Although Dao Lao's analysis made a lot of sense, Haoyun couldn't shake the feeling that Dao Lao's words seemed to be making excuses for Elienna's suspicious behavior. However, since Judge Yan and Master Gu didn't want to delve too much into Elienna's situation, Haoyun had no choice but to refocus his attention on the dark spirit energy to avoid saying something inappropriate.

At this moment, Bage, who had been silent for a while, suddenly spoke up, "Judge Yan, I've long heard that Elienna has always had a deep affection for the lower world where she lived in her previous life. She often misses her mother, who is still alive but gravely ill. Rumor has it that Elienna sometimes uses her position as a Soul Guide Officer to sneak down to Elf Planet to visit her mother—"

"Ah-hem!"

Before Bage could finish, Master Gu interrupted him with a series of urgent coughs. Bage immediately realized he might have said something wrong and hastily covered his mouth, glancing at Judge Yan in alarm.

Judge Yan, however, didn't seem to mind Bage's words. He stared at the holographic screen for a moment before saying, "Hmm—Dao Lao is right. Whether or not Elienna is the suspect we think she is, the entire matter is inextricably linked to the dark spirit energy. Since we've captured the dark spirit energy involved in this case, we should start with it to see if we can uncover more information."

As he spoke, Judge Yan glanced at Dao Lao, who nodded in agreement with Judge Yan's suggestion.

"Since we've decided on the course of action, let's get moving," Judge Yan instructed, readjusting his somewhat peculiar demeanor. "Master Gu, due to the involvement of dark spirit energy in this incident, you must proceed with caution. From now on, the Soul Guiding Department must strictly monitor all Soul Guide Officers during their missions and require them to document every step to prevent another incident like the one with Cui's identity being misused. Additionally, conduct a thorough investigation of all Soul Guide Officers to see if there are any others suspected of aiding the dark spirit energy."

"Bage, continue documenting the subsequent handling of Liu Erwa's case. Given the deliberate misuse of a Soul Guide Officer's identity to help dark spirit energy enter the Spirit Realm, we must expedite the process of dealing with the dark spirit energy inside Liu Erwa."

Upon receiving Judge Yan's orders, Master Gu and Cui quickly left the Judgment Hall. Bage demonstrated his remarkable ability to organize information by swiftly compiling the reports Master Gu had left behind for future reference.

Seeing this, Haoyun couldn't resist asking, "Judge Yan, shouldn't we send someone to inspect the world where Elienna lived in her previous life? What if, just what if, she really is hiding there?"

Dao Lao answered first, "Regardless of Elienna's issues, since this incident involves dark spirit energy, it's only right that we personally handle the investigation."

Oh, that's right! I am an apprentice assistant to the Dark Spirit Energy Hunter. Anything involving dark spirit energy should indeed be handled by me and Master Gu personally! Realizing this, Haoyun scratched his head in embarrassment, admitting that as a novice, his mind sometimes failed to make the connection immediately.

Judge Yan smiled understandingly at Haoyun and said, "While it's true that Dao Lao is more than capable of solving the problem, dark spirit energy is notoriously tricky. Before you act, we need to learn as much as possible about what the dark spirit energy is up to. After all, knowing your enemy is the key to victory."

Haoyun nodded in agreement, acknowledging that Judge Yan was right. The dark spirit energy's bold infiltration of the Spirit Realm indicated that its true motive was far more complex than merely possessing Liu Erwa. Under such circumstances, even if they were to investigate Elienna's former world, they needed to be well-prepared.

"Additionally, Elienna's homeland is quite complicated, but we'll deal with that later. Our immediate priority is to solve Liu Erwa's problem so we can better understand the dark spirit energy's true intentions," Judge Yan added.

With that, everyone once again focused on Liu Erwa.

After listening to Haoyun and the others, Liu Erwa finally understood who he was dealing with. His anxiety about his situation deepened. Especially after hearing Judge Yan say, "We need to solve Liu Erwa's problem first," Liu Erwa instinctively dropped to his knees and, in a tearful voice, pleaded, "My lords, Erwa knows he's wrong. I no longer think of myself as the unluckiest person, and I won't seek revenge against Wang Kemin anymore! Please, my lords, spare me! I just want to return to my parents! I miss them so much!"

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

This time, Judge Yan did not harshly reprimand Liu Erwa for crying. Instead, he spoke earnestly, "Liu Erwa, though you say this out of fear, you haven't truly let go of your desire for revenge. What we need to do now is to help you genuinely give up this idea. Only then might you have the chance to fulfill another of your wishes."

"Give up the idea of revenge to fulfill another wish? My lord, do you mean I might have the chance to return to my parents?" Liu Erwa immediately caught on and, filled with hope, widened his empty eyes and asked.

