A dazzling golden light flooded Zhang Yuanqing's Sea of Consciousness, dispelling the malice in his heart and snapping him out of his Soul Inquiry state. He found Li Dongze disheveled and felt a throbbing pain all over his body, as if he had been subjected to inhumane torture.
"Honestly, every time I devour a Spectral Entity from an Evil Class, my Nightwalker powers go berserk," Li Dongze muttered, tossing the Demon Subduing Pestle back to Zhang Yuanqing. He straightened his clothes and pulled a pack of wet wipes from his pocket, handing them over. "Wipe off the nosebleed. Always maintain your composure."
Zhang Yuanqing took the wipes and cleaned the blood from his face. He first checked his Attribute Panel, noting a 5% increase in experience points, bringing his total to 52%.
Next, he sorted through the fragmented memories he had gleaned.
The Eastern Branch of the Spiritual Energy Association had two Vice Presidents: the Eerie Eye Judge and the superior of the "Outlaw Madman."
For years, the two Vice Presidents had been locked in a bitter power struggle for the presidency, engaging in both overt and covert warfare. After the Eerie Eye Judge's death, the surviving Vice President attempted to seize the Holy Grail and Roster, inheriting his rival's assets and consolidating control over the Eastern Branch.
This Vice President was also searching for the Black guard of Impermanence.
The Spiritual Energy Association's influence is vast, Zhang Yuanqing thought. Even the Eastern Branch alone has two Vice Presidents, both high-level Spirit Realm Walkers. Composing himself, he said, "Chief, I've uncovered a crucial lead."
Zhang Yuanqing immediately relayed the list he had seen in his memory fragment to Li Dongze.
Li Dongze nodded as he listened, his eyes suddenly lighting up when he heard the names.
"Excellent, truly excellent! With this list, we can conduct targeted investigations instead of flailing around like headless flies. As expected, the best way to understand your enemy is through the enemy themselves."
Zhang Yuanqing pondered aloud, "I still find this odd. First Ou Xiangrong, then the Outlaw Madman... it's as if someone is deliberately feeding us clues."
Li Dongze smiled. "You have a keen mind. Why don't you write an analysis report for me? This will be a test of your abilities."
Elegant freak, you're going to lose me this way. Zhang Yuanqing's face instantly froze.
"Li Yuanfang got lucky. Their Second Team has scored a major victory," Li Dongze remarked, then fell silent, leaning on his cane as he walked toward the iron gate and opened it.
The Second Team members in the corridor immediately surged forward, their faces turned toward the stern-faced Li Yuanfang, their expressions a mix of anticipation and respect.
"What's the situation? Any leads?" they asked.
Li Dongze smiled. "We've obtained a list of Black guard of Impermanence's subordinates. Your Second Team has earned a significant achievement."
A rare smile spread across Li Yuanfang's usually severe face.
The Second Team's captains erupted in joy, their faces beaming.
The significance of this list was undeniable. The more crucial the list, the greater their merit, benefiting the entire team.
Li Dongze said gravely, "But the authenticity of this list still needs to be verified."
Li Yuanfang nodded calmly, then turned to Zhang Yuanqing, who stood behind Li Dongze. "Once the rewards are distributed, we'll set aside ten percent as compensation for you. Thank you." His tone was surprisingly gentle.
He then sighed enviously, "Chief Li is truly lucky."
The Second Team members looked at Zhang Yuanqing with genuine goodwill and approval. No one objected to the Chief's compensation plan, believing Zhang Yuanqing deserved it.
Dinner.
Zhang Yuanqing sat at the dining table, enjoying the meal his grandmother had prepared.
Jiang Yu'er ate while scrolling through short videos, wearing a pink hoodie with large, fluffy ears on the hood.
He remembered how his aunt, when she was eighteen or nineteen, used to collect black stockings and short skirts to flaunt her mature charm. But after her twenty-fifth birthday, her style shifted to a more girlish look, and she began calling herself a "little girl" and "fairy." The older she got, the more she tried to appear young.
"Put your phone away and eat properly," his grandmother scolded.
"Just a little longer," his aunt whined, chewing her food. "Yuanzi, I saw a mixed-race girl at the hospital today. Her figure was amazing, and she was so pretty. Guess how old her husband is?"
