"Not very much, not very much..." Zhang Yuanqing waved his hand. Just when Li Dongze and Guan Ya thought it was truly modest, he suddenly changed course: "2,000 points." Guan Ya almost choked on her juice. "Two thousand points of morality?!" "Oh my goodness, I've never seen so many points of morality in my life," Li Dongze remarked. "You can go ahead and kill people and do all sorts of bad things from now on," Ling Jun picked up a piece of honeydew melon and took a bite. I've been thinking the same thing, but I'm not sure if it's appropriate to say it outright. Zhang Yuanqing spoke with firm dignity: "How could I ever do anything wrong? I'm a model citizen—ah, these moral standards simply don't apply to me at all." "How can you not do anything wrong when you've been secretly watching Guan Ya's chest all along?" Ling Jun exposed him. "That's not stealing a glance—it's appreciation and admiration for something beautiful. Besides, Guan Ya herself is right there. If I say that, it would seem disrespectful to her." Zhang Yuanqing glanced at the graceful, beautiful mixed-race woman. Moreover, secretly watching someone's chest doesn't count as a moral failing—so it's not really a bad thing. "Ling Jun, when Guan Ya knocked out my tooth back then, did you think she showed much respect?" he scoffed. Wait a minute—wasn't the old Lady Jiang the one who once beat up Ling Jun? Zhang Yuanqing was now genuinely curious, "Guan Ya smiled warmly. "He used to be quite a romantic back then—he'd approach any beautiful girl he saw. Once, when he came to Fu's household with his grandfather, he immediately wanted to hold my hand, all the while calling me 'Lin Sister' with such poetic flair. At that time, I had only been studying Chinese for a few years and didn't know who 'Lin Sister' was—I ended up giving him a good beating. Oh well, back then, neither of us was a spiritual traveler of the Lingjing realm. Now he's a Saint, and I simply can't compete with him anymore." Oh, childhood sweethearts, indeed... Zhang Yuanqing felt a little envious. Ling Jun chuckled lightly, "It's all old news now—why bring it up again? This would make me feel quite awkward." After those two incidents, Ling Jun's heart and his once-pristine teeth were deeply wounded—ever since, no woman from the Fu family could hold a candle to him, no matter how beautiful. Ling Jun glanced at Zhang Yuanqing, his posture relaxed and casual, and said, "I don't particularly enjoy girls I know well. Otherwise, with my refined tastes and grace, Guan Ya would already There was an unmistakable hint of matchmaking between them. Guan Ya glanced at him and said, "What do you mean?" Ling Jun chuckled, "I just want to see Fu Qingyang call my subordinate his sister-in-law—there's no way that won't be entertaining." Guan Ya huffed and turned to Zhang Yuanqing, teasing, "Yuanshi is now quite famous—so many women have taken a fancy to him. The queen even sent me a message just now asking about you. Honestly, that woman seems genuinely interested in you. Would you be up for giving her a try?" Guan Ya clearly had a strong affection for Yuanshi, though not quite to the level of a romantic partner—far beyond that of a typical friend. If this dynamic continues, Fu Qingyang will truly have to call Yuanshi his sister-in-law. Ling Jun, who was so attuned to women's feelings, immediately sensed Guan Ya's subtle sense of longing. The more she teased, the more she truly cared. Zhang Yuanqing simply lacked that graceful insight. Though skilled in social interactions, he didn’t understand women’s subtle feelings—so he instinctively pressed the accelerator. “Indeed, she’s a woman as well-honed and grounded as Guan Ya, with a strong presence and a solid character. When she finally comes around, be sure to let me know.” Isn’t that rather foolish? Lin Jun, upon hearing this, felt a weight settle in his heart. He quickly turned to Guan Ya, who chuckled lightly, “Certainly! Certainly!” Though her tone was cheerful, there was little warmth in her eyes. Zhang Yuanqing was quite satisfied with his driving skills and joined in with a hearty laugh. Indeed, he must be a fool. Lin Jun thought to himself—he’d find a suitable occasion to take this young man out on a few dates, so he could gain a better understanding of women and realize just how foolish it is to speak ill of another woman in front of someone who genuinely likes you. At that moment, Fu Qingyang pushed open the double wooden doors of the study, his gentle, clear gaze sweeping over the four of them, and said, "Yuanshi, come with me for a moment." Zhang Yuanqing promptly set down the small silver spoon he was using to dig ice cream and hurried over. Fu Qingyang walked straight ahead, not looking back, and said, "The case has been officially categorized—quite a few moral points awarded, wouldn't you agree?" "Two thousand," Zhang Yuanqing replied. Fu Qingyang nodded. "From now on, don't hesitate when handling incidents because of ordinary people, nor fear being outmaneuvered