Chapter 31: Cover Up
At the entrance of the underground parking lot, silhouettes were gathering.
Li Dongze, leaning on a cane with one hand and holding a gun in the other, rushed into the underground parking lot. His sharp gaze quickly scanned the scene.
He first saw the unconscious Xu Yingying, then the faint bloodstains on the ground and a few private cars with damaged bodies. As a scout, it wasn't difficult for Li Dongze to see that a brief and fierce battle had taken place here.
And the fact that Xu Yingying wasn't dead meant that the situation hadn't reached the worst point yet.
Several spiritual realm practitioners also alertly and quickly swept their eyes over the scene. Immediately, they saw a figure walking out from the shadows near the rear of a car not far away.
In an instant, everyone instinctively turned their gun muzzles to aim at him.
"Don't shoot, it's me."
Zhang Yuanqing hurriedly raised both hands while looking over the spiritual realm practitioners other than Guan Ya and Li Dongze.
The muscular man wearing a fitness outfit looked like a gym coach. He was at least 1.9 meters tall, with bulging muscles exuding a sense of power. He wore red fingerless gloves on his hands.
The beautiful mature woman was wearing a cheongsam with an ink painting pattern. Her hair was coiled in a classic bun and her figure was graceful and charming. She looked quite advanced in age, but her face was fair and delicate without wrinkles due to good maintenance.
The middle-aged man wearing a miner's helmet and dark brown work clothes had dark skin and a weathered face.
The young woman in a white racing suit had a melon seed face, fair skin and beautiful features. Her thick, soaring eyebrows gave her a valiant air. She was holding a black long sword in her hand.
The other two armed personnel had unremarkable temperaments and appearances.
Seeing Zhang Yuanqing walk out from the shadows, Li Dongze and Guan Ya's tense expressions clearly relaxed, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.
After the meeting ended, they received a call from Wang Tai saying that Origin had discovered Ou Xiangrong at Songhai University, and that he had taken Xu Yingying hostage with ill intentions.
Li Dongze and Guan Ya were startled. They immediately called the few team leaders who hadn't left yet and rushed to Songhai University.
Li Dongze had a solemn face and heavy mood all the way, fearing that Origin would act recklessly in the heat of the moment.
After new recruits become spiritual realm practitioners and first experience transcendent powers, they often become inflated. Coupled with shallow experience and ignorance of their limits, they easily get carried away.
Now seeing Zhang Yuanqing safe and sound, the two breathed a sigh of relief.
"Is he that Night Walker?"
The impatient Big Muscle Tyrant first asked Li Dongze. After getting an affirmative answer, he looked around the underground parking lot and asked in a coarse voice:
"Kid, where did Ou Xiangrong flee to?"
In his view, a level 3 Bewitching Demon was not something a level 1 Night Walker could handle. After a brief clash, Ou Xiangrong feared the official spiritual realm practitioners coming and hastily fled.
If Ou Xiangrong hadn't escaped for long, with the tracking abilities of scouts, they might be able to catch up if they pursued now.
Li Dongze, Guan Ya, and the few team leader level figures stared at Zhang Yuanqing, waiting for his answer.
"He didn't escape!" Zhang Yuanqing said.
Didn't escape? Everyone's hearts trembled. They all raised their gun muzzles, looking around in surprise and wariness.
Then they heard this rookie who had just entered the field point to the shadows behind him and say, "I took care of him."
What did he say? The fire mage Big Muscle Tyrant almost wanted to clean out his ears, suspecting that his hearing had a problem. He immediately flew into a rage and roared in a loud voice:
"Don't joke with me. This is not the occasion for you to show off your humor."
Li Dongze and the others were also stunned. They then frowned, and their eyes held a few traces of caution as they looked at Zhang Yuanqing.
Why are you being so fierce when I was so nice? Are you from the Scarlet Fire Gang? Zhang Yuanqing patiently explained:
"I'm not lying. His corpse is right at the rear of the car. If you don't believe me, go see for yourself."
