Fu Jiawan. The villa community in the prime location of Kangyang District, located in Songhai. In the suburban areas, the average price for villas ranges from 90,000 to 120,000 yuan; as for those in the city center—Zhang Yuanqing has never personally explored that segment. Yet since he resides in Kangyang District, Zhang Yuanqing has heard much about Fu Jiawan—the famed upscale residential area. Just a few years ago, the most expensive villa there sold for 350 million yuan. Such an elite neighborhood is simply inaccessible by taxi—Zhang Yuanqing stepped out at the entrance and waited quietly for several minutes until a graceful woman in a tailored coat approached, her posture elegant and poised. “Yuan Shi Tian Zun?” Her smile was gentle and warm. “I am,” Zhang Yuanqing nodded. “It’s Guan Ya who sent me to escort you.” She smiled kindly. The woman had an elegant figure, long legs adorned with black silk stockings, her makeup refined yet understated—a strikingly beautiful woman. Following behind her, Zhang Yuanqing walked through the wide, tree-lined streets of the community for about fifteen minutes before stopping outside a magnificent large villa. Behind the ornate iron gates, a spacious courtyard transformed into an exquisite garden setting—through thoughtful arrangements of flowers and trees, rock formations, water features, and architectural design, with winding pathways and carefully laid out landscaping, the atmosphere was refined and serene. At the heart of this garden stood a grand three-story villa, beautifully framed by its surrounding natural beauty. Ah! No wonder the wealthy capitalist’s son is so lofty—Zhang Yuanqing sighed internally. Compared to himself—a well-off native of Songhai—the place felt as if he were living in a mansion with nothing but bare walls and an empty dining room. The woman removed her coat, revealing a black, form-fitting uniform reminiscent of a rabbit lady—she fastened white ear accents on her head, smiled warmly, and said: “The Hundred-man Commander is waiting upstairs for you. Let’s go.” In an instant, she transformed from a composed executive into a vibrant, curvaceous woman in uniform. On the second floor, she guided Zhang Yuanqing to the entrance of a study room, softly saying: “The Hundred-man Commander is awaiting you.” Then, she stepped back. Zhang Yuanqing raised his hand and gently tapped on the double wooden doors. “Come in,” came Fu Qingyang’s voice from within. The door was not locked; Zhang Yuanqing pushed it open slightly, and a scene unfolded before him—more like a lounge than a traditional study. A rich red carpet covered the spacious room. Luxurious wooden sofas, antique stands, bookshelves lined the walls, and oil paintings, armor, Western-style iron swords, and Chinese ancient swords hung on the ceiling. Fu Qingyang sat at his desk directly facing the entrance, with behind him a portrait of himself—his own self-portrait. Guan Ya was right—he truly did have an air of superiority. Zhang Yuanqing walked across the long carpet toward the desk and said: “Hundred-man Commander.” “Hmm,” Fu Qingyang nodded briefly, his expression composed yet slightly distant. Some people appear cold and restrained on the outside—yet behind them, they maintain an entire staff of rabbit ladies… Zhang Yuanqing glanced at him with a quiet thought. Fu Qingyang said: “Xiaohou Tianyuan is currently detained in the basement downstairs. I’ll take you there shortly.” “Would it truly be acceptable to simply kill him like that?” Zhang Yuanqing asked. Fu Qingyang replied calmly: “Even without considering his misconduct, merely the fact that he has collaborated with a secret organization is enough—consider that alone sufficient grounds for execution. Once you’ve questioned him about his spiritual essence, I’ll arrest Xiaohou Xin and formally charge him with legal penalties; then come Xiaohou Chi—the one currently held in Dog Elder’s zoo. However, to secure his release, we must initiate a formal request.” Indeed, this Hundred-man Commander of the White Tiger Army is decisive and resolute—Zhang Yuanqing admired that, yet quietly added: sadly, he’s rather an lsp. At the very moment, when he saw these rabbit ladies, Zhang Yuanqing mentally envisioned over 100 gigabytes of narrative—a feeling so profound it almost triggered a physical change in his DNA. Then Fu Qingyang furrowed his brows: “Do you have any dissatisfaction