Fu Qingyang’s avatar showed an active microphone icon. His voice, crisp, resonant, and dripping with magnetic charm yet laced with his characteristic chill, came through the speakers: "Everyone is here. Elders, how is the hunt for Sect Master Chunyang progressing?"
Elder Hongying sighed, the microphone icon lighting up on her avatar. "We have laid traps several times and clashed repeatedly with Sect Master Chunyang and Dark Night Rose, yet every single time they managed to slip away. We are making little headway."
Elder Gaofeng offered a laconic assessment: "This will be a war of attrition, and if there is one thing we do not lack, it is patience."
*That only applies to you Earth Monsters, right? Couldn't you hear that Elder Hongying is already exhausted?* Sitting in front of his computer, Zhang Yuanqing silently griped before clattering away on his keyboard: "Sister Yin Ji, the boss mentioned you were injured?"
"Mm, Sect Master Chunyang targeted me," Yin Ji replied in the chat.
Yuanshi Tianzun: "It seems Sect Master Chunyang has recovered quite a bit of his strength."
Yin Ji: "At most, he has recovered to Level 5. His Illusionist abilities are around Level 4. However, he had Dark Night Rose members assisting him at the time, and I had become separated from Master."
Yuanshi Tianzun: "We'll take him down together later and avenge you."
Yin Ji: "So confident. Did you really reach Level 6? [Smiley face]"
"Ahem!" Elder Gaofeng coughed. "You two can chat later."
Yin Ji and Zhang Yuanqing fell silent at the same time, and calm returned to the chat.
Elder Hongying chuckled. "It is no bad thing for youngsters to interact more... Fu Qingyang, what is on the agenda for today's meeting?"
Earlier that afternoon, Fu Qingyang had suddenly called them, claiming he had major intelligence regarding Dark Night Rose and requesting an online meeting at eight-thirty in the evening.
Both Elder Hongying and Elder Gaofeng attached great importance to this, and the former had even invited her student to join.
Fu Qingyang said, "Yuanshi Tianzun uncovered critical intelligence on Dark Night Rose that is of vital importance to you."
The spirits of Elder Gaofeng, Elder Hongying, and Yin Ji lifted.
Zhang Yuanqing unmuted his microphone. "Through a discreet channel, I learned that Dark Night Rose is attempting to use Sect Master Chunyang to lay a trap and lure you into taking the bait. However, the exact time and location remain unknown."
He didn't mention that the intel had come from the two Level 4 Star Officials he had slain. Even though the Du Branch might not know that Dark Night Rose operatives had been tailing Xiahou Aotian yesterday, one could never be too cautious.
"Using Sect Master Chunyang to lure us in..." Elder Hongying's voice came through the speakers. "Is the source reliable? If convenient, could you tell us the specifics of how you obtained this intelligence? It's not that I don't trust you, but Dark Night Rose is exceedingly cunning, and they sometimes deliberately leak false information."
*Quite cautious,* Zhang Yuanqing mused inwardly before speaking: "The intelligence originated from a member of Dark Night Rose's Mobile Department, a Level 4 Star Official. Given his level and standing, he was in a position to participate in the plan, so it shouldn't be wrong. As for how I acquired it, my apologies, but I cannot disclose that."
Elder Gaofeng and Elder Hongying frowned simultaneously.
This intelligence was crucial, but precisely because of its significance, caution was all the more necessary.
Yuanshi Tianzun's refusal to reveal how he had learned it inevitably stirred doubts, preventing them from placing complete faith in it.
"Master, Elder Gaofeng," Yin Ji's gentle voice chimed in. "Yuanshi Tianzun's reluctance to explain may simply be a matter of personal privacy, unrelated to the credibility of the intel. At the banquet at the Baihui Club, he forged a mortal feud with Sect Master Chunyang. He would not deceive us."
*Yin Ji really has my back!* Zhang Yuanqing felt a surge of gratification, thinking that his repeated life-risking efforts to save her had indeed paid off.
Elder Hongying said, "I trust Yuanshi Tianzun, but I do not trust Dark Night Rose. Pawns never know they are pawns until they are discarded."
"I can vouch for the source of this intelligence," Fu Qingyang spoke up.
After remaining silent for a long moment, Elder Gaofeng finally said, "If Elder Fu vouches for it, then there is no problem. Yuanshi Tianzun, the intelligence you provided is of great value. I will credit you with a merit."
*I've got too many merits already, just give me more cash next time...* Zhang Yuanqing immediately said, "Elders, I believe this is an opportunity. Why don't we turn their plan to our advantage and play along with Dark Night Rose's scheme to lure the snake out of its hole?"
Elder Hongying pondered for a moment, then asked with a smile, "What do you have in mind?"
"I heard that after getting injured, Sect Master Chunyang killed several Star Officials and Dream Masters. Acting so conspicuously wasn't just to heal his injuries—it was also meant to lure us in. Barring any surprises, he will continue his hunts until you catch him," Zhang Yuanqing expounded with ease. "Rather than letting him pick targets at random and causing the deaths of our Taiyi Sect colleagues, why not proactively dangle bait to hook him?"