Big Muscle Tyrant looked in that direction. The shadows formed by the protruding pillars in the wall and the car body intersected, so he couldn't see the situation in the corner from his position.
He was about to go check immediately.
"Wait a moment," the middle-aged man wearing a miner's helmet stepped forward. He glanced at Zhang Yuanqing and said to the burly man, "I'll go take a look."
Seeing his colleague's solemn expression, Big Muscle Tyrant seemed to remember something. He looked at Zhang Yuanqing vigilantly and nodded.
Zhang Yuanqing noticed that Li Dongze and Guan Ya's expressions were a bit strange, while the gazes of the others carried undisguised wariness.
At this time, the middle-aged man wearing the miner's helmet slowly but steadily approached the rear of the car. Then, he stared blankly at something, his eyes wide open like a clay figurine.
"Boss Tang?"
Seeing his companion show a shocked and dazed look, Big Muscle Tyrant's heart trembled. His upper body muscles suddenly swelled, ready to take action at any time.
The few team leaders of Green Vine White Dragon immediately became alert.
Tang Guoqiang's appearance was extremely similar to being bewitched.
But very quickly, they saw Tang Guoqiang "recover". He bent down, dragged out a corpse, pulled it under the spotlight, and into everyone's line of sight.
The corpse was wearing loose camouflage pants, a black vest, and a black jacket. The face was a bloody mess with empty eye sockets. The facial features could vaguely be discerned to confirm the identity - it was indeed Ou Xiangrong.
The underground parking lot suddenly quieted down. Everyone stared blankly at Ou Xiangrong's corpse.
Li Dongze's expression slowly changed from serious to stunned. He muttered to himself:
"Oh my god, oh my god..."
Guan Ya looked at the corpse, then at Zhang Yuanqing. She seemed to think of something and appeared pensive.
The beautiful mature woman wearing the ink painting cheongsam walked over in high heels. She stopped beside the corpse and carefully examined it, then pursed her lips and said:
"It is indeed Ou Xiangrong."
After speaking, she looked up at Zhang Yuanqing with a somewhat complex gaze.
Big Muscle Tyrant's eyes were wide open. He blurted out, "How did you do it?"
The few team leaders all focused their gazes on Zhang Yuanqing, repeatedly sizing him up. Ou Xiangrong was actually taken out by a little level 1 fellow, even though he was seriously injured and not at his peak.
Team 2 had made a great contribution this time. What dog shit luck did Li Dongze have? To recruit such an outstanding subordinate.
How did he do it? Isn't it just a matter of having shoes? Zhang Yuanqing didn't answer, but looked at his superiors.
Li Dongze immediately stepped forward and coughed.
"Origin, well done. You've made a great contribution. Just now, when you couldn't contact us, we were being scolded by the higher-ups in the meeting room until our faces were covered in dog's blood."
These words very well diverted the attention. The few team leaders showed relaxed smiles on their faces, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.
Zhang Yuanqing glanced at him sideways. "Then why were you pointing guns at me just now?"
"Bewitching Demons at the transcendent realm can briefly affect people's minds. If given enough time to repeatedly bewitch and deepen the influence, they can achieve the effect of manipulating the target. Rather than believing you killed Ou Xiangrong, we felt it was more likely that you were bewitched." The young woman in the white racing suit walked over with her sword, looking Zhang Yuanqing up and down with satisfaction.
"We were all wrong. Let me introduce myself. I'm White Dragon, a level 3 water ghost."
This female team leader had an indescribable heroic air about her. No feminine reserve or coyness could be seen. Her gaze was full of spirit, as if everyone else was a stinky little brother.
"Origin." Zhang Yuanqing said.
The few team leaders were stunned for a moment. "Good name."
Indeed, it made people want to hit him the moment they heard it.
