The Fearful King of the Military Bishop was once a member of the Five-Element Alliance—this revelation shocked the students no less than the revelation that "moral value" is fundamentally a causality-type item. Yet, after the initial shock, the students' response to the dean's statement was one of skepticism and disbelief. It is well known that Lawfulness and Evil are as opposed as water and fire; as the official representative of the Lawful faction, the Five-Element Alliance has traditionally shown zero tolerance toward Evil professions. How could the Fearful King of the Military Bishop, one of the most prominent figures in the Evil organization, have ever been a member of the Five-Element Alliance? "Dean, stop blabbing nonsense! You weren't even at afternoon tea—you must have slipped off to your office and been quietly drinking fake wine all along!" Red Chicken Brother is always forthright and genuinely suspects the dean of secretly drinking counterfeit wine. Otherwise, how could he come up with such an absurd claim? Facing the students' skeptical glances, the senior dean sighed, "For many years now, I've forgotten which cohort they came from. Indeed, the Fearful King is a member of the Five-Element Alliance. He originally served as a scout,
"Is the King of Fear a scout?" Yuan Ting suddenly shrieked, her face twisted with excitement—just like a press reporter had caught a rising star dining with a fifty-year-old lady at a hotel. The King of Fear is a scout... the students were buzzing with stunned realization. Zhao Chenguang furrowed his brows and said firmly, "That's impossible. The Grand Elder, the Sun-Execution Official, once fought the King of Fear. I can confirm that fear is the attribute of a bewitching spirit." Zhang Yuanqing also found it hard to believe, yet unexpectedly, his mind drifted to the clothing store, where the King of Fear had eyes that seemed capable of seeing straight through people's hearts. At that moment, the King of Fear hadn't used any props, yet he had clearly detected that Zhang hadn't been lying. This indeed matched the scout's keen insight. Of course, Zhang Yuanqing wasn't certain whether the King of Fear had used props—after all, he couldn't see them, which didn't necessarily mean they didn't exist. The Dean recalled the past with a sense of nostalgia, saying, "He later became a bewitching spirit. I know this story, but it's already many years ago."
Within the Five Elements Alliance, many are familiar with the former identity of the King of Fear. After you leave the instance, you may inquire with your elders or senior elders at home or in your department. Hearing this, even though the group found it hard to accept, they began to believe more. "How did he transform into a seductive spirit-being? How could a scout possibly become such?" Yuan Ting, always at the forefront of the sidelines, pressed further: "There must be a deeply moving, dramatically emotional story—some kind of fall from grace. Director Li, I absolutely must hear it. I won’t say a word about it." It’s unprecedented for a lawful profession to shift toward evil. The students looked at the director, their eagerness and curiosity clearly visible. Director Li Yanxi, gently shook his head: "I’m equally curious about how the King of Fear became a seductive spirit-being. Should you ever learn more, please come to Qin Feng Academy and share it with me. As for whether he has a stirring, heroic fall from grace—I’m not entirely sure." "Not sure?"
"I don't quite understand why you're bringing this up..." Yuan Ting clutched his head desperately, as if suffering a relapse of his addiction. Order turning to chaos—well, not entirely impossible. Back in the slaughter instance, when the old sturdy one observed the Sovereign of the Blood Pool and glimpsed the supreme presence beyond, I only caught a fleeting moment and instantly felt myself shifting toward becoming a seductive spirit-being. Zhang Yuanqing remembered those terrifying eyes. If the King of Fear had a similar experience, then his transformation from scout to seductive spirit-being would be entirely understandable. Yet, according to the King of Fear's rank at that time, he should not have had the qualifications or capability to observe the one in the slaughter instance. The old sturdy one achieved this through the Blood Pool boss as a medium, combined with his high status, his presence in the Spiritual Realm, and the Night-Wanderer's soul-consuming nature—several factors aligned to make it possible. Just as the Dean Li Yan was passing over the topic, his gaze swept across the students, and as he happened to glance at the still-quiet, deeply contemplative face of Yuan Shǐ Tian Zun, he paused, startled.
He showed no surprise, deeply absorbed in focused thought. His eyes conveyed strong confidence, yet with a touch of doubt—was that possible? Li Yanxi suddenly raised his voice: "Master Yuan Shi, do you know something?"
Hmm? What does the Dean mean by that?
The students present paused, momentarily at a loss.
Ah—was the Dean observing my expression? Zhang Yuanqing gathered his thoughts and met the Dean's gaze openly.
Seeing his composed demeanor, the Dean was suddenly stirred, "You truly know? You know the reason the King of Fear transformed into the Deceiver—a creature of influence. No, you know the secret behind the transition from lawful to chaotic vocations."
Master Yuan Shi knows? Such an unprecedented revelation—he knows it all?
The classroom erupted into murmurs.
