Poison Chaser reflexively activated Insight. A pure white radiance surged in his eyes, and his longsword swirled with an ominous killing intent. This was a Swordsman's passive skill—Fiend Queller!
It was specifically meant to vanquish ghosts and evil specters.
He instantly dropped into a combat stance, yet he remained torn. Silencing a fellow member of the alliance went against his conscience, but abandoning his post—or even breaking away from the Five Elements Alliance entirely—was something he found even harder to stomach.
He was caught in an agonizing dilemma!
Behind the pillar, Wanderer of the Mortal Realm harbored no such hesitation. He darted out of the darkness without a second thought. He was an emaciated, sinister-looking man with hideous facial features. Of course, this was not his true appearance. Illusionists were the greatest masters of disguise in the world, capable of altering their looks, demeanor, and aura anytime, anywhere.
In his left hand, Wanderer dragged a dark, shadowy whip wrapped in drifting illusory runes. At a glance, it was clearly an item designed to target spirit bodies.
With his right hand, he produced a bronze mirror the size of a washbasin and aimed it at the female wraith hovering in midair.
He wanted to force Poison Chaser's hand with action.
Under the current circumstances, fleeing the Five Elements Alliance or confessing their guilt were both unbearable costs. In comparison, killing an unrelated official Saint was the best option on the table.
Poison Chaser's face twitched, the muscles of his jaw bulging as though he had reached a verdict. Thrusting his sword horizontally to bar Wanderer's path, he said in a low voice, "Let's go!"
Wanderer glared at him coldly. "Are you sure you want to become a wanted fugitive with me?"
The scarred left brow on Poison Chaser's forehead twitched. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Let's go."
Wanderer gave a cold snort. "Softhearted fool. Just like your father, you'll never amount to anything in life!"
Right then, a calm voice drifted from the gentle slope leading up to the garage's entrance:
"You aren't going anywhere. Now that I'm here, neither of you should dream of leaving."
Both men raised their weapons and turned warily toward the slope.
A figure stepped into view. It was none other than the Fire Specialist who called himself "Sanqing Daozu."
"Poison Chaser, as an official deacon, you ought to know that colluding with evil classes is a capital offense!" Zhang Yuanqing's face was frosty, his tone stern. "I only heard of your legendary exploits tonight and already sensed something was amiss. Now it seems those so-called glorious battle achievements of yours were merely an illusion staged through your collusion with evil classes. Quite an unconventional method to pad your track record, I must say."
Poison Chaser's grip tightened around his hilt. Crouching slightly, his muscles tensed as he replied gravely, "I have my own difficulties. But since you have already discovered it, I have nothing to say for myself. Deacon Sanqing Daozu, I only ask that you show leniency and let me leave—"
"Shut up!" Zhang Yuanqing cut him off coldly. "You commit a capital crime and still expect to walk away?"
Wanderer narrowed his eyes, murderous intent flaring.
Poison Chaser smiled bitterly, knowing that a fight was unavoidable.
*Huh, he didn't attack right away...* Zhang Yuanqing stopped testing the waters and changed his tune. "I have a few questions for you. If your answers satisfy me, I can pretend tonight never happened."
Both men froze in surprise.
Poison Chaser asked in bewilderment, "Are... are you stalling for time?"
"You only get one chance," Zhang Yuanqing said with aloof dignity. "What is your relationship with this Dream Master?"
Poison Chaser could not help glancing at his companion in the ugly disguise. Hesitating for a moment, he said, "Brothers!"
"Full brothers?" Zhang Yuanqing pressed.
"Real brothers from different fathers and mothers."
"Don't play jokes on me. It pisses me off."
"He is my father's adopted son."
"So you used him to pad your record?"
"Maintaining border security and purging black and evil syndicates is our shared ideal and pursuit." When Poison Chaser spoke these words, his expression was completely earnest, as though swearing an oath before the national emblem.
Wanderer, however, let out a cold laugh. "That is your pursuit and ideal. All I want is revenge."
*There are no commercial interests involved, nor is this a transactional partnership. It's a relationship between brothers and family...* Zhang Yuanqing breathed an inward sigh of relief. "I understand. Now, head back first. I want a word with this Dream Master."
Poison Chaser's gaze snapped sharp, his voice dropping low. "It seems you still refuse to let us go."
At that moment, Wanderer saw a shadowy silhouette float out from "Sanqing Daozu's" body. She bore no disguise whatsoever—a woman with alluring facial features and charming, seductive eyes.