Elder Hongying asked with keen interest, "Since you suggest this, I presume you already have bait in mind?"
Zhang Yuanqing pressed the push-to-talk button and replied, "I know a Dream Master from the Nihility Sect. We can leak his whereabouts and use that to draw out Sect Master Chunyang."
As for how to leak it, he wasn't concerned.
With the capabilities of Elder Gaofeng and Elder Hongying, if they couldn't even manage to leak information convincingly, Dark Night Rose would have done away with them long ago.
Even Elder Gaofeng, known for being honest and mild-tempered, was an experienced Dominator with a vast repertoire of tricks.
Yin Ji pondered briefly and interjected, "However, this probably won't fool Dark Night Rose."
Zhang Yuanqing chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Even if Dark Night Rose sees that we are fishing, they will gladly take the bait. Isn't that precisely what they want?"
Dark Night Rose would know the official faction was angling, but that didn't matter. In their eyes, *they* were the true fishermen; they would arrange for Sect Master Chunyang to bite, thereby flushing out Elder Gaofeng and Elder Hongying.
Yet in reality, the officials knew that Dark Night Rose would willingly take the bait to spring an ambush using Sect Master Chunyang.
The official faction was playing on an entirely different level—they were in the stratosphere.
Yin Ji thought it over and approved of Yuanshi Tianzun's plan, though her brows knitted. "In that case, the power of Elder Gaofeng and Master might not be enough..."
Dark Night Rose knew both elders' capabilities, yet still plotted against them, which showed they had a certain degree of confidence in devouring two official Dominators.
Fu Qingyang said impassively, "It matters not. I will step in."
Zhang Yuanqing was delighted. "Domineering as always, Boss! I didn't know you knew modern memes!"
Fu Qingyang froze. "What meme?"
"Ah, nothing, nothing." Zhang Yuanqing cleared his throat. "If Elder Gaofeng and Elder Hongying have no objections, then it's settled. I can go contact that Dream Master."
Elder Hongying said, "No objections here."
Elder Gaofeng gave a grunt of affirmation.
With that, the meeting concluded. Zhang Yuanqing exited the room, closed the software, and took a deep breath.
*I'll contact Liangchen tomorrow. Hope everything goes smoothly...* Zhang Yuanqing prayed silently.
***
In a hotel suite.
Elder Hongying exited the online conference room, picked up her teacup, and vanished in a beam of starlight.
The next second, she materialized inside Yin Ji's study.
At that moment, Yin Ji was sitting in front of her computer lost in thought, turning over the feasibility of the plan. Seeing the starlight manifest, she hastily rose to greet her.
"Master!"
Elder Hongying took a sip from her teacup, nodded, and smiled. "That child Yuanshi Tianzun is quite fine—gifted, sharp-witted, and worthy of you. Do you have any feelings for him?"
A trace of helplessness flashed in Yin Ji's luminous, limpid eyes. "Master, please stop playing matchmaker. I have no feelings for Yuanshi Tianzun."
Elder Hongying said with a beaming smile, "Your attitude toward him is different from how you treat other men. The spectator sees more clearly than the player."
Back then, to preserve her disciple's future, she had had no choice but to break up the lovers. Although Yin Ji had never explicitly blamed her, she still kept her face veiled to this day, which meant lingering resentment remained in her heart.
Elder Hongying felt guilty and had always wanted to make amends, hoping Yin Ji would forget Demon Lord as soon as possible and find a good match.
Yin Ji lowered her eyelids and said, "He already has a girlfriend. Master, please don't fret over it."
Elder Hongying looked at her intently for a moment, then smiled. "Alright, then. When it comes to young people's feelings, it is best to let nature take its course. What do you think of Yuanshi Tianzun's proposal just now..."
***
The next morning, at nine-thirty.
Capital City, Huazi Construction Group Co., Ltd., President's Office.
Huang Taiji's office was vast, so large it felt somewhat cavernous. It lacked expensive handcrafted sofas, liquor cabinets stocked with rare vintage spirits, and exorbitant carpets.
It was austere yet imbued with solemnity, much like the office of a high-ranking state leader.
In fact, Huang Taiji was indeed a high-ranking official. Huazi Construction Group was a state-controlled enterprise, not a private firm.
The Central Court oversaw the state-owned construction companies, and Huazi Construction Group was merely one of them—yet it was the largest, managed by Huang Taiji, grandson of Central Court's Grand Elder Dihong.
In terms of deployable capital, Huang Taiji was the true "Money Prince" among the four young masters of the official faction.
However, due to his status within the establishment and his natural disposition, he maintained an exceptionally low profile in everyday life.
He didn't socialize, drink, accept bribes, or womanize, quietly dedicating himself to his duties.
*Knock, knock!*
A knock came at the door.
Huang Taiji, who was reviewing documents, didn't even raise his head as he said in a deep voice, "Come in!"
