Chapter 145: Investigating the Cause

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"Ding ding~"

The phone rang for a long time before Auntie Xiaoyuan finally answered, her tone extremely unfriendly: "If you've got something to say, spit it out!"

Hmm, why does her tone sound like she's ready to explode? Zhang Yuanqing put on a warm smile and said, "Auntie Xiaoyuan, it's been a long time. I've missed you. I still owe you ten thousand, right? I was wondering if you have some time, can I come over for a visit?"

Master Wuhen had advised him not to visit the hotel again, as the paths of good and evil were different, and he shouldn't jeopardize himself. Therefore, even though Zhang Yuanqing was good at socializing, he didn't dare to visit without clear instructions from the big shots.

He made this call as a roundabout way to ask Auntie Xiaoyuan to inquire about Master Wuzhen's opinion.

Auntie Xiaoyuan responded with a cold "Hmph," and said, "The official comprehensive examination is about to begin. I heard that this time, the Songhai Branch has applied for the Tiger Token. I want to ask for Master Wuzhen's opinion."

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, and Auntie Xiaoyuan's tone turned colder, "Are you worried that your previous interactions with us might become a liability, affecting your position in the official ranks and your reputation?"

Zhang Yuanqing keenly sensed that there was some emotion in her tone, and she seemed displeased.

At that moment, he faintly heard a low growl from a young man on the other end of the phone, "Let go of me! You don't need to worry about my affairs. Who are you talking to? How did you get involved with the officials?"

Then there was a muffled sound like a "thud," followed by the young man groaning in pain, as if he had been knocked out.

"Uh, Auntie Xiaoyuan, did I interrupt something?" Zhang Yuanqing asked cautiously. "Is that your son?"

"Son?" Auntie Xiaoyuan's voice suddenly rose.

Zhang Yuanqing heard the grinding of teeth and forced a dry laugh, "Auntie Xiaoyuan, please help me ask."

Auntie Xiaoyuan was a woman of indeterminate age, with a curvy figure, mature charm, and youthful vitality. Her eyes were round and alluring, and her skin was fair.

But her temperament, her overall impression, was definitely not that of a young girl.

So Zhang Yuanqing couldn't accurately guess her age, maybe in her thirties, maybe forties. It wouldn't be surprising if she had a teenage son.

"Wait!" Auntie Xiaoyuan replied coldly and hung up the phone.

About ten minutes later, she called Zhang Yuanqing back and said, "Master Wuzhen says that the Tiger Token is a rule-based item for scouts. In its presence, no one can lie. Only those with similar-level items or powers can resist it."

"Master also said that instead of thinking about how to shield the item's ability, it's better to think about who should lead the item. Besides, personally, I think our reputation is still good. Your interactions with us are just normal, and with your achievements, the Five Elements Alliance won't cut off your future over this matter."

"I've said what I needed to. If you have nothing else, you can hang up."

She was indeed angry. Auntie Xiaoyuan seemed quite sensitive. If I showed even a hint of concern, she immediately sensed it and seemed ready to cut ties with me. She has a strong sense of pride.

Zhang Yuanqing cleared his throat and said, "There is one more thing. I received a gang token, and I wanted to ask Auntie Xiaoyuan if you're interested in joining my gang?"

"You want to invite me to join your gang?" Auntie Xiaoyuan was stunned, finding it hard to believe, and said in a deep voice, "Have you thought about the consequences? I am an evil profession. If you invite me to join your gang, have you considered the consequences? If you haven't, let me tell you. First, you won't be able to invite friends from the officials to join your gang anymore, which will affect your networking. Even the wild lawful professions will keep their distance from you because there is an evil profession in the gang. The gang token will become useless."

"Secondly, if this matter leaks out, it will be much more serious than it is now. Even if you have a good track record, you will never become a high-ranking member of the Five Elements Alliance. The official 'political review' is very strict."

Zhang Yuanqing replied, "I know, but I still want to invite Auntie Xiaoyuan."

