The entrance to the underground parking garage is bustling with activity. Li Dongze strides in, one cane held in his hand and a firearm gripped firmly in the other, his sharp gaze swiftly scanning the scene. First, he notices Xu Yingying unconscious, then spots faint traces of blood on the ground and several private vehicles showing signs of damage. As an envoy, Li Dongze immediately senses that a brief but intense battle has taken place here. The fact that Xu Yingying is alive suggests that things have not yet reached their worst. Several Realm Walkers likewise move with alertness and efficiency, quickly surveying the scene before spotting a figure emerging from the shadow behind one of the cars. Instantly, everyone instinctively turns their firearms toward him. “Don’t shoot— it’s me,” Zhang Yuanqing hastily raises both hands, simultaneously observing Guan Ya and Li Dongze, as well as the other Realm Walkers. The tall man in a fitness set resembles a gym coach—over 1.9 meters in height with broad, powerful muscles that radiate strength; he wears red half-finger gloves on his hands. The woman in an ink-and-wash-style qipao has a classical hairdo, elegant posture, and graceful bearing; though her age appears to be substantial, her face is fresh and refined, free from wrinkles. The middle-aged man wearing a miner’s hat and a dappled earthwork uniform has dark, weathered skin and features marked by years of experience. The young woman in a white racing suit possesses a delicate oval face, fair complexion, richly arched brows, and an energetic demeanor; she holds a black long knife in her hand. The other two personnel with firearms lack distinctive personalities or appearances. Upon seeing Zhang Yuanqing emerge from the shadow, Li Dongze and Guan Ya’s expressions of tension noticeably ease—seeming to release a sense of relief. After concluding their meeting, they received Wang Tai’s phone call stating that Yuan Shi had discovered Ou Xiangrong at Songhai University, who was now holding Xu Yingying captive with intentions to act against them. Li Dongze and Guan Ya were startled and immediately summoned several team leaders, hastily rushing to Songhai University. Throughout the journey, Li Dongze maintains a serious demeanor, his heart heavy—afraid that Yuan Shi might suddenly act impulsively, unilaterally launching an attack. New Realm Walkers often become overconfident when experiencing their first transcendent powers, especially lacking experience in gauging the depth of such abilities—thus easily becoming enthusiastic or even volatile. Now seeing Zhang Yuanqing unhurt, both Li Dongze and Guan Ya feel a significant sense of relief. “Is that the Night Wandering Deity?” The impetuous Da Ji Ba first asks Li Dongze, receiving confirmation before turning to survey the underground parking garage with a rough tone: “What’s up, Ou Xiangrong? Where did he go?” In his judgment, a 3-level Enchantment Demon is no match for a 1-level Night Wandering Deity—after a brief encounter, Ou Xiangrong would have feared the arrival of official Realm Walkers and thus fled in haste. If Ou Xiangrong had not escaped long ago, then with the scouting team’s tracking capabilities, they might still be able to catch up. Li Dongze, Guan Ya, and several team-level officers all observe Zhang Yuanqing closely, awaiting his response. “He didn’t escape!” Zhang Yuanqing states. Didn’t escape? Everyone is struck aback—guns are raised, and they look around in surprise and heightened alertness. Then, this newly appointed rookie points to the shadow behind them: “I eliminated him.” What? Da Ji Ba nearly pulls out his ears, questioning whether he has misunderstood—he immediately becomes frustrated, voice rising: “Don’t be playing jokes with me—this isn’t a setting for your wit!” Li Dongze and the others are momentarily stunned before frowning, now watching Zhang Yuanqing with greater caution. Why so rough? Don’t you just need to speak clearly? Aren’t you from the Chì Huǒ Clan…? Zhang Yuanqing patiently explains: “I didn’t lie—the body of Ou Xiangrong lies right behind that car. If you don’t believe me, go check for yourself.” Da Ji Ba glances toward that end—where the walls project a cross-shaped shadow formed by the protruding pillars and vehicle structure—and finds himself unable to see clearly into the corner. He immediately moves to inspect. “Wait,” says the middle-aged man wearing a miner’s hat, stepping forward, scanning Zhang Yuanqing before addressing the towering figure: “I’ll go.” Da Ji Ba sees his colleague’s expression growing serious—seemingly recalling something—and watches Zhang Yuanqing with renewed vigilance, then nods in agreement. Zhang Yuanqing observes that Li Dongze and Guan Ya display a puzzled look, while others maintain an unspoken sense of caution. At this moment, the middle-aged man in the miner’s hat moves slowly but steadily toward the vehicle tail—then stops abruptly, staring at a specific spot with wide eyes, as though frozen in place. “Tang Guoqiang?” Da Ji Ba watches his colleague's expression of astonishment and is instantly alarmed; his body muscles tense up, preparing to act. The officers Qing Teng and Bai Long immediately become alert. Tang Guoqiang’s demeanor perfectly mirrors what he looked like during the moment of being affected by an Enchantment. But soon, they see Tang Guoqiang recover—bending down to pull a body out from