Chapter 1 Hearing the Queen's Words

Hearing the Queen's words, everyone in the living room immediately sat up straight, took out their phones, and logged into the official forum.

On the forum, the Songhai branch had posted an announcement five minutes earlier. The announcement read:

"Regarding the investigation report on the major misconduct of Yuanshi Tianzun, our department has verified that on July 6th, the Jinghai branch submitted an assistance application to our department due to the assassination of member 'Baihu Wansui' (Long Live White Tiger)."

"Yuanshi Tianzun led the team to handle this case. After investigation, the psychic who assassinated 'Baihu Wansui' was Wei Yuanzhou's grandfather. This person was previously wanted for the extermination case in Qinghe County, Yu Province, and had been on the run. Details can be found in the appendix."

"Wei Yuanzhou, worried that 'Baihu Wansui' would become an obstacle to his promotion to deacon, colluded with his psychic grandfather to assassinate his colleague. Because of Yuanshi Tianzun's arrival, the plan was ruined. He then killed his own relatives to silence them in exchange for merit. According to the rules of the Five Elements Alliance, Wei Yuanzhou deserved to die."

"After Yuanshi Tianzun cleared up this case, he killed the person in public out of anger, which is understandable in terms of emotions, but unacceptable in terms of law. This department will never condone those who violate the law and discipline. It is hoped that the headquarters will dismiss and expel Yuanshi Tianzun, never rehire him, and imprison him for twenty years as a warning."

Jiang Jingwei was furious after reading the announcement:

"What kind of clarification is this? Are the elders of the Songhai branch sick in the head? I'm going to call my dad and have him beat those dog elders to death!"

"There's only one dog elder," Guan Ya corrected with a smile. "Jingwei, take a look at the comments below."

Jiang Jingwei swiped the screen to view the comments below:

[Scholar of the Wenyuan Pavilion: Colluding with evil professionals to assassinate colleagues, kicking away the ladder after crossing the river, killing blood relatives? Too heinous! The last time I heard such a heinous incident was at the Bronze Sparrow Terrace.]

[Beacon Fire: Didn't that Wei Yuanzhou deserve to die? Yuanshi Tianzun did a good job. If I were there, I would have done it too, otherwise, I would be sorry for the Fire Master profession!]

[Princess: Good kill! Is the Songhai branch brain-dead? Dismissal? Never rehire? Imprisonment for twenty years? Are they trying to force Yuanshi Tianzun to rebel? It would be too disappointing if the headquarters dared to do this.]

[Moon Rabbit: So that's how it is. I've been urging everyone to calm down and wait for the headquarters' announcement. There are too few rational people.]

[Cow Girl: Dismiss Yuanshi Tianzun for a rotten person? Did the higher-ups of the Songhai branch have their brains eaten by zombies?]

[Crimson Pink Head: I was careless. Mainly, the higher-ups didn't issue an announcement before, and many people were led by the rhythm.]

Jiang Jingwei's eyebrows gradually stretched as she read.

Earlier, she had accompanied the Queen online, arguing until she was so angry (literally) that she couldn't wait to have an offline PK with the group of official Xingzhe who accused Yuanshi Tianzun of killing his colleagues.

Then, she didn't dare to look at the forum anymore.

Now, although there were still people commenting below, saying "You still can't kill people," "Where are the rules?" and "It can't cover up Yuanshi Tianzun's serious violations," there were more and more people speaking up for Yuanshi Tianzun, especially female members.

On the one hand, female Xingzhe were more emotional. On the other hand, Yuanshi Tianzun's outstanding performance in eliminating the Divine Generals had won the favor and gratitude of a large number of female members.

Li Chunfeng looked away from the computer screen and looked at Guan Ya and the Queen, saying:

"Is the Songhai branch planning to use reverse psychology to clear Yuanshi Tianzun's name with that last paragraph? There will definitely be follow-up operations."

Guan Ya gave a "hmm" and said in a tone that showed she knew her brother best: "It's probably Fu Qingyang's devious trick."

