Suburban Songhai City, Good Music Hotel.
Wang Qian and his three companions from the Palace of Ceasing Slaughter had relocated their hideout here.
The Good Music Hotel served as a crucial stronghold for the Palace of Ceasing Slaughter in Songhai City, with the hotel's operator being a member of the organization.
Many Walker groups favored establishing hotels and restaurants as bases of operation. Compared to private residences, these establishments offered the ideal space for accommodating large groups and hosting meetings. Moreover, being their own territory, they didn't have to worry about surveillance equipment.
Of course, this strategy only worked during periods of relative calm.
In the face of a large-scale official crackdown, hotels and restaurants became liabilities, as Security Officers would inevitably conduct thorough searches of each establishment.
The Five Elements Alliance lacked the manpower to search every hotel and inn in Songhai City. Only the Public Security Bureau could handle such a massive undertaking.
However, Wang Qian, the Infatuated Great Sage, and their companions believed that while the Xiahou Family had extensive connections and close ties to the Officials, their influence wasn't sufficient to command the Public Security Bureau.
The Public Security Bureau and the Five Elements Alliance operated as equal partners, collaborating on maintaining order—the former managing social order, the latter governing the Spirit Realm Walker community.
Even the Five Elements Alliance lacked the authority to command the Public Security Bureau, let alone a Spirit Realm Family.
In the suite, the Infatuated Great Sage lay snoring on the sofa, while the Spicy Girl, clad in jeans and a black crop top, sat cross-legged in front of the TV, engrossed in a video game.
Heaven's Indifference, his face pale, wore headphones and closed his eyes, savoring the music.
Wang Qian stood by the window, observing the activity outside, occasionally pulling out his phone to check it.
He kept telling himself, Not so soon, not so soon. Even if the Primordial Heavenly Venerable agrees to help, it will take time.
Yet he couldn't resist checking his phone again and again.
"Don't worry," Heaven's Indifference said, opening his eyes to glance at Wang Qian by the window. "If anything happens to your sister, we'll hunt down the Xiahou Family." He resumed his usual orphan strategy.
The irritable and impulsive Wang Qian shook his head. Heaven's Indifference's personality was dangerously extreme—the kind to repay a drop of kindness with a torrent of gratitude, but who would also not hesitate to drag his enemies down with him in a suicidal act of vengeance. He was prone to taking things to the extreme.
Even within the Palace of Ceasing Slaughter, such an extreme personality was rare.
Wang Qian finally put down his phone and stared silently out the window. Suddenly, a notification pinged. His expression jolted, and he immediately grabbed his phone to check it.
"Your sister is safe."
Reading the message, Wang Qian's face lit up with overwhelming relief. He could hardly believe it. "Boss! Boss!" he shouted. "The Primordial Heavenly Venerable replied!"
The Infatuated Great Sage shuddered, startled awake by the notification.
His three companions quickly gathered around him. The Great Sage stared at the phone screen, his expression turning grave.
"This is a trap. It has to be. Even if he agreed to help, there's no way he could rescue your sister in such a short time."
The Spicy Girl Maverick frowned, her independent spirit bristling. "Exactly. It would be hard enough just to find her in this timeframe. Unless he already knew her location, this person is likely in league with Xiahou Tianyuan."
She sounded disappointed.
Wang Qian pondered for a moment, then typed a message: "Really?"
A few seconds later, a "ding" announced a voice message from the Primordial Heavenly Venerable.
Wang Qian immediately tapped to play it:
"Wang Qian, I've been rescued by a Security Officer and I'm on my way to the Kangyang District Public Security Bureau."
It was Wang Qian's sister's voice.
Wang Qian's eyes instantly reddened with emotion. Overwhelmed with relief and joy, he finally shed the heavy weight that had been pressing on his heart all day.
She's really been rescued? The Great Sage was astonished by the efficiency. He had suggested Wang Qian seek help from the Primordial Heavenly Venerable primarily because of the latter's official status.
Even if they couldn't rescue her, they could at least gather useful intelligence and create a check on the Xiahou Family.
The Palace of Ceasing Slaughter would then use the information provided by the Primordial Heavenly Venerable to formulate a corresponding plan.
I never imagined he'd resolve this so quickly.
Is he just a talented newcomer? Could he really not be the offspring of some influential figure in the Five Elements Alliance?
The Maverick sighed in relief and patted Wang Qian on the shoulder.
