“Victory? Victory! Yuan Shi has defeated Li Xianzong—our victory is secured!” Hearing the prompt voice in her ears, the queen rose swiftly, her vibrant face glowing with joyful excitement. Her emotions surged, and she stood up fast and vigorously. Li Chunfeng clenched his fists, waved them excitedly several times before muttering under his breath, “Damn it!”—to release the pent-up emotion—and then said: “This is by far the most perilous instance I’ve ever faced. To recover from such a dire situation and turn things around? I can’t believe it. Undoubtedly, these are the S-rank talents who have passed two S-level instances—undoubtedly, Yuan Shi Tian Zun himself…” What a performance… The joy on Lili Yuanshang’s face overpowered any lingering gloom as she said: “The teammates I’ve worked with before simply don’t compare.” Yin-Yang Town was the most challenging instance he had ever endured—it differed entirely from all previous instances, both in difficulty and team composition. Li Chunfeng, calm and insightful, excelled at shooting down the deeply mysterious Guan Ya; the queen, strong and capable, led with fire-deity strength—their collective quality vastly surpassed that of earlier Realm Walkers he’d encountered. And then there was Yuan Shi himself—such a star-level presence. The enemies from the Evil Faction were equally formidable. These were true high-caliber players—Elevated Stage-tier players. They had made it through! Truly, truly… Li Xianzong had been killed within the instance—when he returned to reality, how many people would be stunned? It’s so much of a news story—it will surely boost his ranking again. Guan Ya leaned back against the wall, her shoulders relaxing with relief, a subtle smile forming at the corners of her lips. The lean man had simply been as though dreaming—how could he have won such a hard instance? How could this difficult instance be so easily overcome by me? As a person of humble and honest nature, Li Xianzong felt somewhat ashamed—he’d done little himself and even enjoyed some success against the widow Xu. He didn’t feel worthy to complete the instance. Then suddenly, the queen’s breathing quickened: “Excellent rewards! Ah—now I’ll love Yuan Shi Tian Zun forever!” Everyone listened intently, turning their attention to review the task settlements. Guan Ya cast one more glance at this woman. … 【Reward settlement in progress… Obtained item/prop: Clan Command】 【Experience reward: 28%】 【Mainline task completed… Ding! Congratulations on completing a hidden task—rewarding you now…】 【Obtained item/prop: Yin-Yang Robe】 【Experience reward: 30%】 【Hidden task completed… Ding! Congratulations—you’ve been promoted to Rank 3 Night Wandering Deity…】 【Ding! Character card reward activated—reward prop: Persistent Spray】 【Settlement complete! You will exit the Spirit Realm in ten minutes…】 “The Clan Command has finally materialized—I’ll now be able to build my own small team,” Zhang Yuanqing exclaimed with delight. The probability of receiving a Clan Command was relatively low—it required a certain hidden score—and clearly, the intense combat between both teams, coupled with the series of dramatic reversals and his commanding role in turning things around, had earned recognition from the instance itself. For the Demon King’s character card reward, it arrived as expected—still an item—but the name seemed off. Zhang Yuanqing didn’t have time to examine it yet; a warm sensation surged through his brow, and the Black Full Moon mark became clearly visible. A powerful surge of Power of the Moon poured in, entering his body with nearly aggressive intensity—causing intense pain and a deep heat, as though modifying genes and reorganizing life itself. He involuntarily drew himself up, instinctively lowering his gaze—and was startled to see that his body remained still at its original position. Another time of soul departure? His first such occurrence had been right after he became the Level 1 Night Wandering Deity upon completing the She Ling Tunnel. After approximately three minutes, his physical form returned—calming down and settling into place—the powerful surge of Power of the Moon now subdued. As Zhang Yuanqing sensed changes within himself, he opened his attributes panel: 【Name: Yuan Shi Tian Zun】 【Race: Human】 【Profession: Night Wandering Deity】 【Level: 3】 【Skills: Night Wanderer, Spirit Devourer, Power of the Moon, Roar of the Moon, Charm, Spirit Scroll, Divine Journey】 【Experience: 8%】 【Moral Value: 140】 【Reputation Value: 40】 【Spirit Scroll (Active): Unique script of the Night Wandering Deity—can draw talismans and array techniques. Note: Fully completed—capable of drawing and constructing the Yin Corpse Array technique.】 