In the suburban area, the Good Music Hotel. Wang Qian and the three companions from Zhishi Palace have relocated their base here. The Good Music Hotel is one of Zhishi Palace's key outposts in Songhai City, operated by a member of the palace. Many civilian organizations prefer to open hotels and restaurants across the city. Compared to private homes, hotels and restaurants are better suited for accommodating large groups and hosting meetings, since they offer a sense of ownership and reduce concerns about surveillance equipment. Of course, this advantage holds only during periods of relative calm. When facing large-scale official raids, hotels and restaurants are actually more likely to be exposed, as security officers will systematically inspect each one. To conduct a thorough inspection of all hotels and accommodations in Songhai, the personnel from the Five Rows Alliance would be insufficient—only the Public Security Bureau could manage such a substantial workload. Yet Wang Qian and Qingdian Daxing believe that although the Xiaohou family is extensive and maintains close ties with official institutions, it is still not strong enough to command the Public Security Bureau. The Office of Public Security and the Five Elements Alliance are peer organizations, operating in a cooperative relationship. The former manages societal order, while the latter oversees order among the spiritual realm practitioners. Even the Five Elements Alliance lacks the authority to issue directives to the Public Security system, let alone a noble family from the spiritual realm. Impatient and passionate... Wang Qian shook his head. "Heaven and Earth are unkind" – that's an extremely passionate temperament, one that deeply values gratitude, offering a spring of water in return for a single drop, yet ready to sacrifice everything, even to the point of dying together, if someone insults him. Such a temperament is prone to extremes. This kind of passion is relatively rare even within the Palace of Ceaseless Killing. Once Wang Qian set his phone down and silently gazed out the window, a soft chime rang through the air. He was startled, quickly lifting the phone to check. "Your sister is safe." Upon reading the message, Wang Qian's expression suddenly brightened with intense emotion—he couldn't believe it, exclaiming, "Head, Head! Master Yuan Shishen has replied to me!" The Qingdian Great Sage jolted, startled awake by the voice. The three companions gathered around him. Staring at the phone screen, he adopted a serious expression: "It's a ruse—there's definitely something off. Even if he's willing to help, it's impossible for him to rescue your sister so quickly." "Miss, I've been sticking to my own way, frowning, said, "Yes, that's right. Finding your sister in such a short time is no easy task—unless he knows exactly where she is. If he does, then this person is likely an ally of Xiaohou Tianyuan." She felt a bit disappointed. Wang Qian thought for a moment, then edited the message: "Really?" A few seconds later, a soft "ding" sound, and Yuan Shixian replied with a voice message. Wang Qian quickly tapped to play it: "Wang Qian, I was rescued by the police officer and am now heading to the Kangyang District Public Security Office." It was Wang Qian's voice. Wang Qian's eyes instantly filled with tears—overwhelmed with joy and relief. After a full day of anxiety, the weight on his heart finally lifted. Was she really rescued? Was the efficiency that high? Qingdian Daxing was completely surprised. He had proposed that Wang Qian reach out to Yuan Shixian for help, valuing the official status of the latter. Even if the rescue wasn't successful, valuable intelligence could still be gathered, and the Xiaohou family could be effectively Who could have thought that they had settled it so smoothly? Is this just a brilliant new talent? Really not the heir of any major figure from the Five Elements Alliance? I exhaled in relief, patting Wang Qian on the shoulder. "Now you can rest easy. The Prime Immortal is quite reliable. You should find a chance to call home and verify whether your sister has truly been rescued." As I was speaking, the phone rang—caller was the Prime Immortal. Wang Qian immediately turned to the Head Monk, seeking his advice. After a brief pause, the Head Monk nodded slightly. Wang Qian answered the call, hesitating at first. "Prime Immortal?" But what came through the speaker was his sister's voice: "Wang Qian, I'm fine now. Where are you? Why have you suddenly stopped coming to work? The people who kidnapped me seem to be looking for you—have you taken out a high-interest loan?" Her tone was urgent and anxious, with a series of questions piled on one another. "Sister, don't worry. I'll be back home soon." "Wang Qian comforted him a bit, then heard a young man's voice on the other end of the phone: 'Give me the phone...' Immediately, Yuan Shǐ Tian Zun spoke: 'Right now isn't the time for you to chat and catch up, Wang Qian. I need to see your superior.' Thanks to Wang Qian's presence, he didn't mention the words 'Stop-Killing Palace.' Wang Qian glanced at Qing Dian Da Sheng and asked, 'Why?' 