Zhang Yuanqing picked up a black jade piece, and a message appeared in his field of vision:
【Name: Dream-Calling Jade Symbol】
【Type: Consumable Item】
【Function: Summoning via Dreams】
【Description: A sub-item produced by the Nightmare Generator—the device opens a dream channel connecting the user to their own consciousness.】
【Note: At one point, an indescribable entity happened to read a comic titled "X Dream Generator," moved deeply by it, and thus the Nightmare Generator came into existence.]
Dream-related props—hadn’t he remembered correctly?—dreams were apparently the specialty of Illusionist professionals. Was this master, Master Without Trace, an Illusionist? Zhang Yuanqing secured the jade symbol and turned to Xie Lingxi at his side, saying:
“Let’s go.”
Then, he bowed slightly to the elegant woman standing by the elevator door:
“We’re sorry for the disturbance—we haven’t been here before, nor did we know this hotel existed.”
The woman exhaled, “Well, you’re quite polite!”
She pressed the button to descend and led Zhang Yuanqing and Xie Lingxi back down to the ground floor.
Once they settled into the car, as the view of the unmarked hotel faded into the distance, Xie Lingxi finally relaxed her tense posture and said:
“Brother Yuan Shi, I believe Master Without Trace is an Illusionist—very highly ranked indeed.”
She took out the black jade piece and added with a touch of reflection:
“I wonder whether we should use it when danger arises…?”
Although Master Without Trace did not harm them personally, being from the Evil Organization made them feel deeply uneasy.
“When the moment of life-or-death truly comes,” Zhang Yuanqing said, “we’ll naturally make use of it—after all, it won’t be worse than dying.”
Xie Lingxi nodded gently, then added with a sense of sadness:
“When I was young, elders always told me that Evil Organization members were criminals stained with blood, who would endure being cut to pieces without mercy. Yet I never imagined that some individuals committed violent acts—driven by circumstances—were not inherently wicked, but rather trying to redeem themselves.”
Zhang Yuanqing suddenly recalled Ou Xiangrong—the Enchantment Demon—who had suffered severe bullying during his school years, felt helpless for support, and carried lasting psychological scars that eventually twisted his mindset into a path of no return.
Had someone stepped in at the time, perhaps the world would have seen fewer such harsh, brutal offenders.
Ou Xiangrong should certainly be eliminated—because he had completely broken down, becoming fierce and bloodthirsty—but what about the guilt of being an unloving father? What about other members of the Evil Organization who also felt this sense of regret?
Zhang Yuanqing slowly said:
“The Evil Organization is humanity’s own fire—it cannot be changed. You may not alter the environment or human nature. The more you think, the more you’ll grow to detest the world.”
Xie Lingxi looked disheartened—these words were realistic but felt powerless. She had hoped that Brother Yuan Shi would offer her uplifting, comforting “soup” messages—the kind of reassurance that could soothe her inner burdens.
Zhang Yuanqing then shifted tone: “While we cannot change the environment, we can transform ourselves. As our understanding deepens about the Evil Organization, I believe you now see how to appropriately engage with these groups. When you meet members like those who feel guilty as fathers, strive to offer them support.”
Xie Lingxi brightened, then deliberately assumed a delicate, youthful tone:
“Brother Yuan Shi is truly remarkable—so young in age, yet so decisive. Unlike me, who only feels empathy and compassion for others.”
As he watched the frail, gentle woman, Zhang Yuanqing was about to speak when the speaker inside his waistband suddenly emitted a faint crackling sound, followed by a low, resonant song echoing throughout the cabin:
“Always appearing weak, always appearing weak…”
The line repeated over and over in loop.
Xie Lingxi’s face instantly stiffened.
“Oh—this is the prop we found at the underground parking lot—it keeps making random sounds.” Zhang Yuanqing nearly laughed out loud.
Xie Lingxi: “…Ah.”
...
Shi’s car delivered him to the entrance of the Kangyang District Administration Office, and as Xie Lingxi stepped out of the vehicle, she waved toward him:
“Brother Yuan Shi—I’ll be staying in Place for the next few days. Come visit me whenever you have time!”
“Great!”
Zhang Yuanqing gave a casual, perfunctory response, waved, then entered the administration building.
As he approached the glass-walled office building, he heard waves of enthusiastic cheers and laughter—lively and festive, as though hosting a celebration.
What was going on? Curious, Zhang Yuanqing entered the building and found the office area empty. The young staff members and female colleagues had gathered in the leisure zone, clustering around the Chief (Shi Chang), Guan Ya, and Wang Tai.
