Zhang Yuanqing mentally reviewed the backgrounds of his two new colleagues. One was a Level 3 Fire Master, the direct descendant of a high-ranking member of the Crimson Fire Gang. The other was a Level 4 Saint Stage Water Ghost with no influential connections, but his Saint Stage status guaranteed him a Deacon position once he accumulated enough Merit Points.
Saint Stage... they kill transcendents like slaughtering dogs.
I hope they're not difficult to work with. Zhang Yuanqing pushed off with his legs, gliding his office chair back to his desk. He searched the official database for "Military Doctrine Sect."
After carefully reviewing the information, he gained a clearer understanding of the organizations within the Evil Classes.
Among the Evil Class factions, there was a saying: "Three Associations, Two Sects, One Asura." The "Three Associations" referred to the three major branches of the Spiritual Energy Association, which was composed of Witchcraft Masters:
- Central Branch - Eastern Branch - Southern Branch
Each branch controlled its own territory and rarely interacted with the others. The position of President of the Eastern Branch had been vacant for a long time, with the two Vice Presidents, Eerie Eye Judge and Gu King, vying for the position for years.
The Two Sects referred to the Void Sect, composed of Illusion Masters, divided geographically into the Southern Sect and Northern Sect.
The One Asura referred to the Military Doctrine Sect, led by Seductive Demons, with their leader known as Asura.
"Sister Guan Ya, why is it 'Three Associations, Two Sects, One Asura' instead of 'One Military Doctrine Sect'?" Zhang Yuanqing asked, expressing his confusion to the Veteran Driver.
Guan Ya turned her head gracefully. "Are you researching the forces of the Evil Classes?"
"The Black guard of Impermanence is from the Spiritual Energy Association Eastern Branch, right?" Zhang Yuanqing replied. "Since I participated in the search operation, I thought I'd take the opportunity to investigate the Evil Classes."
Guan Ya nodded, then her expression turned wistful as she drifted into memory.
"Asura... when I was little, my mom used to scare me with stories of the Military Doctrine Sect's Asura. And when my mom was little, my grandmother used to scare her with the same stories."
Good grief, is Asura your family's heirloom baby-scaring tool? Zhang Yuanqing thought wryly.
"He's an invincible existence among Spirit Realm Walkers, a terrifying force like the Demon Gods destined to destroy the world in myths and legends. Dreadful, invincible, yet impossibly distant—that's my impression of him," Guan Ya said.
"How do the Five Alliance Leaders compare to him?" Zhang Yuanqing asked curiously.
Guan Ya pondered for a moment, then shook her head. "How could I possibly assess combat power at that level? But in terms of reputation, the Five Alliance Leaders pale in comparison to Asura. Based on the saying 'Three Associations, Two Sects, One Asura,' I believe the Five Alliance Leaders are inferior to Asura. Well, that's just my opinion."
Wang Tai chimed in from the side, "If we had combat footage of them, I could analyze the data to determine who's stronger between the Alliance Leaders and Asura."
"Where would you even find combat footage of that caliber?" Zhang Yuanqing shrugged. "Brother Wang Tai, why don't you analyze who's stronger in a hand-to-hand fight between me and Sister Guan Ya?"
Wang Tai replied earnestly, "Even two of you wouldn't stand a chance against her without using Items."
Guan Ya shook her head. What a boring man. At this moment, he should have said, "Does that even need asking? There's never been a field worn out by plowing, only oxen that die of exhaustion."
Primordial is much more interesting.
As noon approached, Zhang Yuanqing heard a hearty laugh from the first floor:
"Ahahaha, you still remember me? Hello everyone, hello! I'll be coming to work more often now. If you need anything, just ask—I've got your backs!"
Though her tone was bold and spirited, her voice was clear and youthful. Just listening, Zhang Yuanqing could picture a young girl standing with her hands on her hips, laughing heartily.
A few seconds later, footsteps echoed up the steel staircase.
Zhang Yuanqing leaned forward to peek. First, he saw a girl, quite short, probably in eighth grade. Her features were delicate but not fully developed, framed by shoulder-length, fiery red hair.
With her hands on her hips and a swagger in her step, she clambered up the stairs with a confident thump-thump-thump.
Behind her came a middle-aged man in a white shirt and casual pants, wearing black-framed glasses. His aura was gloomy, his hair disheveled, and at first glance, he resembled a darkened version of Wang Tai.
Wang Tai, is that your brother? Zhang Yuanqing couldn't resist glancing sideways at Wang Tai's workstation.
Wang Tai kept his head down, focused on his work, ignoring the commotion around him.
Guan Ya rose with a smile to greet her returning colleagues.
"Hello, Sister Guan Ya! I'm back!" the red-haired girl called out, waving cheerfully. Her gaze landed on Zhang Yuanqing, and she boomed:
"Is he the new colleague? The Primordial Heavenly Venerable who single-handedly stormed the enemy camp and battled the Xiahou Family's lackeys for three days and three nights?"
Huh? When did I fight the Xiahou Family's lackeys for three days and three nights? Zhang Yuanqing was momentarily stunned.
Guan Ya opened her palm toward the girl, introducing Zhang Yuanqing:
"Jiang Jingwei, Level 3 Fire Master, 14 years old, still in middle school. Hmm, you're still studying, right?"
"I quit. My dad says studying is a waste of time. Schools teach nothing but nonsense," Jiang Jingwei said, stepping forward and standing on tiptoe to slap Zhang Yuanqing's shoulder with a hearty laugh. "Ahahaha! Just as handsome as I imagined! You'll be running with me from now on. I like young people with a strong sense of justice."