"Yes,院长, I know that the method of transforming the Order, and even the other two great evil professions, into the seductive spirits—of course, this isn't something I can achieve, nor even something a half-god could accomplish." Zhang Yuanqing said. "If it's not too much to ask, could I share this with everyone?" the院长 said, holding back her excitement. All the students turned their gaze to Yuan Shǐ Tiān Zūn, their curiosity and longing, just recently dimmed, now surging once again. "Oh, no way!" Zhang Yuanqing firmly declined. "The secrets here are not meant for the Saints, nor even for the Sovereigns." His words felt like a sudden, refreshing shower poured over everyone's heads. Yuan Ting clutched firmly at Yuan Shǐ Tiān Zūn's arm: "Tell me! Tell me! Please, just tell me the truth—no matter what it costs me, I'm willing to pay anything." "Even if it means betraying the Taí Mén Sect?" Zhang Yuanqing murmured to himself, shaking his head coldly.
Li Yanxi sighed with regret: "Well, this matter is too distant from us, and time is limited. Let's return to class and discuss the internal structures of each organization afterward."
"Master Yuan, you can't treat me this way!" Yuan Ting's choked, tearful voice echoed throughout the classroom.
As night fell, the Jiāorén Lake was dark. The lights along the lakebank were bright, and the students sat at their tables, enjoying the cool breeze from the lake, savoring dishes made primarily of fish and shrimp, and dancing and singing. Xie Lingzhou of the Xie family had a small drink and began to sing passionately. The musician truly lived up to his name—his voice effortlessly stirred the emotions of the students, earning a wave of applause and cheers. "I really envy them," said Mrs. San Yang, opening her eyes in admiration, then turning to the other side. At a round table some fifteen meters away, Yuan Shǐ Tian Zun was gently holding the graceful and sweetly charming Xiao Lánshān fairy with his left arm, while the mature and captivating Mu Dan fairy was held in his right. One was feeding him grilled fish, the other was serving him drinks. At the table, Teacher Song Wan was resting her chin, smiling softly and fondly, watching the scene. Meanwhile, the official female saint kept urging Tian Zun to drink, praising him as truly wonderful and saying, "Tian Zun, how wonderful! Let's have another bottle for him!" "They seem determined to knock
"San Yang Kai's wife was furious, pounding the table and suddenly burst into tears: 'They can come at me—they can certainly come at me—I won't resist at all.'
'You won't resist, but you'll run away,' comforted her friend Ren Junzi. 'Just accept it. The psychologist has already seen you, and I've introduced you to so many young ladies—still, you simply aren't cutting it. Just look at yourself clearly.'
San Yang Kai's wife stared at him, puzzled: 'You're really happy just cutting me with two knives?'
'All I'm doing is stating the facts,' sighed the swordsman Ren Junzi. 'Of course, truth is often the most painful.'
'How about I invite Yuan Shi Tian Zun?' he suggested, eyes lighting up as he glanced at the female figures—Peony Immortal and others.
The sages seated by the table brightened.
'Brother, I really count on you,' San Yang Kai's wife seemed to have seen her dawn.
Soon, Yuan Shi Tian Zun arrived.
'The Tian Zun would like to learn a few moves from you,' smiled Ren Junzi, his gaze shifting toward the female immort
Zhang Yuanqing expressed great delight, feeling as though he had become a life mentor admired by others. He turned to San Yang Kai Tai, whose face was typical of simplicity and reserve—single eyelids, ordinary features, with slightly thick lips. "Dating girls is actually quite simple," Zhang said with confidence. "Here are two tips: first, identify your ideal candidate and make her feel especially favored and treated with distinction, so she believes she stands out among the rest. Second, learn to be compatible with those who are less affluent, less accomplished, or less well-off than you. Never chase a 'goddess'—that will only make you a devoted follower, always on your knees." "That makes perfect sense," Li Ren Junzi and the others nodded in agreement. While sipping his wine and enjoying the grilled skewers, Zhang boasted proudly, "Have you heard of the 'flower prince'? He often comes to me for advice on dating, saying that one conversation with me is worth ten years of reading." "But my real issue isn't that."
"San Yang opened her mouth, sighed, and spoke about her psychological condition: 'Whenever I talk to a woman, I tremble—just like having an allergy. To touch one is even worse. The psychologist said the root cause is that I've rarely interacted with girls since childhood, and I've always felt deeply insecure. Over time, this has become my habit.' Ah, really? How can one handle this? My mentor never taught me this. Zhang Yuanqing felt a bit stuck, then suddenly had an idea. 'This isn't difficult at all—sometimes, the cost of certain props is to spark desire.' 'He tried it, and ultimately chose the girl with both hands over the beautiful one.' 'Hahahaha!' Everyone at the table burst into laughter, the atmosphere lively and joyful. Isn't it amazing that someone with a partner lying on the bed chooses to go to the bathroom to regulate themselves? Absolutely extraordinary! Zhang Yuanqing was smiling, then suddenly remembered that he himself had done the same thing. His smile faded instantly. 'Er, er!'
"He cleared his throat and said, 'The cost of props is one of the steps— you also need an excellent partner. I know a young woman who's passionate about intimacy; I'll have her introduce you to the women of the Goddess Association. With the cost of props and the allure of intimacy, you'll definitely succeed.'
