Guan Ya's spinning pen stopped abruptly, her gaze filled with profound meaning as she looked at him.
"Why are you asking this? The Xiahou Family won't trouble you again. You don't need to worry. In fact, other factions within the Xiahou Family might even want to celebrate with you."
Zhang Yuanqing returned her meaningful look. "I just want to know."
After a moment's hesitation, Guan Ya lowered her voice. "Come with me."
She rose from her office chair, her heels clicking against the floor as she walked toward the restroom.
Huh? We're going to talk in the restroom? Wouldn't it be better to go downstairs? Zhang Yuanqing glanced at Wang Tai, who was absorbed in his work, and quickly followed the Veteran Driver.
The two entered the restroom, Zhang Yuanqing closing the door behind them.
Guan Ya crossed her arms. "The Old Ancestors of the current Spirit Realm Families, including the five Alliance Leaders of The Officials, were all among the first Spirit Realm Walkers. Oh, except for our White Tiger Corps' Marshal. The first Spirit Realm Walkers emerged during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic era."
Zhang Yuanqing's expression shifted dramatically.
After a long silence, he rubbed his temples. "So that's how it is..."
Guan Ya's answer finally resolved a question that had been troubling him for a long time.
Spirit Realm Walkers haven't existed since ancient times. Character Cards only appeared in modern times. This means that if the various classes existed in ancient times, their methods of advancement would indeed have relied on breathing exercises and cultivation practices.
The contents of the Mountain God Temple's notes and the Yin-Yang Wanderer's Cultivation Chronicle aren't fictional lore created by the Spirit Realm; ancient people truly practiced cultivation in this way.
The possibility that the Old Hag and the Yin-Yang Wanderer were real historical figures has greatly increased.
Moreover, this neatly explains the advanced concept of Character Cards. It even suggests that the Spirit Realm might undergo version updates.
The initial version likely had fewer attributes.
Guan Ya studied him, smiling.
"This matter is classified. The Officials publicly claim that the Spirit Realm has existed since ancient times. I only learned these secrets through my family connections. Normally, I wouldn't be allowed to tell you, so remember to keep it confidential."
Zhang Yuanqing quickly replied, "Thank you for your trust, Sister Guan Ya. From now on, I'll be your devoted follower."
Her meaning was clear: We're close, that's why I'm telling you.
Guan Ya chuckled. "How devoted?"
I can start right now, Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself.
Guan Ya slammed on the brakes, her smile vanishing as she turned serious. "Have you noticed something?"
"Don't you find the existence of Morality Values deeply illogical?" Zhang Yuanqing murmured. "The essence of this world is survival of the fittest. Throughout history, humanity has formed tribes, dynasties, and regimes, each establishing its own order. But at their core, these systems always prioritize the strong."
"Because these organizations are powerful enough to dictate the rules, Morality Values are merely a part of that framework. This implies that there must be even stronger entities at the top. Therefore, the Spirit Realm isn't some supernatural phenomenon—it's a man-made creation."
Guan Ya scrutinized him intently, her gaze carrying a woman's admiration for a man.
"Impressive," she said. "You've only been a Spirit Realm Walker for less than two months, yet you've already grasped this fundamental truth. Most people wouldn't bother pondering such abstract matters, and even if they did, they wouldn't delve deeper. They'd simply drift along, content to go with the flow."
Zhang Yuanqing then shared with Guan Ya the contents of Sandaoshan's notes and the Yin-Yang Wanderer's Cultivation Chronicle.
Guan Ya frowned deeply. "I've never heard of these before, but they make perfect sense. Hmm, what do you think 'the heavens and earth are changing' means?"
Zhang Yuanqing shook his head. "Sister Guan Ya, why are you suddenly acting clueless? This question is far too profound. Even the Yin-Yang Wanderer, who lived during that era, couldn't understand it. How could I possibly know?"
Guan Ya snapped, "What's wrong with being brainless? Got a problem with that?"
"Brains are useful, but with a chest like yours, you don't really need one," Zhang Yuanqing retorted. "Being beautiful and brainless is even better, right?"
