A resplendent golden light poured into his consciousness, dispersing the anger within Zhang Yuanqing and freeing him from the questioning state. He now saw Li Dongze disheveled, and felt his body aching as though he had endured relentless, brutal beatings. "Indeed, every time the Night-Wanderer consumes the spiritual essence of a wicked profession, he grows frantic..." Li Dongze tossed the Vengeance Staff back to Zhang Yuanqing, straightened his clothes, and then produced a bag of damp paper towels from his pocket, offering it with a smile, "Wipe the nosebleed and always maintain your grace." Zhang Yuanqing accepted the towels, wiped the blood from his nose, and first checked his attribute panel—his experience level had increased by 5%, now reaching 52%. He then reviewed the fragments of memory. The Liang Energy Division had two vice-presidents: one was the Mysterious Eye Judge, and the other was a superior of a superior, known as the Law-Defying Outrider. Two vice-presidents have been competing for the position of president for years, engaging in both open and subtle rivalry. After the death of the Judge of Mysteries, one of the vice-presidents has been striving to secure the Holy Grail and the Register, aiming to absorb the rival's legacy and consolidate the Eastern Branch. Thus, he has also been actively seeking out the Black Bureaucrat. The Ling Energy Association's influence is truly substantial—its Eastern Branch alone has two vice-presidents, both high-level Ling Realm travelers. Zhang Yuanqing steadied himself and said, "Chief, I've uncovered a significant clue." He immediately shared the list he had observed in the memory fragment with Li Dongze. Li Dongze listened attentively, nodding throughout, and his eyes lit up brightly when he heard the list: "Excellent. Outstanding. With this list, we can now conduct targeted investigations instead of flailing around aimlessly. Indeed, the enemy knows us best through their own insights." Zhang Yuanqing mused, "I keep feeling something off—first Ou Xiangrong, then the Outlaw of the Law. It seems someone is quietly sending us further clues." Li Dongze smiled and said, "You have great ideas. How about this—prepare a detailed analysis report for me. That will be your test of capability." Elegant, you're going to lose me with this... Zhang Yuanqing's face instantly went stiff. "Li Yuanyang will benefit greatly—your second team has truly earned their commendation," Li Dongze remarked, then paused, took his walking stick, and walked toward the door, opening the iron gate. The members of the second team immediately rushed forward, facing the composed and serious Li Yuanyang, with a mix of anticipation, asking, "How did it go? Any leads?" Li Dongze smiled and replied, "We've obtained a list from one of the Black Immortals' subordinates. Your team has truly earned its recognition." Li Yuanyang's stern expression broke into warm smiles. The team leaders were thrilled, beaming with joy. The significance of this list was hard to overestimate—its greater the list, the greater their achievements, and the greater the benefits for the entire team. Li Dongze said seriously, "But the authenticity of the list still needs to be verified." Li Yuanfang nodded steadily, then turned to Zhang Yuanqing behind Li Dongze, saying, "Once the rewards are distributed, we'll set aside ten percent as compensation for you—thank you..." His tone was unusually gentle. Then, with a look of genuine admiration, he remarked, "Li Shizhang has truly been lucky." The members of the second team watched Zhang Yuanqing with warm, respectful eyes. No one objected to the compensation proposal, as it was seen as well-deserved. "Grandma scolded. 'Just play a bit, dear...' Aunt said, chewing on her food. 'Yuanzi, I saw a mixed-race girl at the hospital today—she's absolutely stunning, tall and graceful. Do you know how old her husband is?' The mixed-race girl not only has a great figure but is also an excellent driver... Zhang Yuanqing asked in agreement, 'How old?' 'She's still a college student,' Aunt said, with a look of disdain. 'Now look at you—single all this time, with hardly any progress at all.' 'You're single too, how can you judge me?' Zhang Yuanqing shot her a sideways glance. 'You don't understand, Aunt—I'm single because I value my purity. You're single, and that's just plain lackluster.' 