Chapter 31: Cover-up

At the entrance of the underground parking garage, there was a bustling crowd of people.

Li Dongze, leaning on a cane with one hand and holding a gun with the other, rushed into the underground parking garage. His sharp eyes quickly scanned the scene.

First, he saw Xu Yingying, who was unconscious. Then, he noticed the faint bloodstains on the ground and several private cars with damaged bodies. As a Scout, Li Dongze could easily tell that a brief but dangerous battle had taken place here.

And since Xu Yingying was still alive, it meant that the situation hadn't reached the worst yet.

Several Spirit Realm Walkers also scanned the scene vigilantly and quickly. Then, they saw a figure walking out from the shadow behind a car not far away.

Instantly, everyone instinctively turned their guns and pointed them at him.

"Don't shoot. It's me..."

Zhang Yuanqing quickly raised his hands and, at the same time, sized up the Spirit Realm Walkers other than Guan Ya and Li Dongze.

There was a burly man wearing a fitness suit, who looked like a gym trainer. He was at least 1.9 meters tall, with bulging muscles all over his body, exuding a sense of power. He was wearing red half-finger gloves on his hands.

There was a beautiful woman in a cheongsam with an ink wash painting pattern. Her hair was styled in a classical bun, and her figure was graceful. She seemed to be of a certain age, but her face was well-maintained, fair, delicate, and without wrinkles.

There was a middle-aged man wearing a miner's hat and a dark brown work uniform. His skin was dark, and his face was weather-beaten.

There was a young woman in a white racing suit. She had an oval face, fair skin, and beautiful features. Her thick, arched eyebrows gave her an heroic look, and she was holding a black long knife in her hand.

The other two people holding guns had no distinctive features in terms of temperament or appearance.

When Li Dongze and Guan Ya saw Zhang Yuanqing walking out of the shadow, the tension on their faces visibly relaxed, as if they had finally let out a sigh of relief.

After the meeting ended, they received a call from Wang Tai, saying that Yuanshi had discovered Ou Xiangrong at Songhai University, and the other party had hijacked Xu Yingying with malicious intent.

Li Dongze and Guan Ya were shocked. They immediately called several team leaders who hadn't left yet and rushed to Songhai University in a hurry.

Li Dongze had a serious expression on his face all the way. He was in a heavy mood, fearing that Yuanshi would act recklessly with a hot head.

When newbies become Spirit Realm Walkers and experience their extraordinary powers for the first time, they often become arrogant. Coupled with their lack of experience and ignorance of the situation, they are prone to losing their judgment.

Now, seeing that Zhang Yuanqing was safe and sound, both of them felt relieved.

"Is he that Night Patroller?"

The hot-tempered muscleman asked Li Dongze first. After getting an affirmative answer, he looked around the underground parking garage and asked in a rough voice:

"Kid, where is Ou Xiangrong? Which way did he escape?"

In his opinion, a Level 3 Demon of Seduction couldn't be dealt with by a Level 1 Night Patroller. After a brief fight between the two sides, Ou Xiangrong, fearing the arrival of the official Spirit Realm Walkers, would have fled in a hurry.

If Ou Xiangrong hadn't escaped for too long, they might be able to catch up with him by chasing him now, relying on the Scout's tracking ability.

Li Dongze, Guan Ya, and several team leaders stared at Zhang Yuanqing, waiting for his answer.

"He didn't escape!" Zhang Yuanqing said.

Didn't escape? Everyone was alarmed. They raised their guns and looked around in surprise and vigilance.

Then they heard this newbie who had just joined the profession point to the shadow behind him and say, "I killed him."

What did he say? The muscleman from Chi Huo Gang almost wanted to dig his ears, suspecting that there was something wrong with his hearing. Then his temper flared up, and he angrily said in a gruff voice:

"Don't play jokes with me. This isn't the time or place for you to show off your humor."

Li Dongze and the others were also stunned. Then they frowned, and there was a bit more caution in their eyes as they looked at Zhang Yuanqing.

