Finally, the Cloak-Wearer broke into a smile: "He who excels at playing chess masters the trends; he who masters strategy achieves lasting success." "I don't understand!" Lieutenant Stephen frowned and said, "What's going on with Jumu? He possesses an extraordinary number of master artifacts, and yet whenever I call upon him, he doesn't die—his spiritual realm ID still reads Jumu." The Cloak-Wearer immediately furrowed his brow. "Could you elaborate on that?" Lieutenant Stephen then recounted the details of the battle from last night. ... The Cloak-Wearer listened intently, remaining silent for a long time, as if carved from stone. Lieutenant Stephen, his expression stern, asked, "Have you realized something?" The Cloak-Wearer's voice was hoarse. "I recall someone—someone who has already passed away. I hope it's not as I imagine. You needn't pay attention to him; the leader's plan is more important. Regardless, his level is simply too low. It would be unnecessary to expend effort on him at critical moments." … After sending the president off, Zhang Yuanqing had breakfast in the canteen and then gathered the returned saints—those who had passed away—into the bedroom, where, concealed by sound-dampening props, he gave a detailed account of last night’s battle. Guan Ya and Sun Miao-miao listened in cold sweat, feeling both shaken and resentful. Zhao Chenguang, Shina Reo, and Tianxia Guihuo were relieved that the master had been saved, yet also deeply impressed that he now had the opportunity to participate in the battles of the peak sovereigns. Remember when they used to be teammates, hand-in-hand, tackling the same killing dungeons? Now you’ve quietly slipped into a stylish suit, combed your hair into an adult style, and taken all the initiative. Only Hong Ji-guo gave Zhang Yuanqing a hearty pat on the shoulder, praising him as a “monkey-level surprise,” and adding that one who survives great trials must surely have good fortune ahead—today noon, he’d treat everyone to hot, fresh rice porridge. Zhang Yuanqing looked at the group and said solemnly: “With this battle, even if my identity hasn’t been fully exposed, it’s nearly certain now. But that doesn’t There's no complete failure—after all, he's made tangible contributions, securing a wealth of confidential intelligence from the Free Alliance, including the very truth about the arrival of the magical seedlings. He also successfully introduced Catherine and eliminated a Level 8 giant monster. Once Catherine's identity is revealed, Dona's paramours will inevitably be reassigned for investigation, effectively removing potential threats to the lawful faction. "In the coming days, I plan to stay within the guild's instance for some time, retreating to meditate and refine my cultivation, preparing for the killing instance scheduled at year-end." The instance in November is already complete, while the killing instance begins in mid-December. Most of the tasks assigned in the New Covenant District have now been concluded, and he has no further involvement. Though he could have stepped in during the power struggles and assassinations among the Lords, last night's arena battle exposed too many details and strategic assets—fearing his identity might be uncovered by the chaotic faction and targeted accordingly. Thus, he has adopted the President's recommendation, retreating into the instance to practice the Pure Yang Washing Record, aiming to build strength and emerge strong when the time comes for his promotion to Day-Wandering Deity. "While I'm away, please stay low-key—either return to China or take a stroll around the Free Federation." After adding a few more instructions, Zhang Yuanqing sent his team off and was about to enter the guild's dungeon when his phone beeped, signaling a new message. [President: I've assigned you a task. Someone will contact you shortly. Could you please confirm one thing with me?] Zhang Yuanqing replied, "What's that?" The President did not respond. Half an hour later, Zhang Yuanqing received a message from an unknown number: "Mr. Geng, I'm a member of Jishisheng. The President has arranged for us to meet. The address is No. 24 Hans Street." Zhang Yuanqing's expression immediately grew strange. No. 24 Hans Street was the first home he had rented in Xinjia District—the house of the landlord's family. The person who had contacted him...was Mr. Cao Qing, the landlord. Zhang Yuanqing knew that Cao Qing was a spiritual-profession specialist, one of the会长's carefully nurtured backroom talents. But he hadn't expected that this landlord was not a member of the Merchant Guild, but rather of his mother's Ji Shi Society? Then it seems I'm still the junior master, huh? Charging even the junior master's rent? Zhang Yuanqing replied, "I'll be right over." He put away his phone, donned his mask and glasses, and left the bank building. Using a combination of Star-Dashing, Wind-Steering, and Dream-Transit techniques, Zhang Yuanqing reached 24 Hans Street in just under twenty minutes. "Knock, knock!" He knocked familiarly on the security door of apartment 401. Footsteps came from within, the door opened, and Zhang Yuanqing once again saw the landlord—now with sparse hair and a slight belly. He studied Zhang Yuanqing carefully, recognizing the legendary figure beneath the mask and glasses, and warmly invited him in, "Please, come in. Please, come in!" Zhang Yuanqing walked through the foyer into the living room, glanced around casually, and noticed that only Cao Qing was at home. Wearing the jade horse vest from Jiumang, he decided not to chat with the landlord and got straight to the point: "What arrangements does the chairman have for me?" "Dead...," Cao Qing sighed, "I understand now." Zhang Yuanqing asked curiously, "Who are you looking for? If I may ask." Cao Qing shook his head. "I only know his name is Abe Marshall. If you'd like to know more, you can ask the Grand Master directly." Zhang Yuanqing nodded and departed, eager to find a place to pay the dancing cost immediately. As for Princess Yin Yao, she is a Yin corpse. Practicing Yang purification is akin to playing with fire and ultimately burning oneself out—she should have been thriving and advancing vigorously in the Taiyin domain. But Zhang Yuanqing told her that a celestial master of the art of music possesses the ability to revive the dead, and who knows, maybe one day she might rise again. Hearing this, Princess Yin Yao was delighted and came to attend the theoretical lectures with great enthusiasm. "In the cultivation world, temperament matters greatly—your personality determines which practice path suits you best. A scheming, cunning individual simply cannot master *The Pure Yang Washing Body Record*. This principle is equally evident among the *Spirit Realm Travelers*, where one's personality shapes the role card they receive. 