# 490
**Chapter 490: Probe**
“I have a question,” An Qingyu said, as if suddenly remembering something. “Right now, you’re in a magnetic field form, not a soul. So how were you able to possess Lin Qiye?”
“In a sense, it wasn’t possession,” Jiang Er explained. “I simply connected my magnetic field to the magnetic field of his brain, simulating a portion of emotional signals to control his behavior. I didn’t invade his mind.”
“So, this kind of possession can bypass spiritual power levels?”
Jiang Er nodded. “In theory, yes. But the human brain’s magnetic field is dynamic—it fluctuates based on emotions. If the frequency of those fluctuations exceeds my adaptability range, I get ejected from the field.
And the stronger someone’s spiritual power is, the greater the frequency of their fluctuations. They can even alter their brain’s magnetic field to a certain extent, blocking my entry.”
An Qingzhu fell into thought. “You can influence others’ behavior through your magnetic field, but the duration of that influence varies from person to person… But if that’s the case, how did Jialan knock you flying earlier? Don’t you lack a physical form?”
“I’m puzzled too,” Jiang Er said, rubbing her forehead, her eyes full of confusion. “If she was able to knock me away, there’s only one possibility—she adjusted her brain’s magnetic field to match mine exactly.
To do that, two conditions must be met. First, her spiritual power must be strong enough. Second, she must have been possessed by me before—only then could she be familiar with my magnetic field fluctuations and replicate them… But I’ve never possessed her.”
“Could it have been a coincidence?”
“…Maybe.”
An Qingyu nodded. “Then, back at the office, what did you two talk about?”
Jiang Er was startled. She turned her head away and said softly:
“That’s a secret.”
…
Lintang City.
Central District.
Shen Qingzhu had his hands in his pockets, his face expressionless as he followed behind the Seventh Seat. His peripheral vision swept across the storefronts on either side of the street, lost in thought.
Today, the Seventh Seat wasn’t wearing her qipao. Given the current situation, they had to keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention. But even in a loose hoodie, her fiery figure couldn’t be hidden, drawing frequent glances from passersby.
In her left hand, she held a folding fan; in her right, a cup of milk tea. The corners of her crimson lips curled slightly upward—she seemed to enjoy the attention.
“Why are you walking so slowly?” The Seventh Seat turned back to look at the sluggish Shen Qingzhu, her expression displeased. “At this rate, we won’t have enough time to buy supplies. Are you doing this on purpose?”
Shen Qingzhu gave her a cold glance. “If you hadn’t wasted two hours shopping for clothes, would we be short on time? Who’s really stalling here—me or you?”
“What, you don’t agree?” The Seventh Seat narrowed her eyes. “Looks like the Ninth Seat didn’t teach you manners. You don’t even know how to respect your seniors…”
“Senior? Sure, you’re definitely a senior,” Shen Qingzhu sneered. “Almost forty, dressed like a peacock, and still trying to act cute?”
“You—!!”
A blaze of fury flared in the Seventh Seat’s eyes.
“What, want to fight?” Shen Qingzhu’s eyes were full of provocation. “If you want to, I’m ready anytime. I just wonder if you, old hag, would dare…”
The Seventh Seat clenched her fists, her body trembling with rage. A faint light flickered in her eyes several times, but eventually faded.
“Hmph, you think I’m stupid? If we fight, Night Watch will find us in no time. If the mission is exposed, neither of us will get off easy!” She turned and walked toward a nearby mall.
“Wait here. I’m going to the restroom.”
Watching her disappear from sight, Shen Qingzhu narrowed his eyes, a flicker of disappointment passing through them.
“Tch…”
He stood on the sidewalk, pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag before slowly exhaling…
Through the drifting smoke, his gaze swept the surroundings, eyes flickering.
With the Seventh Seat gone, this was the best chance to send intel to the outside.
In that instant, countless ideas flooded his mind.
Cause an explosion in the middle of the central district?
Too flashy, too obvious—and it wouldn’t convey specific information.
Leave a mark in the environment?
By the time Night Watch found it, it’d be too late.
Borrow a phone from a passerby and call the police?
The police station had specialists. Any case involving the mysterious side would be reported to the local Night Watch team. As long as he gave the location and the full conspiracy, the intel would be on Desk 008 within ten minutes…
That seemed like the most reliable option.
Shen Qingzhu stepped toward a woman standing near the KFC entrance. Just as he was about to ask to borrow her phone, a thought flashed through his mind.
He froze.
No…
The woman looked up, saw Shen Qingzhu in front of her, and looked puzzled.
Shen Qingzhu didn’t turn or speak. His step only faltered imperceptibly in midair before he walked past her and continued to a nearby trash can, flicking his half-smoked cigarette inside.
He glanced at his watch, his expression turning displeased.
Second floor of the mall.
Standing by the KFC’s floor-to-ceiling window, the Seventh Seat watched Shen Qingzhu silently, her brow slightly furrowed.
One minute. Two. Three…
Five minutes passed, and Shen Qingzhu still stood there, doing nothing unusual.
She checked the time, then quietly left KFC and calmly returned to the street.
“Took you long enough,” Shen Qingzhu said, glancing at her with a frown.
The Seventh Seat snorted and said nothing, heading straight for the underground supermarket.
Each pushing a cart, they entered the daily necessities section and began stocking up.
As Shen Qingzhu absentmindedly tossed toilet paper into his cart, two familiar voices drifted over from nearby.
“Ma’am, I’m talking about the weird stuff happening in Lintang City—not the weird stuff in your house. Your cat doing backflips doesn’t count!”
Shen Qingzhu pushed his cart past the shelves.
In the fresh produce section, a fat man was chatting enthusiastically with a female store guide.
When he saw the man’s face, Shen Qingzhu’s pupils shrank slightly.
A sudden idea flashed through his mind.