【Divine Journey: The spiritual essence detaches from the physical form for up to twenty minutes.】 “Indeed, the Night Wandering Deity possesses soul detachment ability—given that it’s a specialty area. I never thought it would take until Level 3 to learn all the skills. I’ve finally mastered every skill of the Night Wandering Deity.” After this reflection, Zhang Yuanqing turned to examine the new items when suddenly a crisp sound—a soft *plink*—echoed. The once dull red dancing shoes staggered forward, wobbling in erratic directions—sometimes eastward, sometimes westward—as though intoxicated, uncoordinated and rather foolish. Even now, after all this, they still need me to dance? With the curse effect still active, Zhang Yuanqing froze—the item had turned into a bug—and he gently returned it to his inventory. Then, one by one, he collected the other props—such as the “Artifact of the Observer’s Eye”—and finally settled down to review the new items. 【Name: Clan Command (Pending Activation)】 【Type: Token】 【Function: Establish a clan (upgradable)】 【Description: Level 1 Clan Command allows establishment of a six-person team; enables creation of exclusive instances for that team; provides additional experience rewards—clan leader receives double the standard member reward; enables invitation of teammates at same level to participate in instances; enables opening of Clan Warehouse…】 【Note 1: Exclusive instances for clan members are available upon reaching six members.】 【Note 2: Clan Warehouse (not yet activated)】 【Note 3: The Clan Command is independent of faction—can recruit members from opposing factions.】 【Note 4: Members cannot betray one another or harm each other within the clan.】 “Wow, this item is actually more valuable than a mere prop! For someone with ambition and potential, obtaining this would pave the way to becoming a regional leader—someone like me… “I’ll use it to establish my own small team—ideally an independent group separate from official teams—with primarily wild Realm Walkers as members. This will allow for greater operational flexibility and reduce overlapping networks. So I’ll leave the Five Elements Alliance behind.” Zhang Yuanqing summoned the Clan Command—a bronze-triangular token, inscribed with the characters “Clan” on its front face. Holding it in hand, a blue interface automatically appeared—on which Zhang Yuanqing used his finger as a stylus to input temporary names: 【Chenjiang】 【Ding! Name already taken—please rename.】 【King of Return】 【Ding! Name already taken—please rename.】 【Return of the Fallen】 【Ding! Naming successful—Clan Command activated—Clan Warehouse opened. Note: The Clan Warehouse is not part of the inventory and is linked to the Clan Command. Each member may open it to view items, but must receive approval from the clan leader to retrieve items stored therein.】 Immediately upon this, Zhang Yuanqing checked his attributes panel—he now saw a new entry: 【Clan: Return of the Fallen (Leader)】 Then, with a thought, he opened the Clan Warehouse—and found it contained twenty storage slots—more than those in his personal inventory. “Since the Clan Command is linked to the token and not the character card, I can now place the ‘Artificial Man’—the Rice Person—in the warehouse. That way, it’s no longer mine as a prop—the cost of transformation will be resolved, and it serves as a benefit for all clan members. I can use it whenever needed—this is far better than surrendering it to the organization.” Zhang Yuanqing was thrilled—overjoyed. The “Rice Person” artifact was a powerful cursed item used in battle to counter opponents—it produced remarkable effects. Yet, its price came at an aesthetic cost—the person’s taste gradually shifted toward pigs—initially seeming not too severe; however, over time, the orientation would irreversibly shift—no matter how many times the “Artifact of Purification” was applied. The very essence of human existence—the only purpose in life—would then reduce to simply holding a pig’s rump. What an ordeal! Finally, Zhang Yuanqing retrieved the character card reward: “Persistent Spray.” Its appearance resembled a personal defense spray. After several seconds, its information appeared: 【Name: Persistent Spray】 【Type: Health Supplement】 【Function: Extends duration of time】 【Description: Crafted by a physician—when young, he sold rejuvenating drugs to wealthy gentry and officials for quick profits, receiving high praise; demand was overwhelming. Inspired by this, the physician developed a convenient spray—each use extends effectiveness by two hours—users report long-term usage results in sustained vitality.】 