'All things carry yin within them and embrace yang—like the Golden Sun warming the world nearby and cooling it from afar.' Those who practice *The Pure Yang Washing Body Record* must be dignified, just, and resolute, with a strong, uncompromising presence." As for flattery, that's merely his tactic to confuse you—he treats me with great dignity. I believe Yuanshǐ Tianzun is exceptionally suited for practicing the "Pure Yang Body Purification Record." I'll add chicken legs to your dinner! Zhang Yuancheng praised Lady Yin Yao. Lady Yin Yao summarized: "I believe he has greater potential to become the sovereign of the Sun than you do." Zhang Yuancheng silently replaced the chicken legs with arsenic. This woman is undermining him—she intends to provoke the Lady of San Dao Mountain's vigilance and caution toward him, thereby securing her own favored status as his disciple. The Lady of San Dao Mountain paid no attention to the disciple's competitive efforts and continued: "Your Pure Yang Body Purification Record has already made notable progress. However, the spiritual realm practitioners are constrained by their character profiles and cannot advance unless they overcome the combat scenarios. Thus, your aspiration to elevate your realm through cultivation of the inner technique remains unattainable. Furthermore, your divine power of the Sun is not one you've diligently cultivated—it lacks strong alignment and control, requiring repeated breathwork and consistent practice." Next, I will impart to you the pure yang sect's spells, enabling you to fully command the power of the Sun God. When you eventually clear the slaughter dungeons and ascend to the rank of Golden Phoenix, your mastery of the Sun God's power will be more profound and refined than that of other practitioners at your level." Zhang Yuanqing bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, Your Grace." He recalled their conversation a few days prior and asked, "Your Grace, have you recently observed the heavens at night?" Upon hearing this, the old sturdy woman furrowed her brows immediately. "The stars are dim, and the celestial patterns are hard to discern." "What does that mean?" Zhang Yuanqing looked puzzled. The lady of San Dao spoke with solemnity, "The Moon has returned to its rightful position—from now on, the celestial patterns will remain obscure." ... Free Federation Capital, Huacheng. Unlike major Lawful organizations, which insist on locating their headquarters in bustling city centers to safeguard against attacks from the Chaotic forces, the headquarters of the Divine Judgment is situated in the more tranquil western outskirts of Huacheng. Here, there are museums, forest parks, golf courses, and residential estates—yet no vibrant, crowded urban district. As the world's strongest lawful organization, Tianfa commands immense confidence. Its headquarters hosts three half-gods, with the CEO and Chief Prosecutor being mid-stage half-gods—equivalent to the second phase of half-god strength, or level 11. Most of the contemporary lawful half-gods remain at level 10. Beyond the exceptional quality of its half-gods, Tianfa boasts the most comprehensive range of lawful professions and the largest inventory of equipment. In terms of infrastructure, the 68,000-square-meter headquarters features multiple layers of defensive spells. Level-8 Observers rotate on duty for constant patrols, and the Wind and Thunder Plaza is equipped with a massive teleportation array. This array was constructed at significant expense through a partnership with the Merchant Guild. With just one official email, headquarters can instantly summon the leaders of its regional branches from across the country to provide swift support. In theory, unless all three half-god leaders of the second-largest evil faction unite, Tianfa's headquarters remains unshakably solid. Yet, if the evil faction's half-gods dare to unite and launch a coordinated assault, the best outcome would still be mutual annihilation. For a century, this organization has served as a steady anchor, instilling strong confidence and a profound sense of security among the lawful travelers. The door to the holding cell was opened, and a prosecutor—dressed in a pure black suit with a white shirt and bearing the "Thunder" insignia on his chest—stood at the entrance, gazing at Qianning Lu, who sat cross-legged on the bed, wearing golden handcuffs. "Qianning," he said, "Master Elder of the Taiyuan Sect has arrived at headquarters. You will soon be entering the Thunder Pool. Before that, I need to assess your mental state." The prosecutor opened his notebook and sat at the interrogation table. "Over the past few days in this holding cell, have you felt any remorse for succumbing to temptation and becoming a fallen one?" "Yes," Qianning Lu replied. "If you could start over, would you make the same choice?" "No. I regret it deeply." "What do you think justice means?" "…Guarding order—order above good and evil." After asking a few more questions, the prosecutor closed his notebook and silently left the interrogation room. The Golden Prosecutor moved through the long corridor without expression, ignoring the vast, open vista, and proceeded directly to the office of a First-Class Golden Prosecutor—the rank corresponding to the peak sovereign. There were three First-Class Golden Prosecutors in the entire system, and Milton Mac was the most active among them. Milton Mac stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, cradling a blue cat in his arms. The cat had slender, straight ears, with a tuft of long fur at the tips, resembling a lynx's. The blue cat's fur was smooth and luminous, shimmering with electric glimmers—a being of extraordinary nature. "Rod, how did the assessment go?" Milton asked, maintaining his gaze out the window, his voice clear and steady. His hair and beard were already silver, yet he was robust and well-muscled, as if in the prime of his youth.