Chapter 160: Unforgivable Sins

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In the dark of night, under the glow of a lamp, Kou Beiyue silently stared at the young man with ordinary features, wearing black-framed glasses, who was smoking. After about ten seconds, he said:

"No wonder Xiaoyuan admires you so much. She's sensitive and cautious, making it difficult for most official practitioners to get close to her, yet she trusts you and befriends you for a reason. From now on, well, from now on, we are friends."

Young people are often melodramatic, with thin skin. When expressing goodwill, they can feel embarrassed and self-conscious.

After saying this, when he saw Zhang Yuanqing remaining silent, deep in thought, Kou Beiyue felt a blow to his self-esteem and asked:

"Are you not happy to be friends with someone like me, a master like me?"

Zhang Yuanqing snapped out of his thoughts and instinctively said, "Ah, of course."

Then, he hesitated and asked, "What did you say just now? I didn't hear it clearly."

Kou Beiyue's face alternated between pale and red as he let out an angry hum and turned his head away.

Baffled, Zhang Yuanqing took a deep breath and said, "I'm thinking about an action plan. If we've decided to get involved in this matter, analysis and deployment are essential. Charging headlong into the Tongque Tower without a plan would be the most foolish approach and could put us in danger."

"Why not just storm into the Tongque Tower directly?" This sentence got stuck in Kou Beiyue's throat, but he managed to swallow it and said, "Why? In my analysis, that 'Wuye' should be an ordinary person, not a practitioner in the Spirit Realm. Do we really need to be this cautious when dealing with a regular person?"

Zhang Yuanqing agreed that Wuye was not a practitioner in the Spirit Realm. The moral values of Spirit Realm practitioners couldn't withstand such extravagance.

People like Chiyue An, who acted as stewards, would visit places like this occasionally to indulge their dark desires, just like spending their wages carefully. It wouldn't lead to problems.

However, establishing a place for such illicit activities, cultivating a team for pyramid schemes, fraud, and coercion, would strain the moral values of any practitioner in the Spirit Realm.

Zhang Yuanqing glanced at his phone, estimating the arrival time of the ride-sharing car, and explained, "Chiyue An probably knows you, and your conflicts with him originate from the Tongque Tower. After your attempted assassination, he will surely inform the Tongque Tower, strengthening security measures and maybe even dispatching Spirit Realm practitioners to protect Wuye."

Kou Beiyue furrowed his brow, saying, "What you're saying makes sense."

"But don't worry too much. You're in an unsavory profession, not an official representative, and you're alone. To Chiyue An, you're at most a somewhat challenging opponent. I guess his plan is to set up an ambush around himself or the Tongque Tower and wait for you to fall into the trap. As for an official investigation, he probably won't consider it because this matter involves too many powerful and influential figures who can easily bury it," Zhang Yuanqing analyzed with confidence.

As Kou Beiyue listened, he gradually became convinced, and his thoughts followed the same path. "So, what should we do then?"

What to do? Zhang Yuanqing had two strategies in mind. The first was to infiltrate the Tongque Tower, search for evidence, and then report it to Fu Qingyang, who could convey it to the elders through official channels.

In this way, the authorities would likely take action against Chiyue An, but the condition was finding solid evidence against him. There was also a potential issue; Chiyue An was a steward, responsible for one of the districts, supported by the Zhu family, and he was a customer of the Tongque Tower, not the mastermind. These charges might not put him in a life-threatening situation.

As for the murder of Kou Yusi, Kou Beiyue, as an evil practitioner, couldn't come forward as a witness. Although the Five Elements Alliance had methods to make people speak the truth, their system didn't allow relying solely on tools for investigations; there needed to be additional supporting evidence.

This would give Chiyue An and his allies a chance to wriggle out of the situation, much like a legal battle, where the process is complex and challenging but essential.

The second strategy was much simpler: entrust the Tongque Tower case to the Magic Eye Overlord, letting one villain deal with another. This was the lowest-risk approach with a high chance of success, but it had a fatal flaw—it was beyond their control.

