《Once, I wanted to be a good person》


 Chapter 1 I Want to Be a Good Person

    Pris Federation.


    Eastern Jurisdiction.


    Siddah State.


    Low-Level City: Qingshan City.


    In the northern suburbs¡­


    ¡­


    A dpidated vi was tucked away in the dense, dark jungle.


    The door of the vi was half open, and a curving river of blood flowed from it.


    Bright yellow police tape was drawn up outside the vi.


    Inside the vi, some men in grayish-blue uniforms were exploring the scene while recording information.


    Meanwhile, on the second floor of the vi, two men in grayish-blue uniforms were chatting about the case¡­


    "Fang Ze, I haven''t been here for a few days. Report the situation to me."


    "Yes!"


    The reply came from a uniformed young man with gauze on his head.


    He was handsome, honest, and had a bright smile. Even though he was injured, he still made people feel good.


    He opened the ck book in his hand and said, "Commissioner, this case is a ssic case of a homicide by an Awakened."


    "The killers are from a small criminal gang who forced their way into the vi eight days ago between 6pm and 6.30pm."


    "This criminal gang is powerful. The vi''s various defenses were destroyed almost instantly."


    "Based on the traces and images left at the scene, the other side probably had at least three Awakened."


    "After discussion, we''ve tentatively decided on the codenames ''Beast,'' ''Forest Ranger,'' and ''Stone Maiden.''"


    "Among these three Awakened, the ''Beast'' was in charge of a frontal assault to attract the attention of the vi owner."


    "[Forest Ranger] used trees and vines to surround and block all retreat routes from the vi owner."


    "Lastly, the ''Stone Maiden''¡­"


    At this, Fang Ze picked up a photo clipped to the ck book and handed it to the potbellied, round-faced, middle-aged man in front of him. The man was so fat that he had two chins.


    From the way Fang Ze addressed this man, this man was probably his superior, the Commissioner of the Investigation Department.


    The Commissioner took the photograph.


    The photo showed a huge stone cone that was inserted into the vi from the air.


    The stone cone looked bigger than the vi. The vi was cut in half from the middle, and the interior was shaped like the stone cone.


    Fang Ze said, "We tested theposition of this stone cone."


    "The materials of the stone cone strictly follow textbook proportions. Furthermore, there are no microbes inside."


    "Based on these clues, we tentatively determined that this was a stone cone materialized out of thin air by the ''Stone Maiden''."


    "This stone cone fell from the sky and destroyed every defensive structure in the vi."


    "It also destroyed the confidence of the vi''s owner in hisst act of resistance."


    "And so¡­ the criminal gang caught them all."


    The Commissioner nodded slightly at Fang''s words. Then, he put the photo down and turned his round face to him. He asked, "So, what do you think?"


    Fang Ze frowned and said, "I don''t think this group is looking for money or murder. They''re looking for something."


    "Oh?" The Commissioner said, "Something?"


    "Why do you say that?"


    Fang Ze said, "This is because we found a lot of lost property at the scene. That means that they weren''t after money."


    "However, strangely enough, there were signs of the scene being searched. That suggests they were supposed to be looking for something other than money and goods."


    The Commissioner nodded thoughtfully. "Fair enough. Go on."


    Fang Ze continued, "Besides, I don''t think there''s just three people in this gang. There should be four to five people."


    The Commissioner asked, "Why? As I recall, we had a meeting to discuss this. The discussion ended with the conclusion that there were three people. Moreover, there were only traces and images of three people at the scene."


    Fang Ze frowned and said, "I can''t say for sure. Just a feeling, I guess."


    He exined, "I think the fact that the other partymitted the crime so quickly and divided the work so clearly means that the n was very thorough."


    "In that case, there shouldn''t be only three people who did it from the front."


    "It doesn''t fit their modus operandi."


    "I think that they''ve got other people working with them in the shadows, like a prospector-type Awakened, or a strong backup."


    Fang Ze paused. "After all, a group with such a well-nned operation should be equipped with all kinds of contingencies. They shouldn''t be reckless and attack head-on with just threebatants."


    The Commissioner nodded thoughtfully at Fang Ze''s exnation.


    He looked thoughtful for a moment. Then, his face lit with approval. "Not a bad direction! I think that''s a good idea!"


    "We can discuss it again the day after tomorrow when we have a meeting!"


    He paused, then asked, "Did you find anything else? Or do you have some spections?"


    After receiving encouragement, Fang Ze became more confident. He said, "I indeed have some spections¡­"


    "But they''re still immature."


    The Commissioner said, "It''s just between us. No need to feel any pressure."


    Fang Ze nodded and said, "I found a small stone in the southeast corner of the vi."


    "A colleague from the identification team went to identify it. There were no problems."


    "However, I feel as if some other aura is attached to it. I''d like to request further identification."


    "Also, there are almost no mosquitoes or birds in the forest near the vi."


    "Other colleagues think that it''s because of the season."


    "But I still don''t think it''s right. I think that there might be some Awakened doing something in this forest¡­"


    "Also, above the vi, there¡­"


    Ten minutester, Fang Ze finished exining some of his spections.


    The Commissioner listened patiently with a thoughtful expression on his face.


    After a moment, he nodded. Then, he said, "Okay. These findings and spections are valuable. Follow this direction and explore again."


    "Let me know promptly if you find anything new."


    "Yes, sir!" Fang Ze stuck out his chest and saluted a bit unevenly. Then, he turned and headed for the door.


    However, just as he reached the door and was holding the handle, the Commissioner suddenly called out to him again with concern.


    "Right, Fang Ze. You''re wounded and you''ve been forcibly transferred here, so if your body can''t take it, rest first. Don''t get too tired."


    "I just wanted you to help out a little. Who knew you''d help so much?"


    Upon hearing the Commissioner''s words, Fang Ze turned around and smiled. "It''s okay, sir! I''m okay."


    Seeing this, the Commissioner chuckled and said nothing more.


    Fang Ze did a slightly uneven salute again. Then, he pushed open the door and walked out.


    Beyond the door was a wide hallway.


    The lights in the corridor were turned off. In the dimness, only a few cameras ced by the deceased vi owner faced him. They looked as if they were flickering with a faint red light, but it was said that they were no longer working.


    Fang Ze''s gaze lingered on a camera. Then, he touched the white bandage on his head and headed downstairs.


    His name was Fang Ze. Actually¡­ He wasn''t from this world.


    In his previous life, he was a minor employee who had just graduated. He worked from nine to five everyday and suffered from the pressures of life.


    His only hobby was reading detective stories and watching detective movies.


    His only glorious achievement involved resolving an argument between the husband and wife upstairs. The husband roared, "I wouldn''t eat your cooking even if I jumped off a building." Then, Fang Ze called the police and saved the husband''s life¡­


    A few days ago, he''d woken up to find himself in a different world, lying in a hospital with a hole in his head.


    In his panic, he tried to make sense of his situation.


    In the end, he realized that he did not have any memories of this world in his mind.


    After a moment''s hesitation, he decided to use the transmigrator''s tried-and-true method of pretending to have amnesia to muddle through.


    Fortunately, Fang Ze had a head injury.


    Therefore, although the doctor was a little surprised, he epted this exnation after some examination.


    Furthermore, it was only after the doctor''s introduction that Fang Ze realized who he was. He was an ordinary agent who''d recently been in the middle of official business and had an ident. As a result, he suffered a head injury and was taken to the hospital.


    As for his family¡­


    The previous owner of his body was an orphan who grew up in an orphanage, so his colleagues in the Investigation Department were his family¡­


    After knowing that Fang Ze had woken up, Fang Ze''s colleagues also came to visit and express their condolences. They brought a lot of fruits and snacks.


    After knowing that Fang Ze had lost his memory, they all expressed their "pity" and "heartache".


    From his interactions with his colleagues, Fang Ze felt that he was probably on good terms with them.


    Later, Fang Ze''s health improved slightly, but there were suddenly a few major cases in the department, and they were seriously short-handed.


    Therefore, Fang Ze was temporarily transferred to this task force to assist in the investigation and find clues.


    Because he was injured, no one had much hope for him. They only hoped that there would be another person to share the workload.


    In the end, although Fang Ze no longer had the memories of his original self, he seemed to have some other special abilities.


    As long as he checked the traces, he could vaguely imagine part of the situation at the scene.


    Furthermore, as long as he understood some clues, he could deduce some details of the case.


    In fact, sometimes, with a sh of inspiration, he could find clues that even some veteran detectives could not.


    At first, his colleagues "didn''t believe it" and felt that Fang Ze was joking.


    However, after they discovered some clues and evidence that could confirm Fang Ze''s guess, they had no choice but to believe in Fang Ze''s special ability.


    Therefore, although Fang Ze was a casualty that had been borrowed from another team, he was bing more and more valued. Now, he could personally report the progress of the case to the Commissioner.


    After recalling his experiences over the past few days, Fang Ze touched his head that still hurt a little and sighed.


    This world looked very dangerous. There were all kinds of strange Awakened beings, as well as all kinds of disaster creatures and artifacts of fortune and disaster.


    However¡­ At least he was receiving government funding, and his safety was guaranteed. Furthermore, he had a good rtionship with his colleagues and was friendly with them¡­


    Fang Ze felt that it was barely eptable¡­


    Otherwise, what could he do?


    Didn''t all ordinary people struggle to survive in any world?


    At the very least, he could live longer as a good person who was provided for by the government.


    As he thought about it, Fang Ze walked downstairs and went to the murder scene again¡­


    ¡­


    At the same time, in the room Fang Ze had left.


    After Fang Ze left, the Commissioner got up and left the table. He came to a wall.


    Then, he tapped the wall a few times in a rhythmic manner.


    A momentter, the wall parted to the left and right, revealing a huge arena.


    There were a few uniformed men working nervously in the arena.


    In the middle of the arena, a beautiful, almost bizarrely beautiful woman in noble clothes was standing in front of a ss wall.


    On the ss wall were screens that captured the current scenes of the vi from all angles without any blind spots. Nearly a third of the screens were of Fang Ze.


    Meanwhile, thest screen was the scene of Fang Ze standing at the door and looking at the "screen"¡­


    Through the screen, the beautiful woman''s gaze seemed to meet Fang Ze''s¡­


    When he saw the beautiful woman, the Commissioner immediately wiped the sweat from his forehead that had appeared from the immense pressure. Then, he swallowed, lowered his head, and walked over quickly. He saluted in a standard and proficient manner.


    Then, said respectfully and fawningly, "Her Excellency Bai Zhi, after losing his memory, the suspect named Fang Ze has believed in his identity as an agent through our gradual guidance, so he''s been very cooperative with us."


    "With the help of his residual memories, we''ve almost finished reconstructing the entire case."


    "We''ve also gained some understanding about the number of teammates and their abilities."


    "There are still a few doubts. Furthermore, we haven''t figured out what they''re looking for."


    "But it won''t take long, trust me. With his help, the truth wille to light."


    "When the timees¡­"


    "Then we can wipe them all out¡­"

 Chapter 2 Extraordinary Power

    ¡­


    Meanwhile.


    Outside the room, as Fang Ze walked downstairs, he silently recalled information about this world.


    This world was different from the world in Fang Ze''s previous life. Decades ago, a cataclysm had led to the creation of a superstate where all human beings were united. The Pris Federation was born.


    The Pris Federation had a vast territory of 146 million square kilometers and a poption of nearly 5.7 billion people.


    It had nine jurisdictions and 57 states under it.


    In wartime, the Parliament of the Pris Federation had absolute rights. However, in peacetime, the various jurisdictions and even the states had extremely high autonomy. Each jurisdiction and state was equivalent to an independent kingdom.


    Furthermore, the owner of this vi was a very wealthy businessman in this state who specialized in cross-state trade.


    He kept a few charming alien mistresses in this vi and woulde here every holiday to indulge in luxury.


    However, they did not expect this ce to be their burial ground¡­


    Fang Ze walked through the hallway and up the carved staircase to the lower floor. The wide, luxurious interior hall of the vi came into view.


    Several of Fang Ze''s colleagues were already busy in the hall.


    Since this incident involved Awakened people with extraordinary powers, the Investigation Department took it very seriously and sent a total of 21 agents to investigate.


    However, he did not know if there was a certain gap in criminal investigation methods between the two worlds, but Fang Ze felt that these colleagues of his were a little "shoddy".


    They seemed very professional, but they could not find many obvious clues or analyze them.


    They needed Fang Ze''s help every time. It caused the case to progress very slowly.


    Of course, although their abilities were a little poor, these colleagues were very good people.


    Perhaps it was because he was injured, but Fang Ze felt that these colleagues were more concerned about him than the case.


    Every time they met him, they would ask about his well-being. Every time he wanted to go out alone to investigate, they would also take the initiative to help.


    Anyway¡­ They were very friendly.


    He smiled and greeted a few of his colleagues.


    With a good mood, Fang Ze prepared to continue his work with the on-site exploration.


    However, before he could put on his protective gear, a voice suddenly called out to him from behind.


    "Little Fang, could youe here for a minute?"


    Fang Ze looked up to see an agent in his forties, who was wearing a yellow jacket over his uniform jacket. The agent was waving at him.


    He looked at the agent''s unfamiliar yet somewhat familiar face and replied, "Liu¡­ Wang¡­ Zhang¡­ Er¡­"


    The agent didn''t mind. He smiled and reminded him, "Qin."


    Fang Ze smiled in embarrassment. "Oh, right. Brother Qin, Brother Qin. I''m sorry, Brother Qin, I can''t remember you guys."


    Agent Qin said magnanimously, "It''s fine."


    "After all, you''ve lost your memory. It''s only natural that you can''t remember us. We understand that."


    "It''s also because we''re so busy and transferred you at thest minute, so you can''t concentrate on getting better."


    "So, we should be the ones who are sorry."


    Fang Ze smiled.


    He felt lucky to have such a group of friendly colleagues as soon as he transmigrated.


    After chatting for a while, Fang Ze took the initiative to ask, "Brother Qin, why are you looking for me?"


    Only then did Agent Qin remember why he was called Fang Ze. He said, "Come,e to me. I found a clue that I need you to help with."


    As they talked, they reached the lobby at the front hall of the vi.


    As thergest area of the vi, this should have been the most luxurious and grand ce. However, everything was destroyed by the huge stone cone that fell from the sky.


    The stone cone was sharp at the bottom and wide at the top. It pierced deep into the ground.


    The marble parquet floor, which had been filled with artistry, had been forcibly broken by the stone cone. It started to shatter like a spiderweb from the point of contact, and rubble was everywhere.


    Fang Ze looked up at the massive stone cone.


    Even though he had seen this stone cone many times, Fang Ze was still surprised at how magical this world was every time he saw it.


    Since he had to assist in the investigation, the Investigation Department gave Fang Ze a lot of internal information.


    Fang Ze also knew that this world was not the same as his own. It had all kinds of magical or strange abilities. They were collectively called Awakened abilities.


    ording to the information from the Investigation Department, Awakened abilities¡­ were strange.


    For example, in one of the cases, a ''Doctor'' suddenly awakened his ability.


    Although the appearance of his left hand had not changed, the side of his arm near his pinky finger and the tip of his index finger were as sharp as scalpels. They could cut through a patient''s skin and internal organs, allowing him to perform some veryplicated surgery with his bare hands.


    For example, in another case, there was a ''Shepherd'' who suddenly awakened the ability to control wolves. However, after each maniption, he would transform into a werewolf. Only on the next full moon could he return to his original human form.


    Another example was that in a group event, there was a group of ''Beggars''. They were ordinary people when they acted alone, but once they gathered together and formed an organization, there would be a strange ''Unity Force''. They could superimpose physical strength and share their lives¡­


    There were other cases. There was an Awakened whose body could grow mushrooms that allowed them to retain their youth forever. There was a clown who could create infinite clones, but their intelligence would decrease and their strength would increase every time they created clones.


    There was also an Awakened who didn''t want to study and summoned a substitutend spirit who could study and train in ce of their master, and the effects would double¡­ There were many other examples.


    At that time, after reading the introduction of these Awakened abilities, Fang Ze Ze became interested in this magical power.


    After all, as a transmigrator who hade to a world filled with extraordinary powers, how could he not yearn for such power?


    Putting everything else aside, with this power, he would at least have the power to protect himself in this alternate world. He could control his fate.


    However, when he wanted to learn more about how to obtain Awakened abilities, he realized that there was nothing in the provided information.


    He had asked his colleagues. They had just shaken their heads nkly. They said that it was confidential and that they didn''t know.


    He only heard that it seemed to rely on some spirit, bloodline, medium, or¡­ faith.


    "Spirit¡­"


    "Bloodline¡­"


    "Medium¡­"


    "Faith¡­?"


    Fang Ze silentlymitted these suspected methods to memory, thinking about the possibility of future contact.


    Of course, he had also asked his colleagues if he had Awakened abilities in the past.


    This time, his colleagues shook their heads firmly and said that Fang Ze had never awakened any abilities¡­


    ¡­


    After snapping out from his memories, Fang Ze was led by Agent Qin to a pile of freshly dug soil beside the stone cone.


    Fang Ze didn''t react at first. It was only after Agent Qin''s reminder that he realized that there were some charred ashes mixed in with the soil.


    Agent Qin said, "I identally discovered this clue when I was investigating the scene this afternoon."


    "Help me to set the soil. Then, take it to a colleague in the identification team for testing."


    Since he had the lowest seniority in the task force, the agents always let Fang Ze handle some "dirty work."


    Fang Ze was a little ufortable at first, but when he realized that there were often important discoveries in this "dirty work", he readily agreed.


    This was also the key to his frequent "contributions" recently.


    Therefore, in the face of Agent Qin''s request, he did not refuse. Instead, he dly put on rubber gloves and began to collect the soil mixed with ashes¡­


    ¡­


    Time always flew by when one was busy.


    Soon, the day passed.


    After a long day, Fang Ze dragged his tired body to the brick house outside the vi.


    This was a temporary residence specially built by the Investigation Department for this case.


    Because of the confidentiality of this case, all members of the task force had to stay in this temporary residence until the case was solved. They couldn''t leave.


    There were a dozen rooms in the residence. Each room was a standard room. Fang Ze lived with a young agent named Wang Hao, who had been transferred from a high-level city. They got along very well.


    Wang Hao was a handsome, cold-faced man.


    When Fang Ze met him for the first time, he was a little surprised. Why was this person as handsome as him? There was no justice in this world.


    After interacting with him, Fang Ze realized that Wang Hao''s personality was also very good.


    Perhaps because he was in a high-level city and was not good with words, Wang Hao had been cold-faced since he joined the task force. He did not like to talk or smile.


    Fang Ze greeted him, but he just grunted and ignored Fang Ze.


    It was not until Fang Ze found many clues and gradually "proved his abilities" in the task force that Wang Hao''s attitude changed.


    Although he was still not enthusiastic when facing Fang Ze, he would asionally pretend not to care and ask Fang Ze questions.


    Even though he would return to his cocky self after every question, judging from the extra fruits and snacks on Fang''s bed from time to time, this kid knew how to repay kindness.


    Therefore, Fang Ze gradually got used to this way of interacting with him.


    There was nothing else. He just liked this feeling of conquering pride!


    When he returned to the dormitory, Wang Hao was already sitting on the bed, reading.


    He looked up at Fang Ze when he heard the door open.


    Fang Ze came through the door and looked at him. They stared at each other in silence.


    A momentter, Fang Ze was the first to greet him with a smile. "Good evening."


    Only then did Wang Hao respond smugly. "Good evening."


    Amused, Fang Ze walked to his bed and took off his uniform. Then, he looked down and saw several fresh oranges lying on his table.


    He was about to turn around and ask, but before he could ask, Wang Hao exined without looking up, "It''s from home. They''re about to expire. I can''t eat all of them."


    Fang Ze smiled, but he didn''t expose Wang Hao. Instead, he thanked him as he naturally put the oranges away in his drawer.


    Wang Hao continued reading sullenly, as if he hadn''t heard Fang Ze.


    Fang Ze didn''t mind either. He stretched and saw it was gettingte. Then, he got up and went to the bathroom to wash up.


    When he washed up, he didn''t know if it was an illusion, but he vaguely felt that someone was spying on him.


    However, when he turned his head to check, he didn''t find anything unusual.


    His gaze lingered on the door and the corners of the toilet. Fang Ze frowned and turned back.


    "Is it an illusion?"


    "Is it like suspecting a ghost behind me in the middle of the night?"


    After putting the me on the psychological effects from his previous life, Fang Ze shook his head and continued to wash up.


    After washing up, Fang Ze returned to his room.


    Wang Hao was still sitting in the light, reading in silence, as if he had never moved.


    Seeing this, Fang Ze didn''t say anything. He just climbed into bed, covered himself with the nket, and prepared to sleep.


    After two seconds, Wang Hao nced over at him. Seeing that Fang Ze was going to sleep, he silently put a pagemark in the book, closed it, and turned off the light.


    Fang Ze, who was lying on the pillow, couldn''t help but smile. Actually, this guy was also a good person¡­


    Well, of course,pared to the other colleagues¡­


    Solving the case consumed a lot of energy, so when hey on the bed and felt the exhaustion in his body, Fang Ze quickly fell asleep.


    In his dream, Fang Ze vaguely heard a voice telling him to run, run. There was also a voice telling him to keep up and not fall behind.


    Fang Ze vaguely seemed to have dreamed of a red and ck cloak. The cloak seemed to be dyed in blood and fluttered in the wind, making it sound like a horn from a new era.


    After some time, the dream slowly calmed, but Fang Ze felt himself getting hotter and hotter. He felt hot all over.


    In the end, he couldn''t help but jerk awake.


    However, when he woke up, he was stunned.


    This was because¡­ he realized that he wasn''t in his temporary residence. Instead, he was in an empty dark room¡­

 Chapter 3 Late-Night Investigation Room

    "Where is this ce?"


    Fang Ze looked around the dark room in confusion.


    The room was not small. It looked to be about 70 square metersrge.


    In the middle of the room were two sets of tables and chairs that were facing each other. The difference was that the table near Fang Ze had an oldmp.


    The entireyout and construction of the room was oddly familiar to Fang Ze. It looked like an interrogation room.


    After surveying the middle of the room, Fang Ze began to check the rest of the room.


    As he walked along the room, Fang Ze realized it was a closed room. There were no windows in any of the four walls except for a ck steel door on the left.


    The steel door was almost two meters high. It was dark and heavy, and was carved with odd patterns.


    The patterns were like flower stems that crookedly covered the entire iron door and extended to the center, forming the word "One".


    "One?"


    Fang Ze muttered the word, then couldn''t help but hesitate.


    "If there''s a ''One'', is there a ''Two''? So are there other rooms?"


    With that in mind, Fang Ze tried to push the steel door. Either he wasn''t strong enough or he didn''t meet some kind of condition, but it didn''t budge.


    After trying to open the steel door for more than ten minutes and seeing that it really had no effect, Fang Ze had no choice but to return to the table in the middle of the room.


    He checked the two tables and the chairs. There was nothing out of the ordinary, just the most ordinary of tables and chairs. Then, Fang Ze''s eyes fell on themp on the table.


    Fang Ze hesitated as he looked at the oldmp. Carefully, he touched it gently.


    Themp was made of iron, making it rough and cool to the touch.


    Fang Ze waited a minute. When nothing happened, he put his hand on the switch of themp and clicked it on.


    As themp was turned on, Fang Ze felt a heavy blow on his head. It was as if there was a lot of information in his head, making it abnormally heavy¡­


    He staggered and leaned on the table, trying to digest the information that had entered his brain¡­


    After some time, Fang Ze shook his head and opened his eyes, looking tired.


    When his eyes opened, the room in front of him was still dark. The dim light from the deskmp was cone-shaped. It shone on the chair opposite and then fell on the wall, forming streaks of light and shadow.


    "The Late-Night Investigation Room¡­?"


    Fang Ze murmured these four words. Then, he recalled the extra information that had just popped into his head.


    He wasn''t sure about the other rooms, but Fang Ze knew the name of the room in front of him: the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Every night, after he fell asleep, he coulde here and summon someone he''d had physical contact with and who was already asleep to talk and investigate.


    As long as he turned on thismp, he could change theyout and furnishings of this room. He could also hide his figure and appearance, and change his voice.


    Furthermore¡­ He could sense the other party''s emotions and hear the other party''s inner voice.


    In addition, after the investigation was over, ording to the situation of the person being investigated and the value of the obtained information, Fang Ze could also randomly obtain an "object" rted to the other party.


    This thing could be an ordinary item, a prophetic artifact, a special talent, or an Awakened ability¡­


    "This is a divine artifact¡­"


    "With it, I won''t be at my wits'' end in any case Ie across."


    "Moreover, I can obtain ''something'' after the investigation. If I obtain an Awakened ability, I''ll have the ability to protect myself in this world."


    "I won''t have to feel insecure like I do now."


    "The only problem is that when I investigate, I have to leave no trace. I have to hide my real identity."


    "I cannot let my true identity be discovered before I obtain any information. If I encounter any danger¡­"


    "But¡­ is all this really true?"


    As he hesitated, Fang Ze followed the information in his mind and knocked lightly on the table in front of him with the knuckle of his right index finger.


    Instantly, a three-dimensional image of several people appeared in front of him.


    There were colleagues from the task force this time, such as Agent Qin, Wang Hao, and his colleagues from the identification team.


    There also were doctors and nurses who used to treat Fang Ze in the hospital.


    Other than these people, there were also some people of all ages and appearances that Fang Ze did not know.


    "They should be the people I came into contact with before I transmigrated¡­"


    Fang Ze spected.


    After looking at all the three-dimensional images, Fang Ze hesitated. In the end, he didn''t make a choice.


    After all, he had juste into contact with this room and was still unfamiliar with it.


    Coupled with the fact that his brain had suddenly received a lot of information tonight, this caused him to be groggy and made it difficult for him to investigate effectively. Thus, it was difficult to obtain good items.


    Therefore, he decided to wait until he got up tomorrow to seriously select a suitable candidate and test the entire process of the investigation.


    With that in mind, Fang Ze looked around the room again to make sure he hadn''t missed anything. He turned off the light, closed his eyes, and leaned back in his chair.


    The room slowly fell into darkness. Fang Ze, who was sitting in a chair, felt sleepy.


    Within two seconds, he was drifting into sleep¡­


    ¡­


    The next morning, Fang Ze was out of bed before six.


    He looked around reflexively.


    There were no crude tables or chairs around. There was no oldmp either. Meanwhile, Wang Hao was sound asleep in the next bed. Fang Ze was sure he was back in the real world.


    A nce at the clock told him it was six in the morning. Fang Ze checked his body and tried to remember what had happened in that room the night before.


    Judging from the fact that there was nothing wrong with his body, that room did not seem to have any ill intentions towards him.


    Furthermore, ording to the preliminary verificationst night, the function of that room was probably real, too.


    Therefore, he could really find someone to test it out tonight.


    "However¡­ Who do I choose to investigate?"


    Fang Ze couldn''t help but mutter.


    After sitting on the bed in a daze for a while, Fang Ze patted his face to wake himself up.


    Then, he got out of bed and went to the bathroom to wash up.


    He brushed his teeth, washed his face, and settled his personal problems.


    After everything was done, Fang Ze left the bathroom and returned to the room.


    Inside the room, Wang Hao, who had been sleeping, was now sitting up. He was yawning and leaning against the bed while reading a book.


    To be honest, although this guy was a little arrogant, he was really hardworking.


    Fang Ze tried to remember. It seemed that every time he saw Wang Hao, Wang Hao was reading.


    He read on his bed, in the toilet, before bed, and even after waking up.


    Was he reading some secret book on solving crimes or a detailed exnation of a case?


    He was already being provided for by the government. Was there still a need to be so hardworking?


    With that thought, Fang Ze leaned down curiously and tilted his head, ncing at the cover of the book.


    The title was, "Magnificent Nightlife: The Golden Rooster List of the Red Light District in June."


    Fang Ze was confused.


    ???!


    Fang Ze couldn''t help but look at Wang Hao''s handsome and smug face. He almost didn''t recognize his roommate.


    Appearances were truly deceiving!


    Indeed, only those with strong features could be traitors!


    Perhaps it was because Fang Ze''s gaze was too obvious, or it was because everyone had a sixth sense from a fear of public embarrassment. In any case, Wang Hao, who was yawning, instinctively woke up.


    Then, he looked up at Fang Ze reflexively.


    Seeing Fang Ze''s strange expression, he couldn''t help but look down at the book in his hand.


    At that moment, his face turned red. Then, he stiffened and stammered, "I''m in charge of this ce in our city. I''m looking at this to get relevant information. To avoid¡­"


    Fang Ze nodded at his words. "I understand. I understand."


    Wang Hao was half relieved that Fang Ze believed him.


    However, before he could rx, he heard Fang Ze ask him curiously.


    "Allow me to interview you. If the agent in charge of the red-light district goes there to y, is it free? If so, then I''ll apply for a change of venue when this case is over."


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s words, Wang Hao was stunned for a moment. Then, his handsome face turned from red to dark red, and finally to the color of pig liver!


    After a moment, he roared, "I''ve never been to y! I''m really only looking up information!"


    Fang Ze quickly agreed. "Yes, yes, yes. How can an agent in his area of responsibility be considered to be ying there?"


    After that, Fang Ze said things like, "I''m just going to experience life. I understand everything¡­" "By the way, is there a bubble bath?" "If not, is there a cosy? I like Spider-Woman." There were many things that Wang Hao didn''t understand¡­


    Wang Hao felt like he was going crazy.


    Hepletely could not understand why his roommate was so excited!


    Wasn''t reading newspapers and magazines the normal way for agents to understand the information about the region they managed?


    The red-light district was filled with all sorts of people. If he didn''t understand which gang it belonged to, how could he deal with it quickly if there was a case?!


    He was really doing this for work!


    Meanwhile, after teasing Wang Hao for a while, Fang Ze''s mood became extremely beautiful.


    Therefore, he ignored Wang Hao, who was so angry that his head was starting to smoke. He hummed a song as he strolled out the door.


    However, when the door closed behind him, Fang Ze''s expression gradually faded. He couldn''t help but rub his chin as he walked out.


    To be honest, his roommate seemed to be a very suitable candidate for the experiment.


    He was simple, not scheming, easy to get information out of, and convenient to obtain high-value information from.


    By spending a lot of time with him, he could observe Wang Hao''s reactions and situation.


    Wang Hao was quiet, solitary, and not prone to leaks.


    Most importantly¡­ From the books he read, the material life in high-level cities was too rich!!


    He might be able to obtain something good!


    Hmm¡­ If he thought about it this way, it seemed like he could really consider it¡­

 Chapter 4 Paid Loafing

    As Fang Ze pondered the possibility of Wang Hao as a candidate, he left the temporary residence and headed for the canteen.


    The social development of this world was very interesting.


    The higher the level of the city, the more advanced the technological development and the more advanced the material life.


    Meanwhile, the lower the level of the city, the lower the technological development and material conditions. Moreover, it was a steep decline.


    ording to the records, there were already thousand-meter-tall skyscrapers, maglev cars, and private helicopters in the immediate jurisdiction of the Federation.


    Meanwhile, high-leveled cities like the one Wang Hao was in already had electric cars, smartphones,puters, and other high-tech products.


    However, a low-leveled city like Qingshan City had about the same level of technology as Fang Ze''s original world in the early 20th century.


    There was non-standard medical care, and simple sewage and living facilities.


    Even to travel, one had to rely on walking or a carriage. Having a dpidated car was a luxury¡­


    However,pared to the difort in life, what made Fang Ze even more ufortable was the food in this world.


    There were clearly many types of dishes, but this world liked to use spices with strong vors. Moreover, they liked to mix various seasonings.


    For example, today''s breakfast was vani curry beef brisket, hot and sour steamed dumplings, and spinach milk tofu.


    After getting his food, Fang Ze got himself two sses of water before he dared to sit down and eat.


    Looking at his colleagues eating with relish, Fang Ze really admired these people who liked strong tastes. He wondered if they liked to light candles at night.


    After eating, Fang Ze started work as usual.


    After all¡­ One was only happiest when they secretly did personal things during work.


    Besides, if he didn''t work, how could he have reason to contact other "test targets"?


    ¡­


    Compared to the collective investigation system in Fang Ze''s original world, the agents in this world were more inclined to fight for themselves, perhaps because they had greater authority. Thus, they discovered the clues themselves, investigated, and solved the case alone.


    When they encountered a case that no one could solve, they would discuss it collectively every few days. They would study it before investigating and solving it alone¡­


    For a moment, Fang Ze suspected that this world''s criminal investigation methods were far inferior to his original world. It was most likely caused by this system¡­


    Since Fang Ze had been investigating the disappearance of the flying insects and birds yesterday, he naturally used this excuse to wander around the vi and interact with his other colleagues.


    He strolled around the identification team twice and came into contact with a few colleagues.


    Then, he strolled around the front hall of the vi two more times and came into contact with a few more colleagues.


    Fang Ze was about to stroll elsewhere when he suddenly sensed that someone seemed to be following him.


    After noticing the abnormality, Fang Ze did not say anything. Instead, he maintained hisposure and quietly chatted with his colleague.


    After that, he said goodbye to his colleagues and strolled out of the vi.


    Outside the vi, Fang Ze deliberately waited a little longer before walking around the wall and turning to the other side.


    After waiting on the other side for two seconds, Fang Ze turned decisively and walked back.


    Sure enough, as soon as he turned the corner, he happened to bump into an agent who was hurrying after him.


    The agent looked to be in his thirties, with a thin face, narrow eyes, and a roguish face.


    His uniform was rumpled, his hair mussed, and he smelled strongly of cigarettes. He looked more like a punk than an agent.


    Seeing the agent''s slightly familiar face, Fang Ze immediately recognized him.


    He was Han Kaiwei, an official agent with the Investigation Department. He joined the Investigation Department as a teenager and had been there for 20 years. He hadn''t solved many cases, but he had learned to eat, drink, and gamble.


    It was said that he had a gang background.


    Others said that he was close to gangs because of his gambling debts.


    In any case, he was an ignorant and ipetent old coot.


    Seeing that it was him, Fang Ze greeted him with a smile, "Brother Han. What a coincidence. Are you here to look for evidence too?"


    When Han Kaiwei was discovered by Fang Ze, a trace of panic appeared on his face, but he quickly suppressed it.


    Then, he responded flippantly and said casually, "Yeah. I couldn''t find any clues in the vi, so I decided toe outside and try my luck."


    When Fang Ze heard this, he didn''t expose him. Instead, he smiled and said, "I understand, I understand."


    At this point, he asked, "Then, Brother Han, are you nning to search for evidence in the east?"


    Fang Ze and Agent Han were currently in the east of the vi.


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s question, Han Kaiwei did not answer directly. Instead, he nced at Fang Ze and asked casually, "Are you also nning to search for evidence in the east?"


    Fang Ze nodded and said sincerely, "Yeah, the east is where those suspects came from. I figured there''d be some clues left along the way."


    "Now that the vi is almost fully searched, I think it''s time toe and check in this direction."


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, Han Kaiwei said, "Oh." Then, he said shamelessly, "Yes. Our ns are simr."


    As he gestured with his hand, he casually made up a reason. "Me? I heard from my colleagues in the identification team that the material of the huge stone cone that pierced the vi actually has some simrities to the material of the stones in the jungle to the east."


    "So, I thought I''de east to see if there were any signs of people digging up the stones."


    "After all, it makes more sense to use existing materials to materialize what you want than to create something out of thin air. Don''t you agree?"


    Fang Ze smiled and nodded. "That makes sense. In that case, Brother Han, search the east. I''ll go south and take a look."


    Han Kaiwei almost doubled over from Fang Ze''s words.


    He looked startled. "Aren''t you interested in the east too?"


    Fang Ze''s smile widened. "Yeah, but I finished searching yesterday, so I''m just passing through today."


    Han Kaiwei was speechless.


    "See you at noon, Brother Han." With that, Fang Ze smiled and patted Agent Han''s arm. Then, he turned and walked away.


    As Wang Hao watched Fang Ze go, he looked grim and uncertain.


    A momentter, he spat fiercely on the ground.


    Then, he took out a walkie-talkie and said carelessly, "Fang Ze went to the jungle south of the vi. I was left behind."


    "You''ve heard the reason. It''s not because I can''t follow him. It''s because he''s too alert."


    "The rest is up to you guys."


    ¡­


    At this moment, Fang Ze, who was slowly walking away with his back to Han Kaiwei, gradually hid the smile on his face.


    This was because something didn''t feel right.


    The vi where the murder had urred was veryrge. Although most of it had been searched, there were actually many corners that had not been searched.


    Unless there was a definite direction, it was actually more efficient to continue searching inside the vi than finding a needle in a haystack outside.


    However, Han Kaiwei had left the vi and happened to follow him in the same direction.


    He didn''t seem like a person who took initiative.


    Combined with the stalking he''d sensed earlier¡­


    Fang Ze thought there was something wrong. There was something very wrong.


    A theory came unbidden to his mind¡­


    Could it be¡­


    Was Han Kaiwei trying to steal the credit?


    After all, it was no secret that he could always obtain some important clues.


    After entering the task force, Han Kaiwei didn''t get any useful clues. He had been mocked in private.


    Therefore, it did seem reasonable for Han Kaiwei to follow him and want to snatch the credit.


    In any case¡­ Han Kaiwei couldn''t be spying on Fang Ze, right?


    They were all colleagues. Why would they monitor him for no reason?


    After considering for a moment, Fang Ze decided not to specte.


    Anyway, he had already made physical contact with him. If Han Kaiwei made any strange moves in the future, he would pull him into the Late-Night Investigation Room and see what he was up to¡­


    ¡­


    After shaking off Han Kaiwei, Fang Ze continued with his paid loafing.


    Regardless of whether it was in the vi, outside the vi, or in the jungle, wherever there were colleagues, he was there.


    In the morning, he hade into contact with nearly half of his colleagues and had gained a lot.


    At noon, Fang Ze, who had "worked hard" all morning, prepared to go for lunch.


    He strolled to the canteen and had just stepped through the door when Fang Ze realized that the atmosphere in the canteen was a little strange.


    Contrary to the usual bustling scene, many agents in the canteen did not dare to breathe loudly as they lowered their heads to eat.


    Fang Ze looked at them strangely and realized that they were all secretly ncing in the same direction.


    Fang Ze followed their gazes curiously. Then, he saw a beautiful young woman eating with her head lowered.


    Because her head was lowered, the beautiful woman''s appearance could not be seen clearly. Fang Ze could only see that she was wearing a long purple dress with a pair of antlers embroidered on the cor. Meanwhile, above her tall and soft chest was a peony brooch.


    At first, Fang Ze didn''t pay much attention to her. However, when he saw the color of the beautiful woman''s clothes and attire, his gaze couldn''t help but focus, and his pupils constricted slightly¡­

 Chapter 5 The Noblewoman

    As an agent, Fang Ze waspetent.


    Even though he had lost his memory, he still took the time to understand the Federation, the jurisdictions, and even the system and the basic situation of the states.


    Then, he was surprised to find that although the social development of this world was not at a low level , it still retained the aristocracy of the Middle Ages.


    Furthermore, unlike the symbolic nobles of Fang Ze''s original world, the nobles of this world had many privileges that even stretched into the realm of daily life.


    Take for example the color and material of clothes in this world.


    At first, the lower-ss citizens could only wear clothes made of ordinary materials such as artificial cotton, linen, and polyester. Furthermore, they could only wear clothes with inconspicuous colors.


    Meanwhile, nobles could wear silk and cashmere, as well as brightly colored clothes.


    Now, because of the progress of the times, this rule was gradually abolished.


    However, green, purple, and gold were still colors that only nobles could wear.


    As for decorations and jewelry, ordinary people could only wear simple patterns on their clothes and some simple jewelry.


    However, the clothes of nobles could have manyplicated patterns. They could also wear cors, brooches, and so on.


    Moreover, these patterns and headdresses that could only be used by nobles were given all kinds of special meanings by nobles.


    For example, a noble''s cor usually had the family crest sewn on it, representing the family''s glory.


    Furthermore, the pattern of a nobleman''s clothing and the style of their jewelry often represented some "hobby" or political inclination of the nobleman.


    For example, the peony brooch worn on the chest of the beautiful young woman in front of him represented her support for the "New Liberal" ideology that was gradually bing popr among the aristocrats.


    The array of colors, patterns, and jewelrybined to form the casual clothing of a nobleman.


    Therefore, as soon as he saw this woman''s attire, Fang Ze understood the identity of this beautiful young woman in front of him. She was a noble young woman who supported the "New Liberal" ideology.


