After discussing their plan, Lin Yueyao and Lin Rui decided to split up.


    Lin Yueyao would covertly investigate the recent movements and connections of several key suspects—Lin Hu, Lin Qiushui, Lin Fu, and Old Chen the Third—while Lin Rui returned alone to the Lin Family Library.


    He intended to meticulously comb through the extensive collection of tomes and records, searching for overlooked clues and a potential breakthrough in the case. While this method seemed tedious, his experience as a detective in his past life had taught him that the most crucial clues often hid within seemingly mundane details.


    He quickly located several volumes related to Spirit Beasts, Spirit Artifacts, and Formations, opened the first one, and began to read intently.


    He began with the Azure Mist Spirit Beast Atlas, a work that detailed the classification and characteristics of Spirit Beasts, which included a specific chapter on highly perceptive ones. His gaze settled on a particular description, which he read silently:


    "Spirit-Seeking Rats: This Spirit Beast is diminutive in size and highly alert, its fur smooth as satin, and its eyes bright and sharp, capable of detecting extremely faint fluctuations in Spirit Qi. They often inhabit areas rich in Spirit Herbs and excel at using qi fluctuations to locate valuable resources like Spirit Herbs and ore veins. These beasts are exceptionally sensitive to Spirit Qi, able to quickly discern its intensity and origin, which is why cultivators often use them to find rare Spirit Medicines and mineral deposits. Spirit-Seeking Mice are tiny, agile, and nimble, making them extremely difficult to spot. When startled, they can instantly conceal themselves within their surroundings. Consequently, the tracks they leave are hard to find, and research indicates their paw prints are difficult to identify through ordinary means. Controlling such a beast requires a specially concocted powder."


    He studied this passage intently, then drew the paper bearing the recorded footprint from his robes. Carefully unfolding it, he meticulously compared the track to the illustrations in the book, examining every detail over and over. Gradually, he confirmed that the track he''d found was indeed not left by any ordinary animal; its shape and depth pointed towards a Spirit-Seeking Rat.


    "Could the thief have used a Spirit-Seeking Rat to pinpoint the exact location of the Spirit Tea?" The thought flashed through his mind, but he kept his composure. After finishing the section, he carefully noted down his line of reasoning.


    Next, he picked up the jade fragment. Its edges were worn, and the fragmented section barely hinted at its original form. Intricate talismanic markings were carved onto the jade''s surface. Though incomplete, they seemed to be the insignia of a specific sect or merchant guild. He traced the markings with a fingertip, his brow furrowed in thought.


    Setting the jade piece aside, he retrieved the Compendium of Spirit Artifacts and Talisman Markings and turned to the chapter on merchant guild and sect insignias.


    Soon, he spotted a symbol on one page that resembled the markings on the jade fragment. It was the insignia of the Thunderlight Sect, or perhaps similar to the more common symbol of the Thousand Brilliance Merchant Guild—both of which were known to use a lightning motif.


    "The Thunderlight Sect, or the Thousand Brilliance Merchant Guild?" Lin Rui wondered.


    Both factions possessed deep roots and considerable power within Azure Mist Province. The surviving markings on the jade couldn''t be insignificant. He suddenly realized that far more complex forces might be lurking behind this case.


    As his thoughts turned, Lin Rui picked up another book—the Azure Mist Province: Secret Records of Spirit Artifacts and Talismans.


    He turned to a chapter concerning fire-attribute Spirit Artifacts, his gaze growing resolute. The book described the use and characteristics of fire-attribute artifacts in detail:


    "Fire-Attribute Spirit Artifacts: These are a class of artifacts primarily utilizing flame, typically possessing formidable scorching and offensive power. The flame temperature can instantaneously reach extreme heights, making them widely used in combat, especially against Spirit Beasts and other opponents. Certain fire-attribute artifacts can unleash intense flames in a short period, leaving distinct burn marks. Common examples include the ''Flame Soul Mirror,'' the ''Crimson Flame Scythe,'' and the ''Flame Orb.''"