Why are you so fierce? Can't you speak nicely? Could this guy be from the Chi Huo Gang... Zhang Yuanqing patiently explained:

"I'm not lying. His body is behind the car. If you don't believe me, go and take a look for yourself."

The muscleman looked in that direction. The protruding pillars in the wall and the cars formed overlapping shadows, and from his position, he couldn't see the situation in the corner.

He immediately wanted to go over and check.

"Wait a moment," the middle-aged man wearing a miner's hat stepped forward. He glanced at Zhang Yuanqing and said to the burly man, "I'll go and check."

The muscleman saw his colleague's serious expression and seemed to remember something. He looked at Zhang Yuanqing warily and nodded.

Zhang Yuanqing noticed that Li Dongze and Guan Ya had strange expressions, while the others looked at him with undisguised vigilance.

At this time, the middle-aged man wearing a miner's hat walked slowly but steadily towards the back of the car. Then, he stared blankly at a certain place, his eyes wide open, as if he had been turned into a clay sculpture.

"Boss Tang?"

The muscleman saw his companion's astonished and confused expression and was alarmed. His upper body muscles suddenly swelled, ready to take action at any moment.

Several team leaders like Qingteng and Bailong immediately became vigilant.

Tang Guoqiang's appearance was very much like that of someone who had been seduced.

But soon, they saw Tang Guoqiang "recover." He bent down and dragged out a corpse, pulling it into the spotlight and into everyone's sight.

The corpse was wearing loose camouflage pants, a black vest, and a black jacket. Its face was covered in blood and flesh, and the eye sockets were empty. The outline of the facial features could vaguely identify the identity, and it was indeed Ou Xiangrong.

The underground parking garage fell silent at once, and everyone stared blankly at Ou Xiangrong's body.

Li Dongze's expression gradually changed from serious to astonished, and he muttered to himself:

"Oh, my god. Oh, my god..."

Guan Ya looked at the body and then at Zhang Yuanqing. Then, she seemed to think of something and looked thoughtful.

The beautiful woman in the ink wash painting cheongsam walked quickly over on high heels. She stopped beside the body. After a careful examination, she pursed her lips and said:

"It's indeed Ou Xiangrong."

After saying that, she looked up at Zhang Yuanqing with a complicated expression.

The muscleman's eyes widened round, and he blurted out, "How did you do it?"

Several team leaders focused their eyes on Zhang Yuanqing, looking at him over and over again. Ou Xiangrong had actually been killed by a Level 1 newbie, even though the latter was seriously injured and not at his peak.

The Second Team had made a great contribution this time. What kind of luck had Li Dongze had to recruit such an outstanding subordinate?

How did he do it? Wasn't it just because of the shoes... Zhang Yuanqing didn't answer but looked at his superior.

Li Dongze immediately stepped forward and coughed, saying:

"Yuanshi, you've done a great job. You've made a great contribution. Just now, when we couldn't get in touch with you, we were being severely scolded by our superiors in the meeting room."

This sentence successfully diverted everyone's attention. Several team leaders showed relaxed smiles on their faces, as if a heavy burden had been lifted off their shoulders.

Zhang Yuanqing gave him a sidelong glance and said, "Then why did you point your guns at me just now?"

"A Demon of Seduction in the Extraordinary Realm can briefly influence people's minds. If given enough time, they can seduce repeatedly and deepen the influence, so as to manipulate the target. We thought it was more likely that you had been seduced rather than believing that you had killed Ou Xiangrong." The young woman in the white racing suit walked over with a knife in her hand, looking Zhang Yuanqing up and down. She nodded with satisfaction and said:

"We were all wrong. Let me introduce myself. I'm Bailong, a Level 3 Water Ghost."

This female team leader had an indescribable bold and heroic air. There was no trace of a woman's reserve or shyness in her. She was full of confidence as she looked around, as if everyone else was an inferior.

"Yuanshi Tianzun." Zhang Yuanqing said.

Several team leaders were taken aback: "What a good name..."

