Chapter 461: Chapter 233: +2000 Contribution Points, a New Magic

The plainclothes officer’s gaze tightened when he saw the wooden bead. He carefully placed it into an evidence bag.

It was only then that the commotion on the covered walkway attracted a few nearby conference delegates who had also stepped out for a breath of fresh air or were simply passing by.

They stared at the scene in astonishment, pointing and murmuring among themselves.

"What’s going on?"

"Isn’t that the owner of the Rare Treasures Pavilion, Zhou Xingde?"

"Boss Zhou? Why is he being arrested? And were guns drawn?"

"Are those police?"

"What happened?"

"..."

By now, Yang Qi had quietly retreated to the edge of the crowd, his expression calm, as if he were just a bystander watching the excitement.

He watched as two plainclothes officers hauled "Pangolin" up from the ground. The man’s face was covered in blood, and his venomous gaze swept over the crowd.

When his eyes passed over Yang Qi, they paused for a moment. He seemed to recall the strange "trip on flat ground" from just moments before, a flicker of confusion in his eyes, but he was immediately shoved by the police and forced to lower his head.

"Everyone, we’re police officers on official business, arresting a criminal suspect. Please do not gather around or take photos. Thank you for your cooperation!"

One of the plainclothes officers flashed his badge and announced loudly.

Then, they quickly escorted "Pangolin" away through a service corridor.

The other officer stayed behind to comfort the terrified hotel intern and began to secure the scene, focusing on the scattered documents.

"A criminal suspect? Boss Zhou is a criminal?"

"What did he do? Smuggling? Tax evasion?"

"From the looks of it, that didn’t seem like a white-collar crime..."

"..."

The delegates grew even more curious, but they didn’t dare get too close, merely discussing in hushed tones.

A few of the delegates who knew Zhou Xingde looked particularly shocked and uncertain.

Just then, Huang Zhongmu, Lu Gangsheng, Yu Xiulian, and others arrived, having heard the commotion. They were all stunned to see Zhou Xingde being led away.

"Lao Huang, what’s going on? Isn’t that Boss Zhou? From the Rare Treasures Pavilion, the one who loves collecting animal specimens and antiques?"

Lu Gangsheng asked Huang Zhongmu in confusion.

Huang Zhongmu looked just as bewildered. He shook his head. "I don’t know. We were just in the meeting, and the next thing you know, the police are arresting someone."

He subconsciously glanced at Yang Qi, who was standing at the edge of the crowd. Yang Qi gave him a slight shake of his head, indicating that he didn’t know either.

The plainclothes officer who remained saw that many industry representatives had gathered, including several well-known experts like Lu Gangsheng and Yu Xiulian.

After a moment of thought, he decided it was necessary to give a brief explanation to prevent unnecessary speculation and panic, and also to serve as a deterrent.

He immediately stepped forward and addressed the crowd loudly.

"Excuse me, esteemed experts. The suspect we just arrested, Zhou Xingde, is under investigation for having close ties to a criminal organization involved in poaching and smuggling wildlife."

"This individual used his legitimate identity as a cover for long-term illegal activities. The specific details of the case are still under investigation, so I can’t disclose more at this time."

"Please remain vigilant and boycott illegal trade. If you discover any related clues, please report them to the public security authorities promptly."

A member of a poaching ring?!

As soon as he said that, all the representatives from zoos and wildlife conservation organizations erupted.

"A poacher?!"

"Zhou Xingde is part of a poaching ring? That animal!"

"No wonder he loved collecting specimens and furs of rare animals so much..."

"Those damned poachers!"

"A good arrest! A good arrest!"

"Officer, thank you for your hard work."

"He must be severely punished! Who knows how many animals these people have killed!"

"..."

The crowd was incensed.

For these people, who spent their lives working with, protecting, and studying wildlife, poachers and smugglers were their most hated enemies.

They never imagined that such a well-dressed, "cultured businessman"—who frequently appeared at various cultural exchange events and even occasionally donated to conservation projects—was engaged in such filthy business behind the scenes!

Shock, anger, lingering fear, and relief... a mix of emotions spread through the crowd.

