Zhang Yuanqing’s mind once again recalled the identities and backgrounds of two colleagues: one was a Level 3 Fire Warrior from the upper echelons of the Flaming Sect’s direct descendants; the other was a Level 4 Saint Realm Water Ghost.
Although the latter had no background, the Saint Realm was a force to be reckoned with—once one accumulated enough Merit, becoming a Director was a certainty.
The Saint Realm, an existence that could slaughter the Supernatural as easily as butchering dogs.
Zhang Yuanqing hoped they were not two colleagues difficult to get along with. He kicked his legs, rolling back to his desk in his office chair, and began searching for the “Bingzhu Cult” in the official database.
After carefully browsing, he gained a clearer concept of the organization of Evil Classes.
Among the powers formed by Evil Classes, there was the saying of “Three Branches, Two Cults, One Asura.” The so-called Three Branches referred to the three major divisions of the Spiritual Energy Society, consisting of Gu Sorcerers.
These were the “Central Branch,” “Eastern Branch,” and “Southern Branch.”
Each of the three branches had their own territory and rarely interacted with each other. The position of the President of the Eastern Branch had been vacant for a long time, with the Sinister Eye Judge and the Gu King, both Vice Presidents, vying for the presidency for many years.
The Two Cults referred to the Nihilistic Cult, made up of Illusionists, and were divided into the Southern Cult and the Northern Cult based on their location.
One Asura referred to the Bingzhu Cult, composed of the Bewitching Demons, with the leader of the Bingzhu Cult known as Asura.
“Sister Guan Ya, why is it ‘One Asura’ instead of ‘One Bingzhu’? Why is Asura used in the saying ‘Three Branches, Two Cults, One Asura’?” Zhang Yuanqing expressed his confusion to the Old Driver.
Guan Ya turned gracefully, “Are you looking into the forces of Evil Classes?”
Zhang Yuanqing replied, “Black Guards of Impermanence is from the Eastern Branch of the Spiritual Energy Society, right? I got involved in the capturing operation, so I wanted to take the opportunity to look into what other Evil Organizations exist.”
Guan Ya nodded and then drifted into a distant memory:
“Asura… When I was young, my mother would often scare me with stories of Asura from the Bingzhu Cult. And when she was young, my grandmother did the same to her.”
What a legacy, Asura is the family’s traditional scare tactic passed down through generations? Zhang Yuanqing couldn’t help but make a quip.
“He is among the spirit realm walkers, an invincible and terrifying presence, much like the apocalyptic demons of myth. Terrifying, invincible, yet so distant—that’s my impression of him,” Guan Ya said.
“How does he compare to the five Alliance Leaders?” Zhang Yuanqing asked curiously.
Guan Ya thought for a moment, then shook her head:
“How could I gauge the strength at that level? But in terms of reputation, the five Alliance Leaders are far from matching Asura. Judging from the saying ‘Three Branches, Two Cults, One Asura,’ I believe the Alliance Leaders are not as strong as Asura. Well, that’s just my opinion.”
Wang Tai, who was nearby, interjected, “If there were combat videos of each of them, I could analyze the data to determine who is stronger, the Alliance Leaders or Asura.”
“How could we possibly find videos of battles at that level?” Zhang Yuanqing shrugged, “Brother Wang Tai, why don’t you analyze who would win in a hand-to-hand fight between Sister Guan Ya and me?”
Wang Tai said seriously:
“Without using any Items, you wouldn’t be her match.”
Guan Ya shook her head; men can be so dull. At times like this, you should say: ‘Is there even a need to ask? There are only oxen that die from working, never fields that are worn out from tilling.’
It’s always more interesting with the Primordial.
Approaching noon, Zhang Yuanqing heard a cheerful laughter coming from the first floor:
“Ahahaha, you guys still remember me, hey everyone, I’ll be coming to work more often from now on, feel free to come to me if you need anything, I’ve got your backs.”
