"You want to know how they compare to the Five Elements Alliance, don't you?" Annie answered without hesitation. "When it comes to the number of top-tier experts at each stage, Heaven's Punishment definitely outclasses the Five Elements Alliance. Otherwise, how could Heaven's Punishment be the world's most powerful Orderly organization?
"Part of that comes from the First District's decades of head start over the Second District, and part of it comes from the institutional differences between the two. Heaven's Punishment recruits all Orderly classes across both districts, whereas the Five Elements Alliance is primarily built around the five elemental classes: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth."
Zhang Yuanqing nodded. "Heaven's Punishment takes in all sorts of riffraff. Still, there's no denying that quantity can trigger a qualitative change."
Annie smiled softly, brushing a strand of silky blonde hair behind her ear. "Actually, the Five Elements Alliance has developed remarkably fast. After the merger of the five major organizations, internal friction dropped, and elite talent began surging. In terms of top combat power at each stage, the Alliance is already on par with Heaven's Punishment. The only difference is in numbers."
For instance, among the Saint stage's peak combatants in the younger generation, the Alliance had the official Four Young Masters, Yin Ji, and the Fengdu Ghost King. The top Saint-stage combat power in Heaven's Punishment was roughly at the same level—the only difference being that Heaven's Punishment had a few more people in that tier.
"Those three are all very strong. In your view, what are my odds if I fight them?" Zhang Yuanqing showed the video to Annie.
Annie set her book aside, leaned forward on the bed, and watched the footage on fast-forward.
After a long moment of contemplation, she gave an objective assessment: "Osmond actually acquired the Heart of the Ocean. You wouldn't be a match for him, especially since you just advanced to Level 6. However, as long as you don't deliberately step into his domain, you won't lose. Among all the classes, Night Wanderers are renowned for being elusive.
"As for Hoover, a Wind Mage's strengths and weaknesses are both glaringly obvious. It depends on the specific circumstances. Given your current level and strength..." She trailed off, skipping the topic, and continued, "As for Chazo, if I'm not mistaken, he belongs to the Knight class. A Knight's stamina rivals that of an Earth Monster, their offensive power can clash with a Fire Mage, and their contract skills are exceptionally troublesome. He might very well be the strongest of the three."
Xie Lingxi chimed in from the side, "So what you're saying is, Brother Yuanshi can't beat a single one of them."
Annie said with a charming smile, "However, Mr. Yuanshi possesses far greater potential than any of them. Give you another six months to a year, and these so-called top experts won't even amount to minor figures in comparison."
She meant every word. In Annie's mind, Yuanshi Tianzun was a legendary figure on par with the Demon Lord. He was bound to advance to Dominator sooner or later; the Saint stage was merely a brief stepping stone in his Spirit Realm journey.
Yet the current Yuanshi Tianzun had only just reached Level 6 and had not fully spread his wings—not to mention that Annie was unaware of Zhang Yuanqing's true combat capability.
"What is the Heart of the Ocean?" Zhang Yuanqing ignored her flattery.
"The Heart of the Ocean is said to be a relic left behind by the Sea God, Poseidon," Annie recalled. "After Poseidon died, his heart transformed into a gem condensing the authority of the ocean. The deep-sea sirens waged fierce wars to inherit Poseidon's heart and become the new Sea God. In the end, Poseidon's heart fractured and shattered into six Hearts of the Ocean.
"At present, the Sea God Church has collected three of them, while the other three remain lost within dungeons. To think Osmond actually obtained one from the Spirit Realm... He must have cleared an S-rank dungeon this year."
Zhang Yuanqing gave an "oh," pulled his phone back, and continued reading the forum comments.
"A clash of titans! Absolutely thrilling to watch, but two losses and a draw is hard to swallow."
"Why didn't Jiang Ju use items? He's the son of a demigod—doesn't he have rule-based items? Even if Fire Mages dislike relying on items, he should've used one for the sake of the official faction's dignity!"
"This is so demoralizing. It hurts. Heaven's Punishment sends over a few random elites, and they wreck our top seed talents."
"That's an exaggeration. Those three are top seeds over there, too."
These were the level-headed comments.
"Trash, absolute fucking trash! Why didn't Jiang Ju blow himself up? What's the point of clinging to life? I'm leaving the Red Fire Gang. I'm ashamed to be associated with him!"
"At least Young Master Huo fought! Lingjun from the Taiyi Sect straight up dodged the battle! If word gets out, what will foreigners think of us? It's humiliating! I almost want to immigrate to the Free Federation!"
"The outside Spirit Realm clans are already mocking us, saying we're only good at civil wars and completely useless against foreign organizations. The evil organizations and civilian factions will mock us even worse. Sigh, the official faction's prestige took a massive hit this time. Even we rank-and-file members feel ashamed."
"Well, at least we're probably slightly better than the national football team."
These were the extreme comments.
Zhang Yuanqing scrolled down and actually spotted a reply from Lingjun:
"Boring exchange match. I didn't step in not because I feared battle, but to leave the opportunity to my student. My student is Yuanshi Tianzun."