    Just as Fang Ze was thinking this, the beautiful woman seemed to have finished her meal. She raised her head slightly and gently pulled back her hair, revealing a beautiful face.


    Her skin was as fair as snow and wless. Her beautiful eyes were deeply embedded under her willowy eyebrows. Her slender eyshes trembled slightly, adding a hint of mystery to her seductive eyes¡­


    Seeing the beauty of this pretty woman, Fang Ze couldn''t help but fall into a daze for a moment.


    Perhaps sensing Fang Ze''s gaze, while Fang Ze was secretly sizing up the beautiful woman in front of him, the beautiful woman also nced in his direction.


    Then, her beautiful eyes curved slightly, and the corners of her mouth curled up slightly. A faint smile appeared on her beautiful face.


    It should have been a meeting that left people captivated, but at that moment, Fang Ze felt as if his heart had been pricked by a needle, and all the hair on his body stood up.


    It was a response born of biological instinct.


    There was danger!


    He had to flee!


    He would die!


    Although he didn''t understand why this was happening, Fang Ze decisively lowered his head.


    It was also at that moment that Fang Ze suddenly understood why most of his colleagues in the restaurant had their heads lowered. It seemed that everyone was curious about such a beautiful woman¡­


    This strange atmospherested until the beautiful woman left the canteen.


    As she and the people around her left, the atmosphere in the canteen rxed.


    Everyone felt a lingering fear as they whispered about their experience.


    They talked about the beauty of the beautiful woman, her identity, and the beautiful female officers around her.


    Fang Ze wasn''t so shallow. After all¡­


    "What? Were there other people with that woman?"


    "Wasn''t she alone?"


    "I didn''t notice anyone beside her at all."


    Fang Ze was a little embarrassed.


    After the awkwardness passed, Fang Ze looked around.


    He saw a person who he had happened to "touch" this morning among the colleagues who were chatting at the table beside him. He raised his hand and greeted the colleague. Then, he asked, "Brother Jiang, who was that woman just now?"


    The agent who had been addressed as Brother Jiang was chatting animatedly about the beautiful young woman when he suddenly heard someone call him. He turned around.


    When he saw that it was Fang Ze, he paused, as if hesitating.


    However, in the end, he might have remembered the requirements of the mission, so he exined, "She''s said to be an officer from the Security Bureau. I think her name is¡­ Bai Zhi."


    "The Security Bureau?" Fang Ze couldn''t help but look enlightened.


    No wonder¡­


    The full name of the Security Bureau was the Special Security Protection Bureau.


    It was a department in the state that specialized in special affairs.


    All cases rted to the Awakened and extraordinary powers were handled by them. Moreover, they had the special authority to arbitrarily deploy other violent departments in the state during the case. Their authority was very great.


    Actually, Fang Ze had been curious before this.


    After all, this case clearly involved the Awakened, but why was the Investigation Department in charge of solving the case?


    It had to be known that the agents in the Investigation Department were all ordinary people. Even if they solved the case, they wouldn''t be able to catch the culprits.


    Looking at it now, it was probably because the case had happened too suddenly and the Security Bureau had yet to rush over. Therefore, they had assigned the Investigation Department to do some preliminary case sorting before they took over.


    However, taking over was one thing. Generally speaking, for a murder case like this, it was good enough for the Security Bureau to send an ordinary team to handle it. In the end, a noble actually led the team.


    Compared to ordinary people, nobles often had a much higher starting point. Therefore, although he was not sure about this beautiful woman''s rank, she was definitely not an ordinary person.


    "It looks like the Security Bureau is taking this case very seriously¡­"


    As he thought about it, Fang Ze thought of the information about the Security bureau.


    It was said that the Security Bureau would secretly examine suitable talents in other departments in the state and recruit them into the organization.


    Furthermore, every talent who passed the inspection would be groomed to be an Awakened.


    Fang Ze felt that if he could not awaken his abilities by relying on the Late-Night Investigation Office, he could consider joining this bureau¡­


    However, for now, he had to try it himself!


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze ate a few mouthfuls of that heavy-tasting lunch and began to excitedly look for the other agents who were eating in the canteen to "put their arms around their shoulders"¡­


    Behind him, Agent Jiang and the other agents who had witnessed Fang Ze''s change in mood looked at each other strangely.


    What happened to this criminal today?


    Why was he acting strange¡­


    ¡­


    A day passed in the blink of an eye. Fang Ze sessfully touched all of his "colleagues" in the task force.


    He had basically added everyone to the list of people he could experiment with.


    In the evening, after dinner, Fang Ze ended his business of "touching people" and returned to his temporary residence.


    When he returned to his temporary residence, his roommate, Wang Hao, was still not back.


    This was the first time Wang Hao had been back sote.


    Usually, he would leavete ande back early.


    His sudden absence today made Fang Ze, who would argue with Wang Hao a few times every time he came back, a little ufortable.


    He went to the toilet to wash up. Since he was not sleepy, Fang Ze could only lie on the table and write the report for tomorrow.


    Tomorrow was Friday, and there would be a regr meeting. Every agent had to share the clues they had uncovered.


    Although he had reported the clues from the past few days to the Commissioner, Fang Ze had gained something else today.


    While cking with his colleagues, he had heard plenty of clues.


    For example, a colleague said that flying insects had been found in a certain direction in the jungle, but those insects had allnded on grass and trees. They clearly had vital signs, but they did not eat, drink, or move.


    This was clearly not a normal natural phenomenon.


    Another example was the ashes he had asked his colleagues in the identification team to identify yesterday.


    After preliminary testing, it was found that the mixed ashes in the dirt were from bird carcasses.


    As he twirled the pen in his hand and thought about these two clues, Fang Ze felt as if a line had connected.


    "Birds were killed. Did they control the flying insects to investigate the situation¡­?"


    "Is there indeed a fourth Awakened?"


    After boldly specting, Fang Ze recorded these clues and deductions. Then, hepleted his work for the day.


    This was thefort of a life where he was paid to ck off.


    Wang Hao only came backte after Fang Ze finished writing the report for the regr meeting.


    As he gathered up the reports, Fang Ze asked Wang Hao curiously why he was back sote today.


    Wang Hao turned his head awkwardly and said that he had found a new clue.


    Seeing that he did not really want to talk about this topic, Fang Ze did not ask further.


    The agents in this world were very autonomous. If they asked too much about the other party, they would be suspected of stealing the credit.


    When he got back, Wang Hao didn''t even wash up. Hey down on the bed and fell asleep.


    This was the first time he had slept earlier than Fang Ze.


    Fang Ze looked at Wang Hao''s back and blinked in confusion. Then, he turned off the light andy down, preparing to enter the Late-Night Investigation Room to investigate. He would be rewarded¡­


    After an unknown period of time, an even breathing sound came from the bed beside Fang Ze. Listening to Wang Hao''s breathing, Fang Ze gradually fell asleep¡­


    In his sleep, Fang Ze seemed to have a strange dream.


    In his dream, he observed the forest outside the vi day after day. Every time he finished observing, he would go back and record the relevant information.


    However, when Fang Ze tried to see what he had recorded, he realized that he couldn''t.


    He strained to see.


    However, at this moment, he suddenly felt his body heat up. When he regained his senses, he realized that he had already left the dream and was in the dark room again¡­

 Chapter 6 The Investigation Begins!

    Compared to thest time he came to the Late-Night Investigation Room, Fang Ze was much calmer this time.


    As was his habit, he looked around the room first. After making sure that nothing had changed since thest time he had left, he went to the chair and sat down.


    He switched on themp. Dim light spilled across half the room, lending a glow to the darkened room.


    Then, Fang Ze looked down at his body.


    At some point, a fog had gradually enveloped his body.


    The fog was thin and imprable, like faint frosted ss. It allowed one to see the outline of the body, but not the details.


    Fang Ze tried to adjust his "physique" in the fog so that no one would associate it with his real appearance.


    A momentter, the adjustment was sessful.


    Seeing that it was effective, Fang Ze rxed even more. Then, he reached out with his right hand and knocked lightly on the table in front of him with his index finger.


    Immediately, likest time, a three-dimensional image of a row of figures appeared before him.


    Looking at the rows of candidates he could choose from, Fang Ze fell into deep thought.


    Although there were a total of 21 agents in the task force, there were also some interesting people.


    However, afterparing them one by one, Fang Ze felt that he was most interested in Agent Han Kaiwei, who had followed him today, and his roommate, Wang Hao.


    "However, I just had a conflict with Han Kaiwei today. If he encountered a mysterious incident closely after that, wouldn''t that be too suspicious?"


    "As for Wang Hao, I''ve spent so much time with him. Even if he suddenly encountered a mysterious incident, he probably wouldn''t associate it with me."


    "Furthermore, he''s simple. He''s easier to bluff and get information from."


    "Most importantly¡­ the material life in the high-leveled cities is too rich! There might be some unexpected gains!"


    ¡­


    A secondter, Fang Ze made his decision. He decided to investigate Wang Hao!


    It didn''t matter if he had information about the red-light district or not. He just wanted to care about his roommate!


    After deciding on the candidate, Fang Ze began to think about his "investigation".


    Normal "investigations" had a purpose.


    However, his investigation was aimless. It was hard to get any useful information.


    Therefore, if he wanted to obtain enough information, he could not follow the normal investigation method.


    It was better to change to another method.


    With this thought in mind, Fang Ze adjusted theyout and atmosphere of the entire room ording to his imagination. Then, he gently clicked on Wang Hao''s three-dimensional image¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    As an agent from a high-leveled city, Jadeite City, Wang Hao was actually not as impressive as others thought.


    After joining the Jadeite City Investigation Department, because of his taciturn personality andck of ttery, he was allocated to the red-light district. It was filled with a mix of good and bad people divided into factions. It was full of chaos and was unbearable. This was the most difficult area in Jadeite City to manage.


    However, perhaps people who were quiet were often a little stubborn and single-minded.


    Therefore, even though he had been assigned to such a terrible ce, Wang Hao still diligently understood information about the region, sorted out information about the gangs, and worked hard to solve cases.


    He loved his job. He felt a huge sense of aplishment every time he solved a case.


    He''d thought his whole life would be like this. He''d spent every day in the red-light district looking up information and solving cases. He would do this day after day.


    However, when a petite girl with a huge hammer on her back found him, everything changed¡­


    "Hello, Wang Hao. I''m Bai Ling, the Level-2 Executive of the operations team in the Special Security Protection Bureau. You''ve been selected by the Security Bureau and ced on the inspection list."


    "Next, you will be on a secret mission. You will be the roommate of a criminal, keep a close eye on him, and report his condition regrly to the Security Bureau,"


    "When the mission is over, there''s a chance you''ll be selected to join the Security Bureau and have your powers awakened."


    When he received this mission, Wang Hao was excited.


    He might be simple and quiet, but he wasn''t stupid.


    After all, it was the Security Bureau. Everyone knew how special and powerful this department was.


    Who didn''t want to have an Awakened ability?


    Therefore, he was fully focused onpleting this secret mission.


    Who knew¡­ When he really came into contact with the criminal, Wang Hao was stunned.


    This was because Wang Hao realized that the criminal was passionate, sincere, hardworking, and optimistic.


    Although he teased Wang Hao from time to time, it was obvious that he treated Wang Hao as a friend.


    Furthermore, after spending every day with Fang Ze, Wang Hao didn''t find him doing anything illegal.


    In addition, the other party had spared no effort in investigating this case.


    Sometimes, in a trance, Wang Hao even felt that Fang Ze was really his colleague and not a vicious criminal.


    This made Wang Hao''s determined heart waver a little.


    Was he really a criminal?


    Could there be some inside story?


    Furthermore, in today''s report, for some reason, Wang Hao took the initiative to say a lot of good things about his roommate to the intelligence interlocutor at the Security Bureau.


    Although the interlocutor from the Security Bureau didn''t say anything, Wang Hao could feel the disappointment in their eyes. It put him in a bad mood.


    He sensed that this "undercover" life might not suit him very well. He still missed being in the area he managed and working in peace.


    Therefore, in his dream, he also returned to the area he managed and began to check the buildings one by one.


    However, before he could finish his investigation, he suddenly realized that his dream had shattered. He had appeared in apletely unfamiliar and luxurious guest room¡­


    ¡­


    It was a room that was even more gorgeous than the vi where the murder had urred.


    The floor was wless and made of marble. Meanwhile, the carved walls were etched with ancient, mysterious patterns.


    There were a few world-famous paintings on the walls and expensive art on the shelves. Each piece was enough to drive the rich and powerful crazy.


    A mysterious man in a gorgeous aristocratic outfit who was shrouded in fog was sitting on the sofa, stroking his pet''s head and watching him with interest.


    As for that mysterious person''s pet¡­


    It was a creature of disaster that Wang Hao had never seen in real life or in books. It had the body of a lion and two huge bat-like wings. Its body was slender and strong, and its tail was long and winding, with thorns at the end.


    It had two horns and was covered in scales. Its head was huge and terrifying, and its snake-like vertical eyes emitted a cold, dangerous light.


    Even if Wang Hao didn''t understand how it attacked, just by feeling its aura, he had no doubt that this disaster creature could easily tear him apart.


    At this moment, this terrifying creature was lying at the mysterious person''s feet like a puppy trying to please its master. It raised its chin and let the mysterious person stroke it.


    "Gulp."


    Wang Hao swallowed when he saw the shocking scene before him.


    His entire body tensed up, and he was filled with nervousness and unease.


    He wondered who the mysterious man before him was.


    He also wondered why the mysterious man had summoned him here.


    However, he knew that this person must be someone he could not afford to offend¡­


    Thus, he did his best to calm himself down and waited patiently for the man to speak.


    However, what tormented him was that the mysterious person did not speak. Instead, he stroked the disaster creature while sizing Wang Hao up carefully.


    As the minutes passed, the atmosphere grew heavier and the pressure increased. Sweat beaded on Wang''s forehead.


    He could wait no longer.


    Even though he didn''t like to talk, at a time like this, he could only ask carefully, "S-sir, did you summon me?"


    He was obviously not good with words. When he greeted the man, he stumbled¡­


    ¡­


    Meanwhile.


    "Someone he could not afford to offend?"


    "A disaster creature that could easily tear him apart?"


    Listening to Wang Hao''s inner voice and feeling his uneasy emotions, the "mystery man" Fang Ze couldn''t help but want tough. It seemed that his slightly decorated room had worked.


    After confirming that his n was feasible, Fang Ze continued to follow his n.


    He chuckled in his altered voice and nodded slowly. "Yes. I summoned you here."


    ¡­


    When Wang Hao heard the mysterious man''s slightly raspy voice, his brain struggled to process and analyze the situation.


    He had indeed been summoned here by the mysterious person in front of him.


    But¡­ why?


    He began to ponder silently what exactly he had done to arouse the interest of the mysterious man before him.


    However, no matter how hard he racked his brain, he could not think of a single clue.


    He felt like a nobody. It was impossible to enter the eyes of such a big shot.


    He stole a nce at the mystery man in front of him.


    Although the other party was covered in fog, Wang Hao seemed to be able to sense his gaze. It was very gentle and rxed.


    "Does the other party mean no harm?"


    Somehow, Wang Hao came to this realization. It also allowed him to rx a little.


    This was the only type of person he couldn''t get used to. This mysterious man in front of him spoke so little, even less than he did¡­


    Thus, once again, he had to stumble to bring up the subject. "Then may I ask, Sir, what has summoned me here? What¡ªwhat can I do for you?"


    The mystery man didn''t say anything as he listened to Wang. He just smiled at Wang, as if he was watching his reaction with interest.


    After a moment, seeing that Wang Hao was very calm, the mysterious person nodded in satisfaction and spoke slowly.


    "Don''t be nervous, little one. It''s just a little hobby of mine."


    "I like to hear interesting stories, and I''m willing to pay for them with a few insignificant trinkets."


    "I wonder¡­ Do you have a story that might interest me?"

 Chapter 7 What? Im a Criminal?

    ¡­


    "A little hobby?"


    "An interesting story?"


    "Some insignificant trinket?"


    Wang Hao froze for a moment as he looked at the mysterious man in front of him and listened to what he was saying. Then, his heart began to beat slowly.


    Something seemed to ur to him¡­


    A silent summons, a room of such opulence as to dazzle the eye, a disaster creature that was as docile as a pet, a simple but strange little request, and a "insignificant" little gift¡­


    Wasn''t this the same as the "miracles" that appeared in novels and radio broadcasts¡­?


    Furthermore, in an adventure like this, "insignificant trinkets" were definitely not really "insignificant."


    After all, what was revealed between the fingers of a figure of this level might be a supreme treasure to ordinary people.


    Moreover, if there was something that could allow him to awaken his abilities and be an Awakened¡­


    At the thought of this, Wang Hao''s rxed body involuntarily tensed up again.


    Thus, he calmed himself as best he could. Then, he looked up and asked innocently, "Sir. May I ask if there''s anything you can use to help me be an Awakened?"


    ¡­


    Listening to Wang Hao''s thoughts, the expression on the "mysterious man" Fang Ze''s face became especially interesting.


    He knew that his roommate was simple and easy to fool.


    However, he never thought that his roommate would be so easy to fool.


    He had just casually said a few words and Wang Hao actually believed him? Furthermore, Wang Hao''s imagination was even more perfect than his own design. This way, it shouldn''t be a problem for him to obtain high-value information and obtain a good reward.


    As for what his roommate wanted¡­


    Fang Ze thought it was wonderful. He wanted it, too.


    Of course, as a "big shot," Fang Ze couldn''t say these thoughts out loud.


    Thus, he tried to figure out how Wang Hao felt about him. He rxed on the sofa and gently stroked the "young dragon" at his feet.


    The "young dragon" raised its long neck and purred in pleasure. Then, its nostrils red.


    Then, Fang Ze spoke in a rxed tone.


    "Of course."


    "As long as your story is interesting enough."


    With the affirmation of the mysterious man, Wang Hao was suddenly filled with fighting spirit.


    He thought this might well be a chance to change his fate.


    Thus, using his eloquence, which he wasn''t good at, he stumbled as he spoke. "S¨CSir. I do have an interesting story."


    "It started 12 years ago¡­"


    "There''s a ce called Linshan County. It''s¡­"


    His story had just begun, but before he could continue, the mysterious man shook his head slightly and spoke in a disappointed tone.


    ''You may have misunderstood me.''


    "The story I want to hear is something you experienced firsthand."


    "I don''t want to hear about rumors."


    The voice of the mysterious man grew distant, ethereal, and mysterious.


    "You have to understand."


    "Stories told by the witnesses to the story are like a rich-tasting cake. They''re full of tantalizing aromas. They''re also very appetizing."


    "Meanwhile, the smell of a story like the one you''re talking about, which has been passed down and processed by who knows how many people, has long since dissipated. It''s even filled with the stench of rot and mold!"


    "Do you understand?"


    Perhaps he had never seen the mysterious man so serious before, but Wang Hao was stunned for a moment.


    His initial confidence had turned into panic.


    "My own story?"


    "But I don''t think I have anything interesting¡­"


    "My family background is ordinary, my studies are ordinary, and my job is ordinary. The most extraordinary thing is that I was assigned to a high-leveled city for some reason. In the end, I was even ostracized to be in charge of the red-light district¡­"


    "Is it possible that Sir wishes to hear such a story?"


    With that thought, Wang Hao began to lose confidence. He stumbled through his life story.


    This time, the mysterious man in front of him did not interrupt him, but he did not seem to be interested.


    As he spoke, Wang Hao could clearly sense that the other party was getting more and more disappointed.


    It also made Wang Hao feel more and more depressed.


    What else about him would be of interest to the mysterious man?


    As he thought about it, Wang Hao couldn''t help but think of two things that might interest the mysterious man.


    One of them was a past buried deep in his heart that he had never mentioned to anyone else.


    The other was about his roommate, a bizarre criminal who became an agent.


    Wang Hao actually didn''t want to say either of these things. After all, one of them was his secret, and the other was a secret of the task force.


    However, in the face of such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, he was really unwilling to give up just like that.


    Of the two things, he should at least take a chance on one, right?


    Thus, he hesitated for a long moment.


    Eventually¡­


    He gritted his teeth. Then, he spoke.


    "Sir, actually¡­ I do have a story you might be interested in."


    The mystery man made a nomittal sound.


    Wang Hao sighed slightly and said, "Actually¡­ I once had a very beautiful love, but I personally destroyed it."


    At this point, his eyes were full of nostalgia.


    "She''s a girl I met when I was working part-time in college. She''s as pretty as an angel, and she''s optimistic and cheerful. All the good words in the world seem to apply to her."


    "However, she wasn''t human. Or rather, she was not an ordinary human."


    "She''s an Awakened. Her Awakened abilityes from her family''s bloodline: Skeleton¡­"


    The "mysterious man" sat up a little, obviously a little more interested.


    However, at this moment, Wang Hao no longer cared about the other party''s attitude. He waspletely immersed in the past and started talking to himself.


    Instead of telling a story, it was more like a confession from him.


    Clearly, it had been weighing on his mind for a long, long time. He''d been meaning to let it out.


    This state made Fang Ze especiallyfortable.


    He had not expected that his impromptu little n would actually allow him to seed in prying into his roommate''s secret past. Furthermore, he had learned of such an interesting ability.


    [Skeleton: With the awakening of this power, the user''s flesh and bones will bepletely separated. The soul will reside on the bones, but the body can be abandoned at will, or reced like changing clothes.]


    Therefore, gender and race meant nothing to an Awakened with this ability¡­


    They collected the flesh of various creatures as their "clothes" and exerted different powers.


    This was one of the Awakened abilities that were best for disguise and investigation¡­


    Just like that, one person spoke while the other listened. This continued until the end of the story.


    Fang Ze listened with relish. He also understood why his roommate had broken up with that woman.


    After all¡­ Who knew if the other party was really a woman!


    Even if one could determine her gender through her bones, but¡­ Who knew if that skin and flesh were hers, or¡­ How many years their family had passed down the bones¡­


    However, although he was very satisfied with his roommate''s story, Fang Ze still had to put on a full show.


    He could not really help his roommate awaken, so although he listened attentively, he kept shaking his head slightly to pave the way for his subsequent refusal.


    Towards the end of the story, Wang Hao gradually came back to his senses and realized that the "mysterious man" in front of him didn''t have a high opinion of his story.


    He did not think that the "mysterious man" in front of him was deliberately making things difficult for him. After all, there was no need for such a big shot to tease him.


    He just thought that perhaps the other party had heard too many simr stories or knew too many simr Awakened abilities, so the mysterious man did not think that what had happened to him was very surprising.


    What he thought was exciting might just be because he was in the story and had invested his feelings. To others, it might just be a very melodramatic love story.


    However, when he thought about how his secret experience had failed to gain the approval of this mysterious man in front of him, Wang Hao couldn''t help but feel a little discouraged.


    Thus, he stopped slowly with a little sigh.


    He gave up.


    He gave the mysterious man a small, frustrated bow and said, "Sir, I''m so sorry. My life may indeed not have been exciting enough to satisfy you. If I continue, I may only be dying your precious time."


    "So, can you let me go back now?"


    Actually, Fang Ze felt that his roommate''s rtionship was quite exciting.


    However, he was indeed tired after a wasted night of storytelling.


    Thus, he gave a faint grunt and said, "Of course."


    At this point, he added in a t voice, "Actually, your story is not bad. It''s just missing a little¡­" There was no pity in his tone, like a master who praised their disciple politely before they left.


    With that, Fang Ze prepared to send Wang Hao back.


    At that moment.


    Perhaps the words of the "mysterious man" had provoked Wang Hao.


    Wang Hao looked distinctly hesitant.


    "Just missing a little?"


    "I have two stories. One of them failed, but I still have the other¡­ Should I take another gamble?"


    He hesitated, hesitated¡­


    After a moment, he finally made up his mind. Then, he quickly shouted, "Sir! Please wait! Please give me another chance!"


    Fang Ze was stunned by his roommate''s sudden behavior. Then, he stopped what he was doing reflexively.


    However, he then remembered his "identity," so he resumed his disguise and sat there, cold-faced and silent while watching Wang Hao.


    At that moment, Wang Hao realized that he had lost hisposure.


    This was because the terrifying disaster creature under the mysterious man''s feet had already turned its head and stared at him coldly. Its vertical pupils were filled with a dangerous light. As its huge mouth opened and closed, mes flowed out¡­


    Thus, Wang Hao quickly salvaged the situation. He said, "Sir, please forgive my rudeness. It''s just that I suddenly thought of a story you must be interested in!"


    "It''s about the roommate I live with!"


    The "mysterious man" Fang Ze was slightly stunned.


    Then he quietly said, "Yes?"


    Seeing that the mysterious man in front of him was not angry, Wang Hao heaved a sigh of relief. However, he also knew that opportunities were precious, so he spoke quickly and simply.


    "Here''s the deal. I may be an agent, but my roommate is a criminal."


    "He and his partners nned and carried out the murder of a wealthy businessman."


    "While retreating, it seems they were attacked by some force."


    "His aplices escaped, but he was injured and unconscious. Then, he was discovered by the Investigation Department that came after them."


    "When he woke up, he''d lost his memory. The Investigation Department and the Security Bureau decided to fake his identity and make him think he was an agent. They wanted him to help solve the case and lure his partners into showing up."


    "Furthermore, I was given the secret assignment of bing his roommate and keeping a close eye on him!"


    "¡­"


    "¡­"


    At the same time, the "mysterious man" Fang Ze was speechless.


    ???


    "Hold on."


    "Wait a minute."


    "What did I hear?"


    "I''m a criminal???"


    At that moment, btedly, Fang Ze suspected that something was wrong with his ears¡­

 Chapter 8 Panther Lady

    ¡­


    At the same time, just as Fang Ze was doubting his life¡­


    In the jungle outside the vi.


    A petite girl with arge hammer strapped to her back sped through the jungle.


    She had an oval face the size of a palm. Her face had a little baby fat. She also had big eyes, long eyshes, and a kind of innocence that tempted crime.


    She was wearing a short white dress with straps and shallow shoes with a blue flower pattern. She should have looked cute and pure. However, all of this was ruined by the huge hammer behind her that was taller than her.


    The hammer looked to be at least 1.6 meters tall, with a heavy head and a light rear. The head of the hammer had eight edges and six petals, making it look like a big pumpkin. It seemed mighty and domineering. However, when it was ced on her, there was an innocent and cute aura.


    When she reached the perimeter of the vi, the girl stopped. Then, she looked around to make sure that no one was nearby. Her small head swayed, and her ears instantly turned into ck leopard ears, while her nose turned into a ck leopard nose.


    Then, without hesitation, she dropped to her belly, lowered her head, stuck out her butt, and sniffed around.


    The silver moon was high in the sky. It shone down on her, forming a small shadow with a tail on the ground.


    With her tail raised, she sniffed her way to a tree.


    When she reached the tree, she stood up and hesitated for two seconds, tilting her head to look at it. Then, she picked up the pumpkin hammer that was bigger than she was and hammered it three times at the tree.


    The tree snapped. The girl stood confidently in front of it with her hands on her hips and her slender ck leopard tail raised.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    A minuteter¡­


    A cool breeze blew past. The girl scratched her furry ears in confusion. "Huh? Is this the wrong tree?"


    The fallen tree was silent.


    The girl stamped her foot angrily, then raised her nose again and sniffed. This time she chose a tree on the right, then began to smash it again¡­


    A momentter, the tree lit up with a faint glow. It parted to the left and right, revealing a huge arena inside.


    There were a few uniformed men working nervously in the arena.


    In the middle of the venue, Bai Zhi, the beautiful woman Fang Ze had seen earlier in the day, was sitting elegantly on the sofa, looking at Fang Ze''s image on the screen.


    When the girl saw Bai Zhi, a cute smile appeared on her face. Then, she retracted her leopard characteristics and skipped into the secret ce.


    Behind her, the light dissipated, the tree closed, and moonlight poured down onto the quiet clearing. It was as if nothing had happened. Only the unlucky tree at the sidey on the ground with fallen leaves¡­


    When she arrived at the secret ce, the girl saluted Bai Zhi and said happily, "Sister Bai, I followed your request and visited the slums where Fang Ze lives."


    "It''s as you would expect. He''s changed remarkably from his old self."


    As she spoke, the girl took out a document from thin air and handed it to Bai Zhi. "This is the testimony from everyone I investigated."


    Bai Zhi took the materials. She looked down at it and scanned the contents.


    After a moment, she looked up and asked softly, "Is there anyone close to him in the slums?"


    Her voice was soft and velvety, as if a kitten had reached out a meaty paw and was gently tickling one''s heart.


    The girl nodded. "Yes!"


    "There''s a neighbor who is around his age. She''s a girl who lives alone and has a hard life."


    "That girl seemed to have been indebted to his family before. Then, after his parents died, although the girl herself was in danger, she still helped him from time to time."


    "However, the original him seems to have a strong ego, so he often didn''t ept her help. In fact, he even hit that girl. He''s simply a scumbag¡­"


    Bai Zhi nodded and said, "In that case, find a chance in the next two days to arrange for them to meet and see the effects."


    The girl clearly did not understand Bai Zhi''s idea, so she tilted her head in confusion and asked, "Sister Bai, why are you investigating these and arranging for them to meet?"


    At this point, she paused and said, "Besides, you even took the initiative to show up and meet with that suspect today. How strange¡­"


    Bai Zhi did not answer her question directly. Instead, she looked at the screen in front of her and spoke.


    "I''ve been reading Wang Hao''s daily reports for a while. I paid attention to his reports today. He doesn''t think Fang Ze looks like a criminal¡­"


    The girl looked surprised at Bai Zhi''s words. "He doesn''t look like a criminal? Could he have been nted?!"


    Then, she quickly shook her head. "That can''t be right. He had the logo of that organization on him, and in the subsequent investigation, we found evidence that he was transmitting intelligence."


    "In addition, there''s other supplementary information. If he''s really a nted spy, this n was really too seamless, right?"


    Bai Zhi chuckled at the girl''s words.


    Then, she tapped the girl''s forehead and said, "Silly girl. Of course there can''t be such a seamless thing, so he must be a member of that organization."


    Upon hearing Bai Zhi''s answer, the girl was even more puzzled. She couldn''t help but ask, "Then¡­"


    Bai Zhi didn''t answer. With a smile on her lips, she looked at Fang Ze''s image on the surveince screen in front of her and then brought up the previous topic.


    "Earlier, you asked me why I went to see him today."


    "Don''t you think there''s something wrong with him today?"


    The girl blinked in confusion. "Huh? Something wrong?"


    Bai Zhi said softly, "He suddenly stopped solving cases and starteding into contact with the people from the task force one by one."


    "Why do you think he did that?"


    As she spoke, she looked at Fang Ze''s image in the surveince camera. Her beautiful face had a faint smile, as if she had seen a very interesting prey¡­


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, in the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    After the initial shock, the "mysterious man" Fang Ze finally calmed down gradually.


    At this moment, he was no longer rxed or at ease.


    Was he really a criminal?


    Then, were the 20 or so senior agents, official agents, and trainee agents in the task force all acting along with him to get information?


    What the hell was this?


    Was this The Truman Show?


    Furthermore¡­ Most importantly, he didn''t even notice it from the beginning to the end?!


    Thinking about how he had always felt that his colleagues loved him and cared about him more than the case, Fang Ze couldn''t help but feel embarrassed!


    He was truly a fool¡­


    At this moment, he only wanted to quickly take out his phone, take a photo, and post it on his WeChat Moments to suppress his shock.


    Oh. Were there no WeChat Moments in this world? Furthermore, low-leveled cities had no mobile phones either.


    In that case.


    Danger¡­


    ¡­


    While the "mysterious man" Fang Ze was letting his imagination run wild, Wang Hao was actually feeling a little uneasy.


    After all, since he''d told the story, the mysterious man in front of him seemed to have fallen asleep. He said nothing. He didn''t move.


    Previously, the mysterious man would show an attitude from time to time, but now¡­ There was no reaction.


    Furthermore what made Wang Hao even more uneasy was that the pet of the mysterious man, the terrifying creature of disaster. He didn''t know what had happened, but suddenly it was as if its eyes had lost their focus, and its body had started to distort¡­


    Wang Hao didn''t know what was going on. He just stood there in a daze, his forehead already dripping with sweat¡­


    Just as he was feeling uneasy, the mysterious man Fang Ze regained his senses.


    He noticed the abnormality immediately, so he followed Wang Hao''s gaze and saw the young dragon under his feet.


    In that instant, he thought, "Oh no".


    Although he could adjust theyout and furnishings of the Late-Night Investigation Room, he did not have the ability to summon supernatural creatures.


    Therefore, the "young dragon" in front of him was actually just a carefully made replica doll. It waspletely empty. Fang Ze had to operate it the entire time to make it lifelike.


    Furthermore, just now, Fang Ze was too shocked and forgot to operate the young dragon, which made it slip up.


    In that instant, Fang Ze''s mind raced.


    A momentter, he made his decision!


    ¡­


    At this moment, Wang Hao was getting more and more anxious.


    He stood there with his head lowered, but he kept sneaking nces at the horrible disaster creature out of the corner of his eye.


    He realized that the horrible disaster creature was getting stranger and stranger. Its body was beginning to twist into a ball. Its neck was twitching. Its bloody mouth was opening and closing. Its eyes were bulging, as if it was experiencing some kind of pain¡­


    Just when he didn''t know exactly what had happened.


    Suddenly, he heard a soft sigh. "Sigh¡­ I failed again. It seems that creating disaster creatures isn''t that simple¡­"


    Startled, Wang Hao looked up at the mysterious man.


    The mysterious man was shrouded in a thin fog, his expression unreadable. Slowly, he raised his hand and pped it downwards.


    There was a st!


    Then, the terrifying disaster creature in front of him was pped into a pool of blood and exploded on the pure white luxurious carpet¡­

 Chapter 9 Gains — The First Extraordinary Item

    Blood sttered, and the farthest dropnded at Wang Hao''s feet. Wang Hao took a step back in shock.


    However, when he looked up at the mysterious man in front of him, he was surprised to find that even though he was the closest to the site of the incident, the mysterious man and even the sofa that the mysterious man was sitting on were not stained with blood¡­


    Recalling what the mysterious man had said just now, Wang Hao''s heart couldn''t help but thump¡­


    "Did the disaster creature fail¡­?"


    "No wonder that disaster creature became so strange."


    "There must have been some unknown aberration in the creation process, right?"


    Thinking about how the mysterious man in front of him could even create disaster creatures, Wang Hao couldn''t help but feel even more excited¡­


    "The person in front of me is indeed an unimaginable big shot¡­"


    "Furthermore, if he can even create disaster creatures, then I''m sure it would be easy for him to help me be an Awakened, right?"


    As he thought this, the hand of the mysterious man in front of him raised slightly. Then, Wang Hao realized that the blood before his eyes and on the ground was slowly disappearing.


    If he hadn''t seen that horrible disaster creature with his own eyes, he might have thought what he was seeing was just a dream.


    He swallowed involuntarily, then stole a nce at the mysterious man.


    He saw that the mysterious man simply sat there and did not speak.


    Therefore, after hesitating for a moment, he mustered his courage and asked in a low voice, "Sir¡­ May I ask if you are satisfied with myst story?"


    ¡­


    "May I ask if you are satisfied?"


    Upon hearing Wang Hao''s words, Fang Ze was speechless.


    After a moment, he leaned back and rested his hand on the arm of the sofa. He nodded slowly. "Not bad¡­"


    Hearing the mysterious man''s answer, Wang Hao was pleasantly surprised. He couldn''t help but ask, "Then¡­"


    He didn''t finish the sentence, but Fang Ze knew what he meant.


    Fang Ze couldn''t help but think about this.


    Originally, Fang Ze only wanted to test the abilities of this room and see if he could obtain any valuable "gains".


    However, before he could see the "gains", the information shocked him.


    Furthermore, now that he suddenly realized that he was in danger, Fang Ze was not as rxed as before.


    He began to wonder how the hell he was going to get through this.


    At this point, Fang Ze couldn''t help but look at his roommate.


    Perhaps¡­ His roommate and this Late-Night Investigation Room would be the key to solving this dilemma.


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze hesitated for another moment, then made up his mind.


    He tapped his hand lightly on the arm of the sofa, then spoke slowly in his mysterious, low, husky voice. "Thatst story of yours was certainly not bad."


    "However¡­"


    "It''s still iplete¡­"


    "Iplete?" Wang Hao hesitated slightly.


    The "mysterious man" Fang Ze nodded.


    Then, he said in a guiding tone, "You only know that your roommate is a member of a criminal organization, but¡­ you don''t know what organization they are from, and what your roommate is in that organization."


    "You only know that the organization wiped out the wealthy businessman, but the reason for doing so is not clear."


    "All you know is that members of that group were attacked during the retreat, but not by whom."


    "Besides, from what you''ve told me, this case of yours hasn''t been solved. The final oue of the roommate hasn''t been determined."


    "This story doesn''t have any cause or consequence¡­"


    At this point, he crossed his arms over his abdomen and slowly evaluated, "An item that can Awaken a person won''t be so cheap¡­"


    Upon hearing the mysterious man''s words, Wang Hao couldn''t help but ask, "Then¡­ if I finish the story, can I get the item that will help me to awaken my abilities?"


    The "mysterious man" seemed to weigh the value of both uses. After a moment, he nodded slightly. "Sure."


    With just one word, Wang Hao was instantly filled with fighting spirit!


    He said, "In that case, please give me time! I will definitely investigate all of this and tell you the full story!"


    The mystery man smiled at his words, then said calmly, "All right."


    Seeing that the matter was settled, Wang Hao asked again, "Sir, may I ask how I can contact you after my story has progressed?"


    Upon hearing his words, the mysterious man smiled mysteriously. "Don''t worry¡­"


    Then, he spoke slowly in his hoarse, mysterious, and deep voice.


    "You don''t need to contact me."


    "Because I will always¡­ watch over you¡­"


    As he listened to the mystery man, Wang Hao suddenly felt his eyelids grow heavier and heavier.


    He tried to resist, but his resistance seemed to be a little too weakpared to this sleepiness.


    In less than a second, he fell into a deep sleep¡­


    ¡­


    Fang Ze sat on the sofa for a long time as he watched his roommate fade away and disappear.


    After what seemed an eternity, he took a deep breath. Then, he got up and went to the bookshelf. He turned it over, revealing the batteredmp behind it.


    There was a click as he turned off themp.


    With themp turned off, the entire marble floor, the carved walls, the world-famous paintings, and the expensive art all dissipated like bubbles.


    In a moment, the entire luxurious room returned to its original dim and simple appearance.


    In the middle of the room were two simple tables and chairs. On the table near Fang Ze was a pale pink book-like object.


    "Is that what this investigation has yielded?"


    Seeing the book-like item, Fang Ze, who was filled with negative emotions, couldn''t help but feel a little excited.


    "Is this a book?"


    "Is it some kind of relic with extraordinary powers?"


    "Is it a secret manual that records the methods of awakening?"


    "Does it contain some key information?"


    "Can it solve my current crisis?"


    With these thoughts, Fang Ze quickly put themp on the table and picked up the book.


    Two secondster.


    With a bang, Fang Ze mmed the book to the floor.


    Pop!


    The title of the book was, "Magnificent Nightlife: The Golden Rooster List of the Red Light District in June."


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    Realizing that his "gains" this time were too useless, the exasperated Fang Ze nned to leave the Late-Night Investigation Room and go back to sleep.


    However, at that moment, he suddenly froze and eximed softly.


    This was because he realized that after the book fell, a short passage of information appeared in his mind. It was about the book on the floor.


    "The Salty Magazine?"


    "A disposable relic?"


    "After reading this Magazine seriously, when I open it again, I will receive a 1.5-hour special status bonus called ''Sage''."


    "In the ''Sage'' state, the user will lose his emotions and be in an absolutely calm state. Although it won''t increase his intelligence, he can execute his n more perfectly and¡­ make people more convinced and close to him?"


    After sorting out the information in his mind, Fang Ze was a little surprised.


    The magazine in front of him was actually a precious artifact called the [Salty Magazine].


    It was a one-time use item.


    However, it was also an extraordinary item after all. This was the first time Fang Ze hade into contact with such a magical power.


    As for the effect¡­ It was nothing special, right?


    However, Fang Ze felt that it was just right to test it out. It wouldn''t hurt.


    It urred to him that the way to use it was to read it first. Thus, Fang Ze picked up the Magazine from the floor, then sat down in a chair, flipped open the pages, and began to read¡­


    Looking at the coquettish women wearing very little clothes on the pages, to be honest, Fang Ze could not calm down.


    This was because he had never expected that he would be forced to read such a magazine for the first time in his two lifetimes¡­


    It was supposed to be a pleasant thing, but it turned out to be so perverted!


