"Past events fade without trace" is one of the Shadow Twin siblings—how come it's him? How come it's *him*? Wow, wow, wow, the information is overwhelming! Let me take a moment to process it all... Zhang Yuanqing's mind is flooded with thoughts, his ideas exploding in chaos. This news has profoundly shaken him, leaving his mind disoriented and his ability to think momentarily lost. He stood motionless for a long time, gradually organizing the scattered thoughts in his mind: The last of the Shadow Twins remained enigmatic, appearing and disappearing without ever having been revealed to outsiders—both in identity and appearance—being a malevolent occupation, which perfectly matched the traits of a sorcerer. The Master of Unseen Marks had, in his early years, killed to kill, and killed to atone, specifically hunting down evil occupations—an alignment that resonated deeply with the Freeing Organization's philosophy. He had been at the peak of his mastery many years ago, and his rank matched well. Yet, the Master of Unseen Marks was notably renowned during the Saint phase, as officially recorded in the archives—this was nearly three decades ago. Given that the Master was clearly older than the other three, how could he have been grouped among these rather adolescent, idealistic young members? Indeed, it was precisely because of the Freeing Organization's mission-driven ethos that the Master had been drawn to them. The somewhat clichéd slogan was irrelevant; what mattered was the alignment of faith. So deeply troubled had the Master been—wasn't the truth rooted in the original curse? Zhang Yuanqing took a deep breath, more questions forming in his mind: "Does the Dog Elder know the true identity of Master Wuhen as the Master of the Shadow Twins? Does Master Wuhen know the real identity of Master Zhang, the Celestial Immortal? Does Master Wuhen know my own identity?" These questions gave rise to a new doubt—no, a critical one—namely, does Ling Tu know the true identity of Master Zhang? At this thought, Zhang Yuanqing exclaimed, "Wait a moment—I have one more question." The small rabbit, who had just intended to leave, paused again, casting an expression of mild displeasure: "Your mother-in-law and your constant bother must have inherited your mother's traits." Though the remark was sarcastic, he didn't need to bring his mother into it... Zhang Yuanqing asked, "Do the Three Immortals of Xiao Yao know the true identity of Master Zhang? Does the Dog Elder know that the past Wuhen was one of the Four Immortals of Xiao Yao?" The small rabbit tilted her head, pondering for a few seconds, then spoke with a clear, crisp voice: "I just told you—I promised him that I would never reveal his name Besides you, I've never mentioned to anyone that "the past fades like a whisper" is a trait of the Xiao Yao organization. "I don't know whether the young dog is aware of it, but I certainly didn't tell him. He has a good relationship with Zhang Zizhen, but no connection with the other three—so it's natural he wouldn't know. Among the Four Masters of Xiao Yao, Chu Shang and Ling Tu come from noble families, and their lineage is clearly indicated by their Lingjing IDs, so their origins can't be concealed. However, they likely don't know about Zizhen's family background. Zizhen is a cautious person and wouldn't casually reveal his identity." Zhang Yuanqing nodded while speaking. "Then, how did the Dog Elder learn about my family background?" "That wasn't something Zizhen revealed on his own—it's part of his story with the young dog. You can ask him yourself." The small rabbit said calmly. The Dog Elder either served as Zizhen's guide, just as Shi Chang did for me, or they share an exceptionally deep bond, just as I do with the elder. Zhang Yuanqing exhaled in relief. It makes sense. If Ling Tu had known that his father was Zhang Zizhen, he surely wouldn't have grown up smoothly. If Zhang Zizhen had revealed his identity to Ling Tu, after the Chu family's massacre, he should have taken the Princess and Chen Shu and hidden them away. So, it's understandable that Master Wuhen doesn't know my identity—though he has saved me and helped me, his support has mostly stemmed from my debts of gratitude to his team and his shared understanding of his vision. He hasn't shown particularly strong favor toward me. The day after tomorrow is Master Wuhen's day of delivering sermons. Should I use this opportunity to confront him and inquire about the past events? Zhang Yuanqing hesitated only for two seconds before expressing his own thoughts, hoping the spirit of the vessel could offer an opinion. "I'm unable to offer any opinion." "The little rabbit's voice was clear and crisp: 'Everyone has to pay the price for their choices. That price is yours—should I offer my advice, then once you're in trouble, the price becomes mine. I don't want Zi Zhen to see me in the future, blaming me for causing the death of his descendants.' With that, the little rabbit bounced and skipped away. Zhang Yuanqing pulled out his phone and sent a message to the Master of Zhishake: 'Let's meet tonight, at the usual place.' ... Deep within the park, in a quiet pet pavilion. The dog elder sat cross-legged at the table, his eyes fixed on his phone, which was currently in a call with Fu Qingyang. 