A storm of curses erupted beneath the comment.
Of course, no one was cursing Yuanshi Tianzun—they were cursing Lingjun's shamelessness.
"Since when is Yuanshi Tianzun your student? Shameless prick! Besides, he only just reached Level 6. Why would it ever fall on him to fight Heaven's Punishment's elites?"
"Yuanshi Tianzun belongs to a peak class! If he were at Level 6 peak, would there even be room for you guys to show off? Shameless Young Master!"
"Speaking of which, after that Siren won, he seemed to taunt Yuanshi Tianzun. Will he come back next year? Let's wait for next year; Yuanshi Tianzun should be able to take him down then."
"Lol, by next year, Yuanshi Tianzun might already be a Dominator."
Further down, the discussion shifted to Yuanshi Tianzun's leveling speed and what kind of chances a Level 6 peak Yuanshi Tianzun would have against Osmond and the other two.
*Has nothing to do with me...* Zhang Yuanqing quietly exited the forum.
"Time to sleep!" He shoved his phone under his pillow and pulled up the blanket. Refining a Level 6 spirit servant had consumed a great deal of lunar power, leaving him rather fatigued.
"Brother Yuanshi, you haven't showered or brushed your teeth yet," Xie Lingxi reminded him.
"Not going to. A celestial youth's shit smells sweet anyway."
"Ew, gross!"
The next morning, surrounded by the scenic sights of his three female teammates lounging about, Zhang Yuanqing got up to wash and dress. After waiting half an hour and urging them repeatedly, they finally finished their makeup and left the dormitory looking immaculate.
Entering the Public Security Bureau building, they reached the floor belonging to the Nanming Branch. The moment Zhang Yuanqing stepped into the office area, Wang Xiao'er darted over, his expression complicated.
"Boss, our payroll cards have been unfrozen, and the transferred funds are back!"
The Qinghe Branch hadn't retaliated; instead, they had backed down. This was something no one had expected.
*The Grand Marshal works with remarkable efficiency. Makes sense—Scouts act with swift decisiveness; procrastination isn't in their nature.* Zhang Yuanqing gave a solemn nod.
"Very good!"
His calm demeanor, as if everything had been well within his expectations, filled Wang Xiao'er with even deeper admiration.
"Oh, right, Deacon Daozu, have you checked the forum?" Wang Xiao'er sighed. "Heaven's Punishment really slapped us in the face this time. Whatever face Young Master Huo won for us last year, we gave it all back this year."
A female clerk passing by leaned in, knitting her brows in distress. "Ever since Young Master Qian advanced to Dominator, there hasn't been a single person in our official faction who can hold their ground. I used to be a fan of the Young Master, but I never expected him to avoid the fight!"
Wang Xiao'er snorted. "That Young Master was always just an oily pretty boy. He even had the nerve to claim Yuanshi Tianzun is his student! If Yuanshi Tianzun were at Level 6 peak, he would've suppressed those three foreign devils long ago!"
Zhang Yuanqing gave a start. "You're a fan of Yuanshi Tianzun?"
"Who isn't?" Liangshan Navy walked over with a water cup. "Came from grassroots, uniquely gifted, dared to confront the headquarters' Ten Elders to their faces. Compared to the official Four Young Masters, a grassroots figure like Yuanshi Tianzun is the real role model for us rank-and-file."
"I like Yuanshi Tianzun the most, too. It's just a pity he hasn't fully matured yet," the female clerk said regretfully. Then, looking at Zhang Yuanqing cautiously, she asked, "Deacon Daozu, could you beat those experts from Heaven's Punishment?"
*Didn't you just say you were a fan of the Young Master?* Zhang Yuanqing glanced at her, sighed, and shook his head. "Can't, absolutely can't. I'm just mediocre among Level 6s."
The female clerk let out a disappointed "oh," but then smiled sweetly. "Well, in my eyes, Deacon Daozu, you shine brighter than any of them."
*So now you've dumped both the Young Master and Yuanshi Tianzun to stan me?* Zhang Yuanqing changed the subject. "Is Deacon Poison Chaser around?"
"He's in his office!" the female clerk replied hurriedly. "I'll take you there."
Zhang Yuanqing followed her through the office area, greeted along the way by a chorus of "Hello, Boss" and "Good morning, Deacon." Everyone spoke with deferential tones and warm smiles; the heartfelt respect in their expressions practically overflowed.
Replying with repeated nods and "Hello, everyone," Zhang Yuanqing arrived at Poison Chaser's office.
*Knock, knock!*
The female clerk tapped on the glass door and said softly, "Deacon, Deacon Daozu is here to see you."
"Come in!" Poison Chaser responded from inside.
The clerk pushed the door open, ushered Zhang Yuanqing in, then closed the door and left.
Poison Chaser looked away from his computer monitor and turned his head. "I just called the Xini Branch. They're processing the paperwork now, so the bonuses and merit will be issued shortly. That means the seized goods won't be returned. Is that all right with you?"
