Helping each other with countless me.

Chapter 571 The Position of the Bureau Chief
The earth-shattering battle in the night sky has come to an end, but the storm it triggered has only just begun to sweep across the Spirit Network.

#Peak Qi Refining Duel Appears in Night Sky Over Youzhou City#, #Black Flame Blade Maiden Liu Ruyan#, #Mysterious Starlight Man#, #Fourth Level Qi Refining Attracts Heavenly and Earthly Spiritual Energy#...

One after another, alarming trending topics surged at an explosive rate, firmly occupying the top spots on the trending lists of major platforms.

In particular, the high-definition battle video leaked from the live stream of Mei Ling'er, a streamer from the Hehuan Sect, garnered over 100 million views in just a few hours!
Although the compressed transmission over the network lost the original charm and spiritual pressure, the two's combat power, which far exceeded common sense, Liu Ruyan's perfect sheathing defense at the last moment, and the earth-shattering explosion caused by the Starlight Man's manipulation of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, still shocked all the viewers.

Secret Service, Field Operations Division 1, Director's Office.

Liu Ruyan stood in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the myriad lights of Youzhou City. Her long, straight black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, highlighting her calm and refined profile.

She swiped her finger across the tablet screen, which displayed explosive news and discussions about her and the "Star People".

Her face remained calm and expressionless, but deep within her heart, the starlight that had stirred the spiritual energy of heaven and earth the previous night still resonated.

"Qi Refining Level 4...drawing upon the spiritual energy of heaven and earth..."

She muttered to herself, her tone carrying a hint of challenged coldness, but more so a sharpness that seemed to have spotted her prey.

She did lose by half a move, that's a fact, but the perfect sheathing defense of "Nightingale" allowed her to maintain absolute dignity and strength in front of the world.

"Losing a skirmish might not be a bad thing. In fact... it might be just right."

A deep light flashed in Liu Ruyan's eyes.

She is extremely cunning, and her goal has never changed: the position of director of the Special Operations Bureau of Youzhou City, or even higher.

She is only twenty years old this year, but she is already a sword cultivator at the fourth level of Qi Refining. Her talent is unparalleled, but she knows even more deeply that in this complicated world, talent and martial arts alone cannot get her to the top.

The truth she believed in was: to be a good official, one must be more cunning than a wicked official.

The fact that she was able to maintain her position as director at such a young age and win the respect of her three squad leaders, each with their own strengths and abilities, was not solely due to her cultivation level.

Since she was promoted to section chief at the age of seventeen, she has been consciously planning her career.

She knew very well that the black market in Youzhou City was like a malignant tumor, its root cause being its intricate entanglement with the legitimate world's interests, making it impossible to completely eradicate.

A forceful and reckless approach will only result in failure and injury.

So she changed her strategy.

Every operation targeting black market dens is meticulously planned.

She would "just happen" to take down certain emerging forces that didn't know the rules, or "reluctantly" let go of some more powerful and temporarily untouchable outposts.

On the surface, this appears to be an invisible compromise and balance between the Secret Service and the forces behind the black market, even giving the illusion that "the black market can never be completely eradicated."

But all of this was part of her strategy of "casting a long line to catch a big fish".

Her true trump card is her awakened rare talent bloodline ability—[Black Flame Mark].

In every action, the black flames unleashed by the Tang sword in her hand, named "Nightingale," were not only a weapon to injure the enemy, but also an invisible net she had laid out.

A trace of extremely faint black flame spiritual essence, like the most secretive spores, silently attaches itself to the body of every black market trader present, or to the items they are trading.

This mark is invisible and intangible, extremely difficult to detect, yet it can create a mysterious connection with Liu Ruyan, as if lighting up faint lamps in her consciousness.

Through them, she can achieve long-distance, fuzzy positioning and long-term tracking.

With this ability, over the past year, she has seemingly "returned empty-handed" time and time again, but in reality, she has already spread her Black Flame Mark like a net throughout the underground trading network of Youzhou City through countless cycles of "indulgence-attack-indulgence-attack".

