Realm Walker

It was dusk when Zhang Yuanqing dragged his exhausted body into a cab and headed home.

After leaving International Tower, he had swung by Fu Family Bay to drop off the cash with Fu Qingyang and asked the wealthy young master to wire the funds to Yuanshi Tianzun’s account. Then he’d come clean about his deal with Bill Tarantino, and after that, called Guan Ya to invite her over to Fu Family Bay to spar with him in hand-to-hand combat.

Every time he found himself in a crisis, every time he took a beating, Zhang Yuanqing would bounce back with a stubborn determination to push harder. Fu Qingyang’s observation of him had been nothing if not meticulous.

At the dinner table, as he worked on a mouthful of sweet and sour pork, the tangy glaze clinging to each piece, he asked, ”Grandma, is cousin working overtime again?”

Grandma picked up a bamboo shoot with her chopsticks and replied casually, ”Your aunt took him out to a dinner function.”

”Oh my, that’s new. Is my sis-in-law taking my dear nephew out schmoozing?” Jiang Yu’er exclaimed with theatrical surprise.

The image of their high maintenance sister-in-law leading their steady, reliable cousin to a social function was like hearing that some unreliable big brother had dragged his nephew out on a business venture.

Grandma adopted the expression she always wore when dishing out gossip. Despite being in their own home, she instinctively lowered her voice.

”In a few days, an earthquake will shake the Songhai political scene.”

She watched as expressions of impressed bewilderment blossomed on the faces of both her daughter and grandson. Clearly satisfied with the effect of her words, she continued on.

”I hear a lot of people in the public security system are going to go down. When that happens, quite a few positions will open up. Yuanjun... Well, you both know he’s been diligent and dedicated all these years, and racked up plenty of achievements. But promotions in Songhai are brutal. No matter how much merit you earn, seniority always comes first. That’s why he’s been stuck as Squad Two Captain for so many years.

”Now the opportunity’s finally here. Your aunt wants to pull some strings, see if she can bump his rank up a notch. Oh, and the contact? Your grandpa arranged the introduction.”

Grandpa arranged it...? Zhang Yuanqing looked over at his grandfather.

The old man had spent his entire career in the public security system. His network was extensive, but he’d always prided himself on being upright, never engaging in cronyism or backdoor deals. He knew plenty of people, sure, but none of those relationships ran particularly deep. What changed?

Under the combined gazes of his grandson and daughter, the righteous and principled grandfather cleared his throat. ”I just asked whether there might be an opportunity. That’s all.”

Jiang Yu’er let out a knowing ”oh,” then asked, ”How much money did my sis-in-law prepare?”

Grandpa coughed twice, harder this time. ”I said I just asked whether there might be an opportunity.”

Zhang Yuanqing followed up with his own ”oh”, then asked, ”Is five hundred thousand enough?”

Grandpa’s composure cracked.

”Eat your dinner!” he snapped.

Zhang Yuanqing and Jiang Yu’er obediently returned to their food. Teasing had its limits. Unlike Grandma, whose anger was all bluster and no bite, Grandpa’s fury was the real deal. When the old man got angry, the backhand slap came without warning.

Over in Kangyang District, the bureau chief had been pushed off a building by the Demon Eye, leaving the position vacant, but his cousin couldn’t possibly leap two ranks at once. His real shot was in Shakou District. The problem was that things were at their most sensitive right now. Trying to pull strings at a time like this... Well, nobody would dare accept the gift even if you offered one.

His cousin’s performance record was more than enough for a promotion beyond squad captain. But Songhai was notorious for its reliance on connections and seniority. Without outside help, climbing the ladder was going to be tough. He made a mental note to ask Guan Ya later whether she had any useful contacts.

He’d taken down Bronze Sparrow Tower and earned a major commendation, but the branch office still hadn’t delivered on that reward. This was the perfect time to float a request. The Five Elements Alliance technically didn’t interfere with government affairs, but even though rules were rules, they had never stopped the constant flow of favors.

