Intelligence Cone, Bounty Incoming

At dusk, Yuan Tiangang stood in the Observation Pavilion of a Misty Rain Tower stronghold, overlooking Qingzhou City.

Di Yun and Linghu Chong walked in. The spirit candles burned brightly, casting their figures onto the wall, flickering in and out of sight.

"Lord Yuan," the two immediately cupped their hands in greeting towards Yuan Tiangang.

"Mhm."

Afterward, Yuan Tiangang spread the list in his hand onto the table.

Di Yun and Linghu Chong leaned in to examine it. They saw that it was neatly categorized by cultivation level, with legible and clear handwriting.

"We've recruited a total of one hundred and seven people this time," Yuan Tiangang said, his voice steady as he pointed to the top of the list.

He then lightly tapped the sand table, and seven points of light appeared, corresponding to the locations of seven individuals.

"These seven are all Grandmasters, each with their own strengths and obsessions."

Yuan Tiangang's voice was calm. "I have already resolved their obsessions, and they have become our sharpest eyes and ears."

Linghu Chong glanced at the list and said, "This lineup is enough to support Qingzhou City's basic intelligence network."

"Not only that," Di Yun said, pointing to the list.

"Although they belong to different realms, each has their own specialty, and they all have past grievances with the major powers in Qingzhou. They will only be more dedicated to our cause."

Yuan Tiangang looked at the two. "Starting tomorrow, proceed with the coordination according to the previous division of labor and officially launch the intelligence network."

Di Yun and Linghu Chong responded in unison, "As you command."

Afterward, the two left the Misty Rain Tower stronghold.

As the night deepened, the silhouette of the Misty Rain Tower loomed in and out of sight within the spirit mist.

Deep within the Black Market of Qingzhou City, in the small room with the "General Store" wooden sign, Ground Rat was listlessly wiping the counter.

The shelves were stocked with needles and thread, and inferior oilcloth, appearing no different from an ordinary general store.

Only the dark black sub-tablet in the back room emitted a cold, hard luster

Cao Mo immediately stepped forward, his hand resting on the dagger at his waist:

"Esteemed colleagues, I have only just arrived in this realm and have not yet undertaken any missions. Allow me to take this one."

The other five nodded. "Agreed."

"Brother Cao, remember, strike fast and finish quickly. Do not put yourself in danger. If anything happens, use the token to contact us immediately," Jing Ke stepped forward and reminded Cao Mo.

"Understood! Esteemed colleagues, please rest assured. This is my first battle, and I will ensure it is clean and swift, worthy of the Lord and all of you."

Cao Mo condensed spiritual energy at his fingertips and, next to the bounty information for "Zhao Kui" on the main stele, carved the word "Accepted." He appended his codename, "Wei Liu," at the end.

Almost simultaneously, a secondary stele in the Black Market's general store suddenly lit up with a red glow, and the words "Accepted, Codename Wei Liu" appeared on its surface.

The man in the black robe visibly relaxed upon seeing this.

He then proceeded to pay half the deposit as required, taking out five hundred thousand Low-grade Spirit Stones from his storage pouch and placing them into the groove at the base of the stele.