The Queen ignored him, lowered her head, and continued to argue, scolding everyone who spoke ill of Yuanshi Tianzun. Sure enough, half an hour later, a post was quickly highlighted and pinned to the top, with a very sensational title:

#I will resign immediately if the headquarters severely punishes Yuanshi Tianzun# The poster was Baihu Wansui (Long Live White Tiger).

In the post, he tearfully accused Wei Yuanzhou of his violent acts, describing his two encounters with attacks, and how he couldn't believe that he had worked so hard for the official organization, pouring his heart and soul into the branch, only to get this result.

In the post, he pointed out that everything he had encountered, Wei Yuanzhou was the culprit on the surface, but didn't the official organization have any responsibility?

Wei Yuanzhou appeared gentle on the outside, but was actually a twisted madman. The official organization conducted annual physical examinations, but never detected this kind of dark-hearted madman.

Everything that happened today was caused by the imperfect system of the Jinghai branch and even the headquarters. The little composition was written with great infection and was moving.

*Sword Coming*

At the end, he summarized with a sentence: Yuanshi Tianzun is certainly wrong, but I think the headquarters is more wrong. I have already written my resignation report. I will submit it when the headquarters' punishment results come out. The world is vast, where can't a sage go?

As soon as this post came out, the comments below were one-sidedly criticizing the headquarters and criticizing the Jinghai branch, frantically setting the pace.

Before one wave subsided, another rose. The second identical post followed closely: #I will resign immediately if the headquarters severely punishes Yuanshi Tianzun# The poster was Mudan Xianzi (Peony Fairy), and she also included a photo of her resignation report. Then came the third post, the fourth post, and the fifth post. In just half an hour, the forum's homepage was occupied by "resignation posts." The posters were generally newly promoted saints.

They were companions who had fought side by side with Yuanshi Tianzun in the Transcendent Realm killing副本 (fuben, instance/dungeon).

Then there were the captains of the Songhai branch, Li Dongze, Bai Long (White Dragon), Qing Teng (Green Vine), etc., and some die-hard Yuanshi Tianzun supporters who had been led by the rhythm, such as "Cow Girl."

Under these posts, water armies from various branches actively commented to maintain the heat.

Although there were not too many of these water armies, probably only about a hundred, which was only a small part compared to the size of the Five Elements Alliance, don't forget that it is always a minority who speak out on the Internet, and the majority are silent, so it seemed particularly powerful.

In the end, the forum administrators had to collectively silence everyone and prohibit all comments and posts before it calmed down.

Li Chunfeng closed the forum with reluctance and said, "It's a pity that the official forums are all real-name systems, so there's no way to create water armies in large quantities. Otherwise, I could help. Sigh, how did the Songhai branch do it?"

As a scholar, he was very confident in the field of hacker technology.

"How did they get employees from major branches across the country to act as water armies?" He looked curious.

The official forum was not an ordinary website forum. Members of the Lingjing (Spirit Realm) families, although granted access, did not have the right to post.

Every account behind the one-sided public opinion just now was a real Lingjing Xingzhe. Guan Ya sneered, "They convinced people with virtue."

"What?" Li Chunfeng looked blank.

Guan Ya didn't explain, got up and left the living room, heading towards the corridor:

"I'm going to sleep for a while. Next, we just wait for the headquarters' announcement."

Outside the Capital

The Taiyi School's training camp was built in the suburbs far from the city, nestled among mountains and rivers. It used the name of a club to enclose the nearby mountains and built training grounds and dormitories on the mountain. There was a Corpse Raising Ground, a Spirit Nourishing Ground, a shooting range, a physical training ground, and a group combat field.

Of course, there were also many entertainment projects, such as race tracks, golf courses, soccer fields, horse farms, indoor tennis, gyms, etc.

There was also a reservoir in the mountains where one could snorkel, fish, boat, and do various water sports.

In addition to the beautiful scenery, the high-level members of the Taiyi School and the Five Elements Alliance regarded it as a leisure and vacation venue. Some old deacons and elders liked to open up a vegetable garden in the mountains and raise some poultry to spend their days leisurely.

