With a burst of Lunar Power, Little Goofball "tumbled" to Zhang Yuanqing's feet.
The infant spirit propped himself up on his chubby little hands, glancing around in confusion before obediently "clutching" at his master's pant leg.
In this unfamiliar environment, the Infant Spirit instinctively feared strangers and clung to his master for security.
So timid and clumsy—nothing like me. Ah, well, he's still just a child, Zhang Yuanqing thought. He transmitted the instruction to perform the "first grasp" ritual. Upon receiving his master's command, Little Goofball finally turned his dark, round eyes toward the stall.
He tilted his head in hesitation for a moment, then mustered the courage to crawl toward the stall. He sniffed at the Zombie fluid, then recoiled with a look of disgust. As for the non-Yin Materials like Explosive Stone, Little Goofball didn't even glance at them.
For each material Little Goofball examined, Zhang Yuanqing asked, "What's this?"
"Blood Earth from the Yin-gathering grounds of the Mass Grave."
"And this?"
"The umbilical cord of a Ghost Infant. Are you buying it or not?"
"Of course I'm buying it. Why else would I be here?" Zhang Yuanqing noticed Little Goofball had stopped in front of a Nautical Compass and immediately asked, "And what's this?"
The Nautical Compass was ancient, encased in brass-colored metal with a cloudy glass cover. No larger than the palm of a hand, its dial was marked with English text and twisted Talismans.
It looked like the kind of compass pirates used during the Age of Exploration.
"This? This is something special. I got it from a foreign Walker. They said it's a fragment of an Item, a high-level one at that," the vendor declared emphatically.
"Fragment?" Zhang Yuanqing examined the compass, which appeared perfectly intact despite its age. "Where's the fragment?" he asked irritably.
"That, I wouldn't know," the vendor shrugged.
"Can I touch it?" Zhang Yuanqing crouched down.
The vendor's eyes lit up. "Of course."
The customer had previously only asked questions without showing any interest in buying. Now, he was clearly intrigued by the Nautical Compass.
The vendor had indeed acquired the compass from a foreign Walker and had been holding onto it for a long time without finding a buyer.
Zhang Yuanqing picked up the compass, held it in his palm, and waited a few seconds. No information appeared.
However, through touch, he sensed that it was a Yin-aligned object.
"Materials and Item fragments don't display information," the vendor said, immediately recognizing Zhang Yuanqing as a novice.
At that moment, Guan Ya asked, "What class from abroad does this compass belong to?"
The stall owner recalled for a moment. "I think it's the 'Void' Class. Abroad, they call it 'Merchant.' I think Merchant suits the class's characteristics better."
"Void" was the name given by the Spirit Realm, while "Merchant" was a nickname coined by the Walkers themselves.
"Void?" Zhang Yuanqing froze, suddenly remembering the Red Dancing Shoes. He recalled Ou Xiangrong mentioning that the Red Dancing Shoes were an Item belonging to the Void Class abroad.
If Little Goofball had chosen this Compass, it couldn't be fake. But why would Little Goofball pick something from the Void Class? Wasn't it the influence of a Musician Class Item that turned him into a Spectral Servant?
Zhang Yuanqing fell into deep thought.
"How much?" Guan Ya asked.
"One million," the stall owner declared, asking for an exorbitant price.
"How do we know you're not just trying to pawn off some junk on us?" Guan Ya countered, preparing to haggle. She shot Zhang Yuanqing a look, signaling him to stay quiet and let her handle it.
"Take it or leave it," the stall owner retorted stubbornly.
"There are plenty of materials here. We can always check another stall," Guan Ya scoffed.
"Suit yourself," the stall owner shrugged.
Guan Ya frowned. To be honest, she wasn't good at haggling. As a Young Miss, she had never considered prices when buying things, only whether she liked them.
Faced with the stall owner's stubbornness, Guan Ya was at a loss for how to negotiate further.
Just then, Zhang Yuanqing suddenly handed over a business card, saying, "Brother, let's get acquainted. I'm Wang Tai, an Official Walker from Kangyang District Second Team."
"Official Walker?" The stall owner's expression immediately straightened, his casual demeanor vanishing as he accepted the card with both hands.
"Relax, just making a friend. Brother, you're charging a bit much for this Item fragment, aren't you?"
"Brother Wang, you get what you pay for."
Half an hour later, Zhang Yuanqing purchased the Nautical Compass for 100,000 yuan. Eager to avoid attracting the attention of White Dragon and Boxing King, he and Guan Ya left the black market.