    Lin Rui noted this information down. He recalled the severed tea branches he''d seen near the Tea Garden warehouse; the broken ends bore distinct scorch marks. And the nature of the burns didn''t resemble ordinary fire, but rather flames produced by some kind of Spirit Artifact. The temperature had been far beyond normal, capable of instantly searing through the branches. This made Lin Rui almost certain that a fire-attribute Spirit Artifact was involved in the case.


    Finally, he opened the Analysis of Formations and Spatial Artifacts. His focus sharpened when he reached the section on spatial artifacts. The book stated:


    "Spatial Artifacts: These artifacts allow items to be stored within an independent space, using formations or Void Talismans to transfer objects. They can typically move large quantities of items into a dimension separate from reality in an extremely short time, leaving almost no physical trace."


    As Lin Rui finished reading this passage, realization dawned on him. "If the thief used a spatial artifact," he thought, "they could have moved the Spirit Tea to an unknown location in a very short time... with the entire process being virtually silent and traceless."


    Lin Rui began to piece things together, realizing this theft was far from simple. The Spirit-Seeking Mouse helped the thief pinpoint the Spirit Tea''s location; a fire-attribute artifact was used to clear obstacles or destroy evidence, leaving the scorch marks; and a spatial artifact spirited the Spirit Tea away to a hidden space—all without leaving physical traces. All the clues indicated that the force behind this was extraordinary; the case likely involved powerful cultivators or factions.


    Yet, Lin Rui''s uncertainty grew: The Thunderlight Sect, the Thousand Brilliance Merchant Guild, or someone else entirely?


    As night fell, Lin Yueyao quietly came to Lin Rui''s room. The two sat down quietly and began to review the day''s investigation.


    Lin Yueyao spoke first, "I''ve checked into Lin Hu, Lin Qiushui, Lin Fu, and Chen Laosan. Let''s start with Lin Hu. While he was somewhat derelict in his patrol duties and certainly didn''t perform them properly, he lacks both the motive and the ability to commit the crime. His failure, even if serious, points to negligence, not malice."


    She paused, then continued, "As for Lin Qiushui, although he was secretly selling Spirit Tea, that seems more like embezzlement, a matter of personal greed. It''s unlikely to be connected to the actual theft itself."


    "''What about Lin Fu?'' Lin Rui asked."


    "''Nothing significant found regarding Lin Fu for now,'' Lin Yueyao replied. ''He seems like a conventional, by-the-book sort of person. Aside from a few account entries related to family interests, nothing particularly suspicious.'' She continued, ''But Chen Laosan... something''s not right there.''"


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    Lin Rui raised an eyebrow slightly. "Chen Laosan?"


    Lin Yueyao nodded, lowering her voice. "Recently, he''s had some private dealings with an outsider cultivator named Zhao Xiu. Zhao Xiu is a young man with a mild appearance, apparently connected to the Myriad Medicines Alliance in some way. I heard his family controls quite a few channels for medicinal herbs and Spirit Medicines; his background is significant. Someone saw them eating and drinking on the first floor of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. It looked casual, but... it feels fishy."


    A flicker passed through Lin Rui''s eyes. "Zhao Xiu, the Myriad Medicines Alliance... Not the Thunderlight Sect or the Thousand Brilliance Merchant Guild, then."


    "What''s stranger," Lin Yueyao paused, "is that someone mentioned Zhao Xiu always carries a peculiar scent."


    Lin Rui''s mind raced. Zhao Xiu''s relationship with Chen Laosan, that scent... it all seemed to point towards a more complicated situation.


    Lin Rui took a deep breath and said slowly, "That powder scent... I can''t be sure, but I did smell something near Chen Laosan that didn''t belong." He paused, his gaze sharp.


    Lin Yueyao looked at him, her eyes full of questions. "Oh? What a coincidence. Do you have a new theory?"


    Lin Rui nodded slightly. "I have a few ideas now, though it''s still just speculation. Zhao Xiu''s scent might be the same as the one I noticed. In the Qingluo Province Spirit Beast Atlas, I found a type of Spirit Beast that requires a specific powder to control. Its tracks are very similar to the footprints I found at the scene. Combining that with Zhao Xiu''s connection to Chen Laosan, I suspect he played an important role in this case."


