"What does the Songhai branch intend?" Zhang Yuanqing asked. "The Fuzhou branch can shield Zhu Rong; naturally, the Songhai branch can also protect the Master of Zhishai Palace." Upon hearing the battalion commander's explanation, Zhang Yuanqing understood immediately and smiled. "So, Zhu's loss has been for nothing." The Zhu family, and indeed the Fuzhou branch, had no enforcement authority in Songhai. As long as Songhai stood by the Master of Zhishai Palace, they couldn't do anything to him. It was a case of turning the other's tactics against them. Fu Qingyang folded his hands, his handsome face remaining composed, and gently nodded. "The Master of Zhishai Palace may appear frantic and biased, but in reality, he is highly strategic." Zhang Yuanqing agreed with Fu Qingyang's assessment. The Master was signaling to the Zhu family: "Even if I peel off Zhu Rong's face and disgrace Zhu's family, they still won't be able to do anything to me. Should they dare to make any further moves against my favorites, it won't stop at a public shaming—then it will be murder. And even then, Zhu family will still Of course, if Zhu Rong were truly killed, the Zhu family would certainly not rest content—should they fail in the open, they would surely resort to covert actions. Therefore, the Palace Master spared Zhu Rong and instead delivered a stern reprimand. Thus, the Zhu family received a clear threat while still retaining room for negotiation. Even if they were unwilling, they would have to swallow their pride. The balance was perfectly struck. Zhu Rong’s immediate difficulties were thus resolved. In the future, when she had the strength, she would surely hold Zhu Rong accountable—especially for the case at Tong Que Pavilion, where she would have to bear the consequences. Zhang Yuanqing then shifted to another matter. "Captain, has there been any update on the case involving Lady Kou Beiyue?" Fu Qingyang furrowed his brows, his youthful composure evident. "No update—indeed, no update is possible. You may seek a reversal of the case for Kou Beiyue and her sister, but you cannot ask the Public Security Bureau to acknowledge that the Public Security Officer fabricated evidence and framed Kou Beiyue. "If you're willing to make a compromise, I'd be happy to offer my suggestion." Zhang Yuanqing straightened his Fu Qingyang kept his gaze fixed on the battle within the arena, saying, "The new head of the Shākǒu District Public Security Bureau took office just last week. Since then, the new head has been diligently reforming the administration and restoring discipline, revisiting cases from the past few years. He discovered that the case of Kou Beiyue's murder of her sister raises serious doubts and lacks sufficient evidence—indicating that someone else is responsible. As a result, the warrant for Kou Beiyue's arrest has been revoked. The Shākǒu District Public Security Bureau will now re-investigate the case and is certain to apprehend the real culprit." Turning to look at him, Fu Qingyang added, "If you agree with this assessment, I'll handle the communication on your behalf." Fu Qingyang's political acumen is truly outstanding... Zhang Yuancheng found himself recalling the incident involving the Chìyuè'ān case, where this composed young gentleman had orchestrated a false accusation against the Night Rose. He felt a deep sense of appreciation. In the end, restoring Kou Beiyue's reputation and allowing him to stand tall once again has achieved the very purpose we set out for. Zhang Yuancheng said, Fu Qingyang nodded slightly and turned his gaze back to the arena, adding, "The second solo realm event is approaching soon. I'd like to share a few interesting points—within the senior staff group, many of the elder members are genuinely looking forward to the difficulty level of your second dedicated realm event, even more so than they're anticipating the Saint Realm competition." Zhang Yuanqing was taken aback: "How so?" As soon as he uttered these words, he regretted them—he suddenly felt as though he had heard Fu Qingyang's answer: that the competition itself lacked anticipation, because the champion would surely be me. Yet Fu Qingyang's response was: "The female Marshal achieved one S-level, two A-level, and one combat campaign during her transcendence phase, before advancing to Saint Realm status." "The elders are evaluating your potential based on the number of campaigns you've completed, their difficulty levels, and your pace