'When I rescued your sister, my identity was exposed. Summerhou family will surely hold me responsible. This matter falls to you, doesn't it?' Zhang Yuanqing said calmly. 'Moreover, I can save your sister once, but not twice. What if Summerhou family targets your family again? Or the families of other members? What then? 'Now we're all on the same rope—time to strike back. Of course, if you're too weak and only wish to keep your head down like a turtle, then I'll simply have said nothing.' Wang Qian grasped the microphone, looking toward his companions. Qingdian Daxing hesitated, speaking softly, "I think we should have a conversation. Let me take the lead." At such moments, the importance of rapport becomes evident. "No, I'll do it," Qingdian Daxing said. "I believe I understand human nature. Let me talk to him." He took the phone, deliberately lowering his voice, making his tone deep and raspy: "Master Yuanshiyuan, you don't need to use the 'stir the pot' technique." "You mean?" Zhang Yuanqing perked up. "Qingdian Daxing, the head of the Saint's Hand." "Oh my, what a strong name—very impressive. I really like it," Zhang Yuanqing praised. Qingdian Daxing paused, then beamed with delight, "I agree—the name is excellent. I thought about it for a long time...咳咳. To get back to business: I understand your point, but we won't take any action until the Palace Master gives the order." "Very well. Then I'll handle the Xiahou family myself—by battle to end battle, by killing to end killing. That's my principle. You're still lacking. Change your name later." Zhang Yuanqing said loudly. "Nonsense!" Tian Di Bu Ren was furious. "Our organization certainly has countermeasures, but they're entirely under the control of the Palace Master. Since the Palace Master faced off against the Xiahou family's chief enforcement officer, she hasn't appeared since." Qing Dian Da Sheng glared at him angrily. Indeed, the people from Zhishake Palace are rather inflexible—they even claim that the pressure tactic won't work... Zhang Yuanqing smiled and immediately asked, "What are your specific measures?" Guan Ya had analyzed the situation: the Xiahou family's persistent pursuit of Zhishake Palace seemed out of place. Clearly, there was something hidden behind this. Qing Dian Da Sheng took a deep breath: "We suspect the Palace Master has gone on a mission, which is why we've instructed us to remain hidden. As for the specific measures—we simply don't know. Even if we did, we wouldn't tell you." Alright, I'll keep in touch with the Master recently to report on this matter—whether it's about compensation or collaboration, it all depends on her willingness to reach out to you. We absolutely can't act on our own whim. Ah? Don't contact me—contact Fu Qingyang instead. I really don't want to deal with the high-strung one. Zhang Yuanqing felt a bit intimidated internally, but remained composed on the surface: "I'm really looking forward to it!" After hanging up, he felt a little relieved. In this matter, he had completely alienated the Xiaohou father and son. They would surely retaliate in the future. Though he had merits of his own, the Xiaohou family wouldn't necessarily take direct action—indirect measures, such as behind-the-scenes sabotage, could be plenty effective. Therefore, this time it was essential to eliminate the Xiaohou father and son completely, at the very least ensuring they couldn't recover. However, relying solely on the Wu Xing Alliance wasn't entirely secure, as their interests were deeply intertwined and the connections too complex. At this point, it was necessary to prepare contingency plans and seek support from external forces. That's why he had requested to connect with Wang Qian Qingdian Daxing returned the phone to Wang Qian. The hot girl glanced at him, then at Wang Qian and Tian Di Bu Ren, her expression clearly one of growing distrust. "What's wrong?" Qingdian Daxing furrowed his brow. "So who really holds the power over whom?" the hot girl said, her face expressionless. ? Qingdian Daxing, Wang Qian, and Tian Di Bu Ren stared at each other, silent. Got the important matters settled, and since he hadn't quite reached the Police Bureau yet, he eagerly opened his inventory to check his haul. From an angle unnoticed by Wang Qian, he removed the deep crimson gloves and held them gently in his palms. The latter was fine—he could fully withstand the damage of an explosion. The former, however, suffered headaches; he fought without thinking, easily falling victim to ambushes. "But as long as one acts like the steady one, Baozhu, using decisive strikes only at crucial moments, the cost can be minimized..." Indeed, it's clear that only through robbery and conquest can one achieve prosperity—without moral constraints, the spiritual realm travelers would surely go mad with violence. Then, he summoned his attribute panel and checked his reputation score, immediately scoffing. The reputation remained unchanged. In the spiritual realm, when travelers hunt and kill each other, moral points are not deducted. However, when members of the same faction fight and defeat a traveler with a reputation score, the attacker's own reputation decreases. Once the reputation