At that time,

the world was inhabited by many Divine Spirits.

Later, for reasons unknown, a war broke out among the Divine Spirits, leading to their downfall and the rise of the Human Race, with ancient secrets deliberately hidden by later generations.

The intricacies of these events remain undisclosed.

The scripts used by different Divine Spirits varied, but they were all referred to as Ancient Divine Texts, which were rare even in the Otherworld.

Here,

how could there be any?

Not only were they present, Fang Zheng even recognized several familiar characters.

Yama!

’Yama Visualization Method!’

A multitude of thoughts erupted in his mind; even though he managed his aura well, he still lost his composure for a brief moment.

Old Cui noticed the anomaly immediately.

In his perception, Fang Zheng beside him seemed like a glaring lightning bolt, exuding an awe-inspiring authority just then.

Su Jin’s face turned pale as well, feeling something terrifying sweep over his body, but upon regaining his senses, he discovered nothing amiss.

As for the others,

they were completely unaware!

Old Cui tightened his expression, squinting slightly; he barely considered himself a Warlock, with a keen sense of perception, acutely aware of the daunting aura.

A cultivator?

In this world,

could True Skills really exist?

As he turned to look, Fang Zheng had already raised his paddle:

"Fifteen million!"

"Guest number nine bids fifteen million!"

"Sixteen million!"

"Guest number fifteen bids sixteen million!"

Fang Zheng furrowed his brows slightly, then raised his paddle again:

"Twenty million!"

"Twenty million!" The auctioneer’s face lit up with excitement, raising his voice:

"Guest number nine bids directly twenty million! It seems guest number nine is determined to acquire this item."

Not far away.

Crippled John’s eyes flickered as he slowly picked up the paddle:

"Twenty-one million!"

"Great!"

The auctioneer shouted:

"Guest number twelve bids twenty-one million."

"Thirty million!" Fang Zheng raised his hand:

"This is my final bid."

"Thirty million!" The auctioneer turned red with excitement, shouting at the top of his lungs:

"Guest number nine bids thirty million!"

"Is there anyone else bidding? Anyone bidding over thirty million?"

Crippled John pursed his lips, his hand holding the paddle trembling, then gently shook his head and laid down the paddle.

"Thirty million once!"

"Thirty million twice!"

"Thirty million..."

"Sold!"

"Boom!"

"Daoist, are you interested in Zhong Kui?" Old Cui leaned over, asking softly:

"I happen to have a few items related to Zhong Kui."

"No." Fang Zheng shook his head:

"I’m more interested in the text above."

"Oh!"

Old Cui raised his eyebrows, hesitated for a moment and said:

"Speaking of text, I do have a scroll filled with these symbols; unfortunately, I don’t know what they say."

"If the Daoist is interested, I’ll have someone bring it over."

"Really?"

Fang Zheng was visibly moved:

"Thank you!"

"You’re welcome." Old Cui smiled and said:

"I too am curious about what’s written on it."

"It’s still unclear now." Fang Zheng replied:

"I’ll study it once it arrives."

"Hmm."

Old Cui nodded.

The others present displayed varied expressions; though knowing Fang Zheng was wealthy, they never imagined his open bidding would reach thirty million.

Dong Lin felt as if she might faint.

A person recently sharing roadside breakfasts with her was this affluent?

......

As the auction concluded, Crippled John returned to his reserved hotel, impatiently taking out his phone to dial a number.

"Elder Gou,"

"Hmm."

On the phone, Elder Gou’s voice was indifferent:

"Is it over there?"

"It’s over." Crippled John nodded, eagerly said:

"A few items didn’t sell; others fetched prices as we expected; that Zhong Kui Ghost-Catching Jar auctioned for thirty million!"

"Thirty million," Elder Gou sounded surprised:

"That much?"

"Indeed!" Crippled John showed excitement:

"I raised the bid, and that person placed a direct offer of thirty million, evidently very interested in the item."

"Elder Gou,"

"What if we dig up that supposed tomb of Zhong Kui’s junior disciple? The contents are worth not just thirty million, but over a hundred million!"

"That tomb..." Elder Gou’s tone changed:

"You do know my master and several senior disciples fell for its trap."

"Elder Gou, times have changed," Crippled John suggested:

"With today’s technology, remote control is possible, saving us from personal involvement; we can even hire people, and your skills surpass theirs."

"Knock knock..."

"Who’s there!"

As they conversed, a knock sounded, causing Crippled John to furrow his brows, shouting.

"Public Security Bureau!"

The visitor burst in without waiting for the door to open, waving identification and exclaiming:

"We suspect you’re involved in a tomb robbery and murder case. Come with us!"

"What?"

Crippled John’s complexion changed, but he quickly regained his calm:

"You can eat indiscriminately, but not speak recklessly. I’m a legitimate businessman, a member of the Hai Province Chamber of Commerce, and I know your governor."

"Is that so?"

The visitor remained expressionless:

"We only focus on resolving the case, not connections. Come along!"

"Hmph!"

Crippled John put away his phone:

"Fine, but if there’s no evidence, don’t blame me for filing complaints that could affect investment in Hai Province!"

*

*

*

Sea University.

Ranked top three locally and top ten nationally, the university attracts elites from across the country.

Moreover, situated within a scenic mountain area, apart from the students, many tourists visit to enjoy the scenery and for keepsakes, bringing crowds every day.

Fang Zheng moved through it, occasionally stopping.

One of his school-time goals was Sea University, but unfortunately, his grades deteriorated significantly, leading him to apply to an arts school instead.

Nevertheless.

He always held a special affection for Sea University.

"Don’t rush."

Glancing at the Yin Soul Wood vibrating at his waist, Fang Zheng spoke softly:

"Your daughter is probably still in class; waiting until the lunch break to visit won’t disturb her. We’ve reached the place, so no need to hurry.

As the words fell.

The restless aura within the Yin Wood gradually calmed down.

"Whoosh..."

"Go and see."

"Someone jumped from the building!"

At this moment, commotion arose ahead, prompting many people to rush over.

"Hmm..."

Though Fang Zheng initially did not intend to join, the trembling Yin Wood at his waist altered his decision, leading him to follow the crowd.

At the foot of a tall building,

people gathered, whispering.

In the center of the crowd lay a girl in a school uniform, face down, blood pooling beneath her—a lifeless corpse.

"Jumped from the building!"

"So young, what was so unbearable?"

"She was an attractive young girl, a student of Sea University, truly regrettable!"

"..."

"Zhenzhen!"

Two girls came running from afar, faces full of terror and panic, losing control and crying upon seeing the body.

"Zhenzhen!"

"It was Cheng Tao!" one of the girls, eyes red, kneeled, crying and cursing:

"Cheng Tao killed Zhenzhen!"

Mixed in the crowd, Fang Zheng gently tapped the Yin Wood.

The girl among the two was none other than Yu Mancang’s daughter—no wonder he’d felt the disturbance earlier; indeed, he found the target here.

"Rubbish!"

A voice from outside the crowd retorted angrily:

"She jumped; it has nothing to do with me?"

"Fuck!"

"What bad luck!"

The crowd parted, revealing a young man whose appearance barely counted as handsome; the youth’s face burned with anger, glaring at the two girls:

"If you keep talking nonsense, don’t blame me for being rough!"

"Who is this guy?"

"She’s already jumped; why is he like this?"

"..."

Fang Zheng lowered his head, looking at the rapidly trembling Yin Wood, raising his eyebrows.

What a coincidence!

Not only did he meet Yu Mancang’s daughter here, but also the killer who caused Yu Mancang’s death.