of progression. If your growth trajectory during the transcendence phase mirrors that of the female Marshal, then you will clearly possess the qualities of a Grand Marshal." "If your growth trajectory during the Sage stage resembles that of the female Marshal, then..." "I'll become a candidate for the next Grand Commander?" "You'll be able to claim the title of 'the soldier who has crossed the river.' The title of 'the soldier who has crossed the river'... Zhang Yuanqing thought seriously for a few seconds, then chuckled. Well, they've been waiting for me here all along—what a oversight! Fu Qingyang didn't blush nor feel embarrassed. He spoke calmly: "I'm also looking forward to the difficulty level of your next dungeon mission. Just remember to report to Li Dongze before entering the dungeon." ... The next day, at 9 a.m. Zhang Yuanqing arrived at Fu's village, entering the opulent office. Fu Qingyang sat behind the spacious desk, dressed in white, gazing at the incoming subordinate, and said: "The Sandport District Public Security Office has responded. They agree with my proposal, but the public security officers themselves will not appear—your responsibility will be to present the case personally. Additionally, there will be no compensation." He pushed a document bearing the official seal of the Shaokou District Public Security Bureau toward me: "This statement represents their greatest concession." "I went myself—without any compensation," Zhang Yuanqing said, his expression darkening. The attitude of the Shaokou District Public Security Bureau was one of reluctant compromise, full of disdain and arrogance. "We've already shown our good will by agreeing to this. But don't even dream of our personnel stepping in to handle it. As for compensation—well, let's just say it's out of the question." Zhang Yuanqing took a deep breath. "Agreed! But I'd kindly ask Captain Bai to deliver a message to the bureau's director—make sure it's clearly conveyed." Fu Qingyang nodded. "What message?" "Gao ni ma!" ... At the Wuxian Hotel. Kui Beiyue, dressed as a delivery rider, sat on a lounge chair by the front desk, looking deeply troubled, occasionally rubbing her temples. The young round figure stood gracefully behind the counter, speaking softly: "Are you worried about Yuan Shi Tian Zun? The curse has already been handled; there will be no lingering effects." "Really?" Ku Bei Yue brightened at this, relieved: "That's good." Yet she soon grew somber again, her brow remaining furrowed. The young round frowned: "Then just say what's on your mind." Ku Bei Yue had maintained this state for a long time, originally believing it to be concern for Yuan Shi Tian Zun's safety. Stammering slightly, she said: "My father has been ill. Yesterday, I went to visit him secretly at their home." "What illness?" "Ankylosing spondylitis." "So you need money," said Xiao Yuan. Ku Bei Yue remained silent, finally managing to utter one word after a long pause: "Yes." "As soon as the word came out, the pretentious young man finally let go of his dignity and composure, finding relief and a channel for his emotions. He said: 'Since my accident and my sister's, my father has been deeply depressed. He's no longer able to stay in the place where he's lived for decades, and has moved us to a new home, cutting off all ties with relatives. My mother has heart problems and takes medication regularly, so my father is under immense pressure. He's been working extremely hard—last time I visited him yesterday, I was struck by how completely he'd changed: now he's completely white-haired, thin, and dark, so much so that I hardly recognize him. I really want to meet them, really want to be with them, really want them to stand tall and live with pride—but I'm too afraid to do it.' Kou Beiyue immediately set aside his expression of disappointment and sorrow, regaining his proud, defiant posture and observing with a sharp gaze, "Why have you dressed in dog skin? Get it off right now—every time I see someone wearing dog skin, I just can't help but feel the urge to punch them." Zhang Yuan laughed coldly, "You can't even beat me. Do you think I can't just use a few words to make you call me 'Dad'?" How could Kou Beiyue bear such a challenge? His eyebrows arched in indignation, "Nonsense! If you have the ability to do that, then from now on, every time I see you, I'll call you 'Dad'!" As he finished speaking, he noticed Yuan Shǐ Tian Zūn pulling out a document from his