At 10 a.m., Zhang Yuanqing arrived at Fu Jiawan by taxi. He swiped his white and black cards to unlock the gate and enter the villa, stopping in front of the brown double doors as the rabbit-dress attendants bowed and greeted him. Fu Qingyang truly enjoyed it—so many rabbit-dress attendants taking care of his meals, clothing, daily routines. When I become a powerful figure among the Spirit Realm travelers, I too want to hire a team of rabbit-dress attendants to serve me tea, bring water, do laundry, and massage me... Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself, feeling a sense of admiration. As he tapped his fingers on the wooden door of the study, he suddenly felt his thoughts seemed off, though he couldn't quite put his finger on why. "Knock-knock~" The door was tapped twice, then he pushed open the brown double doors. He didn't wait for a response because Fu Qingyang's study was so large and well-insulated that conversations inside were inaudible from outside. Even if Fu Qingyang shouted his loudest, no one would come to see him. In the study, Fu Qingyang sat at the desk with his ten fingers crossed upon the table, while Ling Jun sat cross-legged on the wooden sofa, intently brewing tea. Zhang Yuanqing walked across the long red carpet and stopped in front of the desk. "Are you feeling all right now?" Fu Qingyang nodded, offering a concerned greeting to his subordinate. Nearby, Ling Jun smiled gently. "The Night-Wanderer is as durable as a strong, unbreakable creature—he can't be defeated. Yuan-Shi, come and have a cup of tea." Zhang Yuanqing glanced at him and asked, "Major Ling, why is he still lingering here?" Ling Jun had come to Songhai to assist Fu Qingyang in tracking down the Black Uncommon, but ended up being a mere bystander, achieving little. Every day, he simply sipped tea, lounged around, and engaged in heartfelt conversations with Songhai's top female colleagues about life aspirations. Fu Qingyang gave a slight nod. "Indeed, he should be moved on. I don't keep idle people here." Ling Jun sighed. "Qingyang, you've fallen in love with someone new and forgotten your old companions. Our long-standing friendship simply can't compare to this young Fu Qingyang remained silent—he wasn’t being playful or making empty gestures. But Zhang Yuanqing was, and he spoke with growing anger: “You’re truly not easy to listen to. You can criticize me, but how can you criticize the centurion? Is the centurion someone who enjoys flattery? I’ve never flattered him—I’ve always spoken my genuine thoughts. And when you speak, can you even open your eyes?” Ling Jun sighed, squinting and shaking his head: “Your persistence is absolutely remarkable.” At the right moment, Fu Qingyang interrupted the two of them with their unproductive exchange, speaking seriously: “After deliberation among the elders, they’ve decided to award you an A-level achievement, with a cash bonus of two million yuan and two items as rewards. Do you have any objections? If so, I’ll relay them up. If not, then this will be final—our headquarters will issue an official announcement on the website. This is a unique benefit of an A-level achievement.” A-level achievement? Zhang Yuanqing was momentarily surprised. Under the system of the Five Elements Alliance, the value attached to A-level merits is substantial—beyond enhanced privileges and authority, it signifies a smooth and unobstructed career path. Once one's rank improves, positions such as squad leader or official will no longer be issues. After all, although Teng Yuan, the acting squad leader, is a Saint of Level 4, he still hasn't achieved the rank of squad leader due to insufficient merits, and continues to receive elite member benefits. Had it not been for the true-eyed squad leader being on leave for recovery, he would never have managed to even serve as a temporary squad leader. The two-million-yuan cash reward means my current net worth now stands at 2.5 million—seems rather auspicious, doesn't it? The item rewards perfectly compensate for the gaps left by the red ballet shoes and the Steady One's pearl. Zhang Yuanqing said, "I have no objections!" Fu Qingyang immediately pressed a button in the corner of the desk. Within minutes, ten slender, well-proportioned rabbit maids entered one after another, each holding a silver tray. They lined up in the study, standing straight and holding their trays with grace. Fu Qingyang pushed back his table with graceful and steady steps, lifted the red cloth covering the first silver tray, revealing a jade piece of deep green, circular, carved with vine-like patterns. "This item is called the 'Reviver,' a specialty for wood-element adepts. Its function allows the user to return to peak condition at the moment of near-death. The usage is simple—just wear it. However, note that if the user is killed instantly, the function will not activate." Fu Qingyang explained. To regain full status at the moment of near-death? This is truly a top-tier item—offering one additional life—no wonder wood-element adepts are renowned for their healing abilities. Zhang Yuanqing brightened: "Then, what is the cost associated with it?" Fu Qingyang's composed expression softened into a gentle