Chapter 220: Boy Toy

By the time Aunt Xiao Yuan's warning cut through the air, Zhang Yuanqing had already caught the faint whistle of wind overhead and sensed the abnormal flow of air above him. He threw himself to one side without another thought.

Bang!

Behind him came the sharp burst of ceramic shattering, accompanied by an explosion of dirt. Zhang Yuanqing rolled, pressed a palm to the ground, sprang back up to his feet, and looked behind him.

A potted plant had fallen from above.

"Fuck."

As he stared at the shards of ceramic and the soil scattered across the ground, a universal expression of disdain slipped straight out of his mouth. If that thing had caught him in the head, even a Nocturnal Specter would've been left bloodied. An ordinary person would have died instantly, without even the chance to be saved.

His heart grew heavy. My rotten luck's getting more ridiculous by the hour. At least I had a moment of warning before this morning's crash, giving me a split second to react.

Just then, the driver of the white car tapped its horn, and Xiao Yuan's striking, poised face leaned out of the window.

"Get in," she said flatly.

Zhang Yuanqing dropped the whole question of falling objects, jogged over, and ducked into the passenger seat.

It was the evening rush hour, and plenty of residents were coming and going through the complex, aunties and uncles among them. The huge crash of the potted plant striking the ground had startled them, and they were turning their eyes toward him.

Please, God, let there be no rumor tomorrow about how the retired police chief's grandson roped in yet another wealthy older woman off the street, Zhang Yuanqing prayed silently as he slammed the door shut.

Xiao Yuan hit the gas and sped off.

The car didn't leave the complex. It drove around for a bit and then parked in a quiet, secluded spot inside the grounds.

Zhang Yuanqing turned his head to admire Xiao Yuan's profile. This woman's side profile was beautiful. Her nose was straight and fine, her chin tilted up a touch, and there was an elegant curve to her cheek. The depth of a face mostly came down to the shape of the nose, while the tilt of the chin determined how pleasing the overall shape of the face was. From his angle, he could even clearly make out her curled, upturned lashes.

Her beauty was different from his little aunt's sweet, cute charm, Guan Ya's refined allure, or the fresh, delicate and otherworldly grace of the little green tea princess. Her features were striking and grand, the strong face of a leader that would not draw mutterings from those below her that a woman couldn't run things. That was an element many enchanting, dainty, alluring, and sweet women did not have.

In a sense, Xiao Yuan was also a "plain" woman. Her expression, her bearing, and her temperament were simple and straightforward, cool and clear.

Xiao Yuan shifted the car into neutral, pulled the handbrake, and said coldly, "Do you want me to gouge those eyeballs out of your head?"

Only then did Zhang Yuanqing notice that Xiao Yuan's body had stiffened slightly under his heated stare, and her expression had gone a little tight.

There's no need to be so tense. The bet was just a joke... He coughed to cover his discomfort, and he got straight to the point, lowering his voice as he did so.

"Aunt Xiao Yuan, have I been cursed?"

Seeing that he wasn't going to touch the subject of their bet, Xiao Yuan's cool expression lost some of its icy tension. "You've been afflicted with Fortune Shearing. It’s a kind of curse. It works more gently compared to a killing curse. The one who is afflicted is dogged by misfortune for a stretch of time, with everything in their life going wrong, and will die of an accident in the end."

From what she'd just observed, and the way the potted plant had fallen, she already knew which curse had befallen Yuanshi Tianzun.

"The space between your brows is dark, and there's black qi coiling around your spirit body," she continued. "This is a Saint-tier curse. Your misfortune will grow more and more terrible. Three days at most, and you'll die a violent death."

So, it is a curse. Three days at most. A violent death... A chill ran through Zhang Yuanqing, and he decisively summoned the Demon-subduing Awl. A flash of yellow light, and the weighty bronze awl dropped into his palm. Still, he didn't rush to break the curse.

"Is there any way to trace back and locate the caster?" he asked. "Also, I remember the medium of a curse changes what it does. A curse that can hound me to my death... The caster must have gotten hold of my flesh and blood right?"

He was no longer a rookie. Breaking the curse was simple, but the core of this wasn't simply breaking the curse. It was finding the caster. He needed to understand what medium they'd used. If they had used his flesh and blood, then the next time they might just go straight to performing a killing curse.