with me?” Ah? Zhang Yuanqing paused and shook his head vigorously. “No—no, Hundred-man Commander, you are truly admirable.” “You do,” said Fu Qingyang firmly. “No.” “You do,” the noble young man emphasized, slightly frowning. “In front of the scouts, any attempt to hide your feelings would be entirely futile.” Well… Seeing this, Zhang Yuanqing decided to drop his pretenses and chuckled: “My only surprise is that the Hundred-man Commander keeps such a private life—indeed, I must confess, he has an exceptional taste. Unlike me who simply prefers black silk stockings and long legs, with rather limited preferences.” Fu Qingyang’s eyes twitched slightly—he looked at him in silent astonishment before finally explaining: “They are housemaids responsible only for household chores and meals.” Ah? Only household duties and meals—how exactly are rabbit ladies used this way? Zhang Yuanqing felt deeply saddened. ... Descending the stairs, Zhang Yuanqing followed Fu Qingyang to the underground level two. The specifications of the second sub-level resembled a hotel—red carpeted corridors flanked by individual prison cells. Why would they maintain such an extensive basement at home? Was it a personal preference or one favored by the White Tiger Army units? Zhang Yuanqing kept glancing around curiously. Thanks to efficient ventilation, the air in the basement remained fresh and flowing. Fu Qingyang approached a steel gate, lit a match, and placed his cigarette against the grille, gazing intently through it at the interior of the cell. Zhang Yuanqing followed his gaze into the room. Xiaohou Tianyuan wore steel manacles on his wrists and a wooden crutch around his neck—his overall appearance was quite healthy; clearly, he wasn’t suffering from lack of food or clothing. The manacles and crutch must be props—otherwise they couldn't contain a Level 3 Realm Walker. Zhang Yuanqing observed him closely. Having already sensed the footsteps approaching, Xiaohou Tianyuan glared at the two rivals standing in front of him with intense hostility before finally fixing his gaze on Zhang Yuanqing, saying dryly: “Ah! Come to pay your respects to my father? I’m doing fine—once I leave this place, I’ll peel you alive and draw out your spine.” He then turned to Fu Qingyang, scoffing: “Fu Qingyang, how long can you hold me captive? As a direct descendant of the Xiaohou family, all the evidence you’ve gathered will only secure my detention for several years. Once I attain Sage Realm status, the entire Xiaohou family will surely intervene and rescue me.” Even imprisoned, he remained confident. Xiaohou Tianyuan acknowledged defeat—yet what could be done? At most, he would be held captive for a few years. And if he achieved Sage Realm status during one of the large-scale killing instances in mid-year or late year, the family’s support network would ensure his release. Even though other branches of the Xiaohou family wished to see him perish, once he attained Sage status, the elders would certainly protect him. Fu Qingyang said calmly: “Has the entire Xiaohou family journeyed all the way from afar in order merely to avenge Xiaohou Tianwen?” Xiaohou Tianyuan remained silent, offering only a cold smile. Zhang Yuanqing took on the role of the understated commentator and remarked: “I suspect there’s another agenda at play.” Fu Qingyang glanced at him thoughtfully: “Oh? How so?” Zhang Yuanqing replied: “I believe that Master of Zhishake Palace may have uncovered certain secrets from Xiaohou Tianwen—hence, Xiaohou Chi has brought her core forces to Songhai specifically—to eliminate any potential witnesses.” Fu Qingyang expressed his sudden realization: “So what kind of secret do you think this is?” Zhang Yuanqing said: “For instance, Xiaohou Chi’s lineage may have secretly allied with the Dark Night Rose.” Upon hearing this, Xiaohou Tianyuan's eyes widened in shock—his previously proud and commanding demeanor melted into astonishment. No—it simply couldn’t be possible… The idea was beyond believable. His inner resistance surged. “I don’t understand what you’re talking about,” Xiaohou Tianyuan quickly composed himself, regaining his boldness: “After all, although the Xiaohou family may not rival the Fu family in prestige, I still believe we cannot be treated so casually—so openly defamed and undermined.” Fu Qingyang stared at the defiant expression on his face, then drew out a access