Zzz… The Cat King Speaker emitted a series of crackling sounds, then settled into quiet. Zhang Yuanqing sat motionless at his desk, his mind however agitated—thousands of thoughts swirling like waves in a storm, tangled and chaotic. After an unknown length of time, he finally broke free from the emotional turmoil, pressing her fingers against his brow and sighed: “Indeed! Even you are just a servant of the Night Wandering Deity….” Having overcome the initial shock, the scattered clues and details in Zhang Yuanqing’s mind began to coalesce into a coherent narrative. —The Demon King is indeed a servant of the Night Wandering Deity, and this has been true even when the Demon King was still weak. A past audio recording confirms that the Demon King undertakes a monthly mission to eliminate Orderly Pilgrims. Who assigns these missions? At first, Zhang Yuanqing couldn’t make sense of it. But now, if the Demon King is merely a servant of the Night Wandering Deity—then the logic makes perfect sense: the Night Wandering Deity is a leading figure in the Evil Organization, inherently opposed to the Orderly Profession. Assigning one’s subordinates to suppress Orderly Pilgrims within its territory (the Eastern Branch of the Spirit Energy Association) is both logical and well-planned. Liang Ting of Taiyi Gate noted that the Demon King is prone to unpredictability and stubbornness, often causing friction between Orderly and Evil professions—this is because the Night Wandering Deity belongs to the Orderly Profession. When an Orderly Pilgrim is killed by the Demon King, it constitutes a moral lapse. Should such incidents involve notable figures, the Demon King would face deductions in his personal morality points. Therefore, the Demon King must actively hunt down members of the Evil Organization to prevent himself from being summoned for investigation and censure. “The Demon King was controlled by the Night Wandering Deity during his early years, struggling to survive and tirelessly seeking ways to free himself from the control imposed by the Sacred Cup—until he finally reached peak strength and found hope. Then, alongside his fellow servant Bing Brother, he launched an attack on the Night Wandering Deity. All of my prior information now validates this reasoning: both motivation and logic are consistent.” Zhang Yuanqing continued to reflect. Now that he understood the Demon King’s motive for eliminating the Night Wandering Deity, he began to consider the mysterious figure… Suddenly, his expression darkened, a chilling inference emerging in his mind: Since the Demon King is a servant of the Night Wandering Deity, his personal records must be documented on the Name Register. If the mysterious figure were someone from the Demon King’s circle, then why did he tear out one page of the register—was it not to conceal Bing Brother’s identity? Rather, perhaps Bing Brother and the mysterious figure were listed on the same page! “Wait—that makes no sense,” Zhang Yuanqing murmured. “If the Demon King is still alive, how could Bing Brother have obtained his Character Card? After all, Li Dongze once mentioned that Character Cards are issued by the Spirit Realm. Yet my own Character Card was given to me by Bing Brother…” At this point, Zhang Yuanqing felt a deep chill down his spine. “If it truly is the Demon King, then the reason he spared me is deeply unsettling. I must now verify whether or not the Demon King has indeed perished.” Zhang Yuanqing rubbed his face to steady himself, then reached into his drawer and pulled out his Notebook, writing: “How can a Spirit Realm Pilgrim dissolve their Character Card binding without dying?” “How can one obtain someone else’s Character Card?” Once I understand these two questions, I will be able to deduce many details. But absolutely—no inquiries at the official office, especially not with Fu Qingyang. He knows too much… Zhang Yuanqing gently turned his ballpoint pen, mentally locking onto a single person. Master Wuhen! Master Wuhen belongs to the Evil Organization and stands completely apart from the Orderly Profession. As someone from the Chaotic Good faction, he poses no threat or animosity toward the Orderly side, and given his high level of standing, he is particularly well-suited for inquiry. Compared to speaking with Master of Zhishake Palace—though she belongs to the Orderly Faction—she simply has a temperament that drives one crazy. “I can visit Master Wuhen whenever I like—just show up, make small talk, and keep pressing for the Dream Jade Symbol, even if it means being persistent until he explicitly tells me otherwise.” Zhang Yuanqing trusted his own social skills and persistence. With this resolution in place, he returned the Cat King Speaker to its place, covered himself with the blanket, and drifted off into sleep. …… The next morning, Zhang Yuanqing woke up under his grandmother’s repeated calls, lying sprawled on the bed, stretching out his limbs. After