"How did I suddenly become the center of attention? I've only just arrived in the New Covenant County. If it weren't for the fact that there's no nocturnal deity-class half-divine among the top-tier regions, I'd almost think someone's been orchestrating this from behind the scenes..." Zhang Yuanqing muttered. Jù Máng is under the influence of Wei Ni's department and recently had a heated conflict with the CEO's own nephew. Under these circumstances, Jù Máng's assassination makes perfect sense. Therefore, the CEO and his nephew must be the prime suspects. But Wei Ni wouldn't be that naive—could I not see that this might be a frame-up, and wouldn't she have noticed it too? Still, since Wei Ni and Xiao Shen are political rivals, even if she knows it's a frame-up, she'd likely use it as an opportunity to investigate Xiao Shen Méi. Thus, the mastermind's plan would still succeed. Should I just stay low for a while? Capturing the bounty hunters wouldn't matter much—after all, they're just runners who take on assignments. Avoiding unnecessary battles whenever possible would be wise. I should also find an opportunity to engage with Brady and use hypnosis to influence him, The reasons have already been thought out—apologize and visit in person. If they refuse, then send Ryōsuke. While Zhang Yuanqing was pondering, his phone in his hand suddenly rang—Kathleen! She's here! Zhang Yuanqing's eyes lit up, quickly setting aside the reward mission and connecting the call. As soon as the call went through, the first thing to reach his ears was a sweet, breathy sound, along with the crisp clinks of rapid, flat attacks. Then came Kathleen's breathless voice, her voice sultry as she asked, "Have you been looking forward to my calls lately?" Zhang Yuanqing replied coldly, "Just tell me what the task is!" Kathleen sighed, "You're so dull—deliberately calling me now, I thought you'd finally grasp my charm." Grasp your charm? Then you shouldn't have called at all. I'd suggest a video call… Zhang Yuanqing gazed out at the night scene of Man Island, his eyes reflecting the vibrant, colorful neon lights. "Speak of the mission!" The shaking of the bed and the impact of the rapid A-attacks subsided, and after a few more seconds, Catherine's calm voice returned: "The high-level council of the Guild has acknowledged your contributions to the relics of the Pope, but Zhai Cai has already been hidden away—this matter will be put on hold for now. Therefore, the Guild's high-level council has assigned you a new task: upon successful completion of the assessment, you will be officially admitted to our ranks." Pausing for a moment, Catherine continued, "Your mission is to assassinate Julian Med, the son of the Chief Executive Officer, Shawn Med." Assassinating the son of an Eight-Star Master? Zhang Yuanqing said calmly, "I need to know the target's level and class." Catherine smiled, "He's a Wind Mage at Level Six, with over 50% experience—late in the Six-Star phase, making him a formidable opponent and a high-risk target. Moreover, he's likely to carry a substantial number of items, as well as followers at the Saint stage." "Julian is currently based at the Heaven's Judgment Headquarters. I've just received word that he will arrive at our New Covenant County branch tomorrow evening to Zhang Yuanqing furrowed his brow. Where was the benefit from the Free Alliance's assassination of Julian Mede? Killing Quemang might escalate tensions, but killing Julian—besides angering Shawn—offered what tangible advantage? It might even drive Shawn to ease hostilities and ally with Winny, which would be highly detrimental to the Free Alliance. "Why kill him?" "Hmm. You don't need to know." Catherine smiled. Information gathering had failed—this woman was indeed cautious. Zhang Yuanqing thought it over and said, "Alright!" Catherine smiled, adding, "One more piece of advice for you, from a man who lacks flair—never attempt an assassination inside the headquarters of the New Accord County Bank. That would surely doom your mission." Zhang Yuanqing was struck by this, and naturally asked, "Why?" "Didn't you think your dream-entrance ability was unchallenged by anyone in the First District?" Katherine grew serious: "The methods employed by the evil professions are often strange and perilous, hard to anticipate. It's not just your magic practitioners who are special—had it been that easy to carry out assassinations, the members of the Divine Judgment would have been wiped out long ago. The New Covenant Division of the Divine Judgment is a direct branch under the headquarters, with over seven official Masters stationed in the region. They are equipped with a master-level rule-based artifact that renders all evil professions visible and vulnerable." Zhang Yuanqing felt a growing tenderness and pride, as though he