Despite the bold tone, the voice was crisp and youthful, and just by listening, Zhang Yuanqing imagined a little girl with hands on her hips, laughing heartily.
A few seconds later, there were footsteps on the steel staircase.
Zhang Yuanqing looked over and first saw a young girl. She was quite short, probably about the height of an eighth grader, with delicate features that hadn’t fully matured. She had shoulder-length red hair.
She was striding up the stairs confidently, hands on her hips, in a manner that didn’t acknowledge anyone else.
Following the young girl was a middle-aged man, dressed in a white shirt and casual pants, wearing black-rimmed glasses. He had a gloomy demeanor and disheveled hair, at first glance, he looked somewhat like an evil version of Wang Tai.
Wang Tai, is this your brother? Zhang Yuanqing couldn’t help but glance at Wang Tai’s seat.
Wang Tai was busy with his head down and did not pay attention to the commotion.
Guan Ya stood up with a smile on her face to greet the two returning colleagues.
“Hello, Sister Guan Ya, I’m back!” The red-haired girl raised her hand, greeting her heartily, her eyes landing on Zhang Yuanqing and she said loudly:
“Is he the new colleague? The one who single-handedly stormed the enemy camp and fought the Xiahou Family’s minions for three days and nights, the Primordial Celestial Lord?”
Huh? When did I fight Xiahou Family’s minions for three days and nights? Zhang Yuanqing was momentarily stunned.
Guan Ya spread out her hand towards the girl, introducing Zhang Yuanqing:
“Jiang Jingwei, Level 3 Fire Warrior, 14 years old, still in junior high, well, you should be in school, right?”
“No more school for me, my dad said that schooling misleads the youth, and what they teach at school is all nonsense.” Jiang Jingwei walked over, stood on tiptoes, and gave Zhang Yuanqing’s shoulder a strong pat, laughing heartily:
“Ahaha, truly a talented individual, from now on you’re with me, I like young people with a sense of justice.”
Zhang Yuanqing’s shoulder ached from the pat, his head buzzing. He felt like it wasn’t a 14-year-old girl patting his shoulder, but rather Lu Zhishen1, the burly monk, who might at any second clasp his hands in a salute and call out:
“Brother!”
A young girl’s body with Lu Zhishen’s soul?
At this moment, Jiang Jingwei noticed Wang Tai and was taken aback:
“Eh, are you new here too?”
Wang Tai: “I’m not, we have met before.”
Jiang Jingwei was even more surprised: “Impossible, why don’t I have any memory of you?”
Wang Tai: “.”
Seeing this scene, Zhang Yuanqing didn’t know whether to comment on Wang Tai’s unusual talent or Jiang Jingwei’s carelessness.
Guan Ya continued with the introduction:
“This is Senior Teng Yuan, a Level 4 Water Ghost, currently acting as a Decurion.”
Zhang Yuanqing refocused his attention and respectfully said: “Decurion Teng Yuan.”
The middle-aged man had a vacant look and a lifeless expression, as if lacking enthusiasm for life. He pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose, and with a hollow voice, he corrected:
“Just to clarify, after the first class change, the name for Water Ghost is Plague God.”
He nodded to Zhang Yuanqing: “Not bad, young people are always full of energy and a sense of justice, I really appreciate that in a young person. But I must remind you, this is just a job. Always remember that your life is the most important thing. It’s truly sad to risk your life for work.”
Ah? Zhang Yuanqing was taken aback, this wasn’t the enthusiastic praise he was expecting.
Teng Yuan continued:
“I worked overnight to establish new regulations. While I’m acting as Decurion, everyone must strictly follow these rules. Anyone who violates my policies will face severe consequences.”
Hearing this, Zhang Yuanqing perked up, thinking that this was the new boss setting the house rules.
Decurion Teng Yuan pushed up his glasses on the bridge of his nose, his demeanor passive, his tone hollow, as he said:
“The first rule: No overtime!
“Second rule: Paid leave is permitted.
“Third rule: No need to punch in for work.
“Fourth rule: You don’t need my approval to take days off.