But for the middle and lower-level Night Roamers, this was a nightmarish place.

All the enjoyment had nothing to do with them. Every day was high-intensity training and combat, and from time to time, star officials or elders would come to beat them up.

Yuan Ting, who had finished a day of training, returned to his dormitory, took a shower, changed into clean clothes, packed his luggage, and hummed a song in a good mood, planning to go to the club's main building for a drink.

He had been in the training camp for two months and could return to Songhai tomorrow, leaving this hellhole.

Passing through the small square with a fountain pool, he entered the brightly lit club's main building. The first floor was a restaurant, the second floor was a bar, and the third and fourth floors were an entertainment city with tennis courts, indoor skating rinks, internet cafes, etc.

Arriving at the lounge bar playing soothing music, Yuan Ting glanced around and saw several acquaintances sitting in the booth by the window: Sun Miaomiao, who had a round face and innocent big eyes; Zhao Chenghuang, who had a stern and arrogant expression; and a charming and enchanting mature woman.

He walked over and sat down at the table, first nodding to the charming and enchanting woman, then looking at Sun Miaomiao and Zhao Chenghuang, and said with a smile:

"You two, I'm leaving tomorrow, so I won't keep you company. By the way, you still have half a month of training, right?"

After being promoted to saints, Sun Miaomiao, Zhao Chenghuang, and the others were sent to the training camp for training and had to stay for a month before they could leave.

During this period, they would be taught some of the star officials' combat skills, knowledge, characteristics of the 副本 (fuben, instance/dungeon), etc.

"Look at how proud you are," Sun Miaomiao wrinkled her nose.

"I don't want to stay in this hellhole for a moment. I still have many secrets to share with everyone. The last time I finished posting, my phone was confiscated by the elders," Yuan Ting complained, looking at the charming and enchanting woman and said:

"Deacon Yingying, are you here on vacation?"

His tone was a bit respectful, on the one hand, because of his inherent concepts, and on the other hand, because the other party, as a veteran saint, was much stronger than their newly promoted saints.

The enchanting woman didn't answer, but glanced at Sun Miaomiao.

Yuan Ting immediately asked: "Has anything happened outside recently? Based on my experience, there's at least one explosive news item every month. Share it."

His face was full of eagerness.

"We were just talking about Yuanshi Tianzun. This kid has caused another big incident," Sun Miaomiao said in a clear voice. Yuan Ting's eyes lit up: "What's the matter?"

The enchanting Yingying then told about the incident of Yuanshi Tianzun killing official members in the Jinghai branch. "Hiss, this kid is too bold. He's going to be dismissed and imprisoned!" Yuan Ting was taken aback.

Yingying smiled and said: "This matter has caused quite a stir. The Taiyi School forum has launched a debate on this. I don't agree with Yuanshi Tianzun's actions, so I posted a debate post. Miaomiao sprayed me for a whole day. I came over to play with her."

Sun Miaomiao's expression suddenly became a little awkward. "I forgot to use a small account."

She used her grandfather's power to register many small accounts on the forum. Usually, she used these small accounts to fight everywhere, but occasionally there would be mistakes, such as now.

Oh, online quarrel turned into offline PK. Yuan Ting glanced at Sun Miaomiao, who had big eyes and a round face, and thought, you're already a saint, what are you afraid of? Have a fight with Yingying. I can watch a show before I leave.

Zhao Chenghuang said lightly:

"People are not machines. They have emotions and passion. If everything has to be done according to the rules, it will lose its humanity." He publicly supported Yuanshi Tianzun.

Yingying glanced at him and smiled: "You've changed your opinion of Yuanshi Tianzun after entering the killing副本 (fuben, instance/dungeon)?"

Zhao Chenghuang sipped his strong liquor with a high-cold attitude and said: "I'm just stating the facts."

At this time, Yuan Ting looked towards the depths of the bar, froze, and lowered his voice:

"Look at Deacon Yin Ji."

