Chapter 142: Speculations About the Spirit Realm

Chapter 142: Speculations About the Spirit Realm

Guan Ya’s spinning pen suddenly stopped, and she looked at him meaningfully:

“Why ask about this? The Xiahou family won’t trouble you anymore, so don’t worry. To be precise, other factions of the Xiahou family might even be eager to drink and celebrate with you.”

Zhang Yuanqing looked back at her equally meaningfully and said, “I just want to know.”

Guan Ya pondered for a moment and said in a low voice, “Follow me.”

She rose from her office chair, stepped on her high heels, and clicked her way to the restroom.

What? We’re going to talk in the restroom? Wouldn’t it be better to go downstairs? Zhang Yuanqing glanced at Wang Tai, who was bent over his work, and quickly followed the old hand.

The two entered the restroom one after the other, and Zhang Yuanqing closed the door.

Guan Ya crossed her arms and said:

“The surviving ancestors of the Spirit Realm families, including the five official alliance leaders, are all among the first Spirit Realm Walkers. Oh, our White Tiger Soldiers’ Marshal is not. The first Spirit Realm Walkers were born in the late Qing and early Republic of China.”

A change came over Zhang Yuanqing’s face.

He was silent for a long time, then pinched his brow ridge and said, “So that’s how it is…”

Guan Ya’s answer resolved a doubt that had troubled him for a long time.

Spirit Realm Walkers have not existed since ancient times; the role cards appeared in modern times. That is to say, if there were various professions in ancient times, their method of advancement was indeed through breathing exercises and cultivation.

The mountain temple’s handwritten notes and the Yin-Yang Recluse’s cultivation records—the contents are not a fictional background created by the Spirit Realm; ancient people really did practice this way.

The possibility that the Old Stick and the Yin-Yang Recluse truly existed was greatly increased.

Moreover, this could well explain the advanced concept of role cards, and even suggests that the Spirit Realm might have undergone version updates.

The original version did not have so many attributes.

Guan Ya looked him over and said with a smile:

“This matter is classified. The official public statement is that the Spirit Realm has existed since ancient times. I only know the inside story because of my family connections. Normally, I shouldn’t tell you, so remember to keep it a secret.”

Zhang Yuanqing quickly said, “Thank you, Sister Guan Ya, for your favor. From now on, I’ll be your worshipper.”

Her meaning was clear: because we have a good relationship, she was telling him this.

Guan Ya giggled. “How will you worship me?”

I could start right now… Zhang Yuanqing muttered to himself.

Guan Ya suddenly stopped short, wiped the smile off her face, and said seriously, “Have you noticed something?”

“Don’t you think the existence of moral value is very unreasonable? The essence of this world is the survival of the fittest. From ancient times, humans have established tribes, dynasties, and regimes. These organizations created order, but in essence, it’s still rule by the strong,” Zhang Yuanqing said in a low voice.

“Because these organizations were strong enough, they made the rules. The existence of moral value is part of those rules, so there must be someone stronger above. Therefore, the Spirit Realm is not a supernatural phenomenon at all; it was created artificially.”

Guan Ya scrutinized him carefully, her gaze revealing a woman’s appreciation for a man:

“Not bad, very perceptive. You’ve only been a Spirit Realm Walker for less than two months, and you’ve already realized this problem. Most people don’t think about things that don’t concern them; even if they have doubts, they don’t delve into them. They just go with the flow, drifting along.”

Zhang Yuanqing then told Guan Ya about the San Dao Shan notes and the Yin-Yang Recluse’s cultivation records.

Guan Ya frowned. “I haven’t heard of this, but it makes sense. Well, what do you think ‘the heavens and earth have changed’ means?”

Zhang Yuanqing shook his head. “Sister Guan Ya, why have you suddenly become brainless? This question is too high-level. Even the Yin-Yang Recluse, who lived in that era, didn’t know. How would I know?”

Guan Ya snapped, “What’s wrong with being brainless? You got a problem with that?”

A brain is a good thing, but with such big breasts, you can do without one… Zhang Yuanqing said, “Being this beautiful, isn’t it better to be brainless?”

