The aftermath department followed behind the field agents with a dozen Echo Sound equipment, while the other logistics departments trailed slowly behind.

As the ancient studies department's minibus was about to close its doors, a white commercial vehicle pulled up beside it.

Chief Huang rolled down the window and poked his head out, "Dr. Wang is too old to ride with the others. Come with me in the car. It'll be more comfortable, and we can catch up."

Old Dr. Wang had no intention of enduring the same hardships as his subordinates. He turned his long, slender neck at the sound of Chief Huang's voice and immediately took small, quick steps to board the private car.

As he got in, he even rolled down the window and flashed a big, toothy grin, waving goodbye to his colleagues.

"Your unit provided you with a car, didn't they?" Chief Huang helped the old professor with his cane. "Why are you still squeezing with the young ones after traveling such a long distance?"

Not only was Dr. Wang slow to react, but he also developed a hearing problem during his fieldwork in the past few days.

Amidst the sound of the car engine, he leaned in close to Chief Huang and let out a loud "what?" as if he were singing.

"What egg cake? I'm not eating it. I had a full breakfast!"

Chief Huang: "..."

"In old age, one should eat until they are only 70% full," Dr. Wang gestured with his hand, pointing at Chief Huang's slightly protruding belly. He sighed and said, "As one ages, they can't eat too much. They need to take care of their health!"

"Alright then," Chief Huang said helplessly. "Since the road is long, you can rest. I'll put the seat down for you."

Dr. Wang exclaimed, "What did you say?"

Chief Huang could only sigh and use his lion's roar technique, "I said you need to rest! Take a nap and then head back to headquarters... cough, cough."

His throat was sore from shouting.

The driver glanced at the two elderly men singing a duet through the rearview mirror and couldn't help but smile. The driver for Chief Huang was just an ordinary person, known as Little Sun.

He was brought in by Chief Huang and was in his thirties with two small tiger teeth that showed when he smiled.

Little Sun was a man of few words, but had remarkable mental strength. He remained calm and collected even when faced with strange and unknown creatures with long tails that could fly or disappear. Every day, he would drive Chief Huang to work and then disappear like a dragon without a trace.

He would either go out to wash the car or refuel and maintain it. He never lingered in the main building of the bureau.

Whenever Chief Huang needed the car, Little Sun would always appear promptly. Little Sun only glanced back for a moment, just as they were turning a corner. His attention quickly shifted to the road and the left rearview mirror.

In that split second, Dr. Wang, who had been dozing off, suddenly opened his eyes and silently blew a bubble. The bubble quickly expanded into a thin film of water, encompassing the nearby Chief Huang.

In less than a second, the reflective film disappeared without a sound, creating two separate worlds inside the car.

Dr. Wang slowly rolled over onto his side, facing the outside of the car, and covered his mouth with his collar. "Don't worry, no one outside can hear us talking. Even if there were bugs, we have nothing to fear."

Chief Huang whispered, "Little Sun has been following me. You can trust him."

"Trust him or not, it's better for him to know a little less." Dr. Wang's droopy triangular eyes were lined with a pair of eyeballs that had seen everything in the world for two hundred years.

They were so cloudy they looked like oxidized apples. But as soon as he turned his gaze, his previous confusion disappeared.

"Spiritual-type ability users have so many tricks up their sleeves that you can't even imagine. Don't think you understand everything just because you've seen a few interrogations. Interrogations need to be efficient and fast, and they all require approval, so they tend to be quite noisy. Actually, the real danger lies in the subtle and gradual erosion that happens in everyday life.

"Do you know why field agents always carry spiritual protection gear? In case there's a spiritual with malicious intent who plants a landmine in your brain. When the time comes, you won't even know if your own humanity has changed or if you've been hit. I don't know about others, but Little Xiang and Little Song, if it weren't for someone secretly sabotaging them, I don't believe they would have gotten onto the train of the Mirror Flower Water Moon Butterflies."

The Bureau had discovered that Chief Xiang and former Security Department Director Song had concealed the number of deaths using the Mirror Flower Water Moon Butterflies.

The investigation had been completed and Director Song had confessed, leaving no room for doubt.

However, Dr. Wang refused to believe that they had acted on their own accord and was convinced that they had fallen victim to a spiritual manipulation.

This was a matter that could only be proven by personal experience, and Chief Huang, the Bureau Chief, did not argue with him.

