The Lamp Bearer Reappears

It was not only Yang Qizhou who discovered that the effects of the Old Day Item, [Broken Statue of the Abyss Old God], had grown stronger; Zhou Xu, who had just led the members of the Bureau of Occult Investigation into the building, also sensed the anomaly.

"There is invisible Abyss Fog in the surroundings capable of confusing the five senses. This is the effect of the Old Day Item in Wang Chuang's possession. Everyone, be careful."

Zhou Xu took out a sphere of light.

A faint radiance enveloped the members of the Bureau of Occult Investigation, protecting them from the encroachment of the Abyss Fog.

Having nearly capsized in the gutter during the "Purple Flower Residential District" incident, they were extremely cautious in their pursuit of Wang Chuang this time, even specifically requesting an excellent-grade treasure from their superiors that was specialized in countering the effects of the "Abyss Fog."

Old Chen followed them inside, his expression grave. "Chief Zhou, something isn't right. We are still seven floors away from the target. Even if he discovered us, he shouldn't be able to exert influence on us across multiple floors."

A flash of irritation crossed Zhao Keke's eyes.

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

Zhuang Fan, who had been transferred from the bureau to provide support and was responsible for "search and tracking," shook his head. "The target is still on the thirteenth floor. I am certain he has not changed his position."

Zhou Xu's expression turned solemn.

If Wang Chuang had truly discovered their presence and was therefore utilizing the [Broken Statue of the Abyss Old God], that would actually be fine; it would prove the situation had not exceeded their projections.

But if he hadn't moved, and the Abyss Fog was truly flowing down from the thirteenth floor, that was a bad sign.

Because this meant the "Old Day Item" had strengthened, or rather... it had spiraled out of control.

"Go to the thirteenth floor immediately. Forget about Wang Chuang for now; assist the fire department in evacuating all civilians from the building."

"Understood, Chief Zhou."

The group clearly realized the severity of the situation and raised no objections.

However, just as they reached the tenth floor, a strange light began to flow down from the thirteenth-floor stairwell—brighter than the stars, warmer than the sun. The Abyss Fog emitted by the [Broken Statue of the Abyss Old God] dissolved at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"The Lamp Bearer, how could he be here?" Surprise appeared in Zhao Keke's eyes.

Back at the "Purple Flower Residential District," this mysterious player had left too deep an impression on everyone. He was submerged in the darkness, his face obscured, carrying a bronze lantern. The lamp's fire illuminated the night, and even the twinkling stars were not as dazzling as that single wisp of flame.

Unfortunately, the other party had not shown his face and had left without saying a word.

Afterward, Zhou Xu had given him an A+ rating and bestowed upon him the title of "Lamp Bearer," which the higher-ups had quickly approved, clearly acknowledging the assessment.

Zhou Xu's eyes narrowed as he thought of something more.

"There is a mysterious player in the building who manipulated the weather to bring down heavy rain and extinguish the fire, and coincidentally, the 'Lamp Bearer' is also here. How could there be such a coincidence in this world?"

"So, this Lamp Bearer is highly likely to be the player who manipulated the weather."

"He has become stronger again."

The members of the Bureau of Occult Investigation were astonished to hear this from their chief. The original "Lamp Bearer" was already strong enough to be rated A+, and yet, after only two or three days, he now possessed the ability to manipulate wind and rain, making him even more mysterious and unfathomable.

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

Could it be that the first S-rated unrecorded player was about to appear?

"So it was the 'Lamp Bearer.' I wonder who would be stronger between him and the Bureau Chief." Curiosity flickered in Zhuang Fan's eyes.

There were fewer than ten unrecorded players rated A+ in total, so he naturally paid attention to them. He would occasionally compare them to the Bureau Chief, convinced that while these "A+ rated" unrecorded players were mysterious, the Bureau Chief's strength was enough to suppress them.

But now, facing the "Lamp Bearer," he felt a sense of doubt.