【Note: Have you ever thought about how difficult it is to maintain abstinence? Do you know? So please be serious and use it wisely.】 Oh my goodness! What did I just witness? A truly miraculous item… Zhang Yuanqing stared at the description, speechless—his mind filled with one thought: “Damn—it’s another windfall!” What a blessing for middle-aged men—the cost of one application might reach ten thousand yuan! “The price will likely be habitual use over time.” As Zhang Yuanqing was reflecting on this, he heard a series of hurried footsteps approaching. Turning around, he saw Guan Ya and the others coming toward him. It was now only about three minutes before their return to reality. When they drew near, Zhang Yuanqing surveyed each person’s joyful expressions and smiled: “So it seems you all have excellent rewards.” “Thanks to you!” Li Chunfeng said, his smile unable to stop—it had been so sincere. “My experience has reached 90%—perhaps I’ll be eligible for the mid-year combat instance and aim to reach Sage status. Additionally, I’ve received a decent prop that compensates for my earlier weakness in output.” The queen added with a bright expression: “I also obtained one prop—and my experience is now at 87%. Even among Level 3s, this is solidly mid-to-upper tier. I’d like to participate in the mid-year combat instance too. Oh, Yuan Shi Tian Zun—should you be close to Level 3 by now?” Guan Ya immediately looked over. “I’m already at Level 3—I can attend the mid-year combat instance,” Zhang Yuanqing replied cheerfully. “And what about you, Guan Ya?” “…I’ve also reached Level 3.” Guan Ya stared blankly. What is he doing? Three instances in a row—three consecutive promotions? This is truly exceptional! Ordinary Realm Walkers typically take several instances to reach one level—sometimes even more. This rate of advancement rivals that of the little witch from the family. “You’ve only been a Realm Walker for about a month, haven’t you? That’s probably your third or fourth instance.” The queen said with a slightly open mouth. Zhang Yuanqing turned to the Fire Master and asked: “Why hasn’t he woken up yet?” Lili Yuanshang explained: “He has regained consciousness—but the toxin still paralyzes his nerves; thus, though aware, his body remains unconscious—after returning, he’ll simply sleep for a few days.” Zhang Yuanqing then asked: “How is Guan Ya’s condition?” Upgrades improve physical resilience only—they don’t fully restore recovery. They merely slow the progression of injuries—for example, Zhang Yuanqing himself feels quite weak now—he longs to rest and sleep. Now that he’s remembered to ask about her injury—Guan Ya quietly muttered under her breath, refusing to engage with him. Hmm? Zhang Yuanqing looked at her a few times in surprise. The queen checked the countdown on her panel and quickly said: “Let’s exchange contact information—we’ll be lucky if we can stay together through hardships.” This was the primary method for official Realm Walker development—forming bonds during instances by working alongside teammates. Typically, such competitive instances often fostered deep relationships and mutual trust—if one passes, the likelihood of maintaining contact post-instance is high. Even some Realm Walkers had developed romantic connections—married or became spouses. After exchanging contact information, the countdown expired—and the surrounding landscape began to distort. … The view gradually cleared from hazy to sharp—and Zhang Yuanqing recognized his familiar bedroom and messy bed. The bedside electronic clock displayed: 05:20. It was morning in May—the sky had lightened—outside, birds sang melodiously, and the early-morning voices of elderly and middle-aged neighbors drifted through softly. Peaceful and serene. Standing by the window, Zhang Yuanqing breathed in the cool, damp morning air—he always felt as though he had stepped into a new world every time he returned from the Spirit Realm. “Day has broken—so tired… so sleepy…” Zhang Yuanqing’s eyelids grew heavy—the very