In that corner, by the window, sat a woman with a graceful figure and a black veil on her face. Her eyes were like jewels in the night, deep and bright, and extremely beautiful.

She had a glass of wine by her hand, but she didn't drink a sip, staring blankly at the mountain scenery outside the window.

Tranquil, elegant, melancholy.

Although he was now a saint, the difference in status between a level 4 saint and a level 6 saint was enormous, so Yuan Ting unconsciously lowered his voice, as if discussing a big figure.

Sun Miaomiao "oh"ed and said, "Sister Yin Ji is about to enter the killing副本 (fuben, instance/dungeon), so she's warming up at the training camp." The three chatted and drank, and Zhao Chenghuang occasionally interjected. Time flew by quickly.

After a few glasses of wine, Yuan Ting got up with satisfaction and raised his eyebrows again and smiled: "You two continue training, I'll take my leave first, hahaha."

As he laughed, he saw the training camp instructor walk in, look around, and walk straight towards this table. "Yuan Ting, I have something to tell you." The instructor stopped at the table.

"What is it?" Looking at the instructor's solemn face, Yuan Ting's heart sank.

"The higher-ups just notified us that due to some accident, the training camp can no longer release members. Those who are about to complete their term will stay for another half month. Hmm, it's okay to tell you, the Po Sha Charms (Evil Breaking Charms) are not insured enough. As a precaution, summon as many Night Roamers as possible to avoid the limelight," the instructor said.

What Po Sha Charms? What avoid the limelight? Yuan Ting didn't hear a word. All he had in his mind were the four words "stay for another half month."

"No no no..."

Yuan Ting slid down along the table, and his shrill cries echoed in the bar.

Sun Miaomiao happily raised her hand:

"I'll treat everyone to a drink!"

In a high-tech conference room, Elder Di Hong looked around at the elders at the table and said in a deep voice:

"Let's discuss the punishment for Yuanshi Tianzun. The suggestion submitted by the Songhai branch is to dismiss and imprison the principal offender Yuanshi Tianzun, and to dismiss Jiang Jingwei and Guan Ya and never rehire them."

"According to the organization's regulations, Yuanshi Tianzun will face imprisonment of five to ten years, dismissal from all positions, and never rehire. The two accomplices will be demoted and receive a major demerit."

"Considering Yuanshi Tianzun's meritorious service, the punishment can be appropriately reduced." The elder of the Hundred Flowers Association "heh"ed and said:

"The Songhai branch is using this as a trick to advance by retreating. I received a plea call from the old dog today. He hopes that the headquarters can give a lenient punishment. My suggestion is that Yuanshi Tianzun has not been with the official organization for long and does not have a high sense of belonging. Too severe a punishment will easily force him away. For geniuses, we should give a certain amount of tolerance, with education as the main focus and punishment as a supplement. Demote him to captain and then summon him to the headquarters for a year of ideological education."

Elder Di Hong shook his head slightly: "Too light." The elder of the Red Fire Gang immediately said:

"We have to consider the attitude of the Marshal and the Gang Leader, although they will not express any opinions. In addition, I received a call from the Xie family's patriarch, hoping that the headquarters can handle this matter leniently. This determines the supply of Life Elixir. My personal opinion is that this child has risen too fast and is a bit unruly. We can't let him go and should temper his temperament, but dismissal is definitely not possible. My suggestion is to imprison him for one year, demote him to an ordinary member, and give him a major demerit."

Elder Di Hong still shook his head:

"He killed not a rogue cultivator, not an evil professional, but a officially employed Xingzhe. Even an elder would have to be demoted for it without a special reason. On the above basis, deduct all his bonuses and benefits, and keep his basic salary.

He shall not be promoted to deacon within three years. What do you all think?"

At this time, a young elder said:

"Have you all seen the forum?"

The conference table fell silent.

The busy headquarters elders usually do not pay attention to the information on the Internet.

The young elder repeated the forum's shift in public opinion and sneered:

"Fu Qingyang's devious methods are quite numerous, but this also shows that a large part of the organization supports Yuanshi Tianzun.

