Xiang Tian's Visit

After the Awakened Association of Taiwan Base City expressed its cooperation, there were no obstacles to auditing the accounts of the Boutu Guild.

Investigating the financial dealings with Zhang Zhan and the other three was not particularly difficult, because with Zhang Zhan alive, the investigation could be targeted based on the information about the receipt of Psionic Points (or spiritual energy items) in the Spirit Realm Rules prompts from Zhang Zhan.

As Bai Xiaowen had predicted, the Boutu Guild did not intend to resist the central government.

The day after the Central Committee's Lord Qiao issued his directive, rumors circulated that Zhao Yannian had been arrested, with conclusive evidence.

That afternoon, an unexpected person arrived at Jinghai University and found Bai Xiaowen.

Bai Xiaowen and her team members had just finished training and were walking out of the Psionic Training Ground when they saw the person approaching.

Vice President of the Jinghai City Awakened Association

The guild leader of the near- A-rank Guild, Radiance Guild.

Xiang Hui's father, Xiang Tian.

"Why are you here?" The weariness on Xiang Hui's face disappeared, his slender, sword-like eyebrows rose, and his eyes sharpened in an instant.

It's like a lazy, harmless cheetah suddenly baring its fangs, or like a hedgehog curled up into a ball, entering a defensive stance.

"Why can't I come?" Xiang Tian coughed sternly. "I'm here to talk to your classmate about something. Don't be so disrespectful!"

Xiang Hui snorted.

Xiang Tian turned to look at Bai Xiaowen, his previously stern expression quickly becoming amiable. "Hello, Bai Xiaowen... Do you still recognize me?"

"I know... Hello, Uncle Xiang." Bai Xiaowen nodded.

He had met Xiang Tian during the follow-up investigation of the High-Rank Demon Invasion Incident. To be honest, it wasn't a pleasant memory.

However, the investigation had nothing to do with Xiang Tian; it was orchestrated by another vice president, Fu Yiping. Bai Xiaowen didn't have any ill feelings towards Xiang Tian, especially since he was Xiang Hui's father, so Bai Xiaowen still greeted him politely.

"Could we speak in private?" Xiang Tian.

"Okay." Bai Xiaowen did not refuse.

"Come over here too," Xiang Tian said to Xiang Hui.

Xiang Hui frowned, and after a few seconds of thought, he suddenly said, "What is it? If it has nothing to do with me, why would I go there?"

Xiang Tian was a little annoyed. "Why... why are you so disobedient!"

Xiang Hui wasn't afraid of his father at all. He said in a rather cold tone, "I still need to eat, so I'll be going now." Ignoring Xiang Tian's somewhat unpleasant expression, he grabbed Chen Guowei, who had already entered "spectator mode," and dragged him away.

The atmosphere in the room became a little awkward for a moment.

"Xiao Wen, I'll wait for you in the lounge." Li Shuyi politely took her leave.

Han Xu and Feng Zi'ang also understood and dispersed. Only Bai Xiaowen and Xiang Tian remained in the corridor, standing facing each other.

Xiang Tian broke the silence. "Hehe... Xiang Hui has been spoiled rotten, his upbringing is terrible, I'm sorry you had to see that."

"Actually, he's a good guy. Although he's a bit arrogant, he's not conceited. He's hardworking, ambitious, and has a strong competitive spirit. He's a very good friend," Bai Xiaowen smiled. "Uncle Xiang must have something to say to me this time, right?"

Xiang Tian smiled and said, "There is something... Someone asked me to pass on a message to you. You might not understand, but in my position, some roundabout connections inevitably come knocking, and sometimes I'm not in control of my own destiny..."

"I think I understand what Uncle Xiang is trying to say..." Bai Xiaowen had already had a vague guess, and seeing Xiang Tian's elaborate preparations, she understood even more clearly. "Did the Boutu Guild send you to find me?"

"To be precise, it's the vice president of the Taiwan Base City Association, an old friend," Xiang Tian sighed. "But you weren't wrong, the purpose of his message was precisely about Zhao Yannian."

He paused for a moment, then stated his conditions to Xiang Tian.

"Fifty thousand Psionic Points, an S-Tier item, a sealed piece of Gold Equipment, and a notarized oath of the Spirit Realm Rules Notarization guaranteeing that I will never be your enemy again... all in exchange for your signature."

"Reconciliation?"

"Yes."

Bai Xiaowen looked at Xiang Tian quietly. "When Uncle Xiang agreed to pass on the message, what were his statements to your old friend?"