briefcase and presenting it before him. What a piece of nonsense! Kou Beiyue was about to wave his hand to open it when, upon glancing at the document, his eyes suddenly widened, his body went stiff, and his breathing grew rapid. Seeing the usually bold, rough, and emotionally unrefined Kou Beiyue display such a reaction, Xiao Yuan was momentarily Zhang Yuanqing tapped Cuo Beiyue's face with a document, much like a wealthy magnate would tap a corporate employee's cheek with cash, and said, "Call me Dad!" ...Cuo Beiyue's face turned crimson with embarrassment. ...The white sedan slowly entered Pingzhen Town. Pingzhen Town, located near Jinshan City, lacked skyscrapers and modern infrastructure. Its buildings were primarily red-brick houses; more upscale ones had white-painted walls and red glazed tile roofs. The supermarkets, shops, and restaurants along the main roads of the town featured a design style typical of the early 2000s. Not long after, following Cuo Beiyue's directions, the white sedan arrived at a four-story red-brick building where her parents lived. More precisely, they resided in one of the rooms within the building. With the development of the economy and the gradual expansion of industrialization from urban centers to towns and villages, a surge in population brought rising housing demands, making property development and rental income the most reliable and rapid source of revenue for local residents. Kou Beiyue's parents live in the same building, in the third-floor apartment near the stairwell. Zhang Yuanqing heard from Kou Beiyue that in the past two years, her parents have been living a very tight life—enduring minor illnesses without treatment and avoiding hospital visits for serious ones. In fact, Kou Beiyue's family owns a house in Jinshan City. Yet the couple has never sold it, choosing instead to endure their hard, humble life, unwilling to part with the home. The reason, probably, is that they fear their son—so ungrateful—will one day lose his way and find no place to call home. She just stared at Kou Beiyue, letting tears flood out of her eyes. Zhang Yuanqing watched silently, reading in the middle-aged woman's expression and gaze a multitude of emotions—anger, sorrow, resentment, longing—so complex that it was hard to imagine someone could burst forth such a rich array of feelings in just a few seconds. He imagined her heart must now be overwhelmed by a tidal surge of emotion. Kou Beiyue pressed her lips together, gazing at her mother, silent. He hated his parents for not trusting him, hated everyone who had wronged him. He would not cry, would not utter a single word of concession. Such a young man was stubborn to the core. Suddenly, a deep, furious roar came from inside the house. A middle-aged man in a cotton shirt, holding a vegetable knife, rushed forward with a stiff, rigid spine. He was full of determination, his face fierce and his features strained, yet his eyes flowed with a tide of sorrow. Now Zhang Yuanqing could no longer remain a passive observer; he stepped past the middle-aged woman and faced the man wielding the knife, seizing it from his hands. "You're a beast! I'm going to chop you to pieces, you beast! How dare you come here? How dare you come here?" The middle-aged man roared, tears streaming down his face. Facing his father's scolding and accusations, Kou Beiyue's eyes glistened, her neck stiffened, and she remained silent. Zhang Yuancheng kept repeating phrases like "stay calm," "don't be impulsive," "I'm a peace officer," half-convincing and half-forcing the man to sit down at the table. The house layout was simple—just one room and one bathroom, with the bedroom and kitchen connected, actually—there was no kitchen at all. The so-called kitchen was merely a table placed by the window, with a gas stove on it. A gas cylinder stood beside it. "Stay calm! Stay calm!" Zhang Yuancheng reiterated, then took out the documents and laid them on the table, saying, "Kou Beiyue's case will be reviewed anew. After our investigation, we've found him to be completely innocent. This is the official statement from the Shakou District Peace Office." "As he spoke, he produced his credentials and said, 'I'm a peace officer from the Shakou District Public Security Bureau.' Upon hearing this, the middle-aged woman at the door nearly rushed to the table, holding her husband's hands as they both carefully read through the documents. After just a few seconds, the woman broke down in tears, as if releasing all the hardships and grievances she'd carried over the past two years. Zhang Yuanqing's father kept wiping his eyes, overwhelmed—unable to tell whether he was moved by joy or sorrow. 