Unbridled, a Level 3 Witchcraft Master and one of Black guard of Impermanence's most trusted lieutenants, had recently become the target of the Kangyang District Spirit Realm Walker Team's hunt.
As they rode in the business car to the meeting location, Li Dongze warned gravely:
"Based on intelligence gathered from the Spectral Entity of the Witchcraft Master we eliminated earlier, Unbridled is a Level 3 Witchcraft Master with an estimated 90% or higher experience value. He represents the true pinnacle of the Transcendent Phase."
Zhang Yuanqing nodded solemnly.
The combat prowess of Evil Classes surpassed that of ordinary Orderly Classes. Unbridled's 90% experience value meant that even a Level 3 Nightwalker with lower experience would likely be crushed in a confrontation.
Guan Ya chuckled, "Don't worry, we outnumber him."
The Orderly Faction boasted an overwhelming number of Walkers. While Evil Classes possessed formidable individual strength, their numbers paled in comparison to the Orderly Faction's vast ranks.
Soon, they arrived at their destination: a secluded private club nestled in a bustling district.
Named the "Green Vine Health Club," the establishment specialized in beauty treatments, wellness programs, and leisure activities. Its interior was meticulously maintained, adorned with lush greenery. Amidst the verdant foliage, adorable pet cats and dogs roamed freely, playing and frolicking.
The decor was distinctly Chinese, exuding an antique charm with rattan chairs, round tables, wood carvings, and ink paintings.
As they entered the club and strolled across the stone-paved lawn, Zhang Yuanqing admired the pleasant scenery. Guan Ya, walking beside him, remarked, "This is one of the Hundred Flowers Association's properties. It usually serves as a base for our squads. Captain Green Vine is in charge."
Seeing Zhang Yuanqing's blank expression, she reluctantly clarified, "You know, the woman in the ink-wash qipao, the one with the big chest and round hips."
Zhang Yuanqing's face lit up in recognition. "Ah, her!"
Typical Scorpio, Guan Ya mentally grumbled.
After a few minutes' walk, a sunroom spanning at least thirty square meters came into view.
At the center of the room stood a rough-hewn round wooden table, surrounded by over a dozen Spirit Realm Walkers.
Zhang Yuanqing followed the Chief, pushed open the sunroom door, and scanned the room. He spotted several familiar faces: White Dragon, the Eldest Sister in her racing suit; Green Vine, the beautiful woman in the qipao; Big Muscle, the burly man in tight-fitting clothes; and Tang Guoqiang, the middle-aged man wearing a miner's helmet.
As for the others, he didn't recognize them.
Is that hat a prop? What does it do? Make your head iron? Zhang Yuanqing glanced at Tang Guoqiang. The construction company boss had changed his clothes, but the hat remained stubbornly perched on his head.
He hadn't found it odd before, but now it seemed likely that anything a Spirit Realm Walker carried regularly was probably a prop.
"Well, look who it is—our Nightwalker has arrived!" Eldest Sister White Dragon raised an eyebrow. "How's it going, working under Li Dongze? If you're not happy, you can join my crew. Good food, fine wine, and pretty girls every day."
Big Muscle chuckled. "I don't see any future with Li Dongze, unless he starts handing out girlfriends."
The Official Walkers at the long table turned to look, their expressions ranging from curiosity to scrutiny to goodwill, instantly making Zhang Yuanqing the center of attention.
His exploits in the She Ling Tunnel had earned him some minor fame, but after clearing Jinshui Amusement Park, the username "Primordial Heavenly Venerable" had catapulted him into the spotlight as a rising star within the Songhai Branch.
Li Dongze opened his mouth to speak, instinctively wanting to shield his subordinate from the awkward attention. But after a moment's thought, he decided it wasn't necessary.
Zhang Yuanqing said with a serious expression, "In a few months, the Chief might be working for me."
The others froze for a moment before bursting into laughter, teasing Li Dongze.
Li Dongze led his two subordinates to their seats and cleared his throat. "Let's get down to business."
The Walkers around the table sobered up. As the host, Green Vine spoke first:
"Our 'eyes' spotted Unbridled appearing near the villa complex by Runmin Plaza at dawn today. However, we can't yet determine if it's his hideout or a meeting place for his accomplices."
"The Hundred Flowers Association's informants are stray animals scattered throughout Songhai," Guan Ya whispered to Zhang Yuanqing.
Stray animals? Oh right, Wood Spirits at the Saint Stage were also known as Beast Kings. Zhang Yuanqing nodded slightly.
Tang Guoqiang frowned. "I know that complex. It's full of wealthy residents. To capture him, we'd need to clear the area."
Big Muscle immediately objected. "No way! Clearing the area would make too much noise. Unbridled would definitely escape. We need a lightning strike, catching him completely off guard."
He disliked excessive preparation; just get the job done.