In the elevator, Guan Ya gave him a peculiar look. "You're quite the negotiator."
"I'm not good at negotiating," Zhang Yuanqing shrugged. "I just know how to make friends. Oh, I'll pay you back later."
It's worth noting that black market transactions operate in two ways: "chips" and "cash."
The former is similar to a casino system, where cash is exchanged for chips, which are then redeemed for cash by the black market's organizers after the transaction. This method is typically used by those who trust the organizers but not the buyers.
Cash transactions were the opposite.
Zhang Yuanqing used chips for the deal, but Guan Ya had exchanged the cash for the chips, claiming he hadn't brought his bank card.
"Let's go. I'll treat you to dinner. I've already booked a restaurant. Which hotel does Sister Guan Ya prefer? I'll book a room for her too."
By the time he returned home, it was 10:30 PM. His grandparents were already asleep, and Jiang Yu'er hadn't come to his room to play games.
Sitting at his desk, Zhang Yuanqing logged into the official database and searched for the "Void" Class.
[ Void Class: At the Transcendent Phase, this class excels in theft, stealth, and boasts remarkable speed, but is weak in combat. ]
His clearance level only allowed him to access information up to the Transcendent Phase.
"Doesn't sound bad. If Little Goofball has agile speed, we could form an Assassin Alliance. Hmm, the Compass might not be at the Transcendent Phase. What if it's at the Saint Stage? That would be a jackpot! I wonder what abilities the Void Class gains at the Saint Stage..."
Zhang Yuanqing's anticipation grew.
"Huh?"
He suddenly paused, muttering to himself, "Theft... Exchange..."
Zhang Yuanqing realized why Little Goofball had chosen the Compass. The Infant Spirit's skill was Exchange, and Exchange and Theft shared a certain degree of similarity.
"Speaking of which, why is Little Goofball's ability 'Exchange'? Does the Musician class even have such a skill?"
Zhang Yuanqing immediately dialed Wang Qian's number.
The call was answered quickly, and Wang Qian's voice was respectful:
"What can I do for you?"
Ever since Zhang Yuanqing rescued Wang Qian's niece, Wang Qian's attitude toward him had undergone a dramatic shift.
"When you rescued your nephew, what Item did you request from the Organization?"
Wang Qian hesitated, unsure why Zhang Yuanqing was bringing up the past. "I'm sorry, I can't disclose information about the Organization's Items."
"Then let me ask this: at the Saint Stage, or even the Sovereign Stage, does the Musician class have abilities like stealing, exchanging, or transferring?"
"I'm not familiar with the Sovereign Stage, but the Saint Stage and Transcendent Phase definitely don't have such abilities," Wang Qian replied truthfully.
"Thank you."
Zhang Yuanqing hung up, his brow furrowed deeply.
Little Goofball, who had become a Spectral Servant due to a Musician's Item, had awakened an ability that didn't belong to the Musician class?
"It's not a Musician's ability... it's more like the Void Class's 'Steal' skill. How strange..."
He pondered for a long time, but no answer came.
Hotel.
Xiahou Xin stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, his expressionless gaze sweeping over the glittering cityscape below as he listened to his phone.
After the person on the phone finished speaking, Xiahou Xin asked in a deep voice, "What's Miao's stance on this?"
"Miao has been completely focused on hunting down the Black Guard of Impermanence recently. He'll likely postpone Young Master Tianyuan's punishment for now. But I don't think the Xiahou Family needs to intervene anymore. Fu Qingyang's evidence is overwhelming, the situation has blown up, and so many Official Walkers are watching."
Xiahou Xin grunted in acknowledgment, then asked expressionlessly, "I heard the Five Elements Alliance is moving up the Grand Inspection?"
A pause followed. "This Grand Inspection is different from previous ones. Miao has applied for the Tiger Tally from the higher-ups."
Xiahou Xin pressed, "Do you have any confidence in this?"
"Heh, who dares claim certainty when facing Rule Items?" The voice on the phone remained calm, even amused. "I've already reported this to the higher-ups. We can't solve the problem itself, but we can eliminate those who caused it. Oh, and that Primordial Heavenly Venerable—the Xiahou Family should leave him alone for now. Wait for the storm to pass."
Xiahou Xin replied coldly, "Once we've dealt with the Palace Master of Ceasing Slaughter and the Leader finishes his business in Songhai, I'll tear that brat apart limb by limb."
The colder his tone, the fiercer his rage burned.
