Chapter 423: Her Efforts Deserve Recognition

Deep within the cave in Taoyuan, beneath the twisted giant tree, hung strange cavities woven from vines, like clusters of fruit, or cocoons spun by insect larvae.

In the oppressive silence, accompanied by a sticky, faint sound, Grandpa Turtle emerged from his turtle-breathing state, broke free from the decaying vines, opened his eyes, and caught the strong scent of blood.

What happened? Why is there the smell of fresh blood?

Just as this doubt arose in Grandpa Turtle’s mind, some viscous liquid dripped onto his forehead. He reached out to touch it-his hand was covered in dark red.

He looked up, and his pupils instantly contracted to a point.

On that withered, twisted giant tree hung countless corpses. Heads were everywhere on the branches-some belonged to Fire Crow, some to cattle and sheep, and others to psychics and hauntings.

Those bodies, stacked upon bodies, limbs entwined with limbs, twisted and stuck together, covered every branch of the giant tree, as if a dense crown of flesh and blood had sprouted from nowhere.

Desecration!

This word flashed through Grandpa Turtle’s mind.

To pile filthy flesh and blood on the divine tree worshipped and believed in by the people of Taoyuan for generations-this was nothing short of blatant desecration.

Under the influence of such a desecrating act, the Fusang divine tree had almost completely lost its former extraordinary aura, now radiating a foul, twisted presence from inside out.

Suddenly, the crown of flesh and blood atop the giant tree began to writhe slowly, emitting an indescribable sound-a mix of heartbeats, bones breaking, flesh regenerating, and yet faintly interwoven with other noises.

It sounded as if someone was whispering.

“Above Tang Valley stands Fusang, a tree ten thousand zhang tall. The sun arrives in a day, departs in a day…”

Amidst these chilling voices, Grandpa Turtle felt a powerful psychic energy fluctuation gathering into something tangible, surging from all directions and crashing against his body.

What… what on earth is happening?

Why has that decayed psychic energy broken through the Patron’s suppression?

This is bad-something big is about to happen!

Terrified, he stared at the familiar yet strange giant tree, and as if hallucinating, saw a massive shadow rise from the crown.

Then, golden light burst forth from the shadow, enveloping everything.

In a blinding flash of white, a figure silently approached Grandpa Turtle, then, with lightning speed, thrust a blade forward…

–

Tang City, Taohua Road, antique street.

After discussing some details of the operation, Gou Meng hurriedly left Chunfeng Residence, heading toward Taoyuan.

Although Lu Yibei’s plan had greatly eased the pressure from external invaders, if she wanted to survive the night, she still had much to prepare before the city barrier was activated.

Watching Gou Meng’s figure fly off, Jiang Li silently sighed.

As a formal operator of The Midnight Watchers Society, she had actually teamed up with Gou Meng, a top-ranked haunting on the Wanted List-this was definitely one of the craziest things she’d done since joining the Society.

The other equally insane thing was attempting to destroy the Dream Come True Journey.

And both of these wild acts were connected to Lu Yibei.

She turned to look at Lu Yibei, rubbed her faintly aching brow, and calmly said, “It’s about time. You should go contact Madam Inspector-General.”

“What about you?” Lu Yibei frowned.

“Of course I’m staying here to wait for Gou Meng’s people to arrive and regroup.” Jiang Li shot Lu Yibei a look and added, “I’m not even acquainted with Madam Inspector-General.”

Lu Yibei, “…”

True, she’s Meow Meow-chan now…

The boss just met Xing Yuan, so how could Meow Meow-chan possibly know her?

Fine, have it your way.

Lu Yibei grumbled inwardly, stared straight into Jiang Li’s eyes, and suddenly said, “Meow Meow-chan, look into my eyes!”

As she spoke, her charm ability was quietly unleashed.

Jiang Li looked at Lu Yibei, and for a moment, a fleeting sense of dizziness and a faint swelling in her brow washed over her, almost like a hallucination.

Then…

Nothing happened.

She tilted her head, eyed Lu Yibei with confusion and disdain, and said, “What are you doing? If you have something to say, just say it.”

“…,” Lu Yibei froze, then shook her head at Jiang Li. “Nothing, just looking.”

That’s not right-why didn’t it work?

Her charm ability could even slightly affect that pesky little sister, yet it had no obvious effect on the boss…

Could it be that her willpower is even stronger than that thousand-year-old monster of a pesky little sister?

