Zhang Yuanqing gently strokes the bald head, pulls out five banknotes, and hands them back, saying: “My news isn’t worth this price, hey—I sell intelligence and always demand fairness.” She lifts her wine glass, takes a sip, then murmurs: “Black Unusual was killed last night by people from the Loonghai Branch. Fu Qingyang led the charge—did you know that?” Aunt’s voice is crisp and cold: “So it’s indeed Fu Qingyang who killed him? Who else took part in the assault, and where exactly did it take place?” Zhang Yuanqing lights a cigarette, exhales a steady plume of white smoke, saying: “The location hasn’t been confirmed yet—we haven’t even pin-pointed it, given how vast Loonghai is. I can’t provide you with detailed accounts either. What I’ve heard is that both the Sacred Cup and the Register are now held by the Loonghai Branch, who have already mobilized forces to apprehend the fallen ones listed on the Register.” “Additionally, just thirty minutes ago, the official forum of the Five Elements Alliance posted an announcement: The member Yuan Shi Tian Zun from the Loonghai Branch, and Li Dongze from the Kangyang District’s Second Team, has distinguished himself in the Sacred Cup Incident and received an A-level merit award…” What came after that, Aunt didn’t notice—she seemed lost in thought, motionless for a long while. Suddenly, she realized a possibility: Black Unusual wasn’t killed by Fu Qingyang—but rather by Yuan Shi Tian Zun, the newcomer. If he hadn’t played a decisive role, merely as one of several participants, it would have been impossible to receive an A-level merit award—this is among the highest honors in the Five Elements Alliance. That alone wouldn’t explain her dazed expression; what struck her was something she’d heard earlier that morning: “In this incident, I am truly the first to achieve success.” So he’s Yuan Shi Tian Zun? Aunt had always thought of him as a regular official Pilgrim—an ordinary young man with decent character and a bit of charm. She never imagined he was actually one of the rising stars in the Five Elements Alliance—the new talent recently highlighted on the rewards list. Ah, it’s him—indeed, he has been investigating Black Unusual all along, is an active participant in this Sacred Cup Incident—and now she sees clearly: his contaminated-soul Prop must have originated from Black Unusual. With these details accumulating, Aunt’s confidence in her initial hunch grows stronger. She’ll find a moment to probe further! She says calmly: “I’m satisfied with your intelligence—keep an eye on Li Xianzong’s updates, and I’ll be coming back regularly.” At this moment, in one of the corner booths, a man bare-chested walks over, sits beside Aunt, and slowly sweeps his eyes across her sensuous curves. He licks his lips, grinning: “Girlie, shall we go and have some fun?” Aunt turns to face him, following his gesture toward the booth—where a broad-shouldered figure is now shifting slightly as he leans toward the counter with one leg swinging over the other. For the Evil Organization, sensual fulfillment is routine—desire, destruction, passion… Aunt withdraws her gaze and says coldly: “Go away!” “Oh,” the bare-chested man murmurs, placing his hand gently on her shoulder, only to suddenly gasp—and then cough violently. His face turns crimson as he continues to cough, black droplets of blood seeping from his pores. Zhang Yuanqing drinks a sip of wine and adds: “My territory—I can’t have anyone killed here.” Aunt snorts and rises, her coat billowing behind her, vanishing at the staircase entrance. After several minutes, the man stops coughing, now covered in dark blood, gasping for breath. Zhang Yuanqing chuckles derisively: “That woman’s a handful—I’d never dare to approach her lightly.” The man grits his teeth: “I’ll take her hostage and have my way with her.” Zhang Yuanqing laughs out loud: “Then remember to call me when you’re ready.” “Of course, I won’t forget, Tian Guan—definitely. We’ll go together.” “But actually, I mean—call me over to collect your body.” As she speaks, footsteps echo from the staircase entrance. A young man in a black vest and camouflage trousers enters the underground bar. He’s well-built, with sharp eyebrows and a strong jawline, his physique holding up the vest as he holds a silver butterfly knife in hand. “Long time no see, Tian Senior,” he says, demonstrating the blade as he takes a seat at the counter. Zhang Yuanqing observes the young man's confident demeanor and remarks: “Just now, a Sage-level Wu Gu Master came by to gather information about you—currently, I can’t gauge whether there’s any potential hostility. You should keep an eye on him.” Zhang Yuanqing is an Enchantment Demon, a member of the Army Headquarters, though her identity is classified—publicly she’s referred to as a Wild Pilgrim. After Li Xianzong decided to undertake his trial in Loonghai, they had already established contact. Li Xianzong replies nonchalantly: “How did your collection of information go? I specifically asked you to gather that.” Zhang Yuanqing taps her finger once; the bar attendant wipes a glass by the wine cabinet and bends down to retrieve a stack of documentation from behind the counter, placing it on the counter. Li Xianzong eagerly takes it, opens it, and begins reading carefully. The first page clearly reads: “Yuan Shi Tian Zun.” Zhang Yuanqing holds her glass gently with two fingers, shaking it slightly, saying: “Compared to the top four on the rewards list, Yuan Shi Tian Zun is actually the lowest-ranked—below three levels. He’s risen too quickly; his foundation isn’t solid yet. I agree that targeting him offers the best return on investment—but…” “He’s quite unusual—the information about him is sparse, unlike the other four whose combat styles we’ve thoroughly documented. You’ll need to be cautious