Chapter 154: Call from Mother

Chapter 154: A Call from Mother

"He's gone again..."

Kou Beiyue shrugged. "This guy is all cloak and dagger. We're not even close. Last time, I was eating pickled cabbage instant noodles outside a convenience store when he just showed up out of the blue, saying he wanted to take me back north..."

Zhang Yuanqing listened to the other party's incessant chatter, the meticulous recounting of his acquaintance with the Demon Eye Heavenly King, and suddenly realized that this outwardly cool teenager was actually a total chatterbox.

After listening, Zhang Yuanqing commented, "You've got real guts."

Upon hearing this, Kou Beiyue lifted his chin, pride hidden deep in his eyes: "I know he's strong, most likely a Bewitching Phantom at the Saint level, but my conviction is this: the strong may make me fear, but they will never make me yield."

Zhang Yuanqing glanced at him: "I was talking about you eating pickled cabbage noodles. That takes guts. I suggest you buy a tube of Daktarin cream and eat it."

...Kou Beiyue's proud expression froze on his face.

Zhang Yuanqing asked again: "We were interrupted by that guy just now. Continue. Since you became a Bewitching Phantom, you should have investigated the person who killed your sister, right? Tell me in detail."

Hatred resurfaced on Kou Beiyue's face:

"That beast is named Chi Yue'an, an executor in the Shakou District, a Level 4 Pyromancer. I heard he was placed in the Five Elements Alliance by the Zhu family, one of the Three Great Families of Life. He was originally the Zhu family's live-in son-in-law, then divorced and joined the Five Elements Alliance..."

Zhang Yuanqing listened silently, gaining a preliminary understanding of the executor he had just fought.

Kou Beiyue didn't continue.

"And then?" Zhang Yuanqing asked.

"What 'and then'?" The defiant youth countered.

"Why did he kill your sister? Judging by her state before death, she clearly suffered imprisonment, torture, and sexual assault. For an executor of high standing, it doesn't add up. I can't fathom his vile motive. What exactly did your sister encounter before she vanished? Where was she imprisoned after? Have you looked into any of this?" Zhang Yuanqing asked.

Kou Beiyue shook his head.

...Zhang Yuanqing found it hard to believe: "In two years, you only uncovered Chi Yue'an's identity and background?"

Kou Beiyue sensed the other's strange gaze and explained defensively:

"I'm not an official member. I lack channels to investigate, never learned the tricks of the trade. I'm better at fighting. Besides, Bewitching Phantoms lack skills in this area."

"Also, Chi Yue'an is one of the officials. He's been covering this up. My inability to find anything—isn't that perfectly normal?"

Isn't it just that you're stupid? Zhang Yuanqing mused: "Have you considered this possibility? You could long-term bewitch a peacekeeper from the Public Security Bureau and have him investigate for you?"

"!!!" Kou Beiyue froze for a moment. After a long while, he forced out an explanation:

"Master Wuhen set a rule: no using abilities on ordinary people. If they find something out and get silenced, wouldn't that be harming innocents?"

Who would have thought helping save someone would land me in this mess? I'll have to report this to the Centurion... Zhang Yuanqing said:

"What are your plans next? You'd best tell Xiao Yuan about being marked, because that lunatic can track your location in real-time."

Just then, Kou Beiyue's phone rang. Seeing it was Xiao Yuan calling, a look of delight flashed across his face, but upon answering, his tone was feigned impatience:

"What do you want, Xiao Yuan? Are you never going to stop? I'm beat, I need to rest. Save the insults for when I get back to the hotel."

"No need to come back!" Xiao Yuan said coolly:

"You've been expelled from the team by Master Wuhen. Don't bother coming back ever again."

Kou Beiyue’s expression froze abruptly, his face seeming to grow even paler. He drew a deep breath, a cold sneer curling his lips:

"Fine, I won't go. I've always been a lone wolf. If you hadn't meddled back then, I’d be living the high life somewhere by now, God knows where. Who the hell wants to go to that dump of a hotel? Click!"

Kou Beiyue slumped to the ground, dejected. He gritted his teeth, his expression fierce, yet his eyes brimmed with a sorrow and desolation that belied his posture.

Like a dog that had been abandoned.

...

Wuhen Hotel. Xiao Yuan hung up the phone, set it on the nightstand, pinched the bridge of her nose, and muttered:

"That mess finally has someone sticking their neck out for it."

She smoothed her long hair, burrowed under the covers, and drifted off to sleep with a peaceful mind.

...

"Right then, no need to mention the Mark business." Zhang Yuanqing said:

"Let me point you down a clear path. If you want revenge, you can report it to that lunatic from just now. With you as a witness, he’s bound to act."

"My own business, I don't need anyone's help. If he helps me, and then asks me to go North, I’d have a hard time refusing. But I don't want to go North." Kou Beiyue huffed:

"I hate the Northern climate. I’d rather shiver through a Southern winter."

