Chapter 86: Each Showing Their Divine Powers

Chapter 86: Each Shows Their Own Magic

On the outskirts of the city, at the Good Music Hotel.

Wang Qian and the three companions from the Death-Slaying Palace had moved their hiding spot here.

The Good Music Hotel was an important stronghold of the Death-Slaying Palace in Songhai City; the hotel manager was a member of the Death-Slaying Palace.

Many civilian walker organizations liked to open hotels and restaurants everywhere. Compared to private residences, the former two were the most suitable for harboring large groups of people and organizing meetings, because on their own turf they didn’t have to worry about surveillance equipment.

Of course, this only applied to calm periods.

If facing a large-scale official manhunt, hotels and restaurants were actually easier to expose, because the public security officers would definitely check them one by one.

The Five Elements Alliance lacked the manpower to check all the major hotels and inns in Songhai; only the Public Security Bureau could complete such a massive workload.

But Wang Qian and the Mad Saint of Love believed that although the Xiahou family was flourishing and closely connected with the authorities, it was not enough to command the Public Security Bureau.

The Public Security Bureau and the Five Elements Alliance were on equal footing, cooperative; the former managed social order, the latter managed order among spirit realm walkers.

Even the Five Elements Alliance had no authority to command the public security system, let alone a spirit realm family.

In the suite, the Mad Saint of Love lay on the sofa snoring loudly, while the girl in jeans and a black tube top sat cross-legged in front of the television, absorbed in her game.

The pale-faced Unkind Heaven and Earth wore headphones, eyes closed, enjoying music.

Wang Qian stood by the window, watching the activity outside, occasionally pulling out his phone to glance at it.

He kept telling himself in his mind, it’s not that fast, it’s not that fast… Even if Lord Primordial was willing to help, it would take time.

But he still couldn’t help checking his phone again and again.

“Don’t worry. If anything happens to your sister, we’ll go hunt down the Xiahou family,” said Unkind Heaven and Earth, opening his eyes to glance at Wang Qian by the window, then starting again on his orphan strategy.

Irritable and extreme… Wang Qian shook his head. Unkind Heaven and Earth’s personality was extremely extreme—the kind who would repay a drop of kindness with a gushing spring, but if someone insulted him, he would not hesitate to perish together; he was very prone to going to extremes.

Such an extreme personality was quite rare even within the Death-Slaying Palace.

Wang Qian put down his phone again, silently gazing out the window, when suddenly a “ding-dong” sounded in his ear. His spirits lifted, and he quickly picked up his phone to check.

“Your sister is safe.”

Looking at the message, Wang Qian’s expression suddenly became excited; he could hardly believe it and exclaimed, “Chief, Chief, Lord Primordial replied to me.”

The Mad Saint of Love shuddered, startled awake by the noise.

The three companions gathered around. The Mad Saint of Love stared at the phone screen but showed a serious expression: “It’s a trap, definitely a trap. Even if he was willing to help, it’s impossible to rescue your sister in such a short time.”

The girl, Do As I Please, frowned: “Exactly. In such a short time, finding your sister would be difficult. Unless he knew where your sister was—if that’s the case, this person might be an accomplice of Xiahou Tianyuan.”

She was somewhat disappointed.

Wang Qian thought for a moment, edited the message: “Really?”

A few seconds later, with a “ding-dong,” Lord Primordial replied with a voice message.

Wang Qian quickly tapped the voice:

“Wang Qian, I was rescued by the public security officers. I’m on my way to the Kangyang District Public Security Bureau now.”

It was Wang Qian’s voice.

Wang Qian’s eyes instantly reddened, excited and overjoyed. After a whole day of anxiety, the heavy stone in his heart was finally lifted.

Rescued just like that? The efficiency is too high? The Mad Saint of Love looked surprised. When he had suggested that Wang Qian ask Lord Primordial for help, he had valued the other’s official status.

Even if he couldn’t rescue the person, he could at least gather some useful information and meanwhile check the Xiahou family.

Then the Death-Slaying Palace could formulate a plan based on the feedback from Lord Primordial.

He had never expected that the guy had handled it directly.

Was this really just a genius newcomer? Not the offspring of some major figure in the Five Elements Alliance?