    Itpletely put him out of the mood!


    A minuteter¡­


    "Hiss. Are their waists so flexible?"


    "Damn. This tongue can tie knots, eh?"


    "Yo, yo, yo. There''s actually a filly. I''ve learned something new."


    "The material life of a high-leveled city is indeed rich!"


    ¡­

 Chapter 10 Breakthrough Plan

    ¡­


    The next morning.


    The pale pink morning sun stained half the sky to the east.


    The dew, with the tender green smell of grass, hung in the air.


    The wind rustled the dense leaves,posing a delightful ensemble.


    Everything was warm and peaceful.


    The only pity was that there were fewer insect noises and birds chirping.


    In the temporary residence of the task force, Fang Ze got out of bed.


    He yawned and patted his slightly tired face. Then, he looked at his roommate, who was sitting on the next bed, lost in thought.


    Sensing Fang Ze''s gaze on him, Wang Hao snapped out of it and turned to look at him. He forced an incredibly friendly fake smile and handed him an orange.


    Fang Ze took the orange and returned the "sincere" smile.


    With such a considerate roommate, Fang Ze felt that he could sleep in peace¡­


    He left the dormitory, humming a song from his previous life, and strolled to the cafeteria.


    He ordered a few meals.


    There were braised pork shoulder with extra sugar, spicy and sour squid, and salty steamed buns with condensed milk.


    He found a table and sat down. Then, he took two big bites.


    Fang Ze felt very satisfied.


    He was provided for by the government as soon as he transmigrated. Furthermore, the future was really too "hopeful"¡­


    During his meal, many colleagues came to eat.


    When they saw Fang Ze, they all smiled and took the initiative to greet him.


    Fang Ze smiled back at each of them, exchanging pleasantries and greetings.


    What was the most fearful thing at work?


    It was not being able to handle one''s rtionship with their colleagues well.


    His colleagues were so "enthusiastic" and he was so "friendly". They were really "a loving family".


    "Life is too good to be true."


    After they left, Fang Ze, who was sitting alone at the table, lowered his head and took a big bite of the steamed bun.


    The salty steamed buns tasted bitter and salty without the condensed milk¡­


    It was just like the smell of this wonderful life.


    He finished his meal and left the canteen.


    Outside the canteen were a few old cameras ced by the deceased vi owner.


    The cameras were pointing directly at him, blinking a faint red light, but ording to his colleague, it was no longer working.


    Fang Ze believed them.


    Just like how he believed in this shitty world¡­


    "Sigh, I''m truly a fool¡­"


    Taking a deep breath and adjusting his mood, Fang Ze walked towards the temporary meeting room on the first floor of the vi with a smile.


    Today was Friday, the day of the weekly meeting.


    On the way, it was rare that no one was following, monitoring, or disturbing him. Fang Ze took the opportunity topose himself and start thinking seriously about his future¡­


    Althoughst night''s events had been sudden and brief, they still had a very big impact on his life.


    It alsopletely shattered the entire world he had known since he transmigrated.


    He hadn''t expected his life to be so "good."


    It was so "good" that it exceeded his expectations.


    Therefore, he needed to re-n his life after transmigration and resolve the predicament he was in now¡­


    First, he had to sort out his situation.


    He decided there was no way he could run.


    He couldn''t even get rid of the Security Bureau, which hid in the shadows and had extraordinary powers, let alone the 20 agents who monitored him at all times.


    If he couldn''t run, then he had to find a way to break through.


    There were two ways to break through. The first was to break through with strength.


    If Fang Ze had the strength to fight the task force and the Security Bureau team, everything would be settled.


    Furthermore, to achieve that goal, Fang Ze felt that he still had to rely on the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Last night, the first experiment at the Late-Night Investigation Room allowed Fang Ze to obtain an extraordinary artifact. This filled him with confidence in this magical room!


    Once he obtained a key extraordinary artifact or awakened his abilities, Fang Ze''s crisis might be resolved immediately.


    Therefore, Fang Ze had to buy as much time as possible to develop himself.


    The second way to break through was through intelligence.


    Fang Ze felt that based on what Wang Hao had told himst night, there was probably more to this case.


    Coupled with the special attention the Security Bureau paid to this case and himself, it was obvious that something was wrong.


    Fang Ze felt that as long as he investigated the case and learned the purpose of the Security Bureau and the Investigation Department, he might be able to negotiate by helping them achieve their goals. Then, perhaps, he could also break through.


    Simrly, this method required enough time.


    Thus, to get enough time, Fang Ze felt he had to take action.


    He couldn''t let the whole thing go ording to the task force''s n.


    He had to add some chaos to the task force. He had to muddle the waters to give himself time to develop and investigate.


    Finally, and most importantly¡­ Fang Ze had to think of a way to clean up the mess he had made yesterday.


    In order to test his cheat code yesterday, what Fang Ze did was very out of line, and there were many suspicious points.


    If he was an agent, then these things would be fine.


    However, he was a criminal.


    In that case, it would be too suspicious for him toe into contact with every agent on the task force and shake off surveince afterwards.


    Therefore, Fang Ze had to smooth over yesterday''s incident.


    Otherwise, he would probably be invited to tea by the Security Bureau soon¡­


    "But¡­ How exactly should I smooth over what happened yesterday?"


    Fang Ze muttered something. Then, he looked up and saw someone he knew. It was Agent Han Kaiwei, who''d followed him before.


    "Eh¡­?"


    Fang Ze froze when he saw Han Kaiwei.


    Then, in that instant, lightning shed in his mind. He seemed to have suddenly thought of what he should do.


    He mentally reviewed his n.


    He felt that although it was a little risky, if he seeded, he might be able to kill two birds with one stone.


    Not only could he smooth over yesterday''s abnormality, but he could also stir up the waters of the task force.


    The only slight problem was that he might have to take quite a risk.


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze couldn''t help but think of the extraordinary artifact he had obtainedst night, the Salty Magazine.


    "Can this allow me to execute my n more perfectly?"


    "Can this make people more convinced and close to me?"


    Eh? It seemed that¡­ He could use the ability of the Magazine in his n!


    In that case, the risk seemed much smaller.


    It just so happened that he wanted to see how effective this extraordinary artifact was¡­


    He would treat this as an experiment.


    With this thought in mind, Fang Ze went through his n again.


    After he confirmed that there were no issues, he turned and put a warm smile on his face. He waved at Han Kaiwei. "Brother Han? Are you going to the meeting? Let''s go together."


    ¡­


    Ever since he was fooled by Fang Ze a few days ago, Han Kaiwei had received a lot of eye rolls from the task force.


    In addition, he had no gains this week, so Han Kaiwei nned to be more proactive during the regr meeting.


    Thus, after breakfast, he headed for the meeting room early.


    However, halfway there, he suddenly heard someone greeting him.


    He was surprised. There were actually agents on the task force who took the initiative to greet him? The sun had really risen from the west.


    Then, he tilted his head and saw the "criminal" who''d shaken off his surveince.


    Han Kaiwei was stunned for a moment.


    He was a devil-may-care type to begin with, and he didn''t need him to spy on Fang Ze today, so he hesitated for a moment and pretended not to hear Fang Ze. His head made a 180-degree turn, and he headed in the opposite direction with his head held high and whistling.

 Chapter 11 The Scene of a Large-Scale Werewolf Game

    Seeing that Han Kaiwei was not ying by the rules, Fang Ze was stunned for a second.


    However, he had already nned everything. How could he let Han Kaiwei escape?


    Therefore, he shamelessly ran a few steps and leaned over again. He even said in a friendly manner, "Brother Han, are you going to the meeting? You''re going in the opposite direction."


    Seeing that the other party was so enthusiastic, Han Kaiwei couldn''t continue to pretend not to see him. Therefore, he could only raise his head and squeeze out a fake smile. In his usual sloppy voice, he said, "Hehe, is that so? Oh¡­ I do seem to have gone the wrong way."


    Although Han Kaiwei did not like the criminal in front of him, he still had to cooperate with everyone if he wanted to survive in the Investigation Department.


    Therefore, after saying this, Han Kaiwei asked casually as he walked back to the right path, "What''s wrong? Little Fang, why are you looking for me?"


    Seeing that Han Kaiwei had finally fallen into the trap, Fang Ze was relieved.


    He followed the n and said with a smile, "Actually, it''s nothing much. It''s just that I haven''t gained much these few days and I''m a little anxious. So I wanted to ask if Brother Han has gained anything."


    Upon hearing this, Han Kaiwei couldn''t help but look at Fang Ze strangely.


    Although he knew that this was the result of the brainwashing from the task force, when he saw a criminal working so hard to collect evidence of his crimes, he could not help but feel that the other party was very¡­ retarded.


    Then, the thought that he was actuallypeting with a retard instantly made him feel even more retarded.


    Therefore, he also calmed down. He narrowed his eyes and said nonchntly, "My gains? I didn''t find much."


    Hearing Han Kaiwei''s words, Fang Ze snorted and said in distress, "Looks like no one found anything this week."


    "I''ve had a particrly miserable haul this week."


    "All that was found was the ashes of some dead birds that had been burned."


    "I found some flying insects in a strange state."


    "I analyzed the existence of a fourth Awakened."


    "In fact, I even analyzed the abilities of the fourth Awakened."


    "It''s just¡­"


    Han Kaiwei almost choked on his saliva as he listened to Fang Ze''s words.


    He patted his chest and coughed a few times to calm himself. Then, he looked at Fang Ze, not knowing whether tough or cry. Was he showing off? Was he really showing off?


    Han Kaiwei had just suspected that he had an ordinary rtionship with this criminal in front of him. Furthermore, there had been some conflict because of the surveince yesterday. Why was the other party chatting with him?


    Now he understood.


    The other party probably didn''t like him because of what happened yesterday.


    Therefore, he came to the meeting to show off and anger him.


    However¡­ Wasn''t it a little silly to show these off to him?


    He was a criminal. Would Han Kaiwei be angry if he showed off by showing how much incriminating evidence he had found?


    He would only feel that it was ridiculous.


    In that instant, he suddenly found his colleague''s pleasure.


    It turned out that bullying a fool was such an interesting thing.


    It was no wonder his colleagues liked to y with this fool.


    Therefore, he could not help but be in the mood to y along with this fool.


    Seeing the fool in front of him showing off how he found clues and analyzed the evidence, Han Kaiwei''s mood became extremely beautiful.


    He could barely keep the smile off his face.


    "Go on, tell me. When the truthes out, you''ll know how stupid you are¡­"


    At this moment, Fang Ze was also chatting very happily.


    Looking at the uncontroble smile on Agent Han''s face, he couldn''t help but want tough.


    "Laugh,ugh. When you know why I''ve told you so much, you''ll know how naive you are¡­"


    Just like that, the two of them, each with their own agenda, walked and chatted all the way to the meeting room.


    They looked at each other in the meeting room, wiped the "sincere" smiles from their faces, and nodded ever so slightly. Then, they each took their "victory" and returned to their seats.


    They went to their seats and sat down. Fang Ze smiled and looked down as he sorted through his folders.


    In the folder, there was the report he had writtenst night, as well as the precious artifact, the Magazine, that he had obtainedst night.


    He put the things away to avoid social embarrassment. Then, Fang Ze watched quietly as the seats of the meeting room were filled one by one.


    Since Fang Ze was the first few people to reach the meeting room, he saw almost every agent.


    For example, he saw a senior agent, Shan Hui, who was in his fifties and was the most senior member of the task force. He always had droopy eyelids, with tucked-in sleeves and a thermos in his hand. He constantly kept a low profile.


    Fang Ze also saw senior agent Cui Xuemin, who was fair-skinned and always wore a pair of gold-framed sses. It was said that his family had a strong background and he was just at the Investigation Department to be gilded.


    For example, Agent Qin and Agent Jiang, who had interacted with Fang Ze before, were also there.


    For example¡­ Fang Ze''s roommate, Wang Hao, was present as well.


    It didn''t matter whether it was the agent who came in first orter on.


    It didn''t matter whether it was an agent who had interacted with Fang Ze before or an agent he didn''t know well.


    Even though the meeting room was already full, they all nced in Fang Ze''s direction when they entered.


    Fang Ze took in everyone''s gaze and had a rough idea. It seemed that everyone knew his identity.


    The entire task force was cooperating with his acting.


    In that case¡­


    What kind of secret mission was Wang Hao''s mission? Was it a secret mission that everyone knew about?


    Fang Ze was simply speechless.


    He felt that his roommate was really too innocent. He had been casually fooled and believed him.


    He was still the best. At least he had worked hard to fabricate a persona and even created a "young dragon" to fool Wang Hao.


    How sincere!


    He then nced at his "colleagues" who were sitting on either side of the rectangr conference table and chatting quietly with the people around them.


    For some reason, Fang Ze thought this looked especially like arge-scale Werewolf game.


    Furthermore, it was one with 20 Prophets and one Werewolf.


    Fang Ze mentally simted the "game."


    "Please open your eyes, Prophet."


    Oh¡­ Everyone else opened their eyes.


    Only one Werewolf was still there with their eyes stupidly closed.


    Furthermore, the Werewolf thought that he was a Prophet who couldn''t open his eyes¡­


    Fang Ze remembered his experience in ying Werewolf in his previous life.


    How did Werewolves usually handle situations like this?


    Well¡­


    How could such an extremely unfair role allocation exist in the game!


    Fang Ze was even more disconste. "F*ck the reality¡­"


    What? He couldn''t swear?


    He had to be grateful for life.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, just as Fang Ze was feeling grateful, the Commissioner arrived.


    The Commissioner was the middle-aged man Fang Ze had reported to earlier. He was not tall, about 1.68 meters, with a big belly, a round face, small eyes, and a double chin. He always had a smile on his face.


    He seemed very gentle.


    Well¡­ This was Fang Ze''s previous impression of him.


    Now, his mentality was different. Looking at the Commissioner again, Fang Ze realized that although this man looked rich and kind, there was actually a glint in his small eyes.


    Moreover, he did not walk unsteadily like other fat men. Instead, he walked with a majestic gait. Coupled with his fat body, Fang Ze felt that he should have no problem beating up two Fang Ze''s.


    The Commissioner was still very dignified in the entire Investigation Department. He smiled all the time and looked harmless.


    However, as soon as he arrived, the entire meeting room instantly fell silent. Everyone could not help but sit upright. Their gaze followed him as he walked to the head of the meeting room and sat down.


    When he reached the head of the table in the meeting room, the Commissioner covered his mouth with his right hand and coughed twice. Then, he lowered his hand and said with a smile, "Let''s start the meeting."

 Chapter 12 The Power of the Extraordinary Item, the Magazine!

    ¡­


    The meeting started, but Fang Ze began to drift off while analyzing the information.


    "That''s strange¡­ Is no one from the Security Bureau here?"


    "Why didn''t theye to such an important regr meeting?"


    "Even if the beautiful noblewoman doesn''te, surely Executive Bai Ling, who gave Wang Hao the secret mission, or the person whomunicated with Wang Hao shoulde, right?"


    "Do they not care about the case itself? Or do they have other ns?"


    "Or¡­"


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze suddenly guessed something. As he pretended to listen attentively, he secretly looked around the meeting room.


    Sure enough, he soon found a hidden camera in a corner northeast of the meeting room.


    "So that''s the case, as expected¡­"


    "However, in that case, it looks like the Security Bureau won''t be showing up today."


    "Then, if I want toplete the n, I''ll have to be more radical¡­"


    "I hope that the Magazine is effective enough¡­"


    As Fang Ze pondered this, he suddenly felt the agent beside him touch his arm.


    He snapped out of it and looked at the agent beside him. Then, he realized that the Commissioner was looking at him.


    He coughed, then looked down and surreptitiously asked his "colleague" beside him, "What happened?"


    The "colleague" said in a low voice, "Uncle Shan Hui just said what he thinks. The Commissioner is asking for your opinion."


    Previously, in every regr meeting, when he encountered some questions rted to the case, the Commissioner would ask Fang Ze for his opinion.


    At that time, Fang Ze thought that it was because he was deeply trusted by the Commissioner.


    Last night¡­ He knew that it was actually because the Commissioner trusted him deeply.


    He was simply a big fool.


    Thus, when he''d just made the n, he''d been prepared to stop being a fool. This was also the beginning of his n¡­


    With that in mind, Fang Ze''s fingers, which had been in the folder since the meeting, gently folded over the first page of the Magazine.


    Once the pages of the Magazine were turned, its ability took effect.


    At that moment, Fang Ze felt as if a basin of cold water had fallen from the sky and drenched his head.


    A chill began to spread quickly from his head to his entire body.


    His brain was cold, as if he had lost all feelings. However, his thoughts were strangely clear.


    He seemed to have no emotion left in him. There were no distractions and no emotional turmoil.


    He carefully experienced this feeling.


    Fang Ze recovered, then calmly followed the n. He looked at the Commissioner and said without hesitation, "I''m sorry, Commissioner. I have no opinion."


    As soon as Fang Ze said this, the Commissioner froze.


    This was because he felt that Fang Ze seemed a little different today.


    It was clearly a rejection, but it sounded especially sincere.


    Therefore, he did not take it to heart. Instead, he nodded and said, "Alright, then¡­"


    However, he was halfway through his sentence when something that surprised him even more happened. Fang Ze actually interrupted him and said, "Commissioner¡­ Although I have no objections, I want to hear what Agent Han Kaiwei has to say."


    In the previous meetings, Fang Ze had always been very dutiful.


    He would simply answer what the Commissioner asked him.


    There had never been a time when he had asked the Commissioner a question, or led the conversation to someone else.


    This was the first time he had stepped out of line.


    However, for some reason, no one felt that his question was out of ce. They felt that his question¡­ didn''t seem wrong.


    Therefore, as soon as he said this, everyone present, including the Commissioner, looked at Agent Han in unison.


    At this moment, Han Kaiwei was dumbfounded. He had no idea what was going on.


    At the regr meetings, he had always been invisible. He justzed around and cked off.


    Now, with so many eyes suddenly on him, he couldn''t help but panic.


    However, he felt that he really should answer, so he thought hard about the clues that the other agents had just shared.


    It was just that he really wasn''t good at solving cases. Thus, in the end, after thinking about it for a minute, he waved his hand in shame and said, "I¡ªI don''t have any opinions."


    Seeing Han Kaiwei''s useless behavior, he probably couldn''t figure out why Fang Ze had brought the topic to him. For a moment, the meeting room fell silent.


    Everyone was thinking about the meaning of Fang Ze''s actions.


    At the same time, Fang Ze quietly observed the expressions of the agents. Seeing their contemtive expressions, he calmly made a judgment. The n had gone smoothly¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    In the end, it was the Commissioner who broke the atmosphere in the meeting room.


    Seeing that everyone was deep in thought, he chuckled and tapped his fingers lightly on the table. Then, he said, "Alright. Since neither Agent Fang Ze nor Agent Han Kaiwei has any ideas, let''s go next."


    With that, he turned to the next agent. "Tell me what you''ve learned this week, Senior Agent Cui Xuemin."


    Agent Cui snapped out of her daze at the Commissioner''s question. Then, she nodded gently and began to slowly tell him what she had discovered and deduced this week.


    Agent Cui finished, followed by Han Kaiwei. Wang Hao was next, and all the agents went down in turn.


    As in the beginning, every time the agents shared their findings, the Commissioner asked for Fang Ze''s opinion.


    Under the ''Sage'' buff, Fang Ze''s attitude was the same as before. He had no opinions.


    If Fang Ze showed this attitude after the first agent finished sharing, with the influence of the Magazine, no one would care.


    However, when Fang Ze showed this attitude to every agent, everyone gradually felt that something was wrong.


    Furthermore, there was something else that felt even more wrong to everyone.


    Every time Fang Ze finished saying that he had no opinions, he would look at Han Kaiwei and ask, "However, I want to ask Agent Han, do you have any opinions?"


    Han Kaiwei simply wanted to curse now!


    He was just a hooligan. He could abuse his power normally, but how could he solve a case?! They would be lucky if he didn''t cause trouble!


    He was tempted not to answer, but somehow, as soon as he saw Fang Ze''s cold face, he felt he needed to.


    Therefore, each time, he would think hard and finally force out an answer that said, "I¡­ have no opinions either."


    This made each of Fang Ze''s inquiries seem like a p in the face to Han Kaiwei. Furthermore, it was a series of ps from the left to the right in front of everyone.


    At first, he managed to hold on.


    However, when Fang Ze did this again and again, he was forced to think about it. In the end, he said, "I don''t know," "I don''t understand," and "I don''tprehend." He always felt that the way his colleagues in the meeting room looked at him was filled with only one word ¡ª trash.


    He felt his face burning. He was going crazy.


    He simply had no idea what Fang Ze was up to.


    Was Fang Ze messing with him?


    But what could this do to him?


    Everyone knew that Han Kaiwei was a scumbag, right?


    Throughout the meeting, the only thing that made Han Kaiwei feel a little better was that when it was his turn to talk about his information, Fang Ze still said, "No opinions." He didn''t specifically pick out a bunch of ws and continue to insult him.


    However, after heaving a sigh of relief, Agent Han felt extremely aggrieved. What the hell was going on!


    Had he, an agent, been forced by a criminal to this extent?


    Who was the criminal and who was the agent?!


    Why did this happen!


    Furthermore, that wasn''t the end of it.


    Things came to a head when it was Fang Ze''s turn to share information.


    In the face of the Commissioner''s question, Fang Ze sat upright in his chair and said expressionlessly, "I''m sorry, Commissioner. I don''t want to share my clues and information."


    This time, even under the influence of the Magazine, everyone understood that Fang Ze was not cooperating today.


    Everyone knew Fang Ze''s identity.


    Therefore, for a moment, the meeting room was filled with hidden waves. Even though no one spoke, the looks they exchanged revealed their suspicion and nervousness.


    At this moment, the Commissioner could no longer sit still.


    He narrowed his eyes and looked Fang Ze up and down carefully. Then, he forced a fake smile.


    After that, he stood up with his big belly and waved at Fang Ze. He said with a smile, "Come, Fang Ze, let''se out and talk."


    He left everyone else in the meeting room and headed straight for the door.


    Fang Ze wasn''t surprised. Or rather, perhaps everything was going ording to n.


    He stood up straight, then followed the Commissioner out of the meeting room.


    Behind them, dark waves surged in the meeting room. Many agents exchanged nces, and the ce where their gazes met the most was in Han Kaiwei''s direction.


    Clearly, although no one knew what had happened, everyone could tell what Fang Ze meant by targeting Han Kaiwei¡­


    A criminal versus an agent?


    This was too odd, right?


    What was even stranger was that when they "asked" themselves, everyone inexplicably felt that¡­ They wanted to support Fang Ze more.

 Chapter 13 Fang Ze Said, "Reporting! There is a Criminal in the Task Force!" (1)

    ¡­


    At the same time, the Commissioner led Fang Ze out of the makeshift meeting room.


    They strolled along the broken-tiled corridor until they reached the inner hall of the vi.


    When they reached the inner hall, the Commissioner looked up vaguely at the camera at the top, then stopped.


    With his back to Fang Ze, he dug into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled roll-up cigarette. He lowered his head and put it in his mouth, then pulled out the box of matches. He made a few swipes and lit a match.


    As he squinted, he took a deep drag on his cigarette. He turned, about to berate Fang Ze before testing him.


    However, when he saw Fang Ze, he inexplicably found himself unable to say anything harsh.


    Thus, finally, he looked at Fang Ze and asked gently, "Fang Ze. What''s wrong with you today? Is something bothering you?"


    In his ''Sage'' state, Fang Ze stood straight. When he heard the Commissioner''s question, he shook his head and said calmly, "Commissioner, there''s nothing."


    The Commissioner grunted as he nodded. Then, he asked thoughtfully, "Then¡­ did you have a conflict with your colleagues?"


    Fang Ze shook his head again. "Not really, Commissioner."


    The Commissioner grunted again. Then, with his cigarette between his fingers, he looked Fang Ze up and down slowly, as if to make sure he was telling the truth.


    However, for some reason, when he saw Fang Ze, he felt that he was especially sincere. It was impossible for him to lie.


    So, after a moment, his expression softened and his tone softened. "That''s good."


    After that, he paused and said soothingly, "This case is moreplicated, and it involves the Awakened."


    "The Awakened have many tricks that exceed our imagination."


    "So don''t be discouraged when you can''t find a clue. Don''t feel too pressured."


    "You''re young. Don''t feel burdened, and don''t get angry with your colleagues. Focus on your health and take care of yourself. The good times are yet toe."


    Fang Ze, who was in the ''Sage'' state, was not bought over by the Commissioner''s words.


    He nodded in agreement. "Commissioner, I understand."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of myself."


    "But¡­" He changed the subject. "I''m actually not under a lot of pressure. I have no problem getting along with my colleagues. In fact, I''ve found a lot of clues and information in the past week."


    At this point, Fang Ze calmly opened his folder and handed the Commissioner the report he''d written the day before.


    The Commissioner was visibly taken aback.


    Then, he put the cigarette in his mouth and took the report. He read it carefully as he squinted and smoked.


    Since Fang Ze had written this report before learning his true identity, he had written it very seriously and did not hide any clues.


    He had actually hesitated this morning about turning in this information.


    However, he thought of how many "spies" he had around him. Even if he didn''t report this information, the spies would report itter, so he no longer hesitated¡­


    ¡­


    The Commissioner finished reading the information in front of him, then looked up with a puzzled expression.


    He looked at Fang Ze, puzzled. "If you''ve got so many clues and information, why didn''t you share them at the meeting?"


    Knowing that the n had reached a critical step, Fang Ze was exceptionally calm under the influence of the Magazine.


    He looked directly at the Commissioner and said, "Reporting to the Commissioner, it''s because I have discovered another piece of vital information."


    As the Commissioner stubbed out his cigarette, he asked suspiciously, "What information?"


    Fang Ze shook his head slowly, his face expressionless as he spoke. "I can''t talk about it now. Not until I see an officer of the Security Bureau."


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s words, even though he was affected by the Magazine, the Commissioner still frowned.


    He said, "Huh?" Then, he asked, "Why?"


    Fang Ze said nothing. He didn''t exin. He just stared at the Commissioner.


    Seeing Fang Ze like this, the Commissioner''s frown deepened.


    He wanted to say something harsh, but when he saw Fang Ze''s pleasant face, he couldn''t.


    Therefore, in the end, he slowed down and advised, "Fang Ze, I don''t know what key information you''ve obtained."


    "However, just so you know, you''re on the task force."


    "Whatever it is, you should report directly to me. After all, some things change when they get to the Security Bureau."


    Fang Ze still didn''t say anything. He just looked at the Commissioner expressionlessly.


    Seeing how uncooperative Fang Ze was, even though he was affected by the supernatural power, the Commissioner could not help but feel his blood boil and his eyelids twitch.


    Normally, Fang Ze would probably panic in the face of such a situation.


    However, at this moment, Fang Ze acted as if he didn''t see the Commissioner''s expression or feel his irritation. He continued to look at him calmly.


    And so, as the minutes passed, the tension grew.


    Just as the Commissioner was about tosh out in anger, his face suddenly changed. Then, he put his hands to his ears as if he were listening to something.


    His entire state hadpletely changed.


    Although he had been gentle in front of Fang Ze just now, he had always been like a superior encouraging a subordinate.


    However, his plump face was now filled with ttery and smiles. He bent forward with his neck down.


    After a while, the Commissioner''s expression faded as he straightened his back and neck.


    Then, he looked at Fang Ze with aplicated expression and said, "An officer of the Security Bureau agreed to see you."


    Fang Ze nodded impassively at the Commissioner''s words, as if he''d heard a perfectly ordinary announcement.


    His expression and movements were no different from before, but the Commissioner in front of him looked suddenly startled.


    Then, the Commissioner narrowed his eyes and looked Fang Ze up and down suspiciously.


    After a moment, the Commissioner asked, "Fang Ze. Why do you¡­ feel a little different from before?"


    Fang Ze replied nkly, "Commissioner, I don''t know what you mean."


    The Commissioner frowned and raised his hand as if to gesture.


    However, after opening his mouth a few times, he didn''t know how to describe it.


    In the end, perhaps thinking that he couldn''t dy the matter with the Security Bureau, he lowered his hand resentfully and said, "Alright. It''s fine. Let''s go up first."


    Fang Ze nodded calmly again, as if he waspletely unaffected by what had just happened.


    However, what no one saw was that his hand had unknowingly gripped the seam of his pants tightly. His fingers were clenched until they were white, and his palms were covered in sweat¡­


    "¡­ Are they here so soon?"


    "Damn."


    "So I''m on my own after this?"


    "Goodness."


    "I''m going to die, I''m going to die¡­"


    ¡­


    Five minutester.


    On the second floor of the vi.


    In the room where he hadst reported to the Commissioner, Fang Ze met with the representative from the Security Bureau.


    It wasn''t the beautiful young woman he had seen that day, but the young woman who had given Wang Hao the mission.


    Just as Wang Hao had described in his heart, the girl didn''t look old. She only seemed to be 16 or 17 years of age.


    She was very pretty, as if she was made of pink jade. She had her hairbed into two buns and was a little cute.


    Her eyes were intelligent, and her huge eyes seemed as if they could speak. She carried a huge eight-edged pumpkin hammer on her back, forming a stark contrast to her delicate body.


    His eyes rested on the girl for a moment.


    Fang Ze mentally recalled the information he had about her.


    "Her code name is Bai Ling."


    "Her Awakened ability is unknown."


    "She is a Level-2 Executive of the operations team in the Security Bureau."


    The Commissioner visibly rxed when he saw the young woman. The ttery was gone, but he still greeted her with a smile. "Executive Bai Ling, are you handling this?"


    Fang Ze pretended to look at the two of them calmly and secretly added an analysis.


    "A Level-2 Executive is probably the equivalent of the Investigation Department Commissioner in a low-leveled city."


    "It seems that the ranks in the Security Bureau are indeed very high."


    Compared to the Commissioner''s gentleness, the girl''s attitude was interesting.


    She looked at the Commissioner with her big watery eyes and then said mischievously, "Commissioner Pang, I haven''t seen you for a few days and you seem to have put on weight. Have you been out feasting again?"


    Upon hearing her words, the Commissioner chuckled and rubbed his round belly. He waved his hand and said, "Not at all, not at all. Executive Bai Ling, don''t make fun of me."


    They exchanged a few casual pleasantries before sitting down.


    Between the two of them, it was obvious that the girl was in charge.


    Therefore, after sitting down, she tilted her head to look at Fang Ze and took the initiative to speak.


    She spoke with a voice as crisp as silver bells. It was very pleasant.


    "I hear you have important information to report to the Security Bureau?"


    "Now that I''m here, can you talk?"


    Although the ability had lost its effect, now that the n hade to this, Fang Ze had no choice.


    Therefore, although he was extremely nervous, he could only continue acting.


    Thus, he continued to pretend to be calm. He nodded first. Then, he looked at the girl and then at the Commissioner before speaking.


    "Commissioner, this is the reason I wasn''t willing to share the information I obtained at the meeting."


    "This is also the reason I wasn''t willing to report this to you alone."


    "It''s because¡­"


    "I''ve discovered a shocking secret."


    "There is a criminal in our task force."


    "Furthermore, the criminal is a suspect of this murder case!"

 Chapter 14 Fang Ze Said, "Reporting! There is a Criminal in the Task Force!" (2)

    They had long expected Fang Ze to reveal an important piece of information.


    However, after hearing Fang Ze''s shocking words, the Commissioner and the young girl still felt their heads buzz.


    They could no longer hide their surprise. They looked at Fang Ze with shock.


    Without the influence of the supernatural power, their reaction was very normal.


    The girl was tense and alert.


    Meanwhile, the Commissioner''s hand was already reflexively reaching for the gun at his waist.


    However, when he thought of the young girl, who was an Awakened, beside him, he forcefully restrained his actions and quietly touched his big stomach.


    The peaceful atmosphere in the room waspletely ruined by Fang Ze''s words.


    The atmosphere grew heavy and somber.


    Fang Ze remained calm, but his calves were already trembling.


    However, when he thought about how he would be finished if he admitted defeat now, he could only keep recalling his state when he was affected by the Magazine and force himself to calm down.


    In the end, it was the Commissioner who spoke first.


    Without the influence of the Magazine, he looked at Fang Ze like he was an ordinary criminal.


    Thus, his body tensed up and his tiny eyes glittered as he asked with a fake smile, "Really? In that case, who''s the criminal?"


    Fang Ze didn''t seem to notice their wariness. He simply looked straight into the Commissioner''s eyes and said without hesitation, "It''s Han Kaiwei, Agent Han."


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s answer, the girl and the Commissioner were clearly stunned for a moment.


    The atmosphere suddenly became strange¡­


    After a moment, the girl came to her senses. Then, her body rxed, and she looked at Fang Ze withrge, sparkling eyes. Her long eyshes flickered, and curiosity shone in them. "Why do you think Agent Han Kaiwei is a criminal?"


    The moment he saw Han Kaiwei today, Fang Ze had actually made this n to kill two birds with one stone.


    Furthermore, he''did the groundwork for it all morning. Now it was time to reap the benefits.


    Although he didn''t know if it would work without the influence of the extraordinary power, he could only try.


    Thus, he said slowly, "Actually, it started a week ago."


    "At the time, afterst week''s regr meeting, the other agents at the meeting shared a lot of clues. Thus, that night, I summarized the clues and made a lot of assumptions and deductions."


    "Then, I discovered that this criminal gang''s n was very thorough and professional."


    "In that case, they shouldn''t have only three Awakened who are attacking head-on."


    "There should still be at least one Awakened with probing abilities and a strong backup n."


    Fang Ze paused at this point. Then, he looked at the Commissioner and said, "I reported this to you a few days ago, Commissioner. You should be able to testify."


    The Commissioner had been listening intently.


    He recovered from his daze at Fang Ze''s words.


    Although he didn''t know why he suddenly didn''t like the criminal in front of him, he didn''t need to like him to testify, so he nodded to the young girl beside him and testified, "I can indeed testify to this. Agent Fang Ze did report his conjecture to me a few days ago."


    The girl''s big eyes blinked.


    Fang Ze continued, "After reporting to the Commissioner, I went downstairs and continued my investigation."


    "However, then, when I got to the ground floor, I suddenly saw a lot of my colleagues. That was when a bold idea came to me."


    He paused at that.


    Then, his gaze swept over the two of them and he said, "Hypothetically speaking, my guess is correct. There really is a strong backup in that criminal gang that can turn the tide."


    "In that case, is it possible that the ''strong backup n'' doesn''t refer to someone with a powerful Awakened ability?"


    "Rather¡­ Could it be someone with powerful abilities to end things?"


    "For example¡­"


    "An agent from the crime district."


    The girl nodded thoughtfully, then continued crisply, "So, you suspect that the backup might not be an Awakened."


    "Furthermore, are you saying that an agent from the crime district could conveniently destroy clues or induce the direction of investigation by the Investigation Department?"


    Fang Ze nodded seriously.


    The more he talked, the more rxed he became. "At first it was just a guess."


    "Thus, the next day, I started getting in touch with each of my colleagues on the task force in turn to see if there were any more suspicious targets."


    When he said this, the Commissioner couldn''t help but turn to the girl.


    The Commissioner knew that the Security Bureau had been monitoring Fang Ze''s movements.


    The girl nodded slightly without batting an eyelid, confirming Fang Ze''s words to the Commissioner.


    Fang Ze noticed their little exchange, but he pretended not to and continued. "In the end, unexpectedly, while I was secretly investigating, I realized I was being followed."


    "I felt that something was wrong."


    "Thus, I took the opportunity to alert the enemy and deliberately lure that person out."


    "In the end, I didn''t expect that¡­ The person following me was Han Kaiwei, Agent Han¡­"


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s words, the girl and the Commissioner fell silent¡­


    The girl could not help but turn to the Commissioner.


    Meanwhile, the Commissioner looked thoughtful for a moment, then gave her a small nod.


    Fang Ze "didn''t know" that someone was watching him, but they knew.


    Earlier, the Commissioner was recalling the schedule of the surveince personnel. After recalling, he confirmed that Han Kaiwei was in charge that day.


    After the two of them exchanged information, they could not help but feel a little speechless.


    The agent on surveince was discovered by the criminal, who in turn mistook that agent for the criminal.


    Was there anything more awkward or embarrassing in this world?


    They had thought that this was the end of it.


    Unexpectedly, Fang Ze did not stop his story. Instead, he continued, "Of course, it''s just that I was followed. I''m not sure that Agent Han is the backup n for the criminal organization."


    "So, I tested him."


    "I pretended I was going east to search for evidence, but he actually followed my lead and said he was going to the east too."


    "Thus, I took the opportunity to shake him off so that he couldn''t continue to follow me."


    "Meanwhile, on the way out, I also tried to guess his intentions."


    "He probably figured out that I was the one on the task force who found the most clues and had the most urate deduction of the case, so he wanted to follow me to destroy the clues or silence me."


    The Commissioner was speechless.


    Bai Ling was also speechless.


    Meanwhile, Fang Ze waspletely absorbed in his emotions.


    He did not care if the Commissioner and the young girl believed him or not. In any case, he hadpletely put himself into the role of an agent that worked for the country and continued to berate Han Kaiwei!


    "Actually, at the time, I was still skeptical. I wondered if I was jumping to conclusions."


    "However, that same night I got the results from my colleagues in the identification team."


    "The results contained evidence of the existence of a fourth Awakened."


    "It means my deductions about the fourth and fifth members may well be correct."


    "Plus, it urred to me that Agent Han''s performance at every regr meeting was average. He didn''t provide much valuable information."


    "Thus, I''m even more suspicious of him!"


    The Commissioner and the girl looked at each other thoughtfully.


    Fang Ze continued, "So I decided to test him onest time."


    At this point, Fang Ze finally got to his n for the day.


    He said, "So, before I went to the meeting today, I specifically met with Agent Han."


    "I told him everything I''d learned this past week."


    "I allowed him to have my information."


    "Furthermore, at the meeting, I kept giving him the opportunity to express his views on the case."


    "However, he said nothing."


    "In fact¡­"


    At this point, Fang Ze paused. "In the end, he didn''t even share the information I told him."


    "It made me really sure that there was something wrong with his identity."


    "As for my suspicions about Agent Han, why did I report them directly to the Security Bureau?"


    "It''s because I think that criminal organization is extremely dangerous. There''s a good chance their members have all Awakened."


    "Agent Han is usually sloppy and doesn''t seem to know anything."


    "However, it''s very likely that he''s actually a hidden Awakened expert!"


    "In that case, if the Investigation Department acted on their own, not only might he have escaped, but we might also suffer heavy casualties."


    "In addition, Agent Han''s identity is only a guess of mine. Furthermore, it involves a colleague. Thus, it is very sensitive. Once I tell the Commissioner, the Commissioner will have to take the responsibility."


    "That''s why I wanted to report to an officer of the Security Bureau myself!"


    At this, Fang Ze looked at the two of them with a righteous expression. He saluted them with less than perfect respect and said, "Sir and Ma''am, I''ve finished my report."


    After hearing Fang Ze''splete spection, the entire office fell silent.


    The girl and the Commissioner looked at each other with a slight headache.


    Although they knew that Fang Ze''s discovery and deduction were all wrong, but¡­ they couldn''t tell him directly!


    Could they tell him that Agent Han was spying on him because he was a criminal?


    Thus, the fulcrum of all his deductions was wrong.


    Wasn''t this crazy?


    Therefore, after a moment, the Commissioner rubbed his temples. With a slight headache, he said to Fang Ze, "Agent Fang Ze, what you said is a little important. Can you give us some time to consider and decide?"


    Although the Commissioner and the girl tried their best to hide their emotions, Fang Ze still saw through their thoughts.


    However, Fang Ze wasn''t depressed, because this was the effect he wanted!


    He didn''t really suspect Agent Han. He just wanted to smooth over his abnormality over the past two days and cause trouble for the task force!


    And now, he had done it.


    He breathed a sigh of relief at the thought.


    He had actually seeded!


    He actually carried out the n without the influence of the extraordinary power!


    As he thought this, Fang Ze insisted on acting out thest bit.


    He nodded seriously. "Of course, Sir."


    "However¡­"


    He paused, then said, "I still want you to make a decision as soon as possible, Sir. After all, once Agent Han senses that something is wrong, he''s likely to explode with his Awakened powers, run away, or even take drastic action."


    The Commissioner was speechless.


    Bai Ling was also speechless.


    After saying this, Fang Ze saluted unevenly again. Then, ignoring their reactions, he strode out of the office, pretending to be calm.