behind, carrying it to the spotlight and into full view for everyone. The deceased is dressed in loose camouflage pants, a black vest, and a black jacket—the face is blood-streaked with flesh blurred; eyes hollow, features recognizable despite damage. Indeed, it is Ou Xiangrong. Silence settles over the underground parking garage—everyone stares at the body of Ou Xiangrong in amazement. Li Dongze’s expression shifts from stern to stunned—he murmurs: “Wow… wow…” Guan Ya looks at the body and then at Zhang Yuanqing, suddenly remembering something—a thoughtful look forms on her face. The woman in the ink-and-wash qipao steps briskly forward, stops beside the body, carefully examines it, then remarks: “It’s definitely Ou Xiangrong.” She then glances at Zhang Yuanqing with a mixture of curiosity and admiration. Da Ji Ba's eyes bulge; he says: “How did you manage that?” The officers’ attention is fully focused on Zhang Yuanqing—repeatedly observing, amazed that such a 1-level newcomer has defeated an injured 3-level Enchantment Demon. This is indeed a major achievement for Team Two—what kind of luck for Li Dongze? Has he recruited such an outstanding subordinate? How did you manage it? Isn’t it just about having the right shoes…? Zhang Yuanqing offers no explanation but instead turns his gaze to his superior. Li Dongze steps forward, clears his throat: “Yuan Shi—what a splendid performance! You’ve achieved great success—exactly at that moment when we lost contact with you. We were being scolded by our superiors in the meeting room.” This effectively redirects attention—officers now smile, as if relieved of a heavy burden. Zhang Yuanqing looks sideways at him: “Then why did you point your guns at me?” “The Enchantment Demon from the Elevated Realm can temporarily affect one’s mental state. Given sufficient time and repeated influence, it may achieve full control over its target. Rather than trusting that you killed Ou Xiangrong, we believe you might have been influenced yourself.” The young woman in the white racing suit approaches, holds a close look at Zhang Yuanqing, then nods approvingly: “We were wrong—we’d like to introduce ourselves—Bai Long, 3rd-level Water Spirit.” This female officer possesses an undeniable air of confidence—she lacks any sense of reserve or hesitation; she commands attention effortlessly, as if everyone else is merely her junior. “Yuan Shi Tian Zun,” Zhang Yuanqing replies. The officers pause: “Such a good name….” Indeed—it’s impressive enough to make one want to give him a gentle push. Bai Long smiles: “Just call me Yuan Shi—well, I always thought young men of your age would choose unusual names.” “What, for instance?” Zhang Yuanqing smiles and raises his shoulders. Bai Long is momentarily surprised—she didn’t expect such ease in conversation from someone facing a superior’s humor; normally, one would be humble or reserved. “Such as Da Ji Ba,” Guan Ya smiles and takes over the conversation. Da Ji Ba: “…My name means ‘powerful muscles.’” “And that's exactly what I meant,” Guan Ya says with genuine innocence. Da Ji Ba is left speechless. Meanwhile, several official Realm Walkers arrive hurriedly—carrying stretchers and body bags. They have just received a call stating the murderer has been defeated, so they quickly come to collect the bodies—also lifting Xu Yingying to take her to the hospital for treatment. Li Dongze doesn’t hesitate: “Yuan Shi, please accompany us back so we can review Ou Xiangrong’s memories.” “No,” Tang Guoqiang shakes his head: “Ou Xiangrong has been contaminated by a malevolent force—we’re not certain whether his spiritual essence is also affected. Moreover, the Enchantment Demon is bloodthirsty and aggressive—its negative energy is strong, which may be beyond what he can endure. Yuan Ting will return to Songhai later today and deliver it directly.” Zhang Yuanqing immediately recalls the hospital scene where a spirit was consumed—feeling apprehensive; yet then considers that if others witness his elimination of Ou Xiangrong, they would surely take notice. The Divine Object—the Red Dancing Shoes—would be hard to conceal. Of course, it doesn’t guarantee immediate pursuit or conflict—but discretion is still necessary. “This isn't a problem,” Li Dongze reassures, with strong conviction: “Ou Xiangrong’s memories are important—we must speak to him as soon as possible. We cannot yet determine how much of the original memory remains in his polluted spiritual essence.” Tang Guoqiang considers this and finally nods—while still disagreeing with Li Dongze’s decision, he acknowledges that since it is Team Two who killed Ou Xiangrong, they hold the authority to make such a choice. At this point, the woman in the ink-and-wash qipao approaches with concern: “Has he sustained any injuries? Do you need treatment?” Her tone is warm and earnest—almost as though Zhang Yuanqing were one of her own trusted allies. Li Dongze smiles and introduces: “This is Qing Teng, team leader from the Bǎi Huā Association—she specializes in healing. Within the Five Elements Alliance, Wood Demons are also known as Healing Practitioners. Please let her know if you have any injuries.” Healing Practitioner? Zhang Yuanqing thinks—how official are they making it—isn’t that a little over the top? Li Dongze then introduces the tall man and Tang Guoqiang: “This is Da Ji Ba from the Chì Huǒ Clan, and Tang Guoq. Both are experienced Realm