Chapter 63: The First Formal Meeting

"Why panic?" The elder closed his eyes. "Let's first watch how the government in Baoyan City deals with this mess... This should be their future policy. That will show us just how strong their precautions against us have become... Be cautious... Tell her, if she doesn't want to be sent back to the Hungry Ghost Realm, she'd better behave herself for now."

A sudden silence.

Several seconds later, a cold voice sounded, different from before—lofty, dignified, and elegant. "We've been sealed for thousands of years in the Six Realms. I refuse to believe there's anyone stronger than us in the world of the living!"

The elder sneered. "The one from Qingxi County—have you forgotten?"

"Her?" The woman gave a mocking laugh. "It's not that I look down on the judge, but when I was sealed in the Six Realms, she hadn't even been born."

The elder gently stroked his teacup. "A single judge isn't frightening. What's frightening is... if a judge survived, then can you be certain no Lord of the Underworld of our rank survived as well?"

"Have you forgotten... under the Six Realms' cycle, we endured the agony of being fried in oil and pierced by ten thousand needles every day? Do you want to experience that for several more millennia?"

"Don't forget... if any high-ranking spirit returns to the world, and is of equal rank to us, our only fate is instant annihilation!"

Silence returned.

The woman's voice finally broke through. "No wonder Prince Xichuan's plans were completed, yet after the supernatural eruption in Qingxi County, he suddenly went quiet."

"Indeed..." The elder's eyes seemed somewhat melancholic. "Only we, the old relics who've survived, know what it means for the Underworld to be represented... Those young ghosts nowadays... they understand nothing, haven't a clue about the true order of things..."

He actually shuddered. "A hundred billion ghost soldiers, the Ten Lords of Hell, the six Ghost Kings... I never want to witness such horrors again..."

The Buddha fell silent.

The elder lapsed into quietude as well.

Several dozen minutes later, with the crow of a rooster, the elder rose and slowly walked outside.

He stepped into the first faint light of dawn.

The morning glow streamed into the temple, revealing at last... inside the Mahavira Hall... on the beams and pillars... everywhere except before the Buddha, there were spattered bloodstains!

Who knows how long it had been—those stains had turned black and purple. And upon the beams, beside the pillars, monks in their robes lay dead, blood flowing from their seven orifices!

.........................................................

The sun finally rose.

Qin Ye felt at ease, as if his heart's knot had been untied. The crisis in Baoyan City had been resolved, and though countless citizens witnessed unbelievable scenes last night, though the city faced a mountain of chaos, it was not his concern.

Today, the streets were tranquil.

Not a single car. The breakfast stalls should have opened by now. He glanced at his watch—seven o'clock exactly.

Yet not a soul was out.

The city bore traces of last night's battle. Even military vehicles remained. He looked up and could faintly see crowds in the surrounding residential areas, heads clustered together, flashes from phones and cameras.

"The army is withdrawing steadily, and the government hasn't announced any stabilization measures..." Qin Ye's gaze sharpened, a sudden realization striking him. He drew a sharp breath. "The nation... they're about to show their hand?"

A public announcement to the citizens!

Page (1/3)

Page (2/3)

"Very likely." On the street littered with broken tiles, a tense and somber air hung. Many trees had been uprooted, lampposts snapped. It would be impossible to restore all this in just a few hours!

Not to mention... the supernatural eruption last night wasn't witnessed by just a handful—it was tens of thousands!

Since there's no way to cover it up, they might as well lay it bare!

Qin Ye's expression grew grave. If the Special Investigation Bureau was about to reveal everything, then... Baoyan City would soon be under intense pressure and comprehensive surveillance. He couldn't guess their next move, but whatever it was, his own situation would be delicate.

No taxis, not a single cab in sight this morning. He sprinted toward the hotel, pulling out his phone as he ran.

No signal.

Not a single bar. His frown deepened.

This was bad...

It wasn't a phone issue—he was certain the Special Investigation Bureau had deliberately blocked communications.

And blocking signals was definitely not a technical glitch. It was to prevent anyone in the city from sending out information about last night's events.

The only website accessible was the Baoyan City government portal.

But right now, there was no text. Not even routine government information. Only a huge banner.

"Last night's sudden incident is now completely under control. Citizens, please do not panic. Within three days, the government will provide a formal response."

A formal response?

Qin Ye felt his eye twitch.

No... it's impossible to lay low now... This is a head-on clash between two giants... I'd better slip away and act solo...

But just as he rounded a corner, he abruptly halted.

Love at the corner.

Love comes as swiftly as a tornado...

