Chapter 161: Rescue

Chapter 161: Rescue

Layer upon layer of burning seas spread along the walls and ceiling, setting off Chi Yue'an like an ancient Fire God—burly, domineering, and imposing.

In his early forties, he wore his hair slicked back, his skin slightly dark, nose broad and face wide; the flesh of his cheeks was drawn tight, giving the impression of a fierce, hardened man, while fine crow's feet at the corners of his eyes added a touch of mature masculine charm.

Chi Yue'an entered the hall via Fire Walk, his sharp gaze sweeping over the chaotic scene; upon seeing the corpses of three Spirit Realm Walkers, his pupils contracted slightly, his gaze turning ever colder.

"Three pieces of trash!"

He snorted coldly; only upon seeing the unconscious Master Wu did his complexion improve slightly.

This man was his money-making tool, and through him he controlled several prominent nobles of Songhai; his word was law in the Shakou District not only because of his own Saint-level strength, but also because the "evidence" he held was a massive leverage.

Cultivating a successful money-making tool was far more difficult than cultivating a Spirit Realm Walker.

As long as Master Wu lived, the Copper Sparrow Pavilion stronghold could be held.

"Chi Yue'an!"

Kou Beiyue's eye rims instantly reddened, bloodshot veins spreading across his handsome face, twisting it into a savage grimace like an enraged lion.

Hearing the voice, Chi Yue'an glanced over indifferently:

"I checked the archives yesterday and found out it was you, you little brat. Ever since you escaped the Public Security Bureau morgue, there's been no word of you for nearly two years, no sightings—I thought you'd died in the Spirit Realm long ago."

Speaking of this, Chi Yue'an licked his lips, curling a smile:

"Your sister was quite something. Ever since she came to the Copper Sparrow Pavilion, I've stayed here every night. She gave me a pleasure I hadn't felt in ages. I liked to play with her, abuse her in all sorts of ways. Pity she wasn't very obedient, had a stubborn streak, so sometimes... I'd invite other guests to join in..."

"Shut up!!!"

Kou Beiyue broke down. New hatred and old surged up together; his sister's dying appearance flashed through his mind. He lost all reason, roaring as he charged at Chi Yue'an.

Seeing this, Chi Yue'an smiled coldly, revealing a look of a scheme succeeding. Unhurried, he summoned a thin crimson glove from his inventory.

Bad news—losing one's cool before a Saint was no different from courting death... Zhang Yuanqing immediately summoned the Burst Pistol and fired to provide cover.

"Bang! Bang!"

The bullets reached the target a step faster than Kou Beiyue, but Chi Yue'an merely extended a hand and lightly braced the air before him; a barrier composed of flames materialized out of thin air.

The steel-core rounds, equipped with bursting capabilities, hovered in mid-air spinning at high speed, yet could not penetrate even a single centimeter. Before they could detonate, they were melted by the intense heat into black molten iron.

Chi Yue'an didn't even glance at the shooter. His right hand, clad in the thin crimson glove, exhaled a whoosh of roaring flames, which then solidified into a long saber—bright yellow within, crimson red without.

Unlike the weapons condensed by other Fire Masters, which clearly looked like agglomerated flames at a glance, Chi Yue'an's saber appeared, at first sight, to be a genuinely tangible blade.

Chi Yue'an took a step forward with a heavy thud, the crimson saber sweeping upward in a reverse flourish.

Scorching wind rushed his face. Amidst his rage, Kou Beiyue regained a sliver of composure, crossing his military knife horizontally before him.

Sizzle...

The blades frictioned; the military knife in Kou Beiyue's hand instantly glowed red-hot like a branding iron, and with a dull, soft "bang," the knife snapped.

Kou Beiyue had no time to mourn the damaged artifact. Displaying the close-combat prowess befitting a Bewitching Fiend, his body arched back violently, letting the rising scorching blade edge graze past his chest and abdomen.

Chi Yue'an stepped forward again, the flame saber retracting, gathering power for a brief moment before slashing horizontally at the waist.

“Tap, tap, tap…”

Urgent and crisp footsteps assaulted the ears; the Red Dancing Shoes sprinted and launched into the air, unleashing a barrage of swift, fierce combo kicks aimed at the opponent’s waist and abdomen.

Even with Chi Yue’an’s physique, he was kicked into a stagger, his blade’s edge skewing.

Chi Yue’an retreated a step, his long saber shrinking at will into a short blade, slashing toward the eerie Red Dancing Shoes.

Whoosh!

The blade scorched the air; clearly it had struck the dancing shoes, yet it felt no different from slicing through empty air.

“Hmm?” Chi Yue’an’s expression froze, seemingly not expecting such a result.