when dealing with him.” Li Xianzong grins: “That makes it more exciting! Tian Senior—I heard from elder members of my sect that you used to be fearless in your youth—how come now you’re so hesitant and cautious?” “If I were twenty years younger, I’d have already taken off your head,” Zhang Yuanqing chuckles. “Come on, fight me a battle?” Li Xianzong challenges the Sage-level senior with unabashed boldness. Zhang Yuanqing simply ignores him. Li Xianzong—just under one year as an Enchantment Demon—has already reached peak level three status among Pilgrims. He’s naturally combative, sharp-minded, and at level one he once defeated a level-two Wu Gu Master. At level two, he became hard to beat within his peer group and was later recruited into the ranks of the Four Heavenly Kings under the Magician King. Indeed, after reaching peak level three, he single-handedly eliminated a four-level Sage from the Ling Neng Association’s South Branch. The prominence of Yuan Shi Tian Zun at Loonghai Branch mirrors Li Xianzong’s own achievements within Army Headquarters—when he becomes a Sage, he’ll be eligible to visit the headquarters and meet “Shuro.” Li Xianzong flips through the materials, asking: “Are there any other updates? I recall that the Ling Neng Association’s East District Branch is also in Loonghai. What about their activities?” Zhang Yuanqing speaks softly: “Since the death of the Ghost Eye Judge, the East District Branch has suffered a significant blow and may not participate in this year’s trial. The Loonghai Branch won’t be competing with you.” Li Xianzong nods: “Ah, Tian Senior—I’ve quietly assembled several servants of the Ghost Eye Judge to launch something substantial—testing how the Loonghai Branch responds. Is Yuan Shi Tian Zun stationed at Kangyang District? You’re the local insider—you just need to pick a location.” Zhang Yuanqing smiles: “If you want it big, go for a shopping mall, hospital, or school—I guarantee it’ll be dramatic.” Li Xianzong strokes his chin: “A shopping mall has too many people—my manpower isn’t sufficient. Schools? My father admires intellectuals—he won’t be disturbing them. Hmm, my father passed away in a hospital—and just before he died, the hospital drained his family’s savings. So let’s go with the hospital.” Zhang Yuanqing thinks for a moment: “The better hospitals in Kangyang District—how about Ping Tai Hospital?” Li Xianzong nods firmly: “That one it is.” … On the official forum, a surge of activity follows the recent announcement. #Yuan Shi Tian Zun earns the Sacred Cup during the operation to capture Black Unusual and receives an A-level merit award# The announcement is concise—only a few sentences—but even this brevity has left officials across various branches stunned. [Li Dongze: Oh my goodness, oh my goodness—I haven’t slept all night! Yes, no doubt about it—I’m truly excited.] [Bingqi: Who exactly is this person? Speaks oddly.] [Bai Long: @Bingqi—Yuan Shi Tian Zun was actually found and brought in by accident—he’s had a lucky break.] [Bingqi: Ah—my ancestors must be smiling now! I’m so envious.] [Laizi Fangchang: Yuan Shi…wasn’t he dead?]? [Qingteng: Actually, that was a deliberate ruse to distract Black Unusual.] [Laizi Fangchang: Oh—I see. So Qingteng sister—did Yuan Shi Tian Zun actually kill Black Unusual?] [Qingteng: Yes, I saw it firsthand.] [Call Me Queen: That young man—the one now known as Yuan Shi Tian Zun—is truly rising to the heavens! Just recently a newcomer, and now he’s a leading figure with an A-level merit. Even my small team leader will have to show him proper respect.] [Little Pig George: How many years has it been since someone from the grassroots received an A-level award? We’ve just witnessed the rise of a true talent—by the way, Yuan Shi Tian Zun is surely going to be among the top names on the Evil Organization’s rewards list.] [Go To The Day After: Yes—I wonder if he’ll be hunted down by strong contenders in the Evil Organization. But with his current level, how many elevated-stage individuals can possibly defeat him?] [Little Pig George: Not necessarily—look at our Five Elements Alliance; most of the top five on their elevated-stage rewards list are truly unique.] The comment section quickly amasses thousands of posts—most expressing astonishment over Yuan Shi Tian Zun’s achievements, sparking widespread discussion. Another prodigy has emerged in the Five Elements Alliance—this isn’t surprising to frequent forum users, given that Yuan Shi Tian Zun has cleared two S-level Spirit Realms. Now, with headquarters bestowing an A-level merit, this signals a rising star within the future leadership ranks. Once meritorious service is achieved, promotion to the corresponding level will lead to appointment in official positions. “It’s quite thrilling—everyone keeps praising him—I enjoy that…” In the bustling, brightly lit mall, Zhang Yuanqing walks with her aunt, chatting casually while scrolling on her smartphone. “You never stop playing with your phone!” Aunt puffs out her cheeks and complains. Zhang Yuanqing gently puts her phone back into her pocket. “Let’s catch a movie next—haven’t seen one this month.” Aunt suggests. Years ago, shopping at malls, watching movies, and enjoying fine food were their weekend routines. After that, the two parted ways: one to attend school, the other to work as an office employee. “That sounds great!” Zhang Yuanqing replies. “Do you have any tickets for a movie titled ‘Yu Pu Tong’?” “Roll over!” “Oh—you’ve seen it too, haven’t you?” … The next day, Zhang Yuanqing arrives at her workplace with a backpack and wearing a mask and baseball cap. “Yuan Shi Tian Zun has returned,” the receptionist smiles, “He’s waiting for you upstairs.” Who is Li Xianzong? My ‘Chief’ is clearly named Teng Yuan… Zhang Yuanqing gives a polite smile: “Thank you.”