Lu Gangsheng’s face was grim. He gritted his teeth. "I just saw him at a private collection exhibition. He went on and on to me about the importance of wildlife conservation, even said he wanted to donate money to set up a foundation... I can’t believe he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing!"

Yu Xiulian added coldly, "People like him deserve the full punishment of the law!"

Li Jianmin also shook his head repeatedly. He said to the plainclothes officer, "Thank you for your hard work, Officer. You have to get to the bottom of this scum’s dealings!"

The plainclothes officer nodded.

"Thank you all for your understanding and support. We will definitely conduct a thorough investigation. And please, continue your excellent work in wildlife conservation."

"We still have some work to do here. Please return to the conference hall for now, and stay safe."

"..."

The delegates murmured for a while longer before slowly dispersing and returning to the main conference hall under the guidance of the staff.

But the news that "Zhou Xingde was arrested as a member of a poaching ring" spread like wildfire throughout the annual conference, quickly becoming the most explosive story.

Yang Qi walked back alongside Huang Zhongmu, listening to the angry denunciations and discussions around him, his heart calm.

He knew that catching "Pangolin" was only the first step, but it was undoubtedly a crucial one.

As an important middleman for the Jiulian Mountain organization, the information and channels he controlled would likely be the key to tearing this criminal network wide open.

...

Back in the conference hall, the atmosphere of the annual meeting was clearly affected by the recent incident. Many delegates were still whispering to each other.

On the main stage, the host was calming everyone’s emotions, emphasizing that industry colleagues must unite to combat illegal criminal activities like poaching and smuggling.

Yang Qi sat back down in his seat, and his phone vibrated.

It was an encrypted message from an unknown number, containing only a single word.

"Thanks."

’It seems the police have taken over smoothly and are satisfied with the initial results.’

Yang Qi deleted the message and looked toward the stage.

[Detected: Host achieved first place in the "Grand Competition of a Hundred Sects," enhancing the sect’s prestige and spreading personal fame. Special Reward: Contribution Points +2000]

’Two thousand more contribution points?’

’Not a bad reward.’

After the Mosquito Extermination Array stopped, Yang Qi hadn’t received more than a hundred contribution points in a single go.

’Getting so much just for attending the annual conference... That’s enough for twenty lottery draws. Not bad at all.’

[Detected: Host assisted a Guard of the Immortal Dynasty Office in capturing the hidden Demon Cultivator "Pangolin," thwarting his plot, protecting fellow practitioners, and upholding justice. Special Reward: Spiritual Eye Technique]

’The Spiritual Eye Technique?’

Yang Qi’s eyes lit up, his heart filled with delighted surprise.

’This Magic is so incredibly useful!’

First, telescopic and microscopic vision: It can see scenery from miles away and zoom in to observe details like the patterns on a medicinal pill or the flow of Array Patterns.

Second, Qi and meridian observation: Not only can it determine an opponent’s cultivation realm, but it can also clearly see the flow of Spiritual Qi within their body. In battle, one can predict which acupoint an opponent’s next move will originate from, allowing for preemptive dodging or interruption.

Third, its Invisibility-breaking Technique: It can see directly through low-level Invisibility Talismans, the Earth Escape Technique, or disguises from Illusion Techniques. When in pursuit or countering an ambush, an opponent hiding behind a rock or in fog would have nowhere to hide from the Spiritual Eye Technique.

Fourth, motion capture: It greatly enhances dynamic visual acuity. In a lightning-fast flying sword duel, it can clearly capture the trajectory of the swords.

Fifth, night and x-ray vision: Not only can it see clearly at night, but it can also see through shallow layers of soil or thin walls. Seeing through flesh is, of course, no problem.

Sixth, treasure appraisal: When looking at a treasure, it can observe the concentration of Spiritual Light within. For example, when looking at a piece of ore, it can tell which part contains more Spiritual Qi. When looking at a medicinal pill, it can tell whether its medicinal energies are potent.

’Even though there’s no Spiritual Qi in the modern world, and no other Cultivators, that’s precisely why this will be an even greater help to me!’

’First two thousand contribution points, and now the Spiritual Eye Technique.’

’Attending this conference was a huge score!’

’First, let’s try the lottery...’

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.