Xiahou Xin had faced opponents before, but they were always his equals. This was the first time he had suffered such a devastating loss at the hands of a mere ant.
"The Palace Master of Ceasing Slaughter won't be arrogant for long. The Leader is secretly hunting her."
"Good."
At midnight, Zhang Yuanqing awoke from a deep sleep, his mind sharp and refreshed. He left his bedroom, entered the kitchen, and retrieved a bowl.
From his Inventory, he took out the Demon Subduing Pestle, sliced his wrist, and let his blood, rich with Lunar Power, flow into the bowl. Soon, he had collected about half a bowl of blood.
To inscribe Spirit Sigils, one must use the blood of a Nightwalker; otherwise, the resulting formation would be merely a hollow shell, lacking divine power.
Midnight, the hour when yin energy is at its peak, is also when the Lunar Power within a Nightwalker's body surges to its greatest intensity.
Zhang Yuanqing dipped his finger into the blood and began drawing twisted runes on the bedroom floor. Some resembled tadpoles, others circles, triangles, or complex traditional characters—a diverse array of symbols.
Yet when combined, they formed a cohesive whole, radiating a sense of unity.
Soon, a circular formation composed of these twisted runes covered the bedroom floor.
As Zhang Yuanqing completed the final stroke, the formation materialized, its talismans resonating with a crimson glow.
"Done," he murmured, his face weary as he gazed at the surging energy within the formation, a surge of satisfaction washing over him.
Inscribing such a Grand Spirit Sigil Formation was an immense drain on a Nightwalker's power, leaving him as exhausted as if he had just fought a major battle.
Wasting no time, he retrieved the ancient Nautical Compass and placed it at the formation's center. Then, exhaling a wisp of Lunar Power, he spat out Little Goofball.
"Get in!" Zhang Yuanqing commanded.
Little Goofball scrambled toward the formation, its tiny limbs flailing.
As the Infant Spirit entered the formation, the crimson glow rippled like water. The intense light then contracted inward, enveloping both Little Goofball and the ancient Compass.
So comfortable, Little Goofball telepathically conveyed to its Master.
At that moment, the crimson glow that had enveloped the Compass detached from the Item and slowly floated into the air, a peculiar spiritual essence pulsing within it.
Zhang Yuanqing stared at the Compass for a moment, sensing that something was missing from this fragment of a Rule Item, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
He didn't dwell on it, for the floating crimson glow suddenly plunged into Little Goofball's body.
So painful, so painful! Little Goofball telepathically cried out to its Master. Bathed in the crimson light, it writhed on the ground, wailing in agony, enduring a torment far beyond its tender years.
The process lasted about ten minutes, the crimson light gradually merging into the Infant Spirit's body.
Little Goofball lay weakly on the ground, its tiny rear end sticking up, looking completely drained.
It was over. What abilities had it gained? Zhang Yuanqing eagerly focused his mind, his consciousness diving into the Spectral Servant. He quickly grasped the changes in Little Goofball.
There were three key improvements:
First, Little Goofball's initial skill, "Exchange," had its activation time reduced from three seconds of contact to two seconds. The duration of the exchange, however, had increased from three seconds to five seconds.
Second, Little Goofball's Lunar Power had grown significantly denser, resulting in enhanced intelligence and the ability to exert rudimentary influence over reality, such as moving lightweight objects.
Third, a new skill: Treasure Hunting.
It now possessed an innate talent for finding treasures, with an instinctive sensitivity to valuable and spiritually resonant objects.
"Treasure Hunting? The supernatural power within the Compass is Treasure Hunting? No wonder the 'Void' Class is sometimes called 'Merchant' overseas," Zhang Yuanqing mused, his heart swelling with delight.
Though he had jokingly declared he was "going to war in his father's stead," Zhang Yuanqing knew full well that Little Goofball was merely a low-level Spectral Servant. Even if it gained combat skills, they would only be at the Transcendent Phase.
It could never reach the Saint Level. And at the Transcendent Phase, Zhang Yuanqing considered himself a formidable opponent, especially with his vast array of Items. He certainly wasn't lacking in offensive capabilities.
The Treasure Hunting ability was incredibly useful, especially for finding treasures within Instances.
The higher the Instance's difficulty, the fewer clues were provided, requiring Spirit Realm Walkers to explore on their own. Little Goofball's Treasure Hunting ability would undoubtedly shine brightly in such scenarios.
Zhang Yuanqing left the room and returned moments later with a mop, cleaning up the bloodstains on the floor.
He then recalled Little Goofball into his body to nurture it. Exhausted, he crawled into bed.