Guan Ya rolled her eyes and huffed, "I'll take that as a compliment. My point is, if the world changed and cultivation limits were lowered, why can we suddenly cultivate again now?"
"Because the Spirit Realm appeared," Zhang Yuanqing immediately replied.
Guan Ya nodded. "Then how did the Spirit Realm come into being? Hmm, this is a deeper question, but we can still deduce some things. For example, who created the Spirit Realm? How was it created? And what was the purpose behind its creation?"
The Veteran Driver's three questions plunged Zhang Yuanqing into deep thought.
After about ten seconds, he slowly said:
"First, the Spirit Realm definitely wasn't created by anyone from the Ming Dynasty. If they had such power, they wouldn't have been limited by the Era of Dharma Decline."
The Yin-Yang Wanderer's cultivation level was already considered top-tier for his time, yet even he sighed, "Alas, woe is me."
And even hidden masters like the Old Hag, who concealed their true strength, were absorbed into the Spirit Realm. The implications were terrifying.
"The Era of Dharma Decline?" Guan Ya paused, surprised. "That's a good way to put it."
"Oh, I read it in a web novel," Zhang Yuanqing continued, analyzing the situation. "I think instead of focusing on how the Spirit Realm was created, we should consider how that entity reversed the Era of Dharma Decline. Sister Guan Ya, do you think the Era of Dharma Decline might be connected to that entity?"
"Go on," Guan Ya urged.
"As for the purpose of creating the Spirit Realm, I have two ideas. First, we could study the Spirit Realm Walkers themselves. Second, we could decipher and research the Spirit Realm itself." Zhang Yuanqing elaborated, delving deeper into his theory:
"For example, what common traits, shared goals, or missions do Spirit Realm Walkers have? There must be a purpose behind creating them, right? My theory is... factional conflict."
Guan Ya narrowed her eyes. "Why do you think that?"
"Because in ancient times, the Orderly and Evil Factions didn't seem to have mandatory killing missions. Instead, Orderly Class members often intervened to punish evil out of moral outrage. But among Spirit Realm Walkers, factional conflict comes with Reputation and Morality Value rewards. Even Instances feature factional conflict, and the latter is often mandatory. Of course, this is just my speculation, without concrete evidence."
"You know quite a bit, kid. Did you learn all this from the Jiazi Cultivation Chronicle?"
"Sister Guan Ya, you're too sharp to fool. I'll move on to my second point: deciphering the Spirit Realm. Everything I know comes from the Spirit Realm itself. The Instances provide subtle clues, and the Item descriptions often mention an 'indescribable entity,' a 'supreme and transcendent being,' and so on. It's almost as if the Spirit Realm doesn't mind us trying to understand it."
Guan Ya nodded slightly. "Remember what Li Chunfeng said? The Instances for the Transcendent Phase are set in modern and Ming Dynasty backgrounds."
This implied that the Saint Stage and Sovereign Stage would feature other historical settings. What hidden information might lie within the Spirit Realm's more ancient Instances?
Zhang Yuanqing couldn't speculate on that, but he suddenly understood Guan Ya's meaning, and his heart skipped a beat.
"You mean the Five Elements Alliance's higher-ups might have already cracked the Spirit Realm's secrets?"
Guan Ya smiled. "At least they know more than we do."
Seeing the conversation winding down, she adopted a stern expression. "Keep all this to yourself. Don't tell anyone, not even the Chief."
After Zhang Yuanqing nodded, she grinned. "Good boy. Oh, I was just chatting with the Queen, and she told me something interesting."
"Something interesting?"
"A while ago, Elder Sun had Yuan Ting arrested. Ever since then, few dared to call Elder Sun 'senile' on the Taiyi Sect's forums or chat groups. But starting yesterday, that joke has been resurrected," Guan Ya said with a laugh as she walked out.
"This time, even Elder Sun probably can't suppress it. Your killing of Li Xianzong in the Instance had too great an impact."
Zhang Yuanqing: "..."
In the office area, Li Dongze emerged from his office, peered around, and, not seeing Guan Ya, asked, "Where's Primordial? Wang Tai, where did Guan Ya go?"
Wang Tai didn't even look up as he replied calmly, "The two of them sneaked off to the restroom."