White Dragon laughed. "Let's just call you Origin. It's good. I always felt that boys your age would choose some odd and bizarre names."
"Like what?" Zhang Yuanqing smiled and shrugged.
White Dragon was startled. She didn't expect this kid to be so familiar. He even asked her back. Normally, when faced with a superior's banter, shouldn't one humbly say a few words or look restrained?
"Like Big Muscle Tyrant." Guan Ya walked over with a smile and took over for White Dragon.
Big Muscle Tyrant: "... The meaning of my name is: tyrannical muscles."
"That's exactly what I meant." Guan Ya looked innocent.
Big Muscle Tyrant was at a loss for words.
As they spoke, a few more official spiritual realm practitioners rushed over, carrying stretchers and body bags.
They had just received a call saying the culprit had been killed. They hurried over to collect the corpse and also carried Xu Yingying out to be sent to the hospital for treatment.
Li Dongze didn't delay any longer. "Origin, come with us for a bit to take a look at Ou Xiangrong's memories."
"No, we can't let him come." Tang Guoqiang shook his head.
"Ou Xiangrong was contaminated by evil forces. We're not sure if his spiritual body was also polluted. Also, Bewitching Demons are bloodthirsty and brutal. The negative energy in their spiritual bodies is strong. It's not something he can bear. Yuan Ting will return to Songhai in the afternoon. Hand it over to him."
Zhang Yuanqing immediately thought of the experience of devouring spiritual bodies in the hospital. He felt a moment of dread. But then he thought, if other Night Walkers saw how he killed Ou Xiangrong...
The Red Dancing Shoes couldn't be hidden anymore. Of course, it didn't mean that once exposed, it would definitely lead to contention and coveting. But he still needed to keep a low profile.
"That's not a problem. I'll find a way to resolve it for him." Li Dongze waved his hand, his attitude domineering.
"Ou Xiangrong's memories are very important. The earlier we perform spirit questioning, the better. We can't judge how many memories a polluted spiritual body can retain."
Tang Guoqiang thought for a moment and slightly nodded.
He still didn't agree with Li Dongze's approach, but it was his team that killed the person, so they had the right to handle it.
At this time, the beautiful woman in the cheongsam stepped forward and asked with concern:
"Are you injured? Do you need treatment?"
Her tone was gentle and her attitude enthusiastic, as if Zhang Yuanqing was her confidant.
Li Dongze smiled and introduced:
"This is Green Vine, the team leader of the Hundred Flowers Society. She specializes in healing. Within the Five Elements Alliance, wood demons are also called recovery mages. If you have any injuries, just tell her."
Recovery mage? Zhang Yuanqing thought, is your recovery mage proper or not? Will they force others to seize the future?
Li Dongze went on to introduce the burly man and the one wearing the miner's helmet.
"Big Muscle Tyrant from the Scarlet Fire Gang, and Tang Guoqiang from the Central Court. Both team leaders are experienced spiritual realm practitioners."
Indeed from the Scarlet Fire Gang. Zhang Yuanqing immediately said, "Greetings to the two team leaders. Please take care of me."
Big Muscle Tyrant nodded with satisfaction.
"Want to add each other as friends?"
"That works!" Green Vine and White Dragon nodded in agreement.
Tang Guoqiang didn't say much, but took out his phone first.
The corner of Li Dongze's mouth twitched.
After Zhang Yuanqing added the few team leaders as friends, Li Dongze said:
"Let's send the corpse back first. The other team members stay here to cooperate with the security officers in cleaning up the scene. Origin, ride in Guan Ya's car back to the unit and write a report."
A moment later, the official spiritual realm practitioners drove a business car and a blue sports car into the underground parking lot.
"Leader, can I ride in your business car?" Zhang Yuanqing wanted to talk to Li Dongze alone about things like deleting the surveillance footage.
"No, you're too dirty right now, not elegant enough." Li Dongze shook his head and refused. He turned to look at the few team leaders. "Let's go back together."