The office door opened. A pretty female secretary wearing a skirt suit and white blouse ushered two men in formal business suits inside, speaking respectfully: "General Manager Huang, these two gentlemen are investigators from headquarters. They have some questions for you."
Huang Taiji looked up. The two investigators were dressed sharply in suits and leather shoes, their attire immaculate. The one on the left wore a surging wave emblem on his chest, while the one on the right bore a sword-shaped badge.
The emblems signified their affiliations: Water God Palace and the White Tiger Guards.
Moreover, the middle-aged man on the left wearing the wave emblem carried a wooden tray in his hands, covered by a sheet of red silk.
"Young Master Huang," the man with the sword badge said with a smile. "I am Wu Gou, an investigator from headquarters belonging to the White Tiger Guards."
With that, he pulled out his credentials and handed them over with a polite smile.
Huang Taiji didn't take them. He merely cast a glance, his expression grave, and asked, "What business brings you two to me?"
"It's like this," Wu Gou put away his badge. "Elder Cai believes there are still many ambiguities surrounding Young Master Cai's death that weren't explained in detail in your mission report. Therefore, he sent Shui Xing and me with the Tiger Tally to ask you a few questions."
Huang Taiji's stern, unsmiling face darkened slightly.
For a reticent Earth Monster whose expressions rarely changed, a "slight darkening" was enough to show that trouble had arrived.
Huang Taiji remained silent for a few seconds. He waved his hand to dismiss the secretary, then turned back to the two men and nodded. "Ask."
The Plague God whose Spirit Realm ID was "Shui Xing" pulled back the red silk cloth, revealing a palm-sized bronze tiger beast in a roaring stance with its head held high. Its head, spine, and tail formed a smooth, flowing curve.
*Roar—*
A soul-cleansing roar echoed in Huang Taiji's ears, shaking him until his pupils dilated. Deep within his sea of consciousness, an imposing, slender white tiger with upturned eyes materialized, radiating awe-inspiring majesty with stern, piercing eyes.
Divine majesty like a prison.
Huang Taiji's face instantly went pale. Under the tremendous pressure, beads of sweat oozed from his forehead. He felt a shudder emanating from the depths of his soul, as if teetering on the edge of an abyss.
This was an Alliance Master-tier rule-based item.
The Tiger Tally!
Shui Xing raised the tray high and called out loudly, "Huang Taiji, how did Cai Longshen die?"
Huang Taiji was deathly pale. Sweat droplets as large as beans rolled down his face, his lips quivering slightly. He seemed to want to rely on a Mountain God's endurance to resist the Tiger Tally, but after holding out for a mere three seconds, he was compelled beyond his control to utter the truth: "Cai Longshen tried to snatch the spoils of war and was killed by Yuanshi Tianzun."
The moment those words were spoken, dead silence descended upon the office.
The two investigators exchanged horrified glances. The gravity of this matter was immense.
The Five Elements Alliance's crowning prodigy had killed the most cherished grandson of headquarters' Elder Cai.
Elder Cai was a peak Dominator possessing a rule-based item, seated among the Ten Elders, and one of the most powerful figures in the entire official organization.
To kill his grandson—did Yuanshi Tianzun have a death wish?
Yet at the same time, Yuanshi Tianzun was a benchmark figure who had already replaced Money Prince as an idol in the hearts of mid-to-low-tier personnel.
Recently, his fame was unparalleled: he had successively slain three Level 6 evil faction members and set an unprecedented record by advancing two levels in a single instance...
For someone like him, as long as he hadn't colluded with evil organizations or betrayed the faction, headquarters would generally tolerate his actions. At most, they would punish him, but they would never openly cut ties.
Therefore, this matter was exceedingly thorny.
Shui Xing knitted his brows tightly, his tone extraordinarily grave. "Young Master Huang, why didn't you state this in your instance report and chose to conceal the truth instead?"
Huang Taiji fell silent once more, but after just three seconds, he was forced to speak the truth: "Relying on his teleportation item, Cai Longshen shrank from battle and refused to confront the evil faction, nearly causing our entire party to be wiped out in the instance. I was furious."
Pausing for a few seconds, he spoke again: "Yuanshi Tianzun called me 'godfather.' I felt... I felt very gratified, so I helped him..."
Even though they felt the situation was terribly difficult and their hearts weighed heavy, hearing Young Master Huang's latter explanation left both investigators dumbfounded for a long moment.
Wu Gou took a deep breath. "Young Master Huang, we now know the truth. Do you have anything else to add?"
Huang Taiji said in a deep voice, "Yuanshi Tianzun had devoured the boss's soul at the time and was mentally deranged. Cai Longshen provoked him. Killing him was not Yuanshi Tianzun's original intention. I hope you two will convey my words to Elder Cai."
Shui Xing nodded. "We will. As for whether Elder Cai accepts your explanation, that is beyond our knowing."
As he spoke, he spread the red silk cloth and covered the Tiger Tally once more.
The two investigators did not linger. With grim expressions, they hurried away.
Chapter 494