"You don't need to worry anymore. This Primordial Heavenly Venerable seems pretty reliable. After this, find a chance to call home and confirm if your sister was truly rescued."
Just as she spoke, Wang Qian's phone rang. The caller ID showed "Primordial Heavenly Venerable."
Wang Qian immediately glanced at the Infatuated Great Sage, seeking his boss's approval.
The Great Sage pondered for a few seconds before giving a slight nod.
Wang Qian answered the call, tentatively asking, "Primordial Heavenly Venerable?"
But the voice that came through the speaker was his sister's. "Wang Qian, I'm safe now. Where are you? Why did you suddenly stop going to work? The people who kidnapped me seem to be looking for you. Did you borrow money from loan sharks?"
Wang Qian's sister's voice was urgent and anxious, bombarding him with questions.
"Sis, don't worry. I'll be home soon," Wang Qian reassured her. Then he heard a young man's voice on the other end: "Give me the phone."
Next, Primordial Heavenly Venerable's voice came through:
"This isn't the time for family chatter, Wang Qian. I need to speak with your superior."
Because Wang Qian's sister was present, he avoided mentioning the "Palace of Ceasing Slaughter" by name.
Wang Qian glanced at the Infatuated Great Sage and asked, "Why?"
"When I rescued your sister, my identity was exposed. The Xiahou Family will undoubtedly hold a grudge against me. You'll have to take responsibility for that," Zhang Yuanqing said calmly.
"Besides, I could save your sister once, but not a second time. What if the Xiahou Family targets your family again? Or the families of other members? What will you do then?
"We're all in the same boat now. It's time to strike back. Of course, if you're too weak and prefer to hide your heads in the sand, then forget I said anything."
Wang Qian gripped the microphone and looked at his companions. The Infatuated Great Sage hesitated, while The Maverick whispered, "I think we should try to negotiate. Let me handle this."
In moments like these, the importance of rapport became clear.
"No, I'll do it," the Infatuated Great Sage insisted. "Trust my ability to read people's hearts. Let me talk to him."
He took the phone, deliberately lowering his voice to a deep, raspy growl. "Primordial Heavenly Venerable, you don't need to resort to provocation."
"Who is this?" Zhang Yuanqing's spirits lifted.
"Infatuated Great Sage, Holy Hand's superior."
"Oh my god, that ID is so badass! I love it," Zhang Yuanqing exclaimed.
The Infatuated Great Sage paused, then said happily,
"I also think the name is excellent. I pondered it for a long time when we chose it. Ahem, let's get down to business. I understand your intentions, but we won't act without the Palace Master's orders."
"Fine then," Zhang Yuanqing declared loudly. "I'll deal with the Xiahou Family myself. Stop war with war, stop killing with killing—that's my principle. You're still lacking. You should change your name later."
"Bullshit!" Heaven's Indifference roared. "Of course our organization has countermeasures, but they're controlled by the Palace Master. And she hasn't reappeared since her confrontation with the Xiahou Family's Chief Enforcement Captain."
The Infatuated Great Sage glared at him angrily.
The Palace of Ceasing Slaughter's members are truly extreme, Zhang Yuanqing thought, amused. And they said my provocation wouldn't work. He chuckled and immediately asked, "What are your countermeasures?"
Guan Ya had analyzed that the Xiahou Family's relentless pursuit of the Palace of Ceasing Slaughter was highly suspicious. This confirmed that there was indeed a hidden reason behind it.
The Infatuated Great Sage took a deep breath.
"We suspect the Palace Master has entered an Instance, which is why she ordered us to remain hidden.
"As for our countermeasures, I don't know them, and even if I did, I couldn't tell you. Here's what I'll do: I'll try to contact the Palace Master soon and report this matter to her. Whether it's compensation or cooperation, it depends on whether she's willing to contact you. We really can't act without her orders."
"Huh? Don't contact me. Contact Fu Qingyang instead. I don't want to deal with lunatics," Zhang Yuanqing thought, his heart sinking, though he maintained a calm facade.
"I'm looking forward to it!" he said.
After hanging up, he felt a slight sense of relief.
He had completely antagonized the Xiahou father and son, ensuring their future retaliation.
Though his Merit Points would prevent the Xiahou Family from acting openly, they could resort to underhanded tactics.
Therefore, he had to eliminate the Xiahou father and son completely, or at least ensure they couldn't recover.
