In the study, beside Fu Qingyang's large solid wood desk, a massive 30-inch screen glowed. From the speakers mounted on the wall came restrained yet sharply worded arguments.
He was in the middle of a conference call with six participants: besides himself, one elder each from the Hundred Flowers Society, the Water God Palace, the Courtyard, the White Tiger Troops, and the Scarlet Fire Gang.
Who would have thought that an S-rank supernatural realm strategy—the kind that only transcendent-tier cultivators could tackle—would warrant a special meeting among elders?
Keep in mind, elder-level realm walkers are high-level practitioners capable of easily destroying an entire city.
They usually don't involve themselves in mundane affairs and rarely show up in public matters. Only when major events occur or tricky, undecidable problems arise do the elders step in.
Like this strategy for the Jinshui Amusement Park.
"The 6203 realm, if mishandled, could become a second 'She Ling Tunnel' disaster for the Night Wanderers. But while the latter was a trial realm that at worst reduced the number of Night Wanderers born, 6203 would sharply diminish transcendent-tier Night Wanderers. The Taiyi Sect, being close allies of ours, should get the strategy. This is also for the Five Elements Alliance's own benefit," said the Hundred Flowers Society elder.
Within the Five Elements Alliance, the Hundred Flowers Society was closest to the Taiyi Sect. There were marriage ties: the eldest elder's daughter was the Taiyi Sect master's sixth wife, and their child Ling Jun was a Saint-level Wood Demon (Beast King) who apprenticed under the Hundred Flowers Society leader.
"The strategy can be given to the Taiyi Sect, but the terms need adjusting. We want not just money, but also Night Wanderer strategy materials and artifacts. The level of materials and quantity of artifacts still need discussion," said the Courtyard elder.
The Hundred Flowers Society elder's tone hardened: "That would seem like profiteering off the fire and damage our relations."
"I think given the difficulty of realm 6203, asking for more is justified. Honestly, if it were us back then, encountering such a realm would give us headaches too."
Silence filled the virtual meeting room. No one denied the value of this strategy.
After a few seconds, the elder from the Water God Palace spoke in a grim tone:
"According to reports from a water ghost who cleared the Jinshui Amusement Park, only three survived this realm, one of whom is a young girl named Xie Lingxi. She supposedly cleared it alongside that Night Wanderer."
"I've already investigated. She's a legitimate member of the Xie family from Sanzao Province, so the strategy isn't only in our hands."
The White Tiger Troops elder disagreed strongly, voice firm and commanding:
"What the Xie family demands will definitely exceed ours. Besides, in the haunted house section, the true key to clearing the realm is the strategy we hold. I don't think there's any need to debate its value."
"What concerns me more is that the strategy's author clearly warned us that realm 6203 would cause cultivators to kill each other. This hidden mission, as well as the Night Wanderer's fatal stage, make it so."
"If our own people are on that team, they might very well be killed in the ghost bride stage by Taiyi Sect Night Wanderers."
In a realm full of self-destruction, information asymmetry can change the outcome and fate.
Silence returned to the meeting room.
At this moment, Fu Qingyang spoke calmly: "Elders, I have a question."
"Speak."
"Yuanshi, in the strategy, suggested the character assignments are based on human nature. We can refuse to give the strategy to the Taiyi Sect, and only share it among Five Elements Alliance members. But what if those who receive it are assigned to the 'Evil Doers'?"
Fu Qingyang's tone was neither submissive nor aggressive:
"We all know being lawful doesn't mean being good."
The Water God Palace elder's tone darkened:
"You're right. Any other thoughts?"
Fu Qingyang replied lightly:
"Taiyi Sect is allied to the Five Elements Alliance. We should give them the strategy, but modify it—remove the author's speculation, add a randomized character assignment mechanic to mislead readers."
"Then, we must strictly monitor the completion reports. If anyone in the organization, including Taiyi Sect, is assigned as an Evil Doer, they are to be arrested immediately. From another perspective, this is a tool to weed out traitors."
The self-destructive nature of the realm cannot be changed. The strategy must be shared since they're allies. Ideally, the "captain" wins. If an Evil Doer wins, the official organization will avenge and eliminate the threat.
"But this is only a hypothesis."
"So we only arrest based on suspicion."
Seeing no objections, Fu Qingyang continued:
"This incident will surely prompt the Taiyi Sect to try to poach our people. They have abundant Night Wanderer realm strategies and knowledge unmatched by us. I believe we must win hearts and minds. I intend to rule by virtue."