At that very moment, black qi enveloped his face, his eyes turned blood-red, savagery and madness replacing calm and composure.

Reason rapidly degenerated, thoughts descending into chaos; in two or three seconds, he “metamorphosed” into a beast driven by instinct and emotion.

Just as his mind shattered, a gleaming cold blade silently appeared at his neck, slicing toward the carotid artery.

The ambusher Zhang Yuanqing’s figure promptly emerged behind Chi Yue’an.

Among Zhang Yuanqing’s array of artifacts, the Burst Pistol and the Riot Gloves—two Fire Master class items—were the first eliminated; they certainly could not deal with a Saint-realm Fire Master of the same class.

The Heavenly Toad Censer’s setup time was too long, unusable in such a situation.

The Cat King Speaker’s suona could no longer be used; the drumbeats would affect Kou Beiyue, causing him to be instantly killed by Chi Yue’an, tantamount to assisting the enemy in backstabbing a teammate.

The Insight Eye and the Disguise Ring were support types, directly ignored; the Demon-Subduing Pestle’s function was inapplicable to this scenario.

The only artifacts capable of threatening Chi Yue’an were the Bloodthirsty Blade, the Red Dancing Shoes, the Red Bridal Veil, and the Straw Man.

Among the four, the Straw Man, originating from Hei Wuchang, was the fastest-acting, able to directly threaten a 4th-rank Saint.

Although Chi Yue’an was a 4th-rank Saint, stronger than the three Spirit Realm Walkers just now, he was a Fire Master—Zhang Yuanqing believed he could succeed in a sneak attack.

“Shred…”

Chi Yue’an’s foot slipped, his body falling backward, dodging the strike aimed at his carotid; Zhang Yuanqing remained unhurried, rotating the blade and thrusting downward.

Pfft!

The Bloodthirsty Blade pierced Chi Yue’an’s shoulder.

Night Wanderer… The intense pain cleared Chi Yue’an’s head somewhat; his waist snapped straight, rising upright while enduring the Bloodthirsty Blade, ignoring the worsening wound, a fireball rising in his palm to strike the ambusher behind him.

Zhang Yuanqing, wearing the Insight Eye, had preemptively predicted the attack, dodging sideways with unhurried grace.

Chi Yue’an’s strike missed; his five fingers suddenly clenched, the fireball in his palm exploding with a “boom,” like detonating a high-explosive grenade.

The Riot Gloves’ signature skill, a 4th-rank Fire Master accomplished it effortlessly, with even greater power and ferocity.

Zhang Yuanqing’s body shattered into pieces, dissolving into countless splashes of water scattered across the ground.

Facing a 4th-rank Saint, how could he not have donned the Yin-Yang Taoist Robe beforehand?

This artifact granted him control over water and fire, indirectly granting him the skills of a Water Ghost and a Fire Master.

“Water Ghost?” Chi Yue’an exclaimed in surprise.

The sheer breadth of this man's methods astonished him; he possessed the Night Roam of a Night Wanderer, the curses of a Witchcraft Master, and simultaneously commanded the passive skill of a Water Ghost.

Chi Yue'an extended both arms, aiming his palms at the ground, at the enemy dissolved into splashing water.

Dealing with a Water Ghost was simple: just evaporate the moisture with high heat to kill it.

During this process, wave after wave of gentle, sacred halos surged from within Chi Yue'an's body, mending the wound on his shoulder and suppressing the fallen, corrupt black qi.

The Sweet Dew Inner Armor, this artifact originating from a Musician, took effect.

"Whoosh!"

Two scorching fire snakes spewed from his palms, licking at the water splashes on the floor.

*Slap!*

At the critical moment, Kou Beiyue sprang up, a high kick lashing out at Chi Yue'an's arms; the flames instantly sprayed toward the ceiling.

*Bang, bang*—two muffled impacts. The Red Dancing Shoes coordinated with the attack, actually suppressing a Level 4 Saint for a fleeting moment.

*Crash, splash...*

The ceiling's fire sprinklers, sensing the scorching flames, sprayed out powerful, dense jets of water, drenching the floor.

Zhang Yuanqing's consciousness finally returned; aided by the sweet-dew-like water, he slowly coalesced his body, restoring his human form.

The moment he regained his shape, the moment his vision returned, he saw Chi Yue'an's body surface *boom* explode outward, his aura climbing steadily, bringing a terrifying pressure.

The Enrager!

The core skill of a Saint-realm Pyromancer.

From Level 4 to Level 6, throughout the entire Saint stage, a Pyromancer possesses only one skill—the Enrager.

This skill could vastly amplify a Pyromancer's strength, anywhere from onefold to threefold; therefore, Saint-realm Pyromancers were hailed as nigh-invincible existences. In this phase, even a Bewitching Fiend would have to avoid their edge.