 Chapter 15 Why Is This Criminal So Arrogant?

    After exiting the room, looking at the camera hanging overhead, Fang Ze didn''t dare to do anything unusual.


    It wasn''t until he reached the top of the stairs and made sure there were no cameras watching that he dared to take a few deep breaths. He patted his legs, which were barely able to keep him standing, and slowly made his way downstairs.


    When he reached the first floor, the agents who had been in the temporary meeting room for the meeting were already outside.


    They had obviously seen the scene where Fang Ze had followed the Commissioner to meet the officer of the Security Bureau. Therefore, instead of continuing to sit around in the meeting room, they gathered downstairs and waited for news.


    Everyone knew Fang Ze''s identity.


    Therefore, in the face of his sudden abnormality today, although the agents did not feel too abnormal due to the influence of the Magazine, they still felt an insecurity that the situation was out of their control.


    Therefore, when they saw Fang Ze go downstairs alone, they couldn''t help but look over.


    Fang Ze was not surprised to see the gazes of his "colleagues."


    He had acted to obtain this result. He wanted to add a little "vitality" to this "dead" task force.


    He wanted to let these "Prophets" discover that their "Werewolf" might not be as simple as they thought.


    Of course, he had to put on a show. Therefore, he ignored everyone''s gazes and looked straight at Agent Han, who was also looking at him.


    This time, he didn''t bother to hide his hostility. He simply raised his hand and gestured for Agent Han to cut his head off. Then, he turned and left the vi.


    Seeing Fang Ze''s arrogance, the atmosphere in the hall on the first floor of the vi instantly became eerily quiet.


    All the agents looked surprised and then looked at each other.


    No one knew exactly what had happened.


    No one knew why the criminal in front of them was so arrogant and even dared to openly threaten an agent.


    They couldn''t shake the feeling that the tables had turned.


    It was as if they were the criminals and Fang Ze was the agent. Furthermore, Fang Ze was the only agent¡­


    ¡­


    Meanwhile.


    In a room on the second floor of the vi.


    After Fang Ze left, the girl, Bai Ling, and the Commissioner sat there looking at each other.


    A momentter, the wall in the room silently split into two. Bai Zhi, the beautiful young woman from the Security Bureau, walked out leisurely.


    When they saw Bai Zhi, Bai Ling and the Commissioner quickly stood up to wee her.


    A pretty smile bloomed on Bai Ling''s face as she called out, "Sister Bai."


    On the other hand, the Commissioner seemed to have doubled over again and lowered his neck considerably. He put on his ttering smile again and greeted him respectfully. "Ma''am."


    Bai Zhi hummed softly in response to their greeting.


    Then, she came to them, sat down gracefully, and asked them, "Tell me what you think?"


    Although she was speaking to both of them, her beautiful eyes were only on the Commissioner.


    At that moment, the Commissioner''s forehead was beaded with sweat.


    He lowered his head a little more, then whispered, "Ma''am, I think there might be some misunderstanding."


    Bai Zhi said with a smile, "Just now, I listened to Fang Ze''s conversation while getting someone to retrieve the relevant surveince cameras. Everything he said is true."


    "This also includes the fact that he revealed all the information to Agent Han."


    "Before, I was doubting what exactly he was doing with his actions yesterday and today."


    "Looking at it now, I''d say he''s looking for a ''spy'' in the task force."


    Upon hearing Bai Zhi''s words, the Commissioner became even more nervous.


    He swallowed and hesitated for a moment. However, in the end, he said carefully, "Ma''am. Agent Han has been with me for nearly ten years. Although his ability is a little poor, his character is bad, and his personality is not great, he''s definitely not¡­"


    He wanted to defend Agent Han, but Bai Zhi raised her hand slightly and interrupted him.


    The beautiful woman did not argue with the Commissioner. She just looked at him with a faint smile and said gently, "Commissioner Pang, these are all the internal affairs of your Investigation Department. You don''t have to report to me. Just deal with it as you see fit."


    "However, please don''t leak any more information¡­"


    Bai Zhi was clearly being considerate, but at that moment, the sweat on the Commissioner''s forehead flowed down his face.


    His head lowered sharply, then he said seriously, "Yes, Ma''am. I understand."


    When he looked up again, there was a ruthlessness in his eyes. Then, he gave Bai Zhi a standard salute and turned to leave the room.


    ¡­


    That afternoon, Han Kaiwei was taken down on the spot by a few senior agents and stripped of his clothes and equipment.


    Then, he was imprisoned in the basement of the vi, guarded by two trainee agents.


    No one knew why this had happened, not even the senior agent on the capture mission.


    Not to mention Han Kaiwei.


    Han Kaiwei, who was in the cer, fell into deep confusion after the hysteria.


    He felt horribly aggrieved.


    After all the bad things he''d done, he hadn''t been suspended. However, all he''d done was piss off a criminal, and he''d been suspended?


    Was there anything more ridiculous in this world?


    Was he a criminal or an inspector on a secret visit?


    Most of the other agents on the task force had the same thought.


    They really wanted to know what Han Kaiwei had done and what Fang Ze had done.


    However, no matter which one of them went to the Commissioner for information, he kept his mouth shut and "couldn''t leak any more information."


    The agents didn''t know it was an order from the Security Bureau, only that this incident was highly ssified, which only made it seem more unusual.


    Therefore, in the hearts of these agents, Fang Ze was shrouded in a mysterious fog¡­


    Was he¡­ really just an ordinary criminal?


    Did he have a special identity?


    Or¡­ Was there some inside story that no one knew about?


    ¡­


    While the task force was in an internal uproar, Fang Ze was secretly nning his future while loafing off.


    The first time he came into contact with the extraordinary power, Fang Ze was convinced by this magical power.


    In an instant, he was filled with strength, his thoughts were extremely agile, and he was calm. He was not afraid or hesitant. It was simply too wonderful.


    Furthermore, this was only the most ordinary "buff" ability.


    How amazing would it be if he had abilities like the "scalpel" ability of the ''Doctor'', or the ability of the ''Skeleton'' to change bodies at will, just like what was written in the records?


    As a transmigrator, he had arrived in such a magical world.


    If he didn''t really have an ability that belonged to him and traveled to the peak of the Awakened, wouldn''t he be embarrassing his senior transmigrators?


    For the current Fang Ze, there was no other way to awaken his abilities. He could only rely on the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Therefore, he quickly set his goal, which was to obtain high-value information from the people on the "prosecution" list and obtain his first Awakened ability as soon as possible¡­


    He just had to grind his way through! As a veteran yer of a domestic mobile game, he was already used to it!


    And so, the day passed quickly.


    That night, when Fang Ze finished cking off and returned to the task force for dinner, he realized that his "colleagues" were looking at him differently.


    In the past, they had looked at him with special "passion" as if he were an animal in a zoo.


    Now there was hesitation, confusion, even a hint of wariness in their eyes.


    At that moment, Fang Ze knew that the Security Bureau and the Commissioner had probably taken action on Agent Han.


    However, this had been part of Fang Ze''s n.


    After all, even if it was for the sake of appeasing Fang Ze, in order to keep the show going, Agent Han had to be arrested.


    As for whether they would wait until the case was over before reinstating Agent Han orpensating him, that had nothing to do with Fang Ze.


    In any case, Fang Ze''s goal was just to smooth over the abnormality of the past two days and muddy the waters at the same time to buy himself time to "develop" in peace.


    Now that everything was settled, he could spend the rest of the day in the task force pretending to solve the case while looking for an escape route. At night, he could "investigate" the people around him and gain an Awakened ability.


    It was simply perfect!


    While he was devising his strategy¡­


    Suddenly, Senior Agent Cui Xuemin walked into the cafeteria with an announcement.


    When he reached the agents, Cui Xuemin adjusted his sses on the bridge of his nose and nced around at all of them. He put on an amiable smile and spoke slowly.


    "This is a task force announcement. From 8am tomorrow morning, the task force will no longer be confined to this case."


    "Take the day off tomorrow. All the agents can go home and rest, or go to the city and rx."


    "After tomorrow, you can also go out looking for clues, but you have to report back to the task force at night."


    "If you need to go out for many days and not return to the task force, that''s fine, but please report in advance."


    Fang Ze was confused.


    ????

 Chapter 16 These Two People Are Very Scheming

    ¡­


    At the same time, in the secret base of the Security Bureau within the vi¡­


    Bai Ling, the young girl with the pumpkin hammer, was sitting on the table. She swung her fair and smooth legs as she chatted with Bai Zhi.


    "Sister Bai, why did you force Commissioner Pang to deal with that agent?"


    "That agent obviously wasn''t a spy, was he? He was a little rough around the edges, but he didn''t mean to attract Fang Ze''s attention."


    "Thus, there''s no need to be so harsh, is there?"


    Upon hearing Bai Ling''s words, the beautiful young woman who was as charming as a flower, Bai Zhi, smiled.


    She rxed her arms and wrapped them around Bai Ling. Then, she rested her chin on Bai Ling''s head. As she stroked Bai Ling, she said indulgently, "Little Bai Ling, you must remember."


    "We''re working on a case. It''s a team effort."


    "Thus, stupid teammates are a lot scarier than good opponents."


    "With such a stupid teammate like that around, if he can screw you up once, he can screw you up a second time."


    "In that case, kicking him off the team before it''s toote and making up for the mistakes he made in time to avoid any further problems is the right thing to do."


    "Besides¡­ When you do something, you have to know your priorities."


    "In this case, Han Kaiwei is an insignificant character."


    "It''s the case that matters."


    "Furthermore¡­ More importantly, it''s Fang Ze."


    Bai Zhi''s words made Bai Ling''s mouth form an ''O'' in shock.


    She had to ask, "Is Fang Ze more important than this case? Why?"


    Bai Zhi smiled and patted her little head. "Silly Bai Ling, it''s because we''re not the Investigation Department. We''re the Security Bureau."


    "Our goal is to keep the country safe, not solve crimes."


    "Furthermore¡­ with Fang Ze''s help, isn''t this case basically settled?"


    "What we don''t know is the true identity, whereabouts, and purpose of these suspects."


    At this point, her beautiful eyes could not help but be a little solemn. "How many years has it been since such an organization appeared?"


    "They''re operating under our noses, but we can''t even find any information about them."


    "Furthermore, two of them appeared at once."


    "Apart from Fang Ze, everyone else in these two organizations is actually transparent."


    "Just thinking about it makes me shudder¡­"


    "That''s why the Chief sent me to personally oversee the investigation."


    "Now, we only have Fang Ze as a bargaining chip."


    "We have to use his remaining memories to find clues about these two organizations, or stimte him to regain his memories and obtain direct information¡­"


    "Alternatively, we can lure these two organizations to attack him and expose our ws¡­"


    "These days, I''ve spent so much effort to get the Investigation Department to put on an act for this purpose¡­"


    "As long as I can achieve this goal, everything else can be sacrificed¡­"


    "So¡­ do you think Fang Ze is important?"


    At the beautiful woman''s words, Bai Ling nodded as if she understood.


    A momentter, she jumped down from the table. Then, she bent her arms in a cute supportive gesture. "Sister Bai, I don''t understand what you''re saying. But! Anyway, just tell me what you need me to do!"


    Seeing how cute Bai Ling was, Bai Zhi immediately smiled until her eyes curved into crescents.


    She hugged the girl and then said, "Bai Ling is so considerate."


    "However, Sister really needs your help."


    At this, she leaned close to Bai Ling''s soft little ear and whispered, "Remember Fang Ze''s neighbor?"


    "The task force is on holiday tomorrow¡­ You¡­"


    Her voice became softer and softer, and was almost inaudible. Only Bai Ling''s lively eyes kept blinking¡­


    ¡­


    After returning to his temporary residence from the canteen, Fang Ze was still unable to calm down.


    The task force would no longer be confined to this case.


    They would have a holiday.


    They could leave and enter the task force at will.


    Was there such a good thing in this world?


    Fang Ze wasn''t convinced.


    Especially after what he had done today, Fang Ze found it even more unbelievable.


    ¡­What the hell was the task force doing?


    What the hell was the Security Bureau doing now?


    Fang Ze felt as if a huge conspiracy was looming over him.


    It was only because there was so little information that he couldn''t see what was happening.


    After thinking for a long time and really unable to think of anything, Fang Ze decided not to think about it anymore.


    He felt that there was no point in dwelling on it.


    To resolve this matter, the most important thing was strength!


    Once he had a powerful Awakened ability or a precious artifact, the immediate crisis would be resolved.


    No matter how many tricks they had, he would break them all!


    At the thought of this, Fang Ze packed up and prepared to go to bed to obtain his awakening ability.


    However, at that moment, the door to the temporary residence was suddenly pushed open. Wang Hao walked in with a book in his arms and a smile on his face.


    Fang Ze had never seen his roommate so happy.


    How could such a dead face have such a rich expression?


    With that thought, Fang Ze couldn''t help but ask curiously, "Are you that happy about having a holiday?"


    Wang Hao was obviously taken aback by Fang Ze''s words.


    He feltpelled to ask, "What holiday?"


    It was Fang Ze''s turn to be puzzled. "Didn''t you know that the task force lifted the lockdown, and we have a holiday tomorrow?"


    Wang Hao shook his head nkly.


    "He''s actually not happy about the holiday?" Fang Ze was even more puzzled.


    He asked, "Then why were you so happy just now?"


    Wang Hao was obviously not a good liar. He stammered, not knowing what to say.


    Fang Ze studied Wang Hao for a moment. Then, his gaze fell on the book in Wang Hao''s hand. He smiled knowingly. "It''s the district''s ''intelligence magazine'' again, isn''t it?"


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s words, Wang Hao nodded quickly. "Yes, yes, yes!"


    Fang Ze smiled.


    "It doesn''t look like it''s because of the Magazine¡­"


    He felt that his roommate was really a little silly and cute.


    With his roommate''s thin skin, if he was really happy because of the "intelligence magazine", he would definitely hide it and not dare to say it.


    Now that he''d admitted it so readily, he was probably trying to cover up something more important, something Fang Ze couldn''t know about.


    "For Wang Hao to be happy enough to lose control of his emotions¡­"


    "Furthermore, he can''t let me know about it¡­"


    Then, he thought about his roommate''s frugal hobbies and bleak social circle¡­


    Fang Ze suddenly froze.


    Could it be that¡­ His roommate had obtained some key information about the case and wanted to tell "him" about it? Was that why he was so happy?


    Then, he thought about how he had obtained a precious artifact the first time he summoned his roommatest night.


    Fang Ze couldn''t help but think, "Why don''t I¡­ summon my roommate again tonight?"


    After all,pared to others, the possibility of obtaining a high-value "reward" from his roommate was much higher¡­


    However, wouldn''t it be a little hical to only catch one sheep to fleece?


    ¡­


    The stars moved west. One by one, the lights of the temporary residence went out. Gradually, the whole ce was swallowed by darkness.


    In the temporary residence, Fang Ze also fell asleep.


    In the dream, he seemed to be very irritable and was shouting at a girl.


    The girl was dressed in gray. Her face was dirty and her hair was a mess. She looked sloppy.


    However, if one looked closely, they would discover that under the dust, she had a in and beautiful face. She had the innocence of a first love and a temperament that made people pity her.


    "Fang Ze" seemed to be having an argument with her, so he kept shouting at her.


    However, the girl didn''t say anything. She just looked down and didn''t say anything. She was still holding two yellow dough balls tightly in her hands.


    A momentter, "he" pushed her to the ground and kicked her hard.


    The girl protected the two dough balls with her hands and curled up into a ball on the ground, trembling. She didn''t dare to resist¡­


    "Ah!" Fang Ze shouted, waking up from his dream in a sweat. Then, he found himself in the Late-Night Investigation Room again.

 Chapter 17 This Transcendent Creature is Called the "Phoenix"

    In the Late-Night Investigation Room, everything was the same as it had been before he leftst night.


    There were two quiet sets of tables and chairs, amp, and a steel door.


    The Magazine on the table had been brought to the real world by him, so it disappeared from inside the room.


    Fang Ze did not start today''s "investigation" directly like the previous two times. Instead, he sat down and began to think.


    Actually, ever since he transmigrated, Fang Ze would dream every night.


    However, the previous dreams were not clear. In addition, he did not have a deep impression of them, so Fang Ze had never remembered them.


    However, tonight''s dream was too real and infuriating.


    It also made Fang Ze remember it well.


    He could not help but start to think.


    Could it be that these dreams were the memories of his predecessor?


    In that case, who was that girl? What was her connection with "him"?


    Was she an enemy?


    Why did "he" treat her like that?


    After thinking for a long time with no result, Fang Ze could only pat his face to clear his mind.


    "What girl are you thinking about! Does the girl smell good, or is she soft in your arms?"


    "The most important thing now is to obtain an Awakened ability!"


    "Without an Awakened ability, I won''t even be able to control myself, let alone others¡­"


    "Therefore, I should first think of a way to continue my ''mysterious man'' persona and obtain more information from the sheep¡­ Pfft, from Wang Hao to obtain better ''rewards''¡­"


    With that thought in mind, Fang Ze stopped thinking about the girl and sat down at the table. Then, he turned on themp and began to adjust theyout of the room slightly.


    ¡­


    Last night''s "miracle" had a huge impact on Wang Hao''s life.


    If it hadn''t been for the incredible rity of his memory, the way he remembered theyout of that room, and the way he remembered every word of the mysterious man, he might actually have suspected that everything was just a dream.


    When he got up the next day, it wasn''t as if he hadn''t suspected that everything was fake.,or that the mystery man had forgotten about him on a whim.


    However, he had thought about it.


    In either case, he was going to spy on his roommate and investigate the case. Even if he didn''t tell the mysterious man, he still had to do these things.


    He wouldn''t lose anything by doing so.


    In that case, why hesitate?


    Therefore, on this day, he doubled his efforts to investigate the case. He even tried to ask about the case when he reported the information to the interlocutor at the security bureau at night.


    In the end, this unintentional move actually allowed him to obtain a shocking secret. It alsopletely changed the direction of his "story"!


    He felt that this secret would definitely interest the mysterious man!


    Thus, he returned to the dormitory in high spirits.


    In the end, his criminal roommate almost noticed something.


    Fortunately, through his cleverness, he managed to muddle through.


    Therefore, he did not dare to dy. After washing up, he went to bed early and fell asleep, waiting for the mysterious man to summon him¡­


    ¡­


    When he woke up, as expected, Wang Hao saw the mysterious man fromst night again¡­


    Thest time he met with the mysterious man was in an extremely luxurious room. At that time, Wang Hao was shocked by the luxury of that room.


    However, this time, when he saw the scene before him, he was even more shocked¡­


    This was because in front of him was a volcanic cave filled with heat waves, mes burning, and the wind howling like a steam whistle¡­


    Meanwhile, the mysterious man fromst night was standing on the churningva not far away, as if he was waiting for something.


    Wang Hao couldn''t help but gasp at the terrifying scene before him.


    However, at that moment, the mysterious man waved his hand and said, "Don''t make a sound. It''sing out soon¡­"


    ¡­


    "It''sing out soon?"


    "Who''sing out soon?"


    Wang Hao was a little confused.


    "Is there a third person here?"


    Just as he was thinking this, the magma not far away suddenly erupted, as if a huge creature had crawled out of it.


    "Moo!" The creature cried to the sky. It burst out of theva in mes, sending up a wave of heat.


    Feeling the heat wave and the surging mes in his face, Wang Hao curled up into a ball. He felt like he was about to melt!


    Despair filled him.


    He had never expected to die here.


    At this moment, the "mysterious man" seemed to have noticed his miserable state.


    The mysterious man waved his hand, and a royal blue cover appeared in front of Wang Hao.


    The cover looked as thin as a cicada''s wing and seemed as if it would break with a poke.


    However, it isted the surging heat wave and the roaring mes outside.


    Wang Hao suddenly felt alive.


    It also gave him time to check on the mysterious man.


    He saw the mysterious man chuckle. "Naughty little fellow¡­" Then, he reached out and grabbed the air.


    In an instant, the mes that filled the sky seemed to be torn apart by a giant hand. They exploded and turned to dust before slowly falling to the ground.


    The ashes formed a small mound on the ground.


    A momentter, an ugly, chick-like creature emerged from the ashes.


    It shook its neck gently to dislodge the ashes, then raised its slender neck and cried out as it looked around with its lively eyes.


    Seeing the shocking scene in front of him, Wang Hao couldn''te back to his senses for a long time.


    After a moment, when he came back to his senses, he couldn''t help but say softly, "S¨CSir¡­ W¨Cwhat is this?"


    The mysterious man walked over with a smile, then waved his hand. The chick-like creature immediately flew into his hand.


    As he stroked the ugly creature, he said, "I''ve been thinking since thest time I failed to create a disaster creature."


    "Why must life end in death?"


    "Can''t a creature be born from death and then move on to new life?"


    At this point, he said, "So, I created this transcendent life form, the phoenix¡­"


    "It is born from a death by mes. Then, at the end of its life, it will turn into mes and wee new life. As long as the mes aren''t extinguished, it will never die¡­"


    Wang Hao''s jaw dropped at the mysterious man''s words.


    To be honest, he didn''t really understand, but he felt that¡­ It was amazing.


    Could the mysterious man in front of him be a god, or something close to one?


    Why else would he take pleasure in creating extraordinary lifeforms every day?


    He could even create transcendent beings that could live forever¡­


    Thinking of this, he was once again determined to cozy up to the mysterious man in front of him.


    Hence, without the need for the mysterious man to ask, Wang Hao quickly told him all the key information he had obtained today.


    Although he couldn''t see the change in the mysterious man''s expression because of the fog, Wang Hao could clearly sense that he was very satisfied with his story¡­


    Just like that, the "story" was over. Wang Hao didn''t dare to continue disturbing the mysterious man, so he tactfully took his leave.


    The mysterious man did not try to persuade him to stay. Instead, he said calmly, "Your story is getting more and more interesting. I believe that after two more visits, you will be able to get what you want¡­"


    It was a simple statement that was not even a promise, but it made Wang Hao blush with excitement.


    After Wang Hao left, the "mysterious man" Fang Ze hugged the "phoenix" and stroked it as he fell into deep thought¡­

 Chapter 18 Gains — The Path to Awakening

    The information Wang Hao had brought was very valuable.


    It was valuable enough to subvert Fang Ze''s imagination.


    It also made Fang Ze realize that this case was unimaginablyplicated¡­


    It turned out that this case was not a simple homicide, but had all kinds of inside information.


    This wealthy businessman who had been wiped out was mainly involved in cross-state trade and selling agricultural byproducts.


    Generally speaking, this kind of business was not profitable because of the stable channels. There were only small profits, but a quick turnover.


    However, this rich businessman strangely made a lot of money. He opened branches in various cities in the state and built mansions.


    That got the Security Bureau''s attention.


    The Security Bureau suspected that this rich businessman was most likely doing cross-state or even cross-regional smuggling under the guise of the agricultural byproduct trade. Moreover, it was very likely that he was smuggling forbidden items like the Treasure of Misfortune or the Awakened Bloodline.


    Therefore, a month ago, the Security Bureau had started to set up an investigation into this rich businessman.


    To the surprise of the Security Bureau, ten days before the investigation had made much progress, a team of Awakened people had suddenly appeared at the wealthy businessman''s vacation vi and collectively silenced him and his family.


    The lead was suddenly cut off, and the Security Bureau could not react in time. After the surveince officer sent out the message, they could only follow the tracks of the perpetrators.


    The result was even more unexpected to the Security Bureau. As the team retreated, they were attacked by another group of Awakened.


    The two groups shed. Of the five members of the team, one was dead and one was seriously injured. The other three escaped.


    The dead one was an investigation-type Awakened who could control insects.


    The one who was seriously injured was¡­ Fang Ze.


    Therefore, almost the entire massacre happened under the surveince of the Security Bureau.


    They didn''t really care about the case itself.


    The only thing they wanted to figure out was the situation and purpose of the organization behind the two Awakened teams.


    This was because in the subsequent investigation, the Security Bureau was surprised to discover that the clues and information of these two forces had been secretly erased.


    Even if they went to the eastern region to investigate, they would not find any clues.


    This meant that tworge Awakened organizations had secretly grown under the noses of the Security Bureau.


    Furthermore, the Security Bureau knew nothing about their numbers, abilities, or motives.


    This was the big deal!


    That was why the big shots from the Security Bureau had personallye to the scene to handle the case.


    Initially, the Security Bureau thought that after Fang Ze woke up and was interrogated, they would at least be able to obtain information about one of the organizations.


    In the end, Fang Ze lost his memory.


    Therefore, the Security Bureau arranged for the Investigation Department to act and let Fang Ze solve the case, or rather, provide clues for them¡­


    ¡­


    When he first heard Wang Hao tell him this information, Fang Ze actually wondered if Wang Hao had made it up for the sake of the story.


    After all, it was too bizarre for a family extermination case to suddenly be a confrontation between three forces.


    However, when he felt Wang Hao''s "sincere" emotions and heard his inner confirmation, Fang Ze had no choice but to believe him.


    To be honest, at that moment, Fang Ze''s heart was racing.


    What was going on!


    He originally thought that it was just an ordinary murder case and that he was not involved in the murder. At most, he would be considered an aplice.


    Then, after he became an Awakened, he might solve the case and perform meritorious deeds to show his value, resulting in him joining the Security Bureau to atone for his crimes.


    Alternatively, he might fail to negotiate with the Security Bureau and escape with his Awakened ability.


    Either way, the problem could be solved.


    In the end, they discovered that this extermination case was actually rted to the smuggling of an Awakened bloodline, the extermination of supernatural organizations, and another mysterious force.


    Furthermore, the Security Bureau didn''t care about the case.


    They only wanted to rely on Fang Ze to obtain information, information, and more information!


    He was actually an existence that was more important than a case!


    Even if he ran away, the other party would definitely not let him off.


    Fang Ze immediately felt a buzzing pain in his head.


    Sigh.


    "Nevermind."


    "I''m tired. Time to destroy this¡­"


    ¡­


    After standing in the volcanic cave for a long time, Fang Ze shook his head and dispelled all negative thoughts from his mind.


    He pulled himself together.


    In fact, whether he solved the case or used himself to gather information, his goal did not need to change.


    After all, in the end, he needed strength to break through.


    In this world with extraordinary powers, weakness itself was a sin.


    Only with strength would he be qualified to control his own fate.


    If he was strong enough to directly destroy three organizations, he did not need to think about these annoying things anymore.


    Therefore, increasing his strength was the right thing to do!


    With that in mind, he temporarily forgot about the truth about the task force.


    Then, he stood up and went to the side of thevake. He reached into the stone wall and took out the magicmp.


    There was a click.


    As themp was switched off, the surroundingva, theva cave, and the rolling mes turned into bubbles and dissipated.


    The ground beneath Fang Ze''s feet turned back into the dim room.


    In the middle of the room were the same two sets of tables and chairs that had never changed.


    Meanwhile, on the table near Fang Ze, just likest time, there was another item¡­


    Fang Ze''s gaze fell on the "item" on the table.


    Unlike the "book-like object" fromst time, what appeared on the table this time was a scrap of paper.


    The piece of paper was the size of a palm and looked inconspicuous.


    However, Fang Ze had a feeling that this should be something even more valuable than the one-time use artifact yesterday.


    After all¡­ The value of the information from tonight was far higher than that ofst night.


    With that thought, Fang Ze came to the table and picked up the scrap of paper.


    The scrap of paper was simple. There was only one short line.


    [One of the paths to Awakening: Spiritual Awakening Technique.]


    When he saw the line of words, Fang Ze''s pupils constricted slightly, and his heart pounded.


    Had he actually seeded?!


    A momentter, a pile of information slowly entered Fang Ze''s mind.


    "Seven white candles¡­"


    "I need 20 grams of rococo flowers, peachwood, oak branches,urel leaves, and wormwood respectively. They should be grinded into powder and applied to my body¡­"


    "A sterling silver knife, a ss of cider vinegar or red wine¡­"


    "And a blue crystal with blemishes that cover no more than 10% of the crystal¡­"


    "On the ground¡­"

 Chapter 19 This Is All a Trap

    As he muttered the Awakening materials that appeared in his mind and the details of the Awakening ritual, Fang Ze felt a headacheing on.


    Ever since he transmigrated, he had been controlled by the task force and had nevere into contact with the outside world.


    Therefore, he waspletely ignorant as to whether these Awakening materials weremon and where he could buy them.


    The thought reminded him of tomorrow''s holiday.


    Perhaps¡­ that would be an opportunity?


    He hoped that everything would go well.


    ¡­


    The next day.


    In the morning, Fang Ze got out of bed.


    His roommate, Wang Hao, was happily doing push-ups beside the bed.


    Fang Ze was in a good mood after taking advantage of his roommatest night.


    Thus, he leaned back on the bed, deliberately teasing his roommate. "Are you in such a good mood these past two days?"


    Wang Hao froze at Fang''s words. Then, his smile faded and he asked, "Is that so?"


    Fang Ze cocked his head at him. "Of course."


    Wang Hao said vaguely, "Well, maybe¡­ maybe I''m just happy because the case is moving fast. I¡­ I''m fine."


    Fang Ze nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes, yes. I believe you."


    Wang Hao was dumbfounded.


    Wang Hao felt that his roommate''s reaction was a little strange, and that his actions and tone were a little familiar¡­


    However, he couldn''t tell what was strange and familiar¡­


    After teasing Wang Hao for a while, Fang Ze went to wash up and then went to the canteen to eat.


    There were exceptionally few agents eating in the cafeteria today. After asking around, it turned out that many agents returned to their homes in the city for breakfast after the lockdown was lifted at eight o''clock.


    Only the agents who were transferred from other cities and Fang Ze, the "agent" who had lost his memory, had nowhere to go. That was why they made do with the canteen.


    Hearing this, Fang Ze recalled the information of the city where the Investigation Department was located.


    It was located in Qingshan City.


    This was one of the 23 low-leveled cities of Siddah State.


    Located in the northwest of Siddah State, there were mountains and jungles behind the city. Thus, it had beautiful scenery, was rich in goods, and had simple folk.


    Of course¡­


    This was the information in the official documents.


    As for the official documents, cough cough, those who understood understood¡­


    Therefore, Fang Ze could not say that he knew nothing about the entire Qingshan City, but it was close.


    However, anyway, this was the first time he''d been out in the world since he''d arrived.


    Especially¡­ if the task force really withdrew their surveince on him¡­


    Then he would be free.


    He knew that it was a long shot.


    However, who knew if the enemy would suddenly have a brain attack?


    At the thought of this, he couldn''t help but feel a little excited.


    Therefore, after breakfast, Fang Ze returned to his residence to pack a few things and prepared to head to Qingshan City.


    However, just as he reached the entrance of the dormitory, Wang Hao called out to him with a nk expression, "Fang Ze¡­ You, where are you going?"


    Fang Ze turned. "I''m going to the city."


    Wang Hao stammered, "But you didn''t have to bring all the fruits I gave you. You didn''t even have to carry the chair away, did you?"


    Fang Ze grinned as he carried hisrge bag. "I''m just worried. After all, if I''m tired from walking, I can have a ce to sit. If I''m hungry, I can eat."


    Wang Hao was dumbfounded.


    Five minutester, the empty-handed Fang Ze was led by Wang Hao to a beat-up Jeep.


    "You probably didn''t read the announcement. If you want to get to the city, you can take the task force car."


    Fang Ze was silent.


    "Oh."


    With a sinking feeling, he got into the Jeep.


    Sure enough, someone familiar was sitting in the car.


    She was Bai Ling, the Rank-2 officer from the Security Bureau whom he had met yesterday.


    She was folding her hands behind her head and leaning against the back of the Jeep, swinging her white, tender calves and idly blowing bubble gum.


    Although he had guessed that they would not let him go so easily, Fang Ze was still a little disappointed when all his fantasies were exposed.


    He tried not to let his feelings show on his face as he pretended to be unaware of any of this. He smiled and raised his hand in salute. "What a coincidence, Officer Bai Ling. Are you going to the city too?"


    Bai Ling smiled extremely brightly at Fang Ze''s words.


    She blew a pink bubble and looked at Fang Ze with her big eyes. She smiled and said, "It''s not a coincidence, Agent Fang. I was waiting especially for you."


    Fang Ze froze at Bai Ling''s words. Then, he grew wary.


    He feigned ignorance. "Waiting for me?"


    Bai Ling nodded. Then, she beckoned Fang Ze to sit.


    Seeing this, Fang Ze could only bite the bullet and sit down.


    Bai Ling leaned close to Fang Ze''s ear and carefully looked around. Then, she whispered, "Let me tell you something. Actually¡­ This is a secret mission."


    Fang Ze was silent.


    What a familiar routine.


    He feigned surprise. "A secret mission?"


    Seeing Fang Ze''s surprise, Bai Ling was obviously very satisfied. She nodded vigorously and then exined in a low voice, "Aren''t you curious why you reported Agent Han yesterday and then today our task force lifted the lockdown?"


    Fang Ze yed along. "It''s weird."


    Bai Ling said mysteriously, "Actually, this was all set up by the task force."


    "After our surprise interrogation, Agent Han admitted to being an undercover spy for that criminal organization."


    "However, because he''s an associate, he doesn''t know much."


    "That''s why we wanted to use a trick to lure them out."


    "Lure them out?" Fang Ze asked cooperatively.


    Bai Ling nodded. "That''s right. We spread the news that we''ve caught the organization''s undercover agent."


    "Then, the task force was given a holiday to make that criminal organization mistakenly believe that the defenses of the task force are empty."


    "We want to see whether the organization wille to his rescue."


    Fang Ze was confused.


    "Then what does this have to do with us going to the city together?"


    Bai Ling pped Fang Ze on the shoulder and said, "Are you stupid?"


    "We''re prepared for both oues!"


    "We''re worried that the organization will see that it was a trap."


    "Thus¡­ We also spread the news that you caught Agent Han!"


    Fang Ze was confused.


    "If that organization discovers our trap and decides not to save Agent Han, but is prepared to kill you to vent their anger, this can also lure them out!"


    Fang Ze was even more confused.


    Bai Ling said, "Of course! The Security Bureau wouldn''t put an agent in harm''s way just to solve a case."


    "Thus, they sent me to protect you."


    "What do you think? It sounds reasonable, right?"


    Fang Ze was speechless.


    What could Fang Ze say?


    All he could say was, "It''s reasonable¡­"


    Hmm¡­


    If he reced Agent Han with himself in this n, it would probably make more sense.


    That exined the holiday.


    It turned out that the Security Bureau wanted to use Fang Ze to try and see if he could draw out that organization¡­


    Fang Ze understood.


    The beat-up Jeep chugged down the long stretch of road through the jungle. Maybe it was because the road was uneven, or maybe the car was too beat-up, but the whole vehicle wobbled.


    However, Fang Ze did not pay attention to this.


    Perhaps because his fantasy had been exposed, Fang Ze calmed down.


    Indeed, it was ridiculous to expect the people from the Security Bureau to have a screw loose.


    Now that escape was hopeless, Fang Ze began to think about how to use this "protection" to gain more benefits for himself.


    His eyes lingered on Bai Ling for a moment at the thought of this.


    It was said that all the members of the Security Bureau were Awakened people. In that case, a Rank-2 officer should also have Awakened, right?


    In that case, as long as he didn''t ask about secrets and asked for some general knowledge about Awakening, it shouldn''t be a problem, right?


    It seemed that the agents of the task force had never hidden anything from him.


    Maybe¡­ This cheeky girl from the Security Bureau wouldn''t either.


    With that in mind, Fang Ze looked at the girl. Then, he coughed and said slowly, "Ma''am, I have some questions for you. I wonder if that''s okay?"


    As Fang Ze spoke, the girl was idly rocking her fair calves.


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, she turned her head and looked at him with her dark eyes. She smiled cutely. "Of course you can."


    Fang Ze was delighted.


    He was about to ask when the girl added, "But¡­ it''lle at a fee."


    Fang Ze was speechless.


    "A¡­ fee?"

 Chapter 20 Paying for Knowledge

    Perhaps because she saw that Fang Ze was a little confused, Bai Ling even sat up straight. Then, she counted with her fingers and patiently exined to Fang Ze.


    "Agent Fang Ze, you have to understand. Material goods aren''t the only thing of value in this world. Knowledge is just as valuable."


    "In fact, to some extent, knowledge is worth more than material goods."


    "After all, material goods may only give you enjoyment for a short time, but knowledge can change your life."


    "So, I think that when a person wants their questions to be answered and gain knowledge, they need to pay as much as they need to pay for goods."


    "I call this pattern, paying for knowledge."


    Fang Ze was silent.


    Fang Ze wanted nothing more than to p his hands.


    Good lord. Even the phrase "paying for knowledge" had emerged. Was thisdy a transmigrator too?


    Muttering to himself, he looked at Bai Ling and threw up his hands. "I don''t have any money."


    Initially, when Fang Ze asked Bai Ling a question, she was only a little happy. But now, when she heard Fang Ze say that he had no money, she was excited!


    She grinned and said, "You don''t! I do!"


    "I can lend you money. Then, you can pay me for knowledge."


    "When you have the money, pay me back with interest!"


    Fang Ze was speechless.


    This routine¡­ Why was it so familiar? Had he seen it in his previous life?


    Was this¡­ Ant Check Later1?


    Fang Ze was a little confused for a moment.


    Was this girl a transmigrator or a business genius?


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze said casually, "Odd changes, while even doesn''t change."


    Bai Ling was confused.


    The girl looked at Fang Ze with a puzzled expression. "What are you talking about?"


    "Oh," said Fang Ze. "It''s fine. I mean, how much is the interest?"


    The girl was indeed distracted.


    She counted silently on her fingers, then stretched out her palm. "Twenty percent!"


    "Each question costs 200 Rini."


    "You''ll owe me 240 Rini!"


    "Rini" was the currency of this world. Its purchasing power was about half that of Fang Ze''s previous life.


    This meant that 200 Rini had the purchasing power of about 100 dors.


    Thus, the price of the girl''s answer was not expensive, but the interest was quite high.


    But¡­ Interest?


    Fang Ze rubbed his chin and suddenly remembered that he was a criminal who was controlled by the task force. How could he earn money and pay the interest?


    He could barely pay back his capital, right?


    Thus¡­ Why was he afraid of owing money?


    Perhaps¡­ He would run away in a few days!


    At the thought of this, Fang Ze nodded without hesitation. "Sure!"


    Seeing that Fang Ze had agreed, the girl''s eyes lit up, and she looked like a money-grubber.


    Then, she opened her lotus flower purse and pulled out a dozen 200 Rini notes. She handed half of them to Fang Ze. "Sure. Ask away."


    Fang Ze raised his hand reflexively to take the money.


    However, when he gripped the side of the note, he realized that he could not pull it away.


    Involuntarily, he nced up at the girl.


    Tears glistened in the girl''s eyes. She didn''t look like she was lending Fang Ze money. Instead, it looked like Fang Ze was trying to steal her money.


    Fang Ze didn''t know whether tough or cry, but he let go.


    After that, he began to ponder what questions to ask.


    After thinking for a long time, he suddenly remembered the "Spiritual Awakening Technique" he had obtainedst night¡­


    He remembered the description on the note at the time. It said, "One of the paths to Awakening: Spiritual awakening technique."


    Since it was "one of the paths," there had to be other ways, right? What were the pros and cons of each path?


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze couldn''t help but ask, "Officer Bai Ling, I want to ask, what are the methods to be an Awakened?"


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s question, Bai Ling couldn''t help but nce at him and asked curiously, "Do you want to be an Awakened?"


    Fang Ze asked, "Is that a question? I can charge you only 100 Rini."


    Bai Ling was silent.


    Sure enough, at the mention of money, Bai Ling instantly stopped talking for a moment. She withdrew the 200 Rini from her hand and stuffed it into her purse. Then, she muttered under her breath, "Hmph. So petty. No questions, no questions."


    However, as she muttered, she exined the answer to Fang Ze. "There are three ways to be an Awakened."


    "They are the Spirit Awakening Technique, Bloodline Awakening Technique, and Special Awakening Technique respectively."


    "There''s no difference between the three methods. It just depends on whether it suits the individual."


    Although the girl was a money-grubber, she was also very serious and careful when exining the answer.


    "To exin these Awakening methods, you have to first understand what Awakened abilities are."


    "Awakened abilities don''t appear out of thin air. They are the realization of the use of ''World Laws'' by living creatures."


    "Some creatures are sensitive to the World Laws. Then, through special means, they can establish a connection with the world and condense part of thews they can use. They will have their own Awakened abilities."


    "This method of connecting creatures to the world is called the Spiritual Awakening Technique."