reaches zero, moral points are then deducted. The fact that his reputation had neither increased nor decreased meant that among the four underperformers, not a single evil-occupation traveler had been eliminated—pure social parasites, truly unworthy of much lament. Fifteen minutes later, the vehicle entered the police headquarters. Zhang Yuanqing asked Wang Qian to park it in front of the glass building, then stepped out and entered the office. He spotted around eight to ten spiritual realm travelers not from Team Two, among whom were the qipao beauty Qingteng and the stalwart Bai Long. On the way here, Guan Ya had already informed him that Fu Qingyang was waiting with his team at the Kangyang District Public Security Office. "The kidnappers' bodies are in the cars downstairs. Could you please fetch them up?" Zhang Yuanqing gave a slight nod to Qingteng, then glanced at Wang Tai, who looked visibly uncomfortable, before heading straight for Li Dongze's office. "Knock-knock!" He tapped on the glass door. "Come in." Fu Qingyang's clear, composed voice responded. Pushing open the glass door, he found the opulent office: Fu Qingyang seated where Li Dongze usually sat, Guan Ya lounging on the sofa with her long legs, dressed casually and at ease, along with a familiar face he hadn't seen in a while. Yuan Ting! He was still alive—so it seemed that Senior Sun hadn't been eliminated in the realm... Zhang Yuanqing murmured a quiet thought to himself as he looked at Fu Qingyang. "I've brought back Wang Qian and the kidnappers' bodies," he said. Fu Qingyang nodded steadily. "I've already dispatched personnel to summon Xiahou Tianyun. Once we secure the evidence, we can detain him." As he spoke, he turned to Yuan Ting, who rose and remarked with a touch of sentiment, "We'll have to ask Ling again, Fu Bai Fuzhang. You'll have to provide some compensation." Fu Qingyang replied calmly, "That's settled. I hope when the compensation is paid, it won't become my estate." Yuan Ting's face stiffened, and he turned to Zhang Yuanqing, expressing heartfelt regret: "It's all your doing. You'll have to give me compensation too." "Well, I'll be burning money for you then..." Zhang Yuanqing murmured, quietly. He then looked at Fu Qingyang and said, "Bai Fuzhang, among the kidnappers there are strong contenders. Are you certain you don't need me to ask Ling?" The implication was clear—he had just sacrificed some of his key assets in battle, and he knew Fu Qingyang was aware of his possession of rule-type items. Fu Qingyang responded calmly, "Captain Yuan is diligent and upright. Let him ask Ling instead." Is that a recommendation for Yuan Ting? Zhang Yuanqing A few minutes later, Yuan Ting returned pale-faced, delivering his report in a serious tone: "The kidnappers are messengers raised and trained by the Xiaohou family. They kidnapped Wang Qian's sister, an action specifically ordered by Xiaohou Tianyuan." As the head captain of the Taimen Division, Yuan Ting's accusation carried considerable weight, representing the stance of Taimen to some extent. Turning then to Zhang Yuanqing with a complex expression, he said, "You've actually killed a Level 3 Fire Master—what a prodigy! Truly, a true oddity." He had not mentioned the Red Shoes incident at all. Ling Jun smiled calmly, eyes half-closed. "Isn't that what makes someone a true talent? I've heard about this kidnapping case. Yuansheng, you've done an excellent job. I particularly appreciate young people with a sense of justice. But do you know what the greatest fear of a true talent is?" After all, Zhang Yuanqing wasn't without a girlfriend... He smiled and replied, "What?" "It's early death!" Ling Jun sipped his tea and added, "Do you know how to avoid early death?" "They want to win me over... With their superior officer watching, Zhang Yuanqing thought for a moment and politely declined, "Did the family lose a child in childhood?" Ling Jun choked, coughing vigorously, "No—what they really mean is to build alliances, to join the Taimei Sect. I'll protect you, and the Xiaohou family won't dare to retaliate." Fu Qingyang's gaze on Zhang Yuanqing softened with satisfaction, yet he still gave Ling Jun a cold, sideways glance. "Knock, knock!" At that moment, the glass door of the office was struck again. Fu Qingyang looked over, "Come in." A young man in a black T-shirt entered the office and stopped at the desk, speaking softly, "Xiaohou Tianyuan has already been arrested." Fu Qingyang narrowed his eyes, "By whom?" The young man replied, "By Pang, the Head of the Fenghua District. Just now, Xiaohou Tianyuan assaulted someone in Fenghua District and was arrested by Pang. Following an investigation, Xiaohou Tianyuan confessed to additional criminal acts—such as this kidnapping case." Hearing the two's conversation, Zhang Yuanqing felt a growing sense of urgency and difficulty. According to the internal regulations of the Wu Xing Alliance, to prevent competition over credit, whoever's jurisdiction is affected is responsible for the incident, and whoever identifies the case is responsible for it. Pang, the official from Fenghua District, has officially "identified" this case, so in