Before drifting off to sleep, he habitually planned his next steps, organizing his thoughts and considering his priorities.
"My focus now is capturing the Black guard of Impermanence and preparing for the Grand Inspection. The inspection primarily targets Fallen Ones, and since I'm not one, it shouldn't be a problem. I hope this inspection will expose Night Rose operatives, allowing the hunt for the Black guard of Impermanence to continue.
"Sigh, these past few days, the Eerie Eye Judge's servants have been going berserk across the country, causing significant disruptions. Fortunately, there shouldn't be many servants controlled by the Fallen Holy Grail left in the Songhai Region."
His thoughts grew increasingly sluggish as he drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, Zhang Yuanqing was awakened by a series of "Aba Aba" sounds. Opening his eyes, he saw Little Goofball perched on the pillow beside him, a white lace bra balanced on its head, looking at him with an expression that seemed to say, "Look what I found!"
Where did this women's underwear come from? Huh? Underwear?!
Zhang Yuanqing snapped awake, bolted upright, and stared at the white lace bra for a moment, his expression turning horrified.
This was his aunt's underwear.
"You... you stole my aunt's underwear?!" Zhang Yuanqing hissed, his voice low and accusing.
"Aba aba."
Little Goofball, the bra perched on his head, gazed at Zhang Yuanqing with his dark, beady eyes, a hint of smugness in their depths, as if saying, Praise me!
Since his upgrade, the Spirit's micro-expressions had become even more vivid and lifelike.
Zhang Yuanqing stared at his aunt's bra, lost in thought.
Why does he think my aunt's bra is a treasure? Is there something wrong with this Treasure Hunting skill, or is it my parenting?
Is this account ruined? Should I start over with a new one?
Knock, knock!
A knock sounded at the door, and Grandmother called from outside, "Yuanzi, wake up!"
"Coming!" Zhang Yuanqing frantically stuffed his aunt's underwear under the covers.
At the breakfast table, the family ate their morning meal. Jiang Yu'er took a sip of her porridge and turned to her mother, her face troubled.
"Mom, have you seen my underwear? The ones I left in the bamboo basket in the bathroom?"
"No, I haven't."
"But I can't find them anywhere. Could you help me look? I haven't washed them yet."
"Alright, alright," Grandmother said dismissively. "Don't talk about such things at the table. You're always losing things."
Zhang Yuanqing lowered his head guiltily and drank his congee.
To show his support for Chief Teng Yuan's call to action, Zhang Yuanqing felt he had to skip half a day of work. Anything less would be disrespectful to such an enlightened leader.
Fortunately, he had a professional course scheduled for the morning.
Going to school was a hassle. For him, studying had lost all meaning. But skipping too many classes would lead to expulsion, and explaining that to his family would be difficult. Zhang Yuanqing suddenly envied adults who had already entered the workforce.
Just as his first class ended, he received a call from Fu Qingyang.
"Centurion Fu?" Zhang Yuanqing asked, surprised.
"You're not at the unit?" Fu Qingyang's cold voice came through the line.
"Is something wrong?" Zhang Yuanqing asked, rising to leave the classroom.
"The team transporting the Tiger Tally was ambushed midway. Most of them were killed or wounded, and the elder leading the group has gone to pursue the attackers. The remaining members are too afraid to proceed alone and plan to return. The Grand Inspection will be postponed," Fu Qingyang's voice carried a hint of gravity.
"Tiger Tally? What Tiger Tally?" Zhang Yuanqing didn't immediately understand.
Fu Qingyang continued, "The Tiger Tally is a Rule Item. It can help us identify members of the Night Rose Organization who have infiltrated the Branch."
"The Night Rose Leader needs to contact the Black guard of Impermanence, which requires members infiltrated within the Five Elements Alliance to relay information. The Grand Inspection poses the greatest threat to their operations. I suspect they are obstructing it."
Zhang Yuanqing's tone turned serious. "What do you plan to do?"
If he remembered correctly, Fu Qingyang had originally intended to use the Grand Inspection to screen out a batch of "spies" first.
Fu Qingyang replied calmly, "We're adjusting the plan. We'll kill Xiahou Tianyuan, and you'll Inquire the Soul."
Although Fu Qingyang possessed a lie-detection Item, distinguishing lies was one thing; forcing the truth from a target was another.
"You're going to move against the Xiahou Family?" Zhang Yuanqing asked, shocked.
"Yes. I consulted Elder Miao, and he approved."
"Alright, I'll head over immediately."