Rounding the hill, the view ahead opened up. Several hundred meters away lay a flat mountain basin cradling a town composed entirely of detached villas with private yards, crisscrossed by neat, straight concrete roads. The town began in the basin and sprawled deep into the mountains; calling it a small town felt inaccurate—a place capable of housing twenty thousand residents was by no means small.
Its sheer luxury exceeded Chazo's expectations.
On the way here, he had looked up photos of ethnic minority settlements in Bagui Province: dusty yellow-earth roofs covered in dark brown tiles, old farmers with rolled-up trousers leading draft oxen along cobblestone paths, with the sole trace of modernity being a utility pole at the village entrance.
Consequently, Chazo had formed a fixed impression of this foreign land's ethnic enclaves—destitute settlements practically cut off from the world.
Confronted by this sight, he was momentarily taken aback.
Far from poor and backward, it was wealthy enough to make one's jaw drop.
Chazo quickly caught on. The Qinghe Branch was the most powerful force in Bagui Province, and all the regional branches throughout the province drew their operational funds through it. The money shoveled to them each year by Five Elements Alliance headquarters alone exceeded the annual gross profit of a massive corporation.
How could such a power live in poverty? It wouldn't even be surprising if they built palaces in the mountains.
Gazing toward the distant basin, Chazo's pale blue eyes regained their calm. "The Qinghe Branch. We're here."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a three-meter-tall shaggy giant ape bounded out from the dense woods ahead on the right. Dragging a severed tree trunk, it planted one hand on the ground to sprint a few paces, then hurled the trunk with all its might.
The log spun violently through the air as it hurtled toward them.
The Demon Hunter in the front row gave a cold snort. Immediately, a small whirlwind rose before the car, sweeping the trunk high into the air before dumping it into the nearby woods.
*Screeech—*
The driver slammed on the brakes, the tires leaving black skid marks on the road.
Ahead, a young man stepped out of the woods clutching a rifle. He wore a blue front-buttoning cloth shirt embroidered with colorful, ornate patterns. His skin was sun-darkened, his eyes aggressive, brimming with the distinct ferocity of the Qinghe clan.
He first calmed the agitated giant ape, then shouted in heavily accented Mandarin:
"Are you people from Heaven's Punishment?"
Before Heaven's Punishment's team set off, Five Elements Alliance headquarters had sent an email notification to the Qinghe Branch.
Osmond the Siren poked his head out of the window and said coldly, "Is hurling logs at cars your way of welcoming guests? What a truly crude and uncivilized, foolish bunch."
The latter half was delivered in his native tongue.
Sure enough, the young man did not understand. He repeated, "Are you people from Heaven's Punishment?"
The Demon Hunter waved his hand, signaling Osmond to stay calm and not ruin things. Pulling a document from his briefcase, he guided it across on a current of air with a polite smile.
"This is the letter of authorization from Five Elements Alliance headquarters."
The document drifted gently on the wind toward the blue-clad youth.
The young man caught it, casually scanned the text, and closely inspected the official seal of the Five Elements Alliance headquarters. After confirming it was legitimate, he folded the document, slipped it into his pocket, and pressed his lips together to blow a sharp whistle.
Moments later, rustling came from the woods, and the bushes shook violently.
A brightly striped tiger standing 1.6 meters tall at the shoulder leapt out, landing heavily on the road with a thud.
The young man vaulted onto its back, ordered the giant ape back into the woods, and turned to yell at the car:
"Follow me!"
The striped tiger ambled toward the town at an unhurried pace.
As the van followed slowly behind, Hoover gazed at the tiger and murmured, "Isn't the Qinghe clan's old ancestor an Earth Monster? Yet this young man seems to be a Wood Monster."
Chazo glanced at his laptop screen and nodded. "Earth Monsters and Wood Monsters are the predominant classes in the Qinghe Branch, with Earth Monsters holding higher status. Curiously, while that demigod-level figure is an Earth Monster, Wood Monsters appear frequently among his descendants."
Osmond's eyes brightened, catching the scent of gossip. "Could his descendants actually be fathered by someone else?"
"The customs here aren't quite that liberal," Chazo said, shaking his head. "Remember what I mentioned earlier? The Qinghe clan preserves a great deal of medicine and Gu sorcery handed down by ancient practitioners. Their medicine likely stems from Wood Monsters, and living in the deep mountains year-round gives them an intimate mastery of plant behavior, making them naturally suited to the Wood Monster class.
"In a clan dwelling deep in the mountains for generations, producing Earth Monsters and Wood Monsters is entirely normal. It doesn't necessarily depend on ancestral bloodlines."
Wood Monsters and Earth Monsters shared the highest affinity among the five main classes. At the Saint stage, many of their traits and techniques were remarkably similar.