He couldn't keep himself in a purified state forever. If he tried it, the Demon-subduing Awl would drain him to a husk before the curse killed him. Besides, he could keep his guard up while he was awake, but what about while he slept? A killing curse would strike instantly. Asleep, he'd have no chance to react at all.

A small hint of respect flickered in Xiao Yuan's eyes, then she shook her head. "No such method exists. You're better off thinking it through yourself. Who have you offended lately?"

So, you can't trace the curse to locate the caster, Zhang Yuanqing realized.

His brows drew together at once. He had to find the caster fast.

As Xiao Yuan noticed Yuanshi Tianzun sinking into thought, she went on to answer his second question. "The curse on you is extremely strong. The caster must have gotten hold of either your blood, flesh, or hair to use as the medium, not just a photo and your birth details."

With his guess confirmed, Zhang Yuanqing's heart sank further.

"Asidet from Black Wuchang, I haven't made enemies with anyone in the Psychic Assembly," he said. "Though of course, given my reputation, the Psychic Assembly wouldn't need a reason to kill me. I've got too many enemies. There's really no way to sort it out."

Worry colored Xiao Yuan's eyes. "Try a different angle. Why didn't the caster just kill you with a curse outright? Is there some other purpose, or something they're wary of? Have you been hurt and made to bleed recently, and who had the chance to take your blood?"

As a Hex Master, her understanding of her own class far outstripped Yuanshi Tianzun's, and her thinking was clearer.

Zhang Yuanqing leaned back against the seat and bowed his head in thought. If it was an Evil-class Walker that cursed me, they'd have gone straight for a killing curse. Never heard of an Evil-class Walker needing to take the head as a trophy in order to claim a reward. If it's not an Evil-class Walker, then they've got hold of an item that can inflict curses.

Fortune Shearing instead of a killing curse...? Well, death by Fortune Shearing is more discreet.There's a real chance the caster is of a Lawful class, maybe even an official Walker, afraid that killing me outright with a curse would draw the attention of the Songhai Branch's top brass.After all, the way things stand, even the Elders pay me a great deal of attention. If I got killed by a curse out of nowhere, an Elder would definitely investigate. Fortune Shearing is a softer way to kill me, and it's much harder to spot anything amiss.

These past few days, I haven't been hurt, aside from during the tournament bouts. And in the tournament, who came into contact with my flesh and blood...?

Zhang Yuanqing quickly locked onto three people: Maoshan Warlock, Zhao Chenghuang, and Green Pine.

Of the three, Zhao Chenghuang was the most suspicious, Maoshan Warlock next, and Green Pine the least. It was unlikely that the latter two had a Saint-tier Hex Master item, and their grudge with him hadn't escalated that much either.

Zhang Yuanqing quickly formulated a plan. If Zhao Chenghuang is out to hurt me, then this has to be reported to Fu Qingyang. Let him step in, or take it up to the Elders.

Xiao Yuan saw his eyes light up, and she knew Yuanshi Tianzun had thought it all the way through.

"If you need my help, just say so," she said.

"No need. Giving me a precise answer was already the biggest help. I'll handle it myself," Zhang Yuanqing said.

If the Taiyi Sect was involved, Xiao Yuan couldn't intervene.

Xiao Yuan nodded. "Whether this gets resolved or not, remember to let me know."

"Got it!"

Zhang Yuanqing opened the door and was about to take his leave when Xiao Yuan suddenly asked, "How's the Kou Beiyue matter coming along?"

"I haven't forgotten. The higher ups told me to wait for word, and there's been no reply so far. When there's news, I'll tell you."

With that he climbed out and shut the door softly.

He'd taken barely two steps when Xiao Yuan's voice drifted out the car window, and he could hear a smile in her voice. "Congratulations on the championship!"

***

Back in his bedroom, Zhang Yuanqing locked the door and dialed Fu Qingyang's number.

"Centurion, I've been cursed."

The voice on the other end grew quiet.

—What happened?

He told Fu Qingyang the whole of it, plain and straight. His extraordinary run of bad luck that day, and how he had a Hex Master from Wuhen Inn take a look. He also mentioned the three suspects.

