Next, Zhang Yuanqing took the queen, Xiao Green Tea, and Li Chunfeng across various districts of Songhai, systematically eliminating evil professionals from the list in each surrounding county. Within just one day, he killed 12 evil professionals at the extraordinary stage, gaining 230 reputation points, plus an additional 120 reputation points from defeating Bloody Mary. Now, his total reputation stands at 500 points. "500 reputation points—ah, still feels like it's not enough. Zhao Feichun's bodyguards aren't official stewards; they're not particularly proactive in hunting evil professionals. If it were official stewards with a strong track record, I'd probably only be able to eliminate one person with these 500 points." In the living room of Fu Family Villa, Zhang Yuanqing lay on the sofa, enjoying shoulder and leg massages from his female teammates. Shé Lingxi was massaging his shoulders behind him, while the queen lounged with her legs crossed. "Enough, enough! I only have 30 reputation points!" Shé Lingxi said softly. "500 reputation points will be enough for your brother to use for a long time." "The queen replied, 'I only have 110 points of reputation, and I've been accumulating it for several years.' Unlike Zhang Yuanqing, she has rarely killed fellow lawful, orderly professionals. Even when encountering unruly lawful independent practitioners, she would typically arrest them and hand them over to the regional branches for handling. If absolutely necessary, she would resort to killing such practitioners, and in such cases, the branches would provide compensation—including the recognition of 'killing a lawful practitioner captured by evil forces.' Zhang Yuanqing didn't heed their reassurances; instead, he remained deeply contemplative. 'With Guan Ya gone, you've suddenly become so carefree,' said Li Chunfeng, expressing his frustration on Guan Ya's behalf and then offering his own suggestion: 'If you truly want to make a significant impact, the best approach is to locate the evil professionals' black market and eliminate them all at once.' 'How easy is it to find such an evil professionals' black market?' Zhang Yuanqing shook his head. Li Chunfeng advised, 'Your son isn't skilled at discovering hidden treasures?' "That's my adopted son," Zhang Yuanqing corrected, then shook his head. "We've already tested it during the gathering of props— it can't detect the Black Market. Although there are materials and even props available at the Black Market, Little Comical has never discovered a single one during that period. This is because the Black Market organizers set up seals that block out the ambient energy. Large-scale markets like Wan Bao Wu feature outer illusions and internal faction dungeons. Who dares to host a Black Market without some real skill? Li Chunfeng spoke with steady tone. "I remember you once received a treasure-hunting cloak. Do you still have it?" "Yes, I do," Zhang Yuanqing nodded. Since this prop belongs to an overseas profession—neither armor nor weapon—it wasn't sacrificed to the Hundred-Refining Furnace that day. Originally, he collected twelve props, plus the spoils seized from the fifth-level swordsman, totaling fourteen. Only eight of these props were needed to fill the energy of the Hundred-Refining Furnace, leaving six props unutilized. The treasure-hunting cloak is one of them." Li Chunfeng countered, "Why not have your son try wearing that prop instead? While the large organizations may not be able to find it on the black markets, smaller ones should certainly be easier to reach." Zhang Yuancheng's eyes sparkled, and after a thoughtful pause, he nodded in agreement: "That's definitely worth a try." Inspired, Zhang Yuancheng sat up and exhaled a stream of Yin energy, which upon landing transformed into a young infant spirit with sparse downy hair. "Ah-ba~" The lively, cheerful little one—like a pet being taken for a walk—wiggled and waddled around with delight. "Let's get to work!" Zhang Yuancheng gently stroked his son's head. "Ah-ba, ah-ba~" The child blinked with innocent curiosity, continuing to waddle aimlessly, as if not quite hearing his father's instructions. He's growing smarter—already learning to pretend not to understand. Oh, those days must have been quite taxing for him... Zhang Yuancheng felt a wave of humility, then added, "After this stretch, you're allowed to play games." He gestured as if holding a game controller. The little comic suddenly stopped, tilted his head at his old father for several seconds, then burst with renewed vigor, giving a loud "Aba!" and swiftly dashed toward the door, soon vanishing. "Hah! Even if he becomes smarter, he'll only have a kindergarten diploma!" Zhang Yuanqing said with pride. Then he noticed Li Chunfeng, Xie Lingxi, and the Queen all staring at him with a look of disdain. ... "Has Yuanshi been idle lately? I heard