by your opponents on the moral points front. As for this case, what are your thoughts?" Zhang Yuanqing paused and said, "I'm deeply disappointed with Songhai. I've always taken pride in being a Songhai native—how developed, how prosperous, how outstanding it has been. Even globally, it has consistently ranked among the top. But now, I only feel it's trash." He paused, then added, "Even trashier than Lingjun, Jiang Jingwei, Guan Ya, and the female marshal." This sentiment stemmed from his strong sense of patriotism, nurtured I hadn't seen bad cases before, but the contrast between what I saw in the news and what I witnessed firsthand was a whole different level of impact. When, after thoroughly understanding Wu's crimes and the involvement of the elite in Sha Kou District, he began to consider informing the Eye of the Heavenly King, he had already started to resonate with that King's vision of "cleansing the world." This was a deeply dangerous sign. "That truly is quite disappointing..." Fu Qingyang nodded, then added, "If you start feeling disillusioned, remember to find Sun, the Senior Deacon—he'll offer you psychological support." After taking a few steps, his tone remained calm and serious. "Don't expect too much from human nature. Don't despair about the world." Was the Centurion actually guiding me? Zhang Yuanqing was genuinely surprised. As they walked down the corridor along the double stairway, Fu Qingyang asked, "Kou Beiyue is part of the Unseen Group—what do you think we should do?" Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuanqing knew the main matter had arrived and immediately replied, "Let the Centurion decide." "Fu Qingyang deliberately summoned him, surely not merely to inquire about how to handle Kou Beiyue." Fu Qingyang said. "The Five-Element Alliance has always maintained a strict stance toward evil professions—preferring to kill the wrong people rather than let them go. Even if someone like Kou Beiyue is spared, they would be kept under long-term surveillance. But I believe his value extends far beyond that." "What do you mean?" "For instance, we need someone who can infiltrate that small team internally." "The small team you're referring to, I assume, is Master Wuhen's team..." Zhang Yuanqing suddenly understood. "So your intention is to cultivate Kou Beiyue as an informant, to position him as a spy within Master Wuhen's—well, the team that defies the established order?" "Why does your second sentence sound so awkward?" Fu Qingyang glanced at him. "I've interrogated Kou Beiyue myself, and he doesn't seem particularly intelligent—his thoughts are straightforward. Someone like that isn't well-suited for espionage." "So your point is..." Zhang Yuanqing felt a sudden jolt in his heart. Fu Qingyang nodded, offering a affirmative response: "You're absolutely right. The branch needs a spy to keep a close watch on that faction. Yuan Shi is resourceful, skilled in interpersonal relations—exactly the kind of person suited to be a spy. Kou Beiyue is your first stepping stone. With this matter settled, Wuhen and his cadre of antagonistic professionals will surely develop a strong favorable impression of you." Indeed, if Xiao Yuan knew that I had avenged Kou Beiyue and ensured his safety, she would genuinely appreciate me. Wuhen Master would also grow more open to me—yet... Zhang Yuan thought to herself, yet I simply cannot manage it. If Wuhen Master discovered that I had infiltrated the organization as a double agent, he would surely eliminate me. She hoped to rely on Wuhen Master's protection, not out of ambition, but out of sheer survival. As a high-level scout, Fu Qingyang immediately perceived her concerns and the depth of her inner thoughts, explaining: "All you need to do is keep a watchful eye on them. You needn't take any active steps—just provide timely intelligence when necessary." "When exactly does it happen?" "When his inner turmoil becomes uncontrollable," Fu Qingyang said calmly. "You should know that those who become evil are, in reality, criminals. But you may not realize that criminals are only the beginning—higher-ranking evil practitioners develop increasingly twisted mental states. This is inherent to the profession and unavoidable. Although the Master has always been disciplined and humble, the nature of the profession remains unchanged. The more he endures, the more terrifying the evil grows, and eventually, he will reach a breaking point—precisely when the disaster strikes." Zhang Yuanqing suddenly recalled that every time he saw the Master, his voice carried a deep sense of suffering, as though he were struggling to endure something. That explained why the Master had chosen to live with a single lamp and ancient Buddha statues, and why Xiao Yuan had said the Master was reluctant to intervene. "So how can we eliminate the evil within?" Zhang Yuanqing asked, frowning. "Through slaughter!" "Fu Qingyang spoke in a steady tone: "The bloodthirst of the seductive spirits, the venom of