In his study, Fu Qingyang sat at his massive solid wood desk, facing a 30-inch ultra-wide monitor. From the wall-mounted speakers came the sound of a fiercely restrained yet sharply worded debate.
He was participating in a conference call with six participants: in addition to himself, elders from the Hundred Flowers Association, Water God Palace, Central Court, White Tiger Corps, and Crimson Fire Gang were present.
Who would have imagined that a strategy guide for an S-rank spirit realm at the Transcendent Stage would warrant a dedicated meeting among these elders?
These elder-level Spirit Realm Walkers were the kind of high-ranking practitioners who could easily destroy an entire city. They rarely intervened in affairs, seldom made public appearances, and had long lost interest in most worldly matters. Only major incidents or particularly troublesome, difficult-to-resolve issues would draw their attention.
The strategy guide for Jinshui Amusement Park was one such case.
"If handled improperly, Spirit Realm 6203 could become a second 'She Ling Tunnel' for Nightwalkers," one elder argued. "While the latter is merely a Trial Spirit Realm that at most reduces the number of Nightwalkers born, 6203 could drastically diminish the number of Transcendent Stage Nightwalkers. The Taiyi Sect shares our fate; we should share this strategy guide with them. This is for the good of the Five Elements Alliance."
"The Hundred Flowers Association's elder spoke.
Within the Five Elements Alliance, the Hundred Flowers Association maintained the closest ties with the Taiyi Sect. The two factions were connected through marriage: the Great Elder's daughter was the Taiyi Sect Lord's sixth wife, and their son, Ling Jun, a Saint Stage Wood Spirit (Beast King), had become a disciple of the Hundred Flowers Association's Alliance Leader.
"We can give the strategy guide to the Taiyi Sect, but the terms of the deal must change," the Central Court's elder said. "We want not only money but also the Nightwalker's strategy guide data and artifacts. We can negotiate the level of detail and quantity of artifacts later."
The Hundred Flowers Association's elder's tone sharpened. "This would appear as if we're taking advantage of their misfortune, damaging our relationship."
"Given the difficulty of Spirit Realm 6203, demanding a higher price is justified," the Central Court's elder retorted. "Even we would have struggled with such a Spirit Realm back in our day."
Silence fell over the conference room. No one could deny the strategy guide's immense value.
After a few seconds, the Water God Palace's elder spoke in a grim voice:
"According to a Water Ghost who cleared the Jinshui Amusement Park in Yan Province, three survivors emerged from this Spirit Realm. One of them is a young girl named Xie Lingxi, who reportedly cleared the entire Spirit Realm alongside the Nightwalker.
"I've already investigated. She's a direct descendant of the Xie Family from the Scattered Province. So, we're not the only ones who possess the strategy guide."
The elders of the White Tiger Corps disagreed, their voices ringing with conviction:
"The Xie Family will undoubtedly demand more than we're offering. Moreover, in the Haunted House segment, our strategy guide holds the true key to clearing the Spirit Realm. I see no need for further debate on its value."
"What concerns me more is the author's explicit warning: Spirit Realm 6203 will force Walkers to kill each other. This applies to both the hidden quest and the Nightwalker's inevitable death scenario."
"If our organization happens to have members in the team, they could easily be tricked to their deaths by the Taiyi Sect's Nightwalker during the Ghost Bride segment."
In such a Spirit Realm where information disparity can alter outcomes and destinies, knowledge is power.
The conference room fell silent once more.
Fu Qingyang spoke calmly, "Elders, I have a question."
"Speak!"
"Primordial proposed a theory in the strategy guide: character assignments are based on one's inner nature. We could withhold the guide from the Taiyi Sect and reserve it exclusively for Five Elements Alliance members. But what if someone who obtains the guide is assigned the role of an Evildoer?" Fu Qingyang's tone remained steady and respectful.
"We all know that an Orderly Class doesn't necessarily equate to being Good."
The Water God Palace elder's voice turned grim.
"You're right. Any other ideas?"
Fu Qingyang said calmly, "The Taiyi Sect is, after all, closely allied with the Five Elements Alliance. We must provide the strategy, but we need to modify it. Remove the author's speculations, add a random role assignment mechanism, and mislead readers."
"Then, we'll strictly monitor the completion reports. If we find anyone within our organization—including the Taiyi Sect—assigned to the Evildoer role, we'll immediately arrest them. Look at it another way: this is actually a valuable tool for rooting out traitors within our ranks."
The self-destructive nature of the Spirit Realm mode cannot be altered. Providing the strategy is essential due to our alliance. If the "Captain" wins in the end, all the better. If the Evildoer prevails, the Official Organization will avenge the defeat and eliminate the threat.
"But this is still just speculation."
"Hence, we'll only arrest them."
Seeing the other elders deep in thought and offering no objections, Fu Qingyang continued:
"After this incident, the Taiyi Sect will undoubtedly try to poach our members. They possess extensive strategies for the Nightwalker Spirit Realm and unparalleled knowledge of that class. We can't compete with that. I believe we must cultivate loyalty through virtue and win hearts and minds."