card from his pocket and handed it to Zhang Yuanqing. “Beep!” Zhang Yuanqing took the card and swiped it through the door’s reader. As he entered the prison room, he reached into the air with one hand—grasping a 40-centimeter-long, gleaming willow blade that shimmered in the light. Xiaohou Tianyuan’s face changed instantly—he stared alternately between Zhang Yuanqing and the blade, speaking in shock: “What are you going to do?” Zhang Yuanqing smiled broadly: “Kill you—ask for your spiritual essence!” Xiaohou Tianyuan froze briefly before growing increasingly agitated, like a startled cat, shouting furiously: “You dare to kill me? Yuan Shi Tian Zun? You dare to kill me? “I am the eldest son of the Xiaohou family—I’m a direct descendant of an ancestral line. If you kill me, the entire Xiaohou family will not forgive you. “What are you—just a humble Pilgrim? How dare you do this to me!” Zhang Yuanqing advanced step by step—Xiaohou Tianyuan’s expression shifted from anger to fear, repeatedly pleading: “Yuan Shi Tian Zun, don’t let Fu Qingyang exploit you—he is using you! Our differences are not insurmountable—don’t be used!" “I believe,” Zhang Yuanqing said as he moved to his back, lifting his face and exposing his neck with one hand while holding the willow blade lightly against his carotid artery, “someone of such unprincipled character would be better off dead.” Blood erupted like a fountain—dripping onto the walls and floor, staining them in vivid red. The blade's blood-drawing nature accelerated this effect. Xiaohou Tianyuan collapsed to the ground, struggling briefly before gradually becoming motionless—his eyes remained fixed on Zhang Yuanqing with bitter resentment until his final breaths. Zhang Yuanqing retrieved the blade and quickly began gathering the dissipating spiritual essence, swirling blackness visible in his gaze. Soon, scattered fragments of spirit converged above Xiaohou Tianyuan’s body to form a faint, ethereal silhouette—his expression dull yet fierce. Though facial expressions could be controlled, the spirit could authentically reflect one’s true nature. Indeed, Xiaohou Tianyuan was a man with an inherently fierce character. Zhang Yuanqing inhaled deeply and absorbed this spirit form—the memories of Xiaohou Tianyuan surged into his mind like flashes of light in a carousel. The memories were fragmented and disordered—rapidly cycling through his consciousness. Zhang Yuanqing witnessed several moments from Xiaohou Tianyuan’s past—during junior high school, he had bullied weaker students, even assaulting the English teacher, eventually being resolved with help from the family. Yet he never changed—he repeatedly committed physical assaults on several female classmates, progressing into high school where he learned to use money as leverage to manipulate female teachers and students, bullying those who were less powerful. After his adulthood, his actions grew even more severe—pressuring entrepreneurs, forming alliances with state-owned enterprise leaders, and nurturing wild Realm Walkers as his personal enforcers… The memories flowed swiftly past in succession—until Zhang Yuanqing finally observed the moments most significant to Xiaohou Tianyuan. Inside a closed-off study room, light from lamps illuminated clearly—the desk sat beside his father, Xiaohou Xin, who was facing him solemnly. He looked at his son and said: “The Dark Night Rose is an organization so formidable it’s almost unimaginable—its influence spans both official institutions and private enterprises. One day, every Realm Walker will kneel beneath its authority.” “Father,” the boy asked, “such a powerful organization could easily establish its own domain and become either a new official or an evil entity—why does it remain hidden?” Xiaohou Xin paused briefly before answering: “Do you know why the Five Elements Alliance and Taiyi Gate were able to become recognized as official organizations?” “Because the most Pilgrims from the Order of Harmony are present, perhaps?” “No—that’s not true. It is because five leaders control the ultimate secrets of the Realm—those who lead enduring evil organizations too. Tianyuan, you must understand that the opposition between harmony and chaos runs deeper than you might imagine.” “The Dark Night Rose seeks to become the sovereign authority over the Realm.” The scene dissolved as Zhang Yuanqing withdrew from the spiritual inquiry.