Late at night.
Mu Family Manor, a small villa.
Though the ceiling was fitted with a lavish crystal chandelier, it remained unlit, relying instead on the moonlight outside the window.
"Cough, cough, cough!"
"Damn Mo Fan, he actually has an Innate Dual System."
Yu Ang's face was filled with venom, his voice brimming with anger and jealousy.
Although he had been protected by a magic tool when Mo Fan struck him with a Level Three Lightning Seal, he had still suffered grievous injuries. After treatment, he had barely managed to keep his life.
However, the humiliation Mo Fan had brought him would remain a stain for the rest of his life.
"I lost the duel and failed to obtain the Earth Sacred Spring spot. The higher-ups will definitely be enraged."
Yu Ang's body trembled uncontrollably as panic began to set in.
This Earth Sacred Spring spot was a crucial part of the Black Vatican's plan.
If he succeeded, he would be a contributor.
If he failed, he would be a sinner.
He was not afraid of living, nor was he afraid of dying. What he feared most was a fate worse than death.
"Mo Fan!"
Yu Ang gritted his teeth, his voice cold and sinister.
His hatred for Mo Fan had reached an unprecedented level. He wished he could drink his blood and eat his flesh.
"Hmph, enjoy yourself a little longer. When the Grand Ceremony comes, that will be the day you fall!" Yu Ang thought with a cold smile at the corner of his mouth.
"Hoo hoo hoo..."
At that moment, the sound of wind came from outside the window.
Yu Ang paid it no mind and continued treating his injuries. But just as he was about to lie down and rest, he suddenly sensed an utterly unfamiliar presence.
"It's..."
"Puchi!"
Yu Ang instinctively cried out, but before he could make a sound, a long spear with a golden tip and crimson patterns shot out of the darkness and pierced straight through his heart.
"..."
Yu Ang's eyes were filled with confusion and unwillingness.
Before dying, he stared fixedly into the darkness ahead, wanting to see exactly who had come.
However, with his heart pierced through, he was already one of the dead.
The unwillingness in Yu Ang's eyes gradually dimmed. His head drooped, and he died completely.
A moment later.
"Tap, tap, tap."
Footsteps came from the darkness. Qin Yuan indifferently glanced at Yu Ang's corpse, pulled out his spear, flicked off the blood in disgust, and then put it away.
"You won't get to see the Grand Ceremony."
After murmuring this, Qin Yuan disappeared into the darkness.
Outside the window, the moon gradually hid behind the dark clouds. The pale light cast over Yu Ang's corpse slowly faded, leaving it in complete darkness.
The next day.
After winning the Earth Sacred Spring spot, Mo Fan entered the depths beneath Yinmao Building under Mu Zhuoyun's guidance, about to see the "Bocheng Treasure."
During this time, Mu Zhuoyun once again invited Mo Fan to join him. However, Mo Fan valued freedom by nature and politely declined again.
Mu Zhuoyun merely found it regrettable and did not feel much disappointment or resentment.
After all, Qin Yuan was no worse.
After sending Mo Fan into the Earth Sacred Spring, Mu Zhuoyun returned to the manor and happened to see Mu He hurrying over.
"What happened?"
Mu Zhuoyun asked.
"Big Brother." After calling out, Mu He hurriedly said, "This morning, while the maids were cleaning, they found Yu Ang dead in his room."
"Dead?"
"Didn't he survive yesterday?"
Mu Zhuoyun asked again.
"He was saved yesterday." Mu He replied, then added, "But this morning, wounds resembling those caused by a Demon Slaying Tool were found on Yu Ang's corpse. The preliminary conclusion is that it was man-made."
"Someone dared to commit murder in my Mu Family... Investigate!"
Mu Zhuoyun's voice turned cold, and a frosty gleam flashed through his eyes.
Though he did not care whether Yu Ang lived or died, the Mu Family's dignity could not be insulted.
"Keep the news that Yu Ang was assassinated within the manor sealed. We cannot let outsiders make a joke of us," Mu Zhuoyun said.
