"Another one has gone…"
Kou Beiyue shrugged, saying: "This guy is so mysterious. I don't know him well at all. Last time, when I was eating a sour-soup ramen outside a convenience store, he suddenly showed up and asked to take me back north..."
Zhang Yuanqing listened intently as the other recounted the details of how she met the Deity with the Divine Eye, suddenly realizing that this seemingly reserved young man is actually quite talkative.
After listening carefully, Zhang Yuanqing commented: "You truly have courage."
Upon hearing this, Kou Beiyue lifted her chin, pride shining beneath her words: "I know he's strong—probably an Enchantment Demon at the Sage level. But my belief has always been that a powerful person may inspire fear in me, but never make me surrender."
Zhang Yuanqing glanced at her: "I mean specifically about your experience eating ramen at the convenience store. You've shown real courage. I recommend you start taking Dacnol cream regularly."
...Kou Beiyue's proud expression froze on her face.
Zhang Yuanqing then asked: "You were interrupted earlier—continue now. After becoming an Enchantment Demon, haven’t you investigated who killed your sister? Can you tell me more?"
The sense of resentment returned to Kou Beiyue’s face:
"The man is Chijue An, a member of the Department at Shakou District, holding the rank of Level 4 Fire Master. I understand that he was assigned by the Zhu family—among the three major families—to serve in the Five Elements Alliance. Originally, he was an alimony husband from the Zhu household; after his divorce, he joined the Five Elements Alliance..."
Zhang Yuanqing listened quietly and gained a preliminary understanding of the official member who had just clashed with her.
Kou Beiyue stopped speaking.
"What comes next?" Zhang Yuanqing asked.
"What next?" the proud young man replied.
"Why would Chijue An kill your sister? From the condition she was in before dying, it seemed clear that she had been detained, abused, and even sexually assaulted. For a high-ranking official member of the organization, such actions seem rather unreasonable. I can't think of any motive that would justify such behavior. What exactly happened to her just before her disappearance? And where has she been held since then? Have you investigated these points?"
Kou Beiyue shook her head.
...Zhang Yuanqing couldn’t believe it: "You've only uncovered Chijue An’s background over the past two years?"
Noticing the unusual gaze, Kou Beiyue defended herself:
"I'm not an official member—so I lack access to information channels. I haven't learned any of the formal procedures, and my strength lies primarily in fighting. Also, as an Enchantment Demon, I don’t possess these investigative skills."
"Moreover, Chijue An is part of the official organization. He's consistently hiding the facts. If I can’t uncover anything, isn’t that entirely normal?"
Could it be you who are slow-witted? Zhang Yuanqing pondered: "What if you’ve been quietly influencing the security officers at the Office of Order and Safety—having them conduct investigations on your behalf?"
"!!!” Kou Beiyue paused for a moment before trying to explain:
"The Master of Unseen Footprints has established rules that no one’s abilities can be used against ordinary people. Should something come to light, and someone is eliminated, wouldn't that harm the innocent?"
Unbelievable—helping someone in distress now brings more complications. To report it to the Hundred-Man Commander… Zhang Yuanqing said:
"What are your next plans? I strongly suggest you inform Xiao Yuan about being marked, because that person can monitor your location in real time."
At this moment, Kou Beiyue’s smartphone rang. Seeing it was a call from Xiao Yuan, she beamed with delight before answering the phone with an air of forced patience:
"What is it now, Xiao Yuan? I'm so tired—I'm going to rest and will talk about being angry later."
"No need to come!" Xiao Yuan replied calmly:
"You’ve been officially expelled from the team. You won’t have to come anymore."
Kou Beiyue’s expression instantly stiffened; her face grew pale. Taking a deep breath, she said with a cold smile:
"I’m not going—I've always lived independently. When you used to do so little interference back then, I thought I could thrive on my own. Now, who would want to come to that broken-down hotel? I'm hanging up!"
Kou Beiyue sank down onto the floor, gritting her teeth, determined yet filled with sadness and loneliness—like a dog abandoned.
...
At the Unseen Hotel, Xiao Yuan hung up the phone and placed her smartphone on the bedside table. Gently pressing her forehead, she muttered:
"Finally, someone has stepped in to handle that matter."
She combed her long hair and curled into the bed, settling comfortably for sleep.
...
"Alright—no need to mention the marking issue anymore," Zhang Yuanqing said:
"I’ll show you a clear path forward. If you’d like to seek justice, I recommend filing a complaint against that 'neurotic' official member. With your personal testimony, he should respond."
"My own affairs don’t require anyone else's help. He helped me—he offered to take me back north. But I’m not interested in going north." Kou Beiyue said with a sniff:
"I'm not fond of northern weather—I’d rather feel cold in the winter months down south."