“Fifth rule: If overtime is absolutely necessary, the overtime pay will be tripled.
“Sixth rule: Weekends will be extended to three days off.
“Seventh rule”
Zhang Yuanqing’s mouth slowly dropped open, his expression stunned, his mind buzzing with a jumble of thoughts:
Is this really a leader? Are there really such leaders in the world? Can we get True Eye Decurion permanently off his position?
As the sun set in the west, a blue sports car entered the Underground parking lot of a hotel.
The Black Market was located three levels beneath this hotel, and in addition to the market, the Boxing King also organized Underground boxing matches.
Guan Ya parked the car, opened the door, and said, “We’re here.”
She put on a long coat to cover her impressive figure, and swapped her high heels for running shoes.
Guan Ya’s explanation was that the spirit realm walkers active in the Black Market, although all registered, were often unruly and undisciplined Wild Walkers, and given her stunning beauty, she was bound to attract unwanted attention from lecherous individuals, which would only cause trouble. Hence, the coat.
Zhang Yuanqing thought this woman was as full of herself as her younger male cousin, but looking at her round, peachy behind and her proudly upright chest, as well as her delicate and charming face, he could only endure her boasting.
Under Guan Ya’s lead, the two approached an elevator.
A stout, muscular man with a fierce look in his eyes scrutinized them as they approached.
Guan Ya pulled out a stack of cash from her coat pocket and handed it over—this was the “entrance fee” to the Black Market, ten thousand per person.
The muscular man took the money and pressed the down button.
The elevator doors opened and Guan Ya led Zhang Yuanqing into the car.
As the elevator descended, Guan Ya and Zhang Yuanqing put on masks and baseball caps.
With a “ding”, the elevator doors opened, and a stale smell mixed with sweat and smoke, along with the noise of the crowd, hit them in the face.
Zhang Yuanqing looked out to see a spacious area outside the elevator. This Black Market was converted from an Underground parking lot and divided into two main Districts.
On the left side, there was a huge ring where two muscular men with bare chests were fighting fiercely, punching each other as the audience below cheered.
The perimeter was lined with stalls selling liquor, food, and other goods.
The area to the right was much quieter, with orderly arranged stalls and not many people shopping in the Black Market, just a scattered few.
Zhang Yuanqing stopped at a stall and saw a familiar face, the gang leader White Loong; she was strolling around the various stalls with two underlings.
“White Loong used to dominate the ring,” Guan Ya remarked with a smile. “She likes to buy items and then fight a few matches to earn back the money she spent. Spirit realm walkers are constrained by their Moral Value; making money isn’t hard, but becoming filthy rich is difficult, and the Materials and Items in the spirit realm are exorbitantly priced.”
Exorbitant prices? Zhang Yuanqing began to worry about his wallet.
The two headed straight for the right side. The stalls sold a mishmash of goods, primarily focused on Materials, information, and Strategies. There were hardly any Items on display, and those that were available seemed to have limited Function.
Zhang Yuanqing stopped at a stall and pointed at a jar containing a “dark green paste,” asking, “What’s this?”
He sensed a strong presence of Yin Qi emanating from the paste.
The stall owner replied, “Zombie bodily fluid.”
“How much?”
“50,000.”
“Damn, that expensive?” Zhang Yuanqing was shocked, then pointed at a crimson crystal and asked, “And what about this?”
“An explosive stone commonly found in Fire Warrior Instances; it’s a Consumable,” the stall owner explained.
“How much for this one?”
The stall owner glanced at him, “Two damns.”
You’re asking for a beating, huh! Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself.
He scanned the stall’s various Materials, pondered for a few seconds, and then silently Summoned the Little goof.
Only the Spirit servant knows which Material is the best match.
Footnote:
Lu Zhishen (鲁智深): Lu Zhishen is a famous character in the classic Chinese novel “Water Margin”(水浒传). In the novel, Lu Zhishen is known for his bold and forthright personality as well as his profound martial arts skills.