Relying solely on the Five Elements Alliance was risky, given their intertwined interests and deep entanglements. He needed a backup plan, seeking external assistance.
That's why he had insisted on contacting Wang Qian's superiors, hoping to speak with high-ranking officials in the Palace of Ceasing Slaughter.
"He hung up," the Infatuated Great Sage said, returning the phone to Wang Qian.
The Spicy Girl glanced at him, then at Wang Qian and Heaven's Indifference, her expression betraying a complete loss of trust.
"What's wrong?" the Infatuated Great Sage frowned.
"So who's really pulling the strings here?" the Spicy Girl asked flatly.
The Infatuated Great Sage, Wang Qian, and Heaven's Indifference exchanged silent glances, their silence hanging heavy in the air.
Zhang Yuanqing turned to look at the young woman beside him, who sat rigidly upright, both hands gripping the steering wheel.
"Don't breathe a word of what you heard today," Zhang Yuanqing warned. "Or your brother will be dead."
Wang Qian hesitated, then nodded.
Good, she's being obedient. Should I let Little Goofball meet his birth mother? Nah, ordinary people would probably faint at the sight of a Spectral Entity. Better let her focus on driving. Oh right, now that I've mastered the Spirit Sigils, I should start gathering materials to nurture Little Goofball after dealing with the Xiahou Family.
With official business settled, Zhang Yuanqing eagerly opened his Inventory before reaching the Public Security Bureau to inspect his spoils.
Out of Wang Qian's sight, he retrieved a fiery red gauntlet and clenched it in his palm.
[ Name: Brute's Gauntlets ]
[ Type: Weapon ]
[ Function: Scorching, Swift, Explosive ]
[ Description: Once favored by a powerful Fire Master, these gauntlets gradually absorbed their master's strength and recklessness through prolonged use. They continue to accumulate power, releasing it upon impact. ]
[ Note: Explosion is art. There's nothing an explosion can't solve. If it doesn't work, just blow it up again. ]
Zhang Yuanqing's heart surged with joy.
What a treasure! I finally have an AOE skill, compensating for the assassin's weakness. And with the Nightwalker's vitality, I can completely withstand the strain of multiple explosions.
The only headache was the price. Based on the description and note, the gauntlet's cost was clear: recklessness and self-harm.
The latter was inconsequential; he could fully withstand the damage from the explosions. The former, however, was a headache. Fighting without thinking made him an easy target for ambushes.
"But if I use it like the Steadfast Orb, only at critical moments, I can minimize the cost."
Indeed, murder and plunder were the true paths to wealth. Without the constraints of Morality Value, Spirit Realm Walkers would likely descend into a frenzy of slaughter.
Next, he pulled up his Attribute Panel to check his Reputation, immediately scoffing.
His Reputation remained unchanged.
Hunting other Spirit Realm Walkers didn't deduct Morality Value, but killing allies with Reputation would lower his own. Once his Reputation hit zero, Morality Value would start to be deducted.
The fact that his Reputation hadn't budged meant those four wastes hadn't killed a single Evil Class Walker, leaving their Reputation at zero.
Pure societal parasites, their deaths were no loss.
A dozen minutes later, the car pulled into the Public Security Bureau.
Zhang Yuanqing instructed Wang Qian to park in front of the Glass Building, then disembarked and entered the building.
On the second floor, he saw seven or eight Spirit Realm Walkers who weren't part of the Second Team, including the qipao-clad beauty Green Vine and the Eldest Sister, White Dragon.
During the drive, Guan Ya had informed him that Fu Qingyang was waiting at the Kangyang District Public Security Bureau with his team.
"The kidnapper's body is in the car downstairs. Please have it brought up."
Zhang Yuanqing nodded slightly to Green Vine, glanced at Wang Tai's pained expression, and headed straight for Li Dongze's office.
Knock, knock!
He rapped on the glass door.
"Come in," Fu Qingyang's cool voice replied.
Pushing open the door, Zhang Yuanqing entered the luxurious office. Fu Qingyang sat in Li Dongze's chair, while Guan Ya, with her long legs, Ling Jun in casual attire, and an old acquaintance he hadn't seen in ages were lounging on the reception sofa.
Yuan Ting!
He's still alive? Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself. Looks like Elder Sun didn't make it out of the Instance. He turned to Fu Qingyang and said, "I've brought back Wang Qian and the kidnapper's body."