Everyone who entered or left the black market, no matter how well they thought they were hidden, was clearly visible on Liu Ruyan's perception map.

What forbidden cultivation techniques did they buy? What stolen goods and spiritual materials did they sell? Which officials' "front men" did they have contact with? All these seemingly chaotic streams of information eventually flowed into her brain, where they were organized, analyzed, and connected by her extraordinary intellect.

This is Liu Ruyan's unique "Records of Officials' Conduct"!
This is not a simple ledger, but a living, breathing network of relationships and interests that covers the entire Youzhou City's power and gray areas.

She knew exactly who had any shady hobbies, who was colluding with which forces, and who might be manipulated.

The downfall of the former director, seemingly due to her accidental discovery of crucial evidence, was in fact a result of her precise selection of timing, location, and breakthrough point based on this network, delivering a fatal blow!
The "ledger" that was found was merely a procedural "evidence" that she presented to the world through the Secret Service.

The position of bureau chief is currently vacant.

The invisible "Records of Officials' Conduct" in her hand is her greatest source of confidence.

The "star person" who appeared last night was both an unexpected variable and a brand new and extremely valuable "clue" for her.

If she could bring him into her "network," or use this opportunity to further demonstrate her abilities...

Liu Ruyan gazed out the window, a cold yet confident smile curving her lips. To her, the nightscape of Youzhou City was nothing more than a chessboard awaiting her final move.
-
The Secret Service's third basement level houses the Psionic Technology Analysis Center.

The acting director, a composed middle-aged man from Beijing, stood with his hands behind his back in front of the giant holographic projection.

The video being played on the projector was the original recording extracted directly from Mei Ling'er's specially made psionic phone.

The picture is incredibly clear, and more importantly, it contains the true spirit and details of the spiritual energy fluctuations on the spot during the recording, far surpassing the versions circulating online.

Mei Ling'er herself sat obediently to the side, her face showing just the right amount of excitement and cooperation—being able to participate in such an important matter could only bring her benefits.

The conference room was filled with technical analysis experts and several directors from the Secret Service. Liu Ruyan was also present, her sharp eyes fixed on the projector.

The video repeatedly showed the process of Li Zhongren gathering the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to form a blazing ball of light and then blasting Liu Ruyan away with a single blow.

"The energy fluctuation spectrum analysis is complete. The core source strength is confirmed to be at the peak of the fourth level of Qi Refining, which is infinitely close to the Foundation Establishment stage, but its essence remains unchanged and it is still in the Qi Refining stage."

An expert gave a report.

"incredible…"

Another elderly expert with gray hair pushed up his glasses, his voice trembling.

"He used his own spiritual power as a 'lever' and a 'firewall,' and his soul power as an 'operating system,' forcibly manipulating and taming the turbulent spiritual energy within a radius of hundreds of meters! The amount of calculation involved and his understanding of the microscopic level of energy are simply...inhuman!"

The acting director spoke in a deep voice, which echoed in the conference room.

"Ancient texts record that with a single thought, heaven and earth follow; that is the power of a great master of the Golden Elixir."

"Modern cultivation theory proves that it is theoretically possible to manipulate unrefined spiritual energy in the Qi Refining stage, but this requires three prerequisites."

"First, with a soul strength and deductive ability comparable to a supercomputer, it can guide those 'scattered soldiers'."

"Secondly, a strong physique and will capable of withstanding the backlash of external spiritual energy."

"Third, one's own spiritual power must be pure and profound enough to effectively command those militiamen as an 'officer'."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present before finally settling on Liu Ruyan.

"This person possesses all three qualities, making him far more dangerous and valuable for research than a typical fourth-level Qi Refining cultivator. Moreover, his identity is unknown. Such a person, if left in the civilian population, would be a ticking time bomb. I am about to return to the capital, and before I leave..."

Everyone was jolted awake.

The acting director's voice was firm and resolute.

"Whoever can capture this person, or find conclusive clues about his identity and whereabouts, will be the next director of the Youzhou City Special Operations Bureau!"

These words instantly heated up the atmosphere in the conference room.