Zhang Yuanqing nodded: "Then let me organize things accordingly. Official Pilgrims who harm ordinary citizens are guilty of serious offenses. As a Night Wandering Deity from Taiyi Gate, I have the authority to investigate this matter."
Kou Beiyue raised an eyebrow—surprised: "Are you going to help me?"
"Not exactly helping—you're fulfilling your duties and earning your salary. That’s simply what one should do." Zhang Yuanqing opened her inventory and summoned the Artifact.
"Before that, I’d like to purify the marks inside your body. This item possesses purification power. The cost is a sacrifice of your vital essence—just make a cut on your thigh."
After saying this, she tossed the artifact over.
Kou Beiyue received the bronze staff, hesitated only slightly before stabbing it deeply into her thigh with full force.
The blood streamed out like it absorbed by a sponge—the moment after, a bright, clear golden light burst forth, enveloping the young man.
Drenched in this radiant glow, Kou Beiyue felt warmth spreading through her. Her suppressed emotions of frustration, anger, and helplessness began to dissipate; her thoughts became clearer and more expansive.
Could it be that the artifact also purifies emotions? While examining the item details, she groaned:
"Good item—though the price is quite high. Not ideal for use during combat—it really hurts..."
No, you're simply too earnest—you didn’t ask me to make a deep cut; you only asked for one stab! You’re an idiot... Zhang Yuanqing nodded calmly, maintaining her composed demeanor:
"Return the item to me."
Without hesitation, Kou Beiyue tossed the artifact back.
As she took it, Zhang Yuanqing glanced toward her inventory, just as she was about to withdraw the item. Then a thought struck her—what if I were the Deity of the Divine Eye? Would I not have taken the opportunity to mark one of the captain-level official Pilgrims from Taiyi Gate’s Night Wandering Deities during our meeting?
Although this young man claims to value evidence, after all, the Evil Organization is inherently opposed to the Orderly Faction. To place a marker on a Captain-level official and maintain real-time location tracking—what could be more advantageous?
Thus, Zhang Yuanqing grasped the artifact again, gently piercing her thigh skin.
The Artifact automatically absorbed her vital essence and transmitted it to the Divine Power of the Sun God, cleansing all external influences within her body.
Kou Beiyue looked at the small wound on the young man’s leg, then compared it with her own near-bone injury, murmuring:
"How didn’t you say that earlier?"
Zhang Yuanqing smiled slightly: "I never thought you’d be so self-sacrificing. Now, hurry—our act of purification should already have been sensed by the others."
...
On a rooftop far from Kangyang District, the Deity of the Divine Eye was scanning the area with his magical sight when he suddenly exclaimed, “Ah!”
He tilted his head toward the direction of his arrival.
"My marking has been purified? A Level 3 Night Wandering Deity could achieve such skill?"
Closing his vertical eyes and adjusting his headband, the Deity dialed a subordinate's number.
"Please check whether the captain from Taiyi Gate stationed at Kangyang District is named Yuan Ting. Send me all relevant documents once you've gathered them."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
"How is the collection of information about Yuan Shi Tian Zun progressing? Have any criminal allegations been submitted by the black market vendors?"
"No reports either regarding members of Zhishake Palace or any crimes committed by Yuan Shi Tian Zun."
Finding people is difficult—especially among Spirit Realm Pilgrims. This outcome isn’t surprising, remarked the Deity.
"Is Yuan Shi Tian Zun truly a paragon of virtue?" asked the subordinate.
"Well, Your Majesty," said the subordinate, "based on the available data, I believe perhaps he simply hasn't had time to commit any crimes yet."
After all, Yuan Shi Tian Zun joined the official organization only two months ago.
...
At a quick-service hotel in Kangyang District, Zhang Yuanqing stood at the end of the corridor and dialed Fu Qingyang's number.
"It’s 1:30 a.m. now—calling me this late suggests something significant," said Fu Qingyang with his coldly detached tone.
"Yes—it is indeed an important matter."
Zhang Yuanqing immediately reported to Captain Fu Qingyang about Kou Beiyue's conflict with Chijue An.
"An investigation of the official member requires approval from the Elders. Since Chijue An serves at the Shakou District office and isn’t a direct subordinate of Dog Elder, he won't be involved," Fu Qingyang explained:
"If you wish to intervene, gather evidence and file a formal complaint with the senior leadership."
"I understand, Captain. Do you have any further recommendations?"
He wanted to hear Fu Qingyang’s perspective.
Fu Qingyang responded gently: "It's good having a sense of justice. But right now, you should avoid public activities—investigating an official-level Pilgrim is significant. If it becomes public, the Deity of the Divine Eye will surely notice. My suggestion is simply to wait and watch."
"I can easily disguise myself and conduct undercover investigations," Zhang Yuanqing replied.
"Secondly, I just met with the Deity of the Divine Eye."
"Do you mean you’ve actually seen the Deity?" Fu Qingyang’s tone deepened.
