"Nightwalker!" Zhang Yuanqing stated calmly.
"I asked about your class."
"Nightwalker."
Li Dongze froze, then straightened his back abruptly, leaning forward with his gaze burning into Zhang Yuanqing. "You... you're a Nightwalker?"
"Yes," Zhang Yuanqing nodded.
"Hiss..." Li Dongze shifted in his seat, silent for over ten seconds as he processed this revelation. Raising his voice, he repeated, "You're a Nightwalker? I... I just picked up a Nightwalker?"
This was beyond his wildest expectations. It was like casually remarking, "I wish I'd win the lottery," and then actually hitting the jackpot.
"I've struck gold!" Li Dongze set down his wine glass, scrutinizing Zhang Yuanqing repeatedly, his face flushed with excitement.
Every Nightwalker was a highly sought-after asset, fiercely contested by Spirit Realm Walker teams and even criminal gangs.
Li Dongze recalled how a young widow from the Hundred Flowers Association had seduced an informant from the Crimson Fire Gang, bedding him to persuade him to defect. The Crimson Fire Gang and the Hundred Flowers Association nearly erupted into war over this incident, and even intervention from the Five Elements Alliance headquarters proved futile.
The matter finally died down after the Nightwalker perished during a Spirit Realm mission.
"Oh, I still don't know your Spirit Realm ID," Li Dongze said, suppressing his excitement to maintain a composed demeanor in front of his future subordinate.
Zhang Yuanqing puffed out his chest, gathering his qi at the tip of his tongue. "Primordial Heavenly Venerable!"
Li Dongze paused for a few seconds before clapping. "A fine name."
Hey, that compliment sounds so forced! And why do you look like you want to punch me? Zhang Yuanqing replied modestly, "If the Chief likes it, then I'm happy."
Just then, the black sedan pulled into the Kangyang District Public Security Bureau and parked in a space beside the green belt.
"I'll arrange your onboarding procedures immediately. Your base salary is 20,000 yuan per month, with additional allowances for missions and performance bonuses for meritorious service. Any questions?" Li Dongze seemed eager to secure Zhang Yuanqing, as if he wanted to get him in the bag as soon as possible.
A base salary of 20,000 yuan per month? Zhang Yuanqing's eyes lit up. "No questions."
Even in a metropolis like Songhai, a monthly salary of 20,000 yuan placed him firmly in the upper-income bracket.
Zhang Yuanqing recalled that even the management at his mother's company only earned 50,000 to 100,000 yuan per month in base salary—excluding bonuses, commissions, and stock options.
He followed Li Dongze out of the car and around to the back of the Public Security Bureau building, where they stopped in front of a two-story structure.
The building was constructed from massive panes of glass, exuding a bourgeois charm and an air of elite sophistication.
Upon entering the main entrance, a steel staircase stood directly ahead, leading straight to the second floor.
To the left of the ground floor was the office area, where seven or eight women sat at their desks. There were pretty young ladies, mature and elegant young women, and capable and composed middle-aged women.
To the right was the living area, furnished with sofas, round tables, a refrigerator, an induction cooker, a water dispenser, and other daily necessities.
Some were focused on their work, others were watching dramas with headphones, while small groups gossiped in hushed tones.
When Li Dongze entered, they merely glanced up before returning to their activities, showing none of the usual fear employees have for their superiors.
I like this work environment, Zhang Yuanqing murmured to himself.
Li Dongze didn't linger. He led Zhang Yuanqing toward the steel staircase, then suddenly turned back and said:
"These are ordinary staff members. They're here solely to serve us Spirit Realm Walkers. If you need anything for your work or personal life, just ask them."
"Working as both an employee and a secretary?" Zhang Yuanqing nodded.
As they reached the second floor, the noisy chatter faded. The layout here was much simpler: the entire left side was Li Dongze's private office, while the right side held nine desks.
Most of the desks were empty, with only two occupied.
The occupants were the investigators who had visited Zhang Yuanqing's home yesterday: the long-legged woman and the disheveled, vacant-eyed techie.
"Guan Ya, handle his onboarding," Li Dongze called out from a distance, smiling warmly. "I've hired a new colleague for you all."
The techie glanced up at Zhang Yuanqing, gave a slight nod, and immediately returned to his work.
The Mixed-Blood Beauty, however, grinned as she rose from her chair. "Looks like you completed your Trial Mission successfully, you little boy with an older woman fetish."
A little boy with an older woman fetish?! Zhang Yuanqing's expression froze for a moment. Then Li Dongze, standing beside him, said, "Guan Ya likes to joke around. You'll get used to it."
He then scolded his female subordinate, "Don't say such strange things in front of our young college student. He's still just a kid."
Zhang Yuanqing glanced at the approaching Mixed-Blood Beauty, who was dressed in an office lady's suit. Her blouse was tucked into her skirt, accentuating her slender waist, while her long, shapely legs were encased in black stockings. Her slightly curled hair swayed gently with each step.
Her face was sharp and delicate, with the sculpted features of Western beauty, yet her skin was fair and smooth.