Liu Ruyan lowered her eyelids, concealing the fleeting determination in her eyes.

After the meeting ended, everyone left one after another with their own thoughts.

As soon as Liu Ruyan stepped out of the analysis center, a delicate figure clung to her like a graceful butterfly.

"Director Liu~ wait for me~" Mei Ling'er's voice was sweet and soft. She followed Liu Ruyan almost step by step, so close that she was practically touching her.

She tilted her head slightly, her big, watery eyes blinking, filled with adoration and flattery, her expression just like a noble Ragdoll cat trying to please its owner by rubbing against it.

Liu Ruyan did not stop walking, her eyes fixed straight ahead, her clear and cold voice showing little emotion.

"Miss Meiling'er, the video evidence has been submitted. You can go back now. Thank you for your cooperation."

"Oh, cooperating with the Secret Service is the duty of every good citizen!"

Mei Ling'er smiled, her eyes crinkling. Far from being deterred by the coldness, she moved even closer, almost able to smell the cool, faint fragrance emanating from Liu Ruyan.

"Director Liu, your demeanor inside just now was absolutely captivating! Facing such a powerful enemy without flinching, and that final move of returning to the sheath for defense was simply art!"

Liu Ruyan did not respond to this obvious flattery, but simply quickened her pace slightly, her high heels making a regular and cold echo on the clean corridor floor.

Undeterred, Mei Ling'er followed closely with small, quick steps, continuing her "Hakimi" offensive, her voice even lower, carrying a hint of mysterious allure.

"Director Liu, that Starlight Man is very special, isn't he? He appears and disappears unpredictably, and his power system is also very strange. Ordinary tracking methods will probably have a hard time catching him."

Liu Ruyan paused almost imperceptibly, but still did not turn her head.

Mei Ling'er noticed this subtle change and immediately seized the opportunity, her voice so sweet it could melt honey.

"Our Hehuan Sect may not be able to boast about other things, but we do possess some unique techniques in tracking auras and detecting fluctuations in mental states."

She winked slyly.

"Perhaps I can help? If there's even a trace of his remaining spiritual energy or image, he might be able to point you in a general direction~"

Liu Ruyan finally turned her head and glanced down at Mei Ling'er, who was almost hanging on her arm. Her eyes were sharp as knives, as if she could see through all of Mei Ling'er's little thoughts.

"condition?"

Mei Ling'er immediately smiled broadly, knowing that she had a chance. She stretched out her slender finger and made a "1" gesture, her tone carrying a hint of coquetry and anticipation.

"It's very simple! If they really find it, or if a conflict occurs, they'll want exclusive live streaming rights! First-hand footage! Director Liu, your heroic battle scenes, plus the true form of the mysterious Starlight Man... this would definitely be a sensational event that would shake the entire Spirit Network! Of course,"

She quickly added.

"We prioritize your actions and will fully cooperate, ensuring it doesn't negatively impact you! This will also greatly benefit the Secret Service and your positive image—a win-win situation!"

Liu Ruyan remained silent for a moment, and only the sound of their footsteps remained in the corridor.

Looking into Mei Ling'er's eyes, which were filled with "desire for traffic" and "want to make a big splash," she quickly weighed her options.

The secret techniques of the Hehuan Sect are indeed effective in some aspects. It seems that Meiling'er has gained an advantage by having exclusive live broadcast rights, but if she can use this to lock in the Starlight People more quickly, this deal is not a loss.

Controlling public opinion is an essential skill for those in positions of power.

"can."

Liu Ruyan spoke softly and took another step.

"But any discovery must be reported to me privately immediately. Whether to broadcast it live, when and where, is up to me."

"Understood! Absolutely obey orders!"

Mei Ling'er immediately beamed with joy, like a kitten that had received its master's permission, wishing she could rub against Liu Ruyan again right then and there.

"Director Liu is the best! I'll go back and prepare right away! Just let me know if you need anything~"

Satisfied with the approval, Meiling'er finally stopped clinging and happily left in another direction, her steps so light as if she were about to jump.