"You!" Auntie Xiaoyuan instinctively got angry, then her tone softened and she said softly, "Why?"

Zhang Yuanqing remained silent for a long time and then said slowly, "Indeed, I don't know your past, but I believe that as long as someone is dedicated to doing good, anyone should have the opportunity for redemption. Just like the man who killed out of desperation, he was entirely pushed into a corner. This society didn't give him justice, so he used a knife to take back his own justice."

"I may not know your past, but I know the person you are now, and I trust my judgment."

Auntie Xiaoyuan sneered, "Perhaps one day you'll die because of blind trust."

Zhang Yuanqing immediately replied, "Then I'll die without regrets."

She didn't say anything further.

Zhang Yuanqing spoke with a serious tone and continued, "I haven't been with the officials for long, but I've seen too many lawful professions doing bad things. I have my own moral compass, and I won't be bound by the Spirit Realm. If the Five Elements Alliance decides to push me out of the core power circle because of this, so be it. I can always be an outsider."

"And my original intention in forming this gang is to establish a network independent of the officials."

Zhang Yuanqing's words were sincere, containing no lies, but there was another layer of purpose, which was to convey his philosophy to Master Wuzhen.

Master Wuzhen's attitude was clear – draw clear boundaries.

But Zhang Yuanqing didn't want to completely sever ties. He wanted to build a strong relationship with both sides, as an additional layer of protection for the future.

---

Xiaoyuan listened silently and said, "Since you've made up your mind, I don't mind. There's no need to tell me all this. Later, when you open the warehouse, click on the search button in the upper right corner, enter my Spirit Realm ID, and I'll receive the invitation. By the way, what's the name of your gang?"

Her tone had softened considerably, in stark contrast to her earlier coldness.

"It's called 'The Return of the Departed!'" Zhang Yuanqing replied.

"???" Auntie Xiaoyuan's tone changed again, and she said coldly, "I'm sorry, our paths are different, and I can't join your gang."

Zhang Yuanqing was left with a puzzled expression as he heard the busy signal on the phone. What's going on with this woman? She was speaking so positively just now.

Well, it seems I can't escape this situation. Whether I advance or retreat, I haven't done anything morally wrong. Zhang Yuanqing sighed silently.

---

At the Hidden Trace Inn, Auntie Xiaoyuan put down her phone and muttered, "What a ridiculous name."

She thought for a moment, then picked up her phone and sent a message to Master Yuanshi, "I'll consider it!"

Then she placed her phone on the table and looked towards the inn's lobby at the motionless young man lying on the cool floor.

He appeared to be around sixteen years old, with a pale complexion, thick eyebrows, and star-like eyes. He was a very handsome and fierce-looking young man.

At this moment, the young man's expression was filled with anger, but it was different from his earlier anger. Now, his anger was mixed with resentment and sadness. He roared like a young lion, "Xiaoyuan, when did you get involved with the officials? Can you justify it to us? We all swore to follow Master Wuzhen, to forget the past, to redeem ourselves, and never to associate with the evil camp or have dealings with the lawful camp."

He grew angrier as he spoke, and he shouted, "I want to see Master Wuzhen!"

Auntie Xiaoyuan glanced at him, her voice calm, "The person I just talked to, Master Wuzhen knows as well."

"Ah?" The young man's expression froze for a moment, and he looked somewhat embarrassed. "Oh, then, then it's okay."

But he immediately started making demands again, "Xiaoyuan, you have to help me get rid of the anesthesia."

"If you want revenge, I have no objections, but if you want to commit suicide, I definitely can't watch." Xiaoyuan, in flat shoes, walked out from behind the counter, not even looking at him.

"Reflect on your actions here. I'll go upstairs to see Master Wuzhen."

She entered the elevator and reached the fourth floor, stopping at the door of Room 404.

"Knock knock!"

Xiaoyuan lightly tapped on the door, and said in a low voice, "Master, it's me."