Operation to cheat using charm ability and boost Meow Meow-chan’s favorability-complete failure.

–

Tang City’s The Midnight Watchers Society was preparing to activate the city barrier, and had already finished charging it.

Although Xing Yuan had heard rumors of this long ago, she only got confirmation of the details when she was less than fifty kilometers from Tang City.

“Damn it! What’s wrong with people nowadays? They just activate the city barrier at the drop of a hat, as if it’s some kid’s toy?”

Golden Horn reminded her, “My Lady, Tang City’s barrier is special. In emergencies, it can be activated without prior reporting. Besides, even if they wanted to report, the message probably wouldn’t get through.”

“Of course I know that!” Xing Yuan glared fiercely at Golden Horn. “But do they really think the Tang City barrier can kill Gou Meng? If it could, why didn’t those who built it just kill Gou Meng back then, instead of going to all this trouble?”

She wasn’t worried about the city barrier being activated-the psychics and hauntings flooding into Tang City, the supporting members of The Midnight Watchers Society, whether in numbers or combat power, would easily suppress the others.

What she truly feared was that activating the city barrier might enrage Gou Meng.

A catastrophe-class haunting, in a desperate counterattack when her life was at stake, would be terrifying.

If it’s Gou Meng, she might just turn all of Tang City into a river of blood, and from the ruins and carnage, a primordial forest saturated with lingering psychic energy fluctuation would be born.

“Isn’t it because, out of respect for Gou Meng guarding this land, they decided to go easy on her?” Golden Horn asked timidly. “That’s what everyone says.”

“Idiot, that’s just the official excuse.” Xing Yuan rolled her eyes at Golden Horn.

“While it’s true that among those who built the barrier, some do think that way, from what I know, at least the one with the Spirit Pattern of [mythical type – Wu Zhiqi] wishes all hauntings would die. In that case, do you think they’d hesitate to kill Gou Meng if they could?”

“Then why…” Golden Horn trailed off.

Since Tang City’s barrier can’t truly kill Gou Meng, what’s the point of building it? Golden Horn grumbled inwardly.

“Of course, it’s to reassure idiots like you! If you knew there was a haunting like Gou Meng that couldn’t be dealt with at all, wouldn’t you be scared?”

Of course… Golden Horn and Silver Horn both whispered in their hearts.

Xing Yuan curled her lip and waved her hand, saying, “Forget it, why am I telling you all this? I say it, you listen, and if you dare go blabbing about it, watch out or I’ll rip your mouth off.”

There are many things like Tang City’s barrier. While most people believe those barriers, bans, or stationed high-tier psychic special task forces can control the target haunting, if a real conflict breaks out, the odds of winning are usually only sixty-forty, sometimes even seventy-thirty.

But even so, The Midnight Watchers Society can only claim to the public that they have a 100% grasp on the situation.

After all, if the existence of those hauntings causes panic, and people start imagining all sorts of terrifying things about them, it only makes the hauntings stronger and speeds up their fall.

“Un-understood.” Golden Horn twitched his lips and said weakly, “So, My Lady, are we going to the Tang City barrier control center now to stop The Midnight Watchers Society from activating the barrier?”

“…” Xing Yuan opened her mouth, just about to say something to Golden Horn, when her phone vibrated gently.

She took out her phone and glanced at it, seeing the contact labeled “Calamity,” and couldn’t help but frown.

After quickly reading the message from Lu Yibei and deleting it, she glanced at Golden Horn out of the corner of her eye and said calmly, “The situation’s changed. We’re not going to the control center for now. In a bit, we’ll head straight to that abandoned distillery near Tang City East Suburbs. I need to meet an old friend.”

Golden Horn suppressed his confusion and nodded. “Understood.”

But…

Old friend? Madam Inspector-General has an old friend in Tang City?

If they’re friends, wouldn’t it be easier to meet at the barrier control center?

Golden Horn thought to himself, sitting quietly in the car. Then, twenty minutes later, when he saw the silver-haired girl on the big truck in front of the abandoned distillery, his doubts were resolved.

Madam Inspector-General’s old friend turned out to be the King of Hauntings in Hua City-Calamity.

This was Golden Horn’s first time seeing Calamity in witch type form. He’d thought the person who’d sent over seventy anonymous tip-offs was just being alarmist.

