Annie and Bill would like to see me? For Guan Ya, who was unfamiliar with either of them, her expression remained unchanged, but Zhang Yuanqing was somewhat surprised. After a moment's thought, she said, "Certainly! Please have them come in." Since Fu Qingyang had already agreed, refusing now would seem deliberate and like going against his superior. What if Fu Qingyang then requested a sparring session? I've just been promoted to the rank of Saint and have established my reputation. It's quite reasonable that Annie and Bill should visit me. Zhang Yuanqing thought this over silently, and gently pulled the blanket over her leg cast. The rabbit-dress woman bowed and stepped out of the room. A moment later, she returned with the two foreigners. The man had a straight, poised posture, with short brown hair and deep, calm eyes. His features were well-defined, and fine lines around his eyes—like fish-scale wrinkles—hinted at a mature, weathered presence, making him a particularly distinguished middle-aged man. The woman wore a suit, a white blouse, and a small blazer, dressed in a simple, efficient business style with no excess ornamentation. Yet she appeared as if she were the most brilliant gem of all. With golden hair and blue eyes, a refined facial structure, and a graceful demeanor, even women would be struck by admiration and exclaim, "A true beauty." "Master Yuan Shi, I heard you recently sparred with Elder Fu—was your leg broken during the match?" Mr. Bill approached the bed warmly, offering his well-wishes. Miss Rabbit brought two high-back chairs and invited the guests to sit. Who told you that? Isn't Fu Qingyang that piece of trash... Zhang Yuanqing mentally muttered, while smiling and saying, "I had expected a match between equals. Yet Elder Fu couldn't hold his own—frustrated, he couldn't contain himself and summoned his master-level strength." Mr. Bill suddenly understood, exchanged a glance with Anne beside him, and was quietly impressed. Fu Qingyang had told them: "During my sparring session with Master Yuan Shi, I accidentally broke his leg and am now resting in the guest room downstairs." They hadn't known about this behind-the-scenes development. Could it be that even Fu Qingyang, of the same level, couldn't overcome him? Anne's eyes sparkled with admiration. Guan Ya furrowed her brows. From the subtle expressions in Anne's face, she sensed a strong yearning the woman had for Yuan Shi. While she wouldn't have given much weight to this if Anne were an ordinary woman, as a love-magic specialist—renowned throughout the Spirit Realm for her charm and allure—she was truly formidable. A beautiful love-magic specialist, eyeing your soon-to-be-boyfriend, would make anyone feel uneasy. Guan Ya was somewhat concerned about Yuan Shi's determination, after all, since he was a Scorpio. At that moment, Mr. Bill said, "I'm here on behalf of the Merchant Guild to extend our congratulations to Fu Elder on his promotion to Master. I didn't expect Yuan Shi to be here as well." He reached into his pocket, pulled out a black card, and presented it. "This is a gift from the Merchant Guild—your exclusive Supreme Black Card. Holders receive a 7.5% discount when purchasing materials and equipment from the Guild, and can attend the Guild's auctions. Should you ever have the opportunity to travel abroad, the Guild can assist with your travel and accommodation arrangements." "Our union issues only twenty Supreme Black Cards each year." How could a 7.5% discount be offered? With items at saint-level pricing—often in the tens of millions—saving hundreds of thousands per transaction... Zhang Yuan eagerly accepted the card. "Thank you so much, Merchant Guild." As Zhang Yuan took the card, Anne smiled warmly. "Mr. Yuan Shi, I have something I'd like to share with you personally." Mr. Bill rose gracefully and nodded. "Go ahead, you two." Anne turned to Guan Ya, her sea-blue eyes curving into a crescent moon, a sweet smile playing on her lips. "Madam, could I have a few minutes of your time?" Guan Ya, gazing at Anne's angelic face, felt a sudden stir in her heart, a growing sense of admiration. She smiled gently. "Then please go ahead—I won't interrupt." She was deeply impressed by Anne's charm, realizing that such grace and elegance was surely beyond what Yuan Shi could hope to achieve. Her admiration and trust in Anne surged significantly. Did the allure of the profession truly appeal to both men and women? Zhang Yuanqing watched Guan Ya leave, then turned his gaze back, saying, "Miss Anne, though it is a privilege to spend time alone with a woman as beautiful as you, could you please be concise? Otherwise, when my girlfriend catches up, she'll be holding a rifle to your head." "Girlfriend?" A look of surprise flickered across Anne's graceful face, which quickly softened into a smile. "Indeed, she is a truly remarkable woman... Mr. Yuanshi, I would like to represent the Goddess Association and invite you to join as a member—this is precisely why I requested a private conversation with you." To become a member of the Goddess Association, like a magical king? Indeed, the Goddess Association never misses an opportunity to cultivate a promising Night Wanderer! Zhang Yuanqing expressed a subtle sense of surprise, asking, "What exactly does a member entail?" "You may think of it as an honorary member or a collaborator of the Goddess Association." As long as you become a member of the Goddess Association, you'll have access to its network—including intelligence gathering, reward postings, task assignments, and interest-free loans," Anne explained the benefits of membership. "You can make any requests to the Association, and we'll do our best to fulfill them. If something isn't