Player 0

Leaving the control room, Bai Shuang fumed the entire way.

"That old geezer He really has a death wish! He actually dared to call you an old demon! If you're an old demon, does that make me a little demon?!"

Wu Qiong wasn't interested in baseless labels. He scowled and shouted,

"Player Zero!"

A sweet voice echoed from the void, and a red streak of ethereal light descended behind Wu Qiong.

"Damn it!!!" Bai Shuang jumped back in fright. "Red clothes spell doom! A vengeful ghost! You're a ghost, aren't you?!"

"So what if I am?" The woman in red strolled confidently toward Wu Qiong, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "You called for me so urgently—did you miss me, my master?"

Wu Qiong ignored her flirting. He cut straight to the point with a frown:

"He Shoucheng claimed he has evidence that I killed the children I adopted. What proof does he have?"

The red-clad woman hesitated. "That, I don't know. But if you bring me into the Space Federal University, I might be able to find out."

Wu Qiong eyed her skeptically. "We're not even from the same dimension. How exactly am I supposed to bring you with me?"

She summoned a map midair and pointed to a specific room.

"This is He's private residence. It was built by Alexander, one of the university's founders. There's a hidden suite inside the study—no surveillance. I can't see what's in there."

"But if you carry my plasma body into that suite, I might be able to get into the hidden chamber. The He family's secrets are definitely in there—including whatever hard evidence He Shoucheng's talking about."

Wu Qiong narrowed his eyes. "How exactly do I carry you in?"

"Simple," she said. "I can't get past the city's borders or security, but I can transform into one of your personal items. Something you wear directly on your body. Like... your clothes."

Wu Qiong's skin crawled. His gut screamed it was a trap—this ghost was just trying to get touchy with him in a different form.

He rubbed his arms as goosebumps appeared. "Can't you transform into something else? I mean, I could wear you in, but what do I do while you're in the secret chamber?"

"Easy," she chirped. "Bathrooms in the university aren't monitored. Just wait there—ten minutes tops."

Bai Shuang finally couldn't take it anymore. She stepped in and blocked Wu Qiong.

"My dad's not just naive—he's easy prey! Midnight hauntings I could stomach, but now she's making moves in broad daylight too?! Her whole plan reeks of sketchiness. It's all just an excuse to get handsy!"

The red-clad woman pouted, putting on a pitiful act.

"This humble spirit simply thought of the only possible method. If Miss Bai doesn't trust me... why not go yourself?"

"No!" Wu Qiong shut that down immediately. "How dare you even think of touching her! I'll do it myself!"

The ghost beamed with triumph, her sly little grin laid bare. She knew Wu Qiong would never let Bai Shuang take a risk. He was too protective.

"Dad!" Bai Shuang's eyes widened. She pointed at the ghost furiously. "She's a random ghost from who-knows-where, and you're just going to believe her lies?!"

"Whether it's true or not, we'll know once we try." The ghost winked at Wu Qiong. "You've got nothing to lose... right, master?"

Bai Shuang opened her mouth to protest again, but Wu Qiong gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry. I'm just going to the university—no one's going to eat me."

Bai Shuang suddenly felt helpless. She couldn't bear watching her father endure humiliation and risk just to chase a ghost's half-baked lead. But Wu Qiong had already made up his mind.

He gently ruffled Bai Shuang's hair—just like her biological dad used to.

"I'll be back soon. Wait for me like a good girl."

Space Federal University – President's Office

Madam Mira courteously escorted Wu Qiong in, warm and polite the entire way.

If Wu Qiong hadn't overheard He Shoucheng call him a "demon," he might've been touched by her care. But now, her enthusiasm made him sick.

Still, outwardly, Wu Qiong played the part with practiced ease.

He Shoucheng was momentarily stunned when he saw Wu Qiong.

From what he knew, the old Daoist led a simple life. Yet today, Wu Qiong wore a glowing outfit—so tacky it reminded him of nouveau riche braggarts. He never thought Wu Qiong would fall for such flashy trends.

But however disgusted he was, He Shoucheng still respectfully welcomed Wu Qiong in, using the proper ceremony for a noble prince's advisor.

"Teacher, your sudden visit catches me unprepared! I should've reported our progress to you long ago. I hope you don't take it as negligence."

"Not at all," Wu Qiong replied just as formally. "You're already overloaded with city affairs. I'm truly sorry to burden you further."

"Teacher, please don't say that," He Shoucheng returned, even more respectful. "It's my great honor to shoulder responsibilities on your behalf. Please rest assured—everything regarding Whale Fall City, I'll handle."

Wu Qiong let out a long sigh.

"To have your support is truly a blessing. However, I do have one impolite request. I hope you'll choose a worthy successor for Whale Fall City—someone reliable, not just a brute with fists."

He Shoucheng's heart lit up! He'd been wondering how to force his ridiculous written test into the upcoming selection process. Now, with Wu Qiong's words, he had leverage.

He would shift all blame onto Wu Qiong while reaping all the benefits for himself.

"Teacher, rest assured," He Shoucheng promised. "I've been a principal for decades—I know exactly how to select the right talent."