The elders weren't particularly concerned about poaching, but this new Nightwalker was indeed exceptional.
The Central Court Elder pondered aloud, "This young man is remarkably capable, having cleared two S-rank spirit realms. He's destined to become a Saint, at the very least. 'Win people over with virtue'? How do you plan to accomplish that?"
Fu Qingyang calmly stated his plan, "You need to approve his bonus and Merit Points immediately."
The conference room fell silent for the third time.
The Hundred Flowers Association Elder cleared his throat, pretending the earlier "win people over with virtue" remark hadn't been made. "I have some intelligence regarding this young man. The Taiyi Sect has compiled recent changes in spirit realms and discovered that the Vengeful Spirits in the instances have all been tasked by the Goddess of Sandaoshan with the same mission: to find a young man.
"The young man's name has four characters. Combining this with the She Ling Tunnel strategy details, it's not difficult to deduce that the Goddess of Sandaoshan is searching for the Primordial Heavenly Venerable."
"The Goddess of Sandaoshan is looking for him?" A look of astonishment crossed Fu Qingyang's usually stern face.
The other Elders were equally shocked.
The Hundred Flowers Association Elder chuckled. "That young man concealed something in his She Ling Tunnel report. The Taiyi Sect is investigating this matter and may contact him soon. Keep an eye on him."
"Understood!"
"Elder Sun is being foolish!" Yuan Ting lamented in a private Captains' group chat.
The group chat consisted of Nightwalkers who would soon be entering the Spirit Realm. Terrified by the recent changes, they had formed this temporary group to discuss how to deal with the terrifying S-Rank and A-Rank spirit realms.
"It's not that bad," the team captains replied one after another.
"The Five Elements Alliance and the Taiyi Sect are as close as brothers. At most, we'll have to pay a bit to get a Jinshui Amusement Park quest. It shouldn't be too difficult."
While the man called Primordial Heavenly Venerable was undoubtedly a prodigy with a bright future, the Taiyi Sect was equally rich in talent. They had no shortage of geniuses in both the Transcendent Phase and the Saint Stage.
Besides, the Five Elements Alliance and the Taiyi Sect were allies. By that logic, Primordial Heavenly Venerable could almost be considered a member of the Taiyi Sect.
Yuan Ting: "You guys don't understand. Li Dongze told me that Jinshui Amusement Park is a death sentence for Nightwalkers."
"What?!" The team captains were shocked.
Even if they didn't enter Jinshui Amusement Park this time, as long as they remained in the Transcendent Stage, what about next time?
"If it's a death sentence, and that guy is also a Nightwalker, how did he survive?"
"Exactly! As long as we have a strategy guide, we'll be fine."
Yuan Ting: "I heard from Li Dongze that the Five Elements Alliance's Elders' Council is in session. They seem reluctant to share the strategy guide with our Taiyi Sect. You know how these council meetings go—they can drag on for weeks before reaching a decision. But many in the group can't wait that long."
"Ah, damn... Elder Sun's lost his mind!"
"Elder Sun's truly lost his mind!"
The captains erupted in righteous indignation.
Sensing the deep division, Zhang Yuanqing pondered briefly before realizing the root of the conflict. He chuckled, "Who cares? Let the leaders worry about it. As long as my Merit Points and bonuses aren't affected, I'm good. Chief, I've been short on cash lately."
Having joined the Five Elements Alliance half a month ago, he hadn't yet received his first paycheck and remained a penniless student.
"Chief, I cleared an S-rank spirit realm. How about we celebrate tonight? My treat, but you'll have to cover the bill first. I'll pay you back when my bonus comes through," Zhang Yuanqing said, glancing at Wang Tai's impassive face. "Brother Wang Tai, you should join us too."
"No thanks," Wang Tai replied, shaking his head.
"You can't keep isolating yourself like this. You need to socialize with the others, join our group dinners, strengthen your bonds, and expand your network. After dinner, I can even take you to a seafood merchant's place to relax."
"I have social anxiety."
"Social anxiety? Oh my god, does that actually exist? What's there to be afraid of? What exactly are you afraid of?"
"I'm afraid of people like you."
"..."
At that moment, Li Dongze, standing nearby, smiled faintly.
"We can join the dinner, but there's no need for you to treat. Team Two is hosting a VIP tonight. The VIP specifically requested Wang Tai as their host, but you know Wang Tai's personality—he'd never be able to handle such a situation. So Guan Ya and I decided to accompany him. Since you're here, you might as well join us."
"A VIP?" Zhang Yuanqing asked, his curiosity piqued.
Guan Ya seized the opportunity to interject, smiling sweetly. "It's the young miss of a Spirit Realm Walker Family."