possible, we'll find alternative channels to assist you. Additionally..." Anne paused, pulled the high-backed chair closer to the bed, and with a graceful movement, tousled her hair, her smile warm and intimate. "Every member receives dedicated services from a member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can ask me to assist you with any personal or business matters." Including milking the cows?... Zhang Yuanqing's mind was still filled with images of the King of Magic and Betty making love. He pushed those romantic thoughts aside and asked with composure: "Then what do I need to pay for?" Anne smiled—asking this question showed that Yuan Shi Tian Zun wasn't hesitant about joining the Association. He was clearly making a thoughtful, strategic assessment of the benefits and costs. The lady with golden hair and bright eyes, whose chest was no weaker than Guan Ya's, straightened her posture and smiled, saying, "An annual membership fee of fifty thousand, plus occasionally completing tasks issued by the Goddess Association—these are not mandatory. If you find the tasks unsuitable or too risky, you're free to decline. However, you must complete three tasks each year." Zhang Yuanqing fell into thoughtful reflection. The costs were indeed modest—the annual membership fee of fifty thousand seemed more like a courtesy, and while the Goddess Association assigns tasks annually, with a target of three per year, if the tasks prove too dangerous and cannot be completed, one can simply choose to withdraw. These surface-level costs were negligible. What truly posed a threat, however, was beauty itself. As long as one could not resist during interactions with figures of passion and love, and was 'milking' once—being drawn into the Association's orbit—then one would effectively become a subordinate of the Goddess Association. If one is a true talent, they won't fear the competitive allure of peers—such as the Mage King—whose ranks are equally strong. Even then, there will still be high-ranking figures like the President of the Goddess Association waiting to claim them, keeping them firmly under control. From the Mage King's perspective, even if he becomes a subordinate of the Goddess Association, it's far from a humiliating position; subordination does not mean servitude. As long as he resists the temptations of the other love-oriented professions, the benefits of joining the Goddess Association are substantial. He gains access to shared channels, broadens his network, and secures alternative pathways when challenges arise—no longer relying solely on the Five Elements Alliance for his personal safety and fortune. Moreover, the Goddess Association serves as an excellent entry point for investigating the Mage King's past. Zhang Yuanqing paused for a few seconds, then asked, "If I agree to become a member of the Goddess Association, will my dedicated personal service be provided by Miss Anne?" Anne suppressed her excitement, "Yes!" This point is non-negotiable—she cannot allow herself to become a mere vessel for the other fox-maidens within the association. Zhang Yuanqing said, "Agreed, but we need to establish three conditions..." Before he could finish speaking, Anne interrupted with a look of curiosity, "What does 'establishing three conditions' mean?" "Simply putting things in advance," Zhang Yuanqing explained, seeing her nod in understanding. "First, our relationship must remain private. Second, you will only appear before me when I need you; when I don't need you, you must not follow me. Of course, phone calls and messages can be made at any time. Third, don't use your charm on me—I already have a girlfriend." Anne nodded, her smile bright, "Mr. Yuanshi is truly devoted. I understand completely." She never liked to rely on her beauty; it was merely a secret weapon to be used at the right moment. As long as she could turn Yuanshi Tianzun into her own loyal member, it would be a small regret if she couldn't use her charm—she could still accept it. Most importantly, right now she needed time to gradually grow closer to him. Once they had spent enough time together, wouldn't she be afraid of falling asleep with Yuanshi Tianzun? She had even prepared the pig's tail. At that moment, a knock came at the door. Anne stood up to open it, and there stood a young man with an unruly hairstyle, a refined facial structure, and a gentle demeanor—none other than Ling Jun. "Oh, my dear Anne, in our Chinese culture, there's an old saying: 'Not seeing each other for just one day feels like being separated by three autumns.' But my longing for you stretches across millennia," Ling Jun said, leaning gracefully against the doorframe, gesturing poetically with his hands, his voice full of warmth. "You are the light of my life. No matter how much I may resist, I can't help but be drawn to you. Dear Anne, would you be willing to have dinner with me tonight?" As he spoke, he glanced subtly at Zhang Yuanqing lying on the bed, as if to add: "Try to be more composed!" How very oily... Ah, perhaps women who are naturally passionate and sensual appreciate more precisely the romantic, slightly over-the-top lines? Zhang Yuanqing nodded, as if to say: "I've learned. I've learned." Who could have guessed? Anni furrowed her brow, glanced back at Yuan Shi Tian Zun, and when she turned to face the other way, the woman was now as cold as ice, speaking calmly, “Mr. Ling Jun, please do not visit me again. I fear Yuan Shi may misunderstand.” “？？？” Ling Jun stood frozen in place, his previously carefree smile now stiffened. This was indeed awkward… Zhang Yuanqing was just thinking about how to explain himself, how to regain his mentor’s trust, when a soft “zzz” of electrical current suddenly sounded. From