    "Meanwhile, the ancestors of some creatures were Awakened or disaster creatures. Their bloodlines carry the ''traces'' of their ancestors using the World Laws. Through special methods, they can follow those traces and regain control of thews their ancestors once used."


    "This special method to stimte the bloodline of creatures is called the Bloodline Awakening Technique."


    "Furthermore, apart from these two, all the other methods of Awakening¡­"


    "For example, some families have potions and rituals that can awaken certain abilities."


    "For example, they might deprive the extraordinary power of a precious artifact and integrate it into their bodies."


    "Another example is beliving in disaster creatures or high-leveled Awakened beings to obtain Awakened abilities."


    "These belong to the Special Awakening Techniques."


    "This is because the essence of these techniques is to seize, or borrow, the power of other extraordinary creatures or objects."


    "¡­"


    "¡­"


    Fang Ze tried to remember what Bai Ling had told him.


    As he noted the content down, hemented in his heart, "This 200 Rini was really worth it¡­"


    He did not expect this girl to be so honest!


    After she finished speaking, Bai Ling looked at Fang Ze and counted with her fingers. "I just answered a total of one, two, three¡­ Well, a total of five questions."


    "In that case, I''ll charge you a total of 1,000 Rini!"


    At this point, she reached into her hand and pulled out four more bills. Then, she put them back in her purse.


    Fang Ze was confused.


    "Wait a minute!" He asked, "Why five questions? Wasn''t it one question?"


    The girl looked at him with big cute eyes and said innocently, "I answered five questions. Look, I answered your question first by saying that there are three ways to Awaken."


    "After that, I exined what Awakened abilities mean. Finally, I exined three different Awakening methods."


    "Adding up one, one , and three, isn''t it equal to five?"


    Fang Ze was silent.


    Fang Ze was impressed. This girl was simply a profiteer! As expected of someone who could think of those business strategies from his previous life.


    She had mastered the art of buying and selling by force!


    However¡­


    In any case, he was a criminal. He had no intention of paying her back.


    Thus, Fang Ze couldn''t be bothered to argue with her.


    Therefore, while the girl was in a good mood, he asked, "Then, let me ask the second question. Will using these methods to Awaken definitely result in sess?"

 Chapter 21 Business Genius and Trickster

    Bai Ling looked at Fang Ze with an expression that said, "Are you okay?" Then, she said, "How is that possible?"


    "Among them, only the third technique, the Special Awakening Technique, has the highest sess rate. After all, it involves directly borrowing or seizing power."


    "The sess rate of the first two Awakening techniques is very low."


    "Especially for the Spiritual Awakening Technique."


    "It''s difficult tomunicate with the world and condense an Awakening ability that suits the user. Thus, the chances of sess are very low."


    Fang Ze''s expression changed when he heard Bai Ling''s words.


    "Awakening methods do not have a 100% sess rate."


    "Furthermore, the sess rate of the Spiritual Awakening Technique is actually the lowest."


    Fang Ze''s hands clenched involuntarily.


    This was really bad news¡­


    However, he only had this method of Awakening now, and he had no other choice. He could only brace himself and try.


    Fang Ze continued to listen to Bai Ling''s exnation.


    Bai Ling said, "However,¡­"


    "It''s not like there aren''t people with extraordinary gifts."


    At this point, she paused, then said, "I''m sure you''ve read the dossier of the Investigation Bureau. It contains some records of innate Awakened people."


    "They are people who are extremelypatible with certain World Laws. After sleeping, they gained an Awakened ability that suits them."


    "If such a person uses the Spiritual Awakening Technique to obtain an Awakened ability in advance, the sess rate will be 100%."


    Hearing this, Fang Ze couldn''t help but ask, "Is this kind of Awakened especially powerful?"


    Bai Ling gave him a smile that seemed as if she had sessfully pulled off a conspiracy. Then, she pulled away two bills. "The question just now was the sixth question. This is the seventh question."


    Fang Ze was confused.


    What a profiteer! She actually deliberately created a sense of anticipation!


    Bai Ling might be a money-grubber, but when she took money, she at least answered questions seriously. After she put the money in her purse, she coughed, then knocked Fang Ze on the head and said, "Look at you. You don''t remember the important points."


    "For this question, I''ve already given the answer when you asked the first question."


    "There is no difference between the three methods."


    "Even if one person is born with an Awakened ability, they''re no different from any other Awakened."


    "Just because they awakened quickly doesn''t mean they''re powerful. It only means that they''re verypatible with that part of the World Laws."


    "However!"


    "You have to know that the part of the World Law they fit into might actually be very weak."


    "It might be far less powerful than the World Laws that other Awakened people have painstakingly obtained."


    She paused again. Then, her small face grew serious.


    "In fact, from the Security Bureau''s files, it might not be a good thing to have Awakened abilities without training."


    "This is because an Awakened isn''t just powerful because of his Awakened abilities."


    "It''s also about the use of their Awakened abilities, an agile brain, a strong physique, and a firm will to fight¡­"


    "That''s the only way¡­"


    Time passed little by little as Bai Ling continued to exin.


    Fang Ze finally understood the meaning of the code name "Bai Ling"1. She was really as eloquent as ark and never stopped talking along the way.


    Eventer, when Fang Ze stopped asking questions, she would shake her legs and chat beside him.


    Just like that, the two of them chatted all the way to Qingshan City.


    When they reached Qingshan City, the Jeep stopped and they got out.


    As they got out of the car, Fang Ze seemed to remember something. He suddenly turned his head and asked, "By the way, Officer Bai Ling. I don''t have any money on me. Can I pay you back the money I oweter?"


    Bai Ling waved her hand dismissively. "It''s fine. This is up to you. You can pay me back when you have the money."


    Fang Ze asked again, "What about the interest? Is it the same regardless of the duration?"


    Bai Ling nodded and said innocently, "Yes. Anyway, when you have money, you can pay me back a total of 2,400 Rini."


    Fang Ze nodded with an odd expression.


    "There''s no repayment date."


    "No coterals are needed."


    "She doesn''t look at the credit of the borrower."


    "Regardless of whether I pay back in a day or a year, the interest is the same."


    "Does this girl really know how to do business?"


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze couldn''t help but ask, "By the way, Officer Bai Ling, have you made any money from this kind of business in the past few years?"


    It would have been better if he hadn''t asked. As soon as he did, Bai Ling''s mouth curved downwards.


    She said aggrievedly, "No¡­"


    "I don''t know why either. I obviously think my ideas and ideas are great, but I just can''t make any money."


    Fang Ze was confused.


    "Phew. As expected of a business genius who lends money to criminals like me¡­"


    ¡­


    When they got out of the car, they saw Qingshan City.


    It waspletely different from what Fang Ze had imagined Qingshan City to be. The buildings in the entire city were built along the mountains, causing them to rise and fall along the mountains.


    After entering the city, there was a main road that extended inwards. The houses on both sides were built with rocks and loess. The architectural style was rough and simple.


    It had the bold characteristics of a mountain city.


    Fang Ze recalled the official information that he had read this morning. There were mountains, forests, beautiful scenery, and abundant resources¡­


    Hiss. It seemed like every word was fine, but on the ground, why was it so different from what he''d imagined?


    Whileining about the situation in Qingshan City, Fang Ze also thought about his n for the day.


    Although he had Bai Ling by his side, Fang Ze''s n did not change.


    Even though Bai Ling said that the sess rate of the Spiritual Awakening Technique was not high, Fang Ze only had this method to be an Awakened.


    He had no other choice.


    Even if the sess rate was low, he could only try.


    Therefore, he still nned to figure out the value of those Awakening materials and think of a way to obtain them today.


    So, with that thought in mind, Fang Ze turned and nced at Bai Ling. "Is there anywhere you''d like to go, Ma''am?"


    Bai Ling cocked her head in thought and was about to reply.


    Then, she heard Fang Ze add, "If there''s anywhere you want to go, you can go there first. I n to take a look at the market."


    Bai Ling''s words were stuck in her throat again, and she almost fell over. Thus, all she could do was mumble, "It''s okay. I''m going to protect you." Then, she stormed after the bad guy in front of her.


    As he asked around, he arrived at the market in Qingshan City.


    Fang Ze pretended to look around aimlessly.


    He would look at the vegetables, then at the fruits, then at the misceneous goods. He would even ask when he saw something he had never seen in his previous life.


    Thanks to the uniform he was wearing and the unique appearance of the huge hammer on Bai Ling''s back, no one dared to quote a fake price or provoke them.


    After walking and asking questions for half an hour, Fang Ze finally saw an Awakening material that was recorded on the note.


    He knelt down. As he picked up a handful of the grass-like nts and sniffed them, he asked, "Sir, what is this?"


    The old man selling various items carefully sized up the two of them and said, "Officer, this is wormwood. It can repel mosquitoes and insects at home."


    "Oh," said Fang Ze. Then, he asked "How much is it?"


    The old man held up a finger and said, "Ten Rini for a handful."


    Fang Ze nodded, then turned to Bai Ling and held out his hand.


    Bai Ling looked confused. ''Yes?''


    Fang Ze said, "Lend me some money."


    Bai Ling was confused.


    Bai Ling swore she had never seen anyone so brazen!


    In the car, he had borrowed money and asked her questions.


    He had yet to return the money, but he was actually borrowing money again!


    Fang Ze said, "The interest will be 30%."


    Bai Ling''s eyes suddenly glittered. "Okay! Boss!"

 Chapter 22 The First Ally

    Just like that, Fang Ze bought a lot of things he needed and didn''t need by borrowing money from Bai Ling.


    There were fruits, food, some daily necessities, and also¡­ Awakening materials mixed in the goods.


    Furthermore, Fang Ze''s debt had been sessfullypounded to 3,100 Rini.


    To be honest, Fang Ze did not feel any heartache at all. Perhaps it was because he was in debt and it was not his money that he was spending.


    However, looking at how dumb Bai Ling looked as she happily dug into her purse, Fang Ze felt a little sorry for her.


    Was he bullying this child too much?


    Although he had borrowed the money with his own ability¡­


    Or¡­ Should he at least pay the interest?


    As Fang Ze contemted this, he was also nning about the Awakening materials.


    To Fang Ze''s surprise, most of the Awakening materials were rtivelymon.


    Even if he didn''t buy them for the time being, Fang Ze had asked for and seen most of Awakening materials after only shopping in the market all morning.


    The only problem was that Bai Ling kept following him. He waspletely afraid to buy the materials.


    He did not think that the people from the Security Bureau would not know about the materials for the Spiritual Awakening Method. If he bought too much, he might be discovered.


    Therefore, Fang Ze was also wondering how to obtain these Awakening materials.


    As he thought about it, he suddenly thought of the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    "I wonder if I can send and receive items in the Late-Night Investigation Room¡­"


    "It should be possible in principle. After all, I''ve actually brought the Magazine back to the real world¡­"


    "So, I can actually verify it tonight."


    "If it really works¡­ I''ll trick someone into helping me buy Awakening materials. That way, I can avoid the Security Bureau perfectly¡­"


    While Fang Ze was thinking about this, what he didn''t see was that Bai Ling was looking at the sky and then at Fang Ze, as if she were nning something.


    A momentter, she pinched her small waist and said to Fang Ze crisply in her pleasant voice, "Fang Ze. It''s noon. Are you hungry? I''ll treat you to a meal."


    Fang Ze was still calcting the Awakening materials when he suddenly heard Bai Ling''s words. He was stunned for a moment and immediately became vignt.


    Although he had only interacted with Bai Ling for a morning, Fang Ze thought he knew most of her personality.


    She was optimistic, generous, cheerful, lively, and a little money-grubber.


    It was possible for him to treat such a girl to a meal. However, for her to treat him to a meal¡­ Hehe.


    Therefore, in that instant, Fang Ze knew that something was wrong. Something was definitely wrong.


    However, Fang Ze was also curious about what this girl or the Security Bureau was nning to do, so he did not refuse. Instead, he asked calmly, "Where are we going to eat?"


    Bai Ling said, "I know a really good bun ce around here. Shall we go there together?"


    Fang Ze hesitated, then agreed with a smile. "Sure. I happen to want meat buns too."


    Just like that, Fang Ze followed Bai Ling out of the market and began to circle around the city.


    Fang Ze realized that his surroundings were changing, but they were getting shabbier and shabbier. The environment also became poorer over time.


    If the original main city area still had a little of the boldness and grandeur of a mountain city, then the ce they were going now was a little like a slum. There were dpidated brick houses everywhere, with dirty streets and smelly ditches¡­


    However, the more he walked, the more familiar Fang Ze felt. It seems¡­ This was where the original owner of his body once lived.


    Fang Ze looked thoughtful. He could roughly guess why Bai Ling had brought him here¡­


    Just like that, the two of them walked and chatted casually all the way until they reached a street.


    It was a street lined with gstones.


    The street looked a little old, and the brick houses on either side looked a little run-down. It had the style of a slum, but it was a lot neater than the other streets in the slum.


    It was as if someone was maintaining and cleaning it every day.


    He studied the increasingly familiar street as he followed Bai Ling to a bun shop.


    "Boss, I''ll have four pork and onion buns!"


    Bai Ling called the owner of the shop.


    "Coming!" The owner of the bun shop agreed with a smile at Bai Ling''s greeting.


    A momentter, he came out smiling with a te that had four meat buns on it.


    As soon as he came out, he saw Fang Ze.


    In that instant, his expression changed and his smile quickly faded.


    He opened his mouth as if to say something, but when he saw Fang Ze''s outfit and the huge hammer on Bai Ling''s back, he eventually stopped.


    Even so, he didn''t look as enthusiastic as he had earlier. He came to the two of them and mmed the te down on the table. Then, he said, "Thank you for your patronage. That''ll be 12 Rini."


    Fang Ze gave him an odd look.


    Meanwhile, Bai Ling was grinning as she took 12 Rini out of her purse and handed it to the owner.


    After paying, Bai Ling pushed the te toward Fang Ze and said, "Eat."


    With that, she picked up a bun and ate it herself.


    The meat bun was obviously very heavy. When she bit into it, juice sttered everywhere and the fragrance of meat assaulted her nose.


    Bai Ling''s eyes instantly lit up. Then, she began to eat noisily.


    Fang Ze looked at her, then back at the owner of the bun shop.


    Then, he picked up a bun as well and ate in silence.


    Fang Ze felt a familiar taste in his mouth as he ate the bun.


    It tasted good and the meat was fresh. As a bonus, it was familiar. Thus, it whetted his appetite.


    Meanwhile, just as he was about to finish eating the meat bun, he suddenly heard somethingnd behind him.


    Apanying that voice was the excited voice of a girl. "Fang¡ª Fang Ze?"


    Fang Ze turned at the sound of someone calling his name.


    He saw a familiar girl.


    She was six feet tall, her frail body concealed by a voluminous bup garment, preventing others from seeing her physique.


    She had an oval face. However, it was not round enough, perhaps because she was malnourished.


    Her face was dirty and stained with dust. It also hid her in, pretty face.


    Her hair was long and tousled, and it took another point off her looks.


    These points turned her from a in beauty into an ordinary girl¡­


    The only thing that seemed out of ce was her eyes.


    What kind of eyes were those? She had double eyelids, and the ends of her eyes were slightly curved and upturned. Her eyshes were dense and long. When she looked at people, she looked pitiful. When she looked around, it was as if a clear spring was flowing in her eyes.


    With his outstanding "appreciation" experience from his previous life, Fang Ze easily made a judgment about this girl. She was like a stock that had the potential to increase in value. No¡­ It should be said that she had already started to "grow" her "achievement stocks", but she deliberately covered up her beauty.


    After all, if it weren''t for those eyes, even Fang Ze probably wouldn''t have noticed her beauty under the dust¡­


    However¡­ Who was this girl?


    Fang Ze couldn''t help but study her again.


    Then, he noticed more details he hadn''t noticed earlier.


    The left side of the girl''s face was slightly swollen, as if she had been pped. Her wrist was also bruised, as if she had been hit.


    When she saw him, she was so excited that her body trembled a little. However, when she looked over, she shrank back reflexively and avoided his gaze.


    That mixture of surprise and fear was so strange for a thin girl¡­


    It also made Fang Ze realize something.


    Was this the girl in his dream?


    Combined with the purpose of the Security Bureau that he had just guessed, Fang Ze immediately had a guess.


    Thus, he deliberately looked puzzled. He looked at the girl and asked, "Hello. Do you know me?"


    There was obvious surprise in the girl''s eyes when she heard Fang Ze''s words.


    She took an involuntary step forward, wanting to exin and ask questions.


    However, at this moment, the door of the brick house beside the bun shop was suddenly opened from the inside.


    A chubby woman came out from the door.


    As soon as she saw the girl, she smiled and said, "Miao Miao, why are you back sote today? I happen to have something to discuss with you. Come, let''s go to my house."


    With that, she walked over. Then, she turned her back to Fang Ze and took the girl''s hand in both hands.


    The girl looked at the chubby woman and then at Fang Ze. For a moment, she was a little confused and conflicted. "Auntie, Auntie Fatty? I, I¡­"


    She seemed to want to say something else, but Auntie Fatty didn''t listen to her at all. She just pulled the girl into her house.


    Fang Ze watched the scene unfold with his usual expression.


    Judging by the fat woman''s slightly stiff movements and stilted voice, she was probably a "rescue crew" assigned by the Investigation Department or the Security Bureau.


    Furthermore, from the fact that the girl could call out the woman''s name, they probably knew each other.


    Thus, the girl shouldn''t be in any danger.


    With that thought in mind, Fang Ze turned back to the table. Unconcerned, he picked up a meat bun and started chewing again.


    Seeing Fang Ze''s extremely normal state, Bai Ling tilted her head and asked, "Fang Ze? Don''t you feel anything?"


    Fang Ze looked up at her and pretended to be confused. "Feel what?"


    Bai Ling looked a little conflicted. She tried to exin, "Like¡­ For example, do you feel that anything is strange, unusual, or familiar?"


    Fang Ze pretended to give her an odd look. "Why would I feel that way?"


    Then, he feigned rm. "Don''t tell me! Is there a case on this street?"


    Bai Ling was silent.


    Looking at Fang Ze''s expression carefully, Bai Ling confirmed that Fang Ze really didn''t seem abnormal. She pouted and was a little disappointed¡­


    While he was happily dealing with Bai Ling, Fang Ze''s mind was actually racing¡­


    From the schedule Bai Ling had arranged.


    The Security Bureau was obviously trying to stimte his memory with familiar scenes and familiar people.


    Furthermore, from arranging for this girl to interact with him and this girl''s reaction just now, this girl''s rtionship with him was probably not ordinary.


    At this thought, Fang Ze suddenly had an idea.


    Now that he was under control, he indeed could not reject the arrangements of the Security Bureau. However¡­ Could he use this opportunity to achieve some of his goals?


    For example, by summoning this girl at night to investigate.


    Then, he would figure out the arrangements of the Security Bureau.


    For example, he could also get this girl to "buy" Awakening materials for him.


    After all,pared to other ordinary people and agents who were difficult to control and trust, the girl in front of him had at least an extraordinary rtionship with him¡­


    She was his first ally.

 Chapter 23 Bullying The Girl

    The day passed quickly.


    That day, Fang Ze strolled around Qingshan City with Bai Ling.


    Needless to say, freeloading was great.


    It was no wonder everyone liked to lie t1. It was reallyfortable to not have to work hard.


    Furthermore, this rich lolita was really awesome.


    That night, Fang Ze and Bailing got into the old Jeep and drove back to the task force.


    When they arrived at the task force, Fang Ze got out of the car with his bags and said politely to Bai Ling, "Thank you for taking care of me all day, Officer Bai Ling."


    Ever since Fang Ze hadn''t reacted to the girl, Bai Ling hadn''t been in a good mood. Although she had been paying for Fang Ze after that, she was still very mechanical.


    Therefore, seeing that Fang Ze was so polite, Bai Ling came back to her senses and immediately felt a little embarrassed. "No¡­ It''s nothing. I didn''t take much care of you."


    At Bai Ling''s words, Fang Ze smiled and said, "Officer Bai Ling took good care of me by helping me to buy so many things."


    "So¡­" He held out his hand again and said, "Could you lend me another 2,000 Rini?"


    Bai Ling was confused.


    Her face was nk.


    To be honest, if not for the notebook she was holding, she would have forgotten how much money Fang Ze had borrowed from her.


    She felt that she was already very good at spending money, but Fang Ze was even better at it.


    She had simply spent half a month''s sry in a day.


    It didn''t feel like she was a loan shark, but a phnthropist¡­


    Thus, thinking of that, she asked nkly, "What do you need all that money for?"


    Fang Ze rubbed his head helplessly and said, "The thing is, Officer Bai Ling, I don''t have any savings or money on me. I''m never at ease."


    "That''s why I want to borrow some money to save. It makes me feel safe."


    Bai Ling was confused.


    She had seen people borrow money because they had no money, but she had never seen anyone who borrowed money to save.


    This¡­


    She wasn''t actually doing charity work, right?


    Meanwhile, as Bai Ling thought about this, Fang Ze held out a palm and said, "The interest will be 50%."


    "If you lend me 2,000 Rini, I can return you 3,000 Rini including interest."


    In that instant, Bai Ling''s eyes were once again filled with golden light¡­


    ¡­


    Five minutester, Fang Ze returned to the dorm with 2,000 Rini in his pocket and bags of groceries.


    In the dormitory, Wang Hao was stunned when he saw that Fang Ze had bought so many things.


    He feltpelled to ask, "How many things did you buy?"


    Fang Ze smiled and replied.


    "I didn''t buy them."


    "A kind person gave them to me."


    Wang Hao was dumbfounded.


    Wang Hao''s expression was a little nk. Were all of these a gift?


    He was a reserve member of the Security Bureau, so he knew that Fang Ze must have been "protected" by the Security Bureau the entire time today.


    Which "kind person" could break through the heavy blockade of the Security Bureau and deliver something to Fang Ze?


    Wasn''t this too magical?


    Fang Ze ignored his roommate''s wild thoughts.


    He lifted the items to his desk and began sorting them by category.


    Although Fang Ze had bought a lot of things that day, and there were many things that seemed "useless," he had not chosen them casually.


    Other than daily necessities and Awakening materials, the other things Fang Ze bought were all items that he had observed in the market and were convenient to sell for money.


    At that time, once he sold these things, he would be able to directly buy the Awakening materials.


    After sorting everything, Fang Ze pulled a book out of the pile and tossed it to Wang Hao.


    Wang Hao took the book in surprise. Then, he heard Fang Ze''s voice in his ear. "I saw it on the road. I thought you''d like it. You''re wee."


    "Is¡­ is this a gift?" Wang Hao was in disbelief for a moment.


    Ever since he was young, perhaps because of his dull personality, he had almost no friends, so he had never received any gifts.


    The only gift he had was from his beloved "woman".


    Unexpectedly, he now received a second gift.


    Moreover, it was from a "criminal" who he was in charge of watching over.


    Furthermore, when he thought about how well this "criminal" usually treated him and how sincere he was, for a moment, he was touched.


    He looked down involuntarily at the book he had given him.


    The title was "The Nine-Tailed Turtle1".


    This was like a ssical literary title¡­


    What kind of book was this?


    With that thought in mind, Wang Hao curiously opened the book.


    A momentter, he roared at Fang Ze with a flushed face, "I''m really not that kind of person! Fang Ze!"


    ¡­


    Pleasant holidays were always short.


    Amidst theughter, darkness slowly descended, and the temporary residence gradually fell into darkness.


    Fang Zey in bed and slowly drifted off to sleep.


    This time, the dream was exceptionally long and clear.


    In his dream, he seemed to have be a young man who lived with his mother in the slums of the low-leveled Qingshan City.


    Although his life was rtively difficult, he was still quite happy.


    However, the turn of events urred one winter.


    That winter, a mother and daughter fled to the slums.


    However, not long after buying the house, the mother died. Only one little girl survived.


    "His mother" took pity on her. asionally, she would send over some of the extra food in the house to support her.


    That little girl was quite sensible. She always opened her big, pitiful eyes and bowed to thank them. In order to repay his kindness, she even took the initiative toe to the house and help with some housework.


    Looking at her frail body as she struggled to wipe the floor with a rag, "he" felt not touched but repelled.


    "This is my house¡­ Why would shee over¡­"


    "She just wants to share the food that my family doesn''t have much to begin with¡­"


    "I didn''t have to do anything, but now that she''s here, I have to work with her¡­"


    Therefore, one day when "his mother" was not at home, "he" ruthlessly pushed her to the cold ground¡­


    The girl fell to the ground and looked up at him with a little horror. Her eyes were full of confusion, surprise, loss¡­ and fear¡­


    After pushing her down, "he" was actually panicking. "His" hands were trembling.


    "He" thought she would surely turn around and hit "him" orin to his mother.


    However, she didn''t. She simply got up, trembling, and with tears in her eyes, she finished wiping the floor. Then, with her head bowed, she silently left "his" house¡­


    "He" was terrified for several days¡­ Nothing happened¡­


    His mother didn''t know about this, so she still asionally sent the girl things.


    The girl often refused, but if she couldn''t, she would quietly pick some wild vegetables or get something from somewhere else to give to his mother.


    When his mother was around, "he" always greeted her with a smile.


    However, when his mother wasn''t around, "he" would kick her, hit her, and p her face.


    All she''d ever dared to do was lower her head, say nothing, grip the hem of her shirt with both hands, and suffer in silence¡­


    "I think I''ve found something fun to do¡­"


    ¡­


    ¡­


    When he woke up, Fang Ze found himself in the Late-Night Investigation Room again.


    He rubbed his temples as he felt a slight headache.


    He finally understood the whole story of his original self and the girl.


    It involved bullying.


    Furthermore, it was a dozen years of bullying.


    Furthermore, because of her mother''s kindness to the girl, the girl could only endure it silently and never say anything.


    Even at the end, when the mother of his original self died, the girl was at the hospital bed and promised to take good care of his original self.


    Not only did she deliver food to his original self regrly, but she also helped his original self to find a job in the slums.


    However, his original self didn''t appreciate it and had always dreamed of doing something big. Therefore, not only did he always reject the girl, but he also still punched and kicked the girl who cared about him.


    However, because of his mother''s kindness, the girl still silently took care of him¡­


    "Aye. He''s simply a scum. It''s no wonder he''s involved in a criminal organization."


    "In the end, I have to bear all of this myself¡­"


    "Sigh."


    He thought silently about the girl for another moment.


    Fang Ze felt that if he had the chance, he had to take proper care of the girl.


    He would think of it as umting some virtue for his original self who had died.


    After gathering himself, Fang Ze looked up at the Late-night Investigation Room.


    It was the same as thest time he''d left. The entireyout of the Late-Night Investigation. Room remained unchanged. There were the same two sets of tables and chairs, amp, and a steel door that wouldn''t open.


    The only difference was the pile of items at Fang Ze''s feet and the 2,000 Rini.


    Looking at the pile on the ground, Fang Ze rubbed his chin and began to think¡­


    This afternoon, after Fang Ze had the idea of using the Late-Night Investigation Room to transfer things, he used three sets of items to do three small experiments at night while he slept.


    The first item was an orange.


    He grabbed that orange in his hand before he slept.


    The second item was an apple.


    That apple was on the table next to the bed. It had no physical contact with Fang Ze. However, Fang Ze had thought to take it to the Late-Night Investigation Room before he fell asleep.


    As for the third set of items, since Fang Ze thought the sess rate might be highest, he also put in the most items. It contained arge bag of items that could be exchanged for money and 2,000 Rini.


    Before going to bed, Fang Ze held therge bag of items and the 2,000 Rini in his other hand. Also, like the apple, he wanted to take it into the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    After carefully rummaging through the items in the bag, Fang Ze confirmed that out of the three sets of tests that had been conducted, only the third was sessful.


    Based on these three sets of controlled trials, Fang Ze made a preliminary judgment.


    The conditions to bring an item into the Late-Night Investigation Room were to have physical contact with it and to have the thought of bringing it in.


    After verifying his thoughts, Fang Ze felt that he had finallypleted thest part of his Awakening n.


    Next, he had to choose a suitable candidate to purchase the Awakening materials for him.


    This way, he could bypass the Security Bureau''s surveince and gather the materials to sessfully Awaken!

 Chapter 24 The Devil and the Girl (1)

    Thinking of this, Fang Ze tapped the table lightly with the knuckle of his right index finger.


    Instantly, three-dimensional images of many people popped up in front of him.


    In addition to the previous candidates, there were four more names on this list.


    They were all hawkers or pedestrians that Fang Ze had met when he was shopping today.


    Fang Ze took advantage of the fact that Bai Ling wasn''t paying attention. He pretended to unintentionally and secretly make physical contact with them. They would be his "purchasing agent" candidates.


    However, to be honest, Fang Ze did not dare to use them.


    First, it was because of the n this time. After all, there would be an exchange of "material" items. Without knowing the personalities and backgrounds of these people beforehand, it was too difficult to get them to buy things for him just by scaring them and giving them empty promises. Furthermore, it was too easy for them to leak the news.


    Second, to be honest, Fang Ze was very suspicious of their true identities.


    This was from his judgment of the Security Bureau''s perfect "protection" of Fang Ze today.


    Normally, it would be difficult for ordinary people toe into contact with Fang Ze.


    Therefore, it was very likely that these people were nted by the Security Bureau or the Investigation Department¡­


    In that case, once Fang Ze chose them, it would be equivalent to confessing his crimes.


    Meanwhile, if he chose someone else instead of them¡­


    With that in mind, Fang Ze scrolled back down the list and pondered¡­


    Putting aside the fact that those people were also too difficult to deal with.


    Even if Fang Ze really performed extremely well and fooled them, Fang Ze was not sure if they could buy the Awakening materials in a short period of time.


    As he thought, Fang Ze''s hand slowly stopped on a three-dimensional image.


    That three-dimensional image was of the girl he had seen today and dreamed of for the past two days.


    Fang Ze wasn''t surprised to see her image. After all, his original self had bullied her before. He would have had physical contact with her.


    This was why when Fang Ze saw her today, he felt that he could summon her.


    However¡­ Was she a suitable candidate?


    Looking at the girl''s three-dimensional image, Fang Ze was lost in thought¡­


    She was delicate and easy to "control".


    He knew her experience and "weakness". Thus, he could easily cut in.


    Furthermore, she lived in Qingshan City. He had investigated and confirmed that he could buy what he needed there.


    In that case, it did seem like a good idea.


    The only question was, would the Security Bureau have her under surveince?


    After careful consideration, Fang Ze made a decision.


    Whatever. He had to try.


    Even if there were people around her to keep her under surveince, preventing her from buying things for him, at least he could obtain some information about how the Security Bureau was conducting surveince. It was not all for naught.


    Furthermore, if the value of this surveince information was very high, he would still have good "gains".


    Of course, in order to avoid exposing his identity and more reasonable ways to get her to help with buying the items, he had to disguise himself.


    As he thought about it, Fang Ze came up with an idea.


    Perhaps this would make sense¡­


    Furthermore, this could help the girl start a new life.


    This was not exactly mistreating her.


    Thinking of this, he stopped hesitating and began to set up the Late-Night Investigation Room in front of him.


    With his previous experience in decorating rooms, Fang Ze was now even better at decorating the room.


    Therefore, he waved his hand, and a mountain range burning with mes appeared from the ground and stretched into the distance, blocking the wall and the steel door.


    Then, with a light step, a dark abyss instantly appeared under his feet.


    His gaze went to the chair.


    The chair turned into a ck throne and rose from the ground, slowly carrying him higher.


    In the fog, his figure began to gradually grow taller, and a pair of pitch-ck horns like those of a goat appeared on his head.


    After everything was adjusted, Fang Ze hid the batteredmp in the abyss and tapped the image of the girl.


    A momentter, a thin figure slowly appeared on the pitch-ck ground burning with mes.


    ¡­


    Feeling the hard ground under her and the heat through her skin, the girl woke up from her sleep in a daze. After seeing her surroundings clearly, her body trembled and she curled up reflexively. Then, she carefully sized up the scene in front of her.


    Wasn''t she sleeping at home?


    Where was this ce?


    Why were there mes everywhere, and a bottomless abyss, and another¡­


    She saw the figure sitting on the ck throne with two horns on his head. It was a figure that caused people to feel intimidated with just one look. Miao Miao hurriedly lowered her head and knelt on the ground, trembling and unable to speak¡­


    ¡­


    Sensing the girl''s intense uneasiness, Fang Ze, who was sitting high on the ck throne, nodded silently. It had gone better than he had imagined¡­


    It seemed the n could proceed.


    At the thought of this, he spoke slowly.


    His voice was hoarse, like two metal tes grinding against each other. It reeked of sulfur. "Look up¡­"


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, the girl trembled even more.


    However, she did not dare to resist. She could only stiffly raise her pitiful face bit by bit.


    During the day, Fang Ze couldn''t look at her closely.


    Now that he was looking at her seriously, Fang Ze realized that she was really thin¡­


    She was more than 1.6 meters tall, but she weighed less than 40 kilograms. It was obvious from her face that she was malnourished.


    However, perhaps because she was born beautiful, even though her life was so difficult, her skin was still delicate and fair.


    Furthermore, she had teary, watery eyes.


    Just one look at her would make one feel pity for her and worry about the fate of the girl in front of them.

 Chapter 25 The Devil and the Girl (2)

    At this moment, perhaps it was because the girl was suddenly transported from sleep to an unfamiliar environment. Thus, she was filled with tension and fear.


    Thinking about what the other party had experienced over the years, Fang Ze could not help but sigh inwardly.


    This girl had lived a difficult life.


    Although he was emotional, he still had to act.


    Therefore, Fang Ze, who was behind the fog,posed himself and deliberately smiled. "Why are you crying?"


    The girl looked at Fang Ze with tears in her eyes and said in a trembling voice, "Sir, I¡­ I''m afraid¡­"


    Fang Ze said cunningly, "What are you afraid of? Are you afraid that I''ll eat you?"


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s words, the girl trembled and tears began to fall¡­


    Seeing this, Fang Zeughed wildly. "Hahaha. Don''t worry, little girl. I''m not interested in eating people. I''m a devil, not a demon."


    "Violence is the most boring thing in the world."


    "We devils don''t like violence. We only like to trade."


    There were clearly no legends of demons or devils in this world.


    Therefore, the girl''s innocent face could not help but reveal a confused expression.


    However, she immediately remembered that no matter who this figure was, they were not something she could provoke. Therefore, she hurriedly lowered her head and knelt there. She said softly, "But¡­ I don''t have anything to trade."


    Fang Ze put his hand on the throne and rested his cheek on it. He looked down at her and said bossily, "You do."


    "Your friendship, love, kinship, and lifespan can all be traded."


    "In fact¡­ You can even trade your soul¡­"


    At the words of the "devil" before her, like a frightened rabbit, the girl was startled again. She was tempted to refuse, but didn''t dare to.


    Then, as if reading her mind, the "devil" said, "Don''t be in such a hurry to say no. You only heard what you can give. Don''t you want to know what you can get?"


    The girl looked up at the "devil" with her big eyes and blinked slightly.


    The "devil" spread his arms and said in an infectious voice, "You can receive endless life, obtain supreme rights, and enjoy endless wealth¡­"


    The girl''s eyes darkened, clearly not interested.


    The "devil" looked down at her, and his high voice lowered. "Of course, all the things you''re upset about and the people you want to save can also be traded for¡­"


    The girl looked up sharply at the "devil''s" words.


    The "devil" in front of her was shrouded in fog. It was at least two meters tall, with two goat horns on its head. Its entire body was ck, as if it had been burned by charcoal. It was filled with an ominous feeling.


    In particr, those eyes that looked through the fog were mysterious, powerful, and devilish. They seemed to have the ability to see through people''s hearts.


    The girl was trembling with fear, but because the "devil''s" words had given her too many illusions, she finally mustered her courage and asked weakly, "Then please, may I ask¡­ Can you help me save someone?"


    The "devil" looked at her and said, "Sure. But what are you going to trade in return?"


    There was a lot of hesitation in the girl''s eyes at first when she heard the "devil."


    After a moment, she said, "Is love okay?"


    "I¡­ I don''t need that. It''s too extravagant¡ª"


    At this, she lowered her head and whispered, "If it''s not enough, kinship is fine¡­ However I don''t have parents anymore. I wonder if this is worth anything¡­"


    "Or¡­"


    "Or¡­"


    Then, she looked up and said, "Would my lifespan do? I could give a few years, or even a dozen, in exchange for his peace."


    The devil didn''t answer immediately. He sat back on his throne and looked at the girl, his eyes amused. "Is he that important to you?"


    The girl shook her head at first, then nodded.


    Perhaps because she was certain that she wanted to trade with the "devil" in front of her, she gradually opened up.


    She said weakly, "It''s not him. It''s his mother¡­"


    She lowered her head and whispered, "His mother was kind to me. When she left this world, I promised her I would take good care of him."


    The "devil" smiled. "Interesting, interesting¡­ If you could save him once, could you save him twice?"


    "If you saved him twice, could you save him thrice?"


    "Are you sure that you can always save him?"


    The girl''s eyes were nk.


    She looked confused for a moment, then slowly shook her head. "I don''t know."


    "However, if he can be saved, then so be it."


    "My life isn''t worth much anyway."


    "Without his mother, maybe¡­ I wouldn''t be alive now."


    "That''s what I owe her in the first ce."


    At the girl''s words, the "devil" suddenly seemed angry.


    He mmed the throne, then cursed. "How ridiculous!"


    As he cursed, the volcano in the distance suddenly erupted, and the surrounding mes suddenly rose!


    The girl curled into a ball and stared at the scene in front of her in horror.


    She had no idea what was happening or why the "devil" in front of her was so angry.


    At that moment, she heard the "devil" snort and say, "Repaying a favor is an excellent quality. However, there are limits to repaying a favor."


    "You should repay his mother for her kindness to you."


    "Even if his mother died, you still want to repay the favor to him."


    "However, that doesn''t mean you have to repay the favor without a bottom line!"


    "Especially¡­"


    At that, the "devil" sat back on his throne, looked at her, and said, "Although his mother did you a favor, he didn''t treat you well, did he?"


    "He beats and scolds you from time to time and doesn''t appreciate it."


    At the "devil''s" words, the girl bowed her head, her face pale.


    The "devil" was silent for a moment. His mood calmed down.


    Then, he said hoarsely, "I can help you."


    The girl looked up in surprise.


    Then, she heard the "devil" say, "However¡­ There are additional conditions."


    The girl asked meekly, "What additional conditions?"


    The devil said, "That man is in deep trouble. Without my help, he would be dead."


    "By helping him this time, it will be giving a life for a life."


    "You can be considered to have repaid the favor."


    "After that, his business has nothing to do with you."


    "You have to start your own real life."


    Surprise filled the girl''s watery eyes at the "devil''s" words.


    Probably no one had ever told her she could do this, but at that moment, she did feel her vision brighten a little.


    For a moment, she nodded,ughing and crying at the same time. "Yes," said the girl in a choked voice. "I understand, Mr. Devil."


    The moment she agreed, the girl suddenly felt extremely rxed¡­


    When she agreed, the "devil" yawned, then said carelessly, "Don''t get too excited. What I just said was a side condition, not the price of a deal."


    "Do you really think the devil does charity?"


    At the devil''s words, the girl remembered that the man before her was a devil who traded souls.


    She said, "Oh." Then, she sank to her knees again, waiting patiently for the devil''s price¡­

 Chapter 26 Gains — Disaster Creature

    The girl felt that as long as she didn''t trade in her soul, she could actually ept it.


    It wasn''t that she felt that her soul was precious, but¡­ she kept feeling that her soul was being traded for. How terrifying.


    As for the rest¡­


    If she could repay the favor and start a new life, she felt that it would be worth it.


    Meanwhile as she thought that, the devil''s hoarse voice said slowly, "How about this? You''ll be my ve for two years."


    "When I need you, you''re to teleport here at any time and do whatever I say."


    The girl looked up a little nkly at the devil''s offer.


    Clearly, she didn''t expect the price of the trade, which included her soul, lifespan, love, and kinship at first, to be so¡­ cheap in the end.


    The devil was obviously "angry" to see her like this.


    He looked down at the girl and asked darkly, "What''s wrong? Are you not happy with the price?"


    "Don''t tell me¡­ You want to offer your soul to me?"


    At the devil''s words, the girl quickly fell to her knees again and said, "N-no, Mr. Devil."


    "Good." The devil grunted, then asked, "What ne are you on?"


    The girl asked cautiously, "What do you mean by ne?"


    The devil looked irritated. "The world you live in."


    Halfway through, he waved his hand and said, "Never mind. I don''t suppose you understand. Just tell me about the city you''re in."


