly before settling back into its habitual icy calm.
Inside the room were a desk, chairs, a bed, a toilet, a sink, and a shower. Though small, it was fully equipped. Atop the table sat the leftovers of a sumptuous feast, accompanied by desserts and beverages.
Lying on the bed with his hands behind his head, Zhang Yuanqing turned his neck. "Boss?"
He sat up and offered a wry smile. "Sorry to let you down. How is headquarters punishing me? Whatever they decide, I'll accept it."
Fu Qingyang remained expressionless, his voice cool. "Headquarters has not handed down the verdict yet, but it will certainly be severe. Prepare yourself for confinement."
Seeing Yuanshi's face fall, he added, "I will do everything I can to minimize the fallout and push for leniency."
Zhang Yuanqing immediately bowed his head on the bed. "Thank you, Boss! In life I am a member of the White Tiger Guards, and in death I am a ghost of the White Tiger Guards! Following the right leader saves a person ten years of struggle—what an eternal truth!"
The corner of Fu Qingyang's mouth twitched, though his face stayed stern.
"Elder Dog has thoroughly investigated your situation. Demonic Eye's curse has indeed taken effect, but the mechanics behind it remain unknown. Demonic Eye is a tough nut to crack; nothing could be pried out of him."
"Then what should I do?" Zhang Yuanqing frowned.
*He still possesses his reason...* Fu Qingyang thought. Aloud, he said, "I will find a way to procure a prop capable of quelling hostile malice for you. Such props are relatively rare, so it will take some time."
A prop that dispelled malice? Thoughts churned in Zhang Yuanqing's mind. The first thing that came to him was Commandery Princess Yinyao's Ghost Mirror.
*In a few days, the teleportation jade case should produce a teleportation jade talisman. I can enter Mute Village to borrow that prop, but I'll have to wait another month for the return talisman...*
*That would take too long. Hmm, I have to enter a dungeon soon anyway. What if I return the Demon-Subduing Pestle to the old crone, butter her up with some flattering words, and ask her to borrow the Ghost Mirror from Commandery Princess Yinyao on my behalf?*
Zhang Yuanqing felt this plan was viable.
"You seem to have an idea?" Fu Qingyang possessed the ability to read people's thoughts.
Zhang Yuanqing shared his plan without hesitation. After listening, Fu Qingyang considered it briefly before saying, "A sound idea. It's worth trying. The sooner you quell the malice, the better. If you can obtain the Ghost Mirror, it will give me more leverage to plead your case before headquarters."
He felt a faint sense of relief.
With business out of the way, Fu Qingyang added, "Before headquarters issues the disciplinary ruling, stay here. It's a good opportunity to adjust your condition and prepare for the dungeon. If you can clear an S-rank dungeon this time, it will help mitigate the penalty to some degree."
"Understood!" Zhang Yuanqing was exceptionally cooperative.
Standing by the doorway, Fu Qingyang said in a low, resonant voice, "My apologies. I am not a suitable superior. I never teach others; in my view, only trash require guidance, while the truly strong are destined to walk alone.
"Yet for you, I am willing to say a few extra words."
Pausing, he took on an extraordinarily solemn and weighty tone: "The transition from the rule of man to the rule of law is the greatest leap forward in human civilization, as well as its most precious treasure. Sages perish, but order endures.
"We can never attain absolute justice and fairness, nor is the purpose of the law to uphold justice. Rather, it exists to preserve order. Only stable order allows human civilization to endure. Yuanshi, order is the greatest protection for the weak. I hope you can understand this truth."
Zhang Yuanqing hung his head, silent, his mood sinking slightly.
Fu Qingyang watched him for a few moments, the tension around his eyes gradually softening. In a hushed voice, he said, "However, nothing in this world is flawless. When public justice is oppressed by tyranny, and when grievances cannot be redressed, we must appropriately embrace consequential justice.