wanted to fly over there immediately and embrace the woman on the phone, press her against his chest, and express his affection through rapid, passionate gestures. The next moment, he hung up. "Phew—another move of seduction, another professional display of desire. Honestly, it's so annoying, completely unyielding. Still, there's one advantage: Catherine's growing interest in me. That means, until she secures me, she'll be quite patient with me." While making these observations, he pushed all the feelings of being overwhelmed out of his mind, restoring calmness to his emotions. …… The following morning. Zhang Yuanqing took the elevator to the 104th floor, swiped his access card, and knocked on the door of Winnie Burnt's office. "Winnie,部长, is there something you need?" Zhang had been called by Emma's assistant. Winnie Burnt looked up, and said calmly, "Keep an eye out—someone has placed a bounty on you through the Hunter's Guild. For now, avoid leaving the bank building." She pulled out a sheet of paper and handed it over. Zhang Yuanqing took it and found the content was exactly a copy of the Hunter's Guild's reward notice. This was exactly as he had expected. Winny Burent, the chief prosecutor of the Heavenly Judgment District in the New Covenant County, was a top-tier figure—well-connected with numerous information channels. The reward notice for Jùnmáng's mission was publicly posted; how could she not know? "Brady certainly wants your death, but he doesn't need to offer a bounty—with the Med family's influence, there are countless ways to eliminate you. Hiring a sixth-tier Saint as a killer doesn't necessarily require going through the Hunter's Guild." Winny answered every question promptly. "And what about you?" Winny still didn't look up, speaking calmly. "I'd like to investigate Sean, but to do so, I'd have to sacrifice one of my sixth-tier Beast Kings who follows my orders—this would be a rather unprofitable trade. Moreover, even if I investigate Sean, I'm not certain I can bring him down." "When the returns don't match the costs, I won't make such a deal." Zhang Yuanqing nodded repeatedly—he thought exactly the same way. He also found his admiration for Winny growing. Though he wasn't sure about her work style, her manner of speaking was direct, efficient, and unambiguous—no fluff, no subtlety, no hesitation. She simply said what was on her mind, with remarkable openness and honesty. Indeed, women genuinely cherished by the Mage King as his primary lovers all possess strong qualities and personal charm. Zhang Yuanqing was about to speak when he suddenly sensed a shift in Wei Ni's emotional tone—starting from initially calm, to "This person is so annoying, why hasn't he left yet?" and then, "I'm very busy, please just go." In the next moment, Wei Ni looked up and said, "I'm very busy. Just go out whenever you're free." ...Zhang Yuanqing nodded and turned to leave. As he stepped out of the senior management office area and passed by the supervision department's office, he heard Yuan Ting holding a black coffee in his left hand and a hot dog in his right, surrounded by a group of Tianfa members, both male and female. Yuan Ting was the only Saint who wasn't a faction member in the team—specifically chosen by Fu Qingyang not because of his close relationship with Zhang Yuanqing, but because of his exceptional ability to gather intelligence. Truly outstanding! Zhang Yuanqing had reviewed the list just a few days ago and instantly grasped the elder's intention, so he allowed Yuan Ting to chat freely during work hours. "About Master Yuan's personal life?" Yuan Ting pretended to ponder. Zhang Yuanqing paused and stopped walking. "Yuanshi Tianzun isn't particularly fond of women's company. Though he has a girlfriend, he doesn't show much interest in her—instead, he spends most days with Fu Qingyang." Yuan Ting said. "Yuanshi Tianzun knows many of Fu Qingyang's private matters, and Fu Qingyang knows equally many of his own. Fu Qingyang always gives Yuanshi Tianzun his best gifts, and in return, Yuanshi Tianzun shares his own finest with Fu Qingyang. I heard that Zhang Yuanqing once gifted Fu Qingyang an item of such exceptional quality that it rivals even rule-level artifacts." "Are they a couple, then?" an enthusiastic young woman with golden hair and bright eyes asked. A wave of "Wow!" sounds rippled through the crowd. Yuan Ting thought for a moment, then shook his head. "Actually, I haven't heard anything like that... But among the current aid team, there are three female sages. One is Yuanshi Tianzun's girlfriend, and the other two have a quiet affection for him—especially Sun Miao-miao from our Taimen Sect." "We've already exposed our own secrets before even getting the outside information!" Zhang Yuanqing muttered I never told anyone about the cloak I sent