Then she turned the doorknob, and the surroundings quickly transformed. The hotel corridor turned into an ancient temple filled with burning incense.

"Master Yuanshi invited me to join his gang," Xiaoyuan bowed.

Master Wuzhen, with his back to her, struggled to speak through the pain, "You've come to ask for my opinion, not to refuse. Your heart has already wavered. What did he say to you?"

Xiaoyuan lowered her head and relayed Master Yuanshi's philosophy to Master Wuzhen.

The figure in the blue robe sat silently for a long time, then finally, in a deep voice, echoed, "Did he really say that?"

Xiaoyuan nodded lightly, "Words alone are not enough."

"Then you should go and verify it in person," Master Wuzhen said slowly.

---

Two days later, at the Tangshi Hospital.

Tangshi Hospital was an industry of the Hundred Flowers Society and one of the top private hospitals in Songhai. It was being used as the venue for the comprehensive examination.

A luxurious business van with an extended body was parked outside the clinic. The automatic door slid open, and Jingwei was the first to jump out of the car, her red hair dancing like flames.

"Jingwei, slow down a bit, always remember to be elegant. There are many colleagues watching here," said Li Dongze, who walked out of the car with the support of a cane. Despite the increasing heat, he was still dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and dark vest. He had simply taken off his suit jacket.

His two small mustaches were neatly groomed.

Zhang Yuanqing emerged from the car with a smile, turning to face them and taking on a gentlemanly posture, offering his hand to help Guan Ya step out.

"Come, Lady Guan, let me assist you."

Guan Ya rolled her eyes at him, smiled, and placed her hand on his back, allowing Zhang Yuanqing to help her out of the car.

Li Dongze, leaning on his cane, watched this scene in silence. As a department head, he didn't necessarily approve of "office romance," but he also had no reason to object. After all, he was just a department head, not an elder.

Well, in terms of age, he was certainly old enough to be Master Yuanshi's elder, but 27-year-old Guan Ya addressed him as "elder brother."

Li Dongze shook his head slightly.

Teng Yuan, pushing up his glasses on his nose, looked dispassionate, a picture of someone lacking enthusiasm for life. "Why bother going to work? Life is short, and we should enjoy it instead of wasting our limited time on making money and fighting, even if the starting point is to maintain order."

"Ah, you're a hopeless lazy person," Zhang Yuanqing said no more and followed Li Dongze and the others into the hospital.

Passing through the outpatient and emergency building, they continued deeper into the facility, and the number of people around decreased while the environment became increasingly tranquil. Eventually, the members of Squad Two stopped in front of a small building nestled among the trees.

Two well-dressed security guards were stationed at the entrance of the small building, standing tall with stern expressions. They were official practitioners who had already passed the comprehensive examination.

Li Dongze led his team closer, presented their credentials for verification, and once confirmed, the group entered the interior of the small building.

The first-floor lobby was spacious, gathering more than twenty people, all members of the official practitioner teams from the Kangyang District, including familiar faces from Zhang Yuanqing's Squad Two.

Team leaders like Tang Guoqiang, Bailong, Qingteng, and the Boxing King were gathered together, engaged in hushed conversations.

Their subordinates were also grouped in twos and threes, chatting and laughing, with female practitioners occasionally emitting melodious laughter.

Zhang Yuanqing even overheard a few female colleagues saying, "I heard that the 'Origin Master' from Squad Two is coming."

"So looking forward to it. The 'Queen' on the forum said he's very handsome, and our Squad Leader Qingteng also mentioned that he's a very nice young man."

Apart from these medical examination personnel, there were also about a dozen security guards in formal attire, standing in various positions, blocking windows, stairwells, and the entrance in an organized manner.

It seemed like they were ready to apprehend any traitors immediately. Zhang Yuanqing couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.

"Hey! Our great hero, the 'Origin Master,' is here."

Big Muscle noticed someone entering and turned to look. When he saw Origin Master, he immediately flashed a broad smile.