Altering plants, for example, or commanding animals.
As they talked, the car rolled into the town.
Signs of life suddenly multiplied. Members of the Qinghe clan either looked down on the arriving guests from their windows or sized them up from their gates. Several mischievous children dashed to the roadside to gawk, boldly spitting toward the vehicle.
Osmond frowned, sorely tempted to slaughter the little runts.
As a direct descendant of the Harry family, highly favored by his elders and surrounded by adulation since childhood, he had zero tolerance for disrespect, even from a child.
Yet he was no hotheaded playboy incapable of self-restraint. Knowing that the mission came first, he rolled up the window and shut his eyes, out of sight, out of mind.
Soon, the youth riding the tiger led them before an expansive villa.
The villa featured a massive yard spanning two thousand square meters. The residence itself was lavishly built, with a gabled main building flanked by two side wings, all three structures connected by elevated walkways.
The youth atop the tiger bellowed, "Patriarch! Patriarch Uncle Agui, the guests from Heaven's Punishment are here!"
His heavily accented, broken Mandarin and rustic manner of address somewhat shattered the high-class elegance of the estate.
A few minutes later, a young woman wearing a silver crown arrived outside the iron gate riding a giant rat. She examined the car with curiosity, her voice soft and melodious:
"Brother Tie Niu, did you check their credentials?"
She was exceptionally pretty, with fair skin and bright, clear eyes. Her unpainted face radiated an innocence and rustic charm untouched by worldly vanity.
"Checked 'em, checked 'em," the youth retorted grumpily. "Sister Yun Meng, I might be careless, but I'm not stupid. Look, here's the authorization."
The young woman glanced over the document, then promptly swung open the iron gate to let the vehicle inside.
***
"Elder Fu, I'm in trouble," Zhang Yuanqing said in a low voice.
He wasn't surprised in the least that Heaven's Punishment could locate Pluto.
If Yuanshi Tianzun could receive revelations through Stargazing, then the Day Wanderers of the Taiyi Sect naturally could as well, and with far greater precision. Bolstered by that rule-based item, the Mirror of Prophecy, tracking Pluto was easier for Heaven's Punishment than for him.
Zhang Yuanqing had originally hoped to exploit a time window—striking while Heaven's Punishment was unaware he was also hunting Pluto, and quietly dealing with this foreign practitioner of the evil classes.
Yet things hadn't gone according to plan. Heaven's Punishment had arrived right as Pluto was about to enter his dormancy.
Whether it was pure coincidence or the work of the Mirror of Prophecy, he couldn't say.
"It would be best not to clash with Heaven's Punishment, because the Qinghe Branch will not help you," Fu Qingyang said flatly. "You would be facing multiple sieges, which is extremely dangerous.
"I cannot help you with this matter. Judge the situation yourself."
Capturing Pluto was a private commission Yuanshi had taken on. Whether it succeeded or failed held little consequence.
The Money Prince was burdened with a multitude of affairs and had no desire to waste time and energy on such minor matters.
With that parting warning, he hung up.
*Looks like I'll have to rely on my own efforts...* Zhang Yuanqing sighed. He had initially hoped to ask the Money Prince to come down and assist, but seeing his attitude, he had to let it drop.
"Do you need help?" Poison Chaser asked, reading his expression and knowing he was facing a dilemma.
"Of course. Just stay on standby." Zhang Yuanqing suddenly remembered Poison Chaser's sworn brother, like kin from another mother.
That Level 6 Illusionist was solid backup, and paired with Poison Chaser, a Level 5 Swordsman, they might not be the primary force, but a Level 5 Swordsman was still a force to be reckoned with.
*First, I'll sound out Yun Meng about Heaven's Punishment's whereabouts...* Zhang Yuanqing said:
"I'm taking my team out on business first. Everyone stay on standby for the next two days and wait for my word."
Receiving a nod from Poison Chaser, he left the office.
***
In the Shiwan Dashan, inside the Qinghe clan patriarch's lavish villa.
In the reception parlor, the Demon Hunter carefully studied Patriarch Wu Agui seated at the head. The man appeared around sixty, his hair grizzled, dressed in the Qinghe clan's signature blue cloth garments, his dark face lined with deep wrinkles.
He had a burly build—a sixty-year-old with the frame of a thirty-year-old—and a dull, nodding expression that made him look like an ordinary farmer.
Wu Agui's dossier surfaced automatically in the Demon Hunter's mind: eldest grandson of the Qinghe clan's old ancestor, a Level 8 Earth Monster. Honest and simple to a fault, practically devoid of a temper. His clansmen respected him without fearing him, refusing to submit to his discipline, often acting unruly and arrogant.