Fu Qingyang was quiet for a few seconds, before giving a slow, thoughtful reply.

—Understood. I'll get back to you tomorrow at the latest.

"All right!"

Zhang Yuanqing finished and waited for him to hang up, but a few seconds passed and Fu Qingyang didn't.

"Many thanks, Centurion," Zhang Yuanqing said at once. "Your glory overshadows your peers', and you look down on the whole Taiyi Sect. Your years are matched with heaven's, uniting all Five Elements."

Beep~

The line went dead as the centurion hung up.

Since Grandma wasn't done preparing dinner yet, Zhang Yuanqing sat in his ergonomic chair, tapping his desk with a finger.

Ten days at most before the slaughter dungeon opens, he thought to himself. My second solo Spirit Realm is coming up soon too. The solo Spirit Realm and the slaughter dungeon won't clash. I just don't know which one will come first.

Because of the Official Tournament, he'd slowed way down on reading strategy guides these past few days. Now that he'd taken home the championship, he had to pick up his pace when it came to his homework.

Solo Spirit Realms are dangerous and unpredictable. Given my Character Card's hidden score, there's a good chance I'll end up in another S-rank or A-rank dungeon, so I can skip the guides for anything below A-rank.

Oh, and every time I go into a solo Spirit Realm, the Songhai Branch has to shell out a fortune to purchase guides from the Taiyi Sect. That's a little awkward...

There were no other Nocturnal Specters within the Five Elements Alliance, so exclusive Spirit Realm guides for his class were extremely scarce. There were only a scattered few regarding trial dungeons, or guides for very low-level dungeons. In anticipation of his second solo Spirit Realm dungeon opening, the Songhai Branch had purchased a substantial number of high-difficulty Nocturnal Specter dungeon guides from the Taiyi Sect.

Sure, the two S-rank dungeon guides Zhang Yuanqing had authored sold for a good price and offset part of it, but the Songhai Branch had still spent an enormous sum, including a certain number of items. When it came to the Transcendent tier, it was still manageable. Once he hit Saint tier somewhere down the line, the price of those dungeon guides would jump sharply, and the Taiyi Sect would surely pounce at the opportunity.

That was the upside of having earned significant merit. The organization would spare no effort and no amount of money to develop him. An ordinary Nocturnal Specter would probably just have to resign himself to fate.

Solo Spirit Realms are too dangerous. Even with my strength, I can't take them lightly. I have to secure another ten percent of insurance for myself.

With that thought, he pulled out his phone and sent Xie Lingxi a message.

Zhang Yuanqing: Lingxi, I've got something I'd like to see the Palace Master about.

Little green tea princess: Okie, I'll pass the message along.

Zhang Yuanqing wanted to buy some Life Essence from the Slaughter Cessation Palace Master. That essence was an extremely precious strategic resource, and since output from the two Musician clans was limited, within the Five Elements Alliance, only stewards were qualified to acquire it, and even then, they could only apply for diluted Life Essence.

Zhang Yuanqing had significant merit to his name, but he wasn't a steward yet. By the rules, he couldn't apply for Life Essence. He could ask Fu Qingyang to help, but if the Slaughter Cessation Palace Master could give him the concentrated stuff, why bother applying for the diluted version?

He chatted with the little green tea princess until Grandma called from outside that dinner was ready. Only then did he get a firm reply.

Little green tea princess: Sis Palace Master says to meet her in the early hours at the usual spot. Hmph, so you two have a secret rendezvous spot now? Not happy, not happy!

She punctuated her reply with a hands on hips, sulking emoji.

Yuanshi Tianzun: When you're grown up, you can come along with Sis Palace Master.

He shut off his phone screen and went out to eat.

At the table, his little aunt chattered on and on to Grandma and Grandpa about the day's shopping.

Grandma listened with her brows furrowed and turned to her grandson. "From now on, if someone provokes you, don't get into a fight. Just call your cousin."

Then she gave her daughter the same order. "You too!"

In a place like Songhai, getting chatted up over your looks was common enough, but getting beaten up for ignoring them was still rare.

When dinner was over, Zhang Yuanqing got a call from Fu Qingyang.

—We've found out who cursed you. It's Zhu Rong, Chi Yue'an's ex-wife.

"Zhu Rong?" he blurted out in surprise.