from our spies that he's dismantled over a dozen black markets in Songhai and Jiangnan Province recently." The Dog Elder spoke seriously to Fu Qingyang over the line. "Those are just ordinary black markets at the extraordinary realm level," Fu Qingyang replied calmly. "After all, you old fellows don't really care about the humble beings at the extraordinary stage." "That's not quite accurate. Reputation accumulates over time. You know, from September to December each year, the rulers face a particularly harsh trial." The Dog Elder said, his tone serious. Before Fu Qingyang could respond, he chuckled and said, "Well then, let him go. The louder he makes a scene, the more he'll impress the base-level evil practitioners, calming the mice in the underbelly. Just remember to have him remain humble after September." Overall, the Dog Elder was quite pleased with Yuan Shi Tian Zun's active efforts to eliminate evil practitioners in the Song Hai region. Fu Qingyang nodded, "I've already reminded him." "What's he building his reputation for?" the Dog Elder's voice suddenly lowered. Fu Qingyang spoke plainly, "His expression told me he's preparing to eliminate fellow celestial saints." "...," the Dog Elder sighed, "Alright." This wasn't unusual—most strong-willed prodigies were conscious of building their reputation and moral standing. The former was a preparation for potentially eliminating fellow spiritual practitioners of the same rank, while the latter ensured that, should he ever have to kill the innocent, he wouldn't be pursued by the spiritual ranks. Only Yuan Shi Tian Zun had a history of such actions, making his efforts particularly sensitive. After a moment of silence, the Dog Elder said, "The headquarters called me today, repeatedly confirming whether the blood-mary incident was truly a murder by the hands of the one who was killed. I told them I hadn't intervened." Fu Qingyang added, "They also called me to verify this." "This young man..." the Dog Elder smiled, "The headquarters doesn't fully believe he could single-handedly defeat a Saint at the peak of the fifth level. That's solid, tangible achievement—many talented individuals at the transcendental stage, after becoming Saints, usually only reach elite status. "They must now be both delighted and anxious." Fu Qingyang said solemnly, "It's possible they'll place even greater emphasis on the Yuanshizhen's psychological well-being, and intensify their efforts to refine him." The Dog Elder sighed, "This is inevitable. Even the Marshal was once suppressed. And even now, she has to make certain adjustments with the Fu family. The Five Elements Alliance can bestow the highest authority upon her, but not upon the Fu family." ... Jinshan City. After lunch, Zhang Yuanqing arrived at Wuhen Hotel by taxi. "Twenty thousand in cash!" He took out four stacks from his backpack and placed them at the front desk. The young lady, Xiao Yuan, calmly accepted the money, her eyes sparkling with quiet joy—she had always been financially strained, as the hotel often ran short. Since the arrival of Yuan Shishen, she had received nearly one million yuan in support, greatly easing the team's financial pressure. "I won't be busy today. I'll just sit here for a while this afternoon," Zhang Yuanqing said, naturally moving to the counter and sitting on the lounge chair where Xiao Yuan rested, appreciating the full, alluring figure of the mature woman. "Ms. Xiao Yuan, my reputation points have reached 1,000," Zhang said. "Really?" Xiao Yuan turned around in surprise, just catching him staring at her backside, his face immediately flushing as she gave him a sharp, scolding look. Zhang, feeling embarrassed, quickly shifted his gaze. Xiao Yuan gave a light hum and said, "In late August, Master Wuhen will gather the redeemers from various regions to deliver teachings, encouraging them to cultivate virtue. You're welcome to attend." "Is it just brainwashing?" Zhang Yuanqing instinctively resisted. Xiao Yuan chuckled coldly, "You can think of it that way." Noticing a slight undercurrent of emotion in her, Zhang Yuanqing quickly explained, "You know Master Wuhen is a master of illusion arts, and illusionists are particularly skilled at this kind of influence. It's quite natural that I'd have reservations." Xiao Yuan replied calmly, "Master Wuhen will use his teachings to calm the accumulated resentment in people's hearts and soothe their emotional pain. If you see it as brainwashing, that's perfectly fine. I believe you'll benefit from attending. Yuanshi is a good person, but sometimes you can be rather rigid—rigid people naturally carry more resentment." Saying this, she immediately pulls out her 'good person' card... Zhang Yuanqing nodded. "Alright, I'll come then." Xiao Yuan spoke softly, "It's also time to introduce you to the others." ... In It's still the bustling street-side