Cheng's eyes flashed with surprise. Recognizing it as the Specter Gadget indicated that the guest in front of him might possess a Specter Gadget, or at least had hands-on experience with it. Otherwise, he couldn't have identified it so accurately.
"The guest has a keen eye. Indeed, the contract is powered by the Specter Gadget. But rest assured, its force is harmless. It only ensures the contract's effectiveness. If the assassination succeeds and you don't pay the balance within a month, the contract will burn, turning into a wisp of Specter essence around you, making it easier for us to trace you for the payment."
Fang Xiu nodded, ready to sign, when Cheng's phone chimed with a system alert. He checked it, followed by an automated announcement. "You have a new 'Kill Order'. Please check."
After a brief glance, Cheng apologized to Fang Xiu with a smile. "Sorry, a new order came in. Please continue."
Fang Xiu glanced at him, then wrote the number '6' on the contract. Without a word, he turned and left. Cheng respectfully stood up, bowing slightly. "Safe travels, sir. We welcome you back anytime."
After leaving the Black Rose Bar, Fang Xiu wandered around for a while, using his blood pupil to ensure he wasn't followed. Then he returned home.
Spending two hundred spiritual coins wasn't a big deal for him. After all, it was money easily found. He could always ask Yang Ming for more later.
Eliminating Li Zhiwei was worth it. With his sensing ability, he was like the eyes of Bright Club. Removing such a threat might give Fang Xiu some peace for a while.
Fang Xiu was never one to wait. If he had already offended Bright Club, he'd act first. Why wait for retaliation?
So he skipped the middle steps and went straight for revenge.
Why hire an assassin? Simple. He got the idea from reading novels. He'd read many stories where villains hired killers to target heroes and realized he could do the same.
With this in mind, upon learning about the black market, Fang Xiu immediately sought out an assassin. If it weren't for a lack of funds, he'd have offered money for the assassination of the leader of Bright Club. That way, he could permanently claim the bronze candlestick.
Whether the assassination succeeded wasn't important. Even if it failed, it would cause trouble for Bright Club, buying Fang Xiu some time.
The next day, Fang Xiu reported to the Investigation Bureau. As a rookie psychic, he would typically undergo a series of training and only execute tasks upon passing.
Zhao Hao had also joined the Investigation Bureau, under the arrangements of Wang Dehai. Both he and Fang Xiu started their training together.
In the morning, there were theory classes, where specialized instructors taught them about the various characteristics of Specters, ways to deal with Specters, and how to better control their Spiritual Energy.
The afternoon was dedicated to practical exercises: firearms, cold weapons, and hand-to-hand combat. Though firearms were not very effective against Specters, it was essential to learn. After all, the enemies faced by the Investigation Bureau were not always Specters; they could also be humans.
So, Fang Xiu and Zhao Hao trained rigorously for a week. During this time, through the bureau's channels, Fang Xiu learned about Li Zhiwei's death and made the final payment.
One day, in the director's office, Wang Dehai was talking to Yang Ming.
"Headquarters actually decided not to transfer Fang Xiu and let him continue working in Greenvine?" Yang Ming was surprised.
"Correct. According to headquarters, Fang Xiu is still a first-tier. His foreseeing abilities can't be maximized yet. They said we should wait until he reaches second-tier," Wang Dehai replied solemnly.
Yang Ming seemed slightly puzzled. "Isn't that good news? Fang Xiu staying here could be of significant benefit. Why the long face?"
Wang Dehai sighed, "Do you really think headquarters left Fang Xiu here because they think he can't be very useful right now? Take Bai Qi's case, for example. If not for Fang Xiu, we in Greenvine would've lost a top member. Is that 'not very useful'?"
Yang Ming's expression turned grim. "Director Wang, are you suggesting that headquarters is keeping Fang Xiu in Greenvine because it's safer for him here than at headquarters?"
Wang Dehai nodded. "Exactly. The situation nationwide is getting worse. Headquarters is facing internal and external threats. Even within, it's not safe. That's why they chose not to transfer Fang Xiu for now."
A flash of anger crossed Yang Ming's face. "With the increasing Specter incidents, it's true that headquarters bears the greatest burden. But it's also where the highest concentration of top psychics are. It should be the safest place. Why would it be dangerous?"
Wang Dehai looked deeply into Yang Ming's eyes. "Sometimes, the enemy is not only external. In these turbulent times, some people have different ambitions. Some corporate groups and even families have secretly cultivated their own psychics. Some have even colluded with foreign psychic forces."
Yang Ming slammed his hand on the desk, furious. "Specter invasions are a global disaster. In the face of such catastrophe, how can anyone dare to engage in such treacherous activities?"
"Power struggles have always been a part of history," Wang Dehai sighed. "Let it go, don't get too worked up. Our priority now is to strengthen ourselves and train Fang Xiu. How's the investigation into Ace of Spades coming along?"
Yang Ming composed himself, saying, "We have some preliminary leads. Ace of Spades is indeed backed by a large organization called the Pokers. This group is very secretive and likely not based in Greenvine. Their root may very well be near headquarters."
Wang Dehai thought it over for a moment and said, "Continue to investigate the Poker organization. By the way, how is Bai Qi's condition?"
"He's mostly regained his mobility but is not ready for combat."
"It seems his injuries were indeed severe. I initially planned to send him to handle the Green Mountain Mental Hospital Specter Zone. Looks like we'll have to send someone else."
Yang Ming looked puzzled. "Green Mountain Mental Hospital is just a Grade D Specter Zone with no signs of spreading. Why the urgency?"
Wang Dehai scoffed, "Willow Hill is Greenvine City's affluent area, home to the rich and powerful. The developers behind it are several big-name bosses. Naturally, they're pressuring the bureau to resolve the issue quickly to prevent damage to their assets."
Yang Ming sneered, "These bastards. Ignoring more serious Specter incidents and focusing on the less threatening Green Mountain Mental Hospital. One day, I'll deal with them."