It really was a good name. Just hearing it made people want to beat him up.

Bailong smiled and said, "I'll just call you Yuanshi. Fortunately, I always thought that boys your age would come up with some strange and eccentric names."

"Such as?" Zhang Yuanqing shrugged with a smile.

Bailong was stunned for a moment. She didn't expect this kid to be so friendly and even ask her a question in return. Logically speaking, when faced with a superior's teasing, an ordinary person should either be modest or look a bit reserved.

"For example, Muscle Tyrant." Guan Ya walked over with a smile and took over the conversation for Bailong.

Muscle Tyrant: "… The meaning of my name is: Overbearing Muscles."

"That's exactly what I meant." Guan Ya had an innocent look on her face.

The muscleman was speechless.

While they were talking, several more official Spirit Realm Walkers rushed over in a hurry, carrying stretchers and body bags in their hands.

They had just received a call saying that the murderer had been killed, so they came over quickly to collect the body. They also carried Xu Yingying out and sent her to the hospital for treatment.

Li Dongze didn't delay any longer and said, "Yuanshi, come back with us. We need to check Ou Xiangrong's memories."

"No, he can't come." Tang Guoqiang shook his head and said:

"Ou Xiangrong was contaminated by evil forces. We're not sure if his spiritual body was also polluted. In addition, the Demon of Seduction is bloodthirsty and cruel, and the negative energy of his spiritual body is very strong. This is something he can't bear. Yuan Ting will return to Songhai in the afternoon. We can leave it to him."

Zhang Yuanqing immediately remembered his experience of being attacked by a spiritual body in the hospital and felt a moment of fear. But then he thought that if other Night Patrollers saw how he killed Ou Xiangrong.

The red dancing shoes couldn't be hidden anymore. Of course, it didn't mean that once it was exposed, there would definitely be people coveting and trying to take it. But he still needed to keep a low profile.

"This isn't a problem. I'll find a way to resolve it for him." Li Dongze waved his hand and said firmly:

"Ou Xiangrong's memories are very important. The sooner we ask the spirit, the better. We can't judge how many memories the polluted spiritual body can still retain."

Tang Guoqiang thought about it and nodded slightly.

He still didn't agree with Li Dongze's approach, but since the Second Team had killed the person, they had the right to deal with it.

At this time, the beautiful woman in the cheongsam stepped forward and asked with concern:

"Are you injured? Do you need treatment?"

Her voice was gentle, and her attitude was warm, as if Zhang Yuanqing was her confidant.

Li Dongze introduced with a smile:

"This is Team Leader Qingteng of the Baihua Association. She is good at healing. Among the Five Elements Alliance, Wood Demons are also known as Restoration Wizards. If you have any injuries, just tell her."

Restoration Wizards? Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself, are these Restoration Wizards legitimate? Will they force others to seize the future?

Li Dongze then introduced the burly man and the one wearing a miner's hat:

"Muscle Tyrant from the Chi Huo Gang and Tang Guoqiang from the Zhongting. Both team leaders are experienced Spirit Realm Walkers."

As expected, he's from the Chi Huo Gang... Zhang Yuanqing immediately said, "Hello, team leaders. Please take care of me."

The muscleman nodded with satisfaction:

"Do you want to add me as a friend?"

"Sure!" Qingteng and Bailong nodded in agreement.

Tang Guoqiang didn't talk much, but he was the first to take out his phone.

Li Dongze's mouth twitched.

After Zhang Yuanqing added the team leaders as friends, Li Dongze said:

"Let's send the body back first. The other team members will stay and cooperate with the security officers to clean up the scene. Yuanshi, you take Guan Ya's car and go back to the unit to write a report."

A moment later, official Spirit Realm Walkers drove a commercial vehicle and a blue sports car into the underground parking garage.

"Sergeant, can I ride in your commercial vehicle?" Zhang Yuanqing had something he wanted to say to Li Dongze alone, such as asking him to delete the surveillance footage.