'Master Dog Elder, you reported Zhang Tianshi's death back then. Yet yesterday, when you saw the impostor, you immediately went out—doesn't it feel like, in your heart, you still believe Zhang Tianshi hasn't passed away?' 'When Zhang Tianshi entrusted the zoo to me, he once mentioned that if he hadn't returned within three years, then he must have returned to the spiritual realm.'" "So it is, but since Lingtuo can be revived through the mother goddess's womb, why haven't Zhang Tianshi and Chu Shang been revived as well?" "Could it be that they've been revived, only to pass away eventually?" "The old dog is right. I have another question—what is your relationship with Zhang Tianshi? It's no ordinary connection that you've been entrusted with the zoo, a rule-type item. I've checked your file in the archives..." "Fu Qingyang, just get to the point." "I'd like to know about Zhang Tianshi's family background. He's already achieved peak mastery at such a young age—this genetic potential suggests his descendants might also be Night-Wanderers." "Perhaps that's true. Even among the ancient lineages of the Spirit Realm, such as the ancestors of the Taiyuan Sect, the likelihood of producing a Spirit Realm traveler is low. And during those years, the nation was promoting one-child families, so the probability of having a Spirit Realm traveler in a single birth must have been even lower." Their conversation sounded like casual chat, yet it was full of subtle insights and undercurrents. "Compared to these old stories, after reviewing the records, I'm now more curious about where the two formless ones—the heart demons—from the southern sect ended up," said the Dog Elder. It's now certain that the Night Rose and the Commander of the Army each dispatched four Masters, and at that time, the Ghost City had not yet recovered. Such strength clearly could not have defeated the two senior elders of the southern sect. Yet the reality was that the two southern elders had already withdrawn midway through the battle. Fu Qingyang said, "At that time, the Master of Pure Yang was not present, so the ambush plan failed. It makes sense that the southern elders took the opportunity to retreat and even used it to eliminate us." The Dog Elder thought for a moment and added, "I've worked with those people from the southern sect for years, and I always feel something's off. The Prime Immortal is said to have met the Master of Dreams from the southern sect—let him inquire." "Agreed!" ... In the Realm of Dreams. Sixteen sturdy stone pillars support the dome of the hall, and a crimson carpet extends from the hall entrance, ending at a golden throne. A figure six meters tall stands upon a golden throne, draped in a cloak whose inner glow is a swirling, flickering deep black—symbolizing the most impure and chaotic emotions of the world. Two beams of ethereal light coalesce within the silent hall, twisting and solidifying into two figures clad in cloaks. "Have you returned?" the figure on the golden throne speaks in a voice that is neither distinctly male nor female, indistinct in age or gender. "Respectfully, Elder," the two cloaked figures bow. The one on the left speaks, "Our ambush plan has failed. The Pure Yang Master did not appear. The Commander, Silver Moon Emperor, fell to Fu Qingyang's sword. Fu Qingyang's combat strength can match a Level Eight—therefore, we recommend elevating his rank on the Elimination List." "Combat strength matching Level Eight…" the Elder murmurs, his voice vast and ethereal, "Like the Primordial Sovereign, he remains strong even after his transition. He will become a serious threat in the future." One's potential is judged by their performance after transitioning. Many extraordinary talents, upon becoming Sovereigns, eventually settle into mediocrity. Many elite sages, upon becoming sovereigns, grow conventional and routine. Thus, those who ascend to the pinnacle of sovereign status are truly prodigies among prodigies—outstanding talents among outstanding talents. Currently, among the official ranks, only two figures have maintained vigorous momentum since their career transitions: Yuan Shǐ Tian Zun and Fu Qingyang. The former is expected to achieve sovereign status, while the latter may not only reach the pinnacle of sovereign rank but possibly even rank among the Ten Elders. To the left, that elder continued, "The Night Rose's assault on three official elders failed. We have just learned that the Marshal arrived in time and rescued them from the realm of the spirits." "The Night Rose's strategy failed? That is indeed rare." The Senior Elder spoke slowly. "Not exactly," replied the elder on the right, "during the confrontation, the three protectors of the Night Rose discovered our hidden location. They delivered a message." Pausing, he added, "The