Do As I Please sighed in relief and patted Wang Qian’s shoulder: “Now you don’t have to worry. This Lord Primordial is quite reliable. Later, find a chance to call home and confirm whether your sister was really rescued.”

As she spoke, the phone rang. The caller was Lord Primordial.

Wang Qian immediately looked at the Mad Saint of Love, seeking the chief’s opinion.

The latter hesitated a few seconds, then nodded slightly.

Wang Qian answered the call and tested, “Lord Primordial?”

But from the speaker came his sister’s voice: “Wang Qian, I’m fine now. Where are you? Why did you suddenly stop going to work? The people who kidnapped me seemed to be looking for you—did you borrow loan shark money?”

Wang Qian’s voice carried urgency and anxiety, a flurry of questions.

“Sis, don’t worry. I’ll come home sometime.” Wang Qian comforted her a few times, then heard a young man’s voice on the other end: “Give me the phone…”

Then came Lord Primordial’s voice:

“Now is not the time for family chitchat. Wang Qian, I want to see your superior.”

Because Wang Qian was present, he did not mention the words “Death-Slaying Palace.”

Wang Qian glanced at the Mad Saint of Love and asked, “Why?”

“When I rescued your sister, my identity was exposed. The Xiahou family will definitely hate me for it. You people need to take responsibility for that.” Zhang Yuanqing said calmly.

“Besides, I can rescue your sister once, but not a second time. What if the Xiahou family goes after your family again? Or goes after the families of other members? What will you do then?

“Now we’re all in the same boat. It’s time to fight back. Of course, if you’re so weak you just want to act like turtles, then consider my words unsaid.”

Wang Qian covered the receiver and looked at his companions. The Mad Saint of Love was hesitant. Do As I Please whispered, “I think we can communicate. Let me handle it.”

At a time like this, the importance of goodwill became apparent.

“No, let me.” said the Mad Saint of Love. “Trust my grasp of human nature. Let me have a word with him.”

He took the phone and deliberately lowered his voice, making it hoarse and deep: “Lord Primordial, you don’t need to use provocation.”

“You are?” Zhang Yuanqing’s spirit lifted.

“Mad Saint of Love, Saint Hand’s superior.”

“Oh, my goodness, this ID is really striking. I like it a lot.” Zhang Yuanqing praised.

The Mad Saint of Love was stunned for a moment, then said happily: “I also think this name is pretty good. I pondered for a long time when naming it… Ahem, back to business. I understand what you mean, but before the Palace Lord gives orders, we won’t act.”

“Fine, then I’ll go deal with the Xiahou family myself. Stop killing with killing, stop killing with killing—that’s my principle. You guys are still lacking. Change your names later.” Zhang Yuanqing said loudly.

“Nonsense!” Unkind Heaven and Earth was furious. “Our organization naturally has countermeasures, but they are in the hands of the Palace Lord. And the Palace Lord hasn’t appeared since he fought with the Xiahou family’s enforcement captain.”

The Mad Saint of Love glared at him angrily.

So the Death-Slaying Palace people really are extreme, and they still said provocation wouldn’t work… Zhang Yuanqing smiled and immediately asked: “What are your countermeasures?”

Guan Ya had analyzed that the Xiahou family’s unrelenting pursuit of the Death-Slaying Palace was very abnormal; it seemed there were indeed hidden circumstances.

Qingdian Dasheng took a deep breath:

“We suspect that the Palace Master has entered a dungeon, which is why he ordered us to hide.

“As for what methods, I don’t know, and even if I did, I couldn’t tell you. Let's put it this way: I will try to contact the Palace Master soon and report this to him. Whether it's compensation or cooperation, it depends on whether he is willing to contact you. We really can’t act rashly.”

Ah? Don’t contact me, contact Fu Qingyang instead. I don’t want to deal with a madman... Zhang Yuanqing felt a moment of fear inside, but outwardly he remained calm:

“I’m looking forward to it!”

After hanging up the phone, he felt slightly relieved.

In this matter, he had completely offended the Xiahou father and son, and would surely face retaliation in the future.

Although he had merits to his name and the Xiahou family wouldn’t act openly, they could still resort to underhanded means—there were many insidious tricks.

So, this time he had to take out both the Xiahou father and son, at least ensure they couldn’t recover.