After dinner, Zhang Yuanqing washed up, returned to his room, and lay down. He quietly slipped on the Silencer. From this time on, the mask would stay on at all times except when eating or fighting.

The moment the skull mask settled against his face, a wave of indescribable fatigue washed over him. His spirit, his constitution, and his skills all ”regressed” to the level of an ordinary person. His spirit body, enhanced physical attributes, and every ability were sealed away completely.

The hiss of surprise escaped him before he could stop it. How could an item at the Transcendent tier already have such power? The Evil classes overseas were genuinely terrifying. He didn’t even know what class this one belonged to.

Still, going by the Spirit Realm’s design principles, the foreign Evil classes were probably stronger than their Lawful counterparts too. The real question was whether the Lawful side had any peak-tier professions on par with the Nocturnal Specter.

The Spirit Realm has three major regions. Logically, each one should have its own Evil classes, he reasoned. If each region has three, that’s nine Evil classes total. The Lawful side would have even more. I’d love to see what professions the foreign regions have.

While Zhang Yuanqing’s mind wandered through idle speculation, he heard the chime of a Spirit Realm notification.

【Ding! Fu Qingyang has invited you to join the White Tiger Guard.】

Simultaneously, a translucent blue dialog box appeared in his vision.

【Confirm or Decline.】

Oh? The centurion finished his meeting? The White Tiger Guard members agreed to let me in?

Zhang Yuanqing tapped ”Confirm,” and he heard another chime.

【Ding! You have joined the White Tiger Guard. Please read the guild rules carefully. Guild benefits can be viewed in the Warehouse tab.】

He hurriedly opened his status panel and found ”White Tiger Guard” under the ”Guild” section. Tapping it brought up the organization’s introduction and rules.

The White Tiger Guard’s rules were straightforward. No indiscriminate killing. No bullying the weak. No associating with Evil-class Walkers. No violating public morality. No betraying guild brothers. Uphold Lawful principles. Obey the Guild Leader’s commands.

As for benefits, beyond a salary comparable to official Five Elements Alliance positions, members were assigned a residence worth twenty million yuan in a first- or second-tier city. There was also a dedicated service office exclusively for the White Tiger Guard.

Then Zhang Yuanqing opened the Guild warehouse, and the words ”holy shit” left his mouth before he could stop them.

The warehouse had forty slots, every single one packed with items and materials. They covered all seven Lawful classes, all three Evil classes, and there were even foreign class items he didn’t recognize. The warehouse inventory alone was worth billions.

Zhang Yuanqing quietly opened the Return of the Dead warehouse, glanced at the lonely Straw Doll and Endurance Spray sitting inside, and wept silently. Fu Qingyang had shown him just how wide the gap between the haves and have nots really was.

His phone chimed, notifying him of new activity.

Zhang Yuanqing closed the Guild warehouse, grabbed his phone, and read the notification: Fu Qingyang has invited you to a group chat.

The new group was called ”White Tiger Guard,” with sixteen members.

Ling Jun: The new guy’s here. New guy, send a red envelope.

World Sweeper: New guy’s here. Send a red envelope. Bonus points if you include a crossdressing photo.

Shichiro: Just send the red envelope. I’m going to sleep after.

Had the tacky tradition of making new members send red envelopes really spread across the entire world? And were even Spirit Realm Walkers playing this game? Zhang Yuanqing’s mouth twitched, but he grudgingly sent a hundred-yuan red envelope.

Yuanshi Tianzun: My respects to you, brothers. It’s the thought that counts.

The envelope was claimed within three seconds.

Ling Jun: Ten bucks. Not bad. Thanks, boss. @Yuanshi Tianzun, everyone in this group is at the Saint tier. Play nice, and when you’re in trouble, they’ll have your back.

Zhang Yuanqing was stunned. Wait. Every single one of them was a Saint?

