Within less than half a minute, Zhang Yuanqing rushed over swiftly and gracefully, stopping at the bridge archway. Fu Qingyang gave a subtle gesture, and Zhang Yuanqing moved to the entrance of the archway, looking inward. Through the Night Wandering Deity’s vision piercing the darkness, he saw a man in a black hooded sweater leaning against the wall, his body slumped. A hole about the thickness of a fingertip appeared at his brow, with blood gushing out in a steady "gurgle" sound. Zhang Yuanqing examined him carefully. The man had prominent bone structure, long, narrow eyes, and a slender, sharp face—clearly someone of ill temper. The ease of death suggested that this Tian Dao Bu Gong was also an Elevated Stage Wu Gu Master, just like Lei Yibing—who had been so unimpeded all along. Zhang Yuanqing’s gaze darkened as he established connection with the residual spirit within the body. Then, he retrieved the Artifact, passing it to Fu Qingyang. After completing preparations, Zhang Yuanqing took a deep breath, and his spiritual form transformed into "smoke," entering his mouth. Memories not belonging to him flooded in, expanding rapidly—like an inflating balloon in his consciousness. The scenes flashed by like a slideshow: from fragmented memories, he pieced together the life of Tian Dao Bu Gong. His father had been involved in gambling; his mother remarried, and they lived with their grandparents. The childhood hardships planted seeds of melancholy within him. Throughout his development, the lack of support became fertile ground for growth—eventually shaping him into a passionate, volatile rogue. One scene showed a dimly lit bedroom: Tian Dao Bu Gong stood by a desk, cutting his wrist to let blood flow into a bronze bowl. The blood boiled in the bowl, rising as mist that coalesced into a blurred human face with a sharp voice: "How will the Dark Night Rose respond?" Tian Dao Bu Gong bowed respectfully: "They have agreed to assassinate Yuan Shi Tian Zun in order to avenge Lei Yibing. Additionally, they wish to obtain information about 'the Young Soldier King' in reality." The misty face paused, then said with increasing sharpness: "The Dark Night Rose should not be so interested in him..." Tian Dao Bu Gong replied: "I'm unaware of this—on the contrary, their communication is very guarded." The mist floated gently at the rim of the bowl, swaying slightly as it spoke: "If the Dark Night Rose succeeds in assassinating Yuan Shi Tian Zun, you are to inform them that 'the Young Soldier King' is actually Lei Yibing. He lives in Long Hai and studies in Jiangsu Province. His address is..." "And before informing the Dark Night Rose, first ascertain their purpose for investigating the Young Soldier King." Tian Dao Bu Gong nodded, hesitating: "I've noticed that the Dark Night Rose treats this matter with great importance—it seems reluctant to share details with us..." The misty face swayed slightly and then said: "If they remain unwilling, we can put aside this matter. Our immediate priority is securing control over the Fallen Cup. All other matters may be postponed." ... In the brilliant golden glow, Zhang Yuanqing broke free from his inquiry state and opened his eyes. He first saw a dark, starless night sky—laying on the bridge archway with a headache. Aah! Zhang Yuanqing sat up, rubbing his head. Once again knocked unconscious—Fu Qingyang didn’t even reward me with a single Rabbit Lady! It’s truly unjust to my sacrifice… Turning toward the white-clad young man standing beside him, he said: "I’ve gathered some information, but not much of substance..." He briefly summarized Tian Dao Bu Gong's memories for Fu Qingyang, omitting details about Bing Brother. Zhang Yuanqing expressed his concern: "Black Wuzheng and her subordinates communicate through a certain Prop. Tian Dao Bu Gong is unaware of Black Wuzheng’s current location." Of course, Black Wuzheng wouldn’t reveal her whereabouts to her subordinates—any defection or inquiry would expose her. A seasoned leader of an evil organization couldn't be that naive. Though expected, it still fell short. Now, all hope must rest with the Wu Gu King... Zhang Yuanqing sighed deeply. At this moment, he saw Fu Qingyang extend his hand, grasping an item from the inventory panel in mid-air. It was a plain, somewhat clumsy doll—circular head and body resembling a skirt. At first glance, it looked like a sunny-day child figure. The eyes were stitched with black lines forming two "X" marks; the mouth was a straight line. Fu Qingyang asked: "Did you spot his place of residence in Tian Dao Bu Gong’s memories?" "Yes," Zhang Yuanqing replied. Fu Qingyang nodded and placed the doll on his right hand. Instantly, Zhang Yuanqing saw faint silver threads extending from the top of the doll and both hands, winding around the body of Tian Dao Bu Gong. A few seconds later, a soft sound came from inside the bridge arch—Tian Dao Bu Gong emerged, the hole at his brow healed, blood no longer gushing. He had revived! Watching his stunned subordinate, Fu Qingyang gently moved his fingers, and Tian Dao Bu Gong lifted his lips with a low, raspy voice: "This item is called 'Bing Cong.' I borrowed it from a