"Origin Master?"

The thunderous voice of the Fire Practitioner resounded through the first-floor lobby.

The somewhat noisy hall instantly fell silent, and everyone turned their heads towards the entrance, looking in their direction.

In an instant, Zhang Yuanqing felt countless gazes falling on him – scrutinizing, observing, rejoicing, and expressing satisfaction.

They recognized me so quickly? Am I that distinctive, that eye-catching? Zhang Yuanqing turned his head to look at Assistant Director Shi, who was stroking his small beard, Teng Yuan, who was wearing glasses and had a somewhat dazed expression, and Wang Tai, who seemed similarly stunned.

Oh, it's all thanks to the contrast with my colleagues.

"He does look good, and he's not that old. A young hunk."

"He's probably in his early twenties, which is great. At this age, young guys have the most energy."

In hushed whispers, Qingteng gave a stern glance at his female subordinates.

A group of flirtatious girls.

The nature of the Wood Practitioner was the most complex among the major professions, characterized by nobility, pride, gentleness, and warmth, among other traits. Some Wood Practitioners had strong vitality and intense reproductive desires, especially during the spring season.

In addition, female Wood Practitioners were known for their charming appearances and graceful figures. This reputation led to many female Wood Practitioners within the organization being well-known social butterflies.

Years ago, there were even official practitioners who fought each other over these social butterflies, leading to jealousy and competition, tarnishing the reputation of the Proficient Stage Wood Practitioners in the Five Elements Alliance.

After giving her subordinates a warning with her eyes, Qingteng greeted the members of Squad Two with a smile and said, "Origin, you've become the idol of the girls in the Songhai branch."

Bailong examined Origin Master and said with emotion, "I heard you're already at the third level? I guess I won't be able to recruit you. Why don't you come to my team? I'll give you the position of squad leader."

Li Dongze, nearby, couldn't help but sigh. Just over a month ago, these guys were secretly plotting to undermine them, and now they were humbly requesting that he become their squad leader.

"Captain Bailong, you're flattering me. I have limited experience and can't be a squad leader," Zhang Yuanqing modestly replied.

Big Muscle slapped him hard on the shoulder and boldly exclaimed, "Origin, you're amazing! You even defeated Li Xianzong. Being a squad leader is nothing for you. You're really making our Songhai branch proud."

While they were talking, the door of the examination room on the left opened, and a middle-aged man with an unpleasant expression walked out.

"Judging by your appearance, is there something wrong with your health?" a colleague asked.

"Don't ask, don't ask," the middle-aged man waved his hand hurriedly, avoiding further questions.

Not far away, Guan Ya leaned close to Zhang Yuanqing's ear and whispered, "He has kidney deficiency."

A warm and fragrant breath tickled his earlobe, giving him a tingling sensation. Zhang Yuanqing rubbed his ear and asked in a low voice, "How did you know that? You're a scout, after all. Sister Guan Ya, it seems there aren't many medical facilities here. How are they conducting the physical examinations?"

In the first stage of the comprehensive examination, they checked the physical health status. Spirit Realm practitioners could still get sick since they were, after all, carbon-based life forms.

Guan Ya explained, "For the physical examination phase, our Songhai branch uses a special instrument called the 'Divine Physician Detector,' a high-level item for the Musician profession. It scans the entire body with special light and can detect the body's condition, identifying any diseases."

"Including cases controlled by special abilities, it can also detect them."

Being controlled by special abilities. No wonder the Demon Lord said he couldn't pass the comprehensive examination. The power of the Fallen Holy Grail is terrifyingly evil but lacks concealment, so it can't hide from this examination," Zhang Yuanqing realized.

At the same time, he was eager to experience this stage.

His long-standing ailment had always been a concern. Before becoming a Spirit Realm practitioner, he was always worried that one day the special medicine would stop working, and he would be left without a cure. Furthermore, his strong mother had taken him to many major hospitals, but they couldn't find the cause of his illness.

