Zhang Yuanqing removed the outer coat, which had been scorched by his sleeves, and tossed it into the bicycle basket before returning to the police station to have a new phone card issued by administrative staff. The phone card corresponding to "Yuan Shi Tian Zun" could only be processed through office personnel. Zhang Yuanqing’s excuse was that he had accidentally dropped his smartphone into the sewer and didn’t feel like searching for it again—he simply intended to reapply for a new one. He did not plan to inform Guan Ya or Li Dongze about this matter, fearing that once the conflict became widely known, and with the very recent physical altercation already on record, the case would naturally trigger an investigation according to standard investigative procedures. After all, both of them were aware of his control over a "prop_type" item. Similarly, Zhang Yuanqing did not intend to launch his retaliation immediately—he needed to delay it. Having successfully processed a new phone card at the police station, he then visited a nearby mobile phone store and purchased a domestically manufactured smartphone priced around 3000 yuan, also using his ID to open a fresh phone number. At a café near the police station, Zhang Yuanqing sipped on a chilled coffee as he contemplated how to retaliate against Xiaohou Tianyuan. While it had never been his intention to involve the Xiaohou family, this matter was now unavoidable. The attitudes of both Xiaohou father and son were quite clear: if they cooperated, they could offer favorable terms; otherwise, they would simply take their smartphones back. Indeed, for a small employee like himself, such choice was truly nonexistent. It wasn’t unusual—when a well-resourced family faced resistance from a junior staff member, would they merely acquiesce? That seemed more like an impossible scenario. Unless the matter were of negligible importance to them. This precisely was what his mother often referred to as "capital dominance"—and now, Zhang Yuanqing found himself experiencing it firsthand. “Xiaohou Tianyuan’s blood is currently in my hands, enabling me to activate the Divine Object—the Red Dance Shoes—to pursue him relentlessly until he dies. However, this approach is rather blunt, and the red dance shoes leave clear traces of death. While only a few people know I control this item, it isn’t entirely unknown either. Moreover, Xiaohou’s family originates from a long-standing Spirit Realm dynasty, known for its expertise in crafting props—this is no ordinary official or wild realm walker. They may possess methods to counter or neutralize the Red Dance Shoes. Without full understanding of both parties, I cannot act rashly just yet. I will therefore inquire about Xiaohou family operations with Xie Lingxi later.” He sipped his coffee and continued reflecting: “Also, isn’t it true that Xiaohou family is actively seeking Zhishake Palace personnel? I can use this situation to my advantage—by creating confusion among them—thus serving as a shield for Zhishake Palace while simultaneously disrupting the Xiaohou family’s operations. A dual benefit achieved in one move. Wang Qian knows me personally, and if he intervenes openly with his true identity, it would be unwise. Perhaps I can utilize the Masking Ring instead.” A general plan began to take shape in his mind—first, Zhang Yuanqing sent a message to his uncle Chen Yuanjun: “Brother, I’d like an anonymous phone card. Remember to give it to me when you finish work.” Chen Yuanjun did not reply immediately, but Zhang Yuanqing knew he would personally arrange it—since childhood, as long as the request wasn’t excessive, Chen Yuanjun had never declined. His uncle held deep compassion for him—a young man who lost his father at a young age and experienced a lack of maternal affection. Next, Zhang Yuanqing dialed Xie Lingxi’s phone number. ... At Huayu Hotel, Level 48, the swimming facility. Sunlight poured through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, gently shimmering across the long rectangular pool filled with turquoise water, whose ripples disturbed the silvered reflections of the surface waves. Xie Lingxi leaned on a lounge chair, half-closed her eyes, savoring the post-swim comfort. She wore a soft pink waterproof jacket that reached only to her thighs—her pale, slender legs were neatly aligned and straight, long enough to grow into fuller, more graceful limbs with time. Her assistant sat beside her, attentively slicing fruits. The phone rang. As soon as Xie Lingxi opened her eyes, the assistant had already wiped her hands and presented the phone. Upon seeing "Yuan Shi Tian Zun" on the screen, Xie Lingxi instantly became alert—she quickly took the phone, pressed her fingers to