Kou Beiyue, pressing a fierce close-quarters assault, stiffened violently.

The Red Dancing Shoes were unaffected, but their attacks could no longer shake a Pyromancer in "Enraged" state.

Chi Yue'an's knees sank slightly, his right fist clenched tight at his chest, thrusting out like a connecting rod.

*Crack!*

Kou Beiyue's sternum shattered instantly; he flew out like a broken sandbag, smashing heavily into the arcade machines behind him.

He slumped slowly to the ground, body twitching, surprisingly unable to rise again.

*Thud, thud, thud...* Chi Yue'an pressed for a swift victory, giving him no chance to breathe; flames jetted from his thinly gloved palm, condensing into a long saber, slashing down with sudden ferocity.

*Crash, splash...*

Zhang Yuanqing, too late to use the Red Veil, saw his body collapse once more into transparent, crystalline clear water, sweeping up the water falling from the ceiling, transforming into a sinuous stream.

The water surged forth sinuously, coiling around the blazing long saber.

*Hiss, hiss, hiss...*

The transparent, clear stream instantly turned turbid, bubbling with vast quantities of air bubbles and white smoke, entering a boiling state.

The clear water from the sprinkler heads ceaselessly replenished the water sphere, striking a delicate balance with the Xuanhe Longsword.

During this process, the Red Dancing Shoes' little feet kicked at his chest, striving desperately to save their useless master.

"Courting death! I'll reduce you to ashes."

A flash of fire ignited in Chi Yue'an's eyes; the temperature of the Xuanhe Longsword spiked sharply, vaporizing a vast amount of mist. The water sphere enveloping the blade let out a fierce "puff-puff" sound, evaporating by more than half in an instant, with no time to replenish.

"Bang!"

A heavy, resonant gunshot rang out from outside the hall.

Chi Yue'an's head snapped back violently, his body lurching forward a few steps.

Another enemy? He hurriedly steadied his frame, enduring the searing pain in the back of his head, and spun around to guard against the hall entrance.

At the doorway, three figures entered. The leader was a young man wearing baggy shorts, a loose short-sleeved shirt, and flip-flops. A smile played on his lips, his eyes narrowed to slits, exuding an indolence that seeped from his very bones.

To his left stood a man in a black waistcoat over a white shirt, his leather shoes gleaming. Two small mustaches were trimmed with immaculate precision; even venturing out at midnight, he surrendered neither elegance nor dignity.

To the right was a mixed-race beauty in a white blouse and black skirt suit, alluring and stunning. Her two shapely long legs were sheathed in black stockings, and she held level a magnificent rifle etched with golden patterns.

They've finally arrived... Zhang Yuanqing seized the chance to revert to human form, collapsing softly beside Kou Beiyue.

Simultaneously, he disabled the Red Dancing Shoes' pursuit function, activated its second form, and wore them on his feet.

This served both to guard against Chi Yue'an launching a dishonorable sneak attack and to avoid the Red Dancing Shoes dragging him into an awkward dance.

Zhang Yuanqing hadn't expected Chi Yue'an to arrive so quickly, but he had taken precautions against this very scenario; before the operation, he had notified Guan Ya and informed her of the situation.

Given Guan Ya's experience and wisdom, upon discovering the involvement of a Saint, she would certainly notify Fu Qingyang rather than come alone.

She had indeed done so, but Zhang Yuanqing hadn't anticipated that the one arriving wouldn't be Fu Qingyang, but Ling Jun.

Can this guy hack it? He's the trash handpicked by Fu Qingyang, after all... Zhang Yuanqing panted heavily, gasping for air.

Guan Ya's gaze lingered on Zhang Yuanqing for a few seconds before shifting away to fix on Chi Yue'an, her teeth gritted:

"I'm gonna blow your brains out with a single shot."

Li Dongze drew his small pistol, raising his cane horizontally.

Ling Jun hastily raised his hand, pressing down vaguely in front of the two, smiling lazily: "Easy now, let's talk this out. Harmony brings wealth, harmony brings wealth."

Chi Yue'an scrutinized the three, his voice deep:

"Who are you?"

As he spoke, a soft, holy halo rippled outward, mending the gunshot wound at the back of his head.

Songhai was vast; Spirit Realm Walkers from different districts rarely crossed paths. As a Deacon, Chi Yue'an was even less likely to know ordinary Walkers from other districts.

The reason he suppressed his violent temper and killing intent was that the young man who looked so agreeable and easygoing made him sense a threat.

Li Dongze spoke in a low voice: "I am the Squad Leader of the Second Team, Kangyang District, Songhai Branch of the Five Elements Alliance. Not long ago, I received a report claiming someone was gathering here to gamble and engage in group licentiousness."