Zhang Yuanqing nodded. "Then listen to my arrangement. An official Walker murdering a civilian is a capital crime. As a Night Wanderer of the Taiyi Sect, I have the authority to investigate this."

Kou Beiyue raised a brow, looking faintly surprised. "You're going to help me?"

"Not helping you. Performing my duty. Taking a salary to do the job—perfectly justified." Zhang Yuanqing opened his inventory, summoning the Demon-Subduing Pestle:

"Before that, let's purify the Mark inside you. This item possesses the power of purification. The cost of using it is sacrificing essence blood. Stab yourself in the leg."

With that, he tossed the Pestle over.

Kou Beiyue caught the bronze rod. Without a second thought, he drove it viciously into his thigh, sinking it deep.

The fresh blood seemed to meet a sponge; the Demon-Subduing Pestle absorbed every drop. In the next instant, a clear, pure golden light erupted, enveloping the defiant youth.

Bathing in the golden light, Kou Beiyue felt a wave of feverish heat. Immediately after, the grievance, rage, and helplessness compressed in his chest dissipated significantly; his thoughts grew remarkably clear.

It can even purify emotions to a degree? He checked the item info while baring his teeth in a grimace:

"Good stuff. Shame the cost is too high, not suitable for combat use. Hiss, damn that hurts..."

No, you're just too literal. I told you to prick yourself, not run it through to the hilt, you idiot... Zhang Yuanqing nodded calmly, playing the part of the steady shut-in, and said:

"Give it back."

Kou Beiyue didn't hesitate, tossing the powerful artifact back.

Taking the artifact, Zhang Yuanqing was about to stow it in his inventory when a sudden thought struck him: If I were the Demon-Eyed Heavenly King, would I have taken the opportunity to plant another Mark inside this Taiyi Night Wanderer?

Though this guy claimed he needed evidence to kill, an evil Profession was still an evil Profession—innately opposed to the Lawful camp. Given the chance, Marking a Captain-level official Walker to track their location in real-time... why wouldn't he?

Thus, Zhang Yuanqing reversed his grip on the Demon-Subduing Pestle and lightly pierced the skin of his own thigh.

The Demon-Subduing Pestle automatically drew the essence blood, feeding the wielder the Divine Power of the Sun, purging all foreign influences from his body.

Kou Beiyue glanced at the other man's minor leg wound, then at his own, where bone was nearly visible, and murmured,

"Why didn't you say so sooner..."

Zhang Yuanqing's lips curled. "I didn't expect you to be this ruthless with yourself, either. Come on, let's get out of here. Our purification of the mark has likely already been sensed by the other side."

...

On a rooftop far from Kangyang District, the Demon Eye Heavenly King, who had just activated his Demon Eye to scan the area, suddenly let out a soft "Huh?"

He tilted his head, gazing back in the direction from which he had come.

"My mark was purified? A mere Rank 3 Night Wanderer, to possess such means..."

The Demon Eye Heavenly King closed his vertical eye, fastened his headband, and dialed a subordinate's number.

"Look into it for me. Is the captain of the Taiyi Sect's Kangyang District garrison named Yuan Ting? Dig up his relevant files and send them to me."

"Yes, Heavenly King!"

"How is the data collection on Yuanshi Tianzun going? Has anyone on the black market submitted evidence of his crimes?" the Demon Eye Heavenly King asked.

"Neither leads on the Stop-Killing Palace members nor criminal intelligence on Yuanshi Tianzun have surfaced."

Finding someone was hard, especially a Spirit Realm Walker; this result wasn't unexpected. The Demon Eye Heavenly King clicked his tongue.

"This Yuanshi Tianzun really is a paragon of virtue, huh?"

The subordinate froze for a moment, then said, "Heavenly King, according to the files, I suspect... perhaps... he simply hasn't had the time to commit crimes yet."

After all, Yuanshi Tianzun had only officially joined the organization for two months, give or take.

...

A budget hotel in Kangyang District.

Zhang Yuanqing stood at the end of the corridor, dialing Fu Qingyang's number.

"It's 1:30 AM. Calling me at this hour—something major must have happened." Fu Qingyang's voice was cold and devoid of warmth.

"Yes, I have a major incident to report."

Zhang Yuanqing immediately relayed the grievance between Kou Beiyue and Chi Yue'an to the Centurion.

"Investigating a Deacon requires an Elder's permission. Chi Yue'an is the Deacon of Shakou District, not a direct subordinate of Elder Gou; he won't intervene," Fu Qingyang said. "If you intend to interfere, then gather evidence and report him to the branch's upper echelon."

"Understood. Does the Centurion have any further advice?"

He wanted to gauge Fu Qingyang's stance.

Fu Qingyang spoke indifferently. "A sense of justice is a good thing, but you shouldn't be moving around openly right now. Investigating a Deacon-level Walker is a major affair; if you stir things up, the Demon Eye will certainly detect it. My advice: leave it be for now."