"Chief Li, I'd like to ask about the Trial Spirit Realm," Zhang Yuanqing said, remembering his purpose for being there.
"You can ask Guan Ya about that. I have urgent matters to attend to," Li Dongze replied warmly, his tone like a teacher addressing a top student.
With that, he hurried back to his office, eager to report the recruitment of the Nightwalker to his superiors.
"Has the Chief taken the wrong medicine today? He's practically floating," Guan Ya muttered, then turned to Zhang Yuanqing with a smile. "Come with me and fill out this form. I'll need your ID card."
"I didn't bring it."
"Then give me the ID number."
She led Zhang Yuanqing to an empty desk, tossed him the form, recorded his ID number, and went downstairs.
Zhang Yuanqing picked up a pen from the pen holder, twisted off the cap, and began reviewing the form.
This form wasn't a typical employment application; it corresponded to a Spirit Realm Walker's attribute panel.
In addition to basic information like profession and level, there was a field for "Trial Mission Spirit Realm."
Perfect, Zhang Yuanqing thought. He'd ask about how to clear the She Ling Tunnel dungeon later. He filled out the form truthfully.
Just as he finished, Guan Ya returned with two contracts in hand. She pulled up an office chair and sat beside him, her round hips pressing into the cushion.
"The Chief should have given you some basic training already, right?" she asked, leaning back lazily in her chair. The posture accentuated her impressive chest.
Zhang Yuanqing caught a whiff of her delicate fragrance and secretly glanced at her.
In an era where the average Walker was only C-Tier, an E-Tier powerhouse like her was truly awe-inspiring.
"Your onboarding is complete. Here are the contracts and a confidentiality agreement."
After Zhang Yuanqing signed, Guan Ya's smile faded, and she said seriously:
"There are a few things you need to know. Starting today, your original ID card is no longer valid. The organization will issue you a new one within three days. It will allow you to purchase high-speed rail and plane tickets through expedited channels.
"As for a new SIM card, you'll receive it tomorrow."
"Why?" Zhang Yuanqing didn't understand the reasoning behind this.
"When you named yourself, the Spirit Realm should have warned you not to use your real name," Guan Ya said.
Zhang Yuanqing nodded.
Guan Ya continued in a serious tone:
"There's a reason for this. We classify Spirit Realm professions into two categories: Orderly Classes, which are the orthodox professions, and Evil Classes.
"Spirit Realm Walkers of Evil Classes are either violently bloodthirsty or twistedly cruel. They share a common obsession: hunting down Spirit Realm Walkers of orthodox professions—that's us. Exposing your identity in the real world is extremely dangerous for a Spirit Realm Walker."
Like faction warfare in a game? Zhang Yuanqing's expression grew solemn.
He had found it strange when he was told he couldn't use his real name last night.
So, Li Dongze and Guan Ya weren't their real names either?
"But don't worry," Guan Ya reassured him. "We're an Official Organization. Under normal circumstances, we're the hunters, and they're the prey."
Seeing the young man's smile vanish, Guan Ya offered a comforting remark.
"Sister Guan Ya must be an incredible hunter," Zhang Yuanqing said, relieved, and slipped in a compliment.
He's quite the smooth talker, Guan Ya thought, her smile deepening. She clicked her tongue and teased, "Such sweet words! How many girlfriends have you had?"
"Single!"
Guan Ya was surprised. "Your trash can is so clean. I thought you had a girlfriend."
Another trash can comment? Do women have some kind of trash can fetish? Zhang Yuanqing mentally grumbled.
Guan Ya giggled. "Want me to order you a girlfriend online, little brother?"
Enough, you woman—no, you seasoned flirt! Zhang Yuanqing retorted, "No thanks. I prefer my girlfriends to be realistic."
Guan Ya laughed, her shoulders shaking. "I like you, you little rascal."
"Alright, enough joking. Let's get back to business. There are ten Spirit Realm Walker teams in the entire Kangyang Region. We're Team Two, with five members. With you, that makes six. Among the five, only Chief and I belong to the White Tiger Corps. You were recruited by Chief, so once you become an Official Walker, you'll also be part of the White Tiger Corps. Remember that."
The factional divisions within the Five Elements Alliance seem deeper than I imagined, Zhang Yuanqing thought. He immediately replied, "From now on, I'll follow Sister Guan Ya's lead."
He deliberately avoided mentioning Li Dongze, knowing this would further endear him to the older woman.
As expected, Guan Ya's smile brightened. "I like you, little brother," she purred.
"Besides Wang Tai and me, other Spirit Realm Walkers rarely come to the office. You're a student, so you don't need to come every day either. Don't be too formal—the Chief is a good person, though his speech gets a bit strange when he's emotional, and he's obsessed with elegance.
"As for Wang Tai, his profession is 'Scholar.' He excels at learning and research and works as clerical staff. Ask him if you have any questions. When you graduate, you can even ask him to help with your thesis.
"But he's socially awkward and hates interacting with people. Just treat him like a tool and ignore him otherwise.