smile: "The cost is also called 'Revival.' It instills a strong desire for reproduction in the user. Many official travelers have reported functional decline and have consequently requested to borrow it, rediscovering renewed joy in being a man. Zhang Yuanqing was once again struck by awe: the Wood Spirit truly lives up to its reputation as a master of restoration! To a certain extent, this cost is exactly what men dream of—yet it reacts chemically with the cost of the "Hayman" (the Stalwart), making me finally act on my long-held fantasies about the pig. After a moment's pause, Zhang Yuanqing shook his head and said, "I'd like to take a closer look." Fu Qingyang then lifted the red cloth covering the second tray, revealing a ring crafted from a deep-colored vine, and explained: "Forest Whispers—this allows you to communicate with trees and animals, understanding their messages and enabling them to respond to your commands. Though it lacks powerful offensive capabilities, it proves more practical than attack-oriented items in certain areas, such as tracking. The cost of using it is that you will become an extreme advocate for plant and animal conservation." In Zhang Yuanqing's mind, a scene unfolded: a man with a blurred face gently stroking a pig, asking it, "Doesn't it feel good?" while the pig happily exchanged words with him. *Eh!* Zhang Yuanqing shook his head seriously. "Let me take a closer look." Fu Qingyang glanced at him, puzzled as to why Yuan Shi had suddenly grown so serious. Was it because the props weren't up to par? Fu Qingyang approached the third tray, lifted the red cloth, and said, "It's called 'The Cute Hairpin.' The profession is that of a musician. Wearing it endows one with a charm that appeals equally to both men and women—no one would dare to harm you. The cost, however, is a growing feminization of personality." Zhang Yuanqing looked at the pink cartoon hairpin and asked, "Why is it here? Do the elders not know my gender?" Fu Qingyang replied, "It was personally chosen for you by the Dog Elder." "Then I understand," Zhang Yuanqing said, weighing his options. "I'd still like to take another look." He already had a red veil and red slippers; adding another hairpin simply didn't seem appropriate. Next, Fu Qingyang introduced the remaining seven items, belonging to the earth spirits, fire masters, scholars, night wanderers, and scouts. Zhang Yuanqing was overwhelmed, asking, “Captain, what do you recommend?” Fu Qingyang had been waiting for this question, and immediately replied, “The night wanderer excels in close combat, but your fighting skills are average—this significantly limits your effectiveness, especially when facing opponents like Gua Ya, who are skilled in combat techniques. In such cases, a surprise attack might backfire on you. Therefore, you need a ranged attack item. I recommend the Explosive Pistol.” Pausing, he continued, “I know you might say you’re not good at shooting—no problem. For the second item, choose the Eye of the Observer. It allows you to see through obstacles and detect hidden enemies around you, enhancing your vision and giving you the ability to anticipate the trajectories of moving objects. Together, these two items will enable you to become a master marksman—even if you’ve never held a gun before. The observer's eyes are a pair of sleek black-frame glasses, exuding a scholarly air; the explosive pistol is a large-caliber weapon with a deep red casing, commanding and imposing—a weapon so powerful that its recoil can fracture a regular person's bones. Zhang Yuanqing paused for a few seconds, feeling that this combination truly suited him at the moment, and exclaimed, "Then that's settled." He took the two items from Fu Qingyang, holding them in his hands, and the item information appeared promptly: 【Name: Observer's Eyes】 【Type: Glasses】 【Function: Perception, Enhanced Vision】 【Description: An excellent detective requires sharp eyes to capture subtle details. Likewise, an accomplished swordsman must possess the ability to discern his opponent's moves—an acute mind and an acute eye. Adapted from the writings of an indescribable swordsman. 】 【Note: Sometimes, being too clever isn't always a blessing—sometimes, a little confusion in life is better.】 …… 【Name: Shattering Pistol】 【Type: Weapon】 【Function: Penetrating, Shattering】 【Description: This pistol embodies the will of a powerful fire master. Its bullets carry an inherent shattering effect, making them effective against all armor, and also possess a mild purifying effect.】 【Note: Please keep your temper under control.】 