Otherworldly Affairs Office

Chapter 913 913: Changes at Home

"Hey, don't overthink it. I'm just saying this casually. Talking about it makes me feel better!" Wang Wenze noticed the unnatural expression on Pei Yan's face, and smiled while patting his shoulder to comfort him. "I've accepted my fate now. I can't compete with you guys, monsters! It's too tiring to catch up with you, so I'm doing just fine as I am. Being in a high position isn't all that comfortable either, is it?""Whew!" Pei Yan, seeing his friend's open-mindedness, also breathed a sigh of relief. He nodded resolutely and poured out his grievances: "It's uncomfortable! I really miss the days when I first joined the Investigation Hall, where I could execute tasks without much thought, celebrate with everyone after completing them—simple and happy. Now, to avoid being manipulated, I'm scrambling upwards, but every time I break through a layer and climb over a mountain, I find an even higher one ahead of me. It's like being Monkey Sun in Tathagata's palm, ultimately being toyed with. The more I know, the more exhausted I feel!"

"Well, at least you're Monkey Sun, with the abilities to stir up the Celestial Palace, right? If I were in your place, I'd just be a little monster crushed to death with a stick!" Wang Wenze heard Pei Yan complaining about his experiences for the first time and only then realized it wasn't easy for him either. After a bit of self-deprecating consolation, he tentatively asked, "After this personal match, is there really going to be another big battle? I overheard in the hall that things seem to be getting tenser during your absence."

Pei Yan did not hold back and responded after a moment's thought: "Given the current situation, there should be a big battle, but it depends on the results of this tournament and the determination of both sides to decide the scale of the fight. Brother Wang, I've gotten close enough to the truth, but even now, I don't know what those guys in Divine Desire really want to do. While I was on the Hell Plane, Candle Dragon brazenly attacked the Holy Hall twice in front of the Demon God, given the deep hatred between them, it's definitely a fight to the death. His fury is unmistakable! With such anger, there's bound to be a bloody battle between the Hell Demon Race and the Disaster Legion after the tournament. Considering Divine Desire's recent attacks on the gifted ones, it's hard to keep ourselves unaffected."

"Sigh, another big battle! When will these days ever end!" Wang Wenze lamented upon receiving the news from Pei Yan. "Saying I'm not afraid of dying is a lie, but I've gone through the storm with everyone, so it's not as daunting as when first engaging with Divine Desire. My only worry is for our family. I've managed to call home recently, and they seem to have guessed our identity."

"What?" Pei Yan was stunned upon hearing this. "How can they know!"

Wang Wenze scanned Pei Yan with a 'don't be an idiot' look and said reluctantly, "You think our parents are children? Suddenly gathered together under such favorable conditions, of course, they'd have their suspicions! They just don't show it in front of us. Plus, after our last group return and dinner, the old folks have become even more connected. They already have their own WeChat group!"

"Oh my God!" Pei Yan clang his forehead with a groan.

"I think the information might've leaked from Xia Yu's family. Remember she said that? She awakened early, and her family knew she was gifted, then she joined the Investigation Hall. Connecting this to the recent changes, especially with your parents."

"What happened to my parents? Though we've been here almost a year, only ten or so days have passed in the real world, right? We've only been apart for ten days, what could have happened?" Hearing Wang Wenze mention his parents, Pei Yan became instantly anxious and asked.

"The issue stemmed from those ten days. They say ten days, but we've seen so many major events! Especially your stunning battle in the team event. You know, many high-level officials, even foreign dignitaries, watched that fight. Your battle prowess was acknowledged by the powers above, so they increased your salary and benefits to win you over, along with improving your parents' living conditions. Initially, they prepared a villa for all the participants, but several families declined politely. They believe their current living conditions are sufficient, and feel more secure living in the same district as their kids. Their biggest wish now is to see us. When I phoned home, my parents subtly hinted that your parents are worried about your situation." As they spoke, they walked towards Chongren Square, heading to the Investigation Hall's location.

"Sigh, seems I can't hide it anymore! I think things might get increasingly tricky from here on out. It's better they know the truth in advance for preparation, so they won't panic if something happens." Pei Yan realized he couldn't conceal the facts anymore and shook his head with a bitter smile. "Looks like once things calm down, I'll really need to go home and have a good talk with Mom and Dad!"

"Will this battle affect our families?" Wang Wenze, seeing Pei Yan's reaction, really began to panic. They've long put their lives on the line, but their utmost concern is for their families' safe and peaceful living.

"It won't! The reason we're working so hard is to absolutely ensure these things don't happen, right?" Pei Yan said firmly and sternly.

"Yeah, I've been overthinking this period. While you were away, there have been quite a few changes in the hall. Divine Desire's attacks, frequent interactions between investigation halls and other planes, and Minister Cen stepping down from his position again, with the Investigation Hall being taken over! This feeling of an impending storm has left me breathless!"

Pei Yan, who had already stepped into the threshold of Yirong Pavilion, stopped and turned around stunned: "Minister Cen stepped down again?" This elder, who took charge in the face of Divine Desire's assault, actually retired during this period.

"Yes, just after you left for training. He was already old, and I heard due to a major event, he exhausted a lot of his energy while divining the future, resulting in his severe health deterioration and eventual announcement of retirement."

Pei Yan's eyes shifted upon hearing this, inexplicably recalling various changes during his time on the Hell Plane, suspecting it might relate to him. He refrained from announcing this but asked instead: "Who's the new hall minister?"

"The new hall minister is surnamed Li, an ordinary person with no abilities. He manages administrative logistics here. Director Yu, as he wished, got promoted as the second-in-command, assisting in managing internal affairs of the Investigation Hall. Combat aspects are completely separated; intelligence still under Director Mei, but I heard numerous experts were sent down from above for support. As for the actual action department, it's temporarily led by Elder Lin."