But relying on the Five Elements Alliance wasn’t very safe; their interests were intertwined and deeply entangled. At this point, he needed to make two preparations and seek external assistance.

Therefore, he had requested to contact Wang Qian’s superior and have a dialogue with high-level figures in the Zhisha Palace.

...

“He hung up.” Qingdian Dasheng returned the phone to Wang Qian.

Lamei glanced at him, then at Wang Qian and Tiandi Buren, with an expression that showed she no longer trusted them.

“What’s wrong?” Qingdian Dasheng frowned.

“So who exactly has the upper hand?” Lamei said expressionlessly.

? Qingdian Dasheng, Wang Qian, and Tiandi Buren looked at each other, fell silent.

...

Zhang Yuanqing turned his head and glanced at the young woman beside him. She sat upright, both hands on the steering wheel.

“Don’t repeat what you heard today, or your brother is dead.” Zhang Yuanqing threatened.

Wang Qian seemed about to speak but held back, and finally nodded.

Good, very obedient... Should I let Xiao Doubi come out to meet his biological mother? Forget it, ordinary people seeing a spirit would probably be scared unconscious. Better let her drive safely... Right, I now have control over the spirit talisman. After dealing with the Xiahou family, I should start collecting materials to nurture Xiao Doubi.

Having settled the important matters, before reaching the security bureau, he eagerly opened his inventory to check his spoils.

From an angle where Wang Qian couldn’t notice, he took out a fiery red glove and held it in his palm.

【Name: Thug Gloves】

【Type: Weapon】

【Functions: Burning, Swiftness, Explosion】

【Description: It was once a pair of gloves favored by a powerful Fire Master. Due to prolonged wear, it gradually absorbed the owner’s power and also their recklessness. It can continue to accumulate power and release it through impact.】

【Note: Explosion is art. There is nothing that can’t be solved with an explosion; if there is, blow it up again.】

Zhang Yuanqing was overjoyed.

What a great item! I finally have an AOE skill, making up for the assassin’s weakness. And with the vitality of a Night Wanderer, I can completely withstand the burden of multiple explosions.

But the cost was a bit troublesome. From the description and notes, it was easy to see the glove’s cost: recklessness and self-harm.

The latter didn’t matter; he could fully endure the explosion damage. The former was a headache—fighting without thinking made him easy to ambush.

“But as long as it’s used only at critical moments, like the Steadfast Orb, the cost can be minimized...”

Indeed, killing and looting is the path to wealth. If there weren’t moral value constraints, the Spirit Realm Walkers would probably go on a killing spree.

Next, he called up his attributes panel and checked his reputation, then let out a sneer.

The reputation hadn’t increased or decreased.

Hunting among Spirit Realm Walkers doesn’t deduct morality points, but if walkers of the same faction kill each other, and the killed walker had reputation, the killer’s own reputation decreases. Once reputation reaches zero, morality points are deducted.

Now that his reputation hadn’t changed, it meant the four useless guys hadn’t killed any evil professions, and their reputation was zero.

Pure social parasites, not worth regretting their deaths.

More than ten minutes later, the car drove into the security bureau.

Zhang Yuanqing asked Wang Qian to park the car in front of the glass building, got out, and entered the unit.

On the second floor, he saw seven or eight Spirit Realm Walkers who weren’t from Team Two, including the qipao beauty Qingteng and the big sister Bailong.

On the way, Guan Ya had told him that Fu Qingyang was waiting with people at the Kangyang District Security Bureau.

“The kidnappers’ bodies are in the car downstairs. Please have them brought up.”

Zhang Yuanqing nodded slightly to Qingteng, then glanced at Wang Tai, who looked miserable, and went straight to Li Dongze’s office.

“Knock, knock!”

He knocked on the glass door.

“Come in.” Fu Qingyang’s clear and cold voice responded.

Pushing open the glass door, in the luxurious office, Fu Qingyang sat in Li Dongze’s seat. On the sofa in the meeting area were the long-legged Guan Ya, the casually dressed Ling Jun, and an old acquaintance not seen for a long time.

Yuan Ting!

He’s still alive? It seems Elder Sun didn’t come out of the dungeon... Zhang Yuanqing grumbled inwardly, then looked at Fu Qingyang:

“I’ve brought back Wang Qian and the kidnappers’ bodies.”