Fu Qingyang nodded calmly. "I've already dispatched men to summon Xiahou Tianyuan. Once we secure the evidence, we can detain him."
He glanced at Yuan Ting, who rose and sighed, "Another soul inquiry? Centurion Fu, you'll have to compensate me for this."
Fu Qingyang replied flatly, "No problem. Let's just hope the compensation doesn't end up as your inheritance."
Yuan Ting's face stiffened. He turned to Zhang Yuanqing, his voice filled with anguish, "This is all your fault! You owe me compensation too!"
Alright, I'll burn some money for you, Zhang Yuanqing replied silently. He turned to Fu Qingyang and said, "Centurion, there's a strong enemy among the kidnappers. Are you sure you don't want me to Inquire the Soul?"
The unspoken message was clear: Killing such a powerful foe won't be easy, and it will expose some of my trump cards. He knew Fu Qingyang was aware of his Rule Item.
Fu Qingyang replied calmly, "Captain Yuan is diligent and upright. Let him Inquire the Soul."
Was this an endorsement of Yuan Ting? Zhang Yuanqing fell silent.
A few minutes later, Yuan Ting returned, his face pale. He reported gravely, "The kidnappers are Walkers employed by the Xiahou Family. They abducted Wang Qian's sister under orders from Xiahou Tianyuan."
As Captain of the Taiyi Sect, Yuan Ting's accusation carried the weight of his sect.
Yuan Ting then turned to Zhang Yuanqing, his expression complex. "You actually killed a Level 3 Fire Master? To be this strong as a rookie... you're a freak, a true freak."
He still didn't mention the Red Dancing Shoes.
Ling Jun narrowed his eyes and smiled. "What else would you expect from a genius? I heard about this kidnapping case, Primordial. You did well. I admire young people with a sense of justice. But do you know what geniuses fear most?"
"Anyway, it's not like I don't have a girlfriend," Zhang Yuanqing replied with a smile. "What is it?"
"It's dying young!" Ling Jun took a sip of tea and continued, "Do you know how to avoid dying young?"
He's trying to recruit me again. With his superior watching nearby, Zhang Yuanqing considered his words carefully before politely declining. "Dying in infancy?"
Ling Jun choked on his tea, coughing violently. "No, it's finding a powerful backer! Join the Taiyi Sect, and I'll protect you. The Xiahou Family won't dare retaliate."
Fu Qingyang's gaze toward Zhang Yuanqing held a hint of approval, but he shot Ling Jun a cold, sideways glance.
Knock, knock!
The glass door of the office was rapped again.
Fu Qingyang looked up. "Come in."
A stern-faced young man in a black T-shirt entered the office, stopping before the desk. He lowered his voice and said, "Xiahou Tianyuan has been arrested."
Fu Qingyang narrowed his eyes. "Who arrested him?"
"Deacon Pang of Fenghua District," the young man replied. "Just now. Xiahou Tianyuan assaulted someone in Fenghua District, and Deacon Pang arrested him. After questioning, Xiahou Tianyuan confessed to more crimes, including... this kidnapping case."
As Zhang Yuanqing listened to their exchange, his heart sank. He immediately sensed trouble brewing.
According to the Five Elements Alliance's internal regulations, to prevent credit-grabbing, the district where an incident occurs is responsible for handling it, and whoever investigates a case is responsible for it.
Deacon Pang of Fenghua District "discovered" this case, theoretically making him responsible. However, because Zhang Yuanqing had intervened early and the victim had reported the kidnapping to him, the case's jurisdiction was disputed.
But this wasn't the most critical issue. The key point was that Xiahou Tianyuan had injured someone in Fenghua District and was now detained there. There was no dispute over jurisdiction for this incident; it clearly fell under Fenghua District's purview.
This allowed Fenghua District to stall the investigation indefinitely, using the pretext of ongoing inquiries to protect Xiahou Tianyuan. They could then compete with Kangyang District for control of the kidnapping case.
The bottom line was that Xiahou Tianyuan couldn't fall into Kangyang District's hands. By securing this "strategic depth," the Xiahou Family would gain time to maneuver.
This series of maneuvers demonstrated a thorough understanding of the Alliance's rules.
"If we don't eliminate the Xiahou Father and Son, the consequences will be endless," Zhang Yuanqing said, his mood darkening. "If the Five Elements Alliance can't handle this, we'll have no choice but to cooperate with the Palace of Ceasing Slaughter."