Zhang Yuanqing's shoulder throbbed from the slap, his head ringing. He felt like the one who had slapped him wasn't a 14-year-old girl, but the burly Lu Zhishen, who might at any moment clasp his hands in a fist and bow, declaring, "Brother!"
A girl's skin, Lu Zhishen's spirit?
Just then, Jiang Jingwei noticed Wang Tai and exclaimed in surprise, "Huh? Are you new here too?"
Wang Tai replied, "I'm not. We've met before."
Jiang Jingwei was even more astonished. "Impossible! Why don't I remember you at all?"
Wang Tai: "..."
Zhang Yuanqing watched this exchange, unsure whether to marvel at Wang Tai's extraordinary talent or to criticize Jiang Jingwei's obliviousness.
Guan Ya continued the introductions:
"This is Senior Teng Yuan, a Level 4 Water Ghost, currently serving as Acting Chief."
Zhang Yuanqing refocused his attention and respectfully greeted, "Chief Teng Yuan."
The middle-aged man's gaze was vacant, his expression equally listless, as if he lacked any enthusiasm for life. He pushed up his glasses and said in a hollow voice:
"A correction: the first promotion for Water Ghosts is to Plague God."
He nodded at Zhang Yuanqing. "Impressive. Young people are always full of drive and a sense of justice. I admire that. But remember, this is just a job. Your life comes first. Risking it for work is utterly tragic."
Huh? Zhang Yuanqing was taken aback. This wasn't the motivational speech he'd expected, the kind that promises grand rewards and stirs up enthusiasm.
Teng Yuan continued:
"I've drafted new regulations overnight. During my tenure as Acting Chief, everyone must strictly adhere to these rules. Any violation will be severely punished."
Hearing this, Zhang Yuanqing's spirits lifted. This is the new boss making a statement, he thought. The new chief is laying down the law.
Chief Teng Yuan pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, his expression passive and his voice flat as he continued:
"First rule: No overtime!
"Second rule: Paid leave is permitted.
"Third rule: No clocking in or out.
"Fourth rule: You don't need my approval to take time off.
"Fifth rule: If overtime is absolutely necessary, overtime pay will be tripled.
"Sixth rule: Weekends will be extended to three days.
"Seventh rule..."
Zhang Yuanqing's jaw slowly dropped, his expression blank. His mind buzzed with chaotic thoughts:
Is this really a leader? Does such a leader even exist? Can we get True Eye Chief permanently transferred?
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the blue sports car glided into the underground parking garage of a hotel.
The black market occupied the three basement levels of this hotel. In addition to the market, the Boxing King also operated underground fight clubs.
Guan Ya parked the car, opened the door, and said, "We're here."
She had donned a long trench coat to conceal her striking figure and swapped her high heels for running shoes.
Guan Ya explained that while all Spirit Realm Walkers operating in the black market were registered, Unaffiliated Walkers tended to be undisciplined and rebellious, disregarding rules. Given her breathtaking beauty, she needed to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
She was bound to attract the attention of lecherous eyes, inviting unnecessary trouble, so she needed to wear a coat.
Zhang Yuanqing found this woman just as arrogant as her cousin, but faced with her plump, peach-like curves, proud, towering breasts, and delicate, alluring features, he could only tolerate her boasting.
Led by Guan Ya, they arrived at a freight elevator.
A burly, towering man with fierce eyes guarded the elevator entrance, scrutinizing them as they approached.
Guan Ya pulled a stack of cash from her trench coat pocket and handed it over—the "admission fee" to the black market: ten thousand yuan per person.
The man took the money and pressed the down button.
The elevator doors slid open, and Guan Ya led Zhang Yuanqing into the car.
As the elevator descended, Guan Ya and Zhang Yuanqing donned masks and baseball caps.
With a ding, the elevator doors opened, and a stifling atmosphere thick with the stench of sweat and tobacco, accompanied by a cacophony of noise, rushed at them.
Zhang Yuanqing's eyes swept across the expansive space beyond the elevator. The black market had been converted from an underground parking garage, divided into two main sections.
To the left stood a massive fighting ring where two shirtless, muscular men were locked in a brutal, bare-knuckle brawl, cheered on by the roaring crowd below.
The outer perimeter was lined with stalls selling drinks and food.
The right-hand area was much quieter, with neatly arranged stalls and only a few scattered shoppers browsing the black market.
Zhang Yuanqing spotted a familiar face at one of the stalls: Boss Bai Long, the Eldest Sister, was strolling through the stalls with two of her underlings.
"White Dragon used to be a boxing champion in the arena," Guan Ya remarked with a smile. "She likes to buy things and then fight a few matches to earn back what she spent. Spirit Realm Walkers can make money easily enough thanks to their Morality Value, but getting rich is another matter entirely. And the materials and Items in the Spirit Realm are ridiculously expensive."
Ridiculously expensive? Zhang Yuanqing began to worry about his wallet.
The pair headed straight for the right-hand area. The stalls sold a chaotic mix of goods, mostly materials, information, and guides, with hardly any Items on display. Even the few Items available were mostly useless trinkets.
Zhang Yuanqing stopped at one stall and pointed to a jar filled with a dark green paste. "What's this?" he asked.
He sensed a powerful Yin energy emanating from the paste.
"Zombie bodily fluids," the stall owner replied.
"How much?"
"50,000."
"Holy shit, that's expensive!" Zhang Yuanqing exclaimed, startled. He pointed to a crimson crystal. "And what's this?"
"Explosive Stone, a consumable item abundant in the Fire Master Instance," the stall owner replied.
"How much?"
The stall owner glanced at him. "Two holy shits."
You're asking for a beating! Zhang Yuanqing: "..."
He scanned the diverse array of materials on the stall, pondered for a few seconds, and silently summoned Little Goofball.
Only the Spectral Servant knew which materials would best suit its needs.