Zhang Yuanqing remembered Wei Chang's words about the Magic Eye Overlord causing two bloodshed incidents in Songhai, resulting in nearly twenty deaths and a significant drop in moral values. He should be quieter for a while.

In the Tongque Tower case, there were too many people who deserved punishment. Considering the Magic Eye Overlord's personality, he wouldn't spare these people, but he wasn't foolish; he would also consider situations where his moral values might not be sufficient.

The reasonable approach was to keep a mental tally, accumulate enough moral values, and then act. However, Zhang Yuanqing couldn't wait any longer. The interrogation of Kong Liangping tonight meant this case had to be resolved quickly. Once Chiyue An and other powerful figures learned of Kong Liangping's death, they would take appropriate measures to protect themselves.

In the realm of intrigue and scheming, Zhang Yuanqing was aware of his limitations and knew he couldn't outmaneuver those experienced players.

Furthermore, there was the downside to entrusting the Magic Eye Overlord. They didn't know when he would accumulate enough moral values, and the local elders in the Songhai branch might have their own plans.

If the Magic Eye Overlord suffered significant setbacks, decided to withdraw from Songhai, the effort would be in vain.

"Let's make a trip to the Tongque Tower first to gather information," Zhang Yuanqing offered a cautious decision.

Kou Beiyue gave him a puzzled look and asked, "So, how is that any different from what I had in mind, which is to charge into the Tongque Tower directly?"

Zhang Yuanqing replied with a touch of disdain, "The difference is that before you made that decision, your mind was completely blank. But a wise person has already played out an entire political drama in their head before making a decision."

Kou Beiyue retorted, "So, in the end, there's no difference."

Zhang Yuanqing's mouth twitched, and he said, "Alright, don't worry about these details. The car is arriving soon, and once we reach our destination, follow my lead."

To prevent this young fellow from arguing further, Zhang Yuanqing changed the subject. "How did you and Xiaoyuan meet?"

Kou Beiyue recalled, "I met her in a multiplayer cooperative scenario. At that time, I made a mistake, and a lawful practitioner ambushed me. I almost died, but Xiaoyuan saved me. Afterward, we exchanged contact information, and she thought I had potential, so she introduced me to Master Wuhen's team for training."

In truth, it was a moment of weakness; he couldn't bring himself to kill at that time. He had only recently become an Enthrallment Demon, and he had psychological barriers against taking a life, but Kou Beiyue cared about his image and didn't want to admit it.

"I always thought you were Xiaoyuan's son. Does Xiaoyuan have a husband or a boyfriend?" Zhang Yuanqing asked casually.

Kou Beiyue became instantly alert, asking, "What are you getting at?"

Zhang Yuanqing chuckled and replied, "Xiaoyuan is beautiful and alluring. It's just natural curiosity to wonder if she has a partner, purely out of curiosity."

Kou Beiyue responded, "I don't know, and frankly, I haven't seen anyone who would be worthy of Xiaoyuan."

Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself, "You seem to have a deep bias in Xiaoyuan's favor." He said, "Oh," and didn't press the matter further.

Kou Beiyue, on the other hand, couldn't let go and asked, "You know the Primordial Celestial, right? I heard that kid is a recent genius who killed the Li Xianzong of the Militant Sect. Who do you think is stronger between you and him?"

Zhang Yuanqing didn't hesitate, saying, "In front of him, I'd only kneel and sing 'Conquest.'"

Kou Beiyue was taken aback and said, "That powerful? It doesn't make sense. Li Xianzong was about as strong as me, and you're slightly better than me. You and the Primordial Celestial shouldn't be that far apart."

"You're about as strong as Li Xianzong?" Zhang Yuanqing couldn't help but size up Kou Beiyue, thinking, "This kid doesn't seem like a bragger. Is he really that powerful? Well, he is a Level 3 Enthrallment Demon. No wonder the Magic Eye Overlord took an interest in him."

