"During the Soul Inquiry of Unbridled's Spectral Entity, I discovered the informant was a Spectral Servant."
Zhang Yuanqing meticulously recounted the entire Soul Inquiry process to Fu Qingyang.
The Centurion, whose features were as sharp and handsome as if carved by a knife, listened with a deepening frown and increasingly grave expression.
When Zhang Yuanqing finished, he looked at Fu Qingyang's handsome face and asked, "Centurion, have you heard of the Night Rose?"
Fu Qingyang shook his head. "I haven't. There are only two possibilities: either the Night Rose is an obscure underground organization, or my security clearance isn't high enough to access information about them. But an organization capable of collaborating with and earning the Black guard of Impermanence's wariness couldn't possibly be insignificant."
So, the Night Rose's secrecy level is so high that even Centurion Fu Qingyang doesn't know about them? Zhang Yuanqing fell into deep thought.
Fu Qingyang glanced at him. "What's your take on this? I'd like to hear your thoughts."
Zhang Yuanqing hesitated. "Could you unlock these handcuffs first?"
Fu Qingyang froze. "My apologies!"
He moved behind the high-backed chair and released Zhang Yuanqing's restraints.
Zhang Yuanqing flexed his wrists and said, "First, this memory confirms why the Black Guard of Impermanence is hiding in Songhai: he's waiting for the leader of the Night Rose. But their mutual distrust has prevented them from meeting so far, which gives us an opportunity."
Fu Qingyang hummed in agreement. "What do you think the Black Guard of Impermanence and the Night Rose are plotting?"
How would I know? Probably to destroy the world, right? Zhang Yuanqing thought wryly. Then a detail from the memory struck him. He said slowly, "For the Fallen Holy Grail."
Unbridled had urged the Black Guard of Impermanence to meet the Night Rose leader as soon as possible, arguing that controlling the Fallen Holy Grail was the key.
Fu Qingyang nodded approvingly.
"But isn't that Rule Item already in the Black Guard of Impermanence's possession? Why would he need the Night Rose's involvement?" Zhang Yuanqing asked, puzzled.
"I don't know. But did you notice how Unbridled phrased his advice to the Black Guard of Impermanence?"
"Meet the Night Rose leader, then control the Fallen Holy Grail. Oh, the Black Guard of Impermanence doesn't actually control the Fallen Holy Grail."
"Exactly. But theoretically, that's impossible. Once an item is stored in your Inventory, it automatically binds to you, Rule Items included. So why hasn't the Black Guard of Impermanence gained control of the Fallen Holy Grail?"
Zhang Yuanqing frowned, pondering for a moment before a flash of insight struck him.
"Could it be that the Fallen Holy Grail is malfunctioning? He obtained the item but can't control it."
Fu Qingyang nodded. "Following this line of reasoning, we can deduce that the leader of Night Rose possesses a method or means to resolve the issue."
"Exactly. This explains why the Black Guard of Impermanence didn't flee to the ends of the earth after acquiring the Holy Grail. Instead, he's lurking in Songhai. Without fixing the Grail, he can't inherit the Eerie Eye Judge's legacy. Rule Items truly are more valuable than life itself," Zhang Yuanqing said.
"So the narrative is becoming clearer. The Eerie Eye Judge died mysteriously, the Fallen Holy Grail fell into the Black Guard of Impermanence's hands, but for some reason, the Grail malfunctioned and couldn't be controlled. Desperate, the Black Guard of Impermanence sought cooperation with Night Rose, arranging a meeting in Songhai. However, mutual distrust led to both sides fearing betrayal, resulting in cautious probing," Fu Qingyang said, his voice precise and measured.
"To understand the Grail's condition, we must investigate the Eerie Eye Judge's death. And his death is connected to the Demon Lord—well, allegedly."
The Successor of the Demon Lord felt a pang of guilt, yet was consumed by curiosity.
The Demon Lord and the Eerie Eye Judge had perished within a short time of each other. Bing Ge had predicted—no, he had been certain—of the Judge's death. Could the Demon Lord have killed him? And had Bing Ge witnessed it?
Yes, Bing Ge must have witnessed it. That's how he obtained the Demon Sovereign Character Card, and why he was so certain of the Judge's demise.
Zhang Yuanqing took a deep breath. "I have a theory. What if the Eerie Eye Judge was killed by the Demon Lord? Or even worse, what if they destroyed each other in a mutual annihilation?"
Fu Qingyang seemed inspired. "Good thinking. Continue."
Zhang Yuanqing nodded.
"In Unbridled's memories, the Night Rose operative summoned him using a Spectral Servant. This suggests they were a Nightwalker. The Demon Lord was also a Nightwalker. Is this just a coincidence?"