to Fu Qingyang. How did Yuan Ting know? Does he have clairvoyance? Is his ability to gather gossip governed by rules? Upon returning to the office, Zhang Yuanqing poured a cup of warm water, opened his computer, and logged into the temporary account provided by Tianfa, hoping to look up information on Julian Mede. Aside from his spiritual realm ID and rank, Zhang knew nothing about Julian Mede—his past achievements, personality, or any other details. If Julian is a good person, this situation will be difficult. As he typed Julian's name, he paused before pressing enter, because once Julian passed away, Sean would surely investigate, and the internet retains memory. If Tianfa discovers that the newly arrived Jun Mang has reviewed Julian's records, they would certainly question him—possibly even launch an investigation. At that moment, Yuan Ting returned to the office area with a serious expression, knocking on the doors of each of the saints one by one and saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, I've just learned of some rather unfavorable news. Please come to the conference room." A few minutes later, Guan Ya and the others arrived at the conference room and took their seats at the conference table. Upon seeing everyone present, Yuan Ting shared the news: "I've heard that Julian Mede is coming to the New Covenant County for a gathering tonight. We're in trouble now—feel free to ask me who Julian is." Red Chicken asked, "Who is Julian?" Yuan Ting nodded in satisfaction, saying, "Julian is the cousin of Brady, serving at the headquarters of the Divine Judgment. Didn't you all seriously injure Brady yesterday? Julian posted a message on the Divine Judgment forum yesterday, stating he would deliver a stern reprimand and public humiliation to us at the gathering. Just now, I've received confirmation that Julian arrived in the New Covenant County at 3 p.m. today." Zhang Yuan's eyes slightly narrowed. He understood. Understand why Catherine wanted to assassinate Julian. Julian would provoke a scene at the gathering to avenge his cousin Brady. Julian is a Level 6 Wind Mage, and the Five-Element Alliance team simply cannot be his match. He will surely be humiliated at the party, and then Julian will be killed—spilling the blame squarely on the Alliance's shoulders. As the interim leader of the Five-Element Alliance team, Vincent Bertren's position is clear. Meanwhile, Sean, devastated by the loss of his son, will inevitably clash with Vincent. This will intensify internal tensions within the Heavenly Judgment faction—something highly beneficial for the evil side. It's a win all around. Heavenly Judgment frowned: "What is Julian Med's profession, and what level is he?" "Level 6 Wind Mage. The exact experience points aren't clear, but I heard he became a Wind Mage two years ago—likely at the mid-to-late stage." Uan sighed: "It's not going well. We can't compete with him. I have a proposal—why don't we all just skip the party altogether?" However, I heard that the president of the Goddess Association’s New Covenant District branch is also coming—she’s the most beautiful woman in the New Covenant District, and our CEO, Sean, is one of her lovers.” Among the sixth-tier sages, those with techniques approaching the level of doctrine and possessing rule-type artifacts are first-tier; those with ordinary artifacts and no particularly strong techniques are second-tier. Julian may not have a standout technique, but as a descendant of an eighth-tier sovereign, he might possess exceptional artifacts. He could very well be someone of the caliber of Xia Zhao or Osmon. Everyone else at the table furrowed their brows. Unfortunately, Catherine miscalculated—within the Five Elements Alliance, there’s a hidden sixth-tier beast sovereign, and Julian has now only embarrassed himself. As long as Julian is thoroughly outperformed at the gala, our motive to eliminate him will vanish. Zhang Yuanqing said, “That’s not a problem!” Upon hearing this, everyone relaxed. Yuan Ting remained doubtful, asking, “You say it’s not a problem—then why not?” "Before returning to the Primordial Realm, they left us with several items, including the Yin-Yang rotating disk," Guan Ya explained. "So, that's not a problem at all." Yuan Ting nodded, then enthusiastically added, "I also heard that Winny Burnt is the magic king's lover. This chief prosecutor has only ever been in a serious relationship with the magic king, aiming for marriage—hence her initial clash with Kristi, since the king wanted to pursue Winny. He secretly climbed onto Kristi's bed instead. As for the women the king later slept with, those were incidents that occurred during Winny's imprisonment. After the king's death, she remained single, just like the Yin Princess—clearly still holding onto feelings for that unreliable man."