"I don't mind," Song Miaozhu said.
Since she had already decided to share information with the SEIU, her only concern was whether she'd receive equivalent intelligence in return. She didn't care how many others were present to listen.
"Master Zhao, Mumu, the upcoming discussion may involve Master Song's privacy. You might need to step out," Zhao Huoyan said.
The old man and Zhao Mumu looked over at Song Miaozhu, hesitating.
"No need," Song Miaozhu said. "Everything I plan to tell you—I've already told them in advance."
Zhao Huoyan paused for a moment.
"Brother, don't even think about scheming! Even if we join the unit, Miaozhu's secrets stay with us unless she says otherwise," Zhao Mumu warned.
"You think your brother's that kind of person?" Zhao Huoyan said, clearly annoyed.
In the end, they stayed. Instead, Song Miaozhu moved to sit beside Zhao Huoyan, keeping the other two out of the camera frame.
"We'll be connecting with the SEIU's headquarters in the capital. Mumu, watch your words," he reminded.
"Got it."
The video call connected swiftly.
On the screen appeared a conference room with two men—one with jet-black hair, elderly yet vigorous, and the other in his late twenties, wearing glasses. Their features bore a sixty to seventy percent resemblance, and both exuded the refined air of scholars.
Song Miaozhu recognized the older man—Feng Ru, the former director of the National Museum. But he looked younger than in online photos.
His brow space showed no spiritual glow yet, and the light in his eyes remained faint. He was likely still at the stage of perceiving spiritual auras on objects.
The younger man, however, had a faint crimson glow between his brows—just like hers.
"He's unlocked his brow space."
But was his spiritual power also crimson?
Their introductions confirmed her guesses.
"Young lady, I'm Feng Ru, director of the SEIU's headquarters. Currently at the stage of perceiving spiritual energy on objects."
"Hello, I'm Feng Jinwen, leader of Team 1. I've reached the stage of internalizing spiritual energy."
Song Miaozhu mirrored their tone. "I'm Song Miaozhu. Also at the internalization stage."
Feng Jinwen's gaze lingered on her brow. "Miss Song, please proceed."
She began methodically:
"Your report mentions this energy's inexplicable effects on the human body—undetectable by scientific instruments—leading you to dub it 'spiritual energy' based on ancient myths. Ironically, that's accidentally accurate.
This energy appeared in antiquity, birthing a flourishing cultivation era where some even ascended to immortality. But over time, it was dismissed as primitive superstition.
In truth, spiritual energy resurges cyclically. To my knowledge, it begins with a Spiritual Revival Phase. This is followed by a concentrated surge—the Spiritual Tide Phase, and finally a gradual ebb—the Spiritual Decline Phase.
Together, these make up what ancient cultivators referred to as a 'Cultivation Era.' Once it ends, we enter what they called the Dharma Ending Era, when spiritual energy disappears entirely.
We've just left that age. About a month ago, the resurgence began…"
"Miss Song," Feng Jinwen interjected, "don't you think all this sounds a bit too fantastical? Do you have any evidence?"
"You know I absorb energy through paper offerings," she replied. "And since these are for the dead, I interact with ghosts. Frankly, this intel comes from the underworld."
"While no cultivators remain alive, ghosts from that era persist there. Many high-status ghost and spirits have already reincarnated to capitalize on this resurgence. Verify this by questioning any ghost with underworld connections."
"The underworld… exists?" he asked.
"Obviously. Otherwise, the living world would be overrun by spirits," she said dryly. "You've opened your Heavenly eyes—ask them yourselves."
Muffled discussions erupted off-screen. Clearly, more officials were observing.
After a pause, Feng Ru nodded. "Continue, young lady."
"Historical records show each Cultivation Era operates under different rules. Even the nature of spiritual energy differs between eras. Thus, while resurgence patterns and ancient texts provide reference, they're not absolute truths.
"From my experience, this era's cultivation seems tied to handicrafts. Superb artistry attracts energy into creations, then the body, and finally unlocks the brow space to convert energy into spiritual power. You've likely deduced this already from your investigations."
Seeing their nods, she concluded: "That covers the essentials. I also possess a crate of ancient cultivation texts from the last era, obtained from ghosts. They're intangible—only those who see spirits can read them."
"We're deeply grateful," Feng Ru said. "Your intel is invaluable. From today, you're an external associate of Lingcheng's unit. Director Zhao will facilitate your access to internal files."
"Understood." She relaxed—the authorities were reasonable, for now.
"Miss Song," Feng Jinwen asked suddenly, "how large is your brow-space crystal currently?"
"About A4-sized." She cited her pre-spirit-stone progress.
"The spirit stones and Ghost Shop remain secrets."
Even this modest answer startled him. "Should you reconsider joining us, the bureau welcomes you—with preferential terms."
"Noted."
After the call, Zhao Huoyan installed a Spirit Bureau app on her phone, registering her account.
"All internal updates are published here for nationwide access. There's also a forum for experience-sharing."
"As an external associate, you can view most content—except mission boards and certain benefits."