Chapter 41: Diverting Trouble Eastward

Chapter 41: Diverting the Disaster

A magnificent golden light shone into his sea of consciousness, dispersing the hostility in Zhang Yuanqing's heart and wrenching him from the spirit-questioning state; he beheld Li Dongze with his clothes in disarray, while simultaneously feeling an ache across his entire body, as though he had suffered a brutal, inhumane beating.

"Honestly, every time a Night Wanderer devours the spirit of an evil profession, they go completely mad..."

Li Dongze tossed the demon-subduing pestle back to Zhang Yuanqing, then straightened his attire, fished a pack of wet wipes from his pocket, and handed them over, saying, "Wipe away that nosebleed. One must maintain elegance at all times."

Taking the wet wipes, Zhang Yuanqing cleansed the traces of blood from his nose and first cast a glance at his attribute panel; his experience had increased by five percent, bringing his current total to fifty-two percent.

Next, he began to sort through the fragments of memory.

The Eastern District Branch of the Spiritual Energy Club possessed two vice-chairmen: one was the Ghost-Eyed Judge, and the other was the direct superior of the Outlaw's superior.

These two vice-chairmen had vied for the chairman's position, engaging in overt and covert strife for years; upon the Ghost-Eyed Judge's demise, that other vice-chairman had attempted to secure the Holy Grail and the roster to inherit his rival’s legacy and integrate the Eastern District Branch.

Consequently, he too was searching for the Black Impermanence.

The strength of the Spiritual Energy Club was truly formidable; the Eastern District Branch alone boasted two vice-chairmen, both high-level spirit realm walkers... Zhang Yuanqing composed his thoughts and said, "Centurion, I have uncovered a major lead."

He immediately informed Li Dongze of the list he had glimpsed within the memory fragments.

Li Dongze nodded as he listened, and when the list was mentioned, his eyes flared with a sudden brightness:

"Excellent, truly excellent. With this list, we can carry out a targeted investigation instead of rushing about like headless flies. As expected, it is the enemy who understands the enemy best."

Zhang Yuanqing fell into contemplation, murmuring, "I cannot help but find this strange. First came Ou Xiangrong, and now the Outlaw—it feels almost as though someone is deliberately handing us these clues."

Li Dongze replied with a faint smile, "You are quite perceptive. Tell you what, write an analytical report for me; consider it a test of your abilities."

You elegance-obsessed freak, you are going to lose me if you keep this up... Zhang Yuanqing's expression instantly froze.

"A stroke of luck for Li Yuanfang, then; their Second Team has achieved a great merit," Li Dongze lamented softly without expanding further, leaning on his cane as he walked toward the exit and threw open the iron door.

The members of the Second Team waiting in the corridor rushed forward immediately, led by a stern and solemn Li Yuanfang who asked with a touch of anticipation:

"How is it? Are there any clues?"

Li Dongze smiled warmly and said, "We have obtained a list of the Black Impermanence's subordinates. Your Second Team has claimed a great merit today."

A smile broke across Li Yuanfang's harsh countenance.

The captains of the Second Team were overjoyed, their faces beaming.

The weight of such a list was undeniable; the more critical the list, the greater their achievement, benefiting the entire team.

Li Dongze added in a deep voice, "However, the authenticity of the list remains to be verified."

Li Yuanfang nodded steadily, then turned his gaze to Zhang Yuanqing standing behind Li Dongze, saying:

"Once the rewards are distributed, we will set aside ten percent to compensate you. Our thanks..."

His tone was surprisingly gentle.

He then sighed with an expression of envy, "Centurion Li possesses remarkable fortune."

The looks directed at Zhang Yuanqing by the members of the Second Team were filled with goodwill and approval.

None opposed the centurion’s notion of compensation, deeming it entirely deserved by Zhang Yuanqing.

...

Dinner.

Zhang Yuanqing sat at the dining table, savoring the dishes prepared by his grandmother.

Jiang Yu'er scrolled through short videos as she ate, dressed in a pink hoodie with two fluffy, oversized ears dangling from the hood.

He recalled that when his maternal aunt was eighteen or nineteen, she loved collecting black stockings and short skirts to flaunt a mature charm.

Yet past her twenty-fifth birthday, her wardrobe shifted toward the youthful and girlish, and she took to calling herself a young maiden or a fairy.