Instead, he changed the subject and asked, "Dr. Wang, what is your opinion on Sheng Xiao..."

Facing away from him, Dr. Wang waved his hand and said, "Don't try to recruit him. If there's anything to ask, just stick to the matter at hand. If he thinks we need to know, he'll tell us. If he doesn't bring it up, don't go prying into his history. You never know which phrase could offend him."

Chief Huang asked urgently, "So, he really is 'that person'? Is it really possible for someone to die and come back to life?"

Dr. Wang cryptically hinted, "I haven't seen anyone come back to life, but I've seen quite a few who can't die."

Chief Huang's heart raced.

The old professor was implying that "Sheng Xiao" and the heavenly demons were of the same kind.

"Did you watch the video of him commanding those Wind Gods into a battle formation? One of the field recorders was left on and captured everything. You can go back and watch it when you have time."

Chief Huang asked, "What do you mean?"

"These little rascals, they've really lucked out this time. Regardless of their talent, after going through this experience, their horizons will be greatly expanded and their future is limitless. The mimicry of the shadow demon was 100% accurate. Those were all powerful figures who could cause an earthquake with a stomp back in the day. Our children... you know, most of them come from ordinary families and only learn what's taught in training. This is equivalent to... how do I explain it to you? You can think of it as 'that person' holding a few paper dolls and trapping a dinosaur. Who else could do that besides 'that person' who came from 'that time'?" Dr. Wang sighed softly as he spoke.

In this land where monsters roam, countless ordinary people have fought back against the odds, standing their ground with courage and defeating the beasts, creating an epic tale of their own.

Chief Huang couldn't help but shiver slightly, "What about Little Director Xuan?"

"Don't 'little' him, are you just blindly believing in his ID? Silly boy." Dr. Wang chuckled, "Director Xuan is low-key, but I recognize those wings of his. I've seen something similar in color and shape before, it's a treasure of my master's sect."

"What is it?"

Dr. Wang whispered almost inaudibly, "The Vermilion Bird's wings."

Chief Huang was shocked, "Vermilion... isn't that just a myth?"

"So stop asking," Dr. Wang interrupted him again. "Both of them have the mark of Chiyuan on their bodies, and the waters run deep. Even those with a good education wouldn't dare to ask too many questions. Whatever they say, just trust them, that's all. As long as nothing happens, they won't deceive you. You're not so idle that you play with ants on the ground, are you? Think about it, they call it... 'reducing cognitive burden'? Tsk, people nowadays invent all sorts of words. They're well-fed and well-watered, yet they find even thinking a burden!"

Chief Huang: "..."

Dr. Wang gave him a deep look. "Don't forget why you joined the Bureau."

Huang's eyes darkened, and he slowly clenched his hand into a fist, veins bulging.

After a moment, he lowered his voice and said slowly, "I will never forget it for the rest of my life."

"Zhiheng," Dr. Wang called out Chief Huang's name with great concern, "Your life is far from over. Once this matter is resolved, you can do whatever you want. Even if you find a companion to spend your days with in a few years, I believe Little Guo would support and understand. You can't always compete with yourself, can you? As the saying goes, 'deep love doesn't last long.' You can't trap yourself in the past and live for a dead person, can you?"

Huang felt a little embarrassed and waved his hand, "You're being too cheesy with all this talk about deep love. We're both so old now, it doesn't make sense."

He paused for a moment, then the hint of embarrassment on his face gradually faded away, leaving only a cold and hard expression like a concrete mold.

Chief Huang's face looked as if it had been stamped out of cement.

"I understand the reasoning," Chief Huang said softly. "But as ordinary people, we only have a few decades in this life. As we reach middle age, our loved ones and friends begin to pass away. Even young couples will eventually have one partner go before the other. Who can live without their loved ones? If she were to die from illness, I will see to her funeral in the winter and visit her grave in the spring. Life is a natural cycle, and at our age, we should not fear death. Even if she has bad luck and encounters accidents or disasters, we cannot change fate. Neither of us are heroes or great contributors to society, but we will not give up on each other when others may abandon us in times of misfortune."

Chief Huang's lips trembled: "But they can't treat her...treat her like a ginseng or caterpillar fungus and grind her up to eat. Have you seen people like He Cuiyu? She's an 'ancestor', the last Qingping Division member, with such great power that knows no bounds. As for our family, we have some insignificant abilities, but even carrying a bucket of water is too much for her. Besides being good at buying groceries and keeping accounts, she's useless. Does that mean she can't be a person anymore? What kind of logic is this! Teacher, I won't give up until they're dead."