Fu Qingyang nodded steadily: “I’ve already sent someone to summon Xiahou Tianyun. Once we have the evidence, we can detain him.”

As he spoke, he looked at Yuan Ting, who stood up and said with emotion: “Here we go with spirit interrogation again, Centurion Fu. You’ll have to give me compensation.”

Fu Qingyang said coolly: “No problem. I hope when the compensation comes through, it doesn’t become an inheritance.”

Yuan Ting’s face stiffened, and he couldn’t help looking at Zhang Yuanqing, saying with pain:

“All this started because of you. You also need to compensate me.”

Alright, I’ll burn money for you... Zhang Yuanqing silently retorted, then looked at Fu Qingyang and said:

“Centurion, among the kidnappers were some strong opponents. Are you sure you don’t need me to perform spirit interrogation?”

The implication was that he had not easily killed strong enemies and had revealed some of his trump cards. He knew that Fu Qingyang was aware that he possessed a rule-type item.

Fu Qingyang said calmly: “Captain Yuan is diligent and upright. Let him handle the spirit interrogation.”

Was he endorsing Yuan Ting? Zhang Yuanqing said nothing more.

A few minutes later, Yuan Ting returned with a pale face and reported solemnly:

“The kidnappers were walkers kept by the Xiahou family. Their kidnapping of Wang Qian’s sister was also ordered by Xiahou Tianyuan.”

Yuan Ting was a captain of the Taiyi Sect, and his accusation could, to some extent, represent the Taiyi Sect.

Then, Yuan Ting looked at Zhang Yuanqing with a complex expression: “You actually killed a level 3 Fire Master. To be so powerful at the novice stage—freak, you’re a real freak.”

He indeed did not mention the matter of the Red Dancing Shoes.

Ling Jun squinted and smiled: “That’s why they call him a genius. I’ve heard about this kidnapping case. Yuan Shi, you did well. I like young people with a sense of justice. But do you know what a genius fears most?”

It’s certainly not not having a girlfriend... Zhang Yuanqing smiled and replied: “What?”

"It was a premature death!" Ling Jun took a sip of tea, then added, "Do you know how to avoid a premature death?"

Trying to recruit me again... With his immediate superior watching from the side, Zhang Yuanqing thought for a moment and politely declined, "Dying in infancy?"

Ling Jun choked and coughed violently, "No, find a patron. Join the Great One Sect. I'll protect you; the Xiahou family won't dare retaliate."

A hint of satisfaction crept into Fu Qingyang's gaze as he looked at Zhang Yuanqing, then he shot a cold sidelong glare at Ling Jun.

"Knock, knock!"

Just then, the glass door of the office was knocked again.

Fu Qingyang looked over, "Come in."

A stern-faced young man in a black T-shirt entered the office, stopped before the desk, and said in a low voice:

"Xiahou Tianyuan has been arrested."

Fu Qingyang narrowed his eyes. "Arrested by whom?"

The stern young man replied, "By Executive Pang of Fenghua District. Just now, Xiahou Tianyuan assaulted someone in Fenghua District and was taken into custody by Executive Pang. After an investigation, Xiahou Tianyuan confessed to more criminal activities... for instance, this kidnapping case."

Listening to their exchange, Zhang Yuanqing's heart sank. He immediately felt the difficulty.

According to the internal regulations of the Five Elements Alliance, to prevent credit-stealing, whoever's jurisdiction the incident occurs in is responsible, and whoever uncovers the case handles it.

Executive Pang of Fenghua District had "unearthed" the case, so in theory, he was in charge. But because Zhang Yuanqing had been involved a step earlier and the victim had filed a complaint, the ownership of the matter remained contentious.

That wasn't the most critical part. The key was that Xiahou Tianyuan had injured someone in Fenghua District and was now detained. The ownership of this incident was undisputed—it fell under Fenghua District's responsibility.

Thus, Fenghua District could easily delay the handling of the case under the pretext of investigation, protecting Xiahou Tianyuan.

Then they could later vie with Kangyang District for control of the kidnapping case.

In short, the man simply couldn't fall into Kangyang District's hands. As long as they secured this "strategic depth," the Xiahou family would have time to maneuver.

This whole series of moves demonstrated a deep understanding of the rules.