"Big Brother, those maids..."
Mu He made a throat-slitting gesture.
"No need." Mu Zhuoyun waved his hand and said evenly, "Give them some money and make them keep quiet. There is no need to make it so extreme."
Killing several innocent maids just to conceal information that would eventually be exposed anyway?
Mu Zhuoyun could not bring himself to do something so inhumane and without limits.
"Alright."
Mu He responded.
Mu Zhuoyun gave a slight nod and left.
Only after Mu Zhuoyun had completely departed did a trace of gloom flash through Mu He's eyes. In a low voice, he said, "That useless trash failed his mission and still had to cause trouble."
"Fortunately, this little matter won't affect Lord Salan's plan. It should be about to begin..."
"Beep beep beep!"
Suddenly, the old-fashioned telephone in his pocket rang.
"Hm?" Mu He frowned, walked to a shadowed corner, and answered. "Speak."
"Sir Deacon, the Beiling Area has been sealed off by Military mages. It seems demons have been appearing frequently, and they are going to conduct a sweep."
A hoarse voice came from the other end of the line.
"..."
Mu He pondered for a moment, then said coldly, "Pay no attention to it. Keep an eye on the Earth Sacred Spring's movements. Also, reopen that cave in the Inscription Area."
"Yes, sir!"
Only after the person on the other end responded did the call end.
"Have we been noticed... Heh." Mu He gave a sinister smile and said disdainfully, "The Grand Ceremony has already begun. It is too late for them to react now."
There was more than just the Beiling Area and Inscription Area among Bocheng's Demon Caves.
Even he could not remember how many they had dug.
Six days later.
Ruiguang Residential Area.
"System, check in."
Qin Yuan stirred his thoughts.
[Ding, detected that the host has checked in for a full three years. The first check-in of the Third Anniversary is now underway.]
"The first check-in of the Third Anniversary?" Qin Yuan gave a soft hum, somewhat surprised. "Looks like this reward will be extremely valuable."
Whenever a first check-in of some kind was triggered, the rewards were always incredibly generous. Only afterward would they return to normal.
Qin Yuan waited quietly in anticipation.
A few minutes later.
[Ding, congratulations to the host for obtaining White Magic Awakening Card x1, Soul-grade Winged Magic Tool Holy Light Wings x1, Soul-grade Winged Magic Tool Magic Shadow Wings x1.]
"White Magic Awakening Card: after use, randomly awaken one of the four major Magic Elements: Healing Element, Blessing Element, Mind Element, or Plant Element. (Restricted to the host's use.)"
"Holy Light Wings: Soul Grade Top Quality Winged Magic Tool. Automatically charges and comes with the high-level third rank Light Fall Mantle defense. Speed doubles beneath its light."
"Magic Shadow Wings: Soul Grade Top Quality Winged Magic Tool. Automatically charges and comes with the level six Shadow Escape skill, 'Shadow Bird.' Speed doubles in darkness."
Seeing these descriptions, Qin Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly.
Whether it was the Magic Awakening Card or the Soul-grade Winged Magic Tools, any one of them would be a priceless, unattainable treasure.
"This check-in reward is absolutely incredible."
Qin Yuan beamed with delight, unable to contain himself.
"Little Yuan Ge Ge, what did you say?" Ye Xin Xia's sweet voice came from ahead.
"Nothing."
Qin Yuan smiled faintly and continued pushing Ye Xin Xia through the park. A card appeared out of thin air in his hand. "Use the White Magic Awakening Card."
Whoosh!
The Awakening Card transformed into a streak of light and entered Qin Yuan's spiritual world, gradually forming a patch of Star Dust from a tiny point of light.
Green, symbolizing vibrant life—the Plant Element.
"The Plant Element?" Qin Yuan was slightly surprised, an odd expression appearing on his face. "Is this making me go even further down the path of control?"
Lightning Element, Ice Element, Plant Element.
Each had stronger control abilities than the last. Could I control someone to death?
"Plant Seeds... I'll need to look carefully for those." Qin Yuan pondered.
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