A hotel with no trace of disturbance. It was four in the afternoon, the sun blazing. At this time, few delivery orders came in, so Kou Beiyue took the small, plump man back to the hotel to cool off and also to clean up. Kou Beiyue handled the lighter tasks, pushing a mop around the spacious lobby. The small man diligently wiped the glass doors. From time to time, they glanced at the small, anxious round-faced person sitting at the front desk. Yuan Shǐ Tian Zūn had been detained for four days, reportedly for colluding with evil professions within the副本 and killing the grandson of the headquarters' Cai elder. After the news broke, the spiritual travelers from the three evil organizations erupted in cheers, nearly celebrating with firecrackers. It was said that the spirit seers from the Spiritual Energy Association collectively convened to chant incantations, cursing Yuan Shǐ Tian Zūn's execution by the Five Elements Alliance headquarters. Demand at the black-market outlets surged, with everyone actively seeking updates and eagerly following the unfolding events. It felt remarkably like the great Jin dynasty executing Yue Fei during the Southern Song dynasty. But Xiao Yuan and Kou Beiyue were both unhappy. The former was constantly serious and preoccupied, while the latter made frequent mistakes while delivering meals, several times even falling off her e-bike into the green belts. The atmosphere at the hotel had grown heavy lately, and the plump one had also become noticeably quieter. "Um, I was wondering..." he hesitated. "What if I go to the southern trading market and find out some details? It's been this long now—by now, Yuan Shǐ Tian Zun's disciplinary decision should have been finalized. With his outstanding achievements and high reputation, he surely wouldn't face a severe punishment." "But he killed the grandson of the General Manager's senior elder," Kou Beiyue remarked, frowning. Big brother, you're always too direct at the wrong moments—haven't you noticed how dark Xiao Yuan's face has turned? The plump one silently complained, then hurried off toward the deeper parts of the hotel. The Gathering of the Dream-Weavers was particularly unique—it took place not in the physical world, but within dreams and visions. As long as the appropriate tools were available, even people thousands of kilometers apart could meet in the realm of dreams. Thus, the southern-style gatherings typically finalize transactions within dreams, then proceed through the clan's warehouse as a transit point, exchanging goods for goods. If money is involved, it is handed over to the elders' council, which provides guarantees. "He must be trying to avoid work—passing the chores off to me," Ku Beiyue remarked, watching her subordinate's retreating back, and gave a dismissive shrug. Xiao Yuan looked at him coldly. "You'll do all the cleaning today." Ku Beiyue: "...?" He felt both bewildered and hurt, believing Xiao Yuan saw him merely as an emotional dumping ground, yet dared not offend her at this moment. He sighed and resumed mopping the floor with a sense of resentment. Half an hour later, the elevator door chimed, followed immediately by a series of hurried footsteps and the exclamation of the plump young man: "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Something's going on—something big!" Xiao Yuan's expression suddenly darkened, and she rose to face the young man. Ku Beiyue also paused. The plump young man's face was oddly dramatic, his eyes and complexion radiating shock. Xiao Yuan pressed down on his anxiety, took a deep breath, "Any progress?" Kou Beiyue urged, "Speak up!" 】 【Yuanshi Tianzun: Reserved and hesitant in real life, but aggressive online? Wait, why did Tianxia Guihuo leave the group?】 【Zhao Chenguang: Pushed out by Xiaohou Aotian and Sun Miao-miao.】 #Yuanshi Tianzun invites Tianxia Guihuo to join the chat group# 【Yuanshi Tianzun: I've been causing everyone concern these past few days, but I've successfully navigated through the crisis. For the next few days, please avoid entering the instance.】 【Xiaohou Aotian: While you were inside, I just entered the instance once.】 【Tianxia Guihuo: I entered the instance just a month ago.】 Sun Miao-miao and Zhao Chenguang also indicate they won't be entering the instance soon. 【Yuanshi Tianzun: Wanguaigui has now reached Level 2 as a faction, and is eligible to start the Saint Phase instance. I'd like to invite all of you to help clear these new instances for the first time.】 The group members' eyes light up. Faction instances are the only way—aside from the Lingjing instances—to gain experience However, the number of clan instance dungeons is limited and they are one-time events—once conquered, the dungeon becomes a "conquered" dungeon and no longer contributes to experience points. ——Each member has one chance. [Zhao Chenghuang: When should we enter the instance?] He is very proactive, even eager. Right now, Zhao Chenghuang's top priority is to level up. [Yuan Shǐ Tian Zun: Don't rush. I've reviewed the clan instance rules. To unlock the Sage-phase instances, two conditions must be met: first, we need to conquer three instances at the Transcendent stage; second, the clan size must reach 12 members.] [Yuan Shǐ Tian Zun: We are already at the Sage level and thus cannot conquer Transcendent-phase instances. We need to wait until the members at the Transcendent level have completed three instances. Additionally, our current clan size is still short of 12. Do any of you have reliable members you'd recommend?] Currently, the "Return of the Dead" clan has eight members, needing four more to reach the target of 12. 