"We have to consider the impact of too severe a punishment. First, will it affect the trust of middle and lower-level Xingzhe in the organization? Second, if that group of saints really resign, what kind of public opinion and losses will it cause? Third, we have to be wary of Fu Qingyang, wary of the Fu family."

Pausing, he slowly said: "That group of saints has an organization behind it. The organizer is Fu Qingyang. I think resignation is not a bluff. If we turn a blind eye, Fu Qingyang is likely to eat this group of saints.

"The Lingjing families are like feudal lords who are granted territory. Once they are allowed to go unchecked, it will cause endless trouble. His White Tiger Guard has already become too powerful."

Elder Di Hong was lost in thought.

The next morning

Zhang Yuanqing was awakened by the sound of footsteps, opened his eyes, sat up, and listened to the footsteps gradually approaching, finally stopping outside the door. Outside the door was Fu Qingyang in white, followed by a bunny girl carrying a food box.

The bunny girl swiped to open the door ban and entered the room, arranging the food one by one. Zhang Yuanqing glanced at the rich delicacies and smiled, "Is this a last meal?"

He looked at Fu Qingyang's calm and gentle expression and knew that the headquarters' punishment result had already come out.

"The headquarters has issued an announcement. The punishment result is demotion to an ordinary member, deduction of all bonuses and benefits, retention of basic salary, imprisonment in Fufiawan for one month, and no promotion to captain or deacon within one year."

Demotion, deduction of money, affecting the future, but not clearing my merits, which means that I can restore my position after one year. My several hundred million material quota is gone. Apart from the loss of money, which is painful, the punishment is not serious. Zhang Yuanqing quickly analyzed and asked:

"What did the headquarters say about the curse?"

Fu Qingyang said lightly: "The branch did not report the curse. The headquarters knows you have been cursed and that the punishment is more than these dog elders. They think the curse will disappear naturally after you are promoted to the Overlord. This matter does not need to be mentioned again."

"I understand," Zhang Yuanqing understood.

With the curse, he was a time bomb. To prevent similar events from happening again, the headquarters' punishment must be imprisonment plus ideological education.

That would be a loss of freedom.

As for dismissal, Zhang Yuanqing never thought that the headquarters would dismiss him.

For a talented member with the qualifications of an Alliance Leader, any organization's attitude will inevitably be "teachings" and "punishment" as the main focus, and they will never let go.

If he was really heinous, then he would be erased. Fu Qingyang said:

"Stay here for a few days and prepare for the 副本 (fuben, instance/dungeon). You can leave whenever the limelight has passed. Just don't appear in front of other official members before the end of the one-month imprisonment."

Zhang Yuanqing nodded: "Boss, give me back my phone. Also, prepare some rune-drawing tools and materials for me. I'm going into the 副本 (fuben, instance/dungeon) in at most a week."

Fu Qingyang hesitated, "Okay, but you're not allowed to post on the forum." After receiving Zhang Yuanqing's affirmative answer, he turned and left.

After Fu Qingyang left, Zhang Yuanqing quickly filled his stomach, lay back on the bed, closed his eyes, and his consciousness passed through the mark in his sea of consciousness and entered Xue Qiangwei's (Blood Rose) body.

The closet door in the bedroom opened, and Xue Qiangwei, with delicate features, opened her eyes, stepped out of the closet, and walked to the desk with a clear goal, opened the cabinet, took out the Cat King speaker, and put it in her waist bag.

Then, she opened the bedside table, took a bottle of blue pills, came to the window, and climbed out.

Using the air conditioner outdoor unit as a stepping stone, Xue Qiangwei nimbly jumped into the corridor window and came to the outside of the house.

She walked to the elevator to go to Fu Jiawan. "Ding!"

The elevator door opened, and in the car were grandma carrying a vegetable basket and aunt holding mother's arm, acting coquettish and cute.

Both sides were stunned.

ps: First update with typos, will correct later. Asking for tickets at the beginning of the month.