'Even Xiang Yu, the King of Western Chu, wouldn't have stood a chance against that!' Grandma listened intently and rebuked her daughter. 'How can you say such things about Yuanzi? He's currently focused on his studies—what's wrong with that? You're even calling yourself a saint! Go on, keep arranging dates for me next week. Don't rush him into marriage just yet "Uncle, you're shifting the blame to my nephew," said Auntie, steering the focus toward Chen Yuanjun: "I haven't even been officially promoted yet. I'm also prioritizing my career. Your grandson is thirty now—doesn't he have a partner yet?" Upon hearing this, Grandma found it reasonable and turned to Chen Yuanjun, pausing thoughtfully: "Yuanjun, I'll arrange one more date for you. Last time I sent over your photo to the girl, she told me she wasn't interested in someone older—well, I thought that showed a lack of vision on her part. I'll have Yu'er adjust your photo to look younger." Brother-in-law gave a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth, habitually furrowing his川-character wrinkles, and said firmly: "Grandma, as long as you're happy, that's fine. But I feel Yuanjun has been sleeping during the day and playing games at night lately—completely neglecting his studies. College isn't the end of learning; it's the beginning of entering society. With your elder sister abroad, Grandma, you should really keep a closer eye on Yuanjun. Maybe it's time to scrap the PS5." "Upon hearing this, Grandma found it reasonable and scolded sharply, 'You're always playing games—how can you not grow at all? Isn't it going to drive me to break your gaming console?' Honestly, you're just so unreasonable, brother... Zhang Yuanqing felt his scalp tingling. As Grandma continued to speak, he quietly summoned Xiao Doubi, instructed him to crawl onto Grandpa's head, then composed himself, taking charge of replacing Grandpa's hearing. 'Grandma, look at Grandpa—he does nothing at all, just leaves everything to you. This isn't fair!' His aunt and cousin were taken aback by his boldness today. Grandma immediately turned to Grandpa, furrowed her brows, and said, 'Old Chen, you should also speak up—Old Chen, Old Chen?' Grandpa, with a round, endearing infant resting on his head, paid no attention, silently eating his meal. Zhang Yuanqing quietly retrieved Xiao Doubi. Grandpa suddenly lifted his head, as if just hearing his name for the first time, furrowed his brows and asked, 'What?' 'I'm talking to you,' Grandma snapped. "I didn't hear you." "What do you mean, pretending not to listen? You're always strolling, playing chess, watching TV—do I really have to be your Chen family's housemaid? You neglect your own daughter, your grandson, your granddaughter, and now I finally know who the family's disgrace has been passing down to...!" Grandmother's temper erupted. Zhang Yuanqing sat quietly, eating her meal, keeping her achievements and reputation well hidden. ... Mos Pet Café. The roller door was half-open, the interior softly lit with a warm, golden glow blending harmoniously with the beech wood floors, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. Senior officials from Fenghui District, Kangyang District, Jinjiang District, and Puning District had gathered—eleven in total—sitting around a round table, each sipping steaming coffee. Undoubtedly, this was a high-level meeting, and only a senior elder could have summoned such a gathering of senior officials. Beneath the orange chandelier, at the center of the round table, a fluffy teddy bear stood proudly, speaking in human voice: "All personnel are here. I'll keep it brief. The incident involving the demise of the Judge with the Strange Eyes is of major significance—what have you discovered over the past few days?" This elder is one of the key figures in charge of the Strange Eyes Judge incident and oversees all the spiritual realm practitioners across the four major districts, a powerful official who can report directly to the Grand Marshal. The other attendants remained silent. The steward from Fenghui District raised his hand, speaking in a low, steady tone: "Under my command, we have today eliminated a witch-guisher, confirmed to be a member of the Queen of the Gushu. From the spirit's memory, we have obtained a list..." He then presented the list. The fluffy teddy's bright eyes gleamed with approval: "Excellent work. Indeed, the spirit of the witch-guisher was unusually agitated. The