The elders were indifferent to poaching, but this new Night Wanderer was indeed unusual.
The Courtyard elder mused:
"This kid is quite capable—cleared two S-rank realms in a row and will at least become a Saint. Rule by virtue? What do you plan?"
Fu Qingyang said calmly:
"Get the bonus and merits approved quickly."
Silence fell a third time.
The Hundred Flowers Society elder cleared his throat, as if ignoring the "rule by virtue" comment:
"I have intel about that young man. The Taiyi Sect compiled recent changes to realms and found that all vengeful spirits in the instance are assigned the same task by the Lady of Three Mountains—to find a young man."
"The young man's name has four characters. Combining with details from the She Ling Tunnel strategy, it's not hard to deduce that the Lady of Three Mountains is after Yuanshi Tianzun."
"The Lady of Three Mountains is after him?" Fu Qingyang's stern face showed shock.
The elders were also surprised.
The Hundred Flowers Society elder smiled:
"That young man hid something in his She Ling Tunnel report. Taiyi Sect is investigating. They might approach him soon. Keep an eye on this."
"Understood."
...
"Elder Sun is clueless!"
In a private Night Wanderer captain group chat, Yuan Ting lamented angrily.
This group was for Night Wanderers about to enter realms soon, temporarily assembled out of fear over realm changes, to discuss how to face terrifying S and A rank realms.
"No, not really..." several captains replied.
"The Five Elements Alliance and Taiyi Sect are close allies. It wouldn't be hard to get a mission for Jinshui Amusement Park, even if it costs something."
Though that Yuanshi Tianzun was indeed a prodigy with a bright future, the Taiyi Sect was also full of talent—both transcendent and saint-level geniuses.
Besides, since the Five Elements Alliance and Taiyi Sect are allies, by extension, Yuanshi Tianzun could be considered Taiyi Sect's.
Yuan Ting: "You don't know. I heard from Li Dongze that Jinshui Amusement Park is a death sentence for Night Wanderers."
"What?!" the captains were shocked.
Though they might not face Jinshui Amusement Park this time, as long as they remain transcendent, what about next time?
"If it's a death sentence, and that guy is a Night Wanderer, how did he survive?"
"Exactly. All they need is the strategy."
Yuan Ting: "I heard the Five Elements Alliance elders are holding a meeting and don't seem keen on giving the strategy to Taiyi Sect. You know how elder meetings drag on for weeks, but many in this group won't be able to wait that long."
"Wow\... Elder Sun is clueless!"
"Elder Sun really is clueless!"
The captains vented their frustration.
Serious disagreements erupted... Zhang Yuanqing thought briefly, quickly grasping the source of the conflict, then chuckled:
"Who cares? This is a headache for the higher-ups anyway. Just make sure my merits and bonus don't get cut. Squad leader, I've been broke lately."
He had joined the Five Elements Alliance only half a month ago, and the payday hadn't come yet. He was still a poor student.
"Squad leader, I cleared the S-level spirit realm. How about we have a gathering tonight? My treat—but you have to cover first, I'll pay you back after the bonus comes."
Zhang Yuanqing glanced at the expressionless Wang Tai.
"Wang Tai, you're coming too."
"No thanks." Wang Tai shook his head.
"That's not right. You should hang out with everyone, have a meal together, build some rapport, and expand your network. After dinner, I can even take you to a seafood merchant's place to relax."
"I'm socially anxious."
"Social anxiety? Oh my god, that actually exists? What's there to be afraid of? What exactly scares you?"
"I'm scared of people like you."
"..."
At that moment, Li Dongze smiled and said:
"We can eat together, but no need for you to pay. Our second team is hosting an important guest tonight, who specifically requested Wang Tai to receive them. But you all know Wang Tai's personality—he can't handle that kind of occasion alone. So Guan Ya and I decided to accompany him."
"Important guest?" Zhang Yuanqing asked, curious.
Guan Ya took the chance to chime in with a playful smile:
"It's the heiress of a spirit realm family."
Heiress? Zhang Yuanqing immediately grinned and poked Wang Tai's side.
"You don't even have a big nose, and yet you're hooking up with a rich lady."
Wang Tai's face remained expressionless.
"Don't go repeating what the squad leader and Guan Ya said."
He sighed wearily.