In plain terms, he was a do-gooder nobody feared, which was why the people around him were exceptionally brazen.
Compared to the patriarch, the Qinghe clan feared the head of the Investigation Department far more. That man was the old ancestor's sixth son, wielding power that eclipsed even the patriarch's.
That department head was also in the parlor right now, seated across from the Demon Hunter.
His name was Wu Youhua, a Level 8 Spring God, a title for high-level Wood Monsters. Similar in age to Wu Agui, his graying beard was woven into a short braid. His gaze was sharp and stern, exuding authority without even a hint of anger.
At a glance, he was an intensely domineering, forceful elder—the exact opposite of his nephew, Wu Agui.
"It is like this," the Demon Hunter said with a warm smile. "A fugitive wanted by Heaven's Punishment recently slipped into Bagui Province. We suspect he may be hiding within the Shiwan Dashan."
Patriarch Wu Agui said nothing, but Investigation Department Head Wu Youhua spoke in a deep voice:
"Heaven's Punishment wants us to help search the mountains?"
The Demon Hunter nodded. "Correct."
Before Wu Youhua could reply, the Demon Hunter glanced at his three subordinates.
In sync, Osmond and the other two placed portable briefcases on the table and flicked open the latches. Neatly stacked inside were bundles of crisp green banknotes.
The Demon Hunter said earnestly, "Here is a three-million-dollar deposit in Federation Dollars. Once the matter is concluded, we will pay a remaining balance of five million. All the Qinghe Branch needs to do is assist in locating him and seal off the Shiwan Dashan to ensure no one enters or leaves."
A total of eight million Federation Dollars amounted to over fifty million yuan at current exchange rates.
Wu Youhua nodded in satisfaction. "Agreed. If a Dominator's intervention is required, that will cost extra."
The Demon Hunter smiled with easy confidence. "That won't be necessary!"
Just then, a shrill ringtone echoed outside the parlor.
Wu Youhua's brow furrowed, and he barked, "Yun Meng!"
"Sorry, sorry! Sixth Great-Uncle, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, I'm leaving right now!"
At the door, Yun Meng covered her phone and bolted. Scurrying all the way out of the villa, she stopped beside a secluded flowerbed, picked up the call, and whispered:
"Yuanshi Tianzun? You actually contacted me first! You nearly got me scolded by Sixth Uncle just now."
"Apologies, I didn't realize you were occupied," Yuanshi Tianzun's attractive male voice came through the line.
Yun Meng pursed her lips. "I-it's nothing major. Wh-what did you call me for?"
"Nothing in particular. I was tied up with official business earlier, but I've finally gotten some free time and remembered a beautiful, lovely comrade-in-arms, so I wanted to say hello. How have you been lately?" Zhang Yuanqing chuckled.
Having grown up deep in the mountains, how could Yun Meng resist such sweet-talking? A quiet joy bloomed in her heart. "I've been great! In the daytime, I raise pigs, herd cattle, and tend herbs. In the evening, I watch TV dramas at home. Oh, and I'm almost Level 5, heh."
"Impressive, truly worthy of the genius girl who braved the Sea of Yashan with me." Zhang Yuanqing dialed up the charm. "I've met quite a few female elites in the organization, but hardly any can compare to you."
Yun Meng giggled softly. "Come on. When it comes to talent and strength, Yin Ji is far above me. You two must be on good terms, right?"
"Yin Ji? Heh, I've almost forgotten who she is. Haven't spoken to her once since splitting the rewards. But you, you cross my mind from time to time."
Having learned from seasoned playboys, Zhang Yuanqing knew precisely what naive young girls loved to hear.
The smile at the corners of Yun Meng's mouth widened involuntarily, and she said cheerfully, "You have a sweet tongue, but I won't be fooled by you."
"Why would I fool you?" Zhang Yuanqing suddenly let out a long sigh. "I've been annoyed to death lately. My reputation might be ruined soon."
Yun Meng's smile vanished, replaced by concern. "What's wrong?"
"It's those people from Heaven's Punishment. You know about yesterday's exchange match, right? Our people suffered a crushing defeat. That Siren beat Young Master Fire, but that wasn't enough—he wants to challenge me. You know I just reached Level 6; I'm definitely no match for him. If I lose, won't my reputation be completely ruined?" Zhang Yuanqing lamented.
Hearing this, Yun Meng first let out an indignant snort of shared anger, then consoled him: "Don't worry, they don't have time to cause trouble for you."
"Oh? Why is that?" Zhang Yuanqing feigned surprise.
Yun Meng lowered her voice, speaking conspiratorially. "I'll let you in on a secret: the team from Heaven's Punishment is at my house right now. They just arrived at our Qinghe Branch."