    Lin Yueyao''s gaze sharpened further. "So what''s your plan?"


    Lin Rui met her gaze, his own firm. "I''ll start by looking into Zhao Xiu''s background. If I''m right, his relationship with Chen Laosan goes far beyond simple dealings. It''s very possible the Thunderlight Sect or the Thousand Brilliance Merchant Guild are involved behind the scenes."


    He then explained his deductions and thoughts to Lin Yueyao in detail. They discussed it for a while before Lin Rui stood up, his tone lightening. "Let''s rest for tonight. We continue the investigation tomorrow."


    They exchanged a look, and Lin Yueyao rose silently and left, leaving Lin Rui alone to face the turbulent thoughts of the night.


    The next day, Lin Yueyao and Lin Rui went to the Spirit Tea Garden together. She still carried her exquisite oil-paper parasol, beneath which her appearance remained flawless, as if she could precisely control even the subtle shifts in the air around her.


    "Lin Fu, gather everyone from the tea garden," her voice was calm and strong, carrying an undeniable authority.


    Soon, the tea garden workers had assembled. Lin Yueyao stood in the center of the garden, her gaze sweeping over each employee. Her tone was level, yet the authority in her words was impossible to ignore:


    "The Lin family possesses a batch of even higher-grade Cloud Mist Spirit Sprouts. Although it hasn''t been stolen, its current storage location must remain confidential. To ensure its safety, I expect everyone to strengthen security, especially during the night."


    She paused, her expression turning slightly more severe. "No one is to enter the storage area without permission. Should any irregularities occur, you must report to me immediately."


    As she finished speaking, everyone nodded silently. The atmosphere grew tense, yet held an undercurrent of compliance.


    Finished, Lin Yueyao turned and gave Lin Rui a slight nod, signaling him to follow her beneath the massive Camellia tree in the garden, where the surrounding shade offered a slight coolness. She looked at Lin Rui quietly, her gaze a mixture of expectation and scrutiny. "Don''t disappoint me."


    Lin Rui smiled slightly, a touch of confidence and ease in his eyes.


    "Shouldn''t be a problem."


    Before the words fully left his mouth, he stretched lightly, as if preparing for the challenge ahead.


    Deep in the night, moonlight like water illuminated every leaf in the tea garden, but within this tranquility, the thief approached stealthily. He had planned meticulously, relying on a hidden spatial artifact and the powder used to control the Spirit Beast, lurking in a corner of the tea garden, ready to steal the Lin family''s precious Spirit Tea once more. By now, the thief had let his guard down, assuming everything was proceeding as usual.


    Just then, a small Spirit Beast—a Spirit-Seeking Mouse—appeared silently. Its fur held a faint purple sheen, its eyes gleaming with nimble light, clearly drawn by the "Spirit-Guiding Incense." It scurried cautiously towards a container holding the "Cloud Mist Spirit Sprouts."


    The instant the Spirit-Seeking Mouse was about to touch the container, it triggered the "Spirit-Trapping Formation." A faint tremor sealed the space in the immediate area. The mouse''s movements abruptly froze; it was firmly trapped.


    The thief, standing not far off, had a flash of astonishment and anxiety in his eyes. He clearly hadn''t expected the Lin family to lay a trap so quickly. The moment the Spirit-Seeking Mouse was caught, he knew he was in trouble. His plan to steal the sprouts using the Spirit Beast had completely failed.


    However, instead of fleeing immediately, the thief rushed towards the Spirit-Seeking Mouse, burning with anxiety. Seeing his Spirit Beast trapped, he almost instinctively wanted to break the formation, perhaps even erase all traces to avoid exposing himself. His movements were swift; like a phantom, he leaped towards the container, attempting to destroy the trap, perhaps even thinking to eliminate all clues by destroying the container itself.


    "Still too impatient, Zhao Xiu!" Lin Yueyao''s voice came coldly. The thief froze mid-action, finally realizing he was exposed.


