143: Chapter 143 Ghostly Level

Zhang Qiang didn't answer Chu Xuan's question immediately. Instead, he first arranged for other official staff members to conduct separate routine interviews with the survivors who had followed them.

When someone tried to take Qin Shaowu away for questioning as well, Zhang Qiang waved his hand, signaling that it wasn't necessary.

"Some things aren't secrets to Transcendents within the circle, but for ordinary people, there's no need to reveal too much, lest it cause unnecessary trouble."

Zhang Qiang pondered for a moment before slowly speaking:

"The Specters that have appeared so far can be roughly divided from low to high into D-Rank, C-Rank, B-Rank, and A-Rank. For the first two, the System has given clear designations: Parasite and Lurker, respectively."

Chu Xuan nodded slightly; he already knew this much.

Zhang Qiang continued, "As the name suggests, D-Rank Parasites are Specters that have initially parasitized humans. They must satisfy specific killing rules before they can transform into monsters and kill."

"To satisfy these killing rules, they always exhibit abnormal or strange behavior in daily life. However, most are extremely cunning and have initially fused with the host's memories. Even someone very familiar with them would find it hard to detect anything unusual without a keen mind."

"Such D-rank Specters correspond to Level 1 humans. However, when a Specter assumes its supernatural form, it is usually far more brutal than an ordinary person. Furthermore, at least one of their physical attributes is comparable to a professional athlete, and some even possess Transcendent Skills. In a head-on confrontation, it's usually the human who dies."

Chu Xuan felt the same way. Recalling Chen Qing, who had been parasitized by the Night Demon's Clone, he still felt a lingering fear regarding its level of cunning and treachery.

Zhang Qiang continued, "C-Rank Lurkers can choose whether to immediately transform into their supernatural state upon taking damage. Such Specters have completely fused with the host's memories and hide within human society. Without actively exposing their supernatural form, it's very difficult to root them out."

"The strength of a C-rank Ghost corresponds to humans from Level 2 to Level 4. However, humans who have achieved a Breakthrough to Level 2 or higher are no longer considered ordinary. They have generally killed Specters before. In direct combat with weapons and equipment, a Specter usually won't be a match for them."

Chu Xuan thought for a moment and said reflectively, "In fact, the spirituality value obtained from killing different Specters can also indirectly reflect the strength of the opponent..."

"Exactly!"

Zhang Qiang looked at him with appreciation and continued:

"As for those reaching the level of a B-rank Ghost, they already possess their own titles, which the System will display once they are killed."

Chu Xuan's heart stirred, immediately thinking of the notification after killing the Great Buddha: 'You have slain Specter · Great Buddha.' He couldn't help but ask, "Specters with titles must have some unique characteristics, right?"

"Of course."

Zhang Qiang took a puff of his cigarette, his tone complex. "Because such Specters are no longer like D-Rank and C-Rank ones, which must be in their supernatural form and eat people to gain spirituality!"

"B-rank Ghosts can hunt humans through various means, just as humans kill Specters, to obtain spirituality. However, if they actually consume them, they can gain even more spirituality!"

"The strength of a B-rank Ghost corresponds to Level 5 to Level 7 for human Transcendents..."

"Furthermore, B-rank Ghosts can exert most of their power even in human form. They can perfectly disguise themselves as human Transcendents. Such existences are quite terrifying!"

"For example, standing here before you—how can you be sure that I am not a Specter?"

When Zhang Qiang said this, both Tang Zheng and Qin Shaowu looked shocked, and even Luo Xiaotian's expression changed abruptly.

"Uncle Qiang, how can you talk such nonsense?"

Luo Xiaotian frowned and said, "We have the most advanced detection equipment. I can't speak for large areas, but for individuals, it's easy to distinguish between humans and Specters. As Night Watchers, we have to undergo testing every day. How could there be a Specter among us? If the Captain hears you saying this, he'll definitely discipline you!"

"I'm just talking. Since when is it your turn to lecture me? Know your place!"

Zhang Qiang glared at Luo Xiaotian. "I'm just emphasizing the stakes to these newcomers so they stay vigilant. If you dare to gossip, I'll hang you up and whip you later!"

Luo Xiaotian curled his lip and said no more. Tang Zheng and Qin Shaowu also breathed a sigh of relief.

However, Chu Xuan's heart turned cold.

Zhang Qiang's words were definitely not alarmist!

In his last dream, Old Wu, the former associate professor of the Research Department, had told him directly that official detection equipment could not guarantee the detection of B-rank Ghosts.

Although A-Rank Specters hadn't been tested, they most likely couldn't be detected either!

While that was the conclusion from two months ago, judging by Zhang Qiang's tone now, the authorities clearly hadn't made any Breakthrough progress in Specter detection over the past two months.

As a Vice Captain of the Night Watchers, Zhang Qiang was qualified to know this top-secret information; he had just mentioned it casually now.

But in his previous dream, Chu Xuan had already concluded that there was likely a mole within the Haicheng Night Watchers!

Furthermore, [Future Tang Zheng] had once asked him to pass a message to Qin Qing—

"Do not obsess over seeking the truth; only by surviving is there hope."

This was a very obvious hint!

At that time, he and Qin Qing were being hunted by the Night Demon. In a life-or-death situation, Chu Xuan hadn't intentionally mentioned it again.

Thinking of it now, Chu Xuan felt that it wasn't just possible, but certain that there was a mole within the Night Watchers!

Han Cheng!!

Chu Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly as the name surfaced in his mind again. This person was very likely the mole among the Night Watchers.

But he didn't alert the enemy by asking Zhang Qiang now. He planned to see Qin Qing today and discuss it with her first...

Additionally, when he entered the dream again tonight, he had to consult with [Future Tang Zheng] about this matter and ask for his opinion.

Besides Han Cheng, were there any others who might be moles?

While Chu Xuan was lost in thought, Qin Shaowu asked cautiously:

"Uncle Qiang, if B-rank Ghosts are already this terrifying, then to what extent would an A-Rank Specter be horrifying?"

Zhang Qiang lit another cigarette.

"A-Rank Specters correspond to human Levels 8 through 10. Compared to B-rank Ghosts, A-Rank Specters don't just have enhanced attributes; their Transcendent Skills have also inevitably reached max level—some even have more than one. Most importantly, they can rely on their own killing rules to manifest a small-scale Forbidden Domain!"

Zhang Qiang took a deep breath and lamented, "For Specters of the D, C, and B Ranks, even if there's a one-Rank difference, the higher-ranked one isn't necessarily stronger depending on attributes and Transcendent Skills. But once you reach A-Rank, the difference becomes very obvious."

"Within a Forbidden Domain, without the support of high base attributes or other effective countermeasures, the crushing pressure alone—like being in deep water—is more than an ordinary person can bear."

"In ancient times, an A-Rank Specter would be a Great Demon that plagued an entire region, controlling the local government and manipulating soldiers, treating the humans of a whole city like livestock in a pen."