her throat to clear her voice, then answered with a soft, delicate tone that made the assistant’s eyebrows rise: “Brother Yuan Shi～” “Have you heard about the conflict between Xiaohou family representatives and Master of Zhishake Palace?” Zhang Yuanqing pretended to be curious. “Is it just for gossip, Brother Yuan Shi?” Xie Lingxi said with a sense of disappointment and hurt. “Just speak normally—your voice seems rather strained.” “My voice is naturally like this.” “Oh! My speaker might start humming again.” Clearing her throat once more, Xie Lingxi regained her youthful tone: “Yesterday morning I mentioned that the Palace Master seriously injured Xiaohou family’s eldest son. Naturally, Xiaohou family won’t let that go—so Brother Yuan Shi is aiming to arrest Zhishake Palace members and pressure the Palace Master?” “No—it's simply curiosity. How many people from Xiaohou family have arrived today? Do you know?” “The exact number isn’t clear yet. The lead figure is Xiaohou Chi—the grandfather of Xiaohou Tianwen—who was once a Level 6 Scholar, though I’m not sure about his current status. In addition to him, there are two direct representatives from the family: Xiaohou Xin and Xiaohou Tianyuan—Xiaohou Xin is the father of Xiaohou Tianwen, and Xiaohou Tianyuan is his younger brother. It’s precisely Xiaohou Tianyuan who was injured by the Palace Master.” Given that the Palace Master could hold her own against a Level 6 Scholar, she must be at least on par with that level—Zhang Yuanqing added. “Can you tell me more about the Xiaohou family?” “Yes!” Xie Lingxi leaned back in the lounge chair, her bottom resting gently against the seat as she stroked her long legs. What a posture! The assistant frowned slightly. Fortunately, the swimming hall was fully booked—otherwise, such an unseemly posture would be seen by others and passed on to the family, prompting Xie Lingxi to apologize. “The Xiaohou family is one of the oldest Spirit Realm dynasties, with a large number of members and intricate internal factions. If you wish to understand the organizational structure of Spirit Realm families, let’s set aside ordinary staff and focus solely on the Spirit Realm Walkers. Firstly, there is an ancestral figure—believed to be among the very first generation of Spirit Realm Walkers—the exact level of this ancestor isn’t certain. Below him lies the Council of Elders, with three such elders in the Xiaohou family—all at the Master level—and these are truly the core decision-makers within the family. Below that come the Enforcement Squad and provincial representatives. The Enforcement Squad is responsible for coordinating official efforts to eliminate the 'Evil Organization' and to address violations by members within the family. The head of this squad is precisely Xiaohou Chi. As for the provincial representatives, these are Spirit Realm Walkers entrusted with managing Xiaohou family operations across various provinces—effectively acting as regional governors—and are typically held at Level 6. Our own Shie family follows a similar structure: my father is the grandson of the ancestral figure and currently holds the position of household head. However, he shares equal status with the Council Elders and is also on par with provincial representatives—so he spends much of his time engaged in constant political maneuvering among these senior figures.” Young lady—you certainly don’t understand that “family matters should not be publicized,” do you? These details are truly unnecessary to discuss with me… Zhang Yuanqing offered a brief critique, then asked: “What is Xiaohou Xin’s level?” “Around Level 4,” Xie Lingxi replied with a sly smile. “The internal dynamics within the family have been turbulent lately—Xiaohou Tianwen was injured by the Palace Master, and many members seem to be deeply disappointed.” “And what about your Shie family's stance on this matter?” “Although Xiaohou Chi is part of the direct lineage, he doesn’t represent the entire family. We at the Shie family have no fear—regarding the Five Elements Alliance, however, we simply can’t afford to be involved. So, we’ve only stated our intention not to participate and will refrain from further involvement.” “Not participating is a choice—you must strengthen your own power to earn genuine respect… Zhang Yuanqing discussed this further before hanging up. ... At seven thirty p.m., at the dining table. Zhang Yuanqing took a sip of soup and glanced toward Jiang Yubi, his aunt: “Has Aunt Jiang’s mother passed away recently?” “Still feeling slightly unwell…” Jiang Yubi responded casually. Seeing that she lacked interest in arguing, Zhang Yuanqing turned to Chen Yuanjun: “Brother, where is my phone card?” “It's inside my briefcase—I’ll give