'Officer, thank you so much, thank you...' the woman clutched Zhang Yuanqing's hands tightly, her voice choked with emotion. This was exactly what was due to you—why does it feel like a gift instead? Zhang Yuanqing, who had expected to be pursued and pressured relentlessly, suddenly lost all sense of emotion. He placed his briefcase on the table and said, 'Here is 300,000 yuan—the compensation from the Public Security Bureau.' Then, turning around, he quickly walked away. Aunt Xiao Yuan closed the door gently, not disturbing the three-family reunion, and followed Zhang Yuanqing as they left together. "Why have you suddenly grown so upset?" Her voice, when they stepped out of the red-brick building, was unusually soft, carrying a touch of tenderness. "The compensation was paid entirely by me. The Sandou District Public Security Office simply doesn't want to acknowledge this matter—they only offer a statement. They fail to see the injustice suffered by Kou Beiyue, nor the humiliation and despair of the victims' families." "They never feel it's their duty to provide an explanation to the people. In fact, even a simple explanation is something they hold back." Zhang Yuanqing looked toward the horizon, speaking softly. "I've witnessed the arrogance of the higher-ups. I'm deeply angered, yet—I feel powerless." ... The next morning, at 9:30 a.m. At the Arena, Bai Huiwei, the rising star of the faction, sat beside the Chief, saying: "Commander, the matter concerning Kou Beiyue has now been resolved. Thank you so much." Fu Qingyang didn't look at him; he kept his gaze fixed on the arena. "I didn't sense any gratitude in your tone. By the way, I've already conveyed your words from yesterday." "Thank you so much!" "Ah, now I do feel it," Fu Qingyang nodded in satisfaction. Zhang Yuanqing exhaled a long breath—no matter what, it was finally settled. Now he would adjust his state and prepare for the killing quest or the second solo spiritual realm. Should the second solo spiritual realm come after the killing quest, it would no longer be a Night-Wanderer-exclusive realm, but a Star-Official-exclusive one. He wasn't sure what the Star-Official's quest would be like. Time passed slowly, and by eleven in the morning, four groups of contestants had already completed their matches. Notably, today's competition featured the top sixteen candidates at the Saint Realm level. The quality of the contestants was clearly higher than on the previous two days. Fu Qingyang remarked that, if everything went smoothly, the next day would see the quarterfinals and semifinals, and the day after that would be the championship final. "Yuanshǐ, in terms of timing, your solo spiritual realm should be within the "Guan Ya said. "I've been reviewing the guides recently, and even if we encounter an S-rank, I'm confident." Zhang Yuanqing spoke with unwavering confidence. The divine consecration set had instilled in him a strong sense of assurance. 】 【Introduction to Lingjing No. 1018: One day, a villager named Wang Xia'er unearthed an ancient tomb in the rear mountains. Inside, she found a female corpse along with abundant burial goods. Wang Xia'er stole the burial items and intended to take them to the provincial capital to sell to wealthy families. Yet that very night, the corpse followed her out...】 Zhang Yuancheng had never imagined that a solo Lingjing would open at this moment. In the past three Lingjing missions, they had all opened in the evening. This gave him the impression: My Lingjing missions always happen at night. Wait—Lost Speech Village? I've reviewed all the Lingjing guides provided by Taimei Monastery. There's no mention of Lost Speech Village. Is this a first-time kill (unexplored) Lingjing? Or has Taimei Monastery not yet included it in their records? These are distinct: If unexplored, it's a first-time kill Lingjing. If not yet recorded, it may have been cleared by night-wandering deities outside Taimei Monastery, but not by those within Taimei Monastery, hence no entry in the archives. But regardless of which one, any guide not available in the repository holds immense value—yet it significantly increases the risks for those entering the instance. Zhang Yuanqing's face changed: "Colonel, my spirit realm quest has arrived."