Night-Wanderer of Taiyuan's Spirit Inquiry requires significant compensation. I will arrange for that upon return." "Fenghui District Official nodded, adding, "I believe the Ou Xiangrong incident wasn't accidental. He's a lure set by the Gǔ Wang, designed to inform us of the mysterious death of the Ghost-Eye Judge. The witch-guǐ master we just eliminated today is also one of the Gǔ Wang's subordinates. He wants to leverage our official strength to uncover Black Wúcháng." The Gǔ Wang is another vice president of the Spirit Energy Association, Eastern District, and he has been competing with the Ghost-Eye Judge for the position of president for quite some time now. Their rivalry has been fierce. "When the goal aligns, anyone can become a friend. But the fallen Holy Cup poses an enduring threat—our official body must safeguard it. It must never fall into the hands of the Gǔ Wang." The fluffy Teddy with his button-like eyes glanced around the room and said, "Any further comments from the others?" The officials quietly recorded the names. One female official frowned and remarked, "The case of Zhao Yingjun deserves our close attention. I recommend a thorough screening of all members of the Songhai Branch, including the Night-Wanderer Deities of Taímén. There may be hidden The curly-haired Teddie paused for a few seconds, then slowly nodded: "Then we'll have to activate the 'Tiger Seal.' I'll submit the request to the Marshal." After finishing his statement, Teddie turned his head and looked at Fu Qingyang, dressed in a white suit, silent and thoughtful, and said, "I heard you've recently recruited a promising Night-Wanderer who successfully passed through the Shē Ling Tunnel?" Fu Qingyang gave a slight nod and added, "Oh, Xū Xiàoróng was also killed by him." The curly-haired Teddie replied, "A few days ago, the Hong Ying Elder from the Tai Men Sect reached out to me, hoping to take that Night-Wanderer over. I know that Master Sun had previously expressed reservations about the young man, but after all, Tai Men and the Wuxing Alliance have a formal agreement in place. Personnel matters fall under the Hong Ying Elder's jurisdiction—Master Sun's opinion doesn't carry the final weight. What do you think, Qingyang?" Fu Qingyang responded calmly, "Simply refuse her. If it's not convenient for you, I'll handle the call myself." A senior attendant from the Hundred Blossoms Assembly immediately chuckled, saying, "It's not a big matter at all. We might as well assign a Night-Wanderer from the Taiyuan Sect—after all, wouldn't Red-Stream Elder's personal favor be even more valuable? Moreover, we already have a Night-Wanderer from Taiyuan Sect stationed in each district. When they're needed, they always cooperate willingly, don't they, Zhang?" Zhang was the senior attendant of Fenghui District. The other attendants remained silent, refraining from offering opinions on such a sensitive matter. Seeing the others' expressions, Zhang furrowed his brow and said, "Since this is under the authority of Fu Bafu, I won't comment on personnel assignments. But regarding the work attitude of the Taiyuan Sect's Night-Wanderers, I'd like to bring it up. The witch-doctor we killed today wasn't even asked by a Taiyuan Night-Wanderer—instead, he refused cooperation, citing poor condition. My subordinate, the Shizhang, couldn't handle it, so he reached out to the second team of Kangyang District. Hah! Just a phone call, and they came without any complaints. "In my opinion, the night guardian from one's own household is still different from that of another family." Fu Qingyang paused, as he hadn't heard of this matter before. Upon hearing Old Zhang's words, the several attendants each offered their thoughts: "I think we should keep him. The Taiyuan Sect wouldn't want to lose one of its night guardians." "Right now is a time of staffing needs—our own people are more trustworthy." The attendant from the Hundred Blossom Assembly looked slightly embarrassed and remained silent. The curly-haired Teddy dog nodded: "Then we'll keep him. I'll go to Red Eave Elder to politely decline. Qingyang, the spiritual master Ling Jun from Taiyuan Sect will arrive at Songhai in a few days to assist us in tracking down Black Immaculate. Since you're of the same generation, you've been close in friendship, and you're one of the Four Princes, I suggest you welcome him personally." Fu Qingyang nodded in response.