leader of the Night Rose wishes to speak with the Grand Master." "Speak with the Grand Master? "The senior elder's tone suddenly intensified," "What is the Dark Night Rose's reason?" "The elder on the right replied, "If the Master wishes to meet him, we will send a device that connects dreams to Hangzhou's Sanlong Hotel, Room 206, seven days from now." The grand hall, previously serene, suddenly trembled, and the deep indigo glow beneath the senior elder's hat burst forth brightly. The evil profession has no half-divine stage; the so-called 'opportunity to become half-divine' refers to the pathway to acquiring half-divine power. The elder on the left added, "After our discussion, we believe this was one of the Dark Night Rose's primary intentions—her leader aimed to establish contact with the Master through this battle. "When we left, the Dark Night Rose's chief disciple only revived the city of Ghosts; otherwise, we would have been unable to escape. Even if we hadn't perished in the city, the Marshal would have cleared us out." "The Senior Elder remained silent for a long time, her voice—indistinct between male and female—resonating throughout the hall, 'Among the three major freedom organizations, only the War Master's Shro has repeatedly attained that power. Our two heads of the Void Sect and the Spiritual Energy Association have each experienced it only once. Should the Abbot secure another such opportunity, then the Void Sect will no longer have the Southern and Northern branches. I will inform him of this—I believe you have done well.' ... Kangyang District Public Security Office, a café. Zhang Yuanqing sat by a clean, well-kept floor-to-ceiling window, gazing thoughtfully at the brightly lit Public Security Office. To be honest, it had been some time since he last saw Shi Chang. Though he often browsed the internet during his free hours and had heard Shi repeatedly praise his 'lack of elegance' and 'elegance that never fades,' he had never actually listened to him speak in person, and occasionally still found himself missing him. Across from him, the Palace Master, wearing a silver half-mask, remained in a prolonged silence. Since Zhang Yuanqing revealed that Lingtuo was the leader of the Night Rose, she seemed to have withdrawn into herself The man who killed our entire family was one of my father's closest friends—anyone would have found it unbearable. Zhang Yuanqing sipped his coffee, found it too bland, and added a spoonful of sugar, gently stirring it. "Panama-water-washed Geisha beans—considered the finest in the world, only producing ten kilograms a year—how could you possibly add sugar like this?" the Palace Master puffed out her cheeks, sounding rather exasperated. I still think the happy water tastes better... Zhang Yuanqing smiled. "Are you back to yourself now? I came to see you today not only to talk about this, but also to ask you—do you know who the other member of the Shadow Twin is?" The Palace Master shook her head. "Ah, yes—It's the one I met before, the Master of 'Untraceable Past.'" As she spoke, Zhang Yuanqing gently rubbed the white-gold ring on his thumb, fixing his gaze steadily on the Palace Master's eyes. He saw genuine surprise and sudden realization—clearly not feigned. The ring had been borrowed from the White Guard's warehouse—the one that always had an endless supply of colorful props and "He does have a way of hiding himself. Both Zi-Zhen and my father are dead—how come he's still alive, and why hasn't Ling-Tuo killed him?" The Princess smiled coldly. "Do you think he's allied with Ling-Tuo?" "Don't bring emotion into it, Master Wu-Hen is a good man. I have confidence in his character." Zhang Yuanqing stated directly. "His lecture day is two days from now. I'd like to settle things with him." Seeing the Princess's sister's gaze sharpen, he quickly added, "Of course, I'll inform my sister in advance." "My sister?" The eyes beneath the mask blinked. "Where did you get your sister?" "The sister of Guan Ya—of course, that makes her my sister." Zhang Yuanqing pointed to the ceiling. "The commander of the White Tiger troops. Should I fall unexpectedly, my sister and my brother-in-law will avenge my death." "Ah, your brother-in-law is Fu Qingyang, isn't he?" She gave a slight sigh. The Princess, holding her silver spoon, gently stirred her coffee. "You've already made up your mind. I can't stop you. Well, let's give it Zhang Yuanqing finished off his coffee in one go and spoke softly, "Now that I've clarified what happened back then, I'll tell you right away." He raised his hand and snapped his fingers once—his gesture shimmered into starlight and faded away. The Master of Zhishi Palace looked at the now-empty seat and murmured, "Good thing he doesn't learn from the bad ones." ... The following day, at 9 p.m. Zhang Yuanqing rested his arms on the bed, his back drenched in sweat, repeatedly demonstrating the endurance and explosive power of his back and abdominal muscles to Guan Ya. Suddenly, a sound from the spiritual realm came through: 【Ping!