Meet me?
Zhang Yuanqing was caught completely off guard by this reply. He had assumed the Palace Master of Ceasing Slaughter would contact him via a phone call.
Even a phone call would have made him uneasy, let alone a face-to-face meeting.
Every member of the Palace of Ceasing Slaughter was an extremist fanatic. Their Palace Master was a peak Saint Stage madwoman. As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Zhang Yuanqing blurted out:
"No, this violates protocol!
"I have no desire to meet your Palace Master. Maintaining distance is beneficial for everyone."
What was a madwoman? Someone who declared "I love you, Brother!" one moment, then grabbed a hatchet to chop off her brother's dog's head the next, sending it adrift across the ocean.
Zhang Yuanqing prided himself on his social skills, but he couldn't handle yanderes or madwomen. His instincts screamed at him to avoid such people.
The Infatuated Great Sage hesitated before replying:
"The Palace Master said that if you want to learn the Xiahou Family's secrets, you must meet her in person. She won't discuss it over the phone, let alone in a message. And you must come alone."
Secrets related to the Xiahou Family that required a face-to-face meeting? This indicated they were of significant importance! Zhang Yuanqing fell into deep thought, silent.
Seeing the Primordial Heavenly Venerable's silence, the Infatuated Great Sage added:
"Our Palace Master has heard of your exploits and greatly admires you."
Being admired by a lunatic is hardly a good thing, Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself.
After a moment's consideration, he replied, "Alright. When and where?"
The Infatuated Great Sage sighed in relief and immediately said, "The Palace Master suggests meeting at the café across from the Kangyang District Public Security Bureau."
This is a gesture of goodwill toward me! Zhang Yuanqing thought. "No problem," he said.
He desperately needed leverage against the Xiahou Family, and missing this opportunity would be a grave mistake.
Though he privately considered the Palace Master of Ceasing Slaughter a lunatic, Zhang Yuanqing believed that for now, the Palace of Ceasing Slaughter was an ally, not an enemy. Moreover, he still owed them a debt of gratitude for their assistance in the Wang Qian incident.
At 4:30 a.m., the streets were deserted and cold, the duck down yellow streetlights casting long shadows along the road.
As he approached the Kangyang District Public Security Bureau, Zhang Yuanqing pulled out his phone and used the screen as a mirror to check his appearance under the streetlight.
His features were ordinary, almost bland.
He had transformed into Wang Tai.
Wang Tai's appearance feels so much safer. My own face is too handsome, too conspicuous, Zhang Yuanqing thought as he put away his phone and walked toward the Public Security Bureau.
The rhythmic tap of his footsteps echoed through the empty streets. Three minutes later, he spotted the café across from the Public Security Bureau, its door open and soft light spilling from within.
Zhang Yuanqing hesitated at the cafe entrance for a moment before resolutely stepping inside.
The cafe was empty, not a soul in sight.
Where is everyone? Are they late? Zhang Yuanqing glanced around and casually chose a seat.
Just as he sat down, a light, bell-like laugh drifted from nearby:
"Wang Qian said you were good-looking, but I think you're quite ordinary. He lied to me. I'll have to hang him up and beat him when I get back."
Zhang Yuanqing's spine tensed instantly, then slowly relaxed as he turned his head.
Two tables away, a vibrant crimson figure had materialized. She wore a magnificent Han Dynasty palace gown, its deep red fabric embroidered with golden cloud and dragon patterns at the chest, hem, and wide sleeves.
The red skirt trailed across the floor, slit at the calf. She leaned back languidly in her chair, legs crossed, barefoot. Her snow-white feet and delicate ankles were adorned with golden anklets.
A silver mask concealed her face, but her lively, beautiful eyes peered out from beneath it, scrutinizing Zhang Yuanqing.
Bewitching, unrestrained, noble, dignified... In that single glance, Zhang Yuanqing perceived a multitude of conflicting qualities in her.
Those legs are quite striking! Zhang Yuanqing stole a few glances, then quickly averted his gaze, testing the waters with a tentative:
"Palace Master?"
The beautiful eyes beneath the mask curved slightly in acknowledgment.