the wallet on the bedside table, a man’s heartfelt singing drifted out: “Snowflakes drift, northerly winds blow, the world vast and desolate…” Amid the melancholy music, Ling Jun turned and left, his silhouette profoundly lonely and solemn. … Jinshan City, a corner tea shop. Gradually, the man collected his emotions, silently putting away his phone. He seemed as if nothing had happened at all, calmly lifting his tea and drinking it with steady grace. There was a surge of inner turmoil: "For heaven's sake, this is terrifying! Kou Beiyue, this traitor, is actually one of Yuan Shi Tian Zun's allies—now I understand why he dared to make such bold claims, saying Yuan Shi Tian Zun wouldn't dare kill him." "That's odd. If he's Yuan Shi Tian Zun's ally, why hasn't he betrayed me? We've known each other for some time now. Is he plotting something? Could it be that his real target is the president behind me?" "His rewards are quite generous. Should I report his movements to the president and request reinforcements so that we can kill Kou Beiyue and claim the prize?" "Ah, it's a pity. After all, I've finally found a true companion with shared aspirations. But the reward is indeed tempting, and Kou Beiyue himself—on the surface so simple—turns out to be far more strategic than I expected." As these thoughts unfolded, the person decided on a course of action: to report the matter to the President, the King of the Viper Sect, and let him decide what to do. Kou Beiyue finished off his milk tea in one go, remarking, "This "He really did look the part... The bloodied buns nodded in agreement, smiling weakly: 'Yes, yes. Now everyone's a saint—everyone enjoys their own tea and milk drinks.'... Fu Family Village Villa. After sending off Anne, Guan Ya walked in with her rifle, standing by the bed, coldly gazing at Zhang Yuanqing, her nostrils flaring slightly. Zhang Yuanqing, saying to himself, 'Guan Ya, stay calm,' asked, 'What are you smelling?' 'Smelling for the scent of stone-rose flowers!' Guan Ya's round face was as pale as frost. 'There's no scent of stone-rose flowers here—only the scent of someone thinking of me,' Zhang Yuanqing said loudly. 'What does the scent of someone thinking of me smell like?' 'The scent of stone-rose flowers...'... Fu Qingyang stood by the floor-to-ceiling window in his study, watching Anne and Bill depart. These two foreign travelers, each representing their respective organizations, had come to congratulate him on his promotion to Master. The Goddess Association was fine; the Merchant Guild and the Fu family had many business ties. Certainly, in addition to presenting gifts, Mr. Bill brought a message: the relationship between the Merchant Guild and the Bacchus Club has deteriorated sharply and a large-scale conflict may soon erupt. The Bacchus Club is an overseas adversary organization with a longstanding rivalry—nearly a century long—against the Merchant Guild. At the inception of the Realm of the Spirit, the Bacchus Club was the largest criminal syndicate and trading association abroad. While collecting protection fees, they also controlled the business of medicinal supplies and beverages among the Spirit Travelers. Even the lawful, orderly Spirit Travelers had to go through the Bacchus Club to purchase spiritually enriched medicines or potion-enhanced elixirs. Only after the Spirit Travelers' levels steadily rose, and after the more powerful characters emerged following the initial phase of weaker combat performance in the Void, did the Merchant Guild rise to prominence. With the support of numerous orderly professionals abroad, the Merchant Guild ultimately defeated the Bacchus Club, seized market share, and now dominates the trade activities of Spirit Travelers across the realm. In addition, the Merchant Guild has cleared out and absorbed the Theban Club's real-world holdings. The rivalry between the two has lasted for a century, with both sides having spilled brains and blood. Recently, with the inept Guild president finally agreeing to assume the chairmanship, the Merchant Guild has erupted in jubilation, while the Theban Club has grown restless. For years, the Merchant Guild has relied on the orderly organizations of the Alliance to maintain its dominance over the Theban Club. Should the current preeminent void-based profession return, the Theban Club's position would deteriorate further. To prevent the president's return, the Theban Club is certain to launch war against the Merchant Guild soon. Bill has received intelligence from headquarters indicating that the Theban Club's senior executives may soon travel to Huaguo to warn the president. A conflict is therefore likely to erupt—something the Five-Element Alliance will have to contend with. Fu Qingyang is most concerned that native evil organizations will seize the opportunity to form alliances with the Theban Club and jointly plan a series of terror operations. He left the study with concern, walked down the hall carpeted with rugs, and spotted Ling Jun drinking quietly in the side parlor. "Your performance tells me you were rejected by Anne," said Fu Qingyang, standing at the doorway, his tone calm and measured. "But what about the underlying anger and regret I sense?" After swallowing the baozi, he turned to his grandmother and said, "I forgot to mention, Grandma, I won't be coming home for dinner tonight—I have an assignment at the office!" His grandmother nodded. "Remember to take care of yourself—safety first, work second." His cousin's near-fatal incident happened today, just perfect for handling the ongoing case of frequent female disappearances. If it's the spiritual travelers responsible, I can also pick up some well-deserved recognition… Zhang Yuan thought to himself.