After the phone rang for two seconds, Secretary Zhou heard Elder Cai answer it.
That was half a second faster than usual. Secretary Zhou knew that his superior was eagerly awaiting good news—the news of Yuanshi Tianzun's return to the Spirit Realm.
And the more his superior anticipated it, the more tense Secretary Zhou became. He took a deep breath, forced a smile onto his face, and spoke in a cheerful tone:
"Sir, good news. Yuanshi Tianzun is back. He escaped the assassination attempt by two Sovereigns from Dark Night Rose and the Southern Faction without any outside help. He has now returned to Songhai."
He deliberately emphasized "without any outside help," so Elder Cai would understand that Yuanshi Tianzun's safe return was not due to their incompetence.
There was silence on the other end. Secretary Zhou could faintly hear the violent rush of water, like a spring flood or raging waves. Then Elder Cai's emotionless voice said, "Understood."
As he spoke, the roaring current quieted.
"Have you determined why Yuanshi Tianzun went to the White Wax Branch?" Elder Cai asked again.
Having served Elder Cai as his secretary for many years, Secretary Zhou immediately understood. Elder Cai wanted to know how the Southern Faction and Dark Night Rose had set their trap.
It concerned Yuanshi Tianzun's weakness.
Secretary Zhou lowered his voice.
"According to feedback from the White Wax Branch, they had no idea Yuanshi Tianzun had visited White Wax City this morning. However, Victoria and Ling Jun suddenly went there today to inspect their work, and they paid particular attention to an Evil Profession member who had just been arrested.
"After Yuanshi Tianzun's disappearance was reported to headquarters, Victoria suddenly ordered that Evil Profession member executed. Ling Jun carried out the execution, but the White Wax Branch never