"I saw the informant inside the rampant spirit — but that was a spirit servant..."
Zhang Yuanqing recounted the entire process of the spirit inquiry to Fu Qingyang in detail.
The centurion with a chiseled, handsome face frowned deeper and deeper, his expression growing increasingly serious.
When Zhang Yuanqing finished, he looked toward that strikingly handsome face and asked,
"Centurion, have you heard of the Night Rose?"
Fu Qingyang shook his head. "I haven't. There are only two possibilities: either the Night Rose is an obscure, grassroots organization, or my clearance level is insufficient to know about them. But any organization that cooperates with Black Wuchang and makes him wary cannot be unknown."
In other words, the secrecy level of the Night Rose is so high that even Fu Qingyang, a centurion, doesn't know about it? Zhang Yuanqing fell into thought.
Fu Qingyang glanced at him. "What do you think about this? I'd like to hear your opinion."
Zhang Yuanqing hesitated, then said, "Could you help me unlock these handcuffs first?"
Fu Qingyang was momentarily surprised. "Sorry!"
He went behind the high-backed chair and released Zhang Yuanqing's restraints.
Zhang Yuanqing flexed his wrists and said, "First, from this memory, we can confirm why Black Wuchang is hiding in Songhai — he's waiting for the Night Rose's leader. But because they lack trust, they haven't met yet. For us, this is an opportunity."
Fu Qingyang hummed in agreement. "What do you think Black Wuchang and the Night Rose are plotting?"
How would I know? Probably world destruction, right? Zhang Yuanqing silently joked to himself, then a detail from the memory struck him. He slowly said,
"For the Fallen Holy Grail..."
The rampant spirit advised Black Wuchang to meet the Night Rose leader soon — because controlling the Fallen Holy Grail was the key.
Fu Qingyang nodded with satisfaction.
"But isn't that rule-based artifact supposed to be in Black Wuchang's hands? Why would the Night Rose care?" Zhang Yuanqing was puzzled.
"I don't know, but did you notice how the rampant spirit persuaded Black Wuchang?"
"To meet the Night Rose leader and then control the Fallen Holy Grail... Wait, so Black Wuchang doesn't actually control the Fallen Holy Grail?"
"Exactly. But theoretically, that shouldn't be possible. Once an artifact is stored in one's inventory, it automatically acknowledges its master — including rule-based artifacts. So why hasn't Black Wuchang gained control over the Fallen Holy Grail?"
This... Zhang Yuanqing frowned and pondered for a moment, then a flash of insight came:
"Is it possible the Fallen Holy Grail has some problem? Although he obtained it, he can't control it."
Fu Qingyang nodded. "If we take that as a starting point, we can infer the Night Rose's leader has a way to fix it."
"Exactly. That explains why Black Wuchang hasn't fled after obtaining the Grail. Instead, he hides in Songhai. Without resolving the Fallen Holy Grail's issue, he can't claim the Phantom Eye Inquisitor's legacy. Rule-based artifacts are indeed more valuable than life itself," Zhang Yuanqing explained.
"So the plot is getting clearer. The Phantom Eye Inquisitor died mysteriously; Black Wuchang got the Fallen Holy Grail, but something's wrong with it, so he can't control it. Forced to cooperate with the Night Rose, both sides arranged to meet in Songhai. But due to distrust, they are probing each other," Fu Qingyang articulated crisply.
"To understand the Fallen Holy Grail's condition, we need to investigate the Phantom Eye Inquisitor's death. And his death is linked to the Demon Lord, hmm, presumably..."
Linked to the Demon Lord... The Demon Lord's heir suddenly felt guilty and incredibly curious.
The Demon Lord and the Phantom Eye Inquisitor died around the same time. Bing Ge predicted — no, was certain the Phantom Eye Inquisitor's death was not caused by the Demon Lord. Did Bing Ge witness it?
Yes, Bing Ge must have witnessed it — that's why he got the Demon Lord's role card and is so sure of the Phantom Eye Inquisitor's death.
Zhang Yuanqing took a deep breath. "I have a thought: Could the Demon Lord have killed the Phantom Eye Inquisitor? Or maybe they died together."
Fu Qingyang seemed inspired, urging, "Good line of thought, keep going."
Zhang Yuanqing nodded:
"In the rampant spirit's memory, the Night Rose member sent spirit servants to meet him — indicating they are a Night Wanderer. The Demon Lord is also a Night Wanderer. Coincidence?"
"No coincidence!" Fu Qingyang shook his head firmly.
"The Fallen Holy Grail has problems because of the Demon Lord, and only a Night Wanderer can handle this. The largest Night Wanderer sect is Taiyi Sect, but obviously, they wouldn't cooperate with Black Wuchang. So the only choice is the Night Rose. The word 'Night' reveals a lot..."
Zhang Yuanqing hurriedly said, "Centurion Fu, you see through everything, worthy of being a scout and the perfect profession."
Fu Qingyang glanced at him. "You're not bad yourself."
"Thanks, Centurion. My childhood dream was to be an excellent detective."
"I meant your level of flattery is impressive."
"...."
Fu Qingyang smiled. "Of course, I don't mind. Being good at social skills is a strength."
He paused, then added, "But being lecherous is not."
I'm really not a pervert — that woman Guan Ya just knows how to frame me... Zhang Yuanqing still wore a breezy smile, showing no embarrassment.
Fu Qingyang dropped the subject and asked, "Did you hide any information in your report on passing the Sheling Tunnel?"
Zhang Yuanqing's heart sank.
"Recently, people from Taiyi Sect will come looking for you. Be prepared," Fu Qingyang said, pulling a business card from the pocket of his white pants. His tone was faint yet extremely serious, like a promising young monarch rewarding a minister.
"Here's my card. If you need anything, call me directly. This treatment is reserved for team leaders."
Having someone backing you is really something! Zhang Yuanqing quickly took the card and carefully stored it in front of Fu Qingyang.
Fu Qingyang added, "You saved many colleagues tonight and made a great contribution. I'll report this to the elder responsible for the Black Wuchang case."
Is this the way to get a patron? Zhang Yuanqing smiled broadly and said,
"Thanks, Centurion. I hear Guan Ya talk about you all day. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I'd have been fooled."
Fooled? Fu Qingyang was stunned. "What did she say about me?"
Zhang Yuanqing: "That you're dumb but rich."
Fu Qingyang's sculpted face twitched slightly.
They left the villa, where black business cars lined the driveway. Except for three severely injured firemasters sent away, the rest quietly waited by the cars.
The most relaxed were Guan Ya and Ling Jun. The former stood with arms crossed leaning on the hood; the latter squatted by the roadside, smoking.
"Guan Ya, come with me for a moment!"
Fu Qingyang's face was cold as he walked aside.
Guan Ya followed hesitantly. If she wasn't mistaken, her cousin just shot her a murderous glance.
Several young girls in the support team stared at Zhang Yuanqing, evaluating him from head to toe.
Then they whispered excitedly,
"More handsome than I imagined."
"Just too young. Looks like a freshman in college."
"Young is good, easier to fool."
Ling Jun dropped his cigarette butt and smiled, approaching Zhang Yuanqing:
"Yuanshi Tianzun?"
Zhang Yuanqing looked him over. Ling Jun wore loose light-blue casual clothes, sweatpants, sneakers, and had short messy hair. His eyes squinted when he smiled, giving a very friendly impression.
"You are..."
"Ling Jun, from Taiyi Sect."
Zhang Yuanqing was surprised. Taiyi Sect already came to question me? I haven't thought of an excuse yet.
"I heard you're a womanizer?"
"What?" Zhang Yuanqing was stunned. When did I become a womanizer? How could he slander me?
"Ah, Elder Sun is confused. You were supposed to be a Taiyi Sect talent." Ling Jun sighed, smiling familiarly, "Want to join Taiyi Sect? I'm sure the single women there are eager to get to know you."
Social skills? Zhang Yuanqing wasn't lacking there, raising an eyebrow, "Are you talking about single, sharp-tongued ladies?"
Ling Jun blinked, then laughed heartily:
"You're interesting. I like making friends with interesting people. If you want to join Taiyi Sect, find me anytime. If not, that's fine too. The confused one isn't me."
After exchanging a few words, they quickly became friendly and even swapped contacts.
Ling Jun put away his phone, lit a cigarette, squinted, and smiled:
"I've run so many dungeons and never met an S-tier spirit realm. But you've cleared two."
He exhaled a puff of blue smoke with a kind smile,
"Truly worthy of being the Demon Lord's heir."