Squad Leader of Kangyang District... Chi Yue'an didn't panic in the slightest, his tone flat:

"No such thing occurred. I received a report that an Evil-class professional infiltrated a private residence and went on a killing spree. I came specifically to handle it. This case is now under my jurisdiction. You lot can go back."

None of the three moved.

Chi Yue'an narrowed his eyes, his tone abruptly turning severe as he rebuked:

"What, you people from Kangyang District want to meddle in my Shakou District's affairs? Not to mention a mere Squad Leader like you, even Fu Qingyang has no right to interfere in my jurisdiction. Scram now, or I'll beat you to death. Let's see if the Elders will uphold justice for you then!"

The Songhai Branch's explicit regulations stipulate that Official Walkers from different Major Districts must not interfere in matters outside their jurisdiction, unless permitted by an Elder, or if the Official Walkers of that district request support.

With the rules laid out plainly, could Chi Yue'an possibly allow people from another district to take over the Copper Sparrow Tower?

When he spoke of beating them to death, it wasn't a verbal threat. If these three insisted on meddling, vying for control of the Copper Sparrow Tower, and attacked him, the nature of the incident would change entirely.

Official Walkers of Kangyang District privately meddling in another district's affairs, violently seizing control, and attacking the Steward of that district—even if he killed them, it would be self-defense.

At most, he'd receive a disciplinary sanction.

"Uh, it seems we really shouldn't meddle in this. How about we withdraw with the people first?"

Ling Jun had come to save people, not to investigate a case; he wasn't even a member of the Five Elements Alliance, and didn't much want to get involved in these matters.

Guan Ya and Li Dongze looked toward Yuanshi Tianzun.

"Withdraw with the people?"

Chi Yue'an grew even more domineering, letting out a cold snort: "That won't do. They are Evil Professionals. Not only did they kill my team members, but they also massacred ordinary people. You think you can just take them away? Are you trying to harbor criminals...?"

As he spoke, his expression suddenly shifted slightly, and he whipped his head around to look at the ordinary-looking youth who had used the Night Wander skill.

Kangyang District, Night Wanderer...

"Are you Yuanshi Tianzun?" Chi Yue'an's expression changed slightly.

At this moment, Zhang Yuanqing felt the devil-may-care attitude of a man with nothing left to lose; he cracked a grin: "That's right, your daddy!"

Having just finished using the Yin-Yang Robe, his emotions had turned violent and impulsive, utterly overbearing.

Yuanshi Tianzun, A-class Merit, highly regarded by the Elder Council... Chi Yue'an suddenly found him troublesome. A figure of this caliber couldn't be killed.

At least, not by him.

He swiftly changed tactics, took a deep breath, looked at Ling Jun and the other two, and spoke with a pressing tone:

"You can take him, but the other Bewitching Demon cannot be taken."

The next step was to destroy evidence, clear out the women of the Copper Sparrow Tower. As long as there was no ironclad proof, with his status as Steward and his connections behind the scenes, he could turn a major incident into a minor one and settle the matter.

Ling Jun gave a slight nod: "Deal!"

He turned to look at Zhang Yuanqing: "Let's go. Leave here first. As for the follow-up, you'll coordinate with Fu Qingyang."

Coordination meant going through the procedures.

To investigate a Steward required an Elder's consent; one had to submit an investigation application and evidence.

And Chi Yue'an's direct superior Elder wasn't the Dog Elder, making the situation even more complicated.

"No, we can't leave. If we leave today, this case will have no resolution whatsoever." Zhang Yuanqing propped himself up to stand, looking at the three, panting heavily:

"I've already investigated thoroughly. Chi Yue'an backs evil forces, kidnaps and imprisons innocents, forces them to earn money, uses them to bribe big shots in Shakou District, forcibly bought over a thousand shops. Additionally, he is suspected of murder..."

He laid out the intelligence he had ferreted out today, case by case, item by item.

Li Dongze listened, struck dumb.

He had only gleaned a rough sketch from Guan Ya, possessing no substantive grasp of the truth.

And Guan Ya was much the same.

From Zhang Yuanqing, she had heard only that the malignant powers of Shakou District persecuted women and bribed the high and mighty.

Even that much was enough to make Guan Ya physically ill, igniting a fury from the very core of her being.

She never dreamed their deeds could be more monstrous still than her worst imaginings; the damage they wrought upon the women in the building defied the simple word "persecution"—they were instruments of profit, implements for the slaking of bestial desire.

And that was not even counting the vicious commercial rivalries.

Ling Jun’s indolent expression hardened by degrees, the smile at the corner of his mouth ebbing away.

…