He’d known Fu Qingyang’s White Tiger Guard wouldn’t be filled with slouches, but he hadn’t expected the floor to be the Saint tier.

Fu Qingyang: Give it a little time and you’ll be the ones sucking up to him.

Shichiro: Boss, that’s going a bit far. Yuanshi Tianzun is talented, sure, but we’re no pushovers either.

Little Axe: Speaking of which, Yuanshi Tianzun is a Level 3 Nocturnal Specter, right? I’m guessing the boss invited him because he thinks he can advance to Saint tier in the mid-year slaughter dungeon. But if I remember correctly, you leveled up to 3 back in Yin Yang Town.

Shichiro: Is that true? Then getting a top-ten finish in the slaughter dungeon is going to be tough. Usually the ones who crack the top ten in the mid-year and year-end dungeons are geniuses with experience bars close to or above ninety percent.

The difference between those who had just reached the bottom of a level and those with ninety-nine percent progress at the same level was enormous.

Yuanshi Tianzun: If I’m lucky, I should be able to squeeze in one more solo Spirit Realm run before the mid-year slaughter dungeon. By the way, does anyone have tips on the Official Tournament? Are the organization’s prizes any good?

Little Axe: Of course they’re good. We’re talking about the best one or two items for their respective tiers. But winning first place is brutal. If the Taiyi Sect gets involved this year, it’ll be even harder.

Ling Jun: In an unrestricted fight, I think Yuanshi Tianzun would be one of the strongest at the Transcendent tier, period. But the Tournament might have restrictions. And his martial arts still need work.

Zhang Yuanqing chatted with them on and off, gradually forming first impressions of his new guildmates.

Shichiro was the lively, restless type. Quick with a joke, always ready with a quip. A troublemaker by nature. Little Axe leaned toward the steady and reliable side, measured in everything he said, the kind of person who made you feel safe.

World Sweeper apparently had an unhappy home life. In the span of fifteen minutes, he’d complained several times about his wife manipulating him and not respecting him. Everyone silently ignored him.

As for the rest, none of them had spoken up. Whether they considered a Transcendent tier newcomer unworthy of their attention, or simply weren’t the chatty type, Zhang Yuanqing couldn’t tell.

After that, the group went quiet.

Not a very active bunch. The White Tiger Guard members aren’t exactly the warm and fuzzy type, Zhang Yuanqing mused as he silently closed the chat app.

***

The lavish private dining room, decorated in dark gold and rose red, exuded an opulent, high-end atmosphere. At the center of the table, an ornate antique silver candelabra held six white candles, casting a soft glow across the generous spread.

The dinner was extravagant. Premium steak, caviar, foie gras terrine, sliced prosciutto, pan seared scallops, lobster au gratin, seafood bisque, and more.

Bill Tarantino sat stiffly at the table, sawing at the steak on his silver plate. Across from him sat a man in a dark blue casual blazer, wearing a silver mask. The mask covered everything down to the nose, leaving his mouth free to eat without difficulty.

The man scooped up a spoonful of caviar and spoke between bites. ”I came for the meal, let’s be clear about that. As for this business about going west with you, drop it. You know I’m from the mainland. My family’s here, and my friends are here. Why would I follow you to the West to be some president just because I happen to be the highest level Void Walker?”

Bill Tarantino set down his knife and fork, his expression earnest. ”We can arrange immigration for your family. Why not develop your talents in a better environment? The West offers a much broader horizon. You have extraordinary gifts, and you deserve to spread your wings there.”

Bill swept a glance across the table and smiled. ”A dinner like this is nothing to me, barely worth mentioning. And you are a hundred times more distinguished than I am. You’re destined to command that vast commercial empire, to become the leader of every Merchant in the world.”

”Not interested,” the man said flatly.

Every carefully-prepared argument Bill Tarantino had lined up jammed in his throat at once. He let out a quiet sigh.

In the century since the Spirit Realm first opened, the Merchant class had produced one prodigy after another, each burning with the desire to claim that singular throne at the top. And one after another, those geniuses and veterans had fallen on the climb.