    The girl said weakly, "Qingshan City¡­"


    The devil seemed lost in thought.


    It took him a full minute to recover. Then, he said, "So it''s such a small city."


    The girl looked at the devil nkly. She wanted to say, "It''s not small. The city is very big. It takes me an hour to walk from the east to the west."


    However, she did not dare to speak, so she could only pout and kneel there like a punching bag.


    Then, she saw the devil throw a pack of items at her.


    Flustered, she reached for it, and then¡­ she missed.


    Things were scattered on the ground. There was some hard currency like tobo leaves, some junk, and¡­ paper money.


    The girl looked up innocently at the devil on the throne, her big eyes confused. She obviously didn''t understand what this meant.


    Then, she heard the devil speak.


    "Seven white candles¡­"


    "Twenty grams of rococo flowers, peachwood, andurel leaves respectively. They should be ground into powder¡­"


    "A sterling silver knife, a ss of cider vinegar or red wine¡­"


    "And a blue crystal with blemishes that cover no more than 10% of the crystal¡­"


    As the devil''s words tumbled out one by one, the girl tried to remember them, but she was still puzzled.


    Seeing this, the demon said "fiercely," "What! Do you think I need to personally go down and rescue a mere mortal?"


    "All I need is to conduct a long-distance internar ritual."


    "However, every ne has its own characteristics. Therefore, only the items bought in your ne¡­ I mean, city, can be used to determine the time and space of the ritual."


    "Thus, if you want to save him, you need to buy everything tomorrow during the day and bring them to me tonight."


    Puzzled, the girl pointed at the objects on the floor. "Then¡­ What are these?"


    The demon waved his hand impatiently. "I''m saving a life for my servant. Do I need my servant to pay for the materials?"


    "These are the things I found in my storeroom that you can use on your ne."


    "Take them and sell them. Then, buy the items you need."


    The girl nodded dumbly, a little overwhelmed.


    Then, she heard the devil say arrogantly, "Right. If there''s any money left, go buy some meat. You look so skinny as my servant. I''ll beughed at by the other devils."


    The girl looked at the devil in front of her in a daze. For a moment, a wave of warmth flowed in her heart.


    Was this¡­ the devil?


    "It turns out that Mr. Devil is also a kind person."


    ¡­


    After cajoling and sending the girl off, Fang Ze was relieved.


    To be honest, he really didn''t know how to act like a tsundere and a domineering CEO at the same time.


    Fortunately, he had the television dramas from his previous life and Wang Hao as his temte, so he could portray a "proud" devil very vividly.


    Before leaving, Fang Ze told the girl how to bring the items to him.


    As for whether the girl would be discovered by the Security Bureau or the Investigation Department when she went to buy these items¡­


    As soon as the girl was summoned to his side, Fang Ze knew from her thoughts that the people watching her had long since retreated.


    Later, to be on the safe side, Fang Ze tried to guide the girl through her memories again to confirm that the Investigation Department and the Security Bureau were indeed not monitoring and controlling her.


    Perhaps his reaction today had made them lose hope in their n of using this girl to stimte him, allowing him to "restore" his memories?


    Even so, Fang Ze added something unnecessary to his purchase list to confuse the situation.


    Now that everything was settled, Fang Ze felt that all he had to do was wait patiently.


    To be honest, this n "rescued" both Fang Ze and this girl.


    It saved Fang Ze''s fate and the girl''s life¡­


    Without the shackles of kindness, perhaps this girl would be much happier.


    Fang Ze felt that he had umted good karma for his original self.


    "I hope everything goes well."


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze stopped thinking about it. He restored the room to its original state and began to check his gains for the night.


    After switching off the lights, returning the room to its initial state, a strange item appeared on the table.


    Fang Ze hesitated as he looked at the item.


    "What is this? A ck puddle of mud?"


    On the table was a dark-looking lump of what looked like soft, mushy sticine.


    He knew that he had not found out anything valuable from the girl, so there was a high chance that he would not obtain anything useful.


    However, when he saw the ck mud in front of him, Fang Ze was still a little disappointed.


    Although he knew that he would obtain an ordinary item, even if he obtained a fruit, he could still take a bite or two of it.


    What would he do with a pile of mud like this¡­?


    Was it a specialty of the slum sewers?


    As heined, Fang Ze walked over.


    He looked around to make sure there was no danger and touched the ck mud.


    A few secondster, some information slowly surfaced in Fang Ze''s mind.


    A momentter, Fang Ze, who was browsing through the information in his mind, could not help but open his mouth wide in surprise.


    "Disaster Creature: Shadow Warrior (Sword)?"


    "This creature''s way of thinking is simple. It can only listen to simple instructions, but it doesn''t know what fear is. It will fight to the death toplete the order."


    "Usually, it can reside in its master''s shadow and survive by absorbing the overflowing vitality of living creatures."


    "It can shuttle through shadows in battle. Its main body lies between reality and illusion. Itsbat strength isparable to an elite soldier, and it is immune to physical damage."


    "However, it can''t withstand a strike of extraordinary power. It''s also very difficult for it to cause harm to Awakened beings and other disaster creatures with extraordinary powers."


    "It is one of the weakest disaster creatures."


    After reading the introduction of the disaster creature in front of him, Fang Ze was a little surprised.


    He had actually won another prize!


    What kind of luck was this?


    The first time he investigated, he obtained an extraordinary artifact. He obtained an Awakening method on the second attempt. Meanwhile, he actually obtained a disaster creature on the third try.


    Did the Late-Night Investigation Room have a buff that gave it an increased probability of good items for the first ten attempts?


    Fang Ze was a little surprised at his luck.


    After his surprise, he picked up the lump of mud. It squirmed in his hand. Then, he threw it to the ground.


    Immediately, the mud fell to the ground with a plop. It began to stretch, grow thinner, and rise.


    Soon, a two-meter-tall female shadow warrior with a broadsword in her hand appeared in front of Fang Ze.


    She was slender and broad-shouldered, with well-developed pectorals and a darkplexion. Her face was painted with strange patterns that looked a little like a clown''s mask.


    Her arms were especially long and seemed as if they could reach her knees. She carried a broad-faced sword that looked to be at least five feet tall. It was also the same color as her body.


    Fang Ze looked up at her, then pointed at the wall beside him. "Cut it."


    As the order was given, Fang Ze felt his vision blur. Then, he saw the female shadow warrior jump two meters high. Her body was like a bird with its wings stretched out, and therge sword in her hands was raised high!


    Time seemed to have stopped at that moment.


    A momentter, there was a loud bang as therge sword in the female warrior''s hand collided solidly with the wall.


    Then, the female warrior was sent flying and fell to the ground.


    However, she acted as if nothing had happened. She jumped up again like a carp and attacked again.


    Seeing that the female shadow warrior was about to die from stubbornly attacking the wall, Fang Ze hurriedly shouted, "Stop, stop, stop!"


    The female shadow warrior stopped obediently. Then, she turned around and stood still, looking at Fang Ze firmly.

 Chapter 27 Bai Zhi Said, "Theres a Traitor in the Task Force" (1)

    Fang Ze was pleased by the way the shadow warrior woman obeyed him and stopped.


    Now that he was in a predicament, the sudden addition of a helper made him feel much safer.


    At the thought of this, he observed her and asked, "Can you understand me when I speak?"


    The female shadow warrior said nothing and didn''t move.


    Fang Ze asked again, "What''s your name?"


    The shadow warrior said nothing as it continued to stare at Fang Ze.


    Fang Ze put a hand to his forehead.


    It seemed that her intelligence was indeed limited.


    With that in mind, he looked at the huge sword in the shadow warrior''s hand and thought for a moment. Then, he remembered the nickname of a hero he used to y with in his previous life.


    At that time, when he was controlling that hero, he often learned how to jump into the enemy''s crowd and wanted to kill all the enemies. In the end, he often died¡­


    Thinking of that period in his previous life, he couldn''t help but sh a nostalgic look.


    Thus, when he came back to his senses, he looked at the shadow warrior and said, "From now on, you''ll be called Lady Knife."


    Lady Knife nodded slowly.


    Fang Ze said, "Back to my shadow."


    At Fang Ze''smand, the Lady Knife''s figure blurred and fell to the ground, turning a ck mist that merged into Fang Ze''s shadow.


    Fang Ze took a closer look at his shadow and saw nothing out of the ordinary.


    He took a few more steps. There was nothing unusual either.


    If he hadn''t personally witnessed Lady Knife merging into his shadow, Fang Ze might really have felt that everything was just his imagination¡­


    Fang Ze was in a good mood now that he''d gotten his hands on a disaster creature with decentbat power without much hope.


    Therefore, he tidied up the Late-Night Investigation Room and ced the Awakening materials he had bought today on the table. Then, he sat on the chair, closed his eyes, and fell asleep¡­


    ¡­


    For a moment, in the real world¡­


    In the temporary residence, Fang Ze opened his eyes on the bed.


    He tilted his head cautiously and nced at Wang Hao.


    Wang Hao was still asleep, but he was sleeping lightly, as if he would wake up at the slightest sound.


    Fang Ze cautiously felt his bed under the nket.


    As expected, the items he had ced in the Late-Night Investigations Room did not return to reality. Instead, they were stored in the Investigation Room.


    He raised his head slightly again. The room was dark and full of shadows. He tried to determine where Lady Knife was.


    Perhaps Lady Knife had sensed Fang Ze''s mood. A dark shape moved slightly in the darkness, as if to remind him that she was there.


    Fang Ze waspletely relieved.


    Then, he signaled for Lady Knife to continue hiding while he propped his hands behind his head and thought about his next n.


    Although he had tested the strength of the shadow warrior in the Late-Night Investigation Room, Fang Ze was still not sure about the exact strength of the shadow warrior because the battle conditions were too tragic.


    Coupled with the fact that Lady Knife could not resist extraordinary powers and was one of the weakest disaster creatures, Fang Ze did not dare to rely on Lady Knife to escape.


    However, with Lady Knife, at least he had some ability to protect himself when facing ordinary people and ordinary agents.


    That was good news.


    Now, there was Wang Hao, the "traitor," to solve the case and understand the movements of the task force.


    Meanwhile, the girl, Miao Miao, was there to collect materials for awakening abilities.


    He also had Lady Knife to protect him and ensure his safety.


    Fang Ze felt that his days were looking more and more promising.


    He felt that as long as he was given a little more time, he would be able to get out of his current predicament very quickly.


    As he thought about it, Fang Ze slowly fell asleep with anticipation for the future¡­


    In the darkness, his shadow stood silently on the wall like a guard, loyal to protect him¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    At the same time, as Fang Ze fell asleep, Bai Zhi was chatting with Bai Ling in the secret space of the Security Bureau.


    In front of them were the same surveince screens.


    On the screens was the scene of Fang Ze and Bai Ling in the car¡­


    Bai Zhi crossed her arms over her chest. Under her long eyshes, her beautiful eyes looked at the image without saying anything.


    A momentter, the image skipped forward, but she picked up the remote again and rewound the image.


    Just like that, she watched the scene over and over. It made Bai Ling yawn.


    A momentter, after Bai Zhi watched the scene for the tenth time, Bai Ling asked sleepily, "Sister Bai, what are you looking at?"


    Bai Zhi came to her senses at her words. She nced at her and said seriously, "I was looking at something that seems wrong."


    A question mark appeared above Bai Ling''s tiny head. "Something wrong? Where?"


    Bai Zhi didn''t exin. She just held the remote in her hand and pressed a few buttons.


    A momentter, several different images appeared on several screens, then yed in turn.


    They were the scene of Fang Ze and Bai Ling''s first meeting yesterday, the scene of Fang Ze hearing about the holiday yesterday in the canteen, and the scene of Fang Ze''s encounter with Bai Ling in the car today respectively.


    After the three videos were yed, Bai Zhi looked at Bai Ling and asked, "Did you see anything?"


    Bai Ling looked at Bai Zhi in confusion. Clearly, she didn''t see anything.


    Bai Zhi smiled helplessly, then switched to the scene of Fang Ze''s first meeting with Bai Ling and reyed it.


    On the screen, when Bai Ling appeared, the Commissioner had a smile on his face. Meanwhile, Fang Ze nced at her, his gaze lingering on her and the pumpkin hammer before he looked away.

 Chapter 28 Bai Zhi Said, "Theres a Traitor in the Task Force" (2)

    Then, the Commissioner introduced Fang Ze to Bai Ling.


    Fang Ze saluted and greeted her.


    The scene went still. Bai Zhi looked at Bai Ling and asked again, "Did you see anything this time?"


    Bai Ling waspletely at a loss. Her eyebrows were knitted together, and she pondered seriously for a long time. In the end, she could only look at Bai Zhi pitifully with her big watery eyes.


    Bai Zhi smiled dotingly and shook her head. Then, she said seriously, "There really is a traitor in the task force."


    Bai Ling was confused.


    She was full of question marks.


    How had this conclusion been drawn from just a few scenes??


    Seeing this, Bai Zhi gently knocked Bai Ling''s forehead and exined gently, "Can''t you tell that Fang Ze actually knew you long before this?"


    Bai Ling looked surprised. "He already knew me? Why?"


    The beautiful woman exined.


    "You''re young and thin, but you carry a huge hammer. You''re an eye-catching existence wherever you go. Everyone will be surprised to see you for the first time."


    "However, he wasn''t surprised when he first met you. In fact, there wasn''t even curiosity in his eyes. He was very calm."


    "When Commissioner Pang introduced you, he had a very enthusiastic attitude towards your performance. This is proof of your good standing."


    "However, he was still not curious or surprised that you have such a high position at such a young age."


    "Even with his steady disposition, it''s not quite normal."


    "Of course, if this is the only clue, there is a real possibility of a misjudgment."


    "Thus, yesterday, after I had my suspicions, I deliberately gave the task force a holiday to test him."


    "Sure enough, when he heard about the holiday, the huge surprise in his eyes and the hesitationter couldn''t be concealed at all."


    "It doesn''t fit the persona we gave him. This isn''t the reaction that an agent with no family should have."


    "Besides, after he reported Agent Hanas the ''traitor,'' the task force went on holiday. However, he didn''te to us or Commissioner Pang to ask about the situation."


    "Furthermore, today, after he saw you, his body immediately went from a rxed state to a tense state. Even though he hid it, there was still a moment of disappointment in his eyes."


    "Let me ask you this. A normal agent would be happy and surprised to see an officer of the Security Bureau, right?"


    "After all, it''s a wonderful chance to be able to be in close contact with an officer of the Security Bureau."


    "You never know, they might be chosen to join the Security Bureau and be an Awakened."


    "However¡­ He didn''t."


    "If it''s just an unreasonable detail, it might be a coincidence. However, with so many detailsbined, I think it''s too far-fetched to call it a coincidence¡­"


    "Thus, I judged that it''s likely that he already knew his identity and knew about you as a person in advance."


    "Furthermore, you never showed your face to him. How did he know about you?"


    At this point, the beautiful woman gracefully walked to a side table. As she rummaged through a drawer, she said, "Therefore, as he said yesterday, it''s very likely that there is another member of the organization lurking in the task force. In other words¡­ his aplice."


    "Furthermore, that partner of his had hooked up with him long before we did and told him a lot of information."


    "Moreover, all he''s done in the past two days is muddy the waters and deliberately disrupt the direction of our investigation."


    "As for who this person is, it''s easy enough to tell just by listing the people who have seen you."


    At this, the beautiful woman gracefully took a piece of paper and a pen from a drawer and began to scribble on it. "Commissioner Pang has seen you."


    "Cui Xuemin. His father is the Chief of the Security Bureau, so he knows about you."


    "Shan Hui."


    "Gao Shu."


    "And¡­ Wang Hao."


    At this, the beautiful woman picked up the paper and thrust it at the girl. She said tly, "Just investigate these five people."


    At this moment, Bai Ling was already looking at her with starry eyes. "Sister Bai, you''re too amazing¡­"


    "However¡­"


    She paused and said, "If we investigate like this, won''t we alert Fang Ze?"


    Bai Zhi stretchedzily and smiled. "Little fool, have you forgotten? Our ultimate goal is to figure out the identity of this organization behind the scenes."


    "Now that we have a new target, Fang Ze¡­ doesn''t really matter as much."


    At this, her tone changed. "Of course¡­ You should still try to pay attention when you investigate so that he doesn''t notice anything unusual."


    "That''s because there''s another possibility. None of these five are members of the organization, and he learned this information through other means¡­"


    "If that''s the case, then things are even more interesting¡­"


    After saying that, her beautiful eyes looked at the image of Fang Ze on the surveince screen. She stretched out her slender hand, picked up the wine ss on the table, shook it gently, and then raised her head to drink it in one gulp.


    After swallowing a mouthful of scarlet liquid, her pale and beautiful face instantly became charming¡­


    ¡­


    The next morning, Fang Ze got out of bed in high spirits.


    Wang Hao had already gotten up and was reading the book Fang Ze had bought for him yesterday with a red face.


    Fang Ze smiled at the upright guy and went to the bathroom to wash up.


    While washing up, Fang Ze stole a nce at his shadow.


    The shadow moved slightly, as if it was greeting him.


    Fang Ze rxed.


    After washing up, Fang Ze had a meal in the canteen and then began to immerse himself in a busy day of "cking off"¡­


    To be honest, when he first transmigrated, Fang Ze wanted to rely on his spirit of working from 9am to 9pm, six days a week, from his previous life to involve the entire task force.


    That was why he worked so hard to solve the case.


    In the end¡­


    As expected, only the Chinese did not lie to the Chinese¡­


    Therefore, he felt that, in fact, cking and lying t were also excellent qualities. He could also flourish in another world¡­


    Furthermore, during the whole day of cking, Fang Ze had found something else.


    It wasn''t about the case. It was about the task force.


    Fang Ze realized that his roommate, Wang Hao, had been secretly called to the second floor of the vi today. Other agents had also been called to the second floor of the vi.


    Among them were senior agents, official agents, and even¡­ the Commissioner.


    Furthermore, everyone had a puzzled expression when they went upstairs. After going downstairs, they were even more puzzled.


    Fang Ze was a little confused about what had happened.


    He had a feeling that something had happened to the task force quietly, but he didn''t know what it was¡­


    Moreover, while he was cking off, his creditor, Bai Ling, had wandered up to him several times.


    Besides, she was always asking strange questions.


    For example.


    "Would you like to touch my hammer?"


    "Aren''t you curious about a teenager with a very high position?"


    "Wouldn''t you be surprised if you saw a person on the street carrying a sledgehammer?"


    Fang Ze had originally wanted to ignore this little fool.


    However, there was no choice. This girl said that answering a question cost 200 Rini.


    And so Fang Ze told her the story of Gan Luo1 being appointed as a minister at the age of 12 and Chen Ge2 chasing the bride in red with a sledgehammer in his arms¡­


    The little girl listened to Fang Ze''s story and ran away.


    Then, half an hourter, she''d run back with the scent, clutching her tiny waist and using Fang Ze of being a liar. She said that Gan Luo and Chen Ge didn''t exist.


    Furthermore, she used it as an excuse to offset the interest on Fang Ze''s "answer fee."


    Fang Ze spread his hands helplessly, feeling that this was an unexined culture gap¡­


    The day passed in a sh.


    Soon, night fell again.

 Chapter 29 Being Followed

    That night, when Fang Ze returned to the dormitory after dinner, Wang Hao was already back.


    He sat on the bed, lost in thought. There was confusion written all over his face.


    Although Fang Ze was prepared to go to bed early and enter the Late-Night Investigation Room to check on the collection of Awakening materials, after washing up, he still couldn''t suppress his curiosity and asked tentatively, "Are you alright? Did the Security Bureau look for you today?"


    Wang Hao came to his senses at Fang Ze''s words.


    The task assigned by everyone by the Security Bureau was that in order to act real, they could answer any questions, except that they could not reveal Fang Ze''s identity. They also had to get along with Fang Ze like they were colleagues.


    However, today''s conversation was too sensitive.


    Thus, he hesitated, then finally shook his head and said, "N-nothing."


    Seeing Wang Hao like that, Fang Ze knew something was up.


    However, Wang Hao didn''t say anything, so Fang Ze couldn''t ask further.


    Furthermore, he was still in a hurry to find out about the "purchasing" of Awakening materials today, so he couldn''t use his identity as the "mysterious man" to ask Wang Hao.


    Therefore, Fang Ze only silently remembered this matter and thought that he would look for Wang Hao to test him in a few days.


    Just like that, one of them was thinking about something and the other was in a hurry to sleep. Thus, after a quick chat, both of themy down on their beds and fell asleep.


    The stars moved west. When Fang Ze woke up again, he was in the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Settling into his own chair, he tapped his right index finger on the table a few times and activated the summoning list.


    However, to his surprise, Miao Miao was not on the list¡­


    This surprised Fang Ze a little.


    He flipped through the list. Miao Miao''s three-dimensional image really didn''t appear.


    Fang Ze recalled the three conditions required to summon a person.


    First, he needed to have physical contact with the person.


    Secondly, the summoning had to happente at night.


    Thirdly, the summoned person had to be asleep.


    Actually, in addition to these three conditions, there was a fourth hidden condition, that the summoned person was still alive.


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze''s heart tightened. Could something have happened to Miao Miao?


    He thought about how this girl had lived for more than ten years with difficulty, but nothing had happened to her. In the end, something happened when he arranged for her to go out and do something¡­ To be honest, Fang Ze wouldn''t believe it if it wasn''t because of him.


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze thought, "Did I give Miao Miao too much money?"


    Even though 3,000 Rini of supplies and cash wasn''t a lot for an agent, it was still a lot of money in the slums.


    Perhaps this money had caused some trouble.


    As he thought about it, Fang Ze began to worry about this unlucky girl and his future.


    However, he had no other way to verify Miao Miao''s safety, so he could only wait anxiously.


    And so, the minutes passed.


    Fang Ze paced around the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Because there was no clock in the Late-Night Investigation Room, Fang Ze had no idea how long he''d been waiting. All he could do was count the number ofps he''d taken.


    When Fang Ze counted to 70, a three-dimensional image suddenly popped up at the top of the summoning list. It was Miao Miao''s image.


    Fang Ze froze, then looked at the image in surprise.


    Momentster, he sprinted to the chair. Then, he switched on themp and began to set up the environment of the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    ¡­


    Five minutester, looking at the girl''s figure slowly appearing on the charred ground, Fang Ze, who was sitting high on the dark throne, suppressed his worry. Then, he said in a low voice, "You''re toote."


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, Miao Miao, who was crawling on the ground, flinched. Then, she looked up and said weakly, "Mr. Devil¡­ I¡­ I couldn''t sleep."


    Fang Ze could clearly feel the grievance and fearing from Miao Miao. For a moment, he couldn''t even be angry.


    He looked at Miao Miao "coldly," then asked, "Why?"


    Miao Miao lowered her head and whispered, "I¡­ tried hard to sleep, but the harder I tried, the more I couldn''t fall asleep, so I couldn''t sleep."


    Fang Ze was silent.


    Fang Ze had really thought of many possibilities, but he hadn''t thought of this.


    However, just as he was feeling amused by his worries, he suddenly heard a faint and intermittent inner voice from Miao Miao.


    Fang Ze frowned slightly and listened carefully.


    After a moment, he looked up at Miao Miao and then asked, "Did someone follow you? Is that why you couldn''t sleep the more you wanted to?"


    Miao Miao was surprised to hear these words from "Mr. Devil." She looked up at Fang Ze weakly with her big eyes, then nodded and whispered, "Yes¡­"


    With that, she quickly took a bundle from beside her leg and opened it. Then, as she pulled several items out, she exined, "Mr. Devil. I have almost everything you asked me to prepare."


    "These are the rococo flowers, theurel leaves, the silver knife, and the candles¡­"


    "All the items are here."


    "The only item I haven''t bought is the blue crystal."


    "That thing seems to be a little precious. The owner of the crystal shop said they''ve sold out this month. Next month''s batch won''t arrive until tomorrow, so he asked me toe back tomorrow."


    "Furthermore, after I came out, someone seemed to notice and followed me all the way back to the street."


    "That''s why I''m a little afraid."


    Listening to the girl''s exnation, Fang Ze roughly guessed what had happened.


    Most likely, the girl had been buying things everywhere. She had leaked her wealth and been targeted.


    As for this world, because the Federation had only been established for a few decades, the systems of the various states were rtively chaotic. In addition, the social development level of the low-leveled cities was rtively low, and there was no high-tech equipment like surveince.


    Therefore, the handful of poor people or ordinary people were simply too inconspicuous. They might even be sent to the Investigation Department without being tried.


    That thought made him look down at the girl kneeling there. He hesitated, and then he said in his voice-changing, hoarse voice, "Since you''re working for me, I have to keep you safe too."


    "Tell you what."


    With that, Fang Ze waved his hand, and instantly, a muddy puddle flew out from his shadow.


    Then, he waved his hand again, and the muddy object flew into the girl''s shadow and melted into it.


    Miao Miao blinked her big eyes and looked at "Mr. Devil" in confusion, wondering what had happened.


    Actually, Fang Ze considered it seriously.


    ording to the information he''d received, the shadow warrior was as good as an elite soldier.


    Although it was useless against Awakened people, it should be possible for Lady Knife to protect an ordinary person, right?


    Right now, Fang Ze was in no danger from the task force. Even if he was, the shadow warrior would be useless against the Security Bureau.


    Therefore, it was better to lend the shadow warrior to the girl first to ensure her safety, so that Fang Ze could obtain thest awakening ingredient, the blue crystal, tomorrow.


    It was a consideration that maximized the benefits.


    Thinking of this, and seeing the girl''s confused eyes, Fang Ze said in a low voice, "This is a clone of one of my shadow warriors. She can keep you safe."


    The girl looked down at her shadow. It was just as it should be. She couldn''t tell that there was any difference.


    "Is that strange puddle a clone of a warrior?"


    "Can it keep me safe?"


    The girl was a little puzzled.


    However, the person in front of her was the gentle and considerate Mr. Devil.


    Thus, even though she didn''t believe him, she didn''t ask. She just nodded silently.


    Fang Ze heard her thoughts, but he didn''t say anything.


    Honestly, Fang Ze wasn''t sure what the shadow warrior was capable of.


    Logically, the information given by the investigation room should be urate.


    However, Fang Ze was a little worried about the shadow warrior''s strength when he saw her hacking at the wall yesterday.


    After all, besides the evaluation that the shadow warrior was as strong as an elite solider, the investigation room also evaluated it as the weakest disaster creature.


    Thus, if he couldn''t use it, it might be for the best.

 Chapter 30 Gains — Another Shadow Warrior?

    Thinking of this, Fang Ze did not talk about this anymore. He waved his hand and summoned all the Awakening materials the girl had bought in front of him.


    After counting them and confirming that she had bought all the Awakening materials except for the blue crystal, he nodded in satisfaction.


    Then, he sat on the ck throne and looked down at the girl. "If there''s nothing else, you can go back."


    "Tomorrow, remember to buy the blue crystal. After all, it''s very important for the ceremony."


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, the girl fell to her knees again, then lowered her head and replied, "Yes. Mr. Devil¡­"


    Just like theirst encounter, this girl had always yed her part.


    She never did or said anything unnecessary.


    After breaking the connection, he watched as the girl slowly disappeared to the floor. Then, Fang Ze pulled out the batteredmp from beneath his throne. With a click, he removed the room disguise.


    Even though he had experienced it two or three times before, when he saw the scene in front of him disappear like an illusion, Fang Ze still felt a sense of loss.


    After all, the feeling of being in control of everything in the room like a god was too intoxicating.


    He did not know when he could have such strength in the real world.


    Recovering from his thoughts, Fang Ze looked at the table in front of him, intending to see what he had gained.


    If he had obtained some information thest time he saw Miao Miao, resulting in him obtaining a disaster creature as a reward, it would make sense.


    In that case, because of the short time today, he had only collected the items and resolved the girl''s difficulties. As a result, Fang Ze did not dare to expect anything from today.


    Thus, when he saw the same ck mud-like object on the table again, he was really surprised!


    "It''s the same as yesterday''s gains?"


    "Could it be¡­ another shadow warrior?"


    Fang Ze was a little bewildered.


    Slightly incredulous, he picked up the puddle of mud.


    The mud was cold and sticky in his hand. He felt a little disgusted.


    However, Fang Ze did not mind because the information that appeared in his mind told him again that this was really a shadow warrior!


    Even the introduction was exactly the same.


    Fang Ze flung the mud to the ground in surprise.


    Like the shadow warrior from yesterday, the mud slowly merged into Fang Ze''s shadow. Then, a 2.5-meter-tall male shadow warrior with a ck body and strange patterns on his face crawled out.


    If yesterday''s swordswoman was an agility-type shadow warrior, then this shadow warrior in front of him was definitely a strength-type.


    His body looked at least twice as wide as Lady Knife''s. He was tall and burly. Furthermore, even though his whole body was ck, Fang Ze could still see the explosive power of his body.


    Unlike Lady Knife, who was holding arge sword, he was holding arge iron rod that was as thick as a bowl.


    The iron rod was taller than he was. It was thick and muscr. When he carried it over his shoulder, he had the domineering air of an inverted willow tree1.


    Even though Fang Ze looked at the shadow warrior in front of him, he had other things on his mind.


    He remembered the information he had obtained when he had obtained the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    What he gained from the investigation room was not entirely random.


    Instead, it was based on the "circumstances of the person being investigated" and the "value of the information obtained". Then, Fang Ze would randomly obtain an item that was "rted to the other party".


    In other words, what he gained was actually closely rted to the person being investigated.


    Take Wang Hao for example.


    The fact that he was chosen by the Security Bureau meant that he had the potential to be an Awakened. Coupled with the fact that he liked to read "intelligence magazines", Fang Ze''s first investigation resulted in him obtaining an extraordinary treasure like the "Salty Magazine".


    Then, the subsequent Spiritual Awakening Technique that Fang Ze obtained was most likely a suitable method for Wang Hao to Awaken. That was why Fang Ze obtained it.


    With Wang Hao, Fang Ze had already verified that there was no problem with the rules governing the gains he obtained from the investigation.


    So¡­ here was the problem.


    He only received such a reward after obtaining important information from Wang Hao twice.


    In that case, what about the girl, whom he had summoned two times and didn''t obtain any useful information, but received two disaster creatures from?


    What was her identity? Or rather, what amazing potential did she have?


    After all, Fang Ze had just casually chatted with her and obtained two disaster creatures.


    This reward was really too generous.


    Or perhaps, the girl was actually not special. Rather, were the gains from the investigation better because Fang Ze had juste into contact with the investigation room?


    Fang Ze felt that there was not enough information to make an urate judgment.


    He nned to summon the girl next time to take a look. Alternatively, he would summon Wang Hao topare the gains.


    Regardless, it was definitely good to get another shadow warrior.


    At least, after giving the girl Lady Knife, Fang Ze still had the ability to protect himself.


    "Another fruitful day, eh?"


    "I really hope I get stronger soon."


    "That way, I won''t live every day in fear."


    After sighing with emotion, Fang Ze put all the Awakening materials away, then sat on the chair and slowly fell asleep.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile.


    Pris Federation, Eastern Jurisdiction.


    In the state directly managed by the Federation.


    A dark room was lit by 13 white candles.


    Behind each candle stood a man in a hooded ck robe.


    Thirteen shadows were reflected on the floor, forming a huge dark hand in the middle of the room.


    The five fingers of the huge hand stretched out, each finger dotted with a star. There was a huge open eye in the palm of the hand. It stared coldly at the room as if it had existed since ancient times¡­


    Furthermore, under the gaze of the giant eye, the 13 people were quietly exchanging information¡­


    There was an old voice. "Something went wrong in Siddah State. The thing wasn''t found. Instead, it fell into a trap."


    "Even though I did a quick sweep on my end and didn''t give anything away, it got the Security Bureau''s attention."


    "Fortunately, Golden Fox was in charge of tying up loose ends in this operation. He deliberately dyed and interfered with the direction of the investigation, buying me enough time. Otherwise, it might have gone very wrong."


    "Thus, be careful what you do in the near future. Don''t let the Security Bureau catch you in the act."


    A female voice snickered at his words. "We sure as hell won''t get our tails caught."


    "However, you have to deal with this as soon as possible. Don''t get into any trouble."


    "I heard things aren''t looking too good for Golden Fox. They seem to be in trouble."


    The room was quiet for a moment. Then, the old voice from earlier said slowly, "There''s no trouble."


    "It''s just one peripheral member reporting another peripheral member. It''s just that Golden Fox was suspected by the Security Bureau."


    "However, he''s not the main suspect. Moreover, given his skills, he can handle it."


    A slightly childish voice said curiously, "The peripheral members don''t know each other''s identities. Even the name of the organization that was ryed to them was different. Why would they report to each other?"


    The old voice said, "He doesn''t know either."


    "He guessed that it was a coincidence."


    "However, in order to prevent those two peripheral members from bing an opening for the Security Bureau, he still decided to carry out the elimination n¡­"


    ¡­


    The next day, Fang Ze was awakened by a quick knock on the door.


    He got out of bed, then saw that Wang Hao was equally confused.


    Since Wang Hao was closer to the door, he took the initiative to get up and open it.


    Outside the door was a senior agent, Gao Shu.


    He was one of the four senior agents in the task force.


    At that moment, he was looking at the two of them solemnly. Then, he said, "The Commissioner wants everyone to gather in the meeting room on the first floor immediately."


    Fang Ze and Wang Hao exchanged a puzzled look.


    Wang Hao was a quiet person and wouldn''t take the initiative to speak, so in the end, it was Fang Ze who asked, "Brother Gao, did something happen? Why do you look so anxious?"


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s words, Gao Shu looked at the two of them and hesitated. In the end, he exined in a low voice, "Han Kaiwei is dead."


    Fang Ze and Wang Hao couldn''t help but look surprised at his words.


    Fang Ze involuntarily asked, "How did he die?"


    Gao Shu shook his head and said, "I don''t know."


    "There were no traces left at the scene. Furthermore, the two trainee agents on guard heard nothing out of the ordinary."


    "By the time they smelled blood, he''d been dead for a long time."


    "When his body was found, he was hanging from the ceiling by a rope around his neck. Then, his legs were cut off. The blood was running down his body until it was almost dry."


    "Then, directly below his body, the killer drew a pattern. It was a palm with an eye. I don''t know what it meant."


    Fang Ze''s pupils contracted.


    This didn''t seem like an ordinary way to kill someone. It felt a little strange.


    Did he upset someone?


    Before he could think clearly, Gao Shu said, "Well, I''m not going to chat with you. I have to inform the others. You''d better get to the meeting room."


    With that, he left their room and headed for the next dormitory.


    Upon seeing this, Fang Ze and Wang Hao didn''t dare to dy. They quickly picked up their uniforms and put them on as they quickly walked out.


    They reached the first floor of the vi. Before they reached the meeting room, Fang Ze could hear the noise in the meeting room from afar.


    He and Wang Hao looked at each other, then hurried inside.


    They entered the meeting room. Sure enough, most of the agents were already there, chatting in small groups.


    Fang Ze''s gaze lingered on all the agents for a moment.


    Most of the agents'' faces were alert and tense. Clearly, Han Kaiwei''s sudden death had made them very nervous.


    In particr, since he had died so strangely, it made them even more uneasy.


    Among them, only the few senior agents appeared moreposed. They stood out from all the other agents.


    Take Shan Hui, the most senior agent, for example. He was still holding his thermos and drinking from it, his eyelids drooping. His thoughts were unreadable.


    Another example was Cui Xuemin, a senior agent who was said to have a powerful background. She was standing with another senior agent, Shen Lan, and chatting softly.


    As they chatted, like Fang Ze, their sharp eyes scanned all the agents.


    Fang Ze took in everyone''s reactions and lowered his head to ponder this matter.


    Why had Han Kaiwei been killed?


    He had been locked up for two days and nothing had happened.


    Why was he suddenly killedst night?


    Was this because of what happened yesterday afternoon?


    However, what exactly happened yesterday?


    Soon, while Fang Ze was thinking quietly, all the agents arrived at the scene.


    After another five minutes, Commissioner Pang swung his paunchy frame around and wiped the sweat from his forehead. Then, he trotted in.


    As soon as he entered, the noise in the meeting room died down. All eyes turned to him.


    However, he didn''t look at the others. Instead, his gaze fell straight on Fang Ze.


    Then, he extended his chubby hand and waved at Fang Ze. "Fang Ze,e out for a moment."


    Everyone couldn''t help but look at Fang Ze.


    Fang Ze also couldn''t help but pause.

 Chapter 31 Han Kaiwei Was Silenced?

    Fang Ze didn''t know why he was called out.


    However, since the Commissioner had given the order, he could only do as he was told.


    Therefore, he strode out under the gaze of all the agents in the room and walked towards Commissioner Pang.


    Seeing himing over, Commissioner Pang reached out to pull his wrist. It seemed that he was anxious to take him away.


    Perhaps because of the vignce left behind by the past few days of "touching people," Fang Ze reflexively wanted to dodge.


    However, then he remembered who he was and stopped what he was doing. Commissioner Pang grabbed his wrist and led him out.


    Halfway across the room, as he held Fang Ze''s wrist, Commissioner Pang looked back at the others in the meeting room and said in a low voice, "From now on, no one will leave this room."


    He turned to look at Shan Hui.


    However, when he saw Shan Hui''s aloof demeanor, he hesitated, then shifted his gaze to Cui Xuemin. "Senior Agent Cui Xuemin, please maintain order after this."


    Cui Xuemin adjusted his gold-rimmed sses and smiled through narrowed eyes. "Yes, Commissioner."


    After giving his instructions, the Commissioner pulled Fang Ze anxiously towards the second floor.


    They arrived at the office on the second floor. The Commissioner pushed open the door and entered. Only then did Fang Ze realize that the beautiful young woman from the Security Bureau, Bai Zhi, was inside with his creditor, Bai Ling.


    One of them stood while the other sat, but neither looked happy.


    When they entered the room, the Commissioner didn''t even have time to wipe his sweat. He quickly saluted Bai Zhi and said, "Ma''am, Fang Ze is here."


    Bai Zhi nodded coldly, then looked at Fang Ze with her beautiful eyes.


    Fang Ze was a little confused, but he didn''t dare to dodge. He could only look at her.


    Furthermore, at this moment, Fang Ze realized that although this woman was perfect from head to toe, her eyes were still the most perfect.


    Her eyes wererge and slender, shaped like peach blossoms. Her eyes were dreamy, and there were natural fluctuations in her eyes like flowing water. She seemed tipsy, yet not tipsy at the same time, making her extremely beautiful.


    However,pared to his "innocence" the first time he had seen her, Fang Ze now knew his identity and the identity of the other person.


    Thus, he knew the woman in front of him was dangerous, very dangerous.


    Besides, it was against his identity.


    If he had unrealistic thoughts or let down his guard because of her beauty, then perhaps he would not see the sun the next day soon.


    While Fang Ze was thinking this, Bai Zhi finally finished sizing him up. Then, she gestured for him to sit. "Sit."


    Fang Ze snapped out of it and couldn''t help but turn to look at the Commissioner.


    The Commissioner quickly motioned with his eyes for Fang to obey.


    Only then did Fang Ze sit opposite Bai Zhi.


    Just like that, among the four of them, two of them were standing while the other two were seated. They faced one another across the table.


    This was his first time "acting" with Bai Zhi, and Fang Ze was a little nervous, so he was on full alert. He half sat in his chair, tense, waiting for Bai Zhi to speak.


    However, Bai Zhi seemed to have forgotten to speak. She stared at Fang Ze without a word.


    As the minutes passed, the mood grew heavier and more oppressive.


    Fang Ze remained alert, not daring to waver.


    Meanwhile, just as one of his strings was about to snap¡­


    Suddenly, Bai Zhi chuckled and said, "What''s the name of your organization?"


    Perhaps because he was too tense, Fang Ze almost answered reflexively.


    Fortunately, he did not know the name of the organization that his original self belonged to at all. Thus, when he was about to speak, his mind was empty and his face was nk.


    After a moment, he came back to his senses and understood that Bai Zhi was testing him. Therefore, he pretended to be innocent and asked, "Organization? Ma''am, are you talking about the Investigation Department?"


    The Commissioner and Bai Ling were speechless.


    Bai Zhi covered her mouth and giggled before saying, "Fang Ze, you really like to joke."


    At this point, her smile suddenly disappeared, and her eyes were cold. "Tell me, how did you kill Han Kaiwei?"


    If Fang Ze was acting in his answer just now, he was really confused this time.


    Had he killed Han Kaiwei?


    How was it possible?


