A villa in the suburbs. On the first floor, the living room, Li Xianzong was seated in a high-back chair, facing the guests. On a soft sofa, a mature, intellectually refined woman lay lazily on her side, her black-framed glasses adding to her cold, elegant demeanor—her posture so formal and reserved, it resembled that of a homeroom teacher. Yet beneath her light silk dress, her graceful, curvaceous figure contrasted sharply with her composed air. To an ordinary man, such a captivating presence would surely leave him tongue-tied and his heart racing, and even if there were many such women among his peers, he would gladly settle for her. Yet Li Xianzong remained utterly unmoved by her beauty. He spoke plainly of his purpose: "I need a piece of equipment capable of restraining a high-level spiritual entity—at least one from the Saint Realm." Yuchuan Mei lay on her side, her snowy arms supporting her chin, her voice cool and composed: "Two million RMB, or an equivalent piece of equipment or materials." Li Xianzong smiled slightly: "I don't have that amount." If one disregards moral considerations, the fastest way for a persuasive spirit to earn money is to establish a "sect" and collect substantial funds from a large number of followers in the short term. A more reliable approach, however, is to win over the populace, gather devoted adherents, and then form a company to earn profits through legitimate means. Yet this path comes with the risk of being discovered by official authorities, potentially rendering years of hard work in vain. Moreover, most persuasive spirits lack the energy, interest, or capability to manage a company effectively. Ician Mei had anticipated this, and chuckled, saying, "Among the three primary professions, only your military commander's sect is the poorest—always focused on killing and causing destruction." In front of Li Xianzong, she reached into the snow-softened furrows, pulled out a needle box containing three slender, dark-black needles, and said, "I recommend you choose consumables—the Three Soul-Weakening Needles. Three million cash, or equivalent materials and items, may be used instead. These can severely injure a Level 4 spirit entity and deal significant damage to a Level 5 one. As for a Level 6 entity..." She smiled lightly, "I'm sure you're not a fool—you wouldn't have dared to face someone of that caliber." "Agreed," Li Xianzong replied. "I'll settle this within three days." "No, no, no..." Yuchuan Mei shook her finger. "You still owe me ten strong, orderly warriors—the ones you promised me. Only once you deliver them to me will I proceed with the next transaction. To protect you from Fu Qingyang, I've sustained considerable injuries. And Fu Qingyang truly is one of the top talents among the Five Elements Alliance's younger generation." "With that, her face flushed, her legs tightly pressed together, she murmured in rapture: 'His sword movements were unstoppable—like a mountain collapsing, like a tidal wave. Absolutely stunning. This is the ultimate experience...' Li Xianzong watched her pale expression and mentally cursed: 'Crazy!' 'Agreed. I'll secure ten Lawful Guardians within half a month.' He absolutely needed the equipment targeted at high-level spiritual beings—even consumables—only then could he counter the Master's reserve strength. Before the large-scale slaughter quest began, he had to strengthen himself as much as possible. Hunting down the Primordial Heavenly Sovereign offered three key advantages: first, it would refine and rapidly elevate his own capabilities; second, the rewards—both monetary and in the form of equipment—were highly attractive; and third, the young man himself carried a wealth of gear, truly overflowing. Even without this trial mission, Li Xianzong would have pursued the Primordial Heavenly Sovereign. ... Hua Yu Hotel." The café with a sunlit terrace, under a parasol, Xie Lingxi held a silver spoon, gently stirring her coffee. The ice cubes clinked crisply against the cup wall. "Master Yuan, it's been so long since we last spoke," Xie Lingxi pouted, her voice tinged with disappointment. "I've stayed in Songhai especially for you. Yet, why have you always neglected me?" Across the small table, Zhang Yuanqing suddenly realized: "Ah, I see now. That's my fault. I should have been more attentive. Come, let me take you back to your room—so you can see just how warm I've been." "Ugh, really!" the young green tea girl covered her mouth with a light smile, then frowned slightly. "Master Yuan, you don't look at all handsome like this. I still prefer your original self." Zhang Yuanqing had now transformed into Wang Tai—his features ordinary, his demeanor reserved and somewhat awkward. "Be careful, and