Xu Shu calmly switched his account nickname, pondering the information conveyed by Tailed Ksitigarbha. After careful consideration, he began typing and soon completed sending the message.

[As the night shrouds the stars, that wisp of mist approaches the earth once more, and the shackles of forbidden existence are opened... The Sea of Death is not an opportunity, but a calamity. Fellow Daoists, tread with caution, be wary of the gods’ folly!]——Tai Chu

A post with an unusually long title, clearly out of place compared to others like [Anyone up for corpse scavenging at Sea of Death and finding a pretty sister boatman] appeared on the world channel.

In fact, Xu Shu was somewhat worried about doing this.

After all, these words were almost verbatim borrowed from "Tailed Ksitigarbha." If "It" were to see, then his cover as ’Tai Chu’ would be exposed.

Yet after careful consideration, Xu Shu felt it necessary to issue a warning. On one hand, he believed the likelihood of "Tailed Ksitigarbha" advancing onto the web was almost null; on the other hand... well, "some things are just more important than others."

Shortly after the post was sent out, it received numerous replies, steadily climbing to the top of the screen, becoming the current most popular.

"Front row worship for Tai Chu boss!"

"Thanks for dropping the demigod beast last time, politely asking when the next one will come."

"Hiss—Encountering the Prime Power comment section, a senior riddle master of monstrous power, fighting with full force but unable to win!"——Wang Feng also wishes to make headlines, Second-tier prisoner

"Brave up there, daring to be witty with anyone."——Anonymous

"Tai Chu appeared quite skillfully, but what exactly was it saying? Somewhat curious."——Chen Huang, First-tier Divine Skill.

"+1"

Upon clicking in, a variety of newbie comments took over the comment section.

Then in less than three minutes, many demigod-level existences cautiously approached Xu Shu to inquire about the unfolding events.

These included the perennially active online presence from the Astronomy Association, Dongxuan True Monarch Melanie.

Naturally, there were acquaintances of Xu Shu, like Shui Longyin, who sent greetings, saying things like "Senior, senior, long time no see."

This made Xu Shu very disdainful.

Ha, the pretentious Earthly List powerhouses!

Hm, the humble demigods who look at the context before acting!

Besides, those present on the Heavenly List who had exchanged messages and established friendships also sent a series of question marks.

Clearly, they sharply sensed the significance in "Tai Chu’s" words, eagerly probing for the truth!

But faced with the plethora of inquiries, Xu Shu chose to ignore them all.

The reason is simple because he too had no idea what was happening.

In such situations, not replying is the best response.

After all, he had almost openly stated in the post that there were issues with the Sea of Death’s upheaval, advising against involvement, even someone like himself, who is almost openly a "Fifth Realm expert," found it troublesome and was urging caution.

If anyone still insists on walking into danger, Xu Shu can only say, kind words can’t convince stubborn ghosts.

He’s done his part, now it’s up to them to see their own destiny.

But today, unexpectedly the replies keep pouring in, as if it’s going to last for quite some time.

Well, since my mood is so-so, why not... indulge a little?

Xu Shu’s eyes shifted, securely holding back the emerging Alice, adjusted the buzzing ascension drive to another position, feeling the snug fit, he then smoothly lay back in the washroom, starting his daily cultivation with sit-ups.

It’s worth mentioning, on the last day of the lunar calendar year 2142, at 178 No.88B Lanling Company, Zone 2 Lower District, that "haunted mansion," once again acquired new occupants.

They were seemingly joyful, reportedly a young couple working as doctors.

Enjoying the fusion beauty of nature, the young couple unknowingly, on this bustling, lively, and passionate New Year’s night, is observed by a Third-tier Middle Stage Transcendent from a discreet location across the hotel at Heavenly Street.

Quietly, observing...

...

...

At dawn, Xu Shu once again woke up to the sound of firecrackers.

First, he grabbed the groggy orange cat Alice crawling towards the toilet and tossed it outside to avoid smelling the first whiff of cat dung in the morning.

After washing up, he let Alice into the washroom.

Xu Shu glanced at the refreshed greeting speech of Tai Chu on the void count, began seriously contemplating today’s daytime plan.

"New Year’s Day, this should be a day of rest but I cannot slack! Should I visit the little bride? It’s been a while since we met."

Of course, it’ll be through the [Continuing the Legend] method.

As he considered this, the underwear, silent for most of the night, vibrated again.

He opened it with some speculation, finding the message was from Xiao Ya.

"Come quickly! There’s a situation, there’s evidence of Annihilation Association’s key figures activity in Lower District!" Xiao Ya’s message.

"Um..."

Seeing the message, Xu Shu’s expression instantly froze.

Evidence of Annihilation Association’s key figures in Lower District... are they referring to Annihilation Association’s Yu Mingluan?

How am I going to explain that person is me?

No, if it’s Yu Mingluan’s information, Xiao Ya should know the insider facts...

Xu Shu quickly got up, grabbing the cat and putting it in a backpack, tentatively inquiring: "Where did you get this information from? Is there an inside source from Butterfly Lovers Department for you?"

If so, no need to hurry~ he thought.

Xiao Ya suspiciously: "Butterfly Lovers Department? Why do you say that?"

"Never mind that, just tell me if it’s true or not."

"Yes and no. Received a public report this morning, a murder case. The deceased was indeed from Butterfly Lovers Department, I suspect the Annihilation Association was at work, though the scene blames Blood and Fire Platform." Xiao Ya said.

"Huh?"

What do you mean yes and no... and what’s with Blood and Fire Platform? Why is the culprits suspected to be from Annihilation Association?

Xu Shu was utterly confused, simultaneously worrying the deceased might be Yun Jinxi?

Could it be yesterday’s "Yu Mingluan’s encounter with Yun Jinxi" was spotted, and they killed him to frame me?

Xu Shu frowned, hurrying to the site based on Xiao Ya’s coordinates.

This was an alley in District 12 Lower District, no more than two hundred meters from a nearby subway exit.

The scene had already been cordoned off by the Judgement Department, Xiao Ya seemingly directing with her backpack, yet the people present acted as if she wasn’t there, though upon Xu Shu’s arrival, they seemed reconciled. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Xu Shu checked inside, discovering the deceased was a young man.

He was nailed to the wall brutally, tongue excised with mouth agape, limbs twisted in a symbolic pose, innards extracted, sewn into a large "X."

"Phew, thankfully it’s not Yun Jinxi, otherwise Yu Mingluan couldn’t wash it clean jumping into the Yellow River." Xu Shu let out a breath, offering apologies to the deceased brother.

Xiao Ya approached with documents, whispering: "Xu Shu brother, how did you know this is connected to Butterfly Lovers Department?"

"Um, I..." Xu Shu stammered, thinking this might be tricky to explain, veered off topic, "Calling me over, any leads?"

Xiao Ya nodded: "Yes. As you know, yesterday Blood and Fire Platform and Where Is Grass on Horizon suddenly went to war openly, so despite Butterfly Lovers Department obtaining intelligence of Annihilation Association appearances, there was no chance to address it. And this deceased, Liu Yan, though a garrison officer from a town under Butterfly Lovers Department, holds a rather peculiar status... hehe, I’m suspecting Voodoo did it."

"...Why?" Xu Shu puzzled asked.

"A few words won’t clarify. I think you need to accompany me out of town, to Luling Platform for a while, you’ll protect me." Xiao Ya said.

Xu Shu was taken aback: "Where to?"

Xiao Ya gestured her little head: "Luling Platform."

...