The older she grew, the more she loved to play the innocent girl.

"Do not play with your phone while eating," Grandmother scolded.

"Just for a little while..." his aunt coaxed playfully, chewing her food before adding, "Yuanzi, I saw a mixed-race girl at the hospital today with a stellar figure and a gorgeous face. Do you know how old her husband is?"

That mixed-race girl not only had a great figure but was also an expert at driving conversations into wild territory... Zhang Yuanqing cooperated by asking:

"How old?"

"Still a university student," his aunt said with a look of mock disdain. "Look at you, single to this day, completely hopeless."

"Aren't you single yourself? What right do you have to lecture me?" Zhang Yuanqing shot her a sidelong glance.

"What do you know? My singlehood is a choice of purity, while your singlehood is just plain hopelessness."

"Even the Hegemon of Western Chu couldn't withstand a punch like that from you."

Grandmother overheard this and reprimand her daughter, "You have the nerve to lecture Yuanzi? He is focusing on his studies right now; what is wrong with that? Purity, indeed—are you planning to become a holy virgin? You are going on another blind date next week. I am not asking you to marry immediately, but at least find a boyfriend to spend time with."

Diverting the disaster toward her nephew, the aunt turned the spearhead, saying, "I haven't even gained permanent employment yet; I must focus on my career too. And what about your own grandson? He is thirty and still has no partner."

Hearing this, Grandmother found it reasonable, turned to Chen Yuanjun, and mused:

"Yuanjun, let me arrange another blind date for you. Last time I gave your photo to the young lady, her family told me they weren't looking for someone older. I thought they simply lacked vision... I'll have Yu'er touch up your photo to make you look a bit younger."

The elder cousin’s mouth twitched, his brow furrowing into his habitual frown as he said in a serious tone:

"As long as Grandmother is happy. However, I have noticed that Yuanzi has been sleeping through the day and playing video games all night recently, showing no regard for his studies at all. University is not the end of education, but the starting point of entering society. With his mother abroad, you ought to supervise him closely, Grandmother. It would be best to smash that PS5."

Grandmother found this logical as well and scolded in anger, "All you know is to play games all day long, you unprogressive creature! Must you force my hand to smash your console?"

No, brother, you are far too wicked... Zhang Yuanqing felt his scalp tingle. Seeing his grandmother ramble on without end, he stealthily summoned the Little Scamp, directing the spirit to crawl onto his grandfather's head, before steadying his emotions to personally sever his grandfather's sense of hearing.

"Grandmother, look at Grandfather; he ignores everything and leaves you to manage this entire household alone. It is simply unfair."

His aunt and cousin shot him a surprised look; the boy was acting exceptionally bold today.

Upon hearing those words, Grandmother immediately turned to Grandfather, frowning, "Old Chen, say something... Old Chen? Old Chen!"

With the plump, adorable infant perched upon his head, Grandfather remained utterly oblivious, eating his meal in silence.

Zhang Yuanqing quietly recalled the Little Scamp, and Grandfather abruptly lifted his head as if only just hearing someone call him, his brow furrowing, "What?"

"I am speaking to you!" Grandmother said crossly.

"I didn't hear you."

"What do you mean by that? Playing deaf with me? All day long you do nothing but take walks, play chess, and watch television. Am I a servant to your Chen family? You ignore your daughter, your grandson, and your grandson-in-law. Now I finally see from whom that family disgrace inherited their traits..." Grandmother's fierce temper erupted uncontrollably.

Zhang Yuanqing buried his head in his food, concealing his contribution to the chaos.

...

The Morse Pet Café.

The rolling shutter door was halfway drawn, and the lights inside the shop were dim, the orange glow blending with the elm flooring to create a soothing, tranquil ambiance.

The deacon-level figures from the Fenghui, Kangyang, Jinjiang, and Puning districts were gathered together, eleven individuals in total, assembled around a circular table with steaming cups of coffee at their sides.

Without a doubt, this was a high-level meeting, and only an elder-level figure could summon such deacons to convene.

Beneath the orange pendant lamp, right at the center of the round table, a curly-haired toy poodle sat crouching with immense pride and dignity, speaking in a human voice:

"Everyone is present. I shall be brief. The fall of the Ghost-Eyed Judge carries immense consequences. What have you all uncovered these past few days?"

