Chapter 68

Zhang Yuanqing picked up a black jade stone, and a message popped up in his field of vision:

【Name: Dream Jade Talisman】

【Type: Consumable】

【Function: Dream Summoning】

【Description: A sub-item produced by the Nightmare Machine, it can open a dream channel connected to the main body.】

【Note: One day, an indescribable existence accidentally read a comic called 'X Dream Machine' and was inspired, thus the Nightmare Machine was born.】

The item from the dream realm. If I remember correctly, the ability to enter dreams is a skill of the Illusionist class. Is this Master Wuhen an Illusionist? Zhang Yuanqing put away the jade talisman and looked at Xie Lingxi beside him, saying:

"Let's go."

He then nodded to the beautiful woman at the elevator entrance:

"Sorry, we didn't come here today, and we don't even know this hotel exists."

The beautiful woman chuckled: "Quite sensible!"

She pressed the button for the elevator to go down and led Zhang Yuanqing and Xie Lingxi back to the first floor.

Once they were back in the car and the Wuhen Hotel was out of sight, Xie Lingxi's tense body relaxed, and she said:

"Brother Yuanshi, Master Wuhen should be a high-level Illusionist."

She took out the black jade stone and sighed:

"I wonder if I should use it when I encounter danger in the future..."

Although Master Wuhen didn't harm them, he was still an evil class, which made her instinctively wary.

"Use it when you're in a life-or-death situation. It won't be worse than dying," Zhang Yuanqing said.

Xie Lingxi nodded, a bit sadly:

"When I was a child, the elders told me that evil classes were criminals with blood-stained hands, who deserved to be executed. But I never thought that some of those who committed murder might have been forced, or had reasons. They weren't born evil; they also wanted redemption."

Zhang Yuanqing couldn't help but think of Ou Xiangrong, the bewitching demon who suffered cruel bullying in his youth, had no one to turn to, and was left with deep psychological scars, leading to a twisted mindset and a path of no return.

If someone had helped him back then, perhaps the world would have one less cruel criminal.

Ou Xiangrong certainly deserved to die, as he had completely broken down and become cruel and bloodthirsty. But what about someone like him, and other evil classes?

"Evil classes are the karmic fire of humanity. You can't change the big environment or human nature. Thinking too much will only make you hate the world more," Zhang Yuanqing said slowly.

Xie Lingxi looked disappointed. These words were realistic but powerless. She had hoped that Brother Yuanshi would give her some encouragement, which would be most effective in such times, as it could soothe her heart.

Zhang Yuanqing changed the subject: "We can't change the big environment, but we can change ourselves. The more you understand about evil classes, the more you will know how to face these groups correctly. In the future, if you encounter someone like Ou Xiangrong, try to help them as much as possible."

Xie Lingxi smiled sweetly, then pretended to be weak and said in a soft voice:

"Brother Yuanshi is so amazing. Despite being young, you have such strong principles, unlike me, who only feels sorry for them."

Looking at the frail and gentle girl, Zhang Yuanqing was about to speak when a buzzing sound came from the speaker in his waist bag. Then, a low voice echoed in the car:

"Always looking so weak and helpless... Always looking so weak and helpless..."

The same sentence repeated.

Xie Lingxi's face stiffened.

"Oh, this is the item we found in the underground parking lot. It always makes strange sounds," Zhang Yuanqing almost laughed.

Xie Lingxi: "..."

......

Xie Lingxi's car dropped him off at the entrance of the Kangyang District Security Bureau. She poked her head out of the car and waved:

"Brother Yuanshi, I'll be in Songhai for a few days. Come and find me if you have time."

"Sure!"

Zhang Yuanqing replied casually, waved, and turned to enter the security bureau.

As he approached the glass building, he heard cheers and laughter, noisy and lively, as if a party was going on.

What's going on? Zhang Yuanqing entered the glass building with curiosity. He saw that the office area was empty, and the young ladies and middle-aged women were gathered in the leisure area, surrounding Shizhang, Guan Ya, and Wang Tai.

The table was laden with cakes, food, and drinks, and everyone held glasses, eating and laughing, the atmosphere was lively.

"Oh, our hero has arrived, everyone, welcome!"

Li Dongze looked at the door and led the applause.

Clap, clap, clap... The intense applause echoed in the room, and the clerical staff smiled warmly.

Zhang Yuanqing's heart stirred, and he asked tentatively: "Has the bonus and merit come down?"

Guan Ya nodded with a smile.

"Oh my God, God, did you hear my prayer? Yes, you must have heard it." Zhang Yuanqing's face was full of joy, his eyes sparkling.