stall in the old city district, warmly welcoming Kou Beiyue and his young companion. "Boss, from today on, you're my boss," said Ren Xuemang, bowing and smiling with deference, guiding Kou Beiyue to a seat. How fast Yuan Shǐ Tian Zun is moving these days... Kou Beiyue immediately sensed that Yuan Shǐ Tian Zun had settled everything. With a lift of his chin, he said, "When have I ever been a mere placeholder? I've always been a man of my word—every word a nail, every promise a solid commitment." Ren Xuemang quickly nodded, eager to impress: "Exactly, Boss! You're a man of unwavering integrity—your loyalty is profound, your spirit resolute, and even in conversation, you're ready to give your life for your cause." The plump young man looked unimpressed, thinking: Is he trying to compete with me for attention? Ren Xuemang summoned the waiter, ordered grilled skewers and beef hot pot, and then whispered, "Who killed the Bloody Mary?" Kou Beiyue shook his head, with a look of deep “...How do you know?” Kou Beiyue stared in astonishment. You thought something so significant would prompt the Spiritual Energy Council to investigate? Ren Xuemantou, already well-acquainted with Kou Beiyue’s intelligence, simply brushed it aside and said: "Master Yuanshishen has been on a killing spree lately—destroying over a dozen black markets in Songhai and Jiangnan Province. Free professionals in Songhai’s region are now like birds startled from their nests; they’re so afraid they won’t even step outside the door. I knew this would happen—this very prophecy has come true. Kou Beiyue, there will be opportunities ahead for us to collaborate further. I’m certain of that. You’ll be the one to lead the way." Yet, despite these words, his face showed no trace of hesitation or apprehension—on the contrary, he radiated confidence and satisfaction. Ren Xuemantou believed that with repeated collaborations and gradual depletion of key officials from the Spiritual Energy Council, Yuanshishen would eventually return to Songhai and gain the favor of the Gǔ Wang. What is this but cultivating an opponent to strengthen one’s own position? Moreover, Kou Beiyue has few strengths, yet he's deeply loyal, and he maintains an exceptional relationship with Yuan Shishen. As long as he holds onto Kou Beiyue's support, even if they eventually return to Songhai, they won't have to fear being officially purged. Kou Beiyue felt light as a feather, patting the young man's shoulders and said, "Mantou, follow me—never worry about being shortchanged." "Of course, of course, I'll honor you with a toast." As they clinked their glasses, Liang Chen Zhe Zhu Shi, reminding them, "Drink while you're drinking, don't drive while you're drinking." "We're driving an electric scooter," Mantou replied. "An electric scooter is still a vehicle." "Hmph, you're picking on me," said Liang Chen Zhe Zhu Shi, sighing. "Yuan Shishen himself is becoming more and more formidable. When he was at the transcendental stage, he was a top contender, a true prodigy. But after ascending to the level of Saint, his brilliance has faded. Though he's still stronger than an ordinary Saint, he no longer qualifies as a true talent among the It's much like some outstanding talents from smaller regions, who thrive when they're in their own comfortable environment, only to quickly lose their edge once they arrive in major cities. Most extraordinary talents at the Transcendent Realm level have encountered this very situation, while Yuan Shi Tian Zun continues to advance steadily. The plump young man can't help but feel a bit discouraged. "Have there been any interesting developments lately?" After a few rounds of wine, he casually inquired, as if chatting over a simple meal. "Now it's mid-July, and everyone seems to be settling in." The plump young man said. He didn't bother to check whether the others—People's Blood Bun and Kou Bei Yue—could follow. Taking a sip of wine, he suddenly remembered something and said seriously, "By the way, I've recently received an internal notice from the Xuzhui Sect. A number of illusionists from Jiangnan and Huaihai Provinces have vanished without a trace—appearing to have been murdered—yet the incident doesn't seem to be orchestrated by official authorities." "Perhaps it's their rivals," Kou Bei Yue suggested. "Or maybe it's the people from the Southern Branch of the Spiritual Energy Association," People's Blood The plump young man furrowed his brows: "Not necessarily. The organization has asked us to gather information through our own channels." He then looked at Kou Beiyue, clearly indicating that in terms of intelligence, no organization could match the official body. "Alright, I'll look into it for you," Kou Beiyue nodded, pulled out her phone, composed a message, and prepared to reach out to Yuan Shishen. The plump young man watched her with eager anticipation.