Zhang Yuanqing recounted the entire meeting.
Fu Qingyang remained silent for a while before analyzing:
"Utan is well known within Taiyi Gate. If the Deity wishes to investigate, he’ll quickly discover U Tan's presence in the Capital City—so it’s impossible for him to meet you in Songhai. However, it's unlikely that he will immediately connect your identity with Yuan Shi Tian Zun."
"You may continue to remain under the radar. No need to participate directly. The senior Elders at the branch office are expected to take action soon. Nevertheless, he is exceptionally cautious—finding him might prove difficult."
Zhang Yuanqing quickly responded: "I have a close friend of the Deity’s—I can use mobile location tracking to locate him."
"A close friend? You’ve actually added him as a contact?" Fu Qingyang was startled before coldly adding:
"Stupid! How could he have added you as a friend when he knows you’re part of the official Night Wandering Deities? That alone is telling!"
"That's true—I simply overlooked that point."
Fu Qingyang nodded briefly: "Also, I'll be holding an online meeting with the White Guard soon to announce my plan to recruit you. Once all members approve, I’ll send you a formal recruitment notice."
So it will have to wait a few days, Captain. I’m already impatient for that house of millions! Zhang Yuanqing said.
"Agreed!"
The two hung up.
Immediately after, Zhang Yuanqing entered her room and exchanged contact details with Kou Beiyue—recognizing that if she were conducting an undercover investigation, assistance might be needed—so she arranged for Kou Beiyue to stay at the hotel until further notice.
...
That morning, after breakfast, Zhang Yuanqing watched his aunt leave for work, informed his grandmother that he wouldn’t have class today, and then returned to her bedroom with a sense of contentment.
During this time, not having to go into the office and seeing neither Lao Si Ji nor Li Dongze, he had been feeling restless. Now, with nothing else to do, he decided it was the perfect opportunity to investigate Chijue An's background.
However, before that—she first invited Xiao Yuan to join her faction so that the matter could be settled officially.
Zhang Yuanqing opened the warehouse of her faction and clicked the search button in the upper right corner. Using a stylus, she typed: Xiao Yuan.
Sent the recruitment command.
A few minutes later, the Spirit Realm system announced:
"Beep—Xiao Yuan has successfully joined your faction."
Actually, bringing Guan Ya into the fold would also be beneficial—along with the Master of Zhishake Palace—that way, my entire faction will be filled with elegant ladies. I’ll lead this group of beauties and gain renown throughout the land..." Zhang Yuanqing sent a message to Xiao Yuan:
"I’ve arranged everything for Kou Beiyue. I'll begin investigating her matter."
Xiao Yuan responded with a simple "Hm."
I suspect she'd rather see me take over Kou Beiyue’s case... Zhang Yuanqing typed another message:
"I also have something I’d like to entrust to Xiao Yuan, Aunt."
"What is it?" Xiao Yuan asked.
"I wish to hunt down and kill an Enchantment Demon at Level 3, transforming him into a Yin Corpse. As you know, the Evil Organization functions much like mice living in a stinky sewer—finding them has been difficult."
"Ah—you mean another mouse from that stinking sewer?" Xiao Yuan replied.
"Oh, don’t underestimate yourself!" Zhang Yuanqing said.
"Hmm—let’s see." Xiao Yuan responded.
Just as she was speaking, a new message arrived on her smartphone—one from Xie Lingxi.
"To Yuan Shi Brother—we’ve acquired new members! Who is Xiao Yuan? A magical girl?"
Xie Lingxi, one of the members of the faction, had also received the spirit realm notification.
No—she’s a magic aunt! Zhang Yuanqing typed:
“You’ve seen her.”
Xie Lingxi: “Hmm? But I don’t know her at all. I haven’t even heard of this name.”
He replied to Xiao Yuan with a simple “Thank you,” ended the chat, and then responded to Xiao Linzhi: “The front desk at Wuyan Hotel.”
“Ah?! How did you bring in Evil Organization into the gang? That’s not good. That lady seems so stern—does she really belong here? Is she trustworthy?”
Xie Lingxi’s impression of Xiao Yuan remained unchanged from their first meeting: a beautiful, elegant woman with a cold and sharp temperament.
“Don’t worry,” Zhang Yuanqing reassured Xiao Linzhi, “she’s a fellow companion who feels deeply ashamed to be a father—her character is solid.”
Unexpectedly, Zhang Yuanqing received a phone call from his Mother.
Who? Zhang Yuanqing paused, quickly answered the call, and chuckled:
“With such an overwhelming schedule, you’ve managed to find time to call me—did you just step out of meetings? Step away from business?”
His mother seemed not to catch the sarcasm, simply saying:
“I’ve reached out to that business partner you mentioned. He’s available today—we can arrange a meeting.”
…