How could anyone possess two kinds of high-tier powers at the same time?

After all, the higher the haunting’s tier, the more intense the conflict between different types’ core entities. Hauntings with two Class C powers are extremely rare.

Someone like Calamity-Golden Horn hadn’t even heard of such a thing, let alone seen it. Not to mention that mysterious tipster, even he himself, upon hearing of a haunting like Calamity, might have reported her.

“Oh! I see, isn’t she the one who brought a bunch of homemade bombs to meet the Inspector-General last time…” Silver Horn, a beat slow to react, exclaimed softly, but before she could finish, Golden Horn pulled her aside.

“Don’t talk nonsense. If you piss her off, she might stuff a couple bombs in your mouth.” Golden Horn whispered.

Silver Horn rolled her eyes at Golden Horn. “What’s there to be afraid of? Didn’t Madam Inspector-General say they’re old friends? Have you ever seen old friends meet and bring bombs?”

Golden Horn glanced at Xing Yuan, who was walking toward Lu Yibei, and curled his lip. “You never know.”

In the distance, Lu Yibei watched Xing Yuan approach, stopping in front of her. Her gaze lingered briefly on Golden Horn and Silver Horn before quickly returning.

“Godmother, long time no see! Since your subordinates are here, I won’t greet you formally.”

Xing Yuan looked at Lu Yibei with affection, showing a faint smile. “No need, I’m not one for formalities. Besides, time is tight now, not the moment for catching up. Let’s get straight to the point, shall we?”

“You said in your message you wanted to cooperate with me. Tell me the details. I’ll listen first, but if it’s anything illegal, I can’t help you.”

“No, no!” Lu Yibei replied quickly. “Don’t you know me? I’ve always been a law-abiding citizen. Here’s the thing…”

Over the next two or three minutes, Lu Yibei skipped over Gou Meng’s plan to use the city barrier for rebirth, and explained her plan in detail.

After listening, Xing Yuan frowned and said, “So you’re saying you’re confident you can infiltrate the enemy, gain their trust, and when Tang City falls into chaos, you’ll lure them to the spot I’ve set up in advance with an ambush, and we’ll wipe them out in one go?”

“That’s right, that’s exactly it.” Lu Yibei nodded.

“…” Xing Yuan stared at Lu Yibei, her gaze roaming over her for a while, then smiled meaningfully. “So, what’s the catch?”

Lu Yibei’s proposal was not only good for Gou Meng, but also very tempting for The Midnight Watchers Society. It could greatly reduce losses and free up more people to watch for possible anomalies in Taoyuan.

Overall, the only ones who’d get hurt were those coveting Gou Meng and Fuyang’s “legacy.”

However, when Lu Yibei refused to sign the Moonlight Project contract, Xing Yuan could tell she wasn’t the type of haunting who’d go out of her way to please The Midnight Watchers Society. She wouldn’t help just because Xing Yuan was her team leader and, technically, her Godmother.

Besides, Lu Yibei’s parents were both the type who never did anything without a profit. If she didn’t inherit that fine gene, it’d be a shame considering all the shady things her folks had done. Xing Yuan thought.

Can I still make requests? That’s something I hadn’t thought of before… Lu Yibei grumbled inwardly, then said seriously, “Then is there any way to get me off The Midnight Watchers Society’s Wanted List?”

I haven’t done anything, yet my ranking goes up every two or three months-it’s scary. If this keeps up, something big is bound to happen sooner or later.

What if one day those catastrophe-class psychics from The Midnight Watchers Society lose their minds and decide to hunt me down? Lu Yibei wondered.

“I’m afraid that’s not possible.” Xing Yuan shook her head, rejecting Lu Yibei’s request. “Changes to the Wanted List aren’t something a mere inspector like me can decide.”

“Uh…” Lu Yibei frowned and thought for a moment. “How about giving me all the bonus from this support operation?”

I’m pretty short on cash lately.

“That, I can actually decide.” Xing Yuan smiled and nodded. “But aren’t you worried about causing public outrage? There are over a hundred operators here for support this time.”

“What else can I do!” Lu Yibei spread her hands.

I wasn’t planning to ask for anything, but you insisted I make a request, and now you won’t agree to any of them. Are you messing with me?