In the end, it was a foreigner who had seized the summit. No, in Mandarin, the word for ”seized” carried negative connotations. Better to say he had conquered it.

The Merchant Guild had been ecstatic at first. The profession had finally produced someone who could stand alongside the supreme ones of every major Spirit Realm organization worldwide. But no one had anticipated that this newly-anointed president would be so obstinate. He’d not only rejected the Guild’s olive branch, he’d also threatened them to stop disturbing his boring, uneventful life.

Over the years, thanks to the Guild’s tireless persistence, the world’s strongest Merchant had shown signs of softening. They intended to strike while the iron was hot and bring their president home.

That was the real reason behind Bill Tarantino’s visit to the mainland.

The masked man demolished the foie gras and caviar with gusto, then leaned back in his high backed chair with a satisfied sigh. ”Joining the guild, being Guild President... It’s not entirely out of the question. But...”

Bill Tarantino’s spirits surged. ”But what?”

”Wait,” the man said.

”Wait for what?”

”For the Demon Lord.” The words came slowly and deliberately.

The Demon Lord...? Bill blanked for a moment. A few seconds later, the relevant information surfaced in his memory. ”I heard from Annie that Demon Lord is dead. The President of the Aphrodite Society told her personally. Was the intelligence wrong?”

As a Walker from across the ocean, Bill didn’t know much about this ”Demon Lord” figure, but he knew a little, because the Merchant Guild and the Aphrodite Society maintained close ties, and that Demon Lord had apparently been the Aphrodite Society President’s favorite lover.

When Annie first became his assistant, she had privately remarked on several occasions that ever since Demon Lord’s death, the president’s temperament had changed drastically, and she punished her society members for no reason at all. Months later, and the president’s fury still hadn’t subsided.

”No. Demon Lord is dead. Both body and soul were utterly destroyed. I witnessed it myself.” The masked man raised his wine glass and took a sip, the dry tang of the wine lingering on his tongue. ”What I’m waiting for is the new Demon Lord. Bill, have you heard of the Prophecy of the Compass of Light?”

Bill Tarantino frowned and shook his head.

”I suppose not. Fewer than ten people in the world know about this prophecy, and every one of them is a supreme one.” The man set down his glass and drew a slow breath, enunciating each word with care.

”When the sun, moon, and stars align, the gods slumbering in chaos shall awaken. The king enthroned upon the divine seat shall lead them to war once more, and the world shall enter a new cycle.”

Bill Tarantino sank into thought.

After a long silence, he asked with some hesitation, ”The gods slumbering in chaos... you’re referring to the region that hasn’t opened yet?”

It was common knowledge that the Spirit Realm had three major regions, but one of them had never produced a single Walker. There were only two recognized regions in the world, but the various organizations had deduced the existence of a third because they kept finding dungeon items that didn’t correspond to any profession in either of the known regions.

The Perfect Skin, for instance. Its capabilities matched nothing in any existing class. And there were many more like it.

”Exactly. The day the sun, moon, and stars align is the day that region reawakens. And when it does, the Spirit Realm will reveal its original form.”

”What does any of this have to do with Demon Lord?”

”It has nothing to do with Demon Lord, but everything to do with the Nocturnal Specter. Demon Lord touched the essence of that class, and he left that secret inside his Character Card.”

”I see.”

***

Deep in the night, Zhang Yuanqing was jolted awake by the crackling hiss of static.

Eyes half-open, his body moved on instinct. He threw off the covers, stepped into his slippers, sat down at his desk, pulled open the drawer, and took out the Cat King Speaker.

The next second, a woman’s breathy moans and the rhythmic slap of flesh against flesh blasted through the room.

What the hell!?

Every trace of drowsiness evaporated. Zhang Yuanqing bolted upright, a jolt of electricity running down his spine. He ripped off the Silencer mask, seized the Cat King Speaker, and entered Night Wandering.