He stared blankly for a second, then recognized who this wraith was, which immediately led him to realize who her master had to be.
Wanderer's pupils abruptly constricted. "Head back first..." he blurted out urgently.
The stern, grave look on Poison Chaser's face stiffened. He turned toward his companion in astonishment.
"Head back first. Nothing will happen to me," Wanderer repeated.
Poison Chaser studied him closely and realized that his sinister, cold-blooded brother had actually reined in all hostility and killing intent.
*Just who is this guy?* The look in Poison Chaser's eyes shifted as he stared at Sanqing Daozu. After a few seconds of contemplation, he said, "Be careful."
Sheathing his longsword, he turned and walked into the depths of the underground garage.
His footsteps echoed through the cavernous space before fading away.
Once he confirmed Poison Chaser was gone, Wanderer drew a pair of gold-rimmed glasses from his trouser pocket and put them on. His features instantly reverted to those of an honest, ordinary middle-aged man. He asked calmly, "Why are you here?"
"Came to catch a wanted criminal. My spirit servant spotted you last night, but I couldn't quite believe it, so I called Kou Beiyue and learned you were from Bagui Province," Zhang Yuanqing replied with a smile.
Wanderer nodded, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Need help?"
He did not exchange pleasantries, nor did he appear overly warm, but his tone was even and devoid of suspicion. It was just like underground operatives making contact—though meeting for the first time, both knew they shared the same faith and ideals, making them comrades who could entrust their lives to one another.
That was how the members of Master Wuhen's crew operated.
They shared no deep personal ties, yet they shared a faith far more vital than personal friendship.
A common belief.
Yuanshi Tianzun was someone Master Wuhen had acknowledged, someone granted permission to sit in the temple and listen to the scriptures. Therefore, Wanderer accepted him.
Moreover, deep down, he felt a faint trace of pity for Yuanshi Tianzun.
This guy was sicker in the head than any of them—a poor, miserable bastard.
"I do. Give me your contact info, and I'll get in touch with you," Zhang Yuanqing said. Likewise, he made no mention of keeping Poison Chaser's secret, because there was no need to state the obvious.
The two exchanged contact details.
Zhang Yuanqing added, "Don't reveal my identity for now. Not to anyone. You know how valuable a target I am."
"If the Spirit Society's Dominators find out you've come to the border, they'll turn out in full force," Wanderer said evenly. "I get it."
Zhang Yuanqing gave a nod, snapped his fingers right in front of him, and dissolved into starlight, escaping the area.
*Tap, tap, tap...*
Footsteps sounded from deep within the garage. Poison Chaser had doubled back. Seeing Wanderer unharmed, he let out a breath of relief and asked in a low voice, "Who is he?"
"Someone trustworthy," Wanderer replied.
"Someone trustworthy..." Poison Chaser fell into thought, then looked on in disbelief. "Aside from me, you actually know a senior deacon in the official organization, and you trust him this much? That doesn't make sense."
Wanderer pondered for a second before saying, "His identity would shock you half to death if I told you. You'd better not pry. Just head back. Nothing is going to happen to you."
***
The following morning, Zhang Yuanqing was woken by chirping chatter and laughter. Opening his eyes, he saw three women and girls wearing revealing sleepwear sitting around the table putting on makeup.
Xie Lingxi wore pink shorts and an off-the-shoulder camisole, her youthful silhouette as fresh and lovely as budding willow branches.
Queen wore a translucent black gauze nightgown, with white lace faintly visible beneath. Her smooth back was gorgeous, unencumbered by bra straps.
Annie was even bolder and more unrestrained, dressed only in a black lace set. Her milky skin was supple and smooth, showcasing the flawless figure of the Desire class without reservation. Every curve was exquisite, and the contours shaped by her feminine figure sent Zhang Yuanqing's hormones surging with a single glance.
*Seriously, are they deliberately trying to seduce me first thing in the morning?* Zhang Yuanqing took a deep breath to suppress his restless hormones, pretending nothing was amiss as he got out of bed.
"Morning," he muttered, scratching his head as he headed into the bathroom.
The three women said nothing, though their peripheral vision tracked his back. The moment the bathroom door closed behind him, Xie Lingxi whispered, "Brother Yuanshi is rock-hard."