“Well…” Xing Yuan thought for a moment and gave a wry smile. “Honestly, I don’t know either. If you were a psychic, I could help you with a Spirit Pattern advancement, or if you’d signed the Moonlight Project contract, I could provide alchemical materials to complete your haunting’s core entity.”

“For now, I’ll have to wait until I get back and make some arrangements before I can decide, but I can guarantee you’ll definitely get a reward.”

Lu Yibei, “…”

That’s as good as saying nothing. Are you trying to trick me into signing an Indenture again?

But, Spirit Pattern advancement…

Suddenly, something occurred to Lu Yibei, her eyes brightening slightly as she probed, “Can this Spirit Pattern advancement opportunity be given to someone else?”

“Of course.” Xing Yuan nodded. “Who do you want to give it to? Your familiar?”

“Not exactly…” Lu Yibei scratched the back of her head. “Actually, it’s Jiang Li, Operator 05 of Hua City’s Midnight Watchers Society.”

Jiang Li had reached the current limit of her Spirit Pattern’s psychic energy fluctuation level more than a year ago, and with her outstanding performance in Hua City over the past few years, she’d long since met the requirements to apply for Spirit Pattern advancement.

However, because of her past as an Eclipse Society experiment, Jiang Li had never applied, knowing that even if she did, she’d most likely be rejected.

To date, no one has been able to break the Eclipse Society’s unique black solar totem, meaning that once you bear that mark, it can never be removed.

Given limited resources and equally outstanding candidates, The Midnight Watchers Society naturally favors operators with lower uncertainty for Spirit Pattern advancement opportunities, rather than someone carrying the Eclipse Society totem. It’s understandable.

But…

Lu Yibei knew Jiang Li was fiercely competitive. Even if she didn’t show it, she must feel some resentment inside. She definitely wanted a chance at Spirit Pattern advancement-not to pursue power, but because she needed recognition for her efforts.

Besides, operators from The Midnight Watchers Society have to fight hauntings-it’s a job where you’re licking blood off the blade. The stronger you are, the better, right?

Although I now have enough strength to protect her, what if something unexpected happens and I can’t get to her in time?

Given her personality, she probably wouldn’t want to be a “caged golden canary” who can only survive under someone’s protection, right?

As Lu Yibei was thinking, Xing Yuan’s laughter suddenly interrupted her thoughts.

“Pfft-!” She covered her mouth and chuckled, muttering quietly, “Xiao Bai was right, you really do like that girl.”

Giving away such a precious Spirit Pattern advancement opportunity so casually-if it’s not love, then you must owe her money you can’t pay back.

“What did you say?” Lu Yibei looked at Xing Yuan in confusion, tilting her head.

Xing Yuan shook her head. “Nothing. I accept your condition, and I’ll do as you said. You can go contact those illegal psychic organization members soon. Once you succeed, get in touch with me, and I’ll pick the ambush site.”

“Don’t worry!” Lu Yibei said confidently.

Even if I’m not 100% sure I can win their trust, I still have PLAN B!

In a way, Lu Yibei knew herself very well. She was certain she could make those guys want to kill her as soon as possible.

If all I need to do is lure them to a specific place, whether they trust me or want me dead doesn’t really make a difference, right? Lu Yibei thought.

–

When Xing Yuan finished her discussion with Lu Yibei and was about to leave with Golden Horn and Silver Horn, she found them standing beside Lu Yibei’s big truck. Silver Horn looked pale and was trembling slightly.

“What’s wrong with you two? Catch a chill?” Xing Yuan asked in confusion.

Silver Horn pointed at the truck’s cargo hold, but Golden Horn grabbed his hand and hissed in a low voice, “What did I tell you? I told you not to look…”

As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward Lu Yibei, full of wariness.

Is there something in the truck? Xing Yuan frowned, walked over, lifted the tarp on the cargo hold, and poked her head inside for a look-then quickly withdrew, sweating profusely.

When she stuck her head into the pitch-black cargo hold, she saw countless twinkling lights like little eyes. If she wasn’t mistaken, those were the homemade alchemy bombs she’d seen before-made by Lu Yibei.

A whole truckload!

She’s got a truck full of bombs-why does she need to cooperate with me?

Why not just blow those guys up herself? Or maybe she knows something I don’t, and has realized some terrifying entity has joined those illegal psychic organizations?

Thinking this, Xing Yuan silently adjusted her previous plans in her mind, assigning more psychics to the ambush…