Xiang Tian hesitated for a moment, then spoke the truth, "I'm only responsible for relaying the message; I can't guarantee it will work... However, Bai, I think you might want to consider this condition. It's better to resolve conflicts than to let them fester. If you two can reach an agreement, Zhao Yannian can be exonerated, and you can have peace of mind."

"I don't think I can rest easy. The hatred for killing one's son is irreconcilable. A Spirit Realm Rules Notarization is nothing," Bai Xiaowen said calmly.

"If you refuse to settle, that will be the real problem. The Zhao Family has more than just Zhao Yannian. Even if he falls, the Zhao Family won't fall," Xiang Tian said.

"I'm not afraid of that kind of trouble," Bai Xiaowen said.

Xiang Tian couldn't help but say, "Bai, from an outsider's perspective, I think Zhao Yannian's Assassination was not without reason. After all, you killed his son... If you insist on not letting Zhao Yannian go, the Zhao Family will lose a rising star, and now a pillar of their high-ranking family will be broken. Do you think they will be willing to accept that?"

"Uncle Xiang, I never claimed to be on the side of justice," Bai Xiaowen said calmly. "I don't want to explain why I killed Zhao Zhixiong in the first place, because it's pointless. Whoever wants to kill me must pay the price. Only in this way can we deter petty villains. If the Zhao Family is not satisfied, then let them come."

Actually, there's a deeper reason why Bai Xiaowen disagrees with the settlement.

He and Lord Qiao actually had no relationship, and Lord Qiao's approval was not obtained by Bai Xiaowen through intermediaries.

The incident was sparked by Bai Xiaowen, but after Lord Qiao issued his instructions, it had already slipped out of Bai Xiaowen's control.

In other words, Bai Xiaowen's move to reconcile with the other party may not be what Lord Qiao wanted to see.

Bai Xiaowen has several hypothetical guesses about why Lord Qiao is paying attention to this public opinion event, which need not be elaborated Yi-Yi.

However, Bai Xiaowen, as the "victim," should not accept reconciliation or add fuel to the fire; letting things develop naturally is the safest approach.

Xiang Tian didn't understand; he thought Bai Xiaowen had connections with Lord Qiao and that there was room for reconciliation. Seeing Bai Xiaowen's firm refusal, he finally sighed, "Then I'll just say this: Bai, too much rigidity leads to breakage."

"Thank you for reminding me, Uncle Xiang..." Bai Xiaowen said casually, then suddenly changed the subject, "Uncle Xiang, Xiang Hui actually needs your care a lot."

Xiang Tian was taken aback; he hadn't expected Bai Xiaowen to suddenly say something like that.

After hesitating for a moment, Xiang Tian laughed and said, "That kid... let's just forget about him. Didn't you see today? He acted like he'd seen an enemy when he saw me... Sigh, it's a long story."

"That's because you don't care about Xiang Hui at all, and you're even using him." Bai Xiaowen's words suddenly became sharp.

Xiang Tian was taken aback by Bai Xiaowen's directness and felt somewhat embarrassed.

But before he could speak, Bai Xiaowen continued:

"I understand that you came to me to pass on a message, hoping I would reconcile with the other party and make them owe you a favor. However, why did you let Xiang Hui stay and participate in our conversation?"

"The reason is simple: you think Xiang Hui and I are friends, and you want to take advantage of that friendship. As a junior, it's difficult for me to refuse his father in front of Xiang Hui, so I have an extra layer of concerns."

Xiang Tian said with a complicated expression, "I... that's not what I meant."

"Perhaps. However, Uncle Xiang... I must remind you, Xiang Hui is very clever. His departure wasn't out of rebellion, but because he saw through your intentions and showed me his choice through his actions!" Bai Xiaowen looked directly at Xiang Tian. "The rift between you and Xiang Hui is deep. Perhaps you could look for the reasons within yourself. I apologize for being a bit harsh as a junior; please forgive me if I have offended you."

As he walked towards the Xiang Tian, his gaze was complex.

The follow-up investigation into the murder progressed quickly, as smoothly as a hot knife through butter.

The evidence is conclusive that Zhao Yannian abused his position to provide extra benefits to four awakened individuals, including Zhang Zhan and Zhao You, under the guise of guild subsidies, and instigated them to ambush and kill Bai Xiaowen.

In addition, charges have been brought against Zhao Yannian for murdering awakened individual Tai Shuisheng, and the prosecution has gathered strong evidence. Zhao Yannian will face multiple charges and penalties.

Within three days of Bai Xiaowen refusing to settle, Zhao Yannian was arrested.

Although the Zhao Family on Taiwan tried various means to negotiate, the directive from Lord Qiao was too forceful, and they were powerless to reverse the situation. They could only try to reduce Zhao Yannian's sentence as much as possible.