"And me?" she said with a smile. "I really enjoy working with energetic young men."
Zhang Yuanqing couldn't tell if she was being sincere or teasing.
He quickly labeled the team members in his mind:
The Chief: Obsessed with elegance, occasionally spouting phrases in a stilted, translated style. Wang Tai: Socially awkward techie. * Guan Ya: Seasoned flirt.
"Oh, what's your zodiac sign?" Guan Ya asked.
"Scorpio!" Zhang Yuanqing replied truthfully, though he didn't understand why she suddenly asked.
Guan Ya scrutinized him with a peculiar look. "You really don't have a girlfriend?"
What does that have to do with my zodiac sign? Zhang Yuanqing thought, his expression blank.
Guan Ya looked unconvinced but didn't press the issue. She casually picked up the form Zhang Yuanqing had filled out.
"Primordial Heavenly Venerable. 21 years old. Heh, still using such an imposing ID? Aren't you afraid of getting beaten up outside, Nightwalker?"
Guan Ya's charming face froze for a moment before she blurted out, "You're a Nightwalker?!"
Zhang Yuanqing relished her reaction.
"No wonder Chief walks like he's floating," she muttered, then brightened. "Now we have a Nightwalker in our team! You're not allowed to run off with any wild women from other organizations."
Zhang Yuanqing noticed Wang Tai, sitting nearby, had also looked up and was staring in their direction.
"Primordial Heavenly Venerable... Hmm, I'll just call you Primordial from now on," Guan Ya said cheerfully, glancing down at the form. Her smile faltered when she saw "Level 0." She paused, about to ask about it, when her eyes caught the next line:
Trial Mission: She Ling Tunnel!
Guan Ya's mind went blank. Her lips parted slightly, her expression froze, and she stood there, stunned.
After a long moment, she looked at him with an incredibly complex expression. "Your Trial Spirit Realm is the She Ling Tunnel?"
Seeing her reaction, Zhang Yuanqing's heart skipped a beat. "I was just about to ask about the Trial Mission. Since it's a dungeon, there must be a strategy guide, right?"
As he spoke, he noticed the self-proclaimed "I don't care about anything" tech nerd had looked up again. This time, his eyes were filled with pity and sympathy.
"You... wait here," Guan Ya said, her face pale, as she left the office area and headed toward Li Dongze's office.
What was with that death stare she just gave me? Zhang Yuanqing felt a knot of unease tighten in his stomach.
At the next table, Wang Tai said calmly, "It's true that we have guides. Every Official Walker is obligated to submit detailed records of their Spirit Realm experiences, and the organization rewards them accordingly. But the She Ling Tunnel is a bit different. See for yourself."
He slid a laptop across the table.
Half curious, half bewildered, Zhang Yuanqing took the laptop. An open document filled the screen:
Songhai Nightwalker Trial Spirit Realm Compendium:
Wang Village Ruins (C-rank)
Trial Mission: Survive until dawn.
The dangers in the village come from the Hanged Ghost and the Barren Tombs outside. To evade the Hanged Ghost's deathly grasp, Spirit Realm Walkers must invert their bodies. Those with weak stamina can only rely on luck.
At midnight, the vengeful spirits from the Barren Tombs will swarm the village. Spirit Realm Walkers must immediately find incense and candles at the village store. Lighting these will prevent the ghosts from tearing them apart.
Lingang Reservoir (B-rank)
Trial Mission: Cross the reservoir.
While crossing the reservoir, Water Ghosts will try to drag you underwater. Do not resist. Hold your breath for two minutes, and the Water Ghosts will leave you alone.
Ghost Bride (A-rank)
Trial Mission: Spend the wedding night with the Ghost Bride until dawn.
[ The Ghost Bride is a stunningly beautiful seductress who treats each groom with wild abandon. She won't harm her groom, provided he can satisfy her. Theoretically, no man can endure until dawn. This is practically a death sentence in the Spirit Realm. To date, only one hero has survived, but he developed a profound aversion to women afterward. ]
[ Xiangshui Amusement Park, B-rank, Mission Requirements ]
The more Zhang Yuanqing read, the more uneasy and puzzled he became.
This is too easy, right?
These Trial Missions are far too simple. Except for the Ghost Bride, which requires an iron kidney, the survival rates in the other Trial Spirit Realms are remarkably high.
Moreover, throughout the entire document, the highest mission difficulty listed was A-rank, yet his Trial Mission was the S-rank She Ling Tunnel.
He scrolled further down until he finally found the She Ling Tunnel.
[ She Ling Tunnel, Difficulty: Unknown, Mission Requirements: Unknown ]
[ The initial incident occurred during tunnel construction when a twelve-man crew accidentally entered the Spirit Realm. Only one survived, but he was severely traumatized and mentally unstable. Thirty-six hours later, he re-entered the Spirit Realm and died there. ]
[ Warning: This Spirit Realm scenario is extremely dangerous. To date, no one has successfully cleared the She Ling Tunnel. ]
The final sentence was highlighted in vivid red.
Zhang Yuanqing stared blankly at the screen.