Dr. Wang didn't turn around, but his hand that was resting on his body reached out and silently patted Chief Huang's hand.

The old man's hand was dry and warm, with a rough texture that could make one feel a sense of injustice.

"It's my fault, all of it," Dr. Wang sighed heavily. "The issue of the birth rate and its link to Chiyuan's activity was my idea. I was being fanciful, wanting to uncover the secrets behind the special ability talents... What was I thinking, poking my nose where it didn't belong? The best student I ever had... Gong Chenggong, let's not talk about him; Little Xiang and Little Song, they fell from grace; Dan Lin went to the border and never came back; Little Guo... Little Guo didn't even leave a body behind."

Chief Huang quickly regained his composure and shook his head.

"She's the one who does abnormal energy monitoring. She noticed the problem herself and volunteered to join your research group - don't say that, sir."

Dr. Wang whispered, "It's not safe to talk at the bureau, so I can only say a few words to you here. According to 'that person,' only humans and humanoid creatures can produce heavenly demons. Now that these heavenly demons have been sealed up again, I'm afraid their next move won't be so roundabout. You need to be careful. If the Mirror Flower Water Moon Butterfly trap was planted by them, I don't think they just want to summon heavenly demons, but also to harm the tree in our building."

As he spoke, several bubbles appeared on Chief Huang's chest, throat, and temple, then disappeared in a flash.

Chief Huang was stunned and quickly said, "Teacher, I have prepared many protective measures, you don't have to..."

"Take it," Dr. Wang said, "I've experienced war, suffered and enjoyed life. Having lived for so many years and becoming a confused old fool, I can't repay you with my life, but if I can help in any way, it will make me feel better."

Dr. Wang's words proved to be prophetic.

Driving from Jiangzhou to the headquarters in the West Mountain would take four to five hours if the road conditions were good.

The three major special agents were so powerful that even the grass with a bit of spirituality would retreat three feet away, safely delivering dozens of dangerous goods to the headquarters building.

All the staff of the Research Institute who stayed behind had lined up at the door, ready to welcome their upcoming week of overtime work. When they saw the convoy from afar, they eagerly rushed forward.

"Long time no see, I've never seen so many sealed boxes before!"

"The dean said to gather at the back of the mountain for a unified inspection and harmless disposal before sealing and registering. Comrades, please work hard!"

"I heard there are many cultural relics, is that true?"

"Let me see, let me see! Can I take pictures? I promise not to leak them!"

The noise awakened Sheng Lingyuan from his meditative state.

As he opened his eyes, the sunlight momentarily blinded him. He raised his hand to shield his eyes and found himself staring into a pair of deep abyss-like pupils.

The owner of these pupils caught him off guard and caused a slight ripple, but then calmly lowered his eyelids and shifted his gaze away.

"So, how is it?" Xuan Ji asked nonchalantly.

"I have a lead," Sheng Lingyuan replied. "What's all the commotion about?"

Xuan Ji responded, "It's just the logistics team's kids. They haven't seen much of the world..."

As the researcher was speaking, suddenly a loud cry interrupted him.

The researchers had finished examining the dangerous items and had moved on to the pile of gold bricks and jewels.

It takes some professional knowledge and courage to appreciate the beauty of the dangerous items in the sealed box, but anyone with eyes could appreciate the gold and silver jewelry.

Their eyes were dazzled by the sight of it.

"Hurry, hurry, someone pinch me, is this a chocolate brick wrapped in gold foil?"

"My eyes have been blessed, I have seen and eaten the best things in my life."

"It's great to live long. If someone could live for eight hundred years and pick up a penny a day, even a fool can lie down and become a billionaire... no, a trillionaire!"

Xuan Ji: "..."

What nonsense! Try lying down for a day and see how it feels!

Sheng Lingyuan's eyes were filled with amusement as he skillfully opened the car door and said, "Let's go."

The emperor isn't part of the Bureau, and escorting them all the way here is already giving them face. There is no reason to stay and watch them count their things.

The headquarters had strict security measures, without a permit, not even an ant could crawl in. If anything more came up, it's their own problem.