"Don't talk so vulgar, brat," Queen scolded playfully before adding with a sigh of regret, "Well, it worked, but his endurance is incredible. He only snuck a single peek at us."
Annie sounded even more disappointed. "If I'd known, I would have brought the pig tail along."
"Pig tail?" Xie Lingxi and Queen turned toward her simultaneously.
The corners of Annie's lips curled into a mysterious smile. "That's my secret weapon. I'm not telling you."
Inside the bathroom, Zhang Yuanqing was speechless.
After washing up, he stripped off his sleepwear. Before he could put on a fresh set of clothes, a Spirit Realm notification chime rang in his ears:
[Guild Spirit Realm—Prairie Shadow, No. 367, has been conquered. Guild members will return in thirty seconds.]
*Hmm? Guan Ya and the others cleared the dungeon?* Zhang Yuanqing felt a mix of delight and dread. He was glad those ghosts had finally made it out safely, but dreaded what their return meant for him.
"Brother, it's your girlfriend calling!" Xie Lingxi's crisp, sweet voice came from outside.
"Coming!" Zhang Yuanqing walked out of the bathroom wearing only boxer briefs. Under the fiery gazes of Annie and Queen, he picked up the phone beside the pillow and answered.
"Where are you? There's nobody at home," Guan Ya's smiling, gentle voice drifted through the receiver.
"Out on a mission," Zhang Yuanqing said. "I brought Lingxi and Queen with me, and Li Chunfeng has been temporarily reassigned."
"Reassigned?" Guan Ya asked in surprise.
Zhang Yuanqing explained the matter concerning the mechanist arts research and development company. When Guan Ya heard it, she pouted playfully. "Why did you give the shares to Fu Xue? You're letting her off way too easy! Wouldn't it be better to keep them for yourself?"
Zhang Yuanqing chuckled teasingly. "We aren't even married yet, and your elbow is already turning outward against your own mother?"
Guan Ya gave a soft huff.
Zhang Yuanqing smiled knowingly. While Guan Ya claimed it let Fu Xue off too easy, they were mother and daughter bonded by blood. Over the years, Guan Ya was surely well aware of Fu Xue's difficult circumstances.
Knowing he had helped Fu Xue, Guan Ya was happier than anyone.
Not only had he resolved her mother's grand development plan, but he had also tied her mother firmly to their side, wiping away any lingering worries about their relationship.
As for her father, a mere live-in son-in-law had no power to dictate her marriage.
"Big Sis, we're at the border! We just woke up!" Xie Lingxi raised her phone innocently, snapping a selfie of herself, Queen, and Annie.
*Holy crap!* Zhang Yuanqing reacted with lightning speed, snatching her phone away while keeping up his conversation with Guan Ya: "Go take a shower first. We'll talk later."
Hastily hanging up, he immediately deleted the photo Xie Lingxi had taken and threatened, "Believe me, I'll have that lunatic hang you up and beat you!"
Xie Lingxi feared neither heaven nor earth, but she was terrified of that psycho sister. She shrank back on the spot, whining coquettishly, "Brother, I didn't think that much when taking the photo~"
Zhang Yuanqing snorted coldly and urged, "Get dressed, quick."
Returning to the bedside, he sent a message to the group chat:
[Yuanshi Tianzun: Everyone shower and rest immediately. Gather in the group in one hour. I have an important briefing.]
He then pocketed his phone and hurried the three scantily clad girls. "Hurry up and get dressed. We have work to do today."
Ten minutes later, he led the three beautifully made-up women out of the dormitory and headed toward the Public Security bureau building.
He planned to begin raiding the Spirit Society strongholds extracted from the two Spirit Mediums' memory fragments today, as well as investigate Pluto's whereabouts.
These tasks could technically be accomplished on his own, which would be stealthier and safer.
However, bringing along the official members of the Nanming Branch would allow them to reap substantial merits from the operation. Merits equated to bonuses, which were the best avenue for improving their benefits and compensation.
Entering the Public Security bureau building, they reached the floor assigned to the Nanming Branch.
A female clerk was hurrying across the office area holding a stack of files. Spotting Zhang Yuanqing, she froze, straightened her posture, and greeted him with stiff respect:
"Deacon Sanqing Daozu!"
*Tsk, that name sounds way too cringe...* Zhang Yuanqing suddenly felt a twinge of regret. But a name spoken was like spilled water—impossible to take back. He could only keep his face rigid and give a nod.