    He wished that nothing would happen to the task force every day so that he would have enough time to develop his skills.


    So, why did he kill Han Kaiwei for no reason?


    Was he afraid that he would take too long to develop?


    Therefore, this time, he really did shake his head in a particrly nk manner. "Ma''am. I didn''t do it. I didn''t kill him."


    Bai Zhi said nothing at Fang Ze''s reply.


    A momentter, to Fang Ze''s surprise, the wall behind her rumbled open and a man hurried out with a note.


    When he reached Bai Zhi, he nced at Fang Ze and handed the note to her. "Ma''am, this is the test result for the artifact."


    Bai Zhi nced at the note and frowned slightly. Then, she looked at Fang Ze in disbelief.


    For a moment, she looked thoughtful.


    After that, as if her face had changed, she smiled apologetically and said to Fang Ze, "I''m sorry, Agent Fang. These are special circumstances. Please understand."


    "Congrattions. You''re off the hook."


    Fang Ze looked at Bai Zhi. He just stared at her.


    The test results?


    Off the hook?


    Was it a polygraph?


    Did they use a lie detector artifact because they really suspected that he was the one who did it?


    In the end, they found that he was innocent as he really didn''t know the answer to each question.


    Thus, did they deduce that he hadn''t restored his memories? Was that why they continued to act?


    As he thought about this, Fang Ze quickly smiled and said, "It''s okay, Ma''am. I understand what you''re doing."


    Then, he couldn''t help but aske, "Excuse me, what exactly happened?"


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s words, Bai Zhi''s expression changed. Then, she said to Fang Ze solemnly, "Agent Han Kaiwei has been silenced."


    Fang Ze was sharp and caught the word "silenced."


    He feltpelled to ask, "Silenced?"


    Bai Zhi nodded and spoke in a low voice.


    "Yes."


    "It''s all because of our poor protection."


    "He was silenced by the organization that caused the murder case."


    Fang Ze was speechless.


    Fang Ze tried his best to move his slow brain and analyze the situation quickly.


    Han Kaiwei had been silenced¡­


    Didn''t that mean¡­


    After a moment, he asked in surprise, "So¡­ is Han Kaiwei really a member of that criminal organization?"


    Bai Zhi smiled at Fang Ze''s question.


    Then, she deliberately asked, "Isn''t that what you found?"


    Fang Ze was speechless.


    That was right. He was the one who reported Han Kaiwei.


    Fang Ze almost felt as if he couldn''t think straight.


    Therefore, he quickly remedied the situation. "Yes. However¡­ I only suspected it back then, but I still had some illusions about the situation."


    At the same time, he used his brain to analyze the current plot.


    Hold on!


    This was the current situation.


    Back then, he purely wanted to stir up trouble, so he pushed Han Kaiwei out as a shield.


    Furthermore, although the Security Bureau knew the truth of the case, in order not to arouse Fang Ze''s suspicions, they went along with his n and also controlled Han Kaiwei.


    However, from the way they handled him and the way they looked after him, the Security Bureau probably did not really suspect him at all.


    And now, Han Kaiwei was dead. He had been silenced by the organization.


    The Security Bureau investigated in turn and found out that Han Kaiwei was really a member of the organization.


    Therefore¡­


    At that moment, after sorting out all the situations, Fang Ze was very confused.


    Thus, had he pushed his own aplice out?


    What did the organization think of him now?


    How did the people of the Security Bureau think of him?


    Could both sides think that he had done it on purpose???


    For a moment, Fang Ze felt a headacheing on.


    Who in the world would have thought of that?


    Han Kaiwei was a hooligan, an old fox. However, was he actually his aplice?


    Most importantly, he had never shown that he was Fang Ze''s aplice.


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze suddenly became vignt.


    That wasn''t right. If Han Kaiwei was really his "aplice", and he had been killed, this meant that there must be another "aplice" in the task force.


    Seeing how the other party mercilessly killed Han Kaiwei, Fang Ze suddenly felt that he seemed to be in danger too.


    He wouldn''t be next, right?


    He couldn''t help but turn to Bai Zhi at the thought.


    The beautiful woman''s clear eyes were also looking at him with a faint smile.


    At that moment, Fang Ze felt that this woman had expected this oue. That was why she had called him here and put on a show for him.


    Therefore, was she testing him?


    Did she want to work with him?


    Fang Ze wasn''t sure.


    To be honest, he only hoped that everything would go smoothly on Miao Miao''s side. He wanted to gather thest blue crystal as soon as possible so that he could Awaken tonight.


    The world was too dangerous.


    He was surrounded by enemies.


    Only when he had the strength to protect himself would he have confidence.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile.


    In the low-leveled Qingshan City.


    In the slums.


    After eating two stiff qingtuan1 at home, Miao Miao came to the door, quietly opened it by a little, and looked out¡­

 Chapter 32 Kill! Kill! Kill! (1)

    Miao Miao looked to the left.


    Then, she looked to the right.


    No one seemed to be outside the house.


    Miao Miao rxed a little. The person who followed herst night seemed to have left.


    Miao Miao quietly closed the door and went to her bed. She lifted the thin, worn, and patched mattress. Then, from under the mattress, she took out the 2,000 Rini worth of notes that Mr. Devil had given her the day before yesterday.


    Then, she rolled up the sleeves of her slightly oversized clothes.


    There was a small, close-fitting pocket in the inside of the sleeve that she had obviously sewn herself.


    She took out a needle and thread from the small box beside her bed. After counting the money and confirming that there were no problems, she cautiously put the money in her pocket. Then, she carefully stitched the pocket shut to avoid the money from falling out.


    How would she take out the money when she used it?


    She had sown the pocket such that as long as she flipped her sleeve and pulled one side of the thread, the entire thing would unravel.


    After doing all this, Miao Miao unbuttoned her gray clothes. Then, she picked up the belt that she had undonest night before going to bed and wrapped it tightly around herself.


    Even though her body was thin, her chest was still taking shape. Very quickly, her chest was wrapped and ttened.


    After buttoning up her clothes, she became that ordinary girl again.


    When she was done, she went to the bed and touched the floor. She tapped her face a few times before wiping some dust on her face. This hid her in and neat face.


    Afterward, she spread out her tied hair and carefully ruffled the hair in the front part of her forehead, making her hair look messy.


    With this outfit, coupled with the fact that she often lowered her head and wrapped her chest, as well as the loose and inconspicuous clothes, she became the most inconspicuous and dirty girl in the slums.


    After living in the slums for so many years and being taught by a few kind-hearted aunts, Miao Miao''s survival skills were consideredplete.


    Coupled with the help of her neighbors, she, a teenage girl, could barely survive in this cruel world.


    After finishing all the protection work, Miao Miao pushed open the door to her house and lowered her head. Then, she walked out of the alley, nning to buy the blue crystal for Mr. Devil.


    However, she had only taken a few steps when she looked up and was shocked.


    This was because at the end of the alley, three burly men in gray clothes were leaning against the wall. As they chatted, they used their peripheral vision to scan the people walking nearby.


    They looked like idle ruffians in a slum.


    However, Miao Miao knew that before yesterday, these people had not been wandering in her area.


    They were the few people who had followed her all the way here.


    Seeing these people, Miao Miao couldn''t help but feel a little afraid.


    She wanted to turn back, but she was worried that the other party would follow her home.


    She wanted to take a detour, but she was worried that it would arouse the other party''s suspicion.


    In addition, she had to buy the blue crystal today. Therefore, although Miao Miao was worried, after hesitating for a moment, she still held onto the hope that she would be lucky and walked over silently with her head lowered.


    The three ruffians didn''t react as she walked past them. They continued tough and chat.


    Seeing that the other party did not recognize her, Miao Miao heaved a sigh of relief. Then, she quickened her pace and continued walking.


    However, what she didn''t see was that behind her, the three ruffians looked at each other. Then, they raised their eyebrows and exchanged nces.


    a€|


    She walked all the way to the "shopping street" in the slums.


    Although it was called a "shopping street", it was actually a street with four or five shops in the slums.


    On the way to the "shopping street", Miao Miao looked back from time to time. After confirming that no one was following her, she was finally relieved.


    Miao Miao went to the sundry shop where she had asked about the blue crystal yesterday. She opened the door and walked in.


    The owner was a sharp-faced, slightly wretched-looking older man.


    When he saw Miao Miao, he narrowed his eyes and observed her. He grinned, revealing two ck teeth. "Little girl? Are you here to buy a blue crystal?"


    Miao Miao saw his gaze and lowered her head slightly, letting her hair cover her face.


    The, she asked quietly, "Do you have the blue crystal yet?"


    The wretched shopkeeper nodded, then opened a counter drawer and took out a small box.


    He opened the box. Inside were crystals of various colors in stic bags.


    He rummaged around and pulled out a stic bag containing a pure blue crystal.


    Then, he put it on the table and grinned. "That''ll be 1,500 Rini."


    Miao Miao was shocked to hear the price that he offered.


    Then, she looked up involuntarily and asked meekly, "Isn''t it 1,200 Rini?"


    The older man studied her face carefully as he chuckled. "The purchase price went up."


    When Miao Miao heard this, she lowered her head and touched her sleeve. Then, she asked timidly, "In that case, can it be cheaper?"


    "Cheapera€|?" The old man looked her up and down. "It''s not impossible."


    Miao Miao''s eyes lit up slightly.


    Then, she heard the old man say wretchedly, "Come here and let me touch you. I''ll give you a discount of 50 Rini."


    Miao Miao was stunned. Then, her face turned red and then white. After a moment, she looked down, rolled up her sleeves, unwrapped the cloth bag, and took out 1,500 Rini. She put it on the table. "Here, 1,500 Rini."


    Then, she was about to reach for the blue crystal.

 Chapter 33 Kill! Kill! Kill! (2)

    However, at this moment, the old man reached out and pressed down on the blue crystal.


    Miao Miao looked at him, a little lost.


    His eyes flicked to the ends of his thin sleeves, and he tutted and said, "The price increased. It costs 1,600 Rini now."


    "You¡­" Tears were already welling up in Miao Miao''s eyes.


    However, at the thought of having toplete Mr. Devil''s mission, and that there was no second shop nearby where she could buy crystals, she had no choice but to take out another 100 Rini.


    Seeing this, the wretched shopkeeper chuckled and reached out to take the money, but took the opportunity to touch her hand.


    Miao Miao was shocked and quickly retracted her hand. Only then did this old man not take advantage of her.


    Seeing her look like a frightened rabbit, the shopkeeper smiled wretchedly. "Hehe. Look at you. You''re so timid."


    "Here, this is for you."


    With that, he picked up the bag with the blue crystal on the table, held it up, and gestured at Miao Miao.


    Miao Miao eyed him warily, then moved forward cautiously.


    Then, she grabbed the blue crystal by the corner of the stic bag while the older man wasn''t looking.


    Seeing her like that, the old man didn''t care. Instead, heughed proudly, as if it was such a joy to harass Miao Miao.


    Miao Miao felt wronged, but there was nothing she could do about the old man.


    Thus, she had to pretend she couldn''t hear the old man''sughter. She carefully picked up the bag and seriously examined the crystal inside. Once she was sure it was real and that there was no problem with the imperfections, she put the remaining 100 Rini on the ground, gripped the crystal, and quickly ducked her head, and left the shop.


    Behind her back, the older man rubbed his chin and looked at her wretchedly. "Tsk, tsk," said the old man. "She''s a little dirty, but she looks so young."


    "I should tell Ah Da and Ah Two not to kill her once they''re done. I''ll ask them to bring her back for me to y with."


    With that, he lowered his hand, hummed an ugly tune, picked up a rag, and began wiping it on the old ss on the counter.


    "When doing business¡­"


    "Running a business at no cost makes the most money."


    "This is especially the case in the slums. There are always a few idiots every year who''ve worked hard for years and saved up a little money but have nothing to fall back on."


    "They are not repeat customers, so there''s no possibility of a second transaction."


    "It won''t make much of a difference even if they die."


    "Such people are the best targets¡­"


    "It makes sense for someone who can open a shop in the slums to asionally work with gangs and gangsters to make some extra money, doesn''t it?"


    Thew of the jungle had always been the most tant at the bottom.


    ¡­


    After leaving the sundry shop, for some reason, Miao Miao felt a little suffocated and had an ominous feeling.


    She looked down at her "shadow" for some reassurance.


    However, her "shadow" didn''t respond, which only made her more apprehensive.


    Therefore, she didn''t dare dy. Clutching the crystal tightly, she lowered her head and walked quickly towards her house.


    She turned down two streets and crossed a small bridge. Then, she was not far from her house.


    Looking at the familiar scene, Miao Miao felt a little less uneasy, so she continued walking forward.


    However, just as she stepped into an alley, she suddenly felt the scene in front of her turn dark.


    She looked up to see one of the three ruffians who had followed her yesterday standing grimly at the end of the alley.


    Miao Miao''s heart tightened.


    Her hands clenched involuntarily. Then, she looked down, turned, and tried to retrace her steps.


    However, at this moment, she suddenly realized that there were two more figures at the entrance of the alley. It was the other two ruffians.


    Looking at the three people who obviously came with ill intentions, Miao Miao clenched the blue crystal in her hand tightly, and her heart began to beat faster and faster.


    She turned slightly so that her back was to the wall. She stepped back carefully and said timidly, "What are you going to do?"


    "It''s daytime."


    At Miao Miao''s words, the three ruffians looked at each other, then burst outughing and said, "Chick. What''s wrong with it being daytime?"


    "Can''t we do something during the day? Hahaha."


    "I''m telling you, don''t get your hopes up."


    "We brothers in charge of this area."


    "Today, you have to leave behind the money. You need to stay behind too. Leave the crystal too."


    "You''re unlucky to have encountered us brothers."


    With that, he lunged forward.


    Seeing the ruffian''s actions, the girl turned in fear and tried to run. However, for some reason, as soon as she ran, she felt her legs go numb and go limp. She staggered and almost fell to the ground.


    Meanwhile, the ruffian was also upon her at this moment. His rough hand grabbed her wrist.


    Feeling that inescapable force, she stared in horror at the ruffian''s ugly face. Her mind went nk as waves of despair washed over her.


    "Mr. Devil, help me¡­"


    "Mr. Devil, please, help me¡­"


    In her despair, the girl''s tears fell as she kept calling out to her "master"¡­


    Meanwhile, the ruffians didn''t know who Mr. Devil was. They just thought she was asking her friend for help.


    Furthermore, seeing her pitiful look, the ruffians were excited andughed even more wildly.


    The girl''s wrist was grabbed, and her small body curled up into a ball. She tried her best to squat down and closed her eyes in despair¡­


    At that moment.


    Theughter suddenly stopped.


    The air became incredibly quiet for a moment.

 Chapter 34 Kill! Kill! Kill! (3)

    A momentter, she heard two roguish exmations.


    "Mother of God! What kind of monster is this!"


    "Holy shit. What the f*ck is this?"


    The girl opened her eyes in a panic. Then, she saw a two-meter-tall ck monster suddenly appear in front of her.


    The monster was slender, but its shoulders were very wide. It held a 1.5-meter-long broadsword. Its face was painted with strange patterns.


    The girl looked at it in surprise. She had no idea where it hade from.


    At this moment, the monster raised its ck broadsword and walked towards the three rascals.


    The three rascals were terrified now. They screamed and tried to flee.


    The monster strode forward and chased after the three of them. Then, it stretched its arms like a roc and raised its ck broadsword high in the air.


    Then!


    There was a scraping sound!


    There was one sh.


    There were six body halves!


    The three ruffians were still running, but their bodies had been separated.


    Their faces were still filled with horror as they tried their best to turn their heads to see what was happening behind them.


    However, with three muffled thuds, blood sttered, and their upper bodies "slowly" fell to the ground.


    They maintained their horrified expressions and stared at the monster with open eyes.


    While their consciousness remained, they only had two thoughts.


    Who was this girl? Why was she protected by such a terrifying monster?


    And¡­


    If they had known, they wouldn''t have snatched her things this timea€|


    By now, the girl waspletely confused.


    She saw what was happening and slumped to the floor. Then, she stared at the monster in a daze.


    However, the creature merely turned to look at her, then stepped into her shadow and sank slowly into it.


    The girl looked at the magical scene before her.


    Then, she realized that this was the envoy sent by Mr. Devil to protect her.


    Was this the clone of this "shadow warrior?"


    Thus, did Mr. Devil actually hear her call and ask this emissary to protect her?


    Thinking of this, Miao Miao stood up shakily.


    She looked first at the bloody alley, then at her own shadow.


    After a moment, she bowed deeply to the shadow and said, "Thank you, Mrs. Monster."


    Then, she knelt again and kowtowed to the east. "Thank you, Mr. Devil."


    After doing all this, she took another look at the three dead ruffians. Then, she dragged her weak legs and quickly walked home.


    The smell of blood gradually filled the alley, attracting many passersby.


    However, they only looked at the alley and ignored it with numb eyes.


    In the slums, death was never a big deal.


    Rather, the fact that no one died was news.


    a€|


    She staggered all the way home.


    As soon as she entered the house, Miao Miao quickly locked the door.


    Then, she slowly opened her hand and looked at the blue crystal that she still held tightly in her palm even though she had been caught.


    At this moment, her hands were sweaty and her palms were red from the blue crystal.


    However, seeing the blue crystal intact, a smile blossomed on her face.


    She had finallypleted what Mr. Devil had arranged for her to do.


    She was stunned at the thought. Then, her eyes could not help but look a little disappointed.


    The only thing she didn''t do well was make Mr. Devil spend an extra 400 Rini.


    Thinking of the money spent, Miao Miao couldn''t help but think of the wretched shopkeeper.


    Then, her small body involuntarily shuddered.


    Thinking of the wretched shopkeeper''s greedy eyes and his perverted actions, Miao Miao felt a chill run down her spine.


    She flinched involuntarily. Then, she chanted, "It''s all right, it''s all right. Don''t be afraid, don''t be afraid. Mr. Devil will punish him."


    a€|


    The seconds ticked by.


    Soon, night fell.


    At night.


    Perhaps it was an illusion, but Miao Miao felt her shadow fluctuate.


    However, when she checked carefully, she could not see anything unusual.


    Therefore, she continued to sit on the edge of the bed and do her handiwork. This was her main source of ie.


    And so, after half an hour of manualbor, her ie from the number of pieces shepleted was five Rini.


    This was already a good ie in the slums. It was a job introduced to her by the fat auntie next door.


    She put down the needle and thread and rubbed her sore shoulder. Then, she blew out the dim kerosenemp and the room fell into darkness.


    In the low-leveled cities, the people at the bottom had to be very frugal in order to feed themselves.


    So, kerosenemps were best left unused when possible. If they were to be used at all, they could only be used for work. They had to be blown out in time at the end of their work to save on the expensive fuel bill.


    Thus, darkness was probably the color the people at the bottom were most ustomed to.


    Because she lived alone and was a girl, Miao Miao usually didn''t open the doors or windows in her house. As a result, she usually worked and stared into the darkness on most nights.


    Meanwhile, just as she began to sit on the bed and stared into the dark room in a daze as usual, she suddenly heard a sharp click.


    Miao Miao jumped. Then, she didn''t dare to move.


    At this moment, she thought she saw a tall figure in the house.


    She quickly called out in a low voice, "Mrs. Monster, is that you?"

 Chapter 35 Kill! Kill! Kill! (4)

    No answer came from the darkness.


    Miao Miao carefully picked up the kerosenemp and lit it.


    Dim light slowly filled the room.


    The moment she saw the situation in the room, Miao Miao couldn''t help but cover her mouth in surprise.


    This was because there was a pile of Rini notes and crystals of various colors scattered on the floor.


    The crystals shimmered with color in the dim light, glowing invitingly.


    Furthermore, the tall monster she''d seen earlier in the day stood before the pile of crystals.


    She stared at the monster in mild surprise, wondering why it had appeared and the floor was filled with crystals and Rini.


    Meanwhile, at that moment, in her head, she heard a hoarse female voice speak with difficulty.


    "Master¡­manded¡­ protect¡­ safety."


    "Completely¡­ remove¡­ threats."


    The girl was confused.


    ¡­


    In the distance, at the "shopping street" of the slums.


    In the closed sundry shop.


    In the dim light, the owner of the sundry shopy in a pool of blood.


    His entire body was broken into two from his mouth, and his limbs were also cut off. He stared ahead with his eyes wide open, as if he had seen something that terrified him¡­


    ¡­


    At night, Fang Ze dragged his tired body back to the temporary residence.


    Because of Han Kaiwei''s sudden death, both the task force and the Security Bureau were on high alert.


    Among them, Fang Ze, who was the most important suspect, was definitely the focus of attention.


    The Security Bureau didn''t say anything. After Bai Zhi subtly probed and conveyed some information to Fang Ze, she let him leave.


    On the other hand, the other "colleagues" in the task force did not know the truth of the matter. They only knew that Han Kaiwei was dead, and that Fang Ze was the criminal who had publicly "cut Han Kaiwei''s throat".


    Therefore, on this day, Fang Ze himself didn''t know how many pairs of eyes were watching him or looking at him warily.


    This also made him tense up, afraid that he would identally expose something at the critical moment when he was about to Awaken his ability¡­


    Just like that, he finally managed to get a breather after fooling around for a day.


    He felt that he really couldn''t stay in this task force anymore. If he stayed any longer, even if he wasn''t silenced, he would probably be crushed by the discussions of his colleagues.


    Therefore, he really wanted to see Miao Miao now. He wanted her to give him a surprise and buy thest ingredient for the Spiritual Awakening Technique, the blue crystal.


    After washing up, Fang Ze didn''t care that Wang Hao was secretly observing him. Hey down on the bed and fell asleep.


    When Fang Ze opened his eyes again, he was in the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Just like the previous times, the room was still as Fang Ze had left it.


    The two sets of tables and chairs in the middle of the room were leaned against the left wall. Meanwhile, the steel door with the word "One" on it and the Awakening materials that Fang Ze had ced on the tablest night were all intact.


    After checking the Awakening materials and confirming that there were no problems, Fang Ze opened the summoning list.


    Unlike yesterday, Miao Miao was "online" very early today.


    Fang Ze rxed a little. This should prove that everything went smoothly, right?


    He didn''t know if it had gone smoothly without any idents, or if there had been an ident and the shadow warrior had taken care of it.


    As he thought this, Fang Ze adjusted the environment of the room and began his "investigation" tonight.


    ¡­


    When she woke up from her sleep, Miao Miao realized that she was indeed in "Mr. Devil''s" territory again.


    She looked up at "Mr. Devil".


    Mr. Devil was still shrouded in a faint mist. He was high on his dark throne, hand on the armrest as he looked down at her.


    For some reason, although Mr. Devil looked no different from before, Miao Miao could feel that he seemed to be very tired.


    In the past, Miao Miao only had fear for Mr. Devil. However, after today''s life-saving grace, she had a much better impression of and respect for Mr. Devil.


    Therefore, she, who had always been dutiful, bowed and greeted him. Then, she asked in her soft and weak voice, "Mr. Devil, why do you seem a little tired?"


    "Mr. Devil" was clearly taken aback for a moment by her question.


    A momentter, he was high on his throne, looking down at the girl kneeling before him. He said in his hoarse, deep voice, "Yes. A demon was killed today. I was suspected because I''m the strongest."


    Miao Miao knelt on the ground and said weakly but firmly, "Mr. Devil is so kind. Mr. Devil can''t be the murderer."


    Fang Ze, also known as "Mr. Devil", was confused.


    ¡­

 Chapter 36 Spiritual Awakening Ceremony

    Fang Ze felt as if something he didn''t know had happened that made this girl''s attitude change so drastically.


    Especially with the "respect" and "good impression"ing from the girl, he felt that his guess was right.


    However, what exactly had happened?


    With this in mind, he had a sh of inspiration and roughly guessed the reason. The shadow warrior must have made a contribution, right?


    With that thought, he asked, "Have you prepared what I asked you to prepare?"


    Upon hearing "Mr. Devil," Miao Miao quickly nodded obediently.


    Then, she picked up the sackcloth bundle that had apanied her to the Late-Night Investigation Room. She held it in both hands and faced Fang-Tze.


    Seeing this, Fang Ze waved his hand, and the sackcloth bundle flew into his hand.


    As soon as the bundle entered his hand, Fang Ze felt that something was wrong.


    After all, he only needed one blue crystal. Why was this bundle so heavy?


    With that thought, he gave Miao Miao a puzzled look.


    Miao Miao was still kneeling on the ground with her head lowered, looking like a bullied little wife. Even her heart was very obedient, and she wasn''t thinking about anything.


    Fang Ze looked away. Then, he opened the package.


    At that moment, Fang Ze admitted that his eyes were dazzled.


    How many crystals were there? They were in stic bags andid out inyers.


    Meanwhile, beneath the crystals were thick stacks of Rini notes.


    Fang Ze pushed away the crystals with his hand. Then, he tested the thickness of the Rini notes underneath. There were three stacks of at least a hundred notes in various denominations.


    Fang Ze made a rough estimate. The total value was about 20,000 to 30,000 Rini.


    In addition, there were 30 to 40 crystals.


    Fang Ze couldn''t help but nce at the girl below. Did this girl lead the shadow warrior to rob a jewelry store?


    He had only asked her to buy a blue crystal. Why did she empty the entire shop?


    One really couldn''t judge a book by its cover.


    Looking at her gentle and weak appearance, he originally thought that she would be very obedient. He did not expect her to be such a girl.


    Fang Ze couldn''t help but think of a scene. Miao Miao was soft and weak during the day, but she wore a Zorro mask at night, holding a whip in her hand while being followed by a shadow warrior. He imagined her kicking open the door of the jewelry store with an arrogant expression and shouting, "This is a robbery!"


    Hiss¡­


    Thinking about it, Fang Ze felt excited.


    Shaking his head to banish the scene from his mind, Fang Ze looked down at the girl. Then, his head spun.


    His "servant" was already so impressive. As a "devil," he couldn''t embarrass himself.


    With that in mind, Fang Ze put on airs, thenmented loftily, "You did well. I''m pleased."


    At Mr. Devil''s words, Miao Miao dropped to her knees, bowed her head, and said frankly, "It''s all thanks to Mrs. Monster."


    Fang nodded in understanding.


    Of course it was thanks to the shadow warrior.


    He did not believe that Miao Miao had the ability to snatch so many things.


    However, looking at the results of their battle, Fang Ze felt that he had to reevaluate thebat power of the shadow warrior.


    It seemed that she wasn''t as weak as he thought. She might not be able to deal with extraordinary powers, but she might be very powerful against ordinary people.


    Fang Ze felt that after he used the Spiritual Awakening Technique to Awaken, he should find an opportunity to personally test thebat strength of the shadow warrior.


    Only then could he make an urate judgment of the strength he had.


    With that thought in mind, Fang Ze casually chatted with Miao Miao for a while more. Then, he sent her back with the excuse that he wanted to "hold an internar ritual to save the person she wanted to save".


    As he watched Miao Miao''s figure gradually disappear, Fang Ze became more and more excited.


    The Awakening materials were finally gathered.


    He could try to be an Awakened!


    Once he became an Awakened, he would have a certain level of self-preservation ability in this world!


    He was no longer a weakling that could be easily ughtered!


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze lifted the bundle and removed the disguise of the room.


    After the Late-Night Investigation Room returned to its initial state, Fang Ze ced the sackcloth bundle on the table. Then, he took a few breaths and closed his eyes. He carefully recalled the things to note about the Spiritual Awakening Technique that had been imprinted in his mind.


    ording to the note, and the exnation from Bai Ling.


    Awakened abilities were actually the manifestation of World Law fragments.


    When a creature waspatible with a piece of the World Laws, it would resonate and could use thisw.


    Meanwhile, the Spiritual Awakening Method was a method to help creatures find this resonance, so that the creature could find thews, and hence the Awakened abilities, that suited them.


    Therefore, there was a high chance that the Spiritual Awakening Technique would fail.


    After all, the World Laws were not something that anyone could obtain. Only talented people could obtain the favor of the world.


    As he thought about this, Fang Ze took a deep breath.


    Although he knew that the chance was a little slim, at this point, he could only take a gamble.


    Thinking of this, he began to prepare the materials needed for the ritual.


    ¡­


    At the same time, while Fang Ze began to prepare for his Awakening.


    In the task force, at the Security Bureau''s secret base¡­


    Bai Zhi and Bai Ling were sitting opposite each other.


    Bai Zhi''s beautiful face was less calm and more tired. In front of her was a list of six names that had been crossed out.


    Seeing her like that, Bai Ling said with concern, "Sister Bai, you''ve worked hard all day. Do you want to rest first?"


    "You''re putting too much pressure on yourself¡­"


    Bai Zhi sighed and shook her head at Bai Ling''s words. "It''s not that I don''t want to rest, nor am I putting too much pressure on myself. It''s just that this matter is too strange."


    Resting her chin on her hand, she studied the surveince screens on the entire ss wall next to her, lost in thought. "Even though there were no cameras in the cell, the cameras in the hallway were always on."


    "The two trainee agents never went in, and no one came out from the cell either."


    "Furthermore, since 8 p.m. on that day, none of the agents on the task force or the officers of the Security Bureau left their temporary residences."


    "There''s nothing out of the ordinary."


    "The target of suspicion, Fang Ze, was tested with a polygraph-type artifact, and it was found that he didn''t kill Han Kaiwei. He doesn''t even know the name of his organization."


    "It proves that his memory didn''t return. Besides, he didn''t connect with his aplice at all."


    "Furthermore, the five suspects we previously thought might be his aplices were tested with the lie detector artifact yesterday. None of them are traitors from the criminal organization."


    "It means that my previous deductions were all wrong."


    "But¡­"


    She paused, confusion written all over her face.


    "Why? I went the wrong way, but Han Kaiwei was silenced?"


    "Doesn''t that mean I did the right thing and alerted the enemy?"


    Her eyes were full of confusion.


    "Could the murderer be someone else on the task force?"


    "Or perhaps¡­ Do these six people have a way to fool the lie detector?"


    She hesitated.


    "Should we conduct a second round of testing, or should we just conduct an all-member census?"


    "Even though there is a limit to how many times we can use the artifact, and it''ll be recorded in the system if we use it too many times, during times like this, if we don''t check again, I''ll really feel too uneasy."


    Bai Zhi felt as if a huge dark cloud was slowly enveloping her, making her unable to guess or see clearly.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile.


    In the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    After half an hour of preparation, Fang Ze finally had all the materials ready.


    Looking at the materials arranged in order in front of him, he began to follow the steps recorded in the note to officially begin the ceremony.


    He first removed the powder from the five nts, namely the rococo flower, the peachwood, the oak branches, theurel leaves, and the wormwood. He mixed the powder together.


    Then, he stripped off all his clothes and smeared the powder all over his body.


    After that, he positioned six of the seven candles ording to the shape of a hexagram.


    Subsequently, he picked up the silver knife and pierced his finger, dripping blood into the cider vinegar.


    Finally, he carried the cider vinegar and sat down naked in the middle of the hexagram. He lit thest white candle beside him and then poured the cup of the cider vinegar into his mouth. He held it in his mouth,y down, and pressed the blue crystal to his forehead¡­


    As hey on the cold ground, the moment the blue crystal touched his forehead, Fang Ze suddenly felt as if his soul was sinking rapidly into a red sea.


    The red seawater was sour, fishy, and unpleasant.


    He felt as if he couldn''t breathe at all.


    At the same time, he heard countless murmurs. They were like curses, full of malice and driving him crazy.


    However, Fang Ze was no longer listening to the murmurs. He was like a drowning person, desperately struggling to escape this sea of blood.


    However, the sea of blood seemed to have great malice towards him. Every time he tried to rush up, he was ruthlessly pressed down by the blood.


    Thus, his strength diminished, his struggles weakened, and his heart grew more desperate.


    At that moment.


    Suddenly.


    Six lights lit up in the dark red water.


    Although the light was weak, once it appeared, the murmuring and cursing immediately lessened.


    At the same time, a white light flickered around Fang Ze,plementing the lights.


    That white light seemed to have a strong magic power. It enveloped Fang Ze and reduced the pressure of the sea.


    Fang Ze rxed a little.


    He tried to make out the bearings of the six lights as he listened to the stato low murmur in his ears. Then, he tried his best to float up.


    Meanwhile, the sixmps and the fluorescent light around him seemed to form a huge that helped him float upwards.


    After an unknown period of time, Fang Ze felt his body lighten!


    When he regained his senses, he found himself "floating" above a dark red sea of blood.


    Above the sea of blood, ck and gray mist filled the air.


    Through the fog, countless stars lit up in the sky. Those stars formed a huge gxy that spanned the sky, illuminating this dark world.


    "Is this¡­ a star formed from the fragments of the World Laws?"


    Although he had already learned about the entire Awakening process from the note, Fang Ze was still extremely shocked when he saw the stars that filled the sky.


    Fang Ze knew that it was now the moment of truth.


    He sped his hands together and pressed them to his forehead. Then, with difficulty, he began to chant the incantation for the Spiritual Awakening.


    ording to the note, this divine script had the ability tomunicate with the World Laws.


    As Fang Ze read out the words one by one, the stars in the sky began to decrease one by one. They were the World Laws that did not suit Fang Ze.


    Because his eyes were closed, Fang Ze knew nothing about this and could only continue chanting.


    He wondered how many stars would remain in the end.


    He wondered if any of these stars had the ability to solve his current predicament.


    However, he could only take this gamble.


    He didn''t know how long he continued to chant for. When he finished thest line, Fang Ze stopped. Then, he took a deep breath and opened his eyes.


    What he saw stunned him for a moment. Then, he was pleasantly surprised.


    This was because in the sky, he still saw the Milky Way that was filled with stars that represented the World Laws. It was as if the number of stars had not decreased at all.

 Chapter 37 Obtained an Awakened Ability!

    At this moment, the stars, which had been unresponsive, began to flicker because they had established a connection with Fang Ze.


    The spectacr sight simply made Fang Ze feel dizzy.


    He had thought that besides failure, he might obtain manyws and abilities to choose from, but he really did not expect to see so many stars.


    "So¡­ Can Awakened abilities really be chosen at will like cabbages along the streets?"


    As he sighed, he browsed through the stars.


    The stars varied in size. Some of them were dim, while some were extremely bright. In either case, when Fang Ze looked over, they flickered rapidly, as if they were calling to him.


    It had to be said that the note from the Late-Night Investigation Room was very reliable.


    Although it said that such a situation was extremely rare, it still recorded the method if such a situation happened.


    Fang Ze recalled what the note had recorded.


    If more than onew echoed with the Awakened, then the Awakened could try to check the rough situation of the abilities in turn.


    Alternatively, he could list his conditions and carry out a certain screening process.


    With that thought, Fang Ze began to think about what kind of ability he wanted.


    If there were very few stars, he would most likely only choose the ability to resolve his current crisis.


    However, now that he had so many options, he could propose as many conditions as he wanted.


    It needed to have enough growth potential.


    It needed to be able to help him on a daily basis. It also had to be a trump card that was strong enough to let him deal with any crisis.


    He should be able to use it on himself and others.


    He should also be able to use it both widely and individually.


    Also¡­


    One by one, he proposed his conditions. Slowly, the stars in the sky began to decrease in batches. In the end, only a dark red star remained in front of Fang Ze.


    The star was veryrge and very bright.


    However, the color gave him an ominous feeling.


    Looking at the star, Fang Ze was a little puzzled. It actually had the ability to satisfy his harsh conditions.


    Then, what kind of ability was this?


    As he thought about it, Fang Ze tried to feel the rough situation of that ability.


    However, it was strange that he could only vaguely sense that this ability was very familiar to him. He had even used something simr himself.


    "Why does it seem familiar?"


    "Have I used something simr before?"


    Fang Ze hesitated.


    What exactly did this vague impression mean?


    Why did it feel a little strange?


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze could not help but hesitate.


    However, because his conditions were too harsh, there were no other stars other than this one.


    Therefore, after hesitating for a while, Fang Ze gritted his teeth and made up his mind.


    He no longer cared!


    Who cared what it was!


    As long as it could solve his current predicament and have enough development potential, that was enough!


    He had proposed so many conditions, but it could all be fulfilled by this ability. It could be said that he was fated with it!


    With this thought in mind, Fang Ze chose this star.


    As Fang Ze made his choice, the star suddenly shone brightly and rushed into his forehead.


    Fang Ze felt his vision suddenly brighten. There was a sharp pain in his brain, and then he lost consciousness¡­


    ¡­


    When Fang Ze woke up again, he found himself lying in the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    However, before he could regain his senses, he choked.


    He sat up quickly, pped his chest, and spat out a spray of bright red liquid.


    After taking a few deep breaths, Fang Ze realized that it was the cider vinegar that he had been holding in his mouth, mixed with blood.


    He had to admit that the smell was really simr to the sea of blood he had just entered.


    He slowly surveyed his surroundings and realized that the seven candles had burned out. The nt powder on his body had long since turned to ashes. Even the blue crystal had shattered into a few pieces.


    Fang Ze looked at everything in front of him and btedly remembered that he had just undergone the Awakening ritual!


    Just as he was thinking this, he suddenly realized that there seemed to be a lot more information in his mind.


    He closed his eyes, then silentlyprehended the information.


    A momentter, he opened his eyes with an odd expression.


    This was because he finally knew what kind of ability he had obtained, and also why this ability felt so "inauspicious".


    "I didn''t expect it to be such an ability¡­"


    "This is indeed a demon imprisoned in a cage¡­"


    [Awakened Ability: Credit World, Elementary-Stage.]


    Since this ability was only at the Elementary-Stage, it only had two small branch abilities.


    The first branch ability was called "Credit Line".


    This "credit" solely referred to the credit umted from using this ability. As long as Fang Ze didn''t have a credit crisis, he would borrow stamina, energy, learning effects, training effects, and even strength in advance for the next month.


    After borrowing these things, as long as he paid off what he borrowed within a month, there was no price to pay.


    For example, Fang Ze wanted to stay upte to watch dramas today, but he was very tired. In that case, he could borrow six hours of energy in advance.


    As long as he took the time to pay back those six hours of sleep in the next month, there would be no consequences.


    For example, Fang Ze had obtained a martial technique today, but he needed it urgently.


    In that case, he could borrow this martial technique in advance. However, at most, he could only borrow the state that he could reach after learning the technique for a month.


    Furthermore, in the next month, he had to practice this martial technique seriously every day. Before he reached the state where he could borrow this martial technique, his practice would be useless.


    All of the above were situations where Fang Ze "returned" the borrowed things on time.


    However, once Fang Ze borrowed something and didn''t pay it back within a month, the next branch ability, "Usury", would be activated.


    There were two ways to trigger "Usury".


    The first method was passive.


    The other was active.


    However, in both cases, the effect of the ability was the same.


    If Fang Ze did not pay off his "debt", or if he encountered major difficulties and had to borrow stamina, energy, learning effects, exercise effects, and even strength that he would definitely not be able to pay off within a month¡­


    Then, the [Usury] ability would take effect.


    Fang Ze would receive "unlimited overdraft credit". Furthermore, there would be no repayment deadline.


    However, no matter what he borrowed, it would incur a duplex interest of 3& monthly and 42.6% annually.


    Fang Ze could use money, items, and even "hard work" of equal value to repay his debt. However, if he paid his debt with hard work, he would not receive the gains.


    Meanwhile, if Fang Ze''s repayment was too slow and the interest was so high that Fang Ze could not even pay the interest, then Fang Ze would be wiped out by the rules.


    The two branch abilitiesplemented each other. It felt like a huge bait that lured Fang Ze to overdraw his potential in advance.


    However, it could not only increase his strength and speed up his growth, but also allow him to deal with any crisis.


    Moreover, since this was only the Elementary-Stage of the ability, there was still the possibility of expansion, such as Intermediate-Stage, Advanced-Stage, External-Type, and Group-Type branch abilities. Thus, it could really be said to be an all-rounded Awakened ability.


    However, to be honest, with the memories from his previous life, Fang Ze also understood that this "credit" was like a demon trapped in a cage.


    Once it was released from the cage, no one knew how much harm it would do.


    In his previous life, there were many people who went bankrupt and saw the interest climb so high that theymitted suicide.


    However, when he thought about his current situation, Fang Ze felt that there was no point in thinking so far ahead.


    After all, without the present, there was no future.


    Furthermore, he had a Sesame Credit1 of 720 in his previous life and had no problem with risk control.


    Therefore, perhaps using this ability would not be a problem.


    With that thought, Fang Ze stopped hesitating.


    After all, he had already obtained the ability, and it was such a powerful one. There was no reason not to use it.