I can just disguise myself and investigate in secret; it shouldn't be a problem. Zhang Yuanqing said,

"Second matter: I just ran into the Demon Eye Heavenly King."

"You've seen the Demon Eye?" Fu Qingyang's tone sank.

Zhang Yuanqing recounted the sequence of events once more.

Fu Qingyang fell silent for a long while before analyzing,

"Yuan Ting enjoys high renown within the Taiyi Sect. If the Magic Eye investigated, they would quickly discover Yuan Ting is in the capital; meeting him in Songhai would be impossible. However, he would likewise be unable to connect that to you being the Yuanshi Tianzun."

"Continue lying low as usual. No need to involve yourself in this matter. The branch elders will make a move soon. That said, this individual is exceedingly cautious. Finding him will be somewhat difficult."

Zhang Yuanqing immediately replied, "I have a friend in the Magic Eye Heavenly King. I can locate him via phone positioning."

"A friend? You actually added him as a contact?" Fu Qingyang was taken aback, then let out a cold snort:

"Foolish. How do you know this isn't a scheme to lure the snake from its hole? He knows you are the official Night Wanderer, yet still dares add you. That alone explains everything."

"The Centurion is right. I failed to think it through."

Fu Qingyang gave an "Mm," then said, "Also, in a few days I will convene an online meeting of the White Tiger Guards to announce the plan to recruit you. Once it passes unanimously, I will send you the recruitment notice."

Meaning he still had to wait a few days. Centurion, I'm already itching for that multi-million dollar house. Zhang Yuanqing said:

"Good!"

The two ended the call.

Zhang Yuanqing promptly entered the room and exchanged contact information with Kou Beiyue. Considering a covert investigation might require assistance, he had Kou Beiyue wait for word at the hotel.

...

The next day, after breakfast, Zhang Yuanqing saw his aunt off to work, told his grandmother he had no morning classes, and returned to his bedroom with a clear conscience.

During this period he didn't have to report to the unit, couldn't see Old Si Ji and Li Dongze, and was stifling with boredom at home. Since he was idle anyway, he might as well look into Red Steward.

But before that, he'd first pull Xiao Yuan into the guild, settling the matter once and for all.

Zhang Yuanqing opened the guild warehouse, clicked the search icon in the upper right corner, used his finger as a stylus, and input: Xiao Yuan.

Sent the recruitment command.

A few minutes later, the Lingjing notification chimed:

[Ding, Xiao Yuan has joined your guild.]

Actually, pulling Guan Ya in wouldn't be bad either, nor the Palace Master of Slaughter Cessation. That way, my guild would be full of stunning beauties. This Guild Master commanding a bevy of flowers, fame spreading across the Jianghu... Zhang Yuanqing sent Xiao Yuan a message:

"I've settled Kou Beiyue. As for his matter, I'll try to investigate."

Xiao Yuan replied with a single "Mm."

Xiao Yuan probably couldn't wait for me to take Kou Beiyue off her hands... Zhang Yuanqing typed:

"I also have a matter I'd like to ask Auntie Xiao Yuan for help with."

Xiao Yuan: "What is it."

Zhang Yuanqing: "I want to hunt a Level 3 Bewitching Demon and refine it into a Yin Corpse. But you know, evil professions are like rats in a sewer. I can't find any."

Xiao Yuan: "So you need another rat from the sewer to help?"

Zhang Yuanqing: "Oh my, you're being far too modest."

Xiao Yuan: "Heh, just wait."

Even as he spoke, Zhang Yuanqing saw a new message arrive on his phone—it was from Xie Lingxi.

"Brother Yuanshi, we have a new member? Who's Xiao Yuan? A magical girl?"

As one of the gang's members, Xie Lingxi had also received the Spirit Realm's notification chime.

No, she's a magical auntie! Zhang Yuanqing typed out a reply:

"You've met her."

Xie Lingxi: "Huh? But I don't know her. I've never even heard that name."

He sent Xiao Yuan a quick "Thanks," ended the chat, then replied to Little Green Tea: "The front desk at the Traceless Hotel."

"Ah?! Why'd you drag an evil class into the gang? That's not right. That auntie looked fierce as hell—her joining the gang is really okay? Can she be trusted?"

Xie Lingxi's impression of Xiao Yuan was frozen at their first meeting; she only thought her a woman devastatingly beautiful and sexy, yet with a temperament cold and rotten to the core.

"Relax. She's a companion of 'Guilty as a Father'—her character's solid."

Zhang Yuanqing coaxed Little Green Tea a few more times, then unexpectedly received a call from his mother.

Her? Zhang Yuanqing froze for a beat, then hurriedly answered, sneering:

"You've got the weight of the world on your shoulders, yet you've got time to call me? No meetings? No business to drum up?"

His mother didn't seem to catch his mockery, and said:

"That thing we talked about last time—I've contacted that business partner. He's free today. Can set up a meet."

……