it to you after dinner.” Chen Yuanjun sipped his soup and frowned with deep Sichuan patterns on his forehead: “Grandmother, I’ve added too much ginger.” After the relaxed meal concluded, Zhang Yuanqing received the phone card. He hurried back to his room and opened the chat application on his smartphone, sending a voice message to Wang Qian: “The matter between Zhishake Palace and Xiaohou family has now been confirmed—today, Xiaohou family reached out to me requesting that I help extract you from their grasp. I declined this request—as it stands, this is my current limit. I have a reliable contact within the network who holds strong capabilities—if you require assistance, please reach out to him—the phone number is…” After sending the message, Zhang Yuanqing waited for an extended period with no response. His guard was certainly quite firm—he muttered under his breath. At the heart of Zhang Yuanqing’s strategy lay both the Masking Ring and Wang Qian’s trust. Under normal circumstances, Wang Qian would not easily place confidence in him—however, should he face a crisis, with no other options available, that dynamic might shift. Of course, if Wang Qian refused to seek help at all, Zhang Yuanqing could simply adjust his plan and proceed independently—to take out Xiaohou Tianyuan directly. Yet in this case, Zhishake Palace would no longer serve as a protective shield. ... Late at night, within an apartment overlooking the river. The cold wind swept open the hanging curtains, swirling gently into the dark bedroom where it danced around the edge of the bed. Sitting up suddenly, the man on the bed opened his amber-colored vertical pupils with alertness. “Don’t be alarmed!” At the center of the gust, a semi-transparent figure coalesced—its features blurred and indistinct, though without physical form it could still emit sound. The bright glow from the streetlights streamed through the open window into the room—the soft illumination revealed a man with sharp, elegant eyes and a lean face, radiating an air of quiet intensity. Hengxing Wujie—gazing steadily at the floating spirit beside the bed—was both alert and inquired: “You’ve finally arrived—where is your leader?” The blurred spirit smiled: “Where is Black Uncommon? Trust is the foundation of cooperation—clearly, we each still lack sufficient trust.” Hengxing Wujie replied solemnly: “I don’t know where the head official is. In fact, no one knows.” After a pause, he added: “Over this past period, our pressures have intensified—we’ve lost several comrades, and the Head Official himself has nearly been targeted by Fu Qingyang.” “Fu Qingyang stands as the most outstanding representative of the White Tiger Army’s younger generation—few individuals below Master level can defeat him. Being identified by him means Black Uncommon may not escape. You must stop merely hiding and begin to take active action.” “Hmm—I see,” Hengxing Wujie responded coldly. “Besides the Five Elements Alliance, representatives from the Gushi King are also searching for us—how shall we respond?” “That’s why I’ve come to you,” the translucent spirit explained: “You have two options—first, wait for the gradually destabilizing 'The Fallen Ones' listed on the roster to lose control, thereby diverting the Five Elements Alliance’s attention. However, these fallen members are spread across various locations, while your primary adversaries remain centered in the Long Sea Branch. Alternatively, gather the fallen ones from around Long Sea Branch, bring them under control, and launch a coordinated counter-offensive against official Spirit Realm Walker teams—this would create operational challenges for the Five Elements Alliance’s branches, thereby alleviating pressure.” “Simple as that,” Hengxing Wujie countered with a cold sigh. “The prerequisite for launching such a counter-offensive is access to reliable intelligence.” The spirit continued: “To demonstrate sincerity, I will share official Spirit Realm Walker deployments and ongoing operations with you.” Hengxing Wujie expressed cautious interest: “I must inform the Head Official!” ... On the following morning, upon waking, Zhang Yuanqing instinctively reached for his phone to check messages—Wang Qian had not responded. Disappointed, he rose to bathe and then proceeded to the office after breakfast. As soon as he sat down, chatting about depth and breadth with the old staff member, Li Dongze—a well-dressed man in a black suit and white shirt—stepped out of his office. “Zhang Yuanqing, Guan Ya—let’s go for a moment,” he said while checking his watch. “We’ve identified ‘Hengxing Wujie’'s movements—there will be a meeting at the Kangyang District Search Team at nine.” Zhang Yuanqing was immediately energized.