What he meant was that the credit for this operation would go to the Nanming Branch—after all, Zhang Yuanqing had said in yesterday's meeting that the operation was conducted under the name of the Songhai Branch, with Nanming merely assisting.
"Songhai wouldn't care for this bit of merit anyway." Zhang Yuanqing nodded. This was precisely what he wanted.
Poison Chaser breathed a sigh of relief. "What brings you here?"
"Starting today, the entire team is on standby. I'll be launching an operation within two days." Zhang Yuanqing issued orders bluntly, as if commanding his own subordinates. "I'm close to pinning down the wanted fugitive. I'll need your assistance when the time comes. The Nanming Branch only needs to lock down the perimeter; there's no need to engage in combat. Any issue with that?"
Poison Chaser inclined his head. "Feel free to instruct us as you see fit. The entire branch is ready to go through fire and water for you. And no, that's not mere polite talk."
Just as Zhang Yuanqing was about to reply, the phone in his pocket suddenly rang.
The caller ID showed Fu Qingyang.
He glanced at Poison Chaser, answered the call, and said with utmost seriousness, "What is it, Elder Fu?"
On the other end of the line, Fu Qingyang fell silent for a second. Sensing that Yuanshi Tianzun was likely in a public setting and maintaining his dignified image, Fu Qingyang didn't mind the lack of deference in his address. He said in a deep voice, "I just received word. People from Heaven's Punishment have arrived in Bagui Province. They will be making contact with the Qinghe Branch."
Zhang Yuanqing's pupils shrank slightly.
***
A luxury commercial vehicle traveled along a winding mountain highway. There was not a single other car on the road, leaving it empty and tranquil.
Brilliant sunlight gilded the mountain ranges. Vegetation grew lush and green, accompanied by the nonstop chirping of birds.
This highway had been carved straight through virgin mountain forests. Aside from the tarmac itself, there was no trace of human activity, and the scenery was unexpectedly breathtaking.
Hoover rolled down his window, admiring the landscape outside with keen interest.
The arrogant Siren, Osmond, leaned back in his seat, dozing lazily.
In the rearmost row, Chazo sat with an upright posture, a laptop resting on his knees. "The Qinghe Branch and the Five Elements Alliance maintain a cooperative relationship. Orders from the Alliance headquarters are difficult to enforce effectively here, so counting on their help will be rather challenging."
He was reviewing the files on the Qinghe Branch. They had first sought the aid of the Taiyi Sect's Grand Elder for astromancy, then followed the revelations of the Prophecy Mirror to pinpoint Bagui Province.
"A cooperative relationship?" Osmond, the Siren, opened his eyes.
Chazo explained, "The Qinghe people are an ethnic minority in Bagui Province, numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Of course, the vast majority of them have nothing to do with the Qinghe Branch.
"The so-called Qinghe Branch is a clan established through the bloodline of that mountain god who rivals demigods. You can think of them as a Spirit Realm clan."
"Continue," Osmond nodded.
Chazo said, "The current population of the Qinghe Branch is around twenty thousand. The non-spirit-walkers reside in the urban areas outside the mountains, where they have built numerous residential communities. The spirit-walkers, on the other hand, dwell in the mountains. The Qinghe people take pride in living among the peaks because their ancestor resides there.
"That mountain god refined the Shiwan Dashan into his domain. Drawing upon the geographical advantage, he can contend with demigods.
"Before spirit-walkers emerged, this branch of the Qinghe people was proficient in certain unverified Gu arts and medical traditions passed down from antiquity. The Five Elements Alliance confirmed that those are inheritances from ancient practitioners."
Hoover withdrew his gaze and asked, "What are the local folkways like?"
"Savage and fierce," Chazo replied concisely before adding, "but they love money, because before submitting to the Five Elements Alliance, they were dirt poor."
Osmond chuckled at once. "Whatever can be solved with money isn't a problem at all."
As a young scion hailing from an old-money capitalist family, he liked people who loved money because he had plenty of it. At the same time, he looked down on those who loved money, seeing them as nothing more than 'slaves.'
At that moment, the previously silent Demon Hunter spoke up:
"This scenic area is stunning. Aside from the Qinghe clan, outsiders rarely set foot here."
"Are you implying the Qinghe clan is domineering?" Chazo looked toward the Executive Officer.
"No," Hoover smiled. "What the Executive Officer means is that Pluto most likely chose this place to enter his slumber. It truly is a blessed sanctuary. The Shiwan Dashan spans a vast territory, and the Qinghe clan is concentrated in only one corner of it. They wouldn't notice him."
Realization dawned upon Chazo. "Executive Officer, you intend to bribe the Qinghe Branch so they'll assist us in scouring the entire mountain range. If Pluto indeed chose to slumber here, he's a dead man."
The Demon Hunter smiled and gave an approving nod.
Just then, a brand-new, exquisite town came into view ahead.
Chapter 580