The long night had ended.

Much had happened that night.

In the city’s east, the sun rose in a soft crimson glow. Morning breezes danced between towering skyscrapers, light halos shimmering across every glass pane.

On the 64th floor of the office building at 133 Fengguo Avenue,

inside a conference room decorated with minimalist professionalism,

Zhang Cheng—Evilbane squad leader, a middle-aged man with short hair and a light gray coat—stood before the projection screen.

His features were mature and steady, yet his eyes held a trace of weariness.

Dark circles shadowed his gaze as he turned toward the photos displayed on screen:

the shattered dome of a bar, a horrifying gaping hole;

tables and chairs scattered in chaos, the main stage stained with blood;

an alley paved in dark crimson, splattered with gore.

“No bodies found. Right before the incident, every camera in the bar was instantly destroyed by blood droplets.”

Zhang Cheng had been orphaned young, raised by an ancient sect. He’d cultivated for decades through the era of spiritual decline—never reaching Foundation Establishment.

Only after the spiritual resurgence did he finally succeed, assigned to this city as Evilbane’s manager.

He glanced at the team seated around the table.

Talented youths, around twenty years old—roughly a dozen.

Some self-taught, some trained by orthodox Daoist sects, others with military backgrounds.

Excluding those on field duty, they were nearly all Evilbane had left here.

To maintain cover, each dressed as ordinary office workers: suits, ties, varied demeanors—some quiet, some bold.

Yet now, every pair of eyes burned with focus.

“Foundation Establishment Realm,” a crew-cut youth grinned wryly. “A big shot like that could scatter our ashes with a flick. Erasing evidence? Piece of cake.”

“DNA results back?” A bespectacled woman leaned against the corner, arms crossed. “Captain Zhang, whose blood is it?”

“All from one person.”

Zhang Cheng shook his head with a bitter smile. “Traces of magical cleansing—done carefully.”

“Then… who died?”

Silence. Then, softly: “Peony.”

An eerie hush fell over the dozen Evilbane members.

Glances flickered—shock mirrored in every face.

Someone burst into laughter. “Perfect! A senior cultivator already handled the demon. Why investigate? Let’s find them and send a commendation banner!”

“Great idea!” the crew-cut youth chimed in. “Inscribe ‘Upholding Heavenly Justice’ in bold!”

“Haha, you two!”

Laughter filled the room—but beneath it lingered shame.

*Peony, whom we chased for so long… obliterated by a Foundation Establishment expert’s lightning art.

And the expert vanished without a name.*

Anger at their own helplessness. Disregard for their duty.

Unwilling.

So unwilling.

But powerless.

“We investigate.”

Zhang Cheng exhaled softly, gaze sharp as lightning. “Quiet.”

Respected and trusted by all, he continued: “‘Peony.’ The ‘Lightning Cultivator.’ And one more.”

“Who?”

“A demon.”

“A *demon*?”

“So last night was a three-way battle?!”

Zhang Cheng’s pupils trembled. “Headquarters sent an expert overnight. She sensed a faint… yet terrifyingly unprecedented demonic aura. And found new clues.”

He checked his watch.

“She’s arriving soon. Review your briefs. Prepare.”

Minutes later—

elegant footsteps tapped lightly.

Zhang Cheng raised a hand. The team exchanged glances, then clattered to their feet.

*Who is she?*

The door opened.

A girl.

Youthful face, twin tails, petite frame in a strapless dress.

She stood gracefully by the door, a refined smile on faintly red lips. Yet her serene eyes held the chilling depth of the Nether Sea’s glow, framed by strangely crimson eyeliner.

Short, slender—but radiating unshakable calm. Neat bangs softened her doll-like features; her smile carried night’s mystery.

“Lu Chuning.”

Her voice brimmed with youthful brightness, yet held deep-sea stillness.

“Senior Lu,” Zhang Cheng bowed.

“Don’t age me. You’re older.”

“…The capable deserve precedence.”

“Still no.”

A strange, icy chill prickled the air. Every young member’s heart skipped.

“New clues about last night’s battle,” the ageless girl said calmly, stepping toward the screen.

The team swallowed hard. Zhang Cheng wiped cold sweat.

Her small hand flipped—a storage device appeared in her pale palm. She tossed it.

Zhang Cheng fumbled to catch it, plugged it in.

A photo flashed: a selfie.

A smiling ordinary girl held the phone. Beside her:

a boy in mask and cap, golden bangs framing fox-like eyes—soft yet elongated. A forced smile couldn’t hide the lingering cold.

A silver-haired girl, breathtakingly beautiful yet shy, clutching a wine glass, lips around a straw.

Zhang Cheng blinked. “Lady Lu… who are they?”

“Boy: Pathseeker Class student. Obvious background. Girl: Chen Yanyu. Details… unavailable.”

“Unavailable?”

“Top secret. No clearance.”

Zhang Cheng stiffened, then chuckled bitterly. “Even Evilbane lacks clearance?”

“Clearance isn’t needed. Silver hair. Surname Chen. Golden eyes…”

Silence. Confusion flickered across young faces.

*Huh?*

*Explain!*

Lu Chuning’s lips curved slightly, watching the unmasked boy’s strained smile.

“They seem tense—like a couple, yet not. Interesting.”

“Your thoughts?”

“The girl can wait.”

(Though clearly older, Lu Chuning called her “girl.”)

A mischievous glint lit her delicate features.

“This boy intrigues me. Captain Zhang—prepare a car. I’ll visit his school.”

*You can’t hide it.*

*While forcing kindness toward strangers… your fox tail already peeked out.*

Lu Chuning—looking no older than a middle schooler—let out a tiny yawn, feigning weariness. But her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

*Interesting.*