"Young miss of a Spirit Realm Walker Family?" Zhang Yuanqing chuckled, nudging Wang Tai's ribs. "You thick-browed, big-eyed guy! I never noticed you had such a big nose! How did you manage to hook up with a young lady from such a wealthy family?"
Wang Tai remained expressionless. "You don't need to repeat what the Chief and Guan Ya said."
He sighed wearily. "I have no connection to the Xie Family of the Scattered Province. I can't understand why Young Miss Xie would want to meet me."
Guan Ya scoffed. "With your forgetful brain, even if you did have connections, you'd probably have forgotten them by now. Still, this is good news, Wang Tai. Work hard and try to become a son-in-law of the Xie Family."
"Oh, heavens! What an enviable profession!" Li Dongze joked with a grin.
The Xie Family? Zhang Yuanqing's heart skipped a beat. He quickly asked, "What's the deal with this Xie Family?"
Li Dongze, never one to lag behind in educating his employees, explained:
"The Xie Family, like the Fu family, is a Spirit Realm Walker Family. They produce many powerful Musicians each year. While not an Official Organization, they're an Orderly Class with close ties to the Five Elements Alliance and the Taiyi Sect."
So, they're like a martial arts sect that's been recruited by the imperial court, Zhang Yuanqing thought. I wonder if this Young Miss Xie they're talking about is one of those manipulative green tea bitches who pretends to be weak and pitiful?
The Xie Family's young miss, a semi-official organization, specifically requested to meet Wang Tai. Given the circumstances, it was almost certainly Xie Lingxi.
That little green tea actually came looking for me? Zhang Yuanqing frowned, pondered for a moment, and decided to meet her.
With her family's influence, if she was determined to investigate him, she'd inevitably uncover his identity as the Primordial Heavenly Venerable. No, she wouldn't even need to investigate; a quick glance at the Five Elements Alliance's official forum would reveal that Wang Tai was merely an alias for the Primordial Heavenly Venerable.
Since he couldn't avoid her, he might as well face her openly. First, the Xie Family was a semi-official organization, far more reliable than wild Walkers or small underground groups. Second, given his current status and reputation within the organization, he no longer needed to hide in the shadows. Xie Lingxi might not even intend him harm.
This is a perfect opportunity to gauge the little green tea's intentions, Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself.
He lingered at work until dusk, the setting sun painting the sky blood-red. He sent a text message to his aunt, asking her to inform his grandparents that their beloved grandson wouldn't be home for dinner.
Then, he rode in Li Dongze's business car to their destination: the Huayu Hotel.
"What did you do today to make Mom so angry?" his aunt texted him during the drive.
"Nothing much," Zhang Yuanqing replied.
"Bullshit! She called you a disgrace to the family. That's clearly my brother's honorary title!"
I really didn't do anything. I just accidentally played the sound effects from a dirty video out loud, Zhang Yuanqing thought, offering a casual excuse. "I'm Uncle's heir, after all. Sooner or later, that honorary title would pass from uncle to nephew. Anyway, gotta go meet a pretty girl now."
"A girl?" Aunt sent a string of bloody knife emojis.
Huayu Hotel was a five-star establishment, with standard rooms starting at 1,500 yuan and suites at 3,000 yuan or more. It boasted amenities such as a gym, bar, wellness center, and buffet.
Among the guests entering and exiting the revolving doors were not only corporate elites but also glamorous older women in tight dresses and heavy makeup.
The revolving restaurant on the top floor had been reserved for a private event tonight. Zhang Yuanqing and his group took the elevator and were led by a staff member to the restaurant entrance.
The staff member opened the grand doors, revealing a spacious, luxurious dining hall. Soft lighting bathed the room, and thick, plush carpets cushioned every step. Four beautiful waitresses stood attentively on either side of the entrance.
By the massive floor-to-ceiling window, a young girl stood gracefully, admiring Songhai City bathed in the night's embrace.
She wore a demure sailor uniform: a knee-length black skirt, a white blouse with a black bow at the collar, and long, straight black hair cascading smoothly over her shoulders. Soft light from the ceiling illuminated her face, rendering it as warm and radiant as jade, pure and ethereal.
Pure, demure, and charming—she embodied all the beauty of a girl in the bloom of youth.
Hearing the door open, the girl turned her head, her eyes lighting up as a radiant smile bloomed across her face.
She rushed over joyfully, calling out, "Brother Wang Tai~"
Li Dongze raised an eyebrow, glancing at Wang Tai beside him with surprise.
He needed to reassess Wang Tai's relationship with the Xie Family's heiress. He never imagined his subordinate was such a hidden master of seduction.
Guan Ya let out a "wow," shooting Wang Tai a teasing glance with a smirk. Lowering her voice, she murmured, "I underestimated you, Xie Family's son-in-law."
Wang Tai looked utterly bewildered, completely lost as to what was happening.
Just then, they saw Young Miss Xie ignore Wang Tai entirely, stopping in front of Zhang Yuanqing. She tugged at the corner of his shirt and sweetly called out, "I found you, Brother Wang Tai."