"I've heard about your contributions," she said, resting her cheek in her hand and smiling dreamily. "I appreciate your assistance to the Palace of Ceasing Slaughter. As long as it doesn't violate my principles and is within my capabilities, I'll grant you one request."
Three, maybe? Zhang Yuanqing nodded calmly. "Thank you! The Infatuated Great Sage mentioned you were in an Instance these past few days. Is that why you haven't dealt with the Xiahou Family yet?"
The Palace Master in red nodded slightly. "I've already advanced to the Sovereign Realm."
Fuck, Sovereign Realm? Zhang Yuanqing quickly offered his goodwill. "Should I proclaim: 'Palace Master, may your reign last ten thousand generations, uniting the martial world under your banner'?"
The Palace Master chuckled softly. "I'd rather peel off your face to see what you really look like."
She saw through my disguise? Peeling off faces—truly a madwoman.
Normally, he would have said, "It would be my honor." But now he dared not speak, fearing she might actually act on her words.
Zhang Yuanqing adopted a serious tone. "Xiahou Tianyuan is finished, but Xiahou Xin and Xiahou Chi remain. What can I do for the Palace Master?"
Words are an art.
The Palace Master of Ceasing Slaughter pondered for a few seconds before slowly replying, "You're close to that girl Xie Lingxi. You must know my true identity by now, don't you?"
Zhang Yuanqing nodded.
The Palace Master of Ceasing Slaughter's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Ah, so she really did tell outsiders about my origins. I'll strip her naked and hang her up for a beating."
Oh no, did I accidentally get Xie Lingxi into trouble? Zhang Yuanqing froze, completely unprepared for the conversation to take this turn. He struggled to keep up with the Palace Master's train of thought.
The Palace Master's melodious voice continued, like the chime of silver bells:
"Twenty-one years ago, the Chu Family, one of the three great 'Musician' clans, was ambushed by the Military Doctrine Sect. Their core members were annihilated, leaving only ordinary clansmen to escape. I was still a child then, not yet a Spirit Realm Walker. Protected by my clansmen, I miraculously survived.
"The reasons for the Chu Family's destruction were complex, so I won't go into detail. My clansmen brought me to settle in Songhai. After coming of age, I obtained a Character Card and became a Spirit Realm Walker.
"I began secretly investigating the truth behind the Chu Family's destruction. After years of painstaking effort, I finally uncovered some clues. I discovered that a hidden force had been orchestrating everything from the shadows."
"What kind of force?" Zhang Yuanqing asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Have you heard of the Night Rose?"
Night Rose?! Zhang Yuanqing's heart jolted. "Yes, I have."
A flicker of surprise flashed in the Palace Master's eyes beneath her silver mask, followed by a smile. "You know too much for a newcomer."
Geniuses are always exceptional! Zhang Yuanqing silently praised himself, but he hesitated to respond, fearing she might say, I admire geniuses, so I've decided to peel off your face!
The Palace Master of Ceasing Slaughter's smile faded as she turned her gaze toward the cashier counter, her voice calm. "The Night Rose is a secret organization known to very few. Through my investigation, I discovered they have deeply infiltrated the major Spirit Realm Families and Official Organizations. Many High-Ranked Ones within the government are secretly members of the Night Rose.
"This includes Xiahou Chi's lineage. My investigation only reached Xiahou Chi himself. Whether the Xiahou Family's Council of Elders is involved with the Night Rose remains unknown."
Hearing this, a spark of insight ignited in Zhang Yuanqing's mind. He finally pieced together the cause and effect, connecting all the threads of the story.
"You nearly killed Xiahou Tianwen to investigate the Night Rose, and Xiahou Chi traveled all the way to Songhai, ostensibly to avenge his grandson, but actually to silence you?"
No wonder the Xiahou Family had acted so aggressively and domineeringly during the Palace of Ceasing Slaughter incident.
The Palace Master of Ceasing Slaughter hummed in agreement. "Quite clever, aren't you?"
"Then why didn't you report this to the Five Elements Alliance?"