Guan Ya rolled her eyes and humphed. “I’ll take that as a compliment. What I meant is, since the heavens and earth changed and the upper limit of cultivation lowered, why can people suddenly cultivate again now?”

Zhang Yuanqing immediately said, “Because the Spirit Realm appeared.”

Guan Ya nodded. “Then how did the Spirit Realm appear? Well, this question is even higher-level, but we can still deduce some things from it. For example, who created the Spirit Realm? In what way was it created? What was the purpose of creating the Spirit Realm?”

The old hand’s three questions plunged Zhang Yuanqing into deep thought.

After about ten or more seconds, he slowly said:

“First of all, it definitely wasn’t people from the Ming Dynasty who created the Spirit Realm. If they had such ability, they wouldn’t have been restricted by the Dharma-Ending Age.”

The Yin-Yang Recluse’s cultivation was already among the top at that time, yet he still had to lament “alas, alack.”

And someone like the Old Stick, a reclusive master who kept his skills hidden, also ended up as part of the Spirit Realm—it’s terrifying to think about.

“Dharma-Ending Age?” Guan Ya was startled. “That’s a good way to put it.”

“Oh, I got it from an online novel,” Zhang Yuanqing continued his analysis:

“I think instead of thinking about how the Spirit Realm was created, we should think about how that being reversed the Dharma-Ending Age. Even more, Sister Guan Ya, do you think the Dharma-Ending Age might be related to that being?”

Guan Ya: “Go on.”

“As for the purpose of creating the Spirit Realm, I have two ideas. One is to study the Spirit Realm Walkers themselves. Two is to decode and research the Spirit Realm,” Zhang Yuanqing followed this line and went deeper:

“For example, do Spirit Realm Walkers have any consistent, common trends or tasks? There must be a purpose in creating Spirit Realm Walkers. My idea is… faction confrontation.”

Guan Ya narrowed her eyes and asked, “Why do you think that?”

“Because in ancient times, the order faction and the evil faction didn’t seem to have mandatory killing missions. It was more that the order professions couldn’t stand the evil professions and thus punished them. But among Spirit Realm Walkers, faction confrontation gives reputation rewards and moral value rewards, and there are faction confrontations in instances as well, especially the latter, which are mandatory. Of course, this is just my speculation without evidence.”

“You know quite a lot, kid. Did you get it from that Sixty-Year Cultivation Record?”

“Sister Guan Ya is wise; I can’t hide anything from you. Let me continue with the second point: decoding the Spirit Realm. All the information I know comes from the Spirit Realm. In fact, the Spirit Realm instances give a lot of obscure clues, and so do the item descriptions, always mentioning an “indescribable being,” “great and supreme being,” etc. How should I put it? I feel that the Spirit Realm doesn’t mind us decoding it.”

Guan Ya nodded slightly. “Remember what Li Chunfeng said? The instances at the transcendent stage have backgrounds in the modern era and the Ming Dynasty.”

That is to say, the saint stage and the dominator stage will have other era backgrounds. And what information might be hidden in those Spirit Realms with more ancient backgrounds?

Zhang Yuanqing couldn’t guess these things, but he suddenly caught Guan Ya’s meaning and was startled:

“You mean the top brass of the Five Elements Alliance have probably already figured out the secrets of the Spirit Realm.”

Guan Ya smiled. “At least they know more than we do.”

Seeing that they had talked enough, she put on a stern face and warned, “Don’t spread these things. Don’t tell anyone, including the squad leader.”

When Zhang Yuanqing nodded, she smiled sweetly and said, “Good boy. Oh, by the way, I was chatting with Queen just now, and she told me something interesting.”

“Something interesting?”

“A while ago, Yuan Ting was captured by Elder Sun. Since then, few people in the Taiyi Sect’s forums and chat groups dared to say “Elder Sun is confused.” But starting yesterday, this meme has revived,” Guan Ya said as she walked out, laughing.

“This time, not even Elder Sun can suppress it. Your killing of Li Xianzong in the instance had too great an impact.”

Zhang Yuanqing: “…”

In the office area, Li Dongze came out from inside, craned his neck to look, didn’t see Guan Ya, and asked,

“Why hasn’t Yuanshi come yet? Wang Tai, where did Guan Ya go?”