Just as he approached the office area, he saw Poison Chaser walking out, followed by Liangshan Naval Fleet, Wang Xiao'er, Boundless Sea of Learning, and the others.
Poison Chaser gave him a slight nod, his expression as stern as ever, showing no sign of anything unusual.
Seeing their somber, heavy faces, Zhang Yuanqing asked, "Is the memorial service being held today?"
Poison Chaser gave a slight shake of his head. "The memorial isn't today. The families of the fallen brothers have arrived..."
Four Spirit Walkers from the Nanming Branch had died. Their families had rushed over first thing this morning after receiving the notifications.
Zhang Yuanqing followed the branch members to the morgue. Even from afar, he could hear wailing and weeping—the heart-wrenching shrieks of adults, the shrill cries of children, and the choked sobs of the elderly.
The spacious morgue was packed with people, all family members of the four deceased.
Some had been fathers to young children, some the only sons of aging parents, others the husbands of young wives.
In life, nobody cared about them, yet in death, four families were destined to be torn apart.
After offering condolences to the families, Poison Chaser stepped into the hallway, lit a cigarette, and said, "The branch will be very busy over the next few days. We might not have time to assist you with your work. You can reach out to him."
Zhang Yuanqing remained silent, simply staring at the morgue where the wailing never ceased.
Poison Chaser gave a bitter smile. "In Songhai, losing four official Walkers at once would probably be considered a major incident, wouldn't it?"
"It would be a catastrophe!" Zhang Yuanqing corrected.
"Yet here, it's commonplace!" Poison Chaser exhaled a long plume of smoke. "In small operations, constables die; in large operations, official Walkers die. As long as there's a clash, people will die. The pay is low, and the mortality rate is high. Anyone with any ambition refuses to stay here."
"Headquarters should dispatch more experts over," Zhang Yuanqing said in a heavy voice.
Poison Chaser glanced at him. "Coming from you, that doesn't sound like the words of a veteran who has weathered a decade in the field. Spirit Walkers aren't like ordinary constables or the military. People like us literally strap our heads to our belts, liable to die in a dungeon at any moment. Plainly speaking, we're a bunch of desperadoes. Who would dare push a bunch of desperadoes too hard? Even headquarters doesn't dare. You barely survive by the skin of your teeth inside a dungeon, only to live in constant fear and dread once you step out—how is anyone supposed to live like that? If you were a powerhouse, would you be willing?"
"Force Orderly Walkers onto the border against their will, and in the end they'll either fall to corruption or defect." Poison Chaser offered a cigarette and continued, "That's why the border is always short on hands. Those willing to stay behind either have deep faith or hail from Bagui Province. Everyone wants to change their hometown, but chaos and decay have always defined the border since ancient times. It can't be changed."
*No need to play the sympathy card with me; I won't leak your secret...* Zhang Yuanqing waved his hand, declining the cigarette. "The Spirit Society profits by controlling criminal syndicates to traffic drugs and humans. They don't dare operate directly, so the crux of the problem lies with those well-trained underworld forces. They're all ordinary mortals. As long as we pinpoint their strongholds and wipe them out, the Spirit Society will remain quiet for a long time, won't they?"
Poison Chaser sighed. "First of all, those strongholds are hard to find. Second, every stronghold has a significant number of Witch Doctors holding the line. Launching a frontal assault is suicide."
Liangshan Naval Fleet, who had just stepped out of the morgue, let out a sigh as well.
"Still, if we could truly eradicate the criminal syndicates controlled by the Spirit Society, things would indeed be peaceful for a while."
"Actually, the Qinghe Branch sends senior deacons every year to inspect our work," Wang Xiao'er ground out through gritted teeth. "But not many are willing to put their lives on the line against the Spirit Society. After all, we don't have a Dominator stationed here."
Bagui Province had Dominators, but Nanming City did not—it was, after all, only a county-level city.
"That is why I came!" Zhang Yuanqing declared. "I have a way to pull out the Spirit Society's strongholds in the Nanming City region in the shortest possible time, before their Dominators can even react."
Poison Chaser's stern demeanor instantly gave way to excitement. He stared intently at him. "Are you serious?"
Zhang Yuanqing nodded.
Poison Chaser took a deep, forceful breath, turned toward the morgue, and roared, "Notify all brothers to assemble immediately!"
Liangshan Naval Fleet and the others were overcome with ecstatic joy.
Chapter 572