Chapter 581: What’s His Purpose?

    While the forum was once again turned upside down by the unexpected appearance of the Legendary player who had never gone online since her ascension, the Divine Oracle was currently being escorted into the Provincial Bureau’s meeting room.

    "Thank you for gracing us with your presence," Ying placed a cup of water in front of him, her tone polite and courteous, as if she wasn’t the one who had led a team to break into the other person’s private residence and forcibly took him away an hour ago.

    The Divine Oracle was still nursing a bruise on one side of his cheek, courtesy to his reckless attempt to escape, causing him to wince and hiss in pain whenever he tried to speak.

    He might be a Legendary player, but in fact he was but an auxiliary, a support member, and an oracle first and foremost! And Ying’s fist could really pack a punch. It was lucky that his handsome jaws were not dislocated!

    "You could have just rang the doorbell, you know... why couldn’t we do this in a civil way?" He grumbled under his breath while feeling around the table to locate the cup nearby. Once he grabbed hold of it, he was thoroughly shocked. "Just plain water... not coffee or tea? And it’s a freaking cold one! Is this how you’re treating an esteemed guest?"

    Ying’s expression remained blank as she responded swiftly, "Apologies, our Provincial Bureau is quite poor."

    Poor enough that you can’t even afford a tea bag or instant coffee? The Divine Oracle’s lips twitched. Who are you trying to kid?!

    Holding the plastic cup of plain water, a long-lost sense of grievance welled up in the oracle’s heart.

    He had gone out of his way to complete a thankless job when he was supposed to be sleeping. Not only did he not obtain any rewards or recognition, his house was also breached and he was taken away like a criminal, still clad in his pajamas!

    Granted, his pajamas were just a black tank top and sweatpants— nothing too humiliating— but still! He was a person who had to spend nearly an hour tidying up his appearance before stepping out of the house. Seizing him away like this was no different than forcing him to run around outside naked! And to make matters worse, his noble and good-looking face was now injured!

    He had reasons to suspect that the female officer was bearing a grudge against him, but he truly had no idea why.

    The Divine Oracle had offended too many people and he couldn’t even be bothered to remember them all.

    Albeit disgruntled, he could only take small sips of water to quell the burning anger in his heart. "How did you find me?" he asked after some time, unable to keep his curiosity at bay.

    Ying let out a quiet snort, "As long as your data is registered within the country, the people’s police will definitely be able to find you. Relax, there’s no need to be nervous as long as you’re not involved in anything illegal..." she arched a brow, musing, "Are you, Boss Xu?"

    The oracle stared at her deeply.

    Actually, it wasn’t too accurate to call it a ’stare’ considering half of his face was concealed beneath the black sunglasses. With how impenetrable they were, it was impossible to tell for certain what or where he was looking at. And yet, he could somehow give the impression that he was staring intently at you, his gaze nearly tangible in its intensity, like a sticky and elastic net.

    Ying’s expression was neutral as she looked back calmly, but the other members of the Special Investigation Team couldn’t be so unruffled. They dared not even breathe too loudly for fear of detonating the invisible gunpowder in the air.

    Until all of a sudden, the Divine Oracle lowered his head and let out a ’pfft’ before dissolving into loud guffaws. "Illegal? Of course not! How can I possibly do something like that?" he spoke as if he’d heard an amusing joke, his muscular frame shaking in laughter.

    The strung-out tension vanished as though it was never there to begin with, causing the others to sigh in relief.

    As expected of the second ranked, his mere aura was no joke!

    Having done a background check on the other person, they all knew that the Divine Oracle’s real name was Xu Zhao and he used to run a loan shark business, which fully explained his ruffian and thuggish demeanor.

    He was 37 years old this year, single and unmarried, though if one investigated properly, they would be shocked by how messy his relationships were.

    His subordinates had always referred to him as ’Boss Xu’ and it had stuck to him until now. A few years ago, which coincided with the time he entered the Nightmare Cycle, Boss Xu inexplicably washed his hands off this gray business and began to make money through proper channels by running a small bar.

    By now, he had already owned several casinos and a string of high-end clubs scattered across the country.

    He could be considered the perfect example of ’nouveau riche’, a person who clawed his way to the upper echelon of society relying on nothing but his own capability. As for how much of it was the truth or how much had he laundered the money earned through the Cycles, nobody knew... nor were they particularly interested in finding out.

    Right now, there were more pressing matters at hand.

    "Boss Xu, XXX, or Divine Oracle," Ying initiated the conversation, though her demeanor made it seem as if this was an interrogation, "which one do you prefer to be called?"

    Leaning back in his seat, Xu Zhao made himself comfortable while yawning. He replied carelessly, "Whichever one is fine ah. They’re all but meaningless titles."

    "Okay, Mr. Xu then," Ying nodded briskly. "Aside from that clip, do you have anything else from the deceased Song Yunshi?"

    "It’s only that recording, I swear! Tsk, if I had known it would get me into so much trouble, I wouldn’t have agreed no matter how much he bribed me," he huffed in frustration.

    Ying scrutinized him for two full seconds before confirming that it didn’t seem like a lie. She glanced at Captain Chen, who had seated himself in the corner pretending to be an ordinary officer, and continued asking after receiving his nod of approval. "Alright, then... do you know why Mr. Song left that recording behind? What’s his purpose?"

    Her gaze narrowed sharply, "Is it really to convey the Nightmare’s weakness to us?"