Ultimately, Zhao Yannian was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or commutation, and all his property (including his psionic assets) was confiscated. This powerful figure who once held sway over the Taiwan Base City had his future abruptly cut short, thus ending his career.

However, the repercussions of the incident have not subsided.

Following the conclusion of the attack, the Awakened Association in various base cities China received instructions from the central government to launch special campaigns to "crack down on organized crime and eliminate evil forces," restricting the discretionary power of each guild, especially their "law enforcement power."

The large-scale special campaign lasted for half a month before concluding. According to the official Weibo account of the Publicity Department of China, it was a successful and victorious operation, resulting in a significant improvement in social atmosphere and laying a solid foundation for the successful completion of the spring road cleaning work, etc.

Putting aside these abstract discussions, Bai Xiaowen understood that this operation had two main objectives: first, to strengthen control over the guilds and reclaim some of their autonomy; and second, to minimize internal strife among the awakened members of Huaxia Country.

Clearly, the authorities want the conflicts between Awakened Ones to be handled by the Awakened Association, rather than being allowed to settle scores themselves—at least, this is the only way on Earth, in China.

As for the battles in the Spirit Realm Plane, which are not part of China, the authorities are naturally powerless to intervene.

Personally, Bai Xiaowen still supports the official approach. Think about it, when he had just become an Awakened, a small-time district-level tycoon— the Zhou Yi family—dared to instigate Awakened to carry out assassinations. The order was far too chaotic. If it weren't for his Hero Class, the chances of him being killed would definitely be over 90%.

Of course, from Bai Xiaowen's current perspective, Zhou Yi's family is considered a small-scale district-level wealthy family. But in the eyes of ordinary people, Zhou Yi's family is naturally an insurmountable mountain.

Awakened beings still need a stable home base on Earth Plane. Exploring the Spirit Realm Plane already puts them under immense mental strain; upon returning, they must constantly guard against attacks from other awakened beings... Who can cope with this in the long run?

In some anarchic and chaotic countries, the situation is so disorderly that awakened individuals must constantly be wary of the schemes of other awakened individuals. In such countries, the overall strength of awakened individuals is very weak, and the proportion of awakened individuals is also small. Without a strong organization to regularly clean up the Wilderness Zone, and the lives of the people are extremely miserable.

Such an environment will naturally produce a few formidable masters, but these awakened masters often have some psychological abnormalities, the most common being bloodlust... I won't go into details.

Therefore, it seems that Lord Qiao's instruction at the time might really have been a pretext for his own purposes? Bai Xiaowen is now more inclined to believe that. In any case, Lord Qiao's instruction still helped Bai Xiaowen a great deal, and Bai Xiaowen will remember this perhaps unintentional favor.

"Alright everyone, it's time for another tutorial on the Spirit Channeling Prince. I'm Bai Xiaowen, and this time I'll be explaining some usage tips for the Spirit Channeling Prince, hoping it will be helpful to everyone..."

This is my second week on the Starlight Livestream Platform. I have to say, Xingmang's popularity and traffic can't compare to Shark Livestream Platform. The number of viewers in Bai Xiaowen's live stream is only a fraction of what it used to be, around 20,000 to 30,000.

A significant portion of these fans are members of Bai Xiaowen's fan club.

Because of the rather embarrassing Hero Tier name "Spirit Channeling Prince," Bai Xiaowen's fan club now has a very catchy name— the Prince Support Group! Many female fans even wanted to name the group "Prince Harem Group," but a few male fans, like Wu Mengchen, fought desperately to stop them.

The decrease in popularity is mainly because most viewers on the Shark Platform are unaware that Bai Xiaowen has switched platforms and started streaming again.

As Bai Xiaowen's live streams continued, more and more long-time viewers became aware of his new platform's live stream room number. Bai Xiaowen's popularity also steadily increased, and the live stream's chat was flooded with messages like "Shark Army reporting for duty" every day, all of which were traffic diverted from the Shark Platform.

Bai Xiaowen is currently on the virtual interface of the Awakened Battle Platform.

When scanning personal profiles, Bai Xiaowen intentionally hid some equipment and adjusted the profile template to match the Spirit Channeling Prince on the Player Platform. This made the battle records more convincing.

Of course, Bai Xiaowen had explained this to the audience a long time ago: he was hiding some of his strength in order to prepare for the upcoming CUAA National Championship.

Many players hope that Bai Xiaowen will update the character template, as they also want to play a more powerful Spirit Channeling Prince. Bai Xiaowen has promised that after the National Championship, he will update the template information on the Player Platform, which will include the unique skills of the Dark Gold Equipment.

One more chapter is being written, it should be posted around 1 PM...