During the long wait, one official practitioner after another exited the examination room and headed upstairs for the second phase of the examination.

"Li Dongze!"

A call came from the examination room.

Finally, it was Squad Two's turn.

Li Dongze leaned on his cane and looked back at his subordinates, smiling gracefully. "If you don't mind, come in together. I believe that a joint examination can enhance our mutual understanding, and as an Assistant Director, it's my duty to know your physical condition."

"Well, it's not mandatory. If you value your physical privacy, you can stay outside," he added.

Having said that, he picked up his cane and entered the examination room.

Curious Zhang Yuanqing immediately followed, and Jiang Jingwei unhesitatingly joined in the fun.

Guan Ya frowned slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then followed the two inside.

As for Teng Yuan and Wang Tai, they had no particular desires and simply went with the flow.

Inside the examination room, Zhang Yuanqing saw the "Divine Physician Detector." It was a cylindrical device about half a person's height, resembling an enlarged and elevated version of a charging station.

It had a white metal base and body, and the cylindrical surface featured a screen.

Connected to the body was a cable, with the other end leading to a T-shaped scanner.

A female doctor in a white lab coat sat behind the desk, glanced at the entering individuals, and asked, "Which one of you is Li Dongze?"

Li Dongze placed his cane properly and sat at the desk. "It's me."

The female doctor nodded with an indifferent expression and, without looking at Zhang Yuanqing and the others, picked up the scanner and aimed it at Li Dongze's forehead.

"Beep, beep."

The yellow warning light on the scanner lit up, radiating a red linear light onto Li Dongze's forehead.

The machine immediately made an electronic sound: [Beep, beep, beginning diagnosis. The condition is erosive gastritis. Guidance: maintain a regular diet, quit drinking, avoid spicy foods. Diagnosis complete!]

Li Dongze stood up and sighed, "My stomach has always been my old problem, but quitting alcohol is really difficult."

The female doctor looked at the computer and said, "Jiang Jingwei!"

The list was in the order of their joining.

"Me, me, me!" Jiang Jingwei pushed Li Dongze aside and sat at the desk. The female doctor lifted the scanner and aimed it at her forehead.

"Beep, beep, beginning diagnosis. No diseases detected. Slightly enlarged stomach, slightly lower intelligence. Guidance: avoid overeating. Diagnosis complete!"

Everyone: ...

Slightly lower intelligence? This machine sure has a sense of humor. Shouldn't it be extremely low intelligence? Zhang Yuanqing almost burst out laughing.

The female doctor looked at Jiang Jingwei sympathetically and consoled her, "The young lady is in good health, and having a slightly enlarged stomach is not a problem. Every Fire Practitioner has a slightly larger stomach. Next up, Guan Ya."

Zhang Yuanqing immediately perked up.

"Beep, beep, beginning diagnosis. No diseases detected. Your body is well-maintained. Please keep it up. Diagnosis complete!"

Guan Ya smiled confidently as she glanced at Zhang Yuanqing.

Young Spirit Realm practitioners usually had good physical conditions. Next was Teng Yuan, who, despite being an old-timer, had a healthy body but suffered from severe myopia.

Wang Tai had multiple health issues, including fatty liver, hemorrhoids, and endocrine disorders.

The Scholar profession had very low physical attribute bonuses at the Proficient Stage, so Wang Tai was considered strong among ordinary people but weak among Spirit Realm practitioners.

"Origin, it's your turn!" Li Dongze said.

Zhang Yuanqing stood still, took a deep breath, and appeared somewhat nervous.

"Hurry up," Jiang Jingwei urged, "Let me see if you have any illnesses."

Guan Ya smiled and said, "Don't worry, you won't have kidney deficiency. I'm very accurate in judging people."

Zhang Yuanqing sat down at the desk, straightening his back.

The female doctor in a white lab coat repeated the previous steps, picking up the scanner and aiming it at his forehead.

(End of this chapter)

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