"What?" Li Dongze thought he'd misheard.
Wang Tai repeated, "The two of them sneaked off to the restroom. They've been there for over ten minutes."
"Oh, my God! Those two..."
When did they get together? Was it the shared hardship in Yin-Yang Town that broke through the shackles of feudal propriety?
Just then, the restroom door opened, and Guan Ya and Zhang Yuanqing emerged one after the other.
"Chief!" Zhang Yuanqing greeted, raising his hand.
Li Dongze leaned on his cane and said gravely, "Centurion Fu just informed me that if you arrive, you must immediately go to Fu Family Bay."
"The Centurion wants to see me?" Zhang Yuanqing responded with an "Oh." "Should I go now?"
Li Dongze nodded slightly, glanced at Guan Ya as she returned to her seat, then turned back to Zhang Yuanqing and said slowly, "Our work here is usually quite flexible. As long as there are no emergencies, we can afford to be a bit lax. Time is never an issue. The hotel is right outside the Public Security Bureau, so please don't let this happen again."
With that, he picked up his cane and strode back to his office.
Huh? What was he talking about? Zhang Yuanqing looked utterly bewildered.
Capital City.
Courtyard House, beneath the shade of a locust tree.
Elder Sun lay in a rocking chair, enjoying the cool breeze as the tree's shadow swayed gently.
The rustling leaves of the locust tree carried the clear voices of children: "Grandpa, Grandpa~"
Footsteps echoed from outside the courtyard, and the cheerful chatter immediately ceased.
A middle-aged man in black crossed the threshold and entered the courtyard, stopping before the rocking chair. He bowed respectfully and said, "Elder Sun, Yuan Ting has completed his ten days at the Training Camp. He now understands his mistakes."
Elder Sun fanned himself with a palm-leaf fan and nodded slightly. "How has Yuan Ting's cultivation progressed?"
"His abilities have improved significantly across all areas," the man replied. "He may even be ready to participate in the Slaughter Instance in June."
"Excellent!" Elder Sun narrowed his eyes slightly. "Sending him to the Training Camp was to cultivate his potential."
The middle-aged man immediately replied, "Elder Sun's intentions are truly commendable."
"Ten days have passed," Elder Sun said. "Let Yuan Ting return. By the way, has anyone dared to mock me these past few days?"
Elder Sun had initially been quite concerned about this matter. However, after the video of Yuan Ting's grueling training in the Training Camp served as a warning, no one in the Taiyi Sect dared to ridicule him. Gradually, Elder Sun stopped paying attention, though he still asked out of habit.
"Well..." The middle-aged man in black hesitated.
Elder Sun's eyes snapped open, his languid posture vanishing as his gaze sharpened. He sneered, "Oh? Another audacious whelp daring to mock me?"
"Everyone is mocking you," the middle-aged man said. "The old rumors have resurfaced."
"..."
Elder Sun shot to his feet, his rocking chair creaking violently. Shock and fury surged through him. "What's going on?"
"It's like this," the middle-aged man explained. "The Primordial Heavenly Venerable entered Yin-Yang Town the day before yesterday and encountered Li Xianzong in an Instance." He recounted their entire history of conflict to Elder Sun.
Finally, he concluded, "Our colleagues in the sect believe the Primordial Heavenly Venerable is a rare genius, possibly the next Fu Qingyang. Therefore..."
Therefore, Elder Sun, you've been a fool!
Elder Sun, a Sovereign himself, would normally pay no attention to the squabbles of two juniors. But now, listening in stunned silence, he thought, Have all my efforts these past few days been for nothing?
"Damn it!" Elder Sun slammed his fist on the rocking chair armrest, roaring, "Keep Yuan Ting for another ten days! Double his training intensity and post a video of his progress to the forum daily. After that, anyone who dares to criticize me will face my wrath!"
The middle-aged man bowed and retreated.
Fu Family Bay, the study of a villa.
Fu Qingyang, his features sharp as carved stone, sat behind his desk in a white suit, gazing at his trusted subordinate.