"Centurion Fu, what should we do now?"
Fu Qingyang glanced at him. "Did the victim report the crime to you?"
"Yes!"
"Did it happen before Xiahou Tianyuan injured someone?"
"Yes!"
Fu Qingyang said calmly, "Then go arrest him."
"But..." Zhang Yuanqing thought, But they're already in Fenghua District. How can we arrest him? By force?
Fu Qingyang rose from his desk and walked slowly toward Zhang Yuanqing, his gaze as deep as a bottomless pool. "When rules conflict and both sides have legitimate claims, the one with the greater power prevails. Remember that. And one more thing..."
His handsome, sculpted face grew solemn as he warned, "There's no turning back once the arrow is loosed. Once you make an enemy, you must eliminate them at all costs. Even if an Elder tries to stop you, you must crush their dog head."
Fu Qingyang turned and strode out of the room, his steps slow yet resolute, leaving behind a tall, imposing figure for the others to see.
"Come with me to make the arrest."
Fenghua District Public Security Bureau.
In a bright, clean office in the west wing of the Public Security Bureau building, Xiahou Tianyuan sat on a guest sofa, twirling a pair of walnuts in his left hand and sipping tea from a porcelain cup with his right.
"These little things feel quite nice. You've been playing with them for a while, haven't you?" Deacon Pang said with a smile, dressed in a leather coat over a white judo uniform.
The man was powerfully built, with a square face that radiated an intense, stern aura when he wasn't smiling.
"No need. A gentleman doesn't take what belongs to another," Xiahou Tianyuan said, setting down the walnuts and teacup. He straightened his suit lapels and continued, "I have two requests for you. Our investigation into the Xie Family's downfall revealed that the surviving members scattered across the country. The Palace Master of Ceasing Slaughter was sent to Songhai during that time.
"She was just a child then, not yet a Spirit Realm Walker. Whether she would ever become one was still uncertain, so her identity information likely wasn't handled with strict confidentiality when she registered her residency. I need you to check Songhai's household registration database.
"We've only confirmed that she's between 24 and 27 years old. Also, I had our family elders commission portraits of the Xie Family's core members from that era. You can try facial recognition using these images."
"This is going to be difficult," Deacon Pang said, shaking his head. He found the task unrealistic, given Songhai's permanent population of over twenty million, with over ten million holding local residency permits.
"Of course it's difficult. That's why you have plenty of time," Xiahou Tianyuan said with a smile. "Whether you succeed or not, you can choose a Saint Stage item from the Xiahou Family treasury."
Deacon Pang grinned. "Agreed."
Xiahou Tianyuan continued, "Second, investigate the Primordial Heavenly Venerable of Kangyang District. I want to uncover his real-world identity."
Deacon Pang frowned. "Are you planning revenge?"
Xiahou Tianyuan picked up his teacup, took a sip, and his expression turned cold. "Since he's opposing me, he's an enemy. When dealing with enemies, any means are justified."
He also refused to acknowledge a painful truth: that young man was strong—so strong it stirred jealousy and fear within him.
After a moment of contemplation, Deacon Pang said gravely, "Then you'd better make sure it's clean. If you're exposed, I won't be able to protect you. I can't access the Primordial Heavenly Venerable's identity information; that requires Elder-level authorization."
"I have two suggestions for you. First, interrogate Li Dongze's superior. He must know the Primordial Heavenly Venerable's identity. But doing so would require you to kill Li Dongze."
"That would be practically announcing my intention to kill that kid," Xiahou Tianyuan said, dismissing the suggestion. "What's the second one?"
Deacon Pang replied, "About half a month ago, the Primordial Heavenly Venerable killed a Seductive Demon at Songhai University. This demon had just escaped capture, and no one could find him. It's likely the Primordial Heavenly Venerable encountered him by chance in Songhai."
Xiahou Tianyuan's eyes lit up. "He's young. Are you saying he's a student at Songhai University?"
Deacon Pang sipped his tea, holding the cup as he spoke, "That's for you to investigate."
The two exchanged knowing smiles.
Just then, Deacon Pang frowned and glanced toward the office door.
A few seconds later, hurried footsteps approached, and an Official Walker burst into the room, his face pale. "Deacon Pang," he said urgently, "Deacon Fu from Kangyang District is leading a team to raid the place!"