This is an elder of the Hundred Flowers Society, one of those responsible for the Strange Eye Judge incident; he oversees all Spirit Realm Walker teams in the four major districts, a figure of real power who can report directly to the Alliance Leader.

The other stewards remained silent; the steward of Fenghui District raised a hand and said in a low voice:

“My men today executed a witch doctor, confirmed to be one of the Curse King’s, and obtained a list from the spirit’s memory…”

He then announced the contents of the list.

Curly Teddy’s beady eyes showed approval:

“Well done. Hmm, the witch doctor’s spirit was unusually frenzied, so interrogating it cost the Taiyi Sect’s Nightwalkers no small price; we’ll compensate them later.”

The steward of Fenghui District nodded and added:

“I believe the Ou Xiangrong incident was no accident; he was bait released by the Curse King to let us know about the Strange Eye Judge’s fall. The witch doctor we executed today is also the Curse King’s subordinate—he wants to use our official power to find the Black Impermanence.”

The Curse King is another vice president of the Psychic Society’s Eastern District; his rivalry with the Strange Eye Judge over the president’s seat has been going on for some time.

The two sides are at daggers drawn.

“When goals align, anyone can be a friend. But the Fallen Grail is endlessly harmful; it must be kept by us officials and never fall into the Curse King’s hands.” Curly Teddy’s beady eyes swept the room as he said:

“Any other additions?”

The stewards silently memorized the list; a female steward frowned and said:

“Zhao Yingjun’s case is a warning. I suggest we screen all members of the Songhai branch, including the Taiyi Sect Nightwalkers—there might be agents of the Psychic Society hidden among them.”

Curly Teddy pondered for a few seconds, then nodded slowly: “If so, we’ll have to use the Tiger Tally; I’ll submit a request to the Marshal.”

With business concluded, Teddy turned his head to look at Fu Qingyang, who sat silent in his white suit, and said:

“I heard you recently recruited a promising young Nightwalker who cleared the Sheling Tunnel?”

Fu Qingyang gave a slight nod, then added: “He also killed Ou Xiangrong.”

Curly Teddy said:

“A few days ago, Elder Red Tassel from Taiyi Sect contacted me, wanting to take that Nightwalker. I know Elder Sun said to leave the lad alone, but the Five Elements Alliance and Taiyi Sect did sign an agreement.

“Personnel matters are under Elder Red Tassel’s authority; Elder Sun doesn’t have the final say… Qingyang, what’s your opinion?”

Fu Qingyang said calmly:

“Just turn her down. If you’re not comfortable, I’ll call her myself.”

A steward from the Hundred Flowers Society immediately laughed:

“It’s not a big deal; it’s just one Nightwalker. Giving him to Taiyi Sect wouldn’t hurt—isn’t a favor from Elder Red Tassel more valuable? Besides, each of our districts has Taiyi Sect Nightwalkers stationed; when we need them to work, they cooperate well, right, Old Zhang?”

Old Zhang was the steward of Fenghui District.

The other stewards kept silent, not voicing opinions on such a sensitive issue.

Seeing everyone look at him, Old Zhang frowned and said:

“Since he’s Centurion Fu’s man, I won’t comment on the personnel transfer, but I do want to raise an issue with the Taiyi Sect Nightwalker’s work attitude. The witch doctor we executed today wasn’t interrogated by a Taiyi Sect Nightwalker; he refused on the grounds of being in poor condition.

“My squad leader had no choice but to ask the Second Team of Kangyang District. Hah, they came with just one phone call, no complaints, and he was only a Level 1 Nightwalker.

“Personally, I think there’s a difference between our own Nightwalkers and someone else’s.”

Fu Qingyang was startled; he hadn’t known about this.

Hearing Old Zhang’s words, several stewards voiced their opinions:

“I think we should keep him; Taiyi Sect doesn’t lack one Nightwalker.”

“These are tense times; we trust our own people more.”

The Hundred Flowers Society steward looked embarrassed and said no more.

Curly Teddy nodded:

“Then we’ll keep him. I’ll decline Elder Red Tassel. Qingyang, Ling Jun from Taiyi Sect will lead a team to Songhai in a few days to help us hunt down the Black Impermanence. You two are of the same generation, usually close, and one of the Four Young Masters—you go receive him.”

Fu Qingyang said, “Mm.”