you'll sail safely," he said, sipping his coffee. "You should know that Li Xianzong has taken a keen interest in me." Xie Lingxi said, "Yuanshi brother, I heard you single-handedly stormed the hospital yesterday, defeating the assailants and holding off Li Xianzong, making a tremendous contribution to the official rescue of hostages—truly impressive!" Look at that—this is the advantage of being a green tea! Zhang Yuanqing sighed, "No matter what, I still got taught a lesson. There's a big gap between me and Li Xianzong." "Because Yuanshi brother hasn't reached Level 3 yet. When you next emerge from the Spiritual Realm, you'll easily be able to defeat Li Xianzong." Xie Lingxi rested one hand on her chin while stirring her coffee, her long lashes revealing bright, moist eyes: "I've always deeply believed in Yuanshi brother." Zhang Yuanqing felt an unexpected sense of ease in his heart. "Did you use any calming techniques on me?" "Of course not—everything I said was truly sincere!" As Xie Lingxi praised him, the coffee gradually disappeared, and Zhang Yuanqing's mindset had fully recovered, no longer feeling discouraged or weighed down. The musician has a truly soothing presence, though the price is that my admiration for Xie Lingxi has grown significantly. Zhang Yuanqing reflected inwardly, and the lingering gloom lifted. At that moment, Xie Lingxi picked up the elegant handbag placed beside the table, opened the zipper, and withdrew a black jade stone, within which a dreamlike radiance flowed. "Brother Yuanshi, this is my gift," she said. Zhang Yuanqing was momentarily taken aback. "You're really giving this to me?" "Well, I don't actually need it," Xie Lingxi smiled warmly. "As a delicate, endearing young girl, I've always stayed out of the fray. Carrying a jade tablet seems like a waste—why not give it to you instead?" The gift was quite valuable. Though Zhang Yuanqing had secretly considered ways to extract more from her jade tablet, he had only thought about it—never actually intended to act on it. It seemed she also worried about me being assassinated by Li Xianzong, even if she spoke otherwise; the gap between words and reality was indeed real. So far, whether from official sources, friends, or even unrelated wanderers, no one considers him a serious contender against Li Xianzong. Everyone believes that Yuan Shi Tianzun has been closely watched by Li Xianzong and is now facing serious difficulties. "I'll keep it for myself. I haven't quite reached the point of being in such straits yet," Zhang Yuanqing pushed the jade seal back, fearing that once he received it, he might lose the determination and perseverance to persevere through relentless, hands-on training. Xie Lingxi didn't press further, returned the seal, and whispered, "Brother Yuan Shi, the Palace Mistress is also at the hotel. She'd like to see you." "Wait—so the wildly beautiful sister, the one who's always so eccentric, is also at the hotel?" Zhang Yuanqing was taken aback, thinking to himself that it was fortunate I'm coming under the guise of Wang Tai. If I were to reveal my true self, that wildly passionate, impulsive sister might just seize me and make me her official love interest. Xie Lingxi stood up, took hold of Brother Yuan Shi's arm, and left the café, heading back to their room. At the entrance to "Zhang Yuanqing saw that she had no intention of accompanying him, and asked, "Are you not coming in?" Xie Lingxi shook her head vigorously, stepping back with growing distance. Oh, my dear sister, your demeanor is making me feel unexpectedly uneasy... Zhang Yuanqing watched the young green tea lady briskly depart. He didn't immediately swipe his card, but instead took out "The Eye of Insight." He had never had the opportunity to use this device before to peer into the inner thoughts of the senior figures. It was perfect timing to test the Lady Zhengsha's attitude toward him, and to gauge just how deeply she was driven by her own fervor. Wearing his glasses, Zhang Yuanqing opened the door. "Beep~" As the door opened and he stepped into the foyer, he spotted the Lady Zhengsha standing behind the desk directly facing the entrance, dressed in a magnificent red traditional gown, with golden-thread embroidery forming cloud and dragon patterns on her chest and sleeves. Elegant and refined. "Would the Lady Zhengsha like to see me?" Zhang Yuanqing nodded in response. Beneath the silver mask, her lively and bright eyes examined him with a gentle smile. "You've been knocked around by Li Xianzong, yet your mindset remains steady—I thought you'd be feeling down for several days." "That's exactly why I'm here, seeking psychological counseling from Xie Lingxi," Zhang Yuanqing replied. "She's such a good