a night of rest, his energy was fully restored. In the living room, Uncle Chen Yuanjun had just finished breakfast, wiped his mouth with a tissue, nodded to his cousin, and said: “Grandmother, I’m off to work now.” Zhang Yuanqing paused: “Brother, it’s Sunday today.” Uncle Chen sighed: “There was an incident at the third elementary school—we’re required to secure the scene and maintain order. One elder in our neighborhood passed away—according to colleagues, it was a sudden fall from his apartment. But the neighbor claims there was a fight downstairs that night. The family of the deceased insists he was murdered and has been demanding attention all morning at the public security office. The day is full of activity.” Indeed—he had been killed! A loud cry brought even Black Unusual to a standstill; I barely managed to rescue him… Zhang Yuanqing silently sighed. The elderly residents in Long Hai are notoriously temperamental—they’ll often confront anyone with a sharp word, even the most powerful officials. Unfortunately, they’ve been unlucky enough to encounter someone as rigid and demanding as Black Unusual. After Uncle Chen left for work, Zhang Yuanqing took a bite of his baozi while asking: “Grandmother, where is Aunt Jiang?” “She’s asleep at home. It’s Sunday—my mind is already too busy to bother her.” Grandmother placed a piece of oil cake beside him and then pulled out five hundred yuan from her purse, saying: “This week’s living expenses.” “Thank you, Grandmother.” Zhang Yuanqing was no ordinary grandchild—he came from a household with a fortune of fifty million. Yet he never refused the family's regular allowance. How could he say, “My dear grandmother, I’ve been constantly at the brink of survival, surviving through perilous encounters and even stealing for daily bread—now that I’m secure, isn’t it?” Grandmother firmly placed five hundred yuan in her hands and then entered the balcony to water the flowers. At this moment, Aunt Jiang Yubi emerged from the room wearing a pink cotton sleepwear with a Pikachu printed on the chest, her slippers tapping softly as she stepped out. She appeared listless, eyes half-closed, hair slightly disheveled, radiating an air of casual laziness. Though aunt Jiang is typically sweet and gentle in demeanor, her physical presence carries strength—her beloved Pikachu has even grown noticeably rounder. As soon as Aunt Jiang Yubi sat beside Zhang Yuanqing, she called out: “Mom, where’s my porridge?” “Why don’t you go to the kitchen yourself?” Grandmother reproached. “I’m being ignored,” Aunt Jiang complained. “Go on!” She then retreated into the kitchen with a slump of resignation. When Aunt Jiang returned with her steaming bowl of rice, Zhang Yuanqing asked: “We didn’t play any games last night—why did you sleep so late?” “My period has come!” “How often does your mother’s period occur?” “Don’t be so nosy!” Aunt Jiang lifted a hand and delivered a firm slap across Zhang Yuanqing’s head, the sound crisp. “When is it my turn to be scolded by a junior?” Just after regaining her composure, she was effortlessly pinned down on the table by Zhang Yuanqing’s hands. Zhang Yuanqing glanced at her slightly pouting rear end and couldn’t help but think: How beautiful that rear! It’s such a waste not to have a long, slender pig tail… Oh, no! He immediately released her, straightening himself with a clear air of dignity. Just as he was about to summon his mother to witness how she had been treated by her own nephew, Aunt Jiang paused: “How did you lose your courage?” Zhang Yuanqing gave a cold smile: “Women—you no longer capture my interest.” In private, he added with silent tears: A sow is gradually taking center stage in my life… “We’ll go shopping later, shall we?” Aunt Jiang suggested. “No—I have an appointment this morning. I’ll see how the afternoon unfolds.” …… Under the dim light of the room, the warm glow from the orange table lamp spread gently across the surface. At a solid wooden desk, a tall and broad-shouldered man “pop” removed the cork from a glass tube, drank down the golden liquid in one go, then exhaled contentedly. The sword and claw wounds scattered across his body rapidly healed—without leaving any trace of scar. Then, this Fire Master turned to the black robe monastic standing by the window watching the rain, said solemnly: “I’ve just received news—the Black Unusual has been killed. The Sacred Cup is now in the hands of the Long Hai Branch. Monks, we are out of options.” The monastic at the window remained silent, staring into the downpour for a long while, his voice thin and strained: “Who killed the Black Unusual?” The Fire Master replied with a sharp exhale: “Master Yuan Shi Tian Zun—according to official records, he has just been awarded an A-level achievement. Hm—A-level achievements require not only sufficient rank but also at least one such award. The Black Unusual could not have earned this recognition unless it was due to