senior elder of the White Tiger Army. It possesses some abilities akin to a Master-level Puppeteer—capable of reconstructing the deceased’s details including voice, gestures, and skills, all under the control of the holder." Zhang Yuanqing was stunned: "So your meaning is..." Tian Dao Bu Gong spoke softly with a raspy tone: "Use this body to communicate with Black Wuzheng and learn about her next steps." What a move! Zhang Yuanqing felt thrilled—Fu Qingyang had anticipated that Tian Dao Bu Gong wouldn't be able to trace Black Wuzheng’s whereabouts, so he had pre-arranged the necessary Prop. Although aloof and somewhat pretentious, this man was truly impressive—reassuring company indeed. Then, Zhang Yuanqing felt a sudden pang in his mind. He had concealed certain details during the inquiry—what would happen if Black Wuzheng asked about Bing Brother? If Fu Qingyang couldn’t answer, it might reveal their secret. And if he disclosed the truth, given Fu Qingyang’s sharp perception, there’d likely be many clues uncovered. That was exactly how plans fall short of reality—how life is so unpredictable. "Excellent strategy, Hundred-Man Commander," Zhang Yuanqing said, calming his anxiety and offering his usual praise. Tian Dao Bu Gong lifted his lips slightly with a soft tone: "Next time, perhaps use more pleasant terms—I don’t mind." As he spoke, the puppet walked over to Fu Qingyang and carried his body behind him. Was this the cost of using the Prop? Zhang Yuanqing pondered it as he watched—then heard Tian Dao Bu Gong say calmly: "The Bing Cong has two costs: First, it can only control the deceased. Second, during operation, the original body cannot speak or move." That was quite a heavy price indeed—what did this mean? To carry himself while being carried by his own proxy? If he could swap the puppet with someone else—say, a woman—he’d have so many exciting opportunities. But no—he gently shook his head to dismiss these bold thoughts. The three returned to the business vehicle. Following Zhang Yuanqing’s memory of the scene, they found Tian Dao Bu Gong’s place of residence—at the junction between Kangyang District and Fenghui Zone, in an apartment that was neither brand new nor old. The night air was thick; streetlights cast lonely glimmers. Trees swayed gently in the wind. Only a few 24-hour convenience stores remained open—others had closed for the evening. The white business vehicle stopped outside the building. Zhang Yuanqing stepped out, captivating the gatekeeper. Tian Dao Bu Gong carried his body behind him and followed as he entered. Zhang Yuanqing led the way to the third floor, stopping at Room 302. Fu Qingyang guided Tian Dao Bu Gong, who retrieved a key and opened the door. Inside, Zhang Yuanqing surveyed the room in darkness—two-bedroom, one-living area, about seventy square meters. The furnishings were simple: the dining table covered with dust sheets; kitchenware hadn’t been used for some time—lacking warmth and daily life charm. Clearly, Tian Dao Bu Gong had made this a temporary residence. "Contact items for Black Wuzheng are in the bedroom," Zhang Yuanqing said as he led the way to the bedroom. As soon their feet touched the floor, he immediately smelled an elusive scent—then felt dizzy, with discomfort in his lungs, prompting him to cough. Fu Qingyang guided Tian Dao Bu Gong: "The bedroom is filled with toxic gas. Tell me where the contact item is and then escort me out." Zhang Yuanqing nodded and stepped back: "In the wardrobe..." Tian Dao Bu Gong bowed, handing over the body to Zhang Yuanqing before entering the bedroom. "Click!" The door closed behind them. Zhang Yuanqing carried Fu Qingyang’s body as he exited, waiting quietly in the quiet corridor. ... Inside the bedroom, Tian Dao Bu Gong wiped the blood from his body and opened the wooden wardrobe. He found a bronze bowl—feeling heavy when held, carved with patterns of snakes, insects, and centipedes; it emitted a slightly pungent odor at its rim. Holding the bowl, he moved to the desk, cutting his wrist to let blood flow into it. According to Zhang Yuanqing’s inquiry, this bowl required only sufficient blood—no further actions were needed. The blood quickly gathered and covered the base, filling half of the bowl. Then, gradually, the blood boiled in the bowl, mist rising one strand at a time, coalescing into a blurred human face with a sharp voice: "How?" Tian Dao Bu Gong bowed low: "Master, Yuan Shi Tian Zun has already passed away. The Dark Night Rose has demonstrated their sincerity." The misty figure nodded slightly, her tone sharpened but now warm: "Good. For the handover process, I’ll assign the young lady to oversee it. I plan to meet with representatives of the Dark Night Rose in two days’ time—then you come back to your old location." Tian Dao Bu Gong bowed again: "Yes!" At that moment, the misty figure asked: "What is the response regarding the Young Soldier King from the Dark Night Rose?" Tian Dao Bu Gong stiffened. ... In the corridor, Zhang Yuanqing considered carefully throughout their journey. Finally, he made up his mind, biting down on his lip and softly said: "Commander Hundred-Man, there's one matter I wish to report..."