"No coincidence!" Fu Qingyang shook his head, his voice firm. "The Fallen Holy Grail malfunctioned because of the Demon Lord—a problem only a Nightwalker could resolve. The largest Nightwalker sect is the Taiyi Sect, but they would never cooperate with the Black guard of Impermanence. That leaves the Night Rose. The name 'Night Rose' itself reveals much."
Zhang Yuanqing quickly said, "Centurion Fu, your insight is truly remarkable. You live up to your reputation as a Scout and the most perfect profession."
Fu Qingyang glanced at him. "You're quite impressive yourself."
"Thank you for the compliment, Centurion. My childhood dream was to become an outstanding detective."
"I meant your flattery skills are quite impressive."
"..."
Fu Qingyang smiled faintly. "Of course, I don't mind. Being good at socializing is a virtue."
After a pause, he added, "But being a lecher isn't."
I'm not a pervert! That bitch Guan Ya just knows how to make me look bad. Zhang Yuanqing maintained his warm, spring-like smile, showing no embarrassment.
Fu Qingyang didn't dwell on the topic. Instead, he asked, "In your report on clearing the She Ling Tunnel, did you withhold any information?"
Zhang Yuanqing's heart sank.
"The Taiyi Sect will be contacting you soon. Be prepared," Fu Qingyang said, pulling a business card from his white trousers pocket. He added casually, "This is my card. You can call me directly if you need anything. It's a privilege reserved for Captain Level personnel."
His expression remained calm yet unusually earnest, like a young and promising monarch bestowing a reward upon a loyal minister.
"Having someone to back you up is such a great feeling!" Zhang Yuanqing quickly accepted the business card, making a point of carefully putting it away in front of Fu Qingyang.
Fu Qingyang added, "You saved so many colleagues tonight. Your contribution is significant. I'll report this to Elder Sun, who's in charge of the Black guard of Impermanence case."
Is he trying to get me a backer? Zhang Yuanqing thought, his face breaking into a wide smile. "Thank you, Centurion. Guan Ya mentions you all the time. If I hadn't seen you with my own eyes, I'd have believed her lies."
"Lies?" Fu Qingyang frowned. "What did she say about me?"
"That you're rich and gullible," Zhang Yuanqing replied.
Fu Qingyang's handsome, sculpted face twitched slightly.
As they left the villa, a row of black business cars lined the entrance. Apart from the three critically injured Fire Masters who had already been transported away, the rest of the team stood quietly by the vehicles, waiting.
Guan Ya and Ling Jun were the most relaxed. She leaned against the hood of a car with her arms crossed, while he squatted by the roadside, a cigarette dangling from his lips.
"Guan Ya, come with me for a moment!" Fu Qingyang said coldly, striding to the side.
Guan Ya followed, bewildered. If she wasn't mistaken, her cousin had just shot her a murderous glare.
Several young women on the support team watched Zhang Yuanqing with bright, appraising eyes, sizing him up from head to toe. They then exchanged excited whispers:
"He's even more handsome than I imagined."
"Too young, though. Looks like he just started college."
"That's even better! Younger guys are easier to fool."
Ling Jun flicked his cigarette butt away and sauntered over to Zhang Yuanqing with a sly grin. "Hey, kid," he said, "you've got a real knack for this. Stick with me, and I'll show you the ropes."
"Primordial Heavenly Venerable?"
Zhang Yuanqing sized up the man before him. He wore a loose-fitting light blue shirt, casual pants, and sneakers, his ear-length hair slightly disheveled. When he smiled, his eyes narrowed, giving him a warm, approachable air.
"You are..."
"Ling Jun, from the Taiyi Sect."
Zhang Yuanqing was startled. The Taiyi Sect is already here for questioning? I haven't even come up with an excuse yet.
"I heard you have a fondness for women?"
"Huh?" Zhang Yuanqing blinked, thinking, When did I ever show a fondness for women? How dare you slander me like this?
"Ah, Elder Sun is so foolish," Ling Jun sighed, his smile becoming more familiar. "You should have been a talent of the Taiyi Sect. Why don't you join us? I'm sure the single women there would be very eager to get to know you better."
Zhang Yuanqing, never one to back down from a social challenge, raised an eyebrow. "Are we talking about sharp-tongued single ladies who cut straight to the chase?"
Ling Jun froze for a moment before bursting into hearty laughter.
"You're quite the character, kid! I like making friends with interesting people. If you ever want to join the Taiyi Sect, just find me. If not, no hard feelings—after all, I'm not the one being foolish here."
After just a few exchanges, the two had already become quite familiar, even exchanging contact information.
Ling Jun pocketed his phone, lit a cigarette, and smiled through narrowed eyes.
"I've run countless Instances, but I've never encountered an S-rank spirit realm. Yet you've cleared two already."
He slowly exhaled a plume of blue smoke, his smile remaining warm and friendly.
"Truly worthy of being the Successor of the Demon Lord."