At this moment, a bright white sedan slowly decelerated and stopped next to the two. The ride-sharing car had arrived.

Half an hour later, the white sedan reached Xin Yuan Road and parked about a hundred meters away from number 38.

Zhang Yuanqing paid the fare and got out of the car with Kou Beiyue.

He went to the roadside, sat down under a plant, summoned the Bloodthirsty Blade, and said, "I'm going in. Watch over my physical body. Don't backstab me, little buddy."

This was the plan they discussed in the car: he would first project his spirit into the Tongque Tower to gather information, and then they would decide their next steps based on what he found. When the spirit projected out of the body, the physical body would become vulnerable.

Kou Beiyue rolled his eyes at the warning.

What he couldn't see was a round, cute, and slightly hairless baby by his feet, looking up at him curiously.

Little Doupbi was Zhang Yuanqing's additional insurance. While he didn't believe Kou Beiyue would betray him, it never hurt to be cautious.

At a critical moment, Little Doupi could buy him some time.

"I need to quickly refine a Yin Corpse to have a powerful guardian by my side the next time I project my spirit," Zhang Yuanqing thought. Then, his spirit floated out of his body.

He floated to the same height as the plant, looked down at his sitting physical body, and the vigilant Kou Beiyue surveying their surroundings. After that, he sheathed the Bloodthirsty Blade and drifted towards the Tongque Tower.

The Tongque Tower was situated by the river in a secluded area, consisting of two residential buildings, one with five floors and the other with two, enclosed by a wall with pulse-electric fencing.

From the exterior, the buildings appeared plain, even somewhat run-down.

Zhang Yuanqing's spirit passed over the wall and spotted several patrol teams. They wore security uniforms, worked in pairs, and carried short batons along with walkie-talkies. They appeared well-trained and highly professional.

Zhang Yuanqing transformed into a gust of yin wind and entered the five-story building on the left. The first floor was a security room with multiple monitors displaying images from throughout the area.

Each floor had iron doors requiring access card swipes for entry and exit. The women living here were like birds trapped in a cage, devoid of hope and freedom.

The second floor was an office area with empty desks, all dark and unattended.

From the third floor up to the fifth, it was the women's dormitories, the place where they engaged in silver transactions, serving as companions for clients.

Each of these rooms was spacious, resembling large suites in hotels, decorated with a pink theme. Circular large beds were placed beside bronze bathtubs, and glass cabinets held various adult accessories.

Zhang Yuanqing intended to gather information from the women at the Tongque Tower. This approach was much more detailed than acquiring information through killing and questioning spirits.

His spirit passed through one room after another, witnessing women lying on the soft beds, and clients indulging in their desires, accompanied by the nauseating sounds of debauchery.

How many of these women were forced into this life? Lured in for various reasons, becoming tools for clients to vent their desires, they were forced to accommodate one man after another.

Kou Beiyue's sister had been here in the past, experiencing what these women were currently enduring. She had managed to escape but was brutally murdered.

Finally, Zhang Yuanqing stopped in one of the suites. There was a round table by the window, where a portly middle-aged man sat, holding a cigarette.

The sound of running water from the bathroom stopped, indicating that a woman was finishing her shower.

The woman, wrapped in a towel, emerged from the bathroom. She appeared to be in her mid-20s with short hair and a slender figure, her facial features exceptionally delicate.

"Darling, I'm done. You can go take a shower now," she said with a faint smile.

Zhang Yuanqing, who was sitting in a chair and hadn't moved, glanced at her and said, "Come over and sit."

The woman didn't think too much about it and sat down across from him. She casually picked up the cigarette pack on the table and lit one for herself.

At that moment, she saw the client sitting across from her. He drew a glimmering and cold Willow Blade from beneath the table, piercing it into the table's surface.

*Cough, cough, cough.*

The woman was taken by surprise and choked on her smoke. She coughed vigorously, tears streaming down her face, her complexion reddening.