Zhang Yuanqing’s mind once again recalled the identities and backgrounds of two colleagues: one was a Level 3 Fire Warrior from the upper echelons of the Flaming Sect’s direct descendants; the other was a Level 4 Saint Realm Water Ghost.
Although the latter had no background, the Saint Realm was a force to be reckoned with—once one accumulated enough Merit, becoming a Director was a certainty.
The Saint Realm, an existence that could slaughter the Supernatural as easily as butchering dogs.
Zhang Yuanqing hoped they were not two colleagues difficult to get along with. He kicked his legs, rolling back to his desk in his office chair, and began searching for the “Bingzhu Cult” in the official database.
After carefully browsing, he gained a clearer concept of the organization of Evil Classes.
Among the powers formed by Evil Classes, there was the saying of “Three Branches, Two Cults, One Asura.” The so-called Three Branches referred to the three major divisions of the Spiritual Energy Society, consisting of Gu Sorcerers.
These were the “Central Branch,” “Eastern Branch,” and “Southern Branch.”
Each of the three branches had their own territory and rarely interacted with each other. The position of the President of the Eastern Branch had been vacant for a long time, with the Sinister Eye Judge and the Gu King, both Vice Presidents, vying for the presidency for many years.
The Two Cults referred to the Nihilistic Cult, made up of Illusionists, and were divided into the Southern Cult and the Northern Cult based on their location.
One Asura referred to the Bingzhu Cult, composed of the Bewitching Demons, with the leader of the Bingzhu Cult known as Asura.
“Sister Guan Ya, why is it ‘One Asura’ instead of ‘One Bingzhu’? Why is Asura used in the saying ‘Three Branches, Two Cults, One Asura’?” Zhang Yuanqing expressed his confusion to the Old Driver.
Guan Ya turned gracefully, “Are you looking into the forces of Evil Classes?”
Zhang Yuanqing replied, “Black Guards of Impermanence is from the Eastern Branch of the Spiritual Energy Society, right? I got involved in the capturing operation, so I wanted to take the opportunity to look into what other Evil Organizations exist.”
Guan Ya nodded and then drifted into a distant memory:
“Asura… When I was young, my mother would often scare me with stories of Asura from the Bingzhu Cult. And when she was young, my grandmother did the same to her.”
What a legacy, Asura is the family’s traditional scare tactic passed down through generations? Zhang Yuanqing couldn’t help but make a quip.
“He is among the spirit realm walkers, an invincible and terrifying presence, much like the apocalyptic demons of myth. Terrifying, invincible, yet so distant—that’s my impression of him,” Guan Ya said.
“How does he compare to the five Alliance Leaders?” Zhang Yuanqing asked curiously.
Guan Ya thought for a moment, then shook her head:
“How could I gauge the strength at that level? But in terms of reputation, the five Alliance Leaders are far from matching Asura. Judging from the saying ‘Three Branches, Two Cults, One Asura,’ I believe the Alliance Leaders are not as strong as Asura. Well, that’s just my opinion.”
Wang Tai, who was nearby, interjected, “If there were combat videos of each of them, I could analyze the data to determine who is stronger, the Alliance Leaders or Asura.”
“How could we possibly find videos of battles at that level?” Zhang Yuanqing shrugged, “Brother Wang Tai, why don’t you analyze who would win in a hand-to-hand fight between Sister Guan Ya and me?”
Wang Tai said seriously:
“Without using any Items, you wouldn’t be her match.”
Guan Ya shook her head; men can be so dull. At times like this, you should say: ‘Is there even a need to ask? There are only oxen that die from working, never fields that are worn out from tilling.’
It’s always more interesting with the Primordial.
Approaching noon, Zhang Yuanqing heard a cheerful laughter coming from the first floor:
“Ahahaha, you guys still remember me, hey everyone, I’ll be coming to work more often from now on, feel free to come to me if you need anything, I’ve got your backs.”