【Xia Hou Aotian: Red Chicken Brother, he's a great supporting character—perfect for being my junior.】 【Tian Xiang Guihuo: I REFUSE!】 He doesn't like that fire demon who constantly brings up "your disgrace as the Fire Master." 【Yuan Shǐ Tian Zun: It's just about filling numbers; we can always expel him later.】 He casually reassures Tian Xiang Guihuo. In truth, Zhang Yuanqing genuinely likes Red Chicken Brother—his mind is simple, making their interactions effortless. Moreover, due to their shared involvement in the club activities, he's very loyal and principled. Queen and Li Chunfeng are patrol team members, both at the extraordinary stage—so it's only fair that they receive the benefits of team missions and group quests. That leaves just them, plus Red Chicken Brother—still one spot open. After some thought, Zhang Yuanqing finally settles on the last choice—Guan Ya! Previously, he hadn't invited Guan Ya because he wanted to expand his network through the official membership system, and official members weren't his top priority. Now, however, Guan Ya is his wife—someone he can truly Most importantly, once the queen and Li Chunfeng are brought into the guild, Guan Ya will remain outside. With the scout's sharp perception, it would be impossible for her to fail to notice. Rather than letting Guan Ya wonder unnecessarily, it's better to take the initiative. At that moment, the taxi gradually slowed down and came to a stop by the roadside. The driver said, "We've arrived." Zhang Yuanqing looked out the window— the sign of the Wuhen Hotel was just a few dozen meters away. He paid the fare, stepped out of the car, and walked straight toward the hotel. "The verdict was already finalized, yet unexpectedly, Yuanshǐ Tianzun publicly reprimanded the Five Elements Alliance right there in court, declaring, 'I won't accept it!' The Five Elements Alliance has existed for over twenty years, and no one has ever dared to challenge its headquarters before. Hehe— you weren't there, so you might not know how Yuanshǐ Tianzun scolded those ten elderly officials of the headquarters. The southern branch members all found it thoroughly satisfying. "He heard that in the end, it was Master Chiho of the Chihuo Sect who personally stepped in, publicly supporting Yuanshish Tianzun, and giving the ten elders of the Wuxing Alliance a scathing rebuke—Yuanshish Tianzun, not only remained unscathed but actually gained significant acclaim." As soon as he entered, he saw the plump young man standing by the counter, animated and speaking rapidly, his words flowing like a stream. Xiao Yuan and Kou Beiyue listened intently; Kou Beiyue occasionally interjected with "Wow!" and "That's amazing," her face filled with enthusiasm. Xiao Yuan's expression was gentle, a warm smile playing on her lips, listening with deep concentration, as if afraid of missing any detail. "Ah, it's a real pity that Yuanshish Tianzun was finally released without blame—this, perhaps, is the greatest regret in human affairs." Upon hearing the "Welcome" chime, the plump young man turned toward the hotel entrance, shifting the tone of his voice: "Actually, that's not my opinion—it's what our southern-style illusionists have told us." Xiao Yuan and Kou Be Kou Beiyue was completely expressive—her eyes narrowed and her mouth split open, stepping forward with determined strides: "For heaven's sake, I thought you were going to collapse! You publicly rebuked the ten senior officials of the official body, and the Grand Marshal came to your defense—truly impressive. Next time you get such an opportunity, call me too!" If you were here, even the Grand Marshal wouldn't have been able to save me... Zhang Yuanqing placed his hand on Kou Beiyue's forehead, pushed her aside, and walked straight toward Xiao Yuan. "Don't worry, I'm fine," he said, gazing steadily at the bright, vibrant face of the magic aunt. Xiao Yuan nodded and asked, "Will the aftereffects be serious?" "With Jiang Zhongzhong standing by me and the public outcry so intense, I don't foresee any immediate danger. However, Cai Elder has now become an adversary of mine. Such people are like venomous snakes that strike with fatal precision—either they act or they don't. Once they decide to strike, it's often a matter of life or death." Zhang Yuanqing explained. Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan's brow furrowed even deeper. Zhang Yuanqing lifted his hand, gently pressing his palm against her brow, teasing, "You're already not young anymore. If you keep frowning, you'll end up with those 'sagittal' wrinkles." Not that young... Xiao Yuan shot him a sharp, simmering glance. "Ah-ah-ah!!" Kui Beiyue, holding the mop, coughed vigorously, reminding them to keep it professional. Xiao Yuan immediately straightened up, waving away Zhang Yuanqing's hand. "They even say that if the official authorities imprison Yuan Shǐ Tianzūn and use you as bait, they can surely reel in many Masters. The evil organizations would then exchange the Masters for Yuan Shǐ Tianzūn—extremely profitable." The plump one, in sync with the leader, added this. Never giving the two a chance to linger or exchange glances. Zhang Yuanqing glanced at the round-faced fat man and said, "I'm here to talk to you—about how to handle the Night Rose and the Pure Yang Master. Follow me." He turned and walked deeper into the hotel. Upon hearing it was serious business, the plump one hurried after him. "Xiao Yuan, Bei Yue, I'll head back now." He held the phone tightly, moving swiftly, as if there were urgent matters. A few minutes later, the plump young man returned to the hotel lobby with a dejected expression. "You look as though you've been bullied by Yuan Shi Tian Zun." Kou Bei Yue observed him closely. "What's wrong?" Xiao Yuan asked warmly. The plump young man sighed heavily: "It's bad—now I'm the bait. He wants to use me to lure the Pure Yang Master, and the Senior Elder has agreed." So, should I consider replacing my younger brother? Kou Bei Yue thought to himself, but on his lips he offered reassurance: "Don't worry. With the Void Sect and the official authorities watching, there's no danger." "Older brother, your tone has already given it away..." ... Late at night. The air conditioner hummed steadily, and the large bed creaked gently. After an unknown length of time, the room fell silent—only the heavy breathing of the two remained, rhythmically and steadily, as if the world outside had been swept away by a sudden storm. Zhang Yuanqing lay on the soft bed, gazing at the ceiling, feeling utterly content and experiencing a profound elevation in his sense of life. Guan Ya nestled closely against her boyfriend, took a deep breath, and with a delicate, seductive voice said: "You're becoming harder to satisfy every day. My body has been knocked out of shape by you—perhaps it's time I take in a concubine. I think that little Yuan is quite suitable. She's deeply devoted to you..." Zhang Yuanqing stiffened. "Guan Ya, don't be so chilly and indirect!" "Isn't that true?" In the darkness, Guan Ya blinked her moist, alluring eyes and murmured, "A woman who's willing to sacrifice her life for you—can anyone truly call that not love? Then let's part ways. I won't stand in your way of finding true love." The judgment was over, but the judgment from her girlfriend had arrived. "Yuan is a true heroine. I saved her life, and she has repaid me with her life—this is the very spirit of the martial world." Zhang Yuanqing seemed to have anticipated this moment all along, speaking firmly and loudly: "But my dear, that's not love. I love only you—you are my sole, true love." Guan Ya gave a soft, cat-like "hmm." Oh, she hadn't asked for a contract. It appears Fu Qingyang was only trying to scare me. After all, the elder still wouldn't go out of her way to use subtle strategies on me... Zhang Yuanqing breathed a quiet sigh of relief, though his body remained stiff, and he softly试探ed, "Then, Guan Ya, could you please loosen it? It worked so hard—no reward, but certainly deserved the effort." "Not yet—let's add another shift!" "Of course!" The air conditioner hummed steadily, and the large bed creaked gently... … Two days later. As night fell, the plump young man finished his daily deliveries and rode his electric bike toward Wuhen Hotel. Two days after the Yuan Shi Tian Zun's departure, Kou Beiyue had stopped accompanying him on deliveries. The Southern Sect's Grand Elder informed him that the organization would quietly send people to leak the address of "Liang Chen choosing a sovereign to assassinate," and he would simply need to wait for Pure Yang Master to make the move. He also mentioned that the senior elders of Taiyuan Sect and the Five Elements Alliance were closely monitoring him, while the Southern Sect had dispatched two of its own senior elders. Among the four Masters overseeing him, all were keeping a watchful eye—so there was no safety concern. At that moment, he suddenly noticed that all the vehicles on the road had vanished—though just a moment ago, when he passed the traffic light, the streets had been bustling with activity. Ahead at the intersection, a gaunt figure in tattered clothes stood, pale and swollen, with wild, fierce eyes and jaw-like fangs, gazing menacingly at the speeding electric bike. A wraith? The plump man slammed on the brakes, the locking mechanism and tires scraping loudly. Meanwhile, storefronts along the street began to reveal wraiths, and windows of the buildings reflected faces peering down at him from above. Everywhere, the world was filled with spectral beings. The plump man's face turned suddenly ashen. He had entered an unreal world—a world dominated entirely by the spectral. Fear surged within him. He thought to himself: How could a mere Level 4 Saint like me deserve such a dramatic display from the elders?