"No, you're too dirty now. You're not elegant enough." Li Dongze shook his head and refused. Then he looked at the team leaders and said, "Let's go back together."

Zhang Yuanqing opened his mouth, but then closed it without saying anything. In the end, he watched helplessly as Li Dongze and the team leaders left in the commercial vehicle.

Guan Ya's eyes flickered. She glanced at him and smiled, saying:

"The sergeant has taken away all the troublesome people. Let's go. I'll take you to delete the surveillance footage."

... Zhang Yuanqing kept his eyes on his nose and his nose on his heart.

...

The blue sports car sped along the spacious street. Guan Ya, wearing sunglasses and holding the steering wheel, hummed a little tune. She seemed to be in a good mood.

She clicked her tongue and said:

"You're really lucky, kid. You've obtained a rule-based item just after becoming a Spirit Realm Walker."

She also thought she was lucky. Just when she was short of merits, merits came her way.

"Did you guys already know about it?" Zhang Yuanqing was not embarrassed at all. Instead, he flattered her, saying, "Scouts are indeed the most perfect profession."

As someone who was good at socializing, he could adjust his mentality well.

"We just guessed before. Remember, insight is a Scout's talent." Guan Ya smiled and said, "You were able to understand my hint and hide the rule-based item, which shows that you're not too stupid."

Zhang Yuanqing immediately probed:

"Will the organization make me hand over the item?"

"No, it won't force you. But if you voluntarily hand it over, the organization will happily accept it and reward you with merits and money. However, human nature is complex. If it gets out that a newbie like you has a rule-based item in your hand, it will definitely attract some people to take risks."

Guan Ya admonished earnestly: "The sergeant can hide it for you for a while, but not forever. You can consider finding a backer for yourself, such as your superior's superior."

"Can that Centurion protect me?" Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself, how can you be sure that the superior's superior won't be greedy when he sees the treasure?

"That guy comes from a wealthy family. He grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth. He's arrogant and proud. I don't know about the other deacons, but I can guarantee his character." Guan Ya smiled and said:

"Moreover, that guy always claims to convince people with virtue. In fact, he likes to spend money recklessly. He's a rich guy. A rule-based item won't shake his pride."

"However, his standards are very high. He generally looks down on ordinary people and likes elite talents."

Zhang Yuanqing "hmm"ed. He neither agreed nor refused and skipped this topic.

Guan Ya snorted twice:

"You've made a big splash today. Once your deeds spread, there will definitely be people in the Five Elements Alliance who will try to poach you openly or secretly. Be careful of the honey trap. There have been examples of seduction before. Those two female team leaders seem quite interested in you."

Zhang Yuanqing said righteously, "I'm loyal to the Second Team and will never fall for the honey trap."

Unless I can't help it! He added in his heart.

"But you're a Scorpio." Guan Ya pouted.

Huh? What does this have to do with Scorpio... Zhang Yuanqing looked blank.

"Have you ever heard the constellation saying: Pisces men are not worth dating, and Scorpio men will fall for anything."

"..."

...

In the black commercial vehicle, Li Dongze was driving. He looked ahead and said with a beaming smile:

"Oops, I accidentally finished everyone else's work. My team member isn't being nice. Sorry, everyone. I didn't give you a chance to get the credit."

What are you so proud of... The faces of the four team leaders darkened.

"When the bonus comes, I'll treat you all to dinner." Li Dongze smiled and said, "Don't be envious. It's all just a coincidence. This kid coincidentally cleared the She Ling Tunnel and coincidentally killed Ou Xiangrong. It's no big deal."

"The way you talk is really annoying." The muscleman said in a gruff voice.

"Be elegant. Don't always be so irritable. I'll report to Centurion Fu first."

Under the gaze of the team leaders who wanted to hit him, he took out his phone and dialed Centurion Fu's number.

In the Ou Xiangrong incident, because of their mistakes, Centurion Fu had taken on a lot of risks.

Now that Ou Xiangrong had been killed, as his subordinate, he had to report it in a timely manner.

This kid Yuanshi really brought him a lot of credit.