"Latest news... under the protection of the lamp fire, the fire department members have escaped the influence of the Abyss Fog and are carrying out rescue work in an orderly manner. There is no need for us to go there."

"Now, everyone, move out immediately to Wang Chuang's location. Zhuang Fan, you lead the way. We must apprehend him before he causes more serious consequences."

As Zhou Xu's voice fell, everyone replied, "Yes," and the members of the Bureau of Occult Investigation moved out once again.

The faint lamp fire illuminated the white, hazy mist, and the Abyss Fog dissipated along with it. Everyone awoke from the false illusion to see a figure wearing a white mask, holding a bronze lamp, standing in the center of the area.

Yang Qizhou had emerged from his hidden state.

There was no other way. Zhao Xin had been influenced by the [Broken Statue of the Abyss Old God] and was about to strike a lethal blow against Little Bean. If he didn't immediately use the "Ancient God Fire Lamp" to drive away the Abyss Fog, the little girl would likely kick the bucket, and many people at the scene would die as a result.

But once he interfered with reality, he could no longer maintain his hidden state...

"But fortunately, the first effect of the 'Garment of the Hidden World' is still active. As long as I do not permit it, no one can discover my identity, so the probability of exposure is low."

Without the influence of the Abyss Fog, the fire department personnel quickly arrived at the scene and began to evacuate the trapped crowd in an orderly manner.

Yang Qizhou had been protecting Zhao Xin and her daughter, so he was naturally very close to them. He saw Little Bean walk over, the marks on her neck from Sister Xin's grip still clearly visible. She tilted her little head, then hugged him.

"Big Brother, Little Lan doesn't know what happened, but Little Lan knows you saved me and Mommy. Thank you so much."

Are children this perceptive?

Or is it just Little Lan who is this perceptive?

Yang Qizhou muttered to himself and patted Little Bean's head without speaking. Given how familiar they were, if he spoke, he would definitely be exposed.

He looked at Sister Xin again and found that this alluring, beautiful landlady was also staring at him, her eyes revealing strange emotions.

Is this a change of heart?

Had he never realized he was this charming before?

Yang Qizhou, however, was unaware that Zhao Xin, under the influence of the Broken Statue of the Abyss Old God, was enduring a nightmarish experience. After the Ancient God Fire Lamp dispelled the illusory facade, the first thing to enter her vision was this figure holding a bronze lamp, back turned to her, wearing a white mask.

Is this the person who saved me?

With the coordination of firefighters and various relevant departments, the people in the building were quickly evacuated to Diamond Plaza. This naturally included Zhao Xin and Little Bean. The mother and daughter embraced, the joy of surviving a disaster welling up within them, yet their gazes were scanning the surroundings.

"Eh, Mommy, where is the big brother with the mask?"

"Mommy doesn't see him either. After that person came out, he vanished without a trace."

As for Yang Qizhou, Once Zhao Xin and Little Bean had left the building and escaped the danger, he had once again utilized the concealment effect of the Garment of the Hidden World, detaching himself from the reality of the situation.

"With law enforcement and members of the Bureau of Occult Investigation around, Sister Xin and Little Bean should no longer be in danger."

"Then it is time to deal with the culprit."

"Damn you, Wang Chuang. You made me go through so much trouble. Once I find you, I'll show you the true meaning of cruelty."

Yang Qizhou's expression turned slightly ferocious.

To save them, he had successively used the Silver Relic and the Ancient God Fire Lamp. This would inevitably lead the Bureau of Occult Investigation members to guess that the mysterious player who manipulated the weather was the same one from the Purple Flower Residential District, unnecessarily increasing the risk of exposure. This filled him with no small amount of resentment.

If he didn't finish him off, this fire in his gut wouldn't be vented.

But just at this moment, Yang Qizhou's expression suddenly turned grave.

"Two Root-Court Hounds... they actually died."