Liu Ruyan watched her figure disappear around the corner of the corridor, her eyes deep.

Another line has been added. Although it's uncertain what it will catch, every possible advantage is worth utilizing in this game.

She turned and walked toward her office; every step from here on out would require even more meticulous planning.
-
Dividing line

Inside a secluded, old apartment in Youzhou City.

Li Zhongren sat cross-legged in the simple, quiet room, his eyes slightly closed, his consciousness sinking into the sea of ​​consciousness.

All the information in the "Marrow-Eroding Poison Classic" flowed by like a dazzling galaxy.

"Using one's body as a vessel, one refines a hundred poisons, merging them with the spirit to transform them into a marrow-corroding poison that wounds the soul and devours the spirit—utterly vicious. Yet, the self-destruction is profound, ultimately leading to madness..."

He analyzed the principles and flaws of this technique.

For ordinary people, finding various extraordinary poisons is already difficult, the refining process is even more dangerous, and in the end, they have to constantly endure the pain of the poison spirit backfiring on their souls until they collapse.

But this terrifying side effect was like a gentle breeze to his indestructible soul, which had endured countless reincarnations.

"poison…"

Li Zhongren pondered for a moment, then went to search for those precious, extraordinary poisonous materials.

Too slow and too resource-intensive.

His thinking broke free from traditional frameworks.

"What is poison? Anything that is harmful to life and soul is poison."

His consciousness sensed the mixed karma permeating the city air, originating from the chaotic thoughts of countless living beings and the emissions of industrial spiritual energy. Ordinary cultivators would avoid this aura at all costs, as inhaling too much of it would pollute their spiritual power, hinder their cultivation, and even trigger inner demons.

Is there anything more 'poisonous' than this endless, pervasive karma?

A crazy and audacious idea took shape in his mind.

No longer needing physical poisons, he would directly refine the karma between heaven and earth, that is, the poisonous spiritual energy itself, as poison!

Just do it.

Li Zhongren practices the method of "Corroding Marrow Poison Sutra", but what he guides and absorbs is no longer the toxins of the material world, but the intangible, turbid, and complex karmic force that permeates the surrounding space, representing the afflictions and pollution of sentient beings.

In an instant, a massive amount of chaotic information filled with negative emotions, distorted images, frantic babbling, and painful wails surged into his body like a flood bursting its banks, guided by his spiritual power, and assaulted his sea of ​​consciousness!

If an ordinary cultivator, even one at the Foundation Establishment or Golden Core stage, dared to do such a thing, their mind would be instantly overwhelmed by this terrifying torrent of karma, their soul corrupted, and they would become a true madman or monster.

However, at the core of Li Zhongren's soul, that undying true spirit that had endured countless reincarnations, only shone slightly.

Countless hallucinations erupted in his consciousness:
He seemed to see skyscrapers collapsing and all living beings wailing in a sea of ​​fire.

—And it was as if he could hear countless people cursing, crying, and laughing madly in his ear.

— Countless tragic, painful, and betrayal scenes experienced in past reincarnations are also triggered and come to mind one after another.

However, these karmic illusions, which are enough to make even a true immortal fall, impact his soul barrier, which is as vast as the sea of ​​stars and as firm as a beacon of the Dao. But they are like waves crashing against a reef that has remained unchanged for millions of years. Apart from splashing a few "water droplets", they have not shaken it in the slightest.

"Disperse."

A calm thought arose.

Billions of distracting thoughts and endless illusions, like ice and snow under the sun, melt away in an instant, leaving only the purest karmic essence stripped of all emotional and informational impurities—a terrifying energy that is extremely cold, dark, and filled with the aura of destruction and decay.

The techniques of the "Marrow-Corroding Poison Scripture" were rapidly activated, combining and reconstructing this unprecedented "poison" with one's own spiritual power.

Gradually, the spiritual energy in his dantian, which was originally as bright as a nebula, began to be tinged with a deep, dark color that seemed to devour all light.

A new and unique spiritual energy, imbued with the poison of karma, is slowly being born.
(End of this chapter)