It's worth noting that the cost of the Observer's Eye is that, once worn, one naturally begins to observe others, analyzing their inner thoughts—yet understanding people's innermost feelings is rarely a pleasant experience. You'll see evil intentions in your relatives and friends, or realize that your wife no longer loves you, even going so far as to serve you eco-friendly meals. As for the cost of the Shattering Pistol, it's straightforward. Zhang Yuan calmly folds the item and continues, "Commander, I have two requests." Fu Qingyang waved his hand, sending the rabbit maidess away, and as he returned to his desk, nodded slightly. "What's the matter?" Then he produced the scarecrow and handed it to Fu Qingyang: "This is a war prize I captured from Hei Wuxiang. I'd like to submit it to the organization." Fu Qingyang was slightly taken aback, set down the red ballet shoe, took the scarecrow, and upon closely examining it, quickly placed it back down, as though it were too hot to hold. "Keep this scarecrow for now," Fu Qingyang said, glancing at the unattractive figure. "I'll report it to the higher-ups and have the elders evaluate it. Every item added or removed from the treasury must go through a strict process." He glanced at the plain scarecrow and added, "If the elders feel the cost is too high or the return on investment insufficient, you'll have to be ready to sell it at a discount." The cost isn't that high—after all, it's merely a shift in species orientation... Zhang Yuanqing nodded helplessly. He knew he'd never be able to negotiate with the elders. Across from her sat the Lady Master of Zhishi, dressed in a crimson gown, now wearing a mask that covered only her nose, revealing her lush, vibrant lips. "I've had inquiries made," said Xie Lingxi with a sly smile, "Master Sister, can you guess who killed Hei Wushuang?" The Lady Master of Zhishi glanced at her with a neutral expression. Xie Lingxi immediately became attentive and said, "It was Yuanshi Brother, of course." The Lady Master's eyes flashed with interest: "He?" "Indeed, he's remarkable. I actually thought he had passed away just recently," Xie Lingxi said, especially enthusiastic when mentioning Yuanshi Tianzun. "My father is also very interested in him, and has expressed intentions to develop him as a key connection for the Xie family, so I've been asked to spend more time getting to know him." For the elite families of the Lingjing realm, investing in and nurturing a promising official member is a standard practice. The Lady Master of Zhishi chuckled, "Isn't it simpler and more direct to cultivate him as Xie family's son-in-law?" Xie Lingxi blushed, "Well, she "Master of the Stilling Palace said, 'The Xie family isn't only you as their daughter—your aunt and cousin sisters are numerous.' Shie Lingxi smiled, 'With their refined, domineering natures, they can only marry off young men who are eager to court the Xie family. True talents, however, are unwilling to flatter or please them—these talented ones simply prefer girls who care deeply for their brother.' Master of the Stilling Palace stood up and walked to the balcony, placing both hands on the railing, murmuring softly, 'He's growing so quickly...' The young lady with the round face glanced around and then went straight to the counter, sitting down beside a bald man. "Any news lately?" The bald man looked fierce, with striking, intimidating tattoos covering both his face and scalp, so vivid and elaborate that they seemed to overwhelm the viewer. "What exactly would you like to know?" he set down his glass, ran a hand over his head, and smiled widely. He was the venue provider and protector of this outpost—the Saint-level Deceiver Spirit. His in-world ID was "Tian Ling Ling." The young lady pulled out ten paper bills, placed them on the counter, and pushed them toward the bald man. "Just pick any one." Tian Ling Ling nodded contentedly. "A major combat quest is being launched. I heard that Li Xianzong has scheduled it for Songhai." For the realm travelers, large-scale combat quests represented a major clash between the Lawful and Chaotic factions—and were one of only two opportunities per year to advance in rank. Tier 3 Extraordinary and Tier 6 Sage candidates wishing to advance and enter higher ranks must participate in large-scale combat instances. At such times, the major organizations of the Evil professions recruit promising young talents and deploy them to key cities, assigning them to hunt down the Wanderers of the Lawful professions, thereby building anticipation for the launch of these major instances. They also enable promising junior members from both sides to gain mutual insight into each other's capabilities, so that when the instances begin, they can operate with a clear understanding of their opponents. Of course, this is solely the Evil faction's initiative—the Lawful professions maintain their own "tournament" system. "Didn't he go to the Capital instead, but chose the Song Sea?" Xiao Yuan was surprised. The Capital is the holy grail for any aspiring Evil profession leader, as both the Five Elements Alliance and the Tai Men headquarters are located there. Only the most accomplished Wanderers from the Hunting Headquarters can truly feel a sense of achievement. The bald man smiled, but said nothing. Ms. Xiao Yuan then drew out ten more banknotes. The bald man continued, "I've heard the list of extraordinary-tier rewards is changing, and Master Yuanshiyuan of the Songhai Branch is likely to enter the top five. But I'm not sure whether Li Xianzong's visit to Songhai is specifically aimed at eliminating him." How has Master Yuanshiyuan suddenly risen to the top five? Aunt Xiao Yuan didn't pursue this topic further, and instead pulled out ten more banknotes, "I heard Black Liang has passed away. I'd like to know the details."