    Zhao Xiu''s heart lurched, his face instantly paling. He hadn''t expected to fall into such a predicament through a moment''s carelessness. He was about to offer an explanation when Lin Rui cut him off.


    Lin Rui stood firm, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Zhao Xiu, you were certainly covert this time, but I saw through your whole charade long ago." His gaze sharp, he fixed on Zhao Xiu''s eyes and spoke slowly, as if recounting the solution to an intricate puzzle.


    "First, the role of the Spirit Beast was quite intriguing. The Spirit-Seeking Mouse is agile, true, but it''s still just a Spirit Beast. It can''t operate a spatial artifact on its own." Lin Rui''s eyes glinted slightly. "It needs a master to control it. Especially during the transfer of the Spirit Tea—operating a spatial artifact requires advanced skill. An ordinary cultivator couldn''t possibly manage it unless someone else was involved."


    Zhao Xiu''s expression shifted slightly; he clearly hadn''t expected Lin Rui to start there. But he held firm, a cold smirk still lingering on his lips.


    Lin Rui didn''t pause. "Then, there was that scent near Chen Laosan, different from the Spirit Tea. My cousin''s investigation confirmed he''s been meeting with you recently. And you carry that same scent. The Spirit-Seeking Mouse requires a special powder for control. Therefore, I made a bold guess: Chen Laosan must be your inside man."


    He paused, chuckling softly. "And the traces left by the fire artifact? Just a red herring, I suspect. The goal was to lead us into the woods to find that broken jade fragment, misleading us into thinking the Thousand Brilliance Merchant Guild or the Thunderlight Sect were behind it."


    Zhao Xiu''s face had completely darkened. "Impressive. You figured it all out?" His eyes flickered, a hint of resentment in his tone. "Young Master Lin, clever indeed. But you''ll never understand the true meaning behind all this."


    Lin Rui smiled faintly, wisdom gleaming in his eyes. "Actually, it''s the Myriad Medicines Alliance, isn''t it? They''ve been backing you all along. I investigated. The ''Spirit-Guiding Incense'' used to control the Spirit-Seeking Mouse is a unique creation of the Myriad Medicines Alliance. And you''re one of them."


    Zhao Xiu sneered, his voice low. "So what if you found out? Did you think I''d let you catch me easily?"


    Lin Rui had barely registered Zhao Xiu''s intent when he felt a surge of scorching Spirit Qi. The air filled with the turbulent energy of intertwining thunder and fire.


    "Thunderflame Rending Palm!" Zhao Xiu barked, suddenly striking out with his palm. Golden-red thunder-flames intertwined in his palm. Amidst leaping sparks of lightning, a violent surge of thunder-fire Spirit Qi shot out like a blazing thunder serpent, lunging straight for Lin Rui.


    But in that instant, a swift wind swept past. Lin Yueyao appeared like a phantom. With a flip of her fair hand, a wave of palm energy struck Lin Rui heavily on the shoulder, shoving him forcefully aside.


    "Don''t get in the way," her voice was crisp and cold.


    Simultaneously, she pivoted slightly, her sleeve fluttering as her right hand traced a Water Spirit Seal in front of her. Threads of ice-blue Spirit Qi gathered at her fingertips as she softly chanted, "Water Veil Protection, rise!"


    Instantly, an azure water veil materialized from thin air. Rippling water condensed into a crystal-clear barrier that completely engulfed Zhao Xiu''s thunder-flame palm force. The thunder-fire Spirit Qi plunged into the water veil, emitting a sizzling sound of evaporation. The flames rapidly diminished in the cold energy, dissipating into faint wisps of smoke.


    Zhao Xiu''s gaze was cold and sharp, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He hadn''t expected Lin Yueyao''s Water Spirit Qi to neutralize his thunder-flame palm energy so easily. But the combat opportunity was fleeting. He quickly adjusted his footing, lightning flashing beneath his feet as he crouched low. With a sudden jolt of his arm, Spirit Qi surged violently, lightning arcs crackling from his fingertips, slithering out like venomous snakes.