Li Dongze: "......"

He tightened his cane, then relaxed and chose to join the party.

After the party, Zhang Yuanqing, with a round belly, returned to the second floor, comfortably lying in his office chair, and asked:

"Shizhang, how much is my bonus and merit? Do you have a list?"

Li Dongze looked at Guan Ya, who opened her pink notebook and placed it in front of Zhang Yuanqing.

Zhang Yuanqing sat up straight and looked at the notebook screen:

【Clearing She Ling Tunnel: D-level merit, bonus 50,000 (personal award).】

【Killing Ou Xiangrong: D-level merit, reward 300,000 (team award).】

【Clearing Jinshui Amusement Park: B-level merit, reward 500,000 (personal award).】

She Ling Tunnel is a Night Spirit trial realm. Its value lies in securing a Night Spirit quota for the Five Elements Alliance and obtaining information about the revival of the Mountain Goddess.

However, since this information was used to repay a favor, the Five Elements Alliance did not sell it for a price and did not directly benefit, so they awarded D-level merit.

Killing Ou Xiangrong is a team merit, with a 200,000 bonus. Zhang Yuanqing received 100,000, and the remaining 200,000 was divided among the team, including the clerical staff.

Li Dongze was very happy because the team merit benefited him the most, besides the contributors, as the team leader.

The more team merit, the greater the chance of promotion for him as the team leader.

This is why team leaders like Qingting Bai Long were so envious of him. The more talented subordinates he had, the more benefits he would receive, and a talented subordinate could help him win easily.

The B-level merit for clearing Jinshui Amusement Park was impressive. Theoretically, B-level merit is the limit for ordinary official walkers, even for steward-level walkers, who would envy B-level merit.

It can be said that as long as Zhang Yuanqing advances to a Level 3 Night Spirit, he will definitely become a team leader.

Many Level 3 official walkers are still in the elite ranks because they lack merit and cannot be promoted.

The total bonus from the three merits is 650,000. My God, I've never seen so much money in my life... Zhang Yuanqing's heart pounded.

Guan Ya patted his shoulder and laughed:

"You ate too much at today's party. You have to treat me tomorrow night. I'm going to make you pay."

Zhang Yuanqing glanced at her:

"Girl, who are you talking to? How dare you speak so casually to a 650,000 rich man?"

"You're getting too cocky..." Guan Ya gritted her teeth.

Li Dongze watched the scene with a smile and said:

"The merit has been approved, and your authority has been upgraded. You can now access higher-level information. Go through the database later.

"Also, your proposal to participate in the search for the Black Wuchang has been approved by Captain Fu this morning. You will work with me and Guan Ya from now on."

Captain Fu agreed? Zhang Yuanqing was delighted.

Having a leader who appreciates you is indeed a pleasant thing, as it means most of your requests will be granted.

Watching Li Dongze return to his office, Zhang Yuanqing touched his round belly and suddenly thought, with his current authority, could he find information on Master Wuhen?

Thinking of it, he immediately opened the official database, logged in with the username and password of Yuanshi Tianzun, and entered "Master Wuhen" in the search bar.

Unlike the last time when he found no relevant information, this time a message popped up:

"ID: Past Without Traces, Dominator-level Illusionist, C-level wanted criminal."

"Note: This person once severely injured an elder of the Chifire Gang. Not bloodthirsty, not strongly hostile to official organization personnel. If you encounter this person, do not provoke; just avoid them..."

Dominator-level? Zhang Yuanqing's pupils suddenly contracted.

......

PS: I'll try to update another chapter tonight, but it might not be by 9:30 PM.

After a few hours of sleep, the negative symptoms have eased a lot. Reading everyone's comments today, I suddenly realized the cause of my headache, dizziness, and nausea. It's most likely cervical spondylosis, as my neck had been hurting for a day before, making it difficult to sit or stand.

There are so many talented people among the readers. Otherwise, I wouldn't have figured out the cause of my symptoms.

I consulted a doctor friend at noon, and he suggested I do cervical exercises for half an hour every day.

In recent years, my health has been severely suboptimal, with long-term sleep deprivation, irregular作息, neck pain, and gastrointestinal discomfort. When I was writing "Second Generation Demons" and the first half of "The Night Watchman," I worked during the day and wrote at night, sometimes sleeping only three or four hours a day. Back then, I was young and could handle it, but now that I'm older, all the hidden health issues have suddenly surfaced.

Everyone should exercise more, stay fit, and avoid staying up late. The older you get, the more you realize the importance of health. (I know I'm being a bit preachy, but since it's the public period, it's free, haha.)