“Breaking free from the Holy Cup’s control—how easy is that!” came Bing Brother's low voice: “Though the Fallen Holy Cup is a *prop_type*, what exactly constitutes a rule-based prop, I need not explain. Anyone under its influence is bound for life; death is their only fate. I’m myself under this cup’s grip—I cannot defy the command of the Deity with the Strange Eye and work alongside you? Or shall we join forces to kill you together?” The Demon King exhaled: “Only rules can counteract rules. I’ve already found a way to temporarily override the Fallen Holy Cup—by harnessing a rule-based prop unique to the Night Wanderer profession. This item embodies the peak of the Sun Deity’s power and serves as a purifier against all forms of impurity. Once I claim it, I’ll be able to suppress the cup.” A long silence followed. Just when Zhang Yuanqing thought the audio was coming to an end, the Demon King’s voice rose softly: “Originally, you happened upon your Character Card and encountered the Spirit Realm—you chose to report to the public security office, trusted them—yet what followed? A cup of poisoned wine awaited you. You were overly confident in official institutions, across all levels of authority. You possess strong talent and immense potential, yet even as a fledgling bird, your wings were broken by the Deity with the Strange Eye. Over these years, you’ve grown distant from family and brothers, enduring daily erosion from the cup’s influence—your life has become unbearable. Are you willing to accept this? Let us cooperate—it’s time for you to break free and soar. I need your strength.” “Good….” The audio finally concluded. Zhang Yuanqing sat at his desk, motionless for a long while. He now understood the full context—but he felt neither hopeful nor relieved. Ah—so you were merely the Deity with the Strange Eye’s *servant*. That explains why you never mentioned the Realm Walker. That explains your growing distance after university. That explains your changed demeanor over these years… Zhang Yuanqing lowered his head, still motionless. After a few tens of seconds, he quickly rubbed his face to suppress the rising emotions. “At least—at least Bing Brother might still be alive…” Zhang Yuanqing took a deep breath, regained composure, and began organizing the facts: Before university, Bing Brother had stumbled upon his Character Card and became a Realm Walker—what would an ordinary person do in the face of supernatural events? Clearly: report to public security! And then—he was taken under the Deity with the Strange Eye’s control. The Deity with the Strange Eye has embedded representatives within various public offices—the case of Zhao Yingjun, who died at the hands of Ou Xiangrong, is a perfect example. “But if Zhao Yingjun too was a servant of this Deity, how did he pass the Large Health Checkup? Not necessarily a mere servant—perhaps a collaborator instead. By now, I’ve clearly understood just what kind of organization public institutions truly are—their vast scale ensures internal diversity and inconsistency; not every official is purely committed to justice.” He continued: The Demon King has found a method to counteract the cup—a rule-based prop from the Night Wanderer profession—thus proving that the Fallen Holy Cup indeed malfunctions. Therefore, Black Uncommonness naturally seeks coordination with Dark Night Rose—since its leader holds the title of Night Wanderer. The issue with the cup is likely only solvable by such a specialist. This detail now aligns perfectly. Yet, would Dark Night Rose offer help to Black Uncommonness at no cost? Certainly not—there must be mutual benefit. What could Black Uncommonness offer in return? Not the Fallen Holy Cup itself—but rather, that very rule-based prop of the Night Wanderer? This determination will only become clear once we understand the current state of the cup. Bing Brother delivered the Character Card to me after the Demon King’s passing—and at that time, both the Demon King and the Deity with the Strange Eye had already perished. After delivering the card, Bing Brother vanished without a trace. He must still be alive—though for some reason, he has been compelled to go into concealment. Zhang Yuanqing reflected on this—he believed the cause of his disappearance was an effort to suppress internal contamination. Although he succeeded in defeating the Deity with the Strange Eye, the Fallen Holy Cup now lies within Black Uncommonness’s hands—and due to its malfunction, it cannot be used effectively. Thus, Bing Brother likely remains under the cup’s influence. “Bing Brother may have developed temporary methods to suppress this contamination… yes—but this is merely a conjecture—still awaiting verification. Yet—why did he assign me the task of acquiring the *List* rather than securing the Fallen Holy Cup itself?” Suddenly, Zhang Yuanqing's eyes darted with sudden intensity—he recalled something deeply unsettling. The Deity with the Strange Eye’s List records all Realm Walkers under his control. And Bing Brother is one such servant. Once public institutions obtain this list and learn of Bing Brother’s true identity—and understand how he and the Demon King led to the Deity's demise—then, even without a single word, it would be evident that the Demon King’s successor is himself. Black Uncommonness, holding the List, should already know Bing Brother’s identity—but they are unaware of the very act when Bing Brother sent his Character Card to his close brother. Information asymmetry thus ensures that they currently overlook him. But if Black Uncommonness learns this, then the identity of the Demon King’s successor will also be exposed. Worse still—the Dark Night Rose is already in secret negotiations with Black Uncommonness, and has agents embedded within public institutions who know of the Demon King’s legacy. Should these two parties begin to discuss this issue— Ah—that explains why Bing Brother assigned me the priority task of retrieving the *List*—even above securing the Fallen Holy Cup… Zhang Yuanqing felt a cold shiver rise up his spine. He now sensed an unprecedented sense of urgency. Previously, though he had followed Bing Brother’s instructions and participated in operations targeting Black Uncommonness, he hadn’t grasped the significance of the List—he had been lukewarm in his involvement. Now, however, he felt as if every moment might bring a visit from members of Taiyi Gate to check utility bills—or plots by representatives of Dark Night Rose. He couldn’t rush—only to feel more disoriented with each passing moment. The pursuit of Black Uncommonness was long-term—something that could not be hurried. Zhang Yuanqing steadied himself and continued his analysis. “The three powers—Black Uncommonness, Dark Night Rose, and public institutions—are currently informationally asymmetric. These gaps present me with opportunities to leverage. Following Xiaohou Xin’s death, Dark Night Rose will surely accelerate its cooperation with Black Uncommonness—and I now see that my window of opportunity is narrowing.” “Through official channels, I can pursue Black Uncommonness; through Zhishake Palace, I can investigate Dark Night Rose—yes—I may also seek assistance at the Wu Gu Hall. There must be some overlap between the various Evil Organizations after all.” He didn’t particularly wish to establish contact with the Wu Gu Hall’s representatives—only when compelled. Then Zhang Yuanqing recalled Xiaohou Xin’s death earlier that day. “The Night Wanderer possesses the ability to perceive destiny—but according to Fu Qingyang, this skill requires face-to-face interaction to manifest? And such a capability should only reveal short-term fate paths… Otherwise, why would they eliminate Xiaohou Xin precisely when we planned to act against him—rather than when his family first arrived in Songhai, and then immediately dispatch them back home?” If that were the case, things would be manageable. At the same time, Zhang Yuanqing recalled the poised smile of the elegant Lao Bang Zi—and what it might have meant. Did she also perceive my destiny? Yet during the long period following my completion of the trial tasks, there had been no significant disruptions—only subtle changes. Why did she smile so meaningfully then? Zhang Yuanqing remained seated at his desk until past five in the morning before he leaned over and dozed off. … “Ah-ah-ah…” Drowsy, Zhang Yuanqing heard Xiaohou Xin’s call. He woke up to find Xiaohou Xin climbing onto his desk—her short arms supporting her body, her bright eyes gazing at him with a sense of pride and expectation. On top of her sparse baby hair stood a leather wallet. Oh—no, not lingerie… Zhang Yuanqing breathed out in relief—and then grew angry: “Not stealing women’s undergarments, then, is it? Stealing wallets again—what kind of child or rogue are you? I’ve always taught you to be a principled one.” “Ahh…” Xiaohou Xin tilted her head, looking at him with confusion as if puzzled by his scolding. How could she not understand? The wallet was quite thick… Zhang Yuanqing reached out and opened it—inside lay a stack of thick red banknotes. His anger melted into contemplation: “Well—that’s too much…” He glanced again—and spotted an ID card—Ah—his uncle's wallet! Now that was solved. As the inheritor of his uncle’s legacy, Zhang Yuanqing withdrew three one-hundred-yuan bills and placed the wallet back on Xiaohou Xin’s head, gently instructing: “Return it to your place.” “Ahh…” Xiaohou Xin received the instruction—moved her limbs with grace, climbed to the desk edge, then leaped like a sea otter, landing on the floor. Then she smoothly manipulated her arms and legs to pass through the wall and vanish into thin air. At the dining table, Xiaohou Xin’s Aunt bit into a steamed bun, her face round and full of energy, saying: “Mom—have you found my undergarments?” Grandmother replied: “Who knows where you misplaced them—I searched everywhere!” Xiaohou Xin looked puzzled: “I distinctly remember placing them in the bamboo basket. How did they disappear?” She then turned to her nephew, narrowing her eyes. “Did you take them?” Zhang Yuanqing hadn’t yet responded—Grandmother raised her hand and gave her daughter a sharp slap. “Nonsense! Why would Yuanzi take your dirty clothes? If you keep talking like this, I’ll have to hit you.” “Yes—she always finds ways to discredit me,” Zhang Yuanqing protested. It was clearly Xiaohou Xin who had taken them… he thought silently. But if Grandmother discovers this—that would be disastrous—she might very well initiate a formal censure. After breakfast, Zhang Yuanqing took a taxi to Fuzhajiang. Having made contact with Fu Qingyang, he waited briefly at the community entrance and was greeted by yesterday’s elegant lady in black silk stockings. “This is your access card from the Hundred-Man Commander—white for the community gate, black for the villa gate,” the graceful woman smiled, handing over two cards—one white, one black. Zhang Yuanqing's plan today: first, share his reasoning with Fu Qingyang—highlighting potential issues with the Fallen Holy Cup—and make Fu Qingyang aware of the full background. But he would not state it directly—he would present it through discussion and inquiry. Then, he would reach out to Zhishake Palace to report on Xiaohou Xin’s elimination. Finally, he would visit Wu Gu Hall to gather intelligence from within the circle of Wu Gu Masters. The woman in black silk stockings led the way, smiling kindly: “The Hundred-Man Commander is currently resting—he called me upon receiving your message to come and meet you.” “Resting?” Zhang Yuanqing was surprised. “The Commander has been awake all night—perhaps the case has reached a critical point,” she said softly. “I’ve known him for a long time—I’ve never seen him so deeply troubled over one single issue. Please, do help him with this matter.” Zhang Yuanqing nodded—soon after, he stood once again before the grand villa’s entrance.