Despite the bold tone, the voice was crisp and youthful, and just by listening, Zhang Yuanqing imagined a little girl with hands on her hips, laughing heartily.
A few seconds later, there were footsteps on the steel staircase.
Zhang Yuanqing looked over and first saw a young girl. She was quite short, probably about the height of an eighth grader, with delicate features that hadn’t fully matured. She had shoulder-length red hair.
She was striding up the stairs confidently, hands on her hips, in a manner that didn’t acknowledge anyone else.
Following the young girl was a middle-aged man, dressed in a white shirt and casual pants, wearing black-rimmed glasses. He had a gloomy demeanor and disheveled hair, at first glance, he looked somewhat like an evil version of Wang Tai.
Wang Tai, is this your brother? Zhang Yuanqing couldn’t help but glance at Wang Tai’s seat.
Wang Tai was busy with his head down and did not pay attention to the commotion.
Guan Ya stood up with a smile on her face to greet the two returning colleagues.
“Hello, Sister Guan Ya, I’m back!” The red-haired girl raised her hand, greeting her heartily, her eyes landing on Zhang Yuanqing and she said loudly:
“Is he the new colleague? The one who single-handedly stormed the enemy camp and fought the Xiahou Family’s minions for three days and nights, the Primordial Celestial Lord?”
Huh? When did I fight Xiahou Family’s minions for three days and nights? Zhang Yuanqing was momentarily stunned.
Guan Ya spread out her hand towards the girl, introducing Zhang Yuanqing:
“Jiang Jingwei, Level 3 Fire Warrior, 14 years old, still in junior high, well, you should be in school, right?”
“No more school for me, my dad said that schooling misleads the youth, and what they teach at school is all nonsense.” Jiang Jingwei walked over, stood on tiptoes, and gave Zhang Yuanqing’s shoulder a strong pat, laughing heartily:
“Ahaha, truly a talented individual, from now on you’re with me, I like young people with a sense of justice.”
Zhang Yuanqing’s shoulder ached from the pat, his head buzzing. He felt like it wasn’t a 14-year-old girl patting his shoulder, but rather Lu Zhishen1, the burly monk, who might at any second clasp his hands in a salute and call out:
“Brother!”
A young girl’s body with Lu Zhishen’s soul?
At this moment, Jiang Jingwei noticed Wang Tai and was taken aback:
“Eh, are you new here too?”
Wang Tai: “I’m not, we have met before.”
Jiang Jingwei was even more surprised: “Impossible, why don’t I have any memory of you?”
Wang Tai: “.”
Seeing this scene, Zhang Yuanqing didn’t know whether to comment on Wang Tai’s unusual talent or Jiang Jingwei’s carelessness.
Guan Ya continued with the introduction:
“This is Senior Teng Yuan, a Level 4 Water Ghost, currently acting as a Decurion.”
Zhang Yuanqing refocused his attention and respectfully said: “Decurion Teng Yuan.”
The middle-aged man had a vacant look and a lifeless expression, as if lacking enthusiasm for life. He pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose, and with a hollow voice, he corrected:
“Just to clarify, after the first class change, the name for Water Ghost is Plague God.”
He nodded to Zhang Yuanqing: “Not bad, young people are always full of energy and a sense of justice, I really appreciate that in a young person. But I must remind you, this is just a job. Always remember that your life is the most important thing. It’s truly sad to risk your life for work.”
Ah? Zhang Yuanqing was taken aback, this wasn’t the enthusiastic praise he was expecting.
Teng Yuan continued:
“I worked overnight to establish new regulations. While I’m acting as Decurion, everyone must strictly follow these rules. Anyone who violates my policies will face severe consequences.”
Hearing this, Zhang Yuanqing perked up, thinking that this was the new boss setting the house rules.
Decurion Teng Yuan pushed up his glasses on the bridge of his nose, his demeanor passive, his tone hollow, as he said:
“The first rule: No overtime!
“Second rule: Paid leave is permitted.
“Third rule: No need to punch in for work.
“Fourth rule: You don’t need my approval to take days off.