It wasn't at all what he'd expected.

"How did she get a hold of my blood?" Zhang Yuanqing asked, baffled.

—It was Green Pine. He struck you with a vine whip during the dungeon round. That's when he retrieved your blood, keeping it in an item. He made a deal with Zhu Rong. Get your blood, and Zhu Rong would be his lover. Green Pine's a Wood Demon, and he couldn't hold out against that kind of temptation. By Green Pine's account, Zhu Rong's aim was... to break you in as a boy toy.

Question marks exploded inside Zhang Yuanqing's brain. He was stunned, and at the same time, felt like he'd been insulted.

The reason he'd rated Green Pine the least suspicious was mainly because Green Pine had no motive. He hadn't known about the agreement the two had struck in secret.

So, Chi Yue'an really was killed by a curse, he realized. Looking at it this way, the one who killed him back then was Zhu Rong... Is she out for revenge because I smashed her hidden channel of dirty money? Or did the attitude I showed that day, that I'd chase the matter all the way to the end, tip her off to a threat?

He frowned. Still, cursing me in order to break me in as a boy toy? This is humiliating.

Fu Qingyang continued to update him on the situation.

—I've already deployed our people. They're rushing to the Zhu family overnight, and the arrest will happen tomorrow morning at the latest. If what Green Pine confessed is the truth, then our options for dealing with Zhu Rong are quite limited.

The Five Elements Alliance had ways to make Zhu Rong tell the truth. If what Green Pine said turned out to be factual... Well, cursing Yuanshi Tianzun to death and wanting to sleep with him are two completely different things.

If a direct member of the Zhu family had tried to kill Yuanshi Tianzun, the Five Elements Alliance would come down hard. Being sentenced to life imprisonment would be getting off lightly. But if a daughter from the Zhu family's main branch only wanted to sleep with Yuanshi Tianzun... The Zhu family was a Spirit Realm noble house, not some backwater gang one could bully as one pleased. They had close dealings with the authorities, and deep, tangled interests. The Five Elements Alliance would punish her, of course, but they wouldn't put a daughter of the Zhu family in front of a firing squad over it.

—The higherups will work out amongst themselves how she's punished.

"Centurion, right now, the most important thing is retrieving the curse medium," Zhang Yuanqing said. "Also, we can dig into the Bronze Sparrow Tower case while we're at it."

—Naturally!

Fu Qingyang finished and ended the call.

This is a great chance to put an end to the Bronze Sparrow Tower case, Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself, and his face darkened. You want to sleep with me? God almighty, if you wanted to sleep with me you should've just said so. Text me a hotel room number and be done with it...

He hurled his phone forcefully onto the bed.

***

In the wee hours of the morning, Zhang Yuanqing sat at a little round table in the cafe across from the Kangyang District Public Security Bureau.

He eyed the Slaughter Cessation Palace Master, who was sitting across from him. "Palace Master, I'd like to buy a few vials of Life Essence."

The palace master had a silver spoon in her fair hand, and gently stirred the cup of coffee in front of her. "Life Essence is very hard to make, and requires scarce, precious materials. I can give you two vials at most. A hundred thousand each."

Diluted Life Essence sold on the black market for two to three million per vial, and even then, there was often demand for it with no fixed price.

A hundred thousand a vial? This isn't a fire sale price. This is a lover’s price...

"Deal!" Zhang Yuanqing said at once.

Once the trade was done, the Palace Master took a sip of coffee and laughed softly. "The space between your brows is dark. Have you been dogged by bad luck lately?"

She can actually see it?

Zhang Yuanqing nodded and told her about being cursed by Zhu Rong, leaving out the boy toy part. He had his pride to keep, after all.

"Oh," The Palace Master exclaimed, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly in a smile. "That woman's mind has been twisted ever since Demon Lord broke her. She hates Nocturnal Specters with a special passion. No wonder she didn't kill you outright with a curse, but went with Fortune Shearing instead. I'd figure she'll contact you tomorrow or the day after, threaten you with the curse, tempt you with her looks, and break you in as an obedient boy toy. Tsk tsk..."

You don't have to bring that part up, Zhang Yuanqing complained inwardly.

He managed a strained smile. She won't get the chance. My little brother-in-law has already ridden out!