the witch-guerrilla practitioners, the malevolence of the illusionists—all ultimately culminate in slaughter. Once the sanctity of life is broken, the floodwaters surge forth. However, before Wu Heng loses control, the division's senior monks are unwilling to oppose him, for the cost would be too high. Thus, you must remain vigilant." "I understand..." Zhang Yuanqing murmured. His injuries had already been healed by the Beast King, yet Kou Beiyue knew that death was still inevitable. Held in the hands of the Five Elements Alliance, execution was the only choice—he could not survive, for order and evil were inherently at odds. Upon hearing footsteps, the young man who had been bowed in silence lifted his head and saw Zhang Yuanqing. His eyes brightened. "How have you dealt with Chi Yue An?" he urgently wanted to know. "Death!" Zhang Yuanqing declared firmly. Kou Beiyue felt a great relief, growing more accepting of his fate. "Indeed, on the path to the afterlife, I still intend to fight him. Yuan Shi Tian Zun, please convey my thanks to Xiao Yuan—when I was most lonely and desperate, she welcomed me, guided me, and otherwise I might have fallen into ruin. To me, she is both mother and sister, and I am deeply grateful." Zhang Yuanqing nodded. "Any more?" "Kou Beiyue thought for a moment, then said, 'We must make the case of Chi Yue An public—on the news, you know. That way my parents will be able to see it. They'll understand that their son has never done anything beastly. That their son has always lived, striving to avenge the wrongs done to him...' Speaking these words, she recalled the hardships and pains of the past two years. This young man, who had endured severe injuries without crying out or pleading for mercy, now had his eyes glistening with moisture and his face filled with sorrow. Zhang Yuancheng asked, 'Is there anything else?' 'No... Well, thank you. You're a good person, and I deeply respect you.' To Kou Beiyue's surprise, when saying these words, he felt neither awkward nor embarrassed—something he would never have admitted in ordinary circumstances. Perhaps it is only when one is near the end that one speaks with grace? Zhang Yuancheng nodded, then opened the door to the cell. 'Alright,' he said, 'when you're finished, come out. The Songhai branch has decided to forgive you. From where you came, you may return to where you began.' ??? Kou Be For a moment, the cell fell into an eerie silence. For perhaps two or three seconds, Kou Beiyue's face contorted, his teeth clenched. "Respect your paralysis, you're just a complete fool!" "Yes." ... Kou Beiyue walked along the bustling street, feeling uneasy. He had just scolded Yuan Shishen, only to find himself embarrassed by the lack of cash, and had to stammeringly ask for twenty yuan as a fare to take the bus back to Jinshan City. He opened his phone and noticed several small, unopened calls. "Little Yuan must be worried—let me call her first..." Kou Beiyue dialed her phone. He knew Yuan hadn't built her own network of information sources; to gather news, she had to regularly visit familiar underground markets. The incident that happened this morning hadn't yet gained momentum, so it would take time for her to find out. "Ding-ding~" The phone connected, and Yuan's calm, composed voice came through the speaker: "Kou Beiyue, you're really quite capable—you've even learned to power down your phone. Yuan Shishen has done the same, hasn't he?" Words that used to sound tedious and motherly now sounded like a heavenly melody. Kou Beiyue felt as though he were living in a world apart. A bright, cloudless smile spread across his face—free of gloom or weight. "Xiao Yuan, at last, I've let go of the past. I've been reborn!" On the other end of the phone, there was a silence for several seconds, then Xiao Yuan's careful voice came through: "You mean..." Kou Beiyue brightened: "Master Yuan Shishen led me to dismantle Chiyue An's criminal base and captured this brute alive. The senior leadership at Songhai Branch has decided to execute him." "Master Yuan Shishen handled this for you? Captured Chiyue An? Did he sustain any injuries?" Xiao Yuan's voice suddenly rose, but quickly settled, as if seeking to add something: "Did you, by any chance, suffer any injuries?" "I'm fine," Kou Beiyue said, unconcerned by Xiao Yuan's unusual tone. "Too bad. It would have been better if he'd died outside." Xiao Yuan added with a touch of dryness, then said calmly: "Come back. I'll appeal on your behalf to Master Wuhen and have you reinst … The Silent Inn. At the front desk, Xiao Yuan, wearing a white shirt paired with a wine-red suit, set down her phone. Her expression, initially cold and composed like melting ice, now warmed with quiet satisfaction and pleasantness, radiating a sense of well-being. Turning to leave the front desk, she gave a slight smile and took the elevator to Room 404. "Knock-knock!" She gently tapped on the door and said in a soft voice, "Master Lin, I have something to report."