cells of his body exhaled contentedly—as if longing to collapse and rest to restore strength and energy. He went back to his desk, tore off a sheet of paper, and wrote quickly: “Today no classes—I stayed up late playing games—had breakfast skipped—please don’t disturb (＾ω＾)” He posted the note on the door and closed the room door, then sent a message to Li Dongze to let him know he had exited the instance—and promptly fell asleep. … The following morning, in an upscale neighborhood near the police station, Li Dongze woke up at his usual time to the call of the alarm clock. He first reached for his smartphone, checking for any missed calls or messages. Indeed! Two unread messages—one from Yuan Shi Tian Zun, the other from Guan Ya. Li Dongze opened the message sent by Yuan Shi Tian Zun at 5:30 a.m.: “Chief, I’ve just exited the instance. A bit tired, so I’m taking a rest now.” Finally out! Ah, what a relief—each time they enter an instance, one feels on edge, more nervous than even when one personally steps into it… Li Dongze murmured under his breath, finally setting his racing heart at ease. Compared to the previous two instances, this time in Yin Yang Town, he felt calmer and more composed. Indeed, Yuan Shi didn’t disappoint. Li Dongze began analyzing mentally: “Yuan Shi’s tone is quite steady; Guan Ya has also exited. The duration of this instance was about five hours—within standard expectations. Yin Yang Town falls within the A-level instances at a moderate to slightly higher difficulty level, primarily involving factional conflicts. Both Yuan Shi and Guan Ya are at Level 2. Therefore, their opponents weren’t particularly strong.” While thinking through these points, he closed the chat window with Yuan Shi Tian Zun and opened Guan Ya’s message, which had been sent just a few minutes earlier. “Chief, I’ve just exited as well. We encountered Li Xianzong during our time in the instance. I sustained some minor injuries and feel quite fatigued—so I’m resting now.” Upon hearing that their opponent was Li Xianzong, Li Dongze instinctively stiffened. His immediate thought: *Oh no—the situation is dire! Yuan Shi and Guan Ya must have perished!* Then it hit him—he had just realized this was after the fact. They had both exited the instance; thus, Li Xianzong was now the one who had been defeated. What in the world? Li Dongze stared blankly at his smartphone, utterly motionless. Who exactly were the teammates they had encountered inside the instance? How could they have eliminated a seasoned Level 2 elevated stage fighter like Li Xianzong? Were these the elite members from Taiyi Gate, official personnel, or perhaps hidden talents from civilian circles? Now—what on earth is he supposed to do with sleep? He should be awake, drafting reports immediately! Li Dongze’s mind was now completely wide awake. His anticipation for their reports grew more intense than ever before. … On the other side, at the villa in Fu Jiawan. At a spacious wooden dining table, Fu Qingyang and Ling Jun were enjoying breakfast under the attentive care of the rabbit-dress attendants. One of the rabbit-dress attendants stepped into the room with an old-style smartphone in her hands, saying: “Master, it’s Miss Guan’s call.” “Oh! So she’s out!” Ling Jun smiled and took a sip of milk. He didn’t really worry about either Guan Ya or Yuan Shi Tian Zun—after all, one was a fighter with exceptional agility, the other intellectually sharp and well-equipped with various props. A challenge like Yin Yang Town wouldn’t likely overwhelm them. Fu Qingyang’s expression softened slightly as he set down his cutlery and took the phone. “Exited?” His tone remained calm, as though this were an ordinary matter. Guan Ya nodded: “I’ve drafted a report—please take a look and decide whether it should be submitted to the Archive. I’m quite exhausted; just don’t call me unless necessary.” She believed that the content of the report was best suited for internal review, not direct sharing with Li Dongze. Moreover, within it lay some personal assessments of Yuan Shi Tian Zun—evaluations reserved only for close confidants. “Understood!” Fu Qingyang gave a slight nod and hung up. He then returned the phone to the rabbit-dress attendant and instructed: “Please bring my Computer over.” Ling Jun put down his cutlery, shedding his casual demeanor and asked: “What does Miss Guan mean?” Fu Qingyang replied calmly: “Once you’ve read the report, you’ll understand.”