Chief Huang is considerate and of course wouldn't let the emperor take the employee shuttle and transfer to the subway. They had already arranged a private car.

Xiao Zheng handed the car keys to Xuan Ji and just as he threw them, he suddenly remembered something and turned around suspiciously, "Hey, I said, your ID card is fake, and your driver's license must be fake too, right?"

Xuan Ji had just gone through a one-sided "breakup" and was labeled as "not even as good as a fool" by a small researcher at the institute.

He could only ride in a special car thanks to the Emperor's favor, and his mood was not great.

He casually blurted out, "Yeah, I printed them myself. I have 8,000 carrot stamps at home, for certification purposes. They're five yuan each or three for ten yuan - marriage, divorce, and birth certificates all included. Do you want them? I'll give you a discount of 20% as a friend."

Xiao Zheng was confused by Xuan Ji's sudden outburst and asked, "Did you take the wrong medicine?"

Xuan Ji shut his mouth and pressed the unlock button on his key fob like a pufferfish.

Sheng Lingyuan comforted him with a laugh, "Material possessions are like the wind in your ears. They don't bring life or death. Only when your heart is too heavy can you not let go. You, on the other hand, have always been carefree and independent, with no ties or burdens. Of course, you don't have time to... cough, search for coins on the ground every day."

Xiao Zheng didn't know the context, but he heard this sentence and immediately responded with a rumor: "No way, he can't be carefree. He still hasn't paid off his credit card. If he acts too cool, he'll become a deadbeat."

Xuan Ji couldn't take it anymore and rubbed his hands together in frustration. He stepped on the gas pedal of the car, making a sound like an F1 race car, and sprayed this Young Master Xiao with exhaust fumes.

He unilaterally cut off all ties with this person.

Just as Xuan Ji was speeding away from the West Mountain area, a team leader from a Research Institute responsible for unloading cargo yawned and opened his mouth.

Halfway through, a voice suddenly seemed to jump over his ears and directly stimulated his auditory nerves.

That wasn't a sound that a human could make. When it reached his eardrums, it seemed to echo with the roar of a hundred beasts.

The team leader's yawn was caught in mid-air, his pupils suddenly dilated and his heart racing. In the next moment, he casually rubbed his eyes and stretched, trying to hide his wandering gaze.

Some people around him were focused on their work, some were whispering, and others were live-streaming to colleagues from other departments...nothing out of the ordinary.

Only he heard that voice...that "divine oracle".

On the first day he joined the organization, his seniors told him that one day, when the world needed him, he would hear a divine oracle. He didn't need to prepare or study in advance, he would be able to recognize the message when he heard it - it was the voice engraved in the marrow of their ancient bloodline.

"The divine oracle" was concise and practical, with an efficient style that conveyed a sense of ambition and strength.

Unlike the lengthy prayers of the mainstream religions, it contained only one sentence: "Obtain the sealed box with the code 3S*001 at all costs."

At this moment, within the scope of the Bureau, it was unclear who had received such a "transmission" amidst the seemingly busy crowd.

As the sun moved away from its zenith and descended towards the western mountains, people's shadows grew longer, and countless eyes, both overt and covert, fell upon the "3S*001" sealed box quietly waiting in the corner.

It was six-thirty in the evening. With a sizzle, Xuan Ji cracked a raw egg directly into the boiling oil in the kitchen.

In the mountains behind the bureau, a researcher was moving the sealed box labeled 3S*001 when he suddenly heard static in his earphones. It felt like he had been electrocuted and he almost fell to the ground, but a hand caught him just in time.

Meanwhile, in a pot of hot oil, the egg whites rapidly expanded and splattered everywhere like fireworks.

Some of the oil even landed on Xuan Ji's hand, but he wiped it off without missing a beat. With one hand adjusting the seasoning and the other quickly frying the eggs, he also tossed in some ham and diced vegetables into the bubbling porridge pot.

His two hands worked in perfect harmony, each doing its own task with ease and grace. It was like a dazzling performance for the emperor, showcasing the skills he had honed over three thousand years.

Meanwhile, at the back of the bureau, the team leader who was supporting this researcher shouted for help and quickly handed the patient over to a duty officer, instructing them to send him to a specialist doctor.

While everyone's attention was focused on the patient, the team leader backed away and flicked a leaf from his hand, which landed on a special sealed box that was being lifted.

The leaf and the box disappeared at the same time.