Zhang Yuanqing's gaze turned cold as he said, "I'm asking you questions. If you dare to lie, make excuses, or try to call for help, I will kill you!"

It was a desperate measure. In his current physical state, it was impossible to make the woman reveal the details and evidence of Wu Ye's crimes. Night Roaming God didn't possess any manipulation abilities like those of an Enthrallment Demon.

The simplest and most effective method was to resort to violence.

The woman cautiously glanced at the Willow Blade, unable to fully grasp the situation, but nodded in cooperation.

Zhang Yuanqing asked, "What's your name, and how long have you been here?"

"Cao, my name is Cao Jing. Did you not know that I've been working here for 5 years? I came here when I was 20," the woman replied.

"How did you get in here?"

"I saw a recruitment advertisement online."

"You were deceived, weren't you?"

The woman fell silent for a moment and nodded cautiously. "Yes, I was deceived into thinking I would work as a sales associate, but after joining, they brought me here, and my job changed to accompanying clients to eat, drink, and sleep."

Zhang Yuanqing said icily, "Continue speaking, don't make me ask one question at a time. I have limited patience."

As he spoke, he drew the Willow Blade.

The woman's face paled with fear, and she spoke cautiously, "I initially refused, but Wu Ye had people beat me, rape me, and lock me up in solitary confinement. They took my phone, deprived me of food and water.

"I couldn't bear it, so I gave in. Since then, I had to sleep with clients every day, and occasionally, they would take me out to accompany clients for drinking, like a prostitute. No, we're even worse than prostitutes because we don't earn any money.

"The sisters in the building told me that they had all experienced this. Many had been beaten. Compared to them, I considered myself fortunate because I still have the ability to bear children. Some women were forced into prostitution and lost their fertility. Some escaped a few times, and then they disappeared. I hope they managed to escape back home.

"Wu Ye brought in family members of some obedient women, providing them with jobs as cleaners and security personnel.

"He also promoted obedient women to management positions, setting an example for us. They had salaries and benefits. Many of the sisters here are very envious."

Zhang Yuanqing took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions, upon hearing her story.

Cao Jing had provided a detailed account, and she watched her unfamiliar client with caution, asking, "What else would you like to know?"

Zhang Yuanqing, with an expressionless face, said, "Tell me some key details, like evidence of Wu Ye's crimes."

Cao Jing thought for a moment and said, "He installed a lot of surveillance cameras in the building specifically to record us with clients in bed. He not only used the videos to threaten us but also threatened the clients who visited us. You should be aware of this."

Zhang Yuanqing asked, "Is there anything else?"

"I heard that Wu Ye keeps a ledger with records of all clients who interacted with him. Well, I can't confirm its authenticity. I heard it from our manager, who is Wu Ye's mistress and has had a child with him. She was just like us initially, sleeping with clients."

Cao Jing recounted, "In addition to the Tongque Tower, Wu Ye owns many similar establishments outside, including hair salons, nightclubs, and more. But this place is the most high-end and secretive. Clients who visit here are all prominent figures."

She was puzzled by this information, wondering why her client appeared more informed than she was.

The client across from her, who had lit a cigarette but not yet smoked it, seemed lost in thought.

The cigarette burned out quickly, and Cao Jing had nothing more to say. She had shared everything she knew, even some fragmented details, including the fact that some young women had been marked with gruesome tattoos by Wu Ye.

There was an incident involving a violent client who had beaten and abused the women in the building, resulting in several of them being admitted to the intensive care unit.

"Is that violent client a burly man with short hair who likes to wear white shirts?" Zhang Yuanqing briefly described Chiyue An's appearance.

"Yes, it's him. He's a demon. I, I once served him," Cao Jing seemed to recall a dreadful memory and shivered.

"Thank you for your cooperation," Zhang Yuanqing said.

He then raised the Willow Blade and knocked her unconscious.

(End of this chapter)

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