theory, he should be in charge. However, since Zhang had been involved earlier and had a complainant who reported the matter, the ownership of the case remains contested. But this is not the most critical issue. The real issue is that Xia Hou Tianyuan was injured in Fenghua District and has been detained. This incident's responsibility is clear—Fenghua District is solely responsible. Under these circumstances, Fenghua District can now delay handling the matter, using investigation as an excuse to protect Xia Hou Tianyuan. Later, they can then compete with Kangyang District for leadership of the kidnapping case. In short, Fenghua District must not fall into the hands of Kangyang District. As long as they secure this strategic buffer, the Xiahou family will have sufficient time to operate. This series of maneuvers fully demonstrates a deep understanding and mastery of the rules. Without removing the Xiahou brothers, there will be endless troubles ahead. If the Five Elements Alliance can't be settled, we'll have to collaborate with the Stop-Killing Palace... Zhang Yuanqing's expression was slightly heavy. "Fu, what should we do now?" Fu Qingyang glanced at him. "Didn't the victim report the case to you?" "Yes." "Was the injury to Xiahou Tianyuan earlier than the incident?" "Yes." Fu Qingyang said calmly. "Then go and arrest the suspects." "But..." Zhang Yuanqing thought, but everyone is already in Fenghua District—how do we arrest them? Do we forcibly take them? Fu Qingyang stood up from his chair, walked slowly toward him, and with his deep, tranquil gaze fixed on his younger brother, said softly: "When rules conflict and both parties have valid grounds, the one with the stronger position wins. Remember that." There's one more thing..." With a face as finely carved as sculpture, he adopted a serious tone, warning: "Once you've made an enemy, you must eliminate him at all costs—no matter what. Even if the elders intervene, you must burst the elders' dog-heads open." Fu Qingyang turned and walked toward the door, his steps slow yet resolute, leaving the room's occupants with a straight, commanding silhouette: "Come with me to capture him." Xia Hou Tianyuan set down the walnut and tea cup, smoothed his suit collar, and said, "There are two things I'd like to ask you to help with. We've learned from the Xie family that after the collapse of the clan, the surviving members scattered across various regions, and the current Palace Master of Zhishi was sent to Songhai at that time. She was still a child then, not yet a cultivator of the Spiritual Realm—whether she would eventually become one remained uncertain. When she settled in, her personal information wasn't particularly well protected. I'd like you to help me check the Songhai household registry records. Currently, we can confirm that she is between 24 and 27 years old. Also, I've consulted with elder members of the family and had their portraits copied from that time—could you try matching them using facial recognition?" "Xia Hou Tianyuan smiled, 'No matter whether this matter succeeds or not, you can go to the Xia Hou family treasury and select any artifact from the Saint-stage level.' Pang Zhi Shi smiled in return, 'That's fine.' Xia Hou Tianyuan then continued, 'The second matter: investigate the background of Yuan Shixian, the Celestial Origin Master of Kangyang District. I need to uncover his real identity.' Pang Zhi Shi frowned, 'Are you seeking revenge against him?' Xia Hou Tianyuan lifted his teacup, took a sip, and his expression grew stern, 'Since he's determined to oppose me, he's an enemy. Against an enemy, any means are acceptable.' He also had an unacknowledged truth—he found the young man exceptionally strong, strong enough to inspire both envy and apprehension. Pang Zhi Shi paused for a few seconds, then said solemnly, 'Then you'd better handle this with care. If it comes to light, I may not be able to protect you. I currently don't have access to Yuan Shixian's personal information—access requires at least a Senior Monastery-level clearance. 'Here are two suggestions: press your way up to his superior, But then you'd have to kill Li Dongze." "That wouldn't be the same as telling everyone that I intend to kill that young man?" Summer Hou Tianyuan simply skipped over this suggestion and asked, "What about the second one?" Pang, the official, replied, "About half a month ago, the Primordial Heavenly Sovereign killed a seductive spirit at Songhai University. That spirit had just escaped pursuit and no one could find him anymore. "The Primordial Heavenly Sovereign probably encountered him by chance during his visit to Songhai." Summer Hou Tianyuan's eyes brightened. "He's not very old, is he? You mean he's a student at Songhai University?" Pang, holding his teacup, sipped it while speaking, "Then you'll have to verify that yourself." The two exchanged a warm smile. At that moment, Pang frowned and looked toward the office door. A few seconds later, hurried footsteps approached, and an official usher pushed the door open, looking pale and urgent. "Pang, the official from Kangyang District, Fu, has arrived with his team and has just stormed in."