Wang Tai didn’t lift his head and said calmly,

“The two of them snuck off to the washroom.”

“What?” Li Dongze couldn’t believe his ears.

Wang Tai repeated, “The two of them snuck off to the washroom. It’s been over ten minutes already.”

“Oh, my God, those two…”

When did these two get together? Was it the shared hardship in Yinyang Town that broke through the shackles of feudal ethics?

Just then, the bathroom door opened, and Guan Ya and Zhang Yuanqing walked out one after the other.

“Squad Leader!” Zhang Yuanqing raised his hand in greeting.

Li Dongze, leaning on his cane, said in a deep voice, “Centurion Fu just informed me that if you came, you should go to Fu’s Bay immediately.”

The centurion is looking for me? Zhang Yuanqing said “Oh,” and asked, “Should I go now?”

Li Dongze gave a slight nod, glanced at Guan Ya, who had returned to her seat, then looked back at Zhang Yuanqing, and said slowly:

“Our work has always been relatively free. When there’s no emergency, being a bit lax is fine, so time is not an issue. Right outside the Public Security Bureau is a hotel. Please don’t do this again next time.”

After speaking, he picked up his cane and strode back to his office.

Huh? What is he talking about... Zhang Yuanqing looked completely bewildered.

...

In the capital.

At the courtyard, under the locust tree.

Elder Sun lay on a rocking chair enjoying the cool breeze, the wind gentle, tree shadows swaying.

The leaves of the locust tree rustled, and the crisp voices of children came: “Grandpa, Grandpa~”

Footsteps sounded from outside the courtyard, and the clear shouts immediately ceased.

A man in black crossed the threshold, entered the yard, stopped before the rocking chair, and said respectfully:

“Elder Sun, Yuan Ting has completed his ten days at the training camp. He knows his mistake now.”

Elder Sun fanned himself with a palm-leaf fan and nodded slightly. “How is Yuan Ting’s cultivation progressing?”

“His abilities have improved greatly. He may be able to participate in the June killing dungeon,” the man replied.

“Good.” Elder Sun squinted, saying slowly, “I sent him to the training camp to nurture him.”

The man immediately said, “Elder Sun’s efforts are well-intentioned.”

Elder Sun said, “The ten days are up. Let Yuan Ting return. Oh, and these past few days, has anyone dared to gossip about me?”

This question had once been of great concern to Elder Sun, but after the video of Yuan Ting’s harsh training at the camp served as a warning, no one in Taiyi Sect dared to joke about it anymore. Elder Sun gradually stopped paying attention, but out of habit, he asked every day.

“Well...” The man in black hesitated.

Elder Sun’s eyes snapped open, his lazy demeanor gone. His gaze sharpened, and he sneered, “Oh? Is there still some reckless brat gossiping about me?”

The man in black said, “Everyone is gossiping about you, sir. The unhealthy trend has reignited.”

“...”

Elder Sun shot up from the rocking chair, which creaked in protest. Shocked and angry, he demanded, “What’s going on?”

“It’s like this: Yuan Shi Tianzun entered Yinyang Town the day before yesterday and encountered Li Xianzong in the dungeon...” The man recounted their grievances to Elder Sun in full detail.

Finally, he summarized, “Colleagues in the sect all think that Yuan Shi Tianzun is a rare genius who might become a second Fu Qingyang, so...”

So Elder Sun had been foolish!

Elder Sun, a dominator, naturally wouldn’t concern himself with the conflict between two juniors. Now, stunned by the account, he thought to himself, All my efforts over the past few days have been for nothing?

“Damned scoundrel!” Elder Sun slapped the armrest of the rocking chair and roared, “Keep Yuan Ting for another ten days, double the training intensity, and post a video on the forum every day. If anyone dares to gossip about me after ten days, I’ll settle accounts with them one by one!”

The man in black bowed and withdrew.

...

At Fu’s Bay, in the study of the villa.