listener and comforter; just being with her somehow brings a sense of unexpected joy." As he spoke, he keenly observed the subtle details in her expression: Her eyes told him she wasn't happy—her emotions were directed at him. But I hadn't done anything to upset her. The Master of Zheng Sha sat back, gently playing with her sleeve. "I'm planning to leave Songhai soon and head north for official duties. Before I go, shall I arrange for Li Xianzong to be dealt with? I don't want to return to Songhai and hear that you've fallen at his hands—after all, you're the one I've chosen as my preferred partner. "Xie Lingxi is one of my favorite sisters; I'd like you to spend more time with her." Her concerns were genuine, not just casual—yet layered with a more complex emotion, as if she didn’t quite want me to agree. She encouraged me to get closer to Xie Lingxi, but her tone and gaze carried a subtle warning. “Will you help me?” Zhang Yuanqing’s eyes brightened. The Commander of Zhishi Palace nodded slightly: “Five million. I’ll have him killed for you.” Five million? Even if I sold myself, I wouldn’t earn five million… Hmm, why did she feel a sense of satisfaction when she mentioned five million? Zhang Yuanqing studied her closely and began to piece together a new understanding: She kept staring at my glasses, her gaze growing more intense… Oh no, she wanted to hit me—she sensed that I was observing her. Zhang Yuanqing was startled, yet composed, and gently removed her glasses. “Never mind. My own troubles will be handled by me.” "Heard this, the Master of the Zhishi Palace smiled warmly, clearly very satisfied with his answer, and said, 'To become a truly formidable force in one's own right, one cannot rely solely on outside help—only by taking the path step by step can one reach the summit. Li Xianzong is a strong opponent, but not an insurmountable one.' 'If you're now afraid after your defeat in the hospital and agree to my deal, I shall be deeply disappointed.' She had indeed been testing me all along... The Master of the Zhishi Palace then added, 'Go now, and fetch the girl who has just passed away.' Even without my glasses, I could clearly see her 'malice'—what a pity for the little green tea girl... Zhang Yuanqing bowed and left the room. As he stepped out, just around the corner toward the elevator, he found Xie Lingxi waiting there with a touch of amusement. 'Ah, Yuanshǐ-brother came out so quickly?' she looked disappointed, unconvinced, asking, 'Did the Palace Master not treat you unfairly?' 'Why would she treat me unfairly?' Zhang Yuanqing asked." "She's just like that—she likes to pick on people, always hanging them up by the ears... I was already preparing to rush in and save Master Yuan-Shi." "Does she often pick on you?" "Yeah, whenever she's unhappy, she vents her frustration on me. Every time she wants to bother me, she calls me 'the little dead girl.'" "Oh, so that's where 'the little dead girl' comes from." "What does 'Master Yuan-Shi' mean?" Xie Lingxi's smile slowly faded. Zhang Yuanqing looked at her with pity. "The Palace Master just said she should come and fetch the little dead girl." Xie Lingxi's face turned pale. ... After leaving Huayu Hotel, Zhang Yuanqing put on his baseball cap and mask, glanced around to make sure no one was following, and then walked along the sidewalk, arms tucked in his jacket. In the afternoon, he planned to meet Guan Ya to learn combat techniques—this had been arranged this morning. The training venue was right in Fu Family Bay, which had a dedicated space for combat practice, and it was under the watchful eye of the Centurion, so he didn't have He's now even hesitant to go to the Public Security Bureau. Zhang Yuanqing is confident—given his physical condition, mastering the basics of combat isn't difficult, and with the renowned combat prodigy, the senior officer, personally instructing him, he's very likely to see a rapid improvement in his close-quarters skills within a short time, as long as he puts in the effort. "Once I've strengthened my combat abilities, my next goal will be to await the opening of the Spiritual Realm..." Just as he was thinking this, his phone buzzed—Fu Qingyang was calling. "Major, I'm on my way over," Zhang Yuanqing answered. Fu Qingyang said, "Master Dog has returned from the capital. You need to come to my place right away." "Has my equipment issue been resolved?" Zhang Yuanqing was delighted. Fu Qingyang nodded, his tone slightly unusual: "Come as quickly as you can—don't let the elder wait too long." Don't let the elder wait too long? What does that mean? Zhang Yuanqing didn't quite grasp it. He thought to himself—such a minor matter, why would the elder personally have to wait for him?