Li Dongze pondered aloud:
"Clearing the area is too risky; it would alert him. I have two plans. First, we could ask Centurion Fu to intervene and end this swiftly. Second, we could use magical items to isolate Unbridled's villa from the outside world, trapping him like a dog in a cage."
A man with a gloomy demeanor frowned. "Centurion Fu is currently pursuing the Black Guard of Impermanence and might not have the bandwidth to focus on this. We need to prepare our own deployment and formulate a capture plan, rather than relying solely on his assistance."
Zhang Yuanqing listened silently. The fifteen Official Walkers gathered here comprised five captains and ten elite members, forming the Special Task Force specifically assigned to the Black Guard of Impermanence case in Kangyang District.
Such a force should be more than sufficient to handle a Level 3 Witchcraft Master.
"I have a question," Zhang Yuanqing raised his hand.
All eyes turned to him.
"What if Unbridled, like Ou Xiangrong, is an Evil Class controlled by the Fallen Holy Grail?" Zhang Yuanqing asked.
Ou Xiangrong had escaped capture precisely because the Fallen Holy Grail's power had erupted, transforming what should have been a fatal curse into a trump card.
Big Muscle chuckled. "Don't worry, we have items specifically designed to suppress evil forces."
Zhang Yuanqing nodded in relief.
Green Vine, dressed in a moon-white qipao, gazed at Zhang Yuanqing with a smile. "Do you have any other ideas?"
First, unleash the Red Dancing Shoes. Then, use the Cat King Speaker to intimidate them. Next, swap perspectives with Little Goofball. Finally, summon the Ghost Bride. After this sequence, even a Level 3 Witchcraft Master would be crippled if not killed. As for me, the Master, I only need to orchestrate everything from behind the scenes. Zhang Yuanqing shook his head.
"I'll follow the Captains' arrangements."
Though he offered no concrete suggestions, the Captains were satisfied with his attitude.
Captain Green Vine said, "First, notify Centurion Fu to confirm whether we'll proceed with Plan A or Plan B. Regardless, it's best to act at night to minimize collateral damage and public attention.
"Also, we need to replace the villa district's property management staff with our people. No, not all of them—just infiltrate our personnel into the existing team."
On the second floor of the villa, Fu Qingyang, dressed in a crisp white suit and sporting a stylish short ponytail, knocked on Ling Jun's door with a stern expression.
"What is it?" Ling Jun, whose fashion sense clashed sharply with Fu Qingyang's, yawned and grumbled,
"I played cards with a girl I like all night. Can I sleep in a bit?" Ling Jun yawned. "Oh, don't worry, she's not one of the bunny girls from your villa. I don't eat where I sleep."
"The Deacon of Fenghua District says they've located the Black guard of Impermanence and are deploying forces. They've requested our support," Fu Qingyang said. "You're coming too."
"They found the Black guard of Impermanence?" Ling Jun's eyes lit up, instantly energized. He shuffled toward the stairs in his slippers, but stopped abruptly after a few steps.
Fu Qingyang assumed he was about to say, "I need to change," but Ling Jun instead said:
"Wait, I have a date tonight. I need to let her know I'll have to reschedule."
Fu Qingyang's expression grew even colder.
At midnight, three black sedans pulled into the villa and parked in a secluded spot.
The doors swung open, and the Official Walkers of the Special Task Force emerged in silent, orderly fashion.
Zhang Yuanqing gazed at the distant villa. Centurion Fu was tied up with other matters and couldn't join them, so the Special Task Force was in full command of this arrest operation.
A young man in a security guard uniform stepped out of the shadows and approached Green Vine. He whispered, "Captain, 'Unbridled' is inside. I saw him go in myself."
Green Vine's delicate face was etched with solemnity as she gently stroked the orange cat in her arms. "We weren't spotted, were we?" she murmured.
The young man shook his head. "I was wearing a mask and only glanced at him briefly. Little Q handled the subsequent surveillance."
Little Q was the sparrow he kept as a pet.
Green Vine nodded, opened her Inventory, and conjured a withered piece of wood, about two fingers thick and half a foot long, from the Void.
In her vision, the item's information appeared:
[ Name: Mysterious Garden ]
[ Type: Support ]
[ Function: Barrier, Sealing ]
[ Description: A piece of wood imbued with immense vitality. It remains dormant most of the time, but when it touches soil, it awakens, transforming the surrounding hundred-meter radius into a garden. This garden is isolated from the outside world, allowing entry but no exit, and lasts for thirty minutes. ]
[ Note: The description clearly explains the cost. What more can I say?! ]
Green Vine surveyed her companions, warning, "We only have half an hour."
She briefly explained the item's cost, then took out a red rope, tied it around the orange cat, and stroked its head.
"Go!"
The orange cat darted forward with agile grace, heading straight for the villa looming in the darkness.