Fu Qingyang, dressed in a white suit with chiseled features, sat behind his desk and looked at his trusted subordinate, saying:

“You’re now Level 3 and can be directly promoted to team leader. Currently, there’s no vacancy for a team leader in Kangyang District. According to the rules, you have to wait. But you’re different from others. Elder Dog has agreed to form a new official team for you.

“You can freely choose one subordinate. You’ll have to recruit the rest yourself.”

Zhang Yuanqing immediately said, “I want Guan Ya.”

Fu Qingyang raised an eyebrow, a dangerous glint in his eyes. “Oh? Why Guan Ya?”

Of course, it’s because Guan Ya is capable and efficient. Could it be that I want to be your brother-in-law? Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself, then said:

“Centurion, do you think it’s possible that after June, I’ll be an Executor, and you could just hand the second team over to me?”

Fu Qingyang rarely smiled and said, “I was thinking the same thing. So, wait until you pass the killing dungeon and become a Saint. By then, as an Elder, I can appoint you as the Executor of Kangyang District and take my current seat.”

Huh? Zhang Yuanqing was stunned, almost not reacting.

He thought, Aren’t you reading the wrong script? Shouldn’t you be speechless and then warn me not to bite off more than I can chew?

Fu Qingyang looked at him and said flatly:

“You are a talent I admire. I admit you can stand shoulder to shoulder with me in my youth. For geniuses like us, what can’t we achieve?”

I was wrong. Compared to you, I’m far too modest. Zhang Yuanqing said loudly, “The Centurion is right, but I think you’re wrong, Centurion.”

Fu Qingyang frowned. “Where am I wrong?”

“I admit I’m still far behind the Centurion. It should be: a genius who can barely stand shoulder to shoulder with the Centurion.”

Fu Qingyang chuckled. “Let’s leave that aside for now. There’s another matter. The Tiger Talisman arrived in Songhai yesterday. The general check-up begins today, rotated among districts. Kangyang District is the day after tomorrow.”

The general check-up is finally here! Zhang Yuanqing’s instincts tensed:

“Understood!”

Fu Qingyang nodded. “Go back now. Rest well for the next two days.”

After Zhang Yuanqing left, Ling Jun knocked on the study door again. This son of the Taiyi Sect Leader entered wearing flip-flops, loose capri pants, messy hair, looking utterly casual.

“Elder Sun just contacted me. He asked me to tell you to ask Yuan Shi during the check-up: Is he really the successor of the Demon Lord?” Ling Jun picked out a bottle of wine from the cabinet and said, “Such a genius should be screened more thoroughly. Hah, under the Tiger Talisman, no one can lie. If he passes this screening, he can completely sever ties with the Demon Lord.”

Fu Qingyang thought for a moment and nodded slightly:

“Alright.”

...

Outside Fu’s Bay, Zhang Yuanqing walked slowly along the street, frowning deeply.

“My only secret now is being the Demon Lord’s successor. Red Dancing Shoes, Vajra Pestle, and so on—I’ve already confessed. The most trouble is my association with Auntie Yuan. That’s a bit tricky.

“Having contact with an evil profession is a serious issue in the Five Elements Alliance. Even if it’s not deep, no financial or sexual transactions, it’s still a serious personal conduct violation.

“The biggest headache is the Demon Lord’s successor. To this day, I don’t know the attitude of the Taiyi Sect and the Five Elements Alliance toward the Demon Lord’s successor. But one thing is certain: the Demon Lord’s level is too high. If the authorities are hostile to his successor, my merits may not save me...”

After all, the Demon Lord had already touched the great secrets of the Spirit Realm.

“If the authorities were friendly toward the Demon Lord’s successor, their attitude wouldn’t be so ambiguous. Ah, it’s tough!”

“Actually, the general check-up has a benefit: it can diagnose the source of my recurring headaches. Normal medical methods can’t, but the means of Spirit Realm walkers should be able to find the cause.”

His strange illness was a knot in his family’s heart and a nightmare that had plagued him for years.

Zhang Yuanqing thought for a moment, pulled out his phone, and used the untraceable SIM card to call Auntie Yuan.

When faced with a dilemma, seek the counsel of the master.

You might also ask Little Yuan if he wishes to join his gang.

...