his death.” The monastic said: “Arrange for his elimination. Also, release a message stating that the Black Unusual has been killed and that the Name Register now lies in the hands of the Five Elements Alliance—this will stir up the fallen members listed on the register.” …… At 9:30 a.m., Zhang Yuanqing entered the lobby of “Wu Hen Hotel” with his backpack, smiling warmly. He headed straight to the front desk. “Miss Xiao Yuan, I’m back again,” Zhang Yuanqing said as he approached. The vibrant matron in deep red suit and white shirt glanced at him briefly before saying: “What’s this time?” “I came here to express my gratitude for Miss Xiao Yuan’s help last time—the Black Unusual has been killed, and the Sacred Cup incident is now resolved,” Zhang Yuanqing explained as he unzipped his backpack and placed a stack of cash on the desk. “This is ten thousand yuan—five thousand more are from my personal appreciation.” “Has the Black Unusual passed away?” Miss Xiao Yuan raised her eyebrows slightly, her expression shifting from coldness to surprise, then to apprehension. The Five Elements Alliance has exceeded expectations—their ability to identify and eliminate the Black Unusual so swiftly is beyond what she had anticipated. She furrowed her brows, saying: “I recall that the responsible party was the Kangyang Branch of the Organization, led by Fu Qingyang from the White Tiger Army.” Zhang Yuanqing nodded: “Yes—it’s him—but in this incident, I am personally credited with being the key figure.” Miss Xiao Yuan ignored his statement entirely, growing more wary of Fu Qingyang. Then she turned her attention to the thick stack of cash and, after a brief pause, accepted the ten thousand yuan. For such an organization operating in between official structures, they are constrained by both moral obligations and regular searches by official Pilgrims—thus their income streams are extremely limited. Though not poor, they are far from wealthy. Without adequate funds, various operations—from maintaining channels to gathering information and conducting transactions—become difficult. Spirit Realm Pilgrims also require a stable livelihood. Once Miss Xiao Yuan accepted the cash, Zhang Yuanqing immediately added: “Actually, I have one more request.” Miss Xiao Yuan’s expression darkened slightly. “I would like to meet Master Wuhen,” Zhang Yuanqing said with sincerity. Miss Xiao Yuan glanced at the stack of money, her eyes twitching, then said coldly: “Wait! I’ll only be able to ask on your behalf—whether or not you see him is entirely up to Master Wuhen.” Then she stepped briskly toward the elevator. A few minutes later, after descending in the elevator, Miss Xiao Yuan returned and bowed her head. “Go ahead!” Zhang Yuanqing stepped into the elevator, which stopped at floor four, arriving at the second room on the left—Room 404. He turned the handle gently and opened the door. Before him, the scene transformed like ripples in water—the door vanished, the corridor became a spacious ancient hall with wide arches; beneath his feet, the red carpet had become worn stone tiles, and above, the ceiling adorned with painted heavenly deities. A golden Buddha sat there, hands folded, eyes gentle, expressions serene yet authoritative. Zhang Yuanqing bowed respectfully to the figure seated on the mat: “Master Wuhen.” “What is it?” A soft, distant voice, laced with endurance and quiet strength, echoed throughout. “I have two questions,” Zhang Yuanqing said. “How can a Spirit Realm Pilgrim dissolve their Character Card binding without dying? And how can I obtain someone else’s Character Card?” Master Wuhen paused for a few seconds, then replied slowly: “Every Spirit Realm Pilgrim must die in order to dissolve their Character Card binding—this applies even to the five Grand Masters of the Five Elements Alliance, the highest leaders among the Evil Organization. As for acquiring someone else’s Character Card—I have never heard of such a method. Based on my limited experience, however, it is essential that one be physically present within the Spirit Realm.” Even the five Grand Masters cannot dissolve their Character Cards? With Master Wuhen’s standing and influence, he made this claim with confidence—therefore, the Demon King must have died, indeed. It makes sense that only a presence within the Spirit Realm would allow one to obtain another’s Character Card—as upon death, the Spirit Realm would reclaim the card. To “capture” it, one would need to be physically present in the realm at that moment. Yet Master Wuhen is unaware of this method—yet Bing Brother has managed to accomplish it… Zhang Yuanqing reflected further and added: “Does a high-level Night Wandering Deity have any possibility of ‘faking’ death?” “If one fakes death, then the Character Card cannot be dissolved—the dissolution of the card necessarily requires actual death,” Master Wuhen replied. Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuanqing’s earlier assumption began to waver. Master Liang Ting said the Demon King has died—and Master Wuhen confirms that character card dissolution implies death—does it mean my own inference now surpasses even the judgment of these two senior figures? Obviously impossible! But if the mysterious figure isn't the Demon King, then who is he? Zhang Yuanqing sighed inwardly and said, "Thank you, Master, for clearing up this matter." Master Wu responded calmly: "You and I belong to different factions. Since you're also a member of the official organization, we should part ways from now on—don't let the Five Elements Alliance's Large Health Checkup go unattended; otherwise, you might regret it." Indeed, that sturdy thigh isn't so easy to hold… Zhang Yuanqing chuckled wryly, "I understand now." As soon as he finished speaking, the scene within the hall gradually dissolved into a shimmering effect, until everything faded away. He found himself back at the door of Room 404. Ah, the jade symbol that had been used for Xiao Ling'er’s dream journey hadn't yet been activated. She wasn’t an official member either—perhaps one day, I could send her to guide my way. If she refuses, I’ll have every excuse ready—don’t you care about your brother at all? After taking the elevator back to the main hall, Zhang Yuanqing prepared to leave when Aunt Xiao suddenly called him back. "Have you been going through something recently?" Zhang Yuanqing blinked in surprise, a pleasant warmth rising inside him. On his face, he remained composed: "How do you mean?" He thought perhaps Aunt Xiao had sensed something. Aunt Xiao paused and said: "When I first met you, you looked at my chest three times, my face twice, and my legs five times. When we met again, you only looked at my face once, my chest four times, and my legs six times…" Zhang Yuanqing was startled enough to interrupt: "Aunt, that's not true! I haven’t done anything like that—don't accuse me of being guilty!" Aunt Xiao replied calmly: "But this time, when you came, you only glanced at my face once." "My spirit has been contaminated," she continued. "The contamination isn't severe, and the affected areas won't deeply alter your personality—but it corresponds to 'desire.'" …Zhang Yuanqing swallowed hard, hesitating: "May I ask—what exactly are you?" Aunt Xiao said softly: "A Level 5 Wu Gu Master." Zhang Yuanqing's tone shifted instantly—like a patient who had long suffered finally found a healer—and spoke rapidly: "Yes, Aunt Xiao. Recently, I've acquired a prop from the Wu Gu Master profession. The price of this prop is that it will gradually shift my orientation—not just in preference, but in species. To be honest, today when I saw Aunt, I felt she wasn't quite what I expected—she truly seemed like a real pig, and I was quite disappointed. "But I haven’t used it yet—I simply placed it into my inventory." Aunt Xiao’s gaze held both sympathy and understanding: "Some props exert their influence slowly but steadily, without ceasing. But as soon as you added it to your inventory, the prop recognized you as its master—and thus began affecting you. "Other props manifest their costs clearly—visible and immediate. You only pay for them when used. Before that, they don’t require any thought." "The decline of a Wu Gu Master belongs to the first category." Zhang Yuanqing listened with growing alarm and quickly said: "Aunt, I’d like to sell it off to you at a discount!" Aunt Xiao laughed lightly: "Why would I want to become interested in beef pigs? Would that be acceptable?" "Then just keep it yourself," she added. Zhang Yuanqing looked utterly defeated. …An absolutely frustrating item—worse even than the heavenly chrysanthem incense stove that had poisoned an entire clan. Zhang Yuanqing walked out of the hotel, deeply troubled about how to handle this very artifact—the "Divine Object." This prop was undoubtedly powerful, capable of tainting and corroding even the Divine Object itself. At the same level as a strategic weapon. Yet the price proved too steep to bear—Black Unusual (skill) is an Evil Organization member; she has completely deteriorated, indifferent even to such species-level shifts. As for Aunt Xiao, perhaps she doesn’t see herself as evil at all; she possesses a sincere heart of goodness—and thus chooses to forego her own growth opportunity. I, too, have a heart full of kindness… Zhang Yuanqing resolved: "So it’s decided—I’ll submit this artifact to the organization in exchange for another one." Just then, his smartphone rang—Fu Qingyang was calling. "Hello, Hundred-man Commander?" Zhang Yuanqing answered. "You’re coming to my office. The branch has finalized its reward for you—not only with merit points and bonuses—but also with two props chosen from a pool of ten." Fu Qingyang's voice remained as usual—calm and detached—but in Zhang Yuanqing’s ears, it sounded like the voice of a gift-bringer. "Thank you so much, Commander!" Zhang Yuanqing beamed with delight.