Tri-Yang-Kai太太 thought it over and found it feasible, delighted beyond words, expressing her gratitude repeatedly, and with admiration: 'Lord Tian, though you're not very old, your experience in this area surpasses even ten of mine.'
Zhang Yuan was humble and waved his hand. 'Oh, not that impressive. I'm as much of a novice as you are—both of us are still quite young, like a chicken just hatched.'
'???'
Tri-Yang-Kai太太 was taken aback.
Zhang Yuan saw something fading in his eyes—trust between people.
...
With Tian Xia Gui-Huo's assistance, Zhang Yuan staggered back to his dormitory, slightly drunk.
Tian Xia Gui-Huo opened the door to Room 404 and said calmly, 'Stop pretending—your fans didn't follow you.'"
Zhang Yuanqing opened his eyes, exhaled a sigh, and jokingly remarked, "Really dangerous—everyone wants to 'take me out'." Tian Xia Gui Huo glanced at him and said, "You've surprised me. Given your personality, you don't seem like someone who'd remain chaste. Of course, being well-mannered in personal life isn't bad—those who pursue beauty often fall short in achieving great things." Does it look like someone who's romantically inclined? I may be a descendant of the Mage King, but I'm not the Mage King myself. Zhang Yuanqing leaned against the door and said, "You should meet that red-robed brother—he's the head of the Huadu branch, a protégé of the Senior Monk Jiang Bao. He's quite a solid figure within the Huadu branch, and the Senior Monk Jiang holds a very high status in the Chihuo Clan." Tian Xia Gui Huo furrowed his brows, "In fact, I'd like to leave the Chihuo Clan and join the Baihu Army." "Why?" Zhang Yuanqing was taken aback.
Tianxia Guihuo said with a steady tone, "The senior leaders of the Chihuo Clan intend to wear down my composure and erode my wisdom. They believe that a calm fire master is an anomaly, with a limited future. In truth, my 'Fury' ability is indeed weaker than that of a typical fire mage." "In fact, I'm quite curious about how you ended up with the Fire Master role card," Zhang Yuanqing remarked. "Fire is not merely passionate and impulsive—calm, wild flames can also consume everything in existence." With that, Tianxia Guihuo dropped the words and walked straight toward the deeper end of the corridor.
What a big attitude! I've been urging Red Chicken to fight you since our combat class... Zhang Yuanqing entered the room and closed the door. "I'm back. Today, the private tutor taught me a lot of new things." "Speak calmly." "Didn't you think the Princess is from an ancient time?" "But the language you used isn't ancient at all." "Do you look down on me? I'm a top student from Songhai University—don't doubt me, I'll prove it with a sentence."
Zhang Yuanqing sat by the bed, gazing at the stunning Lady Yin, his breath steady and his force gathered at the tip of his tongue. "Did your mother call out for the deceased?"
Lady Yin Yin punched him, sending him sprawling onto the bed. "Lady, Lady, please speak calmly..."
After a few moments of playful commotion, Zhang Yuanqing calmed Lady Yin and began to recount the knowledge he had learned during today's class.
Once she had absorbed the information, Zhang Yuanqing said, "Tomorrow there will be only two classes—crafting and alchemy. I plan to act during the students' classes, with you entering the stone gate to explore. That way, I will have a perfect alibi."
Lady Yin shook her head slightly. "Among the star officials entering the academy, only you have brought the shadow corpse."
Zhang Yuanqing chuckled. "Last night, I observed the lake by the shore. Since someone entered the jellyfish lake, the administrators have begun patrolling the lake surface, teachers take turns patrolling the shore, and birds circle overhead."
"So?"
"So, under such layered surveillance, the Yin尸 cannot quietly infiltrate the Jiān People's Lake without being detected, since the Yin尸 retains no skills from life. But you are different—you are just like the Yè Yóu Shén and the Xīng Guān. No one knows your special qualities." Zhang Yuancheng spoke with confidence.
Lady Yin Yao thought for a moment, then said, "Very well. Tomorrow, you will guide me into the lake. However, there may be danger behind the stone gate—make sure you are well prepared."
Remarkable—this proud princess is actually concerned about me... Zhang Yuancheng smiled, "Don't worry. Should any danger arise, I will step out of your body and you will handle it yourself."
"...”
Zhang Yuancheng lay down on the bed and said, "I'll rest a while. If I appear particularly uncomfortable later, you needn't be concerned."
He intended to trigger his old ailments, to recall the performances of the students tonight.
He proposed that Red Chicken Brother host a bonfire barbecue gathering by the lake, with two objectives: first, the large gathering of students along the lake shore will naturally draw the attention of
Secondly, if the Armor People intend to plot against the stone gate, they will certainly seize the opportunity to observe. At the barbecue gathering, whoever pays the most attention to the lake's condition is more likely to be an Armor Person. This time, he did not bring his blue pills, but that's fine—given his current resilience of spirit, he no longer needs them.