"In the future, when you can no longer control your malice, think back on these words. Ask yourself if there truly is no other path left, and if extreme measures are genuinely the only way."
Without waiting for an answer, he turned and walked away without looking back.
***
In the adjacent small villa.
In the living room, the central air conditioning blew a steady draft of cool air. Two women and two girls were sprawled across the sofa like salted fish.
"What should we do? Will Brother Yuanshi be locked up by the Five Elements Alliance? Will I ever get to see him again?" Xie Lingxi whimpered, her voice tinged with tears.
"If he's locked up, then so be it! I did a good deed, why should I be afraid?" Jiang Jingwei fumed. "My teachers taught me from childhood to emulate Lei Feng! And my dad told me since I was little to beat up anyone I can't stand!"
Guan Ya wore a heavy, dark expression. Waiting until Jiang Jingwei finished clamoring, she said, "Yuanshi's mental state isn't right. Something has definitely happened to him. I'm with him every day, yet I didn't even notice."
Had they not encountered the incident with Wei Yuanzhou, she might have remained in the dark indefinitely.
Queen clutched her phone, her fingers flying across the screen as she debated people on the forum, her brow knitted tightly. "I think Captain did nothing wrong. At worst, he was just a bit impulsive. Honestly, after going through this, I admire him even more."
Now that everyone had laid their cards on the table, she no longer bothered hiding her affection for Yuanshi Tianzun. Within the Five Elements Alliance, women admiring the Four Young Masters and the rising prodigies were everywhere.
As the most dazzling figure in the Songhai Branch, what was strange about her admiring Yuanshi Tianzun?
Guan Ya was truly in no mood to pay her any attention.
Xie Lingxi asked, "Sister Queen, how are things looking on the forum?"
"Can't you look for yourself?" Queen retorted.
"Hmph, everyone's speaking ill of Brother Yuanshi. I can't take it, so I'm not looking." The little green tea puffed out her cheeks.
"Executing a colleague without authorization is a massive taboo, even if that colleague was guilty. This incident triggers empathy among official walkers and touches on a very sensitive nerve. It's completely normal for Yuanshi Tianzun to face condemnation. By the way, why haven't the officials refuted the rumors yet?" Sitting on the opposite sofa, Li Chunfeng held his laptop and muttered irritably:
"Can't you women be a little more rational? At least show some concern for yourselves. Especially Jiang Jingwei and Guan Ya—you two acted alongside Yuanshi Tianzun."
"You know it's sensitive, so until the headquarters' verdict comes out, none of the branches will speak up." Guan Ya knew the inner workings and rules inside out.
Jiang Jingwei piped up, "Confinement is fine by me! At least I won't have to go to school."
She couldn't be happier about that prospect.
Li Chunfeng let out a sigh. "What terrible luck did I walk into? I just started working, and now I'm under collective house arrest. I haven't even earned a single cent yet."
None of the four female companions paid him any heed.
Li Chunfeng's fingers tapped rapidly across the keyboard as he drafted an email:
*I have joined the Songhai Branch patrol squad. Having just concluded a mission and returned to Songhai, I am unfortunately under house arrest at the Fujia Bay Villa. The matter unfolded as follows...*
*In my view, Yuanshi Tianzun's conduct is impulsive, violent, and exceedingly radical. Yet, I cannot deny that I find myself holding a degree of respect for him, even though I do not endorse his methods.*
Finishing his draft, he hit send.
Roughly a dozen seconds later, a new email landed in his inbox. The Sect Master had replied with brief, concise words:
*He is very interesting!*
Li Chunfeng closed the inbox, musing inwardly, *When you ordered me to keep an eye on Yuanshi Tianzun back then, you also said he was very interesting. But your true objective surely isn't just that.*
"Ah! The Songhai Branch posted a statement clarifying things for Yuanshi Tianzun!"
Sprawled on the sofa, Queen sat up in delight, causing a breathtaking ripple across her chest.
Chapter 341