If the Xiahou father and son are not eliminated, the trouble will be endless... If the Five Elements Alliance can't handle it, then I'll have to cooperate with the Stop Killing Palace... Zhang Yuanqing's mood grew somewhat heavy. "Fu Centurion, what should we do now?"

Fu Qingyang shot him a glance. "Did the victim report the case to you?"

"Yes!"

"Did that happen before Xiahou Tianyuan's assault?"

"Yes!"

Fu Qingyang said flatly, "Then go and make the arrest."

"But..." Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself, but the man is already in Fenghua District. How do we arrest him? By force?

Fu Qingyang rose from the desk, walked over slowly, and fixed his deep, pool-like gaze on the younger man. He said coolly:

"When rules conflict, and both sides have reason on their side, whoever has the stronger fist makes the call. Remember that. Also..."

His handsome, chiseled face turned solemn as he warned:

"A drawn arrow has no return. Once you make an enemy, you must stop at nothing to destroy him. Even if an elder steps in to stop you, you still beat that elder's dog head off."

Fu Qingyang turned and strode toward the door, his pace slow but resolute, leaving the others in the room with a tall, straight silhouette:

"Follow me. We're making an arrest."

……

Fenghua District Security Office.

In the west building of the Security Office, inside a sunlit, spotless office, Xiahou Tianyuan sat on the reception sofa, twirling a pair of walnuts in his left hand and holding a porcelain cup in his right, taking a hearty sip.

"Nice little trinkets. You've had them for a while, haven't you?"

"If you like them, Young Master Tianyuan, they're yours."

Executive Pang smiled. He wore a leather coat over a white judo uniform.

He was burly, with a square face, and when not smiling, he gave off an unusually stern and fierce impression.

"Forget it. A gentleman doesn't take what others treasure." Xiahou Tianyuan set down the walnuts and cup, adjusted his suit collar, and said:

"I need two favors from you. We've learned from the Xie family that after that clan fell, the surviving members scattered everywhere, and the Stop Killing Palace Lord was sent to Songhai back then.

"She was just a child at the time, not a Spirit Realm Walker, and it was uncertain whether she would ever become one. When she registered her residence, no special care was taken to conceal her identity. I want you to search the Songhai household registration database.

"For now, we only know her age is between twenty-four and twenty-seven. Also, I asked the family elders and had someone sketch the faces of the core members of that clan. You can try facial recognition."

"That's difficult." Executive Pang shook his head, thinking it unlikely. Songhai had a permanent population of over twenty million, with over ten million local registrations.

"Of course it's difficult, so the timeline is flexible." Xiahou Tianyuan smiled. "Whether this works or not, you can still go to the Xiahou family vault and pick one Sage-level artifact."

Executive Pang broke into a grin. "Deal."

Xiahou Tianyuan continued:

"Second, investigate the information on Primordial Lord of Kangyang District. I want to find his real-world identity."

Executive Pang frowned. "You want revenge on him?"

Xiahou Tianyuan took a sip from his cup, his expression dark. "Since he's opposing me, he's an enemy. Against an enemy, any means are acceptable."

He also had an unpleasant truth to admit: that kid was strong, strong enough to make him envious, strong enough to make him wary.

Executive Pang thought for a few seconds, then said gravely:

"Then you'd better make sure it's clean. If it's traced back, I won't be able to protect you. I can't access Primordial Lord's identity info—you need elder-level clearance.

"Two suggestions: pressure his superior. Li Dongze definitely knows Primordial Lord's identity. But if you do that, you'll have to kill Li Dongze."

"Wouldn't that be telling everyone I'm going to kill the kid?" Xiahou Tianyuan dismissed the suggestion outright. "And the second?"

Executive Pang said, "Half a month ago, Primordial Lord killed a Corrupter at Songhai University. That Corrupter had just escaped pursuit, and no one could find him.

"Primordial Lord most likely ran into him by chance in Songhai."

Xiahou Tianyuan's eyes lit up. "He's young. Are you saying he's a student at Songhai University?"

Executive Pang held his cup, drinking as he spoke. "That's for you to verify."

The two exchanged a knowing smile.

Just then, Executive Pang frowned, looking toward the office door.

Seconds later, hurried footsteps approached. An official walker burst in, his expression troubled, and said urgently:

"Executive Pang, Executive Fu from Kangyang District has led a team in."