"You've reached Level 3 now, making you eligible for promotion to Captain. Currently, there are no Captain positions available in Kangyang District, so by protocol, you'd have to wait. But you're different from the others. Elder Miao has agreed to establish a new official team for you.
"You may freely choose one subordinate. The remaining members will be your responsibility to recruit."
Zhang Yuanqing immediately declared, "I want Guan Ya."
Fu Qingyang's eyebrow twitched, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes. "Oh? Why Guan Ya?"
Because she's capable and efficient, of course! Zhang Yuanqing thought wryly. What, do you think I'm trying to become your brother-in-law? Aloud, he said:
"Centurion, do you think there's a chance that after June, I'll be promoted to Deacon? If that happens, you could just hand over Second Team to me."
Fu Qingyang smiled, a rare sight. "I was thinking the same thing. Let's wait until you clear the Slaughter Instance and advance to Saint. By then, as an Elder, I can appoint you as the Kangyang District Deacon, taking my current position."
"Huh?" Zhang Yuanqing froze, nearly speechless.
Did you get the wrong script? he thought. Shouldn't you be rolling your eyes and warning me not to aim too high?
Fu Qingyang glanced at him and said calmly, "You're a talent I admire. I admit you could rival my younger self. For geniuses like us, what's impossible?"
I was wrong. Compared to you, I'm practically humble! Zhang Yuanqing exclaimed loudly, "Centurion is right, but I think Centurion is wrong."
Fu Qingyang frowned. "Where am I wrong?"
"I still believe I'm far behind Centurion. It should be, 'a genius who nearly rivals Centurion.'"
Fu Qingyang chuckled. "Let's set that aside for now. There's another matter. The Tiger Tally arrived in Songhai yesterday. The Grand Inspection begins today, with each district being inspected in turn. Kangyang District's turn is the day after tomorrow."
The Grand Inspection is finally here! Zhang Yuanqing's heart instinctively tightened.
"Understood!"
Fu Qingyang nodded. "Go back and rest well these next two days."
After Zhang Yuanqing left, Ling Jun knocked on the study door. The son of the Taiyi Sect Lord entered, wearing flip-flops, loose capri pants, and disheveled hair, exuding a casual air.
"Elder Sun contacted me earlier. He asked me to remind you to question Primordial during the Grand Inspection about whether he's truly the Successor of the Demon Lord," Ling Jun said, selecting a bottle of wine from the cabinet.
"It's best to thoroughly investigate such a talented individual multiple times. Heh, no one can lie under the Tiger Tally. If he passes this inspection, he'll completely sever ties with the Demon Lord."
Fu Qingyang pondered briefly before nodding slightly. "Very well."
Outside Fu Family Bay, Zhang Yuanqing walked slowly along the street, his brow furrowed.
My only remaining secret is being the Successor of the Demon Lord. I've already confessed about the Red Dancing Shoes, Demon Subduing Pestle, and everything else. The only complication is my connection to Auntie Xiao Yuan—that could be tricky.
"Contact with Evil Classes is considered a serious offense within the Five Elements Alliance. Even without deep involvement or financial or sexual transactions, it's still a grave matter—a violation of personal conduct."
"The most troublesome issue is the Successor of the Demon Lord. To this day, I still don't know the Taiyi Sect's and the Five Elements Alliance's stance on him. But one thing is certain: the demon lord's influence is too vast. If The Officials are hostile toward his successor, my Merit Points likely won't be enough to protect me."
After all, the demon lord had already touched upon the deepest secrets of the Spirit Realm.
"If The Officials were friendly toward the Successor of the Demon Lord, their attitude wouldn't be so ambiguous. Sigh, this is a real headache!"
"Actually, the Grand Inspection has its benefits. It might finally reveal the cause of my persistent headaches. Normal medical methods have failed, but perhaps the techniques of Spirit Realm Walkers can uncover the root cause."
His strange illness was a source of anxiety for his entire family and had haunted him like a nightmare for years.
After a moment's thought, Zhang Yuanqing pulled out his phone, used the anonymous SIM card, and dialed Auntie Xiao Yuan's number.
When in doubt, consult a senior.
He also planned to ask Xiao Yuan if she wanted to join his faction.