The Lamp Bearer Reappears

Not only Yang Qizhou noticed that the effect of the [Broken Statue of the Abyss Old God] had grown stronger. Zhou Xu, who had just led members of the Bureau of Occult Investigation into the building, sensed something was wrong as well.

"There's invisible Abyss Fog all around us. It can confuse the senses. That's the effect of the Old Day Item in Wang Chuang's possession. Everyone, be careful."

Zhou Xu took out a glowing orb.

Its faint light enveloped the members of the Bureau of Occult Investigation, protecting them from the Abyss Fog.

Having nearly been caught off guard in Purple Flower Residential District, they were being extremely cautious about capturing Wang Chuang this time. They had even requested a high-grade treasure from their superiors that could specifically counter the effects of the Abyss Fog.

Old Chen had come in with them. He wore a grave expression. "Chief Zhou, something's not right. We're still seven floors away from our target. Even if he's spotted us, he shouldn't be able to affect us from several floors away."

A flash of impatience crossed Zhao Keke's eyes.

"Could that bastard be nearby? If he is, I'll roast him alive."

Zhuang Fan, who had been transferred from the bureau to provide support and handle tracking, shook his head. "The target is still on the thirteenth floor. I'm certain he hasn't moved."

Zhou Xu's expression turned grave.

If Wang Chuang had really spotted them and used the [Broken Statue of the Abyss Old God], that would actually be fine. It would mean things hadn't gone beyond their expectations.

But if he hadn't moved, and the Abyss Fog really was flowing down from the thirteenth floor, that would be a problem.

Because it meant the Old Day Item had grown stronger,

or perhaps... gone out of control.

"Head to the thirteenth floor immediately. Forget about Wang Chuang for now. Help the fire department evacuate everyone from the building."

"Understood, Chief Zhou."

Everyone had clearly realized how serious the situation was, and no one objected.

But just as they reached the tenth floor, a strange light spilled down the stairwell from the thirteenth floor. It was brighter than the stars and warmer than the sun. The Abyss Fog released by the [Broken Statue of the Abyss Old God] began to dissolve before their eyes.

"The Lamp Bearer! What's he doing here?" Zhao Keke's eyes lit up with delight.

Back in Purple Flower Residential District, this mysterious player had left a deep impression on them. He had been shrouded in darkness, his face impossible to make out, with a bronze lantern in his hand. Its light had illuminated the night, and even the glittering stars had seemed dim beside that tiny flame.

Unfortunately, he hadn't shown his face. He had left without saying a word.

Afterward, Zhou Xu gave him an A+ rating and named him the Lamp Bearer. His superiors had approved the rating almost immediately, clearly agreeing with his assessment.

Zhou Xu narrowed his eyes, but his thoughts went further.

"A mysterious player was inside the building, controlling the weather to bring down heavy rain and put out the fire. And the Lamp Bearer happens to be here too. What are the odds?"

"So the Lamp Bearer is most likely the player who controlled the weather."

"He's gotten stronger again."

The members of the Bureau of Occult Investigation were astonished by Chief Zhou's explanation. The Lamp Bearer had already been powerful enough to earn an A+ rating. They hadn't seen him for only two or three days, and now he could control wind and rain. He had become even more mysterious and unfathomable.

Was this still within the bounds of an A+ rating?

Could the first unregistered player to receive an S rating be about to appear?

"So it's the Lamp Bearer. I wonder who'd be stronger, him or the director." Curiosity glimmered in Zhuang Fan's eyes.

There were fewer than ten unregistered players rated A+ or higher, so he naturally kept an eye on them. He sometimes compared them with the director, and had always believed that although these A+-rated unregistered players were mysterious and unfathomable, the director was powerful enough to outclass them.

But now, facing the Lamp Bearer, he found himself wondering.

"Latest update... Under the protection of the lantern light, the firefighters have escaped the influence of the Abyss Fog and are carrying out rescue operations in an orderly manner. There's no need for us to go there."

"Everyone, head to Wang Chuang's location immediately. Zhuang Fan, you lead the way. We must take him into custody before he causes even more serious consequences."

When Zhou Xu finished speaking, everyone answered, "Yes." Then the Bureau of Occult Investigation members set off again.

The faint lantern light illuminated the milky-white fog, and the Abyss Fog dissipated along with it. Everyone emerged from the false illusion and saw a figure wearing a white mask, holding a bronze lantern and standing in the middle of the room.

Yang Qizhou emerged from concealment.

He had no choice. Under the influence of the [Broken Statue of the Abyss Old God], Zhao Xin had been about to kill Little Bean. If he didn't use the Ancient God Fire Lamp at once to dispel the Abyss Fog, the little girl would have been done for, and many others there would have died as well.

But once he interfered with reality, he could no longer remain concealed...

Still, it's a good thing the first effect of the Garment of the Hidden World is still active. As long as I don't allow it, no one can discover my identity. The chance of being exposed is low.

With the Abyss Fog no longer affecting them, the firefighters soon arrived and began evacuating the trapped people in an orderly manner.

Yang Qizhou had been protecting Zhao Xin and her daughter, so naturally he was standing close to them. Little Bean walked over. The marks on her neck where Sister Xin had choked her were still clearly visible. She tilted her little head, then hugged him.

"Big brother, Xiaolan doesn't know what happened, but Xiaolan knows you saved me and Mom. Thank you so much."

Were kids really that perceptive?

Or was Xiaolan just especially perceptive?

Yang Qizhou grumbled to himself. He patted Little Bean's head but said nothing. They knew each other well enough that if he spoke, he'd surely give himself away.

He looked at Sister Xin as well and saw that this beautiful landlady, with her captivating charm, was staring at him too. Her gaze held a strange emotion.

Is she falling for me?

How come I never realized I was this charming?

Yang Qizhou didn't know that under the influence of the [Broken Statue of the Abyss Old God], Zhao Xin had been enduring a nightmare. Once the Ancient God Fire Lamp dispelled the false illusion, the first thing she saw was a figure holding a bronze lantern, standing with his back to her and wearing a white mask.

Was this person the one who saved me?

With the firefighters and various relevant departments coordinating, everyone in the building was soon evacuated to Diamond Plaza. Zhao Xin and Ding Xiaolan were among them. The mother and daughter hugged each other, overwhelmed with the joy of having survived, as they looked around.

"Huh? Mom, where's the big brother with the mask?"

"I don't see him either. After he came out, he disappeared."

As for Yang Qizhou,

after Zhao Xin and Ding Xiaolan left the building and were out of danger, he once again used the concealment effect of the Garment of the Hidden World to withdraw from reality.

"There are law enforcement officers and members of the Bureau of Occult Investigation nearby. Sister Xin and Little Bean should be safe now."

"Then it's time to deal with the one responsible."

"Damn Wang Chuang. You made me go to all this trouble. Just wait till I find you. I'll show you what cruelty means."

Yang Qizhou's face twisted into a grimace.

To save them, he had used both the Silver Relic and the Ancient God Fire Lamp. That would inevitably lead the Bureau of Occult Investigation members to figure out that the mysterious player who controlled the weather was the same person they had encountered in Purple Flower Residential District, increasing the risk of exposure. It left him deeply resentful.

If he didn't finish Wang Chuang off, he'd have no way to vent his anger.

But just then,

Yang Qizhou's expression suddenly turned grave.

"Two Root-Court Hounds... They're dead."