"I have no connection with the Xie family from San Zhuang Province. I don't get why their heiress wants to see me."
Guan Ya teased:
"With your forgetful brain, even if there was a connection, you probably forgot it. Anyway, this is a good thing. Wang Tai, work hard—try to become a live-in son-in-law for the Xie family."
"Oh god, what a desirable career path." Li Dongze joked.
Xie family? Zhang Yuanqing's heart skipped a beat. He hurriedly asked:
"What kind of background does the Xie family have?"
When it came to educating the staff, Li Dongze never lagged behind.
"The Xie family, like the Fu family, is a spirit realm lineage. They produce a lot of musicians every year and are quite powerful. The Xie family isn't an official organization, but they are lawful-aligned and maintain close relations with the Five Elements Alliance and Taiyi Sect."
In other words, a quasi-official sect under imperial control... Zhang Yuanqing understood. He thought to himself: The so-called Xie family heiress they're talking about must be some green tea-type who loves pretending to be fragile and pitiful.
The heiress of the Xie family—a semi-official organization—had specifically requested to meet Wang Tai. Given the conditions, it was most likely Xie Lingxi.
That girl actually sought him out?
Zhang Yuanqing frowned, pondering for a moment, then decided to go meet the little green tea.
With her family background, if she wanted to investigate him, she could easily find out about Yuan Shi Tian Zun—or rather, she wouldn't even need to dig deep. A quick look at the Five Elements Alliance's official forum would reveal Wang Tai as an alias for Yuan Shi Tian Zun.
Since he couldn't avoid it, he might as well face it. Besides, the Xie family was somewhat official, much more trustworthy than wild spirit realm wanderers or small private groups.
Also, given his current rank and fame in the organization, there was no need to hide much. Xie Lingxi probably didn't want to harm him anyway.
It was also a chance to test the little green tea's true intentions... Zhang Yuanqing thought.
After working at the office until dusk, the sunset bleeding red across the sky, Zhang Yuanqing sent a text to his aunt, asking her to tell his grandparents that their beloved grandson wouldn't be home for dinner.
Then, he took a business car driven by Li Dongze toward the destination: Huayu Hotel.
"What did you do today to make my mom so mad?" His aunt sent a message along the way, demanding answers.
"Nothing." Zhang Yuanqing replied casually.
"Bullshit. She called your family disgraceful—an honorific title originally meant for my brother."
"Really did nothing. Just had some naughty video sound effects blasting..." Zhang Yuanqing brushed it off casually. "I'm the heir to my uncle's legacy; that title will eventually be passed on. Enough, I'm going to see a pretty girl."
"Pretty girl?" His aunt sent a series of knife emojis dripping with blood.
Huayu Hotel was a five-star venue. Standard rooms started at 1500 yuan, suites over 3000 yuan, with gym, bar, spa, and buffet facilities.
Among the revolving door guests were professionals and glamorous women in tight dresses and heavy makeup.
The top-floor revolving restaurant was booked for the evening. Zhang Yuanqing and the others took the elevator and, guided by staff, arrived at the restaurant entrance.
The waiter opened the door for them. Inside, the spacious, luxurious restaurant was softly lit, the carpet thick and plush. Four pretty female waitresses stood at the sides of the entrance.
By the huge floor-to-ceiling windows stood a young girl, admiring the night draped over Songhai City.
She wore a neat sailor uniform: a black knee-length skirt, white top with a black bow at the collar, long silky black hair draping over her shoulders. Soft light from the ceiling illuminated her face, smooth as jade, fresh and ethereal.
Pure, obedient, and charming, she embodied every beautiful aspect of youth.
Hearing the door open, the girl turned and brightened instantly, her face blooming with a radiant smile.
She happily ran forward, calling out:
"Brother Wang Tai~"
Li Dongze raised his brow, looking at Wang Tai in surprise.
He had to rethink Wang Tai's relationship with the Xie heiress—turns out his subordinate was a master at hidden romances.
Guan Ya let out a playful "Wow" and gave Wang Tai a teasing sideways glance, lowering her voice:
"Underestimate you no more, Xie family live-in son-in-law."
Wang Tai looked utterly bewildered, completely lost in the situation.
At that moment, the Xie heiress ignored Wang Tai, stopping in front of Zhang Yuanqing, tugging on his shirt hem sweetly and calling out:
"I found you, Brother Wang Tai."