    Thus, heposed himself. First he summoned the shadow warrior and had it clean the Late-Night Investigation Room. Then, he sat on the floor and tried to figure out how to experiment with his powers.


    His powers were powerful, but so were the side effects.


    Therefore, during the experiment, he could not squander his credit. He had to reasonably borrow what he needed now.


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze began to think about what he should borrow.


    Should he borrow energy?


    He was full of energy now.


    Should he borrow stamina?


    He was also full of stamina now, and didn''t seem to need it.


    How about¡­ a martial technique?


    Fang Ze brightened at the thought of this.


    He found this idea reliable.


    He hadn''t forgotten thest time he''d gone out with Bai Ling. She''d mentioned that the power of an Awakened wasn''t determined solely by their ability to awaken.


    The strength of their physique, theirbat intelligence, and theirbat will were also very important.


    After all, no matter how strong one''s ability was, they had to hit someone before the ability could take effect.


    Furthermore, Fang Ze was just an ordinary employee in his previous life. He had nevere into contact with martial techniques and did not know anything aboutbat tactics.


    Now that he had an Awakened ability, he immediately prepared to run.


    He did not think that his escape would be smooth sailing. Instead, it was highly likely that he would be pursued by enemies and engaged in battle with them.


    Therefore, knowing somebat techniques in advance and learning some simple martial techniques to avoid being defeated before he could use his Awakened ability might be his best choice now.


    Of course, the "Credit World" ability could not give Fang Ze a martial technique out of thin air.


    Therefore, Fang Ze still needed someone who could teach him martial arts.


    With that thought in mind, Fang Ze couldn''t help but look at the shadow warrior standing at the side with a thick iron rod after cleaning up.


    His gaze lingered on the shadow warrior for a moment before Fang Ze waved at him and instructed, "Next, I need you to teach me some basic martial techniques and training methods."


    "However, in order to know your strength, let''s practice first!"


    At Fang Ze''smand, the 2.5-meter-tall shadow warrior, who looked like a giant metal bucket, nodded slowly, then raised his thick pole-like iron rod high.


    Seeing this scene, Fang Ze hurriedly waved his hand in panic. "Stop! We''re just sparring. We''ll only use our fists and feet! Don''t use your weapon!"


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, the shadow warrior froze for a moment. Then, he tilted his head and looked down at Fang Ze. The huge iron rod in his hand slowly turned into ck mist and disappeared without a trace.


    Fang Ze felt that the shadow warrior''s thoughts were written all over his face. "This shorty doesn''t care about morals. Why didn''t he let me use my weapon¡­"


    However, Fang Ze felt that his thoughts were reasonable. He didn''t have a weapon himself. If the other party used a weapon, it would be a one-sided suppression!


    Now that both sides only used their hands and feet, Fang Ze felt that he could at least retaliate a few moves.


    With this confidence, Fang Ze and the shadow warrior engaged in a one-sided "life-and-death" struggle for the next ten minutes.

 Chapter 38 Initial Experience of the Awakened Ability

    Originally, Fang Ze thought that as a grown man, he could at least exchange a few blows with the disaster creature in front of him, right?


    However, when they really started fighting, he realized that he had overestimated himself.


    Fang Ze was knocked to the ground almost as soon as the shadow warrior moved. He didn''t evenst two moves.


    Perhaps because he had not fought or battled many people in his two lives, Fang Ze was almostpletely unable to resist the attacks of the shadow warrior.


    He could clearly see it with his eyes, but his limbs could not keep up at all.


    Sometimes, he could clearly see the shadow warrior rushing forward. He reflexively wanted to reach out to block, but before he could raise his hand, he was punched heavily in the abdomen and fell to the ground in pain.


    Moreover, during the battle, Fang Ze gradually understood why the Late-Night Investigation Room had evaluated the shadow warrior as the weakest of the disaster creatures.


    This was because he realized that ever since he fused with the World Laws and obtained his Awakened ability, his body seemed to be slowly bing stronger and stronger, and his resistance to attacks also became stronger.


    That rate of growth was practically visible to the naked eye.


    At first, when the shadow warrior punched him, it took him five or six minutes to get up.


    However, toward the end, even though the shadow warrior''s fists had hurt him, his attacks were no longer unbearable.


    Furthermore, this was the result after only half an hour.


    He estimated that once hepletely "absorbed" the physical enhancement of his Awakened ability, it might be very difficult for the ordinary attacks of the shadow warrior to pose much threat to him.


    Furthermore, this was someone who had just Awakened.


    If he were facing an Awakened who had Awakened for a few years, he believed that the shadow warrior would be even more powerless.


    "Is this¡­ protection from the World Laws?" Fang Ze could not understand the reason for this change.


    After all, he knew too little about Awakened people and Awakened abilities.


    He could only record the changes in his body first. He nned to find a chance to get a professional answer after he escaped from the task force.


    Furthermore, after half an hour of "being" tempered, Fang Ze had a rough idea of the shadow warrior''s attack patterns.


    To put it bluntly, perhaps due to his intelligence, the shadow warrior''s martial techniques were extremely simple and direct.


    However, that didn''t mean that his attacks didn''t work.


    On the battlefield, there were times when the simplest technique was the most efficient.


    Besides, Fang Ze didn''t have the right to be picky now.


    Thus, after half an hour of practice, he stopped and used his powers.


    Recalling in his mind the entire process of being hit by the shadow warrior''s explosive hammer, and the various moves and routines of the shadow warrior, Fang Ze silently recited, "I want to borrow the effects of the next ten days of training."


    As Fang Ze chanted, a round, red-eyed rabbit suddenly appeared in the void in front of him.


    The rabbit had wings. Its red eyes stared dully at Fang, and it repeated mechanically, "Borrowing ten days of training, activate!"


    With its voice, it turned into a white light that enveloped Fang Ze.


    Fang Ze felt as if he was constantly discovering changes in his body. His muscles began to tighten, and his body began to fill with more and more power.


    Not only that, but he also began to have a lot more training experience in his mind.


    They were all about how to exert strength, how to move, how to attack, and how to deal with the attacks of the shadow warrior.


    A momentter, the effect of the ability ended.


    Fang Ze felt like a different person.


    He clenched his fists. They were clearly the same fists, but because he knew how to exert force, he felt like he could use more than twice as much force as before.


    "Is this¡­ a magical Awakened ability?"


    For a moment, Fang Ze felt that his journey, and twists and turns along the way, had been worth it.


    He looked up at the shadow warrior with a determined gaze, then clenched his fists. "Again!"


    "Whoosh!"


    "Pa!"


    "Oh¡­" Fang Ze held his abdomen and was punched until he curled up again.


    Clutching his stomach and gasping in shock, he held up his hand. "Wait, wait a minute. I''m not ready yet. Don''t rush."


    For the next ten minutes, Fang Ze readied himself for another sparring session with the shadow warrior.


    This time, it was a real sparring session.


    The first time, he might have been knocked down in one move because he wasn''t paying attention. However,ter, after Fang Ze focused, he finally began to fight the shadow warrior back and forth.


    At this moment, Fang Ze finally understood how powerful his Awakened ability was.


    Borrowing the training results in advance was not only about physical fitness, martial arts proficiency, and the increase in hostility.


    He also borrowed other aspects, such as the habits of exerting strength, dodging, muscle memory, and evenbat instincts.


    If Fang Ze had to describe it, it was as if the self that had trained for ten days had descended to the present.


    The only thing that "displeased" Fang Ze was that ever since he''d borrowed the ability, a repayment list had appeared in front of him.


    The content of the list included ten hours of high-intensity sparring sessions with shadow warriors, ten hours of running, and ten hours of squats.


    Furthermore, at the end of the entire list, there was a countdown for 30 days.


    This meant that Fang Ze only had 30 days toplete these three missions.


    However, Fang Ze felt that it would be very easy toplete these goals in 30 days.


    This made him wonder if he should borrow something else.


    After all, he was escaping. The more prepared he was, the better.


    Besides, since he had obtained his ability, he had to test it in many aspects.


    Fang Ze rubbed his chin at the thought and looked at the shadow warrior.


    Now, since Fang Ze only had one sheep, he could only shear this sheep.


    Therefore, thinking of this, Fang Ze asked, "Do you have any killing moves or powerful moves? Can you teach me?"


    The 2.5-meter-tall shadow warrior was silent for a moment at Fang Ze''s words. Then, it raised its hand high in the air, and a puff of ck smoke rose from it before it coalesced into the huge rod from before.


    Thenm it raised the huge rod, the muscles in both arms bulging, and swung the rod hard.


    "F-! Boom!" At first, there was a loud sound of air being torn apart. Then, the iron rod mmed into the wall and quickly bounced back.


    Fang Ze gaped at the scene before him.


    Although the wall was unscathed, Fang Ze didn''t think that meant this move wouldn''t work.


    After all, Lady Knife proved that just because she couldn''t cut through a wall didn''t mean that she couldn''t cut through people.


    Moreover, just from the sound of the air being torn apart and the loud sound, one could tell how powerful this move was.


    But¡­ could he learn it?


    Was this just a simple force technique?


    It wasn''t a racial skill of the shadow warriors, right?


    Fang Ze looked at the shadow warrior hesitantly and asked, "What''s this move called?"


    The shadow warrior stumbled and struggled to make a sound. "Rod Throw."


    "Hiss¡­"


    To be honest, at that moment, Fang Ze was ovee by the simple way the shadow warrior named the move.


    Besides, throwing a rod was boring and harmless.


    He pondered. After he learned this technique, he wouldn''t throw a stick.


    Instead, he could throw broadswords, axes, and chainsaws!


    He believed in the lethality of throwing each weapon urately.


    While pondering the future direction of this move, Fang Ze tried to use his ability again.


    "I want to use ''Credit World'' to borrow ''Rod Throw''."


    As Fang Ze called out, the round rabbit with two wings appeared in front of him again.


    It looked at Fang Ze with its fiery red eyes and shouted mechanically, "Borrowing martial technique ''Rod Throw'', activate!"


    With that, it exploded and turned into a white light that enveloped Fang Ze again.


    As the light enveloped him, Fang Ze realized that the training process of Rod Throw and the technique gradually appeared in his mind.


    How to exert force, how to adjust his muscles, how to use his finesse, how to throw the rod out, how to increase the destructive power¡­


    All the details entered his mind as if he had practiced them himself.


    While absorbing this experience, Fang Ze was surprised to discover that this technique was indeed just an ingenious technique.


    However, the fact that it had so much power had to do with the unique physical structure of the shadow warriors.


    Therefore, as a human, since his body structure was different, not only did his power decrease a lot when practicing this martial technique, but he would also be especially injured when practicing it. This also affected his efficiency in practicing this martial technique. As a result, he did not borrow that much experience.


    After absorbing 30 days of experience, Fang Ze took a chair and tested the Rod Throw technique a few times. He roughly deduced that this martial technique could increase his strength by at least five times. Its lethality was astonishing.


    When he used this martial technique, the muscles in his arms would bulge like the shadow warriors. After using it, his arms would be extremely sore and burning.


    He had to rest for half an hour before he could recover.


    It was really an exaggerated and magical martial technique.


    Fang Ze suddenly found this world fascinating.


    There were all kinds of magical abilities and such a physical martial technique.


    This was the world of men!


    He felt that his future would definitely be very exciting.


    Just like that, after practicing for an unknown period of time, Fang Ze finally stopped. He was exhausted.


    Then, he closed his eyes and looked at his "Credit List" in the upper left corner.


    "Ten hours of high-intensity sparring with shadow warriors: 1.5 hours/10 hours"


    "Ten hours of running: 0 hours/10 hours"


    "Ten hours of squatting: 0 hours / 10 hours"


    "Practice Rod Throw 60 Times: 2/60"


    Other than running and squatting, which he had barely done, whether it was a high-intensity sparring session or practicing throwing a rod, Fang Zepleted everything.


    Thinking about it, there were still 29 days before the deadline.


    "Never mind. I''ll continue repaying tomorrow."


    With that in mind, Fang Ze directed the shadow warrior to clean the Late-Night Investigation Room and restore all the items to their original state. Then, he sat down in a chair and prepared to sleep.


    Just as his eyelids were about to close.


    Suddenly, he woke up. "Huh¡­ Did I miss something?"


    "I haven''t looked at today''s gains."

 Chapter 39 Poking the Shadow Warriors Den

    Thinking of this, Fang Ze opened his tired eyes and looked at the table in front of him.


    Previously, Fang Ze had been so focused on his Awakened ability that he had long forgotten about his gains today. He didn''t even notice this when he was packing up the Awakening materials.


    Now that he thought about it, he hurriedly began to search for the gains from today''s investigation.


    Two minutester, when he saw the ck mud under the table, to be honest, Fang Ze did not feel surprised at all.


    It seemed that as long as he investigated Miao Miao, he would get shadow warriors. This had be a tradition.


    As he thought this, Fang Ze picked up the puddle of mud and threw it to the ground.


    A momentter, like the one yesterday, the 2.5-meter-tall male shadow warrior appeared in front of Fang Ze with arge iron rod on his shoulder.


    Fang Ze looked at him, then summoned the shadow warrior he''d been sparring with.


    They looked a little like twins. It was almost impossible to tell the difference.


    Only on closer inspection would one notice that the shadow warrior fromst night seemed to be a little stronger. Furthermore, its rod was a little darker and a little thicker.


    He remembered that he had not named this shadow warrior in the past two days.


    Fang Ze pondered for a moment, then said, "From today, your names will be Rod One and Rod Two."


    The two shadow warriors obediently dropped to one knee and grunted, "Yes."


    Seeing that he had another shadow warrior, Fang Ze couldn''t shake the feeling that he''d just poked into a shadow warrior''s den.


    He wasn''t going to form an army of shadow warriors in the future, right?


    Furthermore, he was always getting shadow warriors. Was there a problem with him, or was there a problem with Miao Miao?


    Fang Ze felt the need to properly study the matter.


    If the problem was with Miao Miao¡­


    That meant her background or her potential had to be amazing.


    In that case, Fang Ze felt that this might be his chance.


    Perhaps, as long as he investigated the secret of her background or some other secret, he would obtain a huge gain.


    However, that was all in the future.


    Now, all that mattered was sleep.


    With this thought in mind, Fang Ze summoned Rod One and Rod Two back into the shadows. Then, he sat on a chair and slowly fell asleep.


    ¡­


    The next day.


    The sky was clear.


    At the temporary residence.


    Because he had been transferred by the Security Bureau to help all day yesterday, Wang Hao sat up in bed looking exhausted.


    Then, he realized that his criminal roommate had woken up early and was walking quickly on the spot.


    Wang Hao was shocked. He immediately felt that he had lost his guard. He had actually woken upter than his criminal roommate.


    How could heplete the mission!


    With that thought, he nced at his watch.


    It was five in the morning¡­


    Wang Hao was stunned for a moment. Then he realized that it wasn''t that he had woken upte, but that his roommate had woken up a little too early.


    With that thought, he involuntarily turned to his roommate, trying to figure out why he was up so early.


    In the end, with just a nce, he felt that the friendly image of his criminal roommate had be a little different from before.


    "Eh?" He made a small sound of surprise, then looked more closely.


    In the end, he couldn''t tell what was different.


    It seemed like his roommate was still as tall as before.


    He was still as handsome as ever.


    What exactly was different?


    "That''s strange¡­"


    Wang Hao was a little confused as to why this was happening.


    Meanwhile, as he wondered, his roommate exhaled deeply and then stopped walking.


    Then, his roommate stood up straight and waved at Wang Hao with a smile. "Morning."


    His smile was sunny and hearty. Coupled with his handsome face, one could not help but like him.


    Wang Hao reflexively raised his hand and replied, "Morning."


    Then, before he could say anything else, his roommate said with a smile, "You woke up a littlete today. I''ll go wash up first."


    With that, he hummed his way to the toilet.


    He tilted his head and looked at his roommate''s back. Wang Hao still couldn''t figure out what was different about his roommate.


    ¡­


    Apart from Wang Hao, the other agents on the task force also clearly noticed that the criminal was a little different today.


    However, just like Wang Hao, they couldn''t tell what was different about Fang Ze.


    If they had to be specific, it seemed that his spirit was different.


    In the past, he had been a very ordinary "weak young man." Although he was sunny and cheerful, his figure was obviously thin and weak. He walked weakly. Although his eyes were bright, they were not energetic enough.


    However, he seemed to have be a different person today. His body began to straighten. Although he did not walk like a tiger, he began to look like one. His originally handsome but weak face became resolute, and his eyes began to shine.


    "What''s wrong with this guy?"


    "Is it someone else?"


    "What happened in the span of one night?"


    This kind of quiet discussion quietly circted among the agents without Fang Ze knowing.


    ¡­


    After dinner, Fang Ze didn''t start the day''s "cking off." Instead, he went to the meeting room on the first floor of the vi with the other agents.


    Han Kaiwei''s strange death had a huge impact on the task force.


    The immediate effect was that the task force had stagnated.


    To avoid another death and to prevent the killer from escaping, all agents were forbidden to leave their temporary residences and vis except to eat and sleep.


    Furthermore, after eating, they were also asked to stay in the meeting room as a group. They were to wait for the Security Bureau to summon and "question" them in turn.


    Of course, none of this had anything to do with Fang Ze.


    Putting aside the fact that he was one of the first people to be called in for "questioning" yesterday, and that there was no need to go again.


    Even if he needed to go, as a criminal, he didn''t want to cooperate.


    All he wanted to do was pay off his "loan" as soon as possible and avoid borrowing from loan sharks.


    Therefore, he started running on the spot early in the morning and repaid his debt seriously.


    While he was waiting at this moment, he didn''t intend to stay idle.


    Therefore, while all the agents were nervously waiting for the Security Bureau to question them one by one, Fang Ze took a horse stance in the meeting room.


    Fang Ze''s identity was special to begin with. He was a Werewolf among the 20 Prophets.


    Coupled with the fact that he looked exceptionally different today, his actions immediately attracted a lot of attention.


    The agents in the meeting room who were originally chatting slowly stopped and began to secretly observe Fang Ze''s actions.


    Even the agent who was resting on the table looked up slightly to pay attention to Fang Ze''s movements.


    In the end, it was Senior Agent Cui Xuemin who couldn''t stand it anymore.


    When Fang Ze had been in a horse stance for more than half an hour, he walked over and called, "Agent Fang."


    Fang Ze was in the middle of his horse stance when he was suddenly stopped. He looked up and asked in confusion, "What''s wrong, Agent Cui?"


    Cui Xuemin adjusted his gold-rimmed sses and said gently, "Why have you been in the conference room in a horse stance?"


    Earlier, when he had made these outrageous moves, Fang Ze had found an excuse.


    Therefore, when he heard Cui Xuemin''s question, he first scratched his head and asked, "I don''t think I affected anyone, did I?"


    "In any case, we''re all waiting. Even if we chat, we''re still waiting. Training by going into a horse stance is also part of waiting. Why not do the horse stance?"


    Cui Xuemin smiled at Fang''s answer and said, "I don''t mean to question it. I''m simply curious."


    Hearing this, Fang Ze sighed helplessly and said, "Actually, I did all this because of Agent Han''s death."


    The agents in the meeting room had been secretly following their conversation.


    Furthermore, they all knew that Han Kaiwei had been imprisoned and died tragically because of Fang Ze.


    On top of that, there was Fang Ze''s identity as a suspect.


    Thus, when they heard Fang Ze''s answer, many people secretly pricked up their ears.


    Some of the more vignt people even secretly leaned backwards to hide themselves. They were afraid that Fang Ze was holding some strange sacrificial ritual, and that they would be chosen.


    While the various agents were having different thoughts, Cui Xuemin did not show it on his face. Instead, he looked at Fang Ze gently and asked, "Why is the horse stance rted to Han Kaiwei''s death?"


    Fang Ze exined, "Because I''m afraid of death¡­ I''m worried that the murderer is among us, so I''ll exercise more. When the timees, I can escape and save my life."


    Cui Xuemin was silent.


    The other agents were speechless too.


    Seeing that Cui Xuemin had nothing more to say, Fang Ze ignored him and continued with his horse stance.


    Looking at Fang Ze, who was in a horse stance in the meeting room as if no one else was around, the agents felt as if they were unable to understand his thoughts.


    However, they thought about it. If they shared the same train of thought as a criminal, it made sense. Thus, they felt that perhaps this was normal.


    And so, the day passed quickly.


    During the day, all the agents were called upstairs and questioned.


    Even Fang Ze, Wang Hao, Cui Xuemin, Shan Hui, and the others who had been questioned in the past two days were called to the second floor to repeat the questioning.


    However, from Bai Zhi''s obviously more irritable mood than yesterday, Fang Ze could still sense that the Security Bureau had fallen into a predicament after Han Kaiwei''s death¡­


    ¡­


    That night, after dinner, the agents returned to their dorms to rest.


    When Fang Ze returned to the dormitory, Wang Hao was already there.


    As a candidate for the Security Bureau, he had been helping the Security Bureau all day except when he was questioned. Thus, when Fang Ze saw him, he looked tired and worn.


    Seeing him like this, Fang Ze couldn''t help but think about the possibility of summoning him tonight.


    Previously, when Fang Ze faced Wang Hao in the Late-Night Investigation Room, Fang Ze could only rely on false bravado and bluffing. He had never felt at ease.


    However, Fang Ze now had something that Wang Hao needed, which was the Spiritual Awakening Technique.


    He had even personally tested the effect of this method and could give all-rounded guidance.


    Furthermore, Wang Hao seemed to have umted a lot of information recently.


    By talking to him once, he could learn about the current movements of the task force and the Security Bureau. Furthermore, there was a high chance that he would gain something of high value.


    Thus, perhaps this would be ate-night investigation that would benefit both parties.

 Chapter 40 Artifact — 22-Winged Angel

    Thinking of this, Fang Ze didn''t hesitate anymore. He went to the toilet to wash up. Then, hey on the bed and began to sleep, preparing to go to the Late-Night Investigation Room to summon Wang Hao.


    Fang Ze didn''t know how much time had passed, but when he woke from his dream, he was in the investigation room.


    He walked slowly to the chair and sat down. Fang Ze turned on themp and tapped the table with his right index finger.


    A momentter, a list of people that could be summoned appeared in front of Fang Ze.


    Fang Ze nced past Miao Miao. Although Fang Ze was still very curious about her, tonight was not her "show date".


    After finding Wang Hao''s three-dimensional image and adjusting theyout of the room, Fang Ze officially began his investigation for the night!


    ¡­


    Wang Hao had had a hard and tiring few days.


    This was because he didn''t know why the task force was suddenly in a mess.


    First, he and the agents were called in separately for questioning.


    This was followed by the sudden murder of an agent in custody.


    Then, there was the big sweep by the Security Bureau and the secondary screening.


    As the focus suspect, he went through two rounds of questioning and multiple rounds of probing.


    Furthermore, the shadow of the agent''s death hung over him.


    Therefore, he was physically and mentally exhausted.


    Honestly, right now, he really missed his days in the red-light district.


    He found it too difficult to work for the Security Bureau. Not only was it dangerous, but it was almost fruitless.


    He had worked so hard that he had almost been arrested, let alone be an Awakened¡­


    In contrast, he found it easier to tell stories to the mystery man.


    The reward was also to be an Awakened, and it was easy. There was no danger.


    Therefore, if he had a choice, he would rather be an Awakened with the help of the mysterious man.


    Unfortunately, much of the story had progressed, but the mystery man had not summoned him. He wondered if he had been forgotten.


    After all, a big shot like that must be busy with many things to do. His story might not necessarily attract him.


    Therefore, he could not help but feel a little anxious.


    However, because the initiative to meet waspletely in the hands of the mysterious man, he could only wait patiently.


    ¡­


    "Are you awake?"


    Hearing the familiar, husky, mysterious voice in his ear, Wang Hao woke up groggily.


    Then, to his surprise, he found himself in the ce he had been thinking about for the past few days.


    It was still the same room, the same luxurious arrangement, the same entire marble floor, the same dazzling collection, and the same mysterious and powerful Sir.


    Retracting his thoughts, Wang Hao quickly stood up and said in surprise, "Sir, we finally meet again."


    The mystery man sat on the sofa, toying with the bird disaster creature from the other day. Then, he smiled faintly and said, "Yes. We meet again."


    "From the look of you, I''d say your story has made a pretty good development."


    Wang Ze nodded vigorously at the mysterious man''s words. "Yes. A lot has happened to our task forcetely."


    At Wang Hao''s words, the mysterious man raised his hand slightly. "Sit. Speak slowly."


    As he spoke, the room shook slightly. A momentter, two arms made of marble extended from the marble floor. They intertwined and twisted to form a stone chair, supporting Wang Hao as he sat down.


    When Wang Hao saw this magical scene, he touched the marble chair under his butt in surprise. Then, he looked up at the mysterious man and spoke slowly.


    "Sir. A lot has happened to our task force in the past few days¡­"


    As a backup candidate for the Security Bureau, Wang Hao knew more insider information than Fang Ze.


    After hearing him slowly exin what had happened over the past few days, Fang Ze finally understood what Wang Hao, Cui Xuemin, Shan Hui, and the others were up to.


    ording to Wang Hao¡­


    That day, he''d suddenly been summoned to the secret base of the Security Bureau and given a simple interrogation.


    The contents of the interrogation were also very simple.


    First, they asked if Wang Hao was an undercover agent of the criminal organization.


    Second, they asked whether Wang Hao had told anyone about Officer Bai Ling.


    Third, they asked about Wang Hao''s attitude to this case.


    Wang Hao answered all the questions truthfully. He replied "no" to the first two questions. As for thest question, he replied that he wanted to solve the case as soon as possible and catch the real culprit.


    Furthermore, after he finished answering the questions, his interlocutor walked out with a piece of paper. Then, they told him that the test was over and he had passed.


    Wang Hao actually didn''t quite understand why he was being asked these questions. Although his interlocutor hadn''t exined it directly, since Wang Hao had passed the test, they vaguely said that the Security Bureau had discovered that it was very likely that there was a mole from that mysterious organization in the task force, so they were investigating it here.


    Although he was a little angry that he was actually listed as a mole candidate, it was the Security Bureau after all. Wang Hao didn''t dare have any objections.


    Thus, he turned his attention to the test and asked what it was. Was it a polygraph?


    His interlocutor exined that it was indeed a lie detector test. Furthermore, it was done with an extraordinary artifact.


    ording to the interlocutor, this lie detector artifact was called the "22-Winged Angel".


    It was a magical artifact created by experts from the Security Bureau. It was shaped like a statue of an angel with 11 pairs of wings.


    After it was held and used on a selected target, its wings would break if the target lied.


    However, there were also conditions and costs to use this artifact.


    The interlocutor did not say what the price was, but they did state the conditions for using it. Every time this artifact was used, the user had to tell the target the test results.


    In other words, this artifact could not be secretly tested for lies. It had to be tested publicly.


    Moreover, this artifact could only be used a limited number of times.


    It could only be used at most 22 times. After asking 22 questions, the statue would shatter.


    Therefore, it was considered a very precious disposable artifact.


    To be honest, Wang Hao felt that this artifact was indeed quite interesting, but he didn''t quite understand why this artifact was used on him despite how important it was.


    How was he like a mole?


    After that, things became even more bizarre.


    The day after the polygraph test, Han Kaiwei suddenly died mysteriously.


    The entire task force was at a standstill and in a state of panic.


    Wang Hao and a few key suspects were called in to be questioned again.


    After all, he had just been questioned yesterday, and then Han Kaiwei died. This was too much of a coincidence!


    It was so coincidental that¡­ It was as if someone had framed them.


    However, after answering the questions for the second time, judging from the expression on the faces of the people from the Security Bureau, Wang Hao felt that they still hadn''t found the murderer.


    Furthermore, because of Han Kaiwei''s sudden death, even if there was no problem after testing all five of them, the Security Bureau no longer trusted them.


    Therefore, when he went to his interlocutor for information again, he was simply turned away.


    After that, it was the third day.


    Perhaps because there really were no leads, the Security Bureau began to expand the detection range to the entire task force.


    Furthermore, something horrible had happened.


    Everyone had passed the 22-Winged Angel test.


    This was a p in the face to the Security Bureau.


    If everyone was fine, did Han Kaiweimit suicide?


    Therefore, they began to suspect that there was something wrong with the artifact.


    However, under normal circumstances, it was impossible for anything to happen to the artifact.


    This was unless someone happened to have an extraordinary treasure that could restrain the lie detector.


    This made the entire case even more bizarre.


    At the end, Wang Hao said with a frown, "The Security Bureau is very nervous right now."


    "Artifacts are very valuable. If the other party is carrying an artifact, then the other party is very likely an unknown Awakened."


    "Furthermore, the Awakened have all kinds of strange abilities. Once an Awakened really sneaks in, the entire task force will be in great danger."


    After patiently listening to Wang Hao''s story, Fang Ze leaned back on the sofa. He remained silent on the surface, but his mind was racing.


    He had a rough idea of what had happened.


    Furthermore, the thing that caught his attention the most was the second of the three questions the Security Bureau had asked Wang Hao.


    "Has any information about Bai Ling been leaked?"


    "From this question, it appears that the Security Bureau determined that there was a mole in the task force because they discovered that the information about Bai Ling had been leaked."


    Fang Ze froze at the thought of this.


    Then, he quickly calcted the time.


    After that, he couldn''t help but hesitate.


    "Why do I feel that I have something to do with this?"


    After pondering for a while, an idea shed through Fang Ze''s mind, and he was shocked.


    Could it be that his second aplice was a little vignt and confused because he had reported Agent Han, his "aplice"?


    Furthermore, because he had to act that day, he was especially calm when facing Bai Ling. It was a little unreasonable.


    Moreover, there were some things he didn''t notice.


    This led the Security Bureau to suspect that he knew about Bai Ling and suspect that her information had beenpromised by a mole. Thus, they began investigating the mole.


    As a result, this happened to hit the sensitive nerve of his second aplice.


    This was because the second aplice and Han Kaiwei knew each other. Furthermore, the second aplice didn''t know that the matter was caused by Fang Ze and was worried that Han Kaiwei had divulged a secret or leaked some information. Thus, Han Kaiwei was silenced.


    The more he thought about it, the more Fang Ze felt that his theory was probably right.


    At that moment, he really wanted to say, "WTF?!"


    Was he such a useless teammate?


    He had crippled his allies even before meeting them.


    One was dead, and the other was probably going to be exposed and captured soon.


    After all, Fang Ze did not think that the other party would cause such a huge mess. If he killed Han Kaiwei publicly, the Security Bureau would not let them off.


    Fang Ze changed perspectives. If he were the Security Bureau, he would definitely have set up a trap to prevent these 20 agents from leaving. Then, he would investigate them one by one.


    With the entire country behind them, the Security Bureau was more daring than a small criminal organization.


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze suddenly felt that something was wrong.


    Huh¡­ If he knew such a simple logic, how could his aplice not?


    However, he still killed people to silence them. He even left behind a strange, suspected logo of the organization.


    This was a tant provocation.


    What was his aplice nning to do¡­?


    Were they nted?


    Was there somepelling reason?


    Alternatively, did they have some trump card that could turn the tables?

 Chapter 41 36. Wang Hao Your grace will never be forgotten in my lifetime.

    As Fang Ze was deep in thought, Wang Hao''s story gradually came to an end.


    There was no valuable information to follow.


    Because... it was all about Fang Ze himself.


    It roughly told of how Fang Ze had been causing a stir in the Special Case Team recently and all sorts of strange actions he had taken.


    However, although there was no valuable information, Fang Ze found it quite interesting to hear his own story from a third party''s perspective...


    Perhaps the pressure of the past few days had been too much, and he had bottled up his feelings. The usually silent and reticent Wang Hao had finallypletely vented.


    So after finishing his story, Wang Hao smiled with relief, feeling much lighter.


    It made him think that it didn''t matter whether there was a reward or not.


    Having a profoundly enigmatic listening to his stories and rants seemed to be a particrly pleasant thing...


    And just as Wang Hao was thinking this, that enigmatic person in his heart spoke up.


    He gently pped his hands and then lightlymented, "A good story. Full of twists and turns. It makes people want to keep listening."


    "I have to say, your story has exceeded my expectations."


    Upon hearing the mysterious person''s words, Wang Hao was stunned.


    He suddenly had an inexplicable premonition...


    And sure enough, while he was thinking this, the mysterious person slowly began to speak, "Given that your story is bing more and more fascinating, and considering the crisis you are currently facing,


    "I''ve decided to give you your reward ahead of schedule."


    Upon hearing the mysterious person''s words, Wang Hao was surprised.


    Even though he had had a premonition just now, when happiness truly arrived, he still felt a tremendous surprise filling his chest.


    Reward?!


    Awakening Ability?


    Was all this real?


    Not knowing if the mysterious person had "guessed" his thoughts, the person smiled and nodded, saying, "Yes. It is the Awakening Ability that you have always wanted...


    Upon hearing the mysterious person''s words, Wang Hao quickly stood up in excitement and kept thanking him, "Thank you for your trust! I will definitely not let you down and will strive to make this story even more splendid."


    The mysterious person smiled and nodded, then flicked his finger lightly, and suddenly a piece of paper flew into Wang Hao''s hands.


    Wang Hao caught the note and began to read it carefully.


    "Mental Awakening Skills...?"


    "7 white candles..."


    "Rococo Flower, Peachwood, Oak Branch, Bay Leaf, Mugwort, 20g each, ground into powder..."


    Gently reading the note, the deep and secretive voice of the mysterious person was also heard in his ears, "Do you know the methods and paths to bing an Awakener?"


    Upon hearing the mysterious person''s inquiry, Wang Hao looked up nkly and then shook his head.


    The mysterious person indifferently said, "Then let me exin them to you as well."


    "To be an Awakener, there are three methods."


    "Mental Awakening Skills, Bloodline Awakening Method, and Special Awakening Method..."


    "These three methods..."


    Armed with the knowledge Bai Ling had previously imparted to Fang Ze, Fang Ze exined the Awakening Methods with ease and rity.


    Wang Hao was utterly captivated as he listened.


    He had never imagined that Awakening Abilities could be rted to the World''s Laws, nor did he expect there to be so many different methods of Awakening.


    However, after hearing the mysterious person mention that the Mental Awakening Skills were the most difficult and had the lowest sess rate, he couldn''t help but feel uncertain inside, "Mysterious one... If I use the Mental Awakening Skills, might I fail to seed?"


    "You said the Special Awakening Method has the highest sess rate; can I switch to that?"


    Hearing Wang Hao''s question, the mysterious person sat on the sofa, smiling faintly at him, and countered with a question, "Do youck confidence in yourself, or in me?"


    Upon hearing this, Wang Hao was invigorated.


    Then the mysterious person said indifferently, "Rest assured. If I say you can, then you can."


    At that moment, Wang Hao''s heart was instantly filled with immense confidence and tion.


    He thought, yes!


    The enigmatic one before him was someone who could even create Disaster Creatures out of thin air.


    Even if it was unclear whether he was a Deity, that kind of power was probably not far off.


    Such a person would definitely have chosen the method most suited to him.


    Why worry about it!?


    Realizing this, he bowed deeply to the mysterious person and said, "I understand, my lord."


    Seeing this, the mysterious person nodded slightly and then said, "All right, it''s gettingte, the story is over, so you should be on your way."


    Hearing the mysterious person''s words, Wang Hao, holding the note in his hand, nodded seriously, "Yes, my lord."


    At this, he hesitated for a moment, then his face turned slightly red as he tentatively asked, "My lord, may I...e back here once I''ve gathered all the materials?"


    "I''m worried that I might do something wrong during the Awakening or that something unexpected might happen."


    Hearing Wang Hao''s words, the mysterious person tapped his finger lightly on the armrest of the sofa, as if contemting.


    After a moment, he said indifferently, "You may."


    Seeing the mysterious person did not refuse, Wang Hao couldn''t help but reveal a sincere smile on his face.


    He couldn''t help butpare this mysterious Excellency with the Security Bureau.


    He had risked his life for the Security Bureau, monitoring criminals day and night, and not only did he not gain Awakening Ability, but in the end, he was even suspected!


    Yet for this mysterious Excellency, he simply told a story, and hadn''t even finished it when the other party rewarded him with an Awakening Method that suited him, and even offered to guard him during his Awakening,


    Comparing the two, it was like heaven and earth!


    With this thought, he couldn''t help but bow deeply to the mysterious person, "Thank you, Excellency!"


    "Your kindness to me, I will never forget for as long as I live."


    "Once I awaken, for anything at all, please feel free tomand me."


    Hearing his words, the mysterious person obviously didn''t care much, he simply said indifferently, "It''s enough that you have this intention."


    Seeing the mysterious person''s attitude, Wang Hao knew it was because the difference in strength and status between them was too great, so the other did not care about his offer of repayment.


    But he felt that it was one thing for the other to not care, and another for him to be grateful and seek to repay the kindness.


    Therefore, he still silently remembered this kindness in his heart.....


    ......


    Watching Wang Hao''s figure gradually disappear in the room, Fang Ze rubbed his temples.


    Honestly, he felt that dealing with his roommate was really troublesome.


    Compared to Miaomiao, who never asked or said too much.


    His roommate was simply a blockhead.


    When faced with this "mysterious person whose identity he didn''t know," he not only liked to ask all kinds of questions but was also particrly talkative.


    And then considering his silence and reticence in the real world.


    Fang Ze thought he was... truly reserved.


    However, no matter what, after giving out the Mental Awakening Skills, at least he had managed to keep him fooled.


    Together with his performance and exnation, Fang Ze believed that his roommate must now have no doubts about his identity.


    This way, from now on, he no longer needed to be fearful and carry out various deceptions.


    Instead, he could enter a positive cycle:


    Investigate them, let them reveal secrets, get rewards, share some with them, earn their trust, and then let them reveal more secrets, get more rewards.


    He believed that soon, his power and influence would experience a surge!


    At that thought, Fang Ze became curious about this evening''s gains.


    He felt that the information Wang Hao shared tonight was very valuable, and he also derived some useful information and intelligence from it.


    If the pattern of the investigatory gains was really effective, then perhaps he would get a decent harvest tonight!


    With that thought, Fang Ze took out the oldmp from under his sofa and lightly clicked it.


    After a moment, the entire luxurious room, like a bubble, gradually faded away, and Fang Ze returned to the pitch-dark room of the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Sitting in the chair of the Late-Night Investigation Room, Fang Ze looked at the "harvest" on the table.


    Unlike what Fang Ze imagined, today''s gain looked a bit unremarkable, just a pitch-ck stone.


    But with his previous experiences, Fang Ze knew that the more inconspicuous something was, the more likely it was to turn out to be exceptional.


    Thinking so, he reached out and picked up the stone.


    But the moment he picked up the stone, something astonishing happened: he suddenly felt a wave of weakness throughout his body.


    Since acquiring the Awakening Ability yesterday, Fang Ze felt his body getting stronger, and with the 10 days'' worth of exercise effects he had "borrowed," his body had grown even stronger.


    But at the moment he picked up the stone, it felt like all strength was instantly drained from him, as if he had been returned to his most ordinary self....


    Fang Ze, a bit shocked, put down the stone and quickly moved two meters away from it.


    As a result, the strength in his body miraculously began to return gradually.


    Fang Ze felt surprised.


    .....What on earth was going on?


    Was there something wrong with this stone?


    With that thought, he cautiously approached and began to test.


    Indeed, when he got within half a meter of the stone, the power in Fang Ze''s body disappeared again. But when he moved away half a meter, the power would once again return.


    Fang Ze tried summoning the Shadow Warrior, asking the warrior to pick up the stone.


    But as the Shadow Warrior approached within half a meter of the stone, it suddenly copsed into a puddle of mud.


    Fang Ze went over, moved it out of the half-meter range, and it returned to normal again.


    Observing the phenomena of the experiment, even without having seen the information about the stone yet, Fang Ze roughly guessed the stone''s function.


    Thinking this, Fang Ze walked over, and enduring his body''s weakness, picked up the stone again.


    Instantly, the information about the stone appeared in his mind.


    "Law Prohibition Edict."


    "Once this edict makes contact with a living being, it immediately activates. Within a one-meter radius of the edict, allws and Extraordinary Powers cease to function. The effectsts for 1 hour."


    "After that, the edict bes ineffective. It recovers after 12 hours and can be used again."


    A very simple introduction, but Fang Ze by no means underestimated this treasure....

 Chapter 42 37. Another 30-day loan! (Seeking recommendation tickets!)

    In Fang Ze''s view, the ability to inhibit extraordinary power is a major weapon in any world.


    After all, even the most powerful Awakeners are still of mortal flesh.


    Once someone brings this artifact to their side and activates it,


    their abilities will be rendered ineffective. They