The mixed-race girl wasn't just stunningly beautiful; she was also an excellent driver. Zhang Yuanqing asked cooperatively, "How old is she?"
"Still a college student," Aunt said with a disdainful look. "And look at you, still single and utterly lacking ambition."
"Aren't you single too? What right do you have to criticize me?" Zhang Yuanqing shot her a sideways glance.
"You wouldn't understand. My being single is a matter of self-respect. Your being single is just a sign of your lack of ambition."
"Even the legendary Xiang Yu, the Overlord of Western Chu, couldn't withstand that blow."
Grandmother overheard their exchange and scolded her daughter, "How dare you criticize Yuanzi? He's focusing on his studies right now—what's wrong with that? Self-respect? Are you trying to become a saint? You're going on another matchmaking date next week. I'm not asking you to get married immediately, just find a boyfriend to start with."
Aunt deftly shifted the blame, turning the attack toward her nephew. "I haven't even been officially hired yet! I need to prioritize my career too. Your grandson is thirty years old and still doesn't have a girlfriend."
Grandmother considered this and nodded in agreement. She turned to Chen Yuanjun and said thoughtfully, "Yuanjun, Grandmother will arrange another matchmaking date for you. Last time, when I showed the girl your photo, she said she wasn't interested in older men. I think her family has no taste. I'll ask Yu'er to edit your photo to make you look younger."
Cousin's lips twitched, and he habitually furrowed his brow into a deep frown. He said in a low voice,
"As long as Grandmother is happy, but I think Yuanzi has been sleeping all day and gaming all night these past few days. He's completely neglecting his studies. University isn't the end of learning; it's the starting point for entering society. With Eldest Aunt abroad, Grandmother, you should be even stricter with Yuanzi. We should just smash his PS5."
Grandmother, hearing the logic in this, angrily scolded, "All you ever do is play games, you good-for-nothing! Are you trying to force me to smash your console?"
Wait, bro, you're being such a jerk! Zhang Yuanqing's scalp tingled. As Grandmother continued her tirade, he quietly summoned Little Goofball and instructed it to climb onto Grandfather's head. After calming his emotions, he personally manipulated the situation, swapping out Grandfather's hearing.
"Grandmother, look at Grandfather. He doesn't care about anything and leaves you to manage the whole household alone. That's not fair."
Aunt and Cousin exchanged surprised glances. This kid's got some nerve today.
Hearing this, Grandmother immediately glared at Grandfather, frowning. "Old Chen, say something! Old Chen?"
Grandfather, with the round, adorable infant perched on his head, remained oblivious, silently eating his meal.
Zhang Yuanqing quietly recalled Little Goofball. Grandfather suddenly looked up, as if only just hearing someone call him, and frowned. "What?"
"I'm talking to you!" Grandmother snapped.
"I didn't hear you."
"What do you mean, pretending to be deaf? All you do is wander around, play chess, and watch TV all day. Do you think I'm your Chen family maid? You ignore your own daughter, grandson, and even your great-grandson! Now I know where that family disgrace got his genes from." Grandmother's temper flared uncontrollably.
Zhang Yuanqing lowered his head and ate, keeping his accomplishments hidden.
Moss Pet Café.
The shutter was half-lowered, casting the interior in dim, orange-tinged light. The warm glow blended with the elmwood floors, creating a soothing, tranquil atmosphere.
Deacon-level figures from Fenghui, Kangyang, Jinjiang, and Puning Districts had gathered—eleven in total. They sat around a circular table, steaming cups of coffee at their sides.
This was undoubtedly a high-level meeting. Only an Elder-level figure could convene such a gathering of Deacons.
Beneath the orange pendant lamp at the center of the table, a curly-haired poodle sat proudly, its voice ringing with human speech:
"Now that everyone's here, I'll keep it brief. The death of the Eerie Eye Judge is a matter of grave importance. What progress have you made in the past few days?"
This was an Elder of the Hundred Flowers Association, one of the leaders overseeing the Eerie Eye Judge case. He managed all Spirit Realm Walker teams across the four districts and held the authority to report directly to the Alliance Leader.