Tables were laid with cakes, delicious food, and beverages—abundant and well-prepared. Everyone held glasses or plates, smiling warmly, the atmosphere vibrant and celebratory.
“Ah! Our hero has arrived—welcome everyone!”
Li Dongze looked toward the door and began clapping enthusiastically.
Clapping thundered through the room—the staff members smiled with genuine warmth.
Zhang Yuanqing’s mind stirred—he asked tentatively: “Have the rewards and recognition been finalized?”
Guan Ya nodded with a gentle smile.
“Oh my, oh my—did you hear me praying? Yes, you certainly did!” Zhang Yuanqing beamed, excitedly gesturing.
Li Dongze: “…”
He tightened his walking cane before loosening it, deciding to join the celebration instead.
After the party concluded, Zhang Yuanqing, now with a full belly, turned back toward the second floor and settled comfortably into his office chair, asking:
“Chief, how much are my rewards and recognition? Is there a list?”
Li Dongze glanced at Guan Ya, who opened her pink notebook and placed it in front of Zhang Yuanqing.
Zhang Yuanqing quickly straightened up to gaze at the screen:
【Clearing She Ling Tunnel: D-level Recognition, 50,000 RMB (Personal Award)】
【Killing Ou Xiangrong: D-level Recognition, 300,000 RMB (Team Award)】
【Clearing Jinshui Water Park: B-level Recognition, 500,000 RMB (Personal Award)】
The She Ling Tunnel is part of the Night Wandering Deity Trial Realm. Its underlying value lies in securing a future Night Wandering Deity slot for the Five Elements Alliance and delivering intelligence on the revival of the Mountain Goddess.
However, since this intelligence was used to settle personal obligations, the Five Elements Alliance did not receive direct financial gain—thus earning only D-level recognition.
The achievement of killing Ou Xiangrong counts as a team award—200,000 RMB in total. Zhang Yuanqing received 100,000, while the remaining 100,000 was shared equally among all team members—including administrative staff.
Li Dongze was especially delighted because the team recognition offered him the greatest return—not only for his own contribution but also for his future promotion prospects as Chief.
That is precisely why the Chiefs—such as Qingteng Bai Long—were so envious of him—the more talented subordinates they had, the greater their personal benefits grew, and a standout subordinate could even carry a chief to success without much effort.
The B-level recognition for clearing Jinshui Water Park was especially significant—it represents the highest level obtainable by ordinary official Pilgrims. Even a Senior Executive-level Pilgrim would envy such an achievement.
In short, as soon as Zhang Yuanqing advances to Level 3 Night Wandering Deity, he will definitely qualify for a Chief-level promotion.
Many Level-3 Pilgrims still remain in the elite ranks—lacking recognition awards that would allow them to advance.
Three recognitions totaling 650,000 RMB—the sum of his life has never been so generous! Zhang Yuanqing’s heart thumped wildly.
Beside him, Guan Ya patted his shoulder and smiled:
“We ate too much today—tomorrow night you’ll have to host a dinner party—I’ll make sure to charge you heavily!”
Zhang Yuanqing glanced at her with a raised eyebrow:
“You’re talking to me? A woman addressing a man whose worth is now 650,000 RMB?”
“You’re really floating now…” Guan Ya muttered.
Li Dongze watched the exchange with a smile and said:
“The recognition has been approved, and your authority has also been enhanced—now you can access higher-level documentation. Go explore in the Archive yourself.
Additionally, your proposal to participate in the pursuit of Black Unusual (Black Without Constant) has been accepted by Fu Bai Fu Chang. From now on, you’ll join me and Guan Ya in all such actions.”
Fu Bai Fu Chang approved it? Zhang Yuanqing felt a surge of joy.
Having a leader who recognizes and values you is truly uplifting—it means that most of your requests will be granted.
As he watched Li Dongze return to his office, Zhang Yuanqing touched the rounded belly of his car seat and suddenly thought—could he now access information about Master Without Trace with his current authority?
With no hesitation, he immediately logged into the official Archive using the credentials of Yuan Shi Tian Zun and entered “Master Without Trace” in the search bar.
Unlike last time when no relevant data appeared, this time a message popped up:
“ID: Past Unnoticed, Master of the Sovereign Realm, C-level Wanted Officer.”
“Note: This individual once severely injured senior members of Chì Huǒ Clan, yet is not bloodthirsty—shows little hostility toward official organization personnel. When encountering such a person, avoid direct confrontation—keep at a distance…”
Sovereign Realm? Zhang Yuanqing’s eyes widened in astonishment.