Zhang Yuanqing opened his mouth, wanting to say something but stopping. In the end, he watched helplessly as Li Dongze and the team leaders left in the business car.
Guan Ya's eyes flickered. She glanced at him and smiled.
"The leader took away all the troublesome people. Let's go, I'll take you to delete the surveillance footage."
Zhang Yuanqing observed his nose with his eyes and his nose with his heart.
The blue sports car sped along the wide streets. Guan Ya, wearing sunglasses and holding the steering wheel, hummed a tune. She seemed to be in a good mood.
She clicked her tongue.
"You little kid, you're really lucky. Right after becoming a spiritual realm practitioner, you obtained a rule-type artifact."
She felt her own luck wasn't bad either. She was just lacking merit, and now merit had come.
"Did you all know early on?" Zhang Yuanqing wasn't embarrassed at all. Instead, he offered flattery: "Scouts are indeed the most perfect profession."
As someone skilled in socializing, he could adjust his mindset very well.
"Before, it was just a guess. Remember, insight is a scout's innate talent." Guan Ya laughed. "The fact that you can understand my hint and conceal the rule-type artifact shows you're not too stupid."
Zhang Yuanqing immediately probed:
"The organization won't make me hand over the artifact, right?"
"The organization won't force you, but if you voluntarily hand it over, they will gladly accept it and reward you with merit and money. However, human hearts are complex. If word gets out that a rookie like you possesses a rule-type artifact, it will definitely attract some people to take risks."
Guan Ya earnestly advised, "The leader can cover for you for a while, but not forever. You can consider finding a backer for yourself, like the superior's superior."
"Can that centurion protect me?" Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself, how can you guarantee that the superior's superior won't be tempted by the treasure.
"That guy was born into a wealthy family, grew up with a silver spoon, and is proud and aloof. I don't know about other stewards, but I can vouch for his character," Guan Ya laughed.
"Moreover, that guy always prides himself on winning people over with virtue, but in reality, he likes to spend money. He's a big spender. A rule-type artifact won't shake his pride.
"However, he has high standards and looks down on ordinary people. He likes elite talents."
Zhang Yuanqing grunted in response, neither agreeing nor refusing, skipping over this topic.
Guan Ya snorted a couple of times.
"You made a big splash today. In the future, when your deeds spread, within the Five Elements Alliance, there will definitely be people openly or secretly trying to poach you. Be wary of the beauty trap. There have been examples of seduction before. Those two female team leaders are quite interested in you."
Zhang Yuanqing righteously said, "I am loyal to Team 2 and will never fall for the beauty trap."
Unless I can't resist! He added in his mind.
"But you're a Scorpio," Guan Ya pouted.
Huh? What does this have to do with being a Scorpio? Zhang Yuanqing looked puzzled.
"Have you heard of a zodiac proverb? Don't talk about Pisces men being dogs, Scorpio men are all dogs."
"..."
In the black business car, Li Dongze was driving himself. He looked ahead with a smile on his face.
"Oh my, oh my, I accidentally finished everyone's work. I'm not being a good team member. Sorry everyone, I didn't let you gain any merit."
What are you so smug about? The four team leaders' faces darkened.
"When the bonus comes, I'll treat everyone to a meal," Li Dongze laughed. "Don't be envious. It's all coincidence. This kid coincidentally passed the Sheling Tunnel and coincidentally killed Ou Xiangrong. It's no big deal."
"The way you talk is very punchable," Big Muscle Tyrant said in a deep voice.
"Be elegant, don't always be so irritable. I'll report to Centurion Fu first."
He took out his phone under the glares of the team leaders who wanted to hit him and dialed Centurion Fu's number.
In the Ou Xiangrong incident, because of their mistakes, Centurion Fu took on considerable risk.
Now that Ou Xiangrong had been killed, as a subordinate, he had to report up in a timely manner.
This kid Origin really gave him face.
(End of chapter)
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