Walkers.” Indeed, from the Chì Huǒ Clan… Zhang Yuanqing immediately says: “Thank you both—please take good care of me.” Da Ji Ba nods with satisfaction: “Would you like to add each other as contacts?” “That would be wonderful!” Qing Teng and Bai Long agree. Tang Guoqiang speaks little but pulls out his Smartphone first. Li Dongze shakes his head slightly at the sight. Once Zhang Yuanqing and several officers have added each other as contacts, Li Dongze says: “We’ll take the bodies back—other team members will remain to assist with site cleanup. Yuan Shi, please ride in Guan Ya’s car and return to headquarters to submit a report.” Shortly after, official Realm Walkers arrive in a business vehicle and a blue sports car. “Chief,” Zhang Yuanqing asks, wanting to speak privately with Li Dongze—about deleting the surveillance footage. “No—right now you’re too cluttered—you don’t look elegant enough,” Li Dongze declines, then turns to the officers: “Let’s all go together.” Zhang Yuanqing opens his mouth, hesitates, and finally settles on watching as Li Dongze and the team leaders depart in the business vehicle. Guan Ya’s eyes glide over him with quiet warmth—she smiles and says: “Chief has taken care of the people who stand in your way—go now—I’ll take you to delete the surveillance footage.” … Zhang Yuanqing focuses his gaze on the road ahead, centering himself. … The blue sports car speeds smoothly along a broad avenue; Guan Ya wears sunglasses, holds the steering wheel, and hums softly—a pleasant mood evident in her tone. She remarks: “You’ve been lucky—just becoming a Realm Walker, you’ve received a Rule-type Prop.” She feels fortunate too—recently needing accolades, now she’s earned one. “Did you know about this earlier?” Zhang Yuanqing remains unbothered, even offers praise: “The scouting role truly is the most perfect occupation.” As someone skilled in social interaction, he manages to maintain his composure and adapt well. “I only guessed—remember, insight is the hallmark of a scout,” Guan Ya smiles: “You’ve understood my hints and kept your Rule-type Prop hidden—so you’re not entirely lacking in intelligence.” Zhang Yuanqing soon probes gently: “Will the organization require me to submit the props?” “No pressure to present them—but if you choose to, they will gladly accept, offering you both honors and financial reward. However, people’s minds are complex—you being a newcomer with such a Rule-type Prop in hand will inevitably attract interest from others who may act on their own initiative.” Guan Ya offers guidance: “Chief can help mask it for now—but not forever. You might want to find a supporter—someone above your level of authority.” “Will that Hundred-man Commander really protect me?” Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself—how could he guarantee that someone even higher up wouldn’t see the value and suddenly take notice. “That guy comes from an elite family, grew up with a golden spoon in his mouth, always proud and lofty. I don’t know much about the other officers, but I can vouch for his character.” Guan Ya smiled. “He often claims to be governed by virtue, yet in reality, he’s quite generous—always throwing out checks. He’s a real big spender; one rule-type prop wouldn’t shake his composure.” “But he has high standards. Most people don’t see him as impressive, and he especially favors top-tier talent.” Zhang Yuanqing nodded once, neither agreeing nor refusing, briefly setting aside the topic. Guan Ya huffed softly: “Today you’ve made quite an impact—once your achievements are known throughout the Five Elements Alliance, there’ll certainly be people quietly trying to take you over. Be on guard for the ‘beauty strategy’; there have been cases before where female officers showed clear interest.” Zhang Yuanqing spoke with firm conviction: “I remain loyal to Organization Two. I will absolutely not fall prey to such a tactic.” Unless he simply couldn’t resist! He added mentally. “But you’re a Scorpio.” Guan Ya rolled her eyes. Ah? What does being a Scorpio have to do with it… Zhang Yuanqing looked utterly puzzled. “Have you ever heard the saying about zodiac signs: ‘Fish-men don’t talk much, but Scorpio men are always eager.’” “…” … In the black business vehicle, Li Dongze was driving himself, his eyes fixed ahead, smiling warmly: “Oh, my goodness—without even realizing it, I’ve managed to complete everyone’s tasks. As a team member, I must admit I’m not very fair. Sorry for missing out on all of you in terms of recognition.” What a self-centered performance… The four captains’ expressions darkened. “Once the awards are announced,” Li Dongze said cheerfully, “I’ll treat everyone to dinner. Don’t feel envious—this is all just coincidence. This young man happened to clear the She Ling Tunnel and coincidentally defeated Ou Xiangrong. Nothing remarkable at all.” “You’re acting quite impatient,” Da Ji Ba said with a groan. “Be more graceful, not so abrupt. I’ll first report this matter to Fu Bai Fu Chang.” With the captains’ glares still locked on him, he reached for his smartphone and dialed Fu Bai Fu Chang’s number. During the Ou Xiangrong incident, due to their team's shortcomings, Fu Bai Fu Chang had absorbed significant risks. Now that Ou Xiangrong has been eliminated, as a subordinate, Li Dongze needed to promptly inform the higher authority above. The young Yuan Shi is truly elevating his standing.