"I don't trust the Officials." She shook her head. "How can you be sure that those you trust aren't members of the Night Rose? Unless I could meet directly with the Five Elders of Songhai, but I have no access to them. Xiahou Chi is no threat, but I still need to guard against the Night Rose intervening to silence me."
Zhang Yuanqing pondered for a few seconds. "By telling me this now, are you hoping I'll report it to higher authorities?"
The Palace Master of Ceasing Slaughter chuckled. "You're a newcomer with a clean record, so I'm sharing this information with you. What you choose to do with it is your concern. I don't need you to eliminate the Xiahou Family; I could crush Xiahou Chi with a flick of my finger."
Zhang Yuanqing probed, "Do you know Fu Qingyang?"
"Not well," the eyes behind the silver mask glanced at him. "Are you planning to tell him this information?"
After a few seconds of contemplation, she said, "Half of the Fu family's members are abroad, and Fu Qingyang himself grew up overseas."
She seemed to trust Fu Qingyang more. Zhang Yuanqing nodded, then thought: The Palace Master of Ceasing Slaughter is also investigating Night Rose, and Night Rose is about to meet with Black Impermanence.
If I can turn this Palace Master into an informant, my plan to find Black Impermanence and obtain the roster will proceed much more smoothly.
After a dozen seconds, he said, "I have some intelligence about Night Rose. Are you interested?"
At these words, the Palace Master of Ceasing Slaughter straightened her back abruptly, sitting upright. She stared at Zhang Yuanqing with surprise. "What intelligence?"
"Recently, I participated in the operation to eliminate Black Impermanence's subordinates. You know about the Black Impermanence Incident, right?"
Seeing the Palace Master nod, he continued, "I extracted from the Witchcraft Master's memories that Black Impermanence is hiding in Songhai to wait for the leader of Night Rose."
As he finished speaking, Zhang Yuanqing faintly sensed the Palace Master of Ceasing Slaughter's breathing quicken.
"The leader of the Night Rose is coming to Songhai?" Her voice betrayed no emotion.
"Yes," Zhang Yuanqing pressed his advantage. "We can cooperate."
The Palace Master took a deep breath, her tone regaining its composure. "Very well. I will investigate the Witchcraft Masters of the Spiritual Energy Association and notify you if I find anything. If you uncover any leads on the Night Rose, contact Wang Qian."
"Understood," Zhang Yuanqing replied with a smile.
After a moment of silence, the Palace Master broke the stillness. "If there's nothing else, we'll conclude our meeting for today."
Zhang Yuanqing rose to take his leave.
As he walked out of the café and took a few steps, he couldn't resist glancing back.
The café door was tightly locked, and the floor-to-ceiling windows were pitch-black, clearly indicating it was closed for business.
The entire encounter felt like a hallucination.
"In a supernatural novel, this would definitely be a ghost sighting," Zhang Yuanqing muttered to himself.
Well, at least the Palace Master, though somewhat eccentric, isn't as yandere or insane as the rumors suggest. Hmm, let's hope I don't end up eating my words.
He continued walking, meticulously replaying the conversation in his mind.
So the Xiahou Chi lineage has been secretly colluding with the Night Rose. This could be the final nail in the coffin for the Xiahou father and son. Moreover, they must possess intelligence about the Night Rose, including its members and organizational structure.
The Black guard of Impermanence is hiding in Songhai like a coward, making him difficult to track down. But if we can follow this lead from the Night Rose, we might find a breakthrough.
I need to report this to Fu Qingyang.
Zhang Yuanqing still trusted him. For one thing, he had already learned about the Night Rose during the Unbridled Incident. If Fu Qingyang were a member of the Night Rose, he wouldn't have helped Zhang Yuanqing during the Xiahou Tianyuan Incident. Instead, he would have fanned the flames and eliminated the subordinate who knew about the Night Rose.
For another, Fu Qingyang, as a Centurion, was the highest-ranking official Zhang Yuanqing had access to. He had no other choice.
With these thoughts in mind, Zhang Yuanqing glanced around. Seeing no one nearby, he quietly pulled out his phone and dialed Fu Qingyang's number.