The other Deacons remained silent. The Deacon of Fenghui District raised his hand and said in a deep voice:
"My team eliminated a Witchcraft Master today. We confirmed he was an agent of the Gu King and extracted a list from the Spectral Entity's memories."
He then announced the contents of the list.
The Curly-Haired Poodle's beady eyes gleamed with approval.
"Excellent work. Hmm, the Witchcraft Master's Spectral Entity was unusually agitated. The Taiyi Sect's Nightwalker Soul Inquiry required a significant price. We'll provide compensation later."
The Fenghui District Deacon nodded and added:
"I believe the Ou Xiangrong incident wasn't accidental. He was bait released by the Gu King to reveal the Eerie Eye Judge's demise. The Witchcraft Master we eliminated today was also one of the Gu King's agents. He's trying to use our official resources to find the Black guard of Impermanence."
The Gu King was another Vice President of the Spiritual Energy Association's Eastern District, and his rivalry with the Eerie Eye Judge for the presidency had been ongoing for years.
Their factions were sworn enemies.
"When our goals align, anyone can become an ally. But the Fallen Holy Grail poses an immeasurable threat. It must remain under our official custody, never falling into the Gu King's hands." The Curly-Haired Poodle's beady eyes swept across the room.
"Any other additions?"
The Deacons silently recorded the list. A female Deacon frowned and said:
"Zhao Yingjun's case should serve as a warning. I propose a thorough screening of all members of the Songhai Branch, including the Taiyi Sect's Nightwalkers. There may be Spiritual Energy Association agents lurking among them."
The Curly-Haired Poodle pondered for a few seconds, then nodded slowly. "In that case, we'll need to use the Tiger Tally. I'll submit an application to the Marshal."
With official business concluded, the Poodle turned his head to Fu Qingyang, who stood silently in a white suit. "I heard you recently recruited a promising Nightwalker who cleared the She Ling Tunnel?"
Fu Qingyang gave a slight nod. "He also killed Ou Xiangrong."
The Curly-Haired Poodle said:
"A few days ago, Elder Hongying of the Taiyi Sect contacted me, requesting that Nightwalker. I know Elder Sun said he didn't want the kid, but the Five Elements Alliance and the Taiyi Sect have a formal agreement.
"Personnel matters fall under Elder Hongying's jurisdiction, so Elder Sun's opinion doesn't count. Qingyang, what are your thoughts?"
Fu Qingyang replied calmly:
"Just reject her. If you're busy, I'll call her myself."
A Deacon from the Hundred Flowers Association immediately chuckled, "It's nothing major—just one Nightwalker. We might as well give him to the Taiyi Sect. Elder Hongying's favor is worth more, isn't it? Besides, every district has Taiyi Sect Nightwalkers stationed here. When we need their cooperation, they always respond promptly, right, Old Zhang?"
Old Zhang was the Deacon of Fenghui District.
The other Deacons remained silent, unwilling to voice their opinions on such a sensitive matter.
Noticing everyone's gaze, Old Zhang frowned and said, "Since he's Centurion Fu's man, I won't comment on personnel transfers. However, I must report on the Taiyi Sect Nightwalkers' work ethic. The Witchcraft Master we neutralized today wasn't identified through a Taiyi Sect Nightwalker's Soul Inquiry. He refused to cooperate, claiming he wasn't in the right state of mind.
"My Chief had no choice but to request assistance from Kangyang District's Second Team. Ha! They arrived with a single phone call, without a single complaint, and he was only a Level 1 Nightwalker.
"Personally, I believe there's a clear difference between our own Nightwalkers and those from other organizations."
Fu Qingyang paused, surprised. He hadn't been aware of this incident.
After hearing Old Zhang's words, the Deacons shared their opinions:
"I think we should keep him. The Taiyi Sect isn't short of Nightwalkers."
"We're in a time when manpower is crucial, and we can trust our own people more."
The Deacon from the Hundred Flowers Association looked embarrassed and fell silent.
Curly-Haired Poodle nodded:
"Then we'll keep him. I'll go and reject Elder Hongying's request. Qingyang, Ling Jun from the Taiyi Sect will be leading a team to Songhai in a few days to assist us in capturing the Black guard of Impermanence. You two are peers, close friends, and one of the Four Young Masters. Go and receive them."
Fu Qingyang gave a curt "Mn."