It was a narrow lane between two buildings. A man in a suit stood in the middle, hands behind his back, waiting calmly.

"Mr. Qin." Before Qin Ye could speak, the man smiled. "My name is Zhang Chenghai, Special Investigator assigned to Baoyan City..."

Zhang Chenghai hadn't finished when his eyes suddenly sharpened. He exclaimed in surprise, "Soul Binder?"

"Is this... Soul Binder rank?"

Arthas was stunned. "Impossible! How could he recognize you? Your yin energy was disguised as true energy by the Yama Seal. You changed clothes, wore a mask... This was top-level disguise centuries ago!"

You know it's centuries ago!

Qin Ye regretted it. He should have known—only half of what this old auntie from the nineties said could be trusted. Someone who didn't even know the traits of a copyist, how could she understand surveillance cameras?

A tiger in his heart, he forced a dry smile. "You must be mistaken. I don't know you."

Page (2/3)

Page (3/3)

What a joke? He needed to call Wang Chenghao and get out fast. The government was about to show its cards... this place would soon become a den of wolves, and a husky like him would be in grave danger.

Zhang Chenghai, undeterred, observed him carefully for several seconds before speaking in awe. "I never expected... Mr. Qin, you actually broke through last night. You're... eighteen, right? You must be the youngest Soul Binder in nearly a century! Even the most talented apprentice cultivators in the entire Huizhou Province can't compare!"

"Friend, you've really got the wrong person..."

Zhang Chenghai shook his head. "Mr. Qin is hard to find."

What the heck... Can we even have a serious conversation? Why does it feel like we're not on the same wavelength but somehow hitting the same point?

Suppressing his urge to complain, Qin Ye listened on.

"We mobilized every surveillance camera last night, plus the Monitor's assistance, to confirm it was you. Don’t worry, we mean no harm."

He checked his watch. "Last night, we received directives from above—Baoyan City will be transformed within three days. Mr. Qin, there’s no need to think about leaving. Someone like you, wherever you go, would be personally welcomed by the Special Investigation Bureau. And now, even if you want to leave... you probably can't."

Before Qin Ye could respond, Zhang Chenghai glanced at his watch and pointed to the end of the alley. "There's a nice teahouse near the government building—very discreet, with excellent tea. If you don’t mind, shall we sit a while? By the way, their breakfast is quite delicious."

A black car with four rings was parked quietly at the end of the alley.

"Looks like you’re determined." Qin Ye shook his head with a wry smile.

Zhang Chenghai smiled silently.

"Let’s go. I’m hungry anyway." Giving up resistance, he joined Zhang Chenghai in the sedan, and together they headed for the city government.

Soon, they arrived at Baoyan City Hall. The building had stood for many years; it wasn’t originally located on today’s commercial street, and now it seemed rather secluded. The only notable feature was the sizable government park behind it. The landscaping was excellent, with several traditional two-story buildings scattered throughout, giving it a unique charm.

Because it was close to the government building, few people came. The park wasn’t open to the public, surrounded by iron railings. Zhang Chenghai parked by the back entrance and led Qin Ye straight to a two-story building.

It had no name—a traditional style, rather tasteful. No sign, just an old-fashioned character for "tea" hanging askew on the curtain—otherwise, you wouldn’t know what it was.

But the teahouse wasn’t open.

Closed, but a tall doorman stood outside.

Zhang Chenghai walked up, pulled out a black card and swiped it, and with a beep, the wooden sliding door opened automatically.

"This was built by the Special Investigation Bureau," he explained as they entered a wide corridor, red palace lanterns overhead, embroidered curtains on both sides, a blooming red plum by an ink landscape painting in a gilded vase. "Originally it was for midday rest or private meetings, but the chef’s skills were too good, so now... it’s become our dining hall and conference room."

Qin Ye nodded—the teahouse was quite impressive. The decor was vibrant but tasteful, exuding grandeur and elegance. He followed the stairs to the second floor; inside a private room, a waiter awaited. Zhang Chenghai handed him a menu. "Order whatever you like. It’s a membership-only place—every member of the Special Investigation Bureau eats here for free."

Ha... Don’t think a little kindness can lure me into the wolf’s den!

Even if I die—even if I jump out of here!—I won’t order a single dish!

"Alright, just a little then... Puff pastry egg tarts, spinach and wolfberry lean meat porridge, raisin Malay sponge, king prawn dumplings, black bean steamed ribs, steamed phoenix claws, oyster sauce bamboo rolls, phoenix balls, steamed shrimp intestines, fried tofu, hotpot, golden char siu buns, and a pineapple bun."

Instant silence.