Judge Yan smiled without speaking, indicating that some things couldn't be revealed.

At this moment, Dao Lao spoke earnestly, "Liu Erwa, I know there's a fire of anger in your heart. This anger isn't your true feelings but rather an evil thought that emerged after being influenced by the dark spirit energy. The dark spirit energy doesn't actually want to help you with your revenge; it simply wants you to spread misfortune and create more negative energy for it to consume. You are merely a pawn in its hands. Therefore, you need to control your thoughts and expel the dark spirit energy from your body."

Liu Erwa listened carefully to Dao Lao's explanation and thought for a moment before saying, "But I don't know how to expel the dark spirit energy. I've tried many times, but it hasn't worked."

Judge Yan nodded, indicating that he understood Liu Erwa's predicament. He glanced at Master Gu, who gave him a subtle nod, before continuing, "The reason you can't expel the dark spirit energy is because of the resentment in your heart. So, what we need to do now is help you let go of that resentment and embrace the light again. Go now, and I hope what you are about to see will help you overcome your inner demons."

With that, Judge Yan turned his full attention back to the large holographic screen and began reviewing the investigation materials provided by Master Gu, ignoring everyone else.

Master Gu gestured for everyone to follow him, and they all filed out of the hall behind him.

Once outside, Master Gu asked Bage, "Bage, have you confirmed the location?"

"I'm rechecking the target. Please wait a moment," Bage replied. From his distracted gaze, it was clear his attention was entirely focused on his internal system rather than on Master Gu.

"Master Gu, where are we going?" Haoyun took advantage of the pause to curiously ask.

Dao Lao rolled his eyes and sent a message to Haoyun, saying, "Can't you stop asking so many questions? Activate your dark spirit energy tracker and be ready. When we get there, if conditions permit, you'll get to experience the thrill of capturing dark spirit energy firsthand."

Haoyun, excited about the upcoming action, quickly subdued his excitement with a sense of seriousness and tension, considering the risks involved in capturing dark spirit energy.

"Master Gu, the target has been confirmed. It's him," Bage reported after a moment.

As a newcomer to the Divine Spirit Realm, Haoyun couldn't help but ask again, "Him? Who are we going after? Where are we going?"

"Why do you talk so much? Just follow us! Look at Liu Erwa, he's just a kid but not nearly as curious as you!" Dao Lao scolded irritably.

"That's because he's afraid of us and doesn't dare to speak up. Besides, Liu Erwa is already a ghost. What else could he possibly be curious about?" Haoyun muttered under his breath, knowing he was in the wrong but still stubbornly defending himself.

(At this point, the author also expresses impatience: "Haoyun's incessant chatter is really annoying!")

Master Gu, seeing Haoyun and Dao Lao start bickering, silently wiped his forehead and turned to Liu Erwa, "Liu Erwa, although we won't allow you to take revenge on Wang Kemin, we can let you see your enemy again."

Liu Erwa was shocked to hear that Master Gu would take him to see his enemy. Confused and worried, he asked, "Really? But, my lord, aren't you afraid I might kill him in a fit of rage?"

"I believe you will want to kill him when you see him, but I also believe I can kill you before you manage to strike," Master Gu replied coldly, scaring Liu Erwa into hiding behind Haoyun again.

Seeing that his intimidation had worked, Master Gu softened his tone and said, "This meeting is also a crucial test for you. If you lose your soul in the process, you'll have no chance of seeing your parents again, even in theory. Is that what you want?"

Liu Erwa shook his head, biting his lip and clenching his fists, as if making a firm decision.

"Very well," Master Gu said with satisfaction. "Then hold on tight."

He waved his hand, summoning a cloud of mist that quickly enveloped them, transporting the five of them to a city on a distant planet.

"Ugh! Ugh! Cough, cough! Damn! Master Gu, your teleportation array is really rough!" Haoyun complained between dry heaves once they materialized, but even then, he couldn't stop expressing his dissatisfaction.

Master Gu laughed and said, "Since we traveled a long distance this time, it's normal for you to feel this way. With more experience, you'll get used to long-distance teleportation. However, you do need to improve your physical condition through training."

Master Gu's advice was sound, but this wasn't the time for such discussions. Haoyun, having adjusted himself, looked down and asked, "Where are we? This city below looks like it belongs to Japan in my world."

"That's normal," Bage explained. "Every single star contains countless timelines. Due to the connections between these timelines, some worlds have similar forms of life or civilizations. These timelines extend outward, creating a network that connects different worlds."

"Thus, many timelines from different stars interact in the vast lower universe, sharing knowledge that might influence civilizations within those timelines. This can result in similar civilizations appearing in different, unrelated stars."