Zhang Yuanqing seized the opportunity. "Huh? What is Heaven's Punishment doing at your house?"
"That's what I was eavesdropping on just now. They want us to help search the Shiwan Dashan to catch a fugitive, and they even handed over a three-million-dollar deposit in Federation Dollars."
"And the Qinghe Branch agreed?"
"My Sixth Great-Grandpa agreed. He cares a lot about money; he always tells us that money is the foundation that keeps the Qinghe clan prosperous."
"...Three million Federation Dollars to hire the experts of your clan?"
"No, just to search for the person. Sixth Great-Grandpa said if fighting is involved, they'll have to pay extra."
"Ah, I see. Those filthy rich bastards from Heaven's Punishment sure have money to burn." Zhang Yuanqing offered a casual remark, then chatted about trivial matters for another half hour before finally hanging up amid Yun Meng's reluctant goodbyes.
***
"This is bad!"
Back in the staff dormitory, Zhang Yuanqing ran a hand through his hair, visibly anxious.
The three women sitting around the table stared at him with complicated expressions that seemed to say, *This scoundrel really knows how to sweet-talk women, so why has he never talked like that to me?*
"Put away your internal dramas, we have a serious problem." Zhang Yuanqing pulled them back to business with firm authority. "Heaven's Punishment suspects Pluto might have chosen the Shiwan Dashan for his dormancy. It makes sense—the Qinghe Branch's territory is, in a way, the safest place around."
Annie frowned. "This is troublesome. The Demon Hunter alone is beyond what we can handle. If the Qinghe Branch backs them up, our chances of capturing Pluto drop to practically zero."
"Which is why we must come up with a plan," Zhang Yuanqing said gravely. "A way to keep the Qinghe Branch from interfering. We can hardly ask the Grand Marshal for help, as that would infringe upon the Qinghe Branch's autonomy. They would protest and leak it to the Demon Hunter, tipping him off that there are competitors also hunting Pluto."
Queen suggested, "What about asking Elder Fu?"
"He won't get involved," Zhang Yuanqing said, shaking his head.
He could always ask Heavenly King Demonic Eye; as long as he asked, the man would surely agree. But the Northwest was countless miles away, and an Ancient God of War had no movement arts to bridge the gap in time.
*Right, I could also call the Palace Mistress...* Just as the thought crossed Zhang Yuanqing's mind, Xie Lingxi chimed in:
"Why not ask Sister Palace Mistress?"
"Who's Sister Palace Mistress?" Annie asked.
"One of Brother Yuanshi's harem members," Xie Lingxi said.
Zhang Yuanqing gave her head a sharp rap. "A Musician Dominator."
Rubbing his chin, he said, "With the Palace Mistress's strength, holding off the Demon Hunter would be no problem. But if an opponent of the same tier appears, Heaven's Punishment will certainly turn to the Qinghe Branch for aid, and the Qinghe clan has quite a few Dominators of their own."
For a faction of that scale, there were bound to be three or four Dominators.
"I thought of something!" Little Green Tea broke into a sly smile. "Brother, that Yun Meng has a thing for you, right? Then she'd definitely be willing to help you!"
Zhang Yuanqing had intended to clarify, but hearing that, his mind stirred. "You mean..."
"Have her lure Heaven's Punishment away! She can claim she found traces of Pluto and lead them in circles through the forest while we lock onto Pluto and subdue him," Xie Lingxi said. "Even if Heaven's Punishment finds out she lied, they wouldn't dare lay a finger on her on Qinghe territory. The only downside is that afterward, she might be forced to give you up."
Zhang Yuanqing felt a spark of inspiration. "Good idea. We'll use this method, but there's no need to involve Yun Meng. I know what to do."
***
The following night, at a hotel on the periphery of the Shiwan Dashan scenic area.
Zhang Yuanqing sat cross-legged on the hotel rooftop. Before him was a half-meter-high mound of earth, atop which rested a cast-iron astrolabe.
The deadline for Pluto's dormancy had arrived.
The Qinghe Branch was more than two hundred kilometers from Nanming City, a three-hour drive.
If Pluto truly chose to sleep here, by the time Zhang Yuanqing rushed to the Shiwan Dashan, Heaven's Punishment might have already captured him and headed home.
That was why he had arrived early, positioning himself inside the scenic area to read the stars.
And if the place Pluto selected was not the Shiwan Dashan, the man would be asleep for three days anyway; at worst, he could lock onto him again. Those Heaven's Punishment members stranded in the Shiwan Dashan wouldn't possibly be faster than him.
Zhang Yuanqing opened his Star Eyes, his pupils reflecting the brilliant constellation of stars strewn across the black velvet sky.
Chapter 581