“Fifth rule: If overtime is absolutely necessary, the overtime pay will be tripled.
“Sixth rule: Weekends will be extended to three days off.
“Seventh rule”
Zhang Yuanqing’s mouth slowly dropped open, his expression stunned, his mind buzzing with a jumble of thoughts:
Is this really a leader? Are there really such leaders in the world? Can we get True Eye Decurion permanently off his position?
As the sun set in the west, a blue sports car entered the Underground parking lot of a hotel.
The Black Market was located three levels beneath this hotel, and in addition to the market, the Boxing King also organized Underground boxing matches.
Guan Ya parked the car, opened the door, and said, “We’re here.”
She put on a long coat to cover her impressive figure, and swapped her high heels for running shoes.
Guan Ya’s explanation was that the spirit realm walkers active in the Black Market, although all registered, were often unruly and undisciplined Wild Walkers, and given her stunning beauty, she was bound to attract unwanted attention from lecherous individuals, which would only cause trouble. Hence, the coat.
Zhang Yuanqing thought this woman was as full of herself as her younger male cousin, but looking at her round, peachy behind and her proudly upright chest, as well as her delicate and charming face, he could only endure her boasting.
Under Guan Ya’s lead, the two approached an elevator.
A stout, muscular man with a fierce look in his eyes scrutinized them as they approached.
Guan Ya pulled out a stack of cash from her coat pocket and handed it over—this was the “entrance fee” to the Black Market, ten thousand per person.
The muscular man took the money and pressed the down button.
The elevator doors opened and Guan Ya led Zhang Yuanqing into the car.
As the elevator descended, Guan Ya and Zhang Yuanqing put on masks and baseball caps.
With a “ding”, the elevator doors opened, and a stale smell mixed with sweat and smoke, along with the noise of the crowd, hit them in the face.
Zhang Yuanqing looked out to see a spacious area outside the elevator. This Black Market was converted from an Underground parking lot and divided into two main Districts.
On the left side, there was a huge ring where two muscular men with bare chests were fighting fiercely, punching each other as the audience below cheered.
The perimeter was lined with stalls selling liquor, food, and other goods.
The area to the right was much quieter, with orderly arranged stalls and not many people shopping in the Black Market, just a scattered few.
Zhang Yuanqing stopped at a stall and saw a familiar face, the gang leader White Loong; she was strolling around the various stalls with two underlings.
“White Loong used to dominate the ring,” Guan Ya remarked with a smile. “She likes to buy items and then fight a few matches to earn back the money she spent. Spirit realm walkers are constrained by their Moral Value; making money isn’t hard, but becoming filthy rich is difficult, and the Materials and Items in the spirit realm are exorbitantly priced.”
Exorbitant prices? Zhang Yuanqing began to worry about his wallet.
The two headed straight for the right side. The stalls sold a mishmash of goods, primarily focused on Materials, information, and Strategies. There were hardly any Items on display, and those that were available seemed to have limited Function.
Zhang Yuanqing stopped at a stall and pointed at a jar containing a “dark green paste,” asking, “What’s this?”
He sensed a strong presence of Yin Qi emanating from the paste.
The stall owner replied, “Zombie bodily fluid.”
“How much?”
“50,000.”
“Damn, that expensive?” Zhang Yuanqing was shocked, then pointed at a crimson crystal and asked, “And what about this?”
“An explosive stone commonly found in Fire Warrior Instances; it’s a Consumable,” the stall owner explained.
“How much for this one?”
The stall owner glanced at him, “Two damns.”
You’re asking for a beating, huh! Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself.
He scanned the stall’s various Materials, pondered for a few seconds, and then silently Summoned the Little goof.
Only the Spirit servant knows which Material is the best match.
Footnote:
Lu Zhishen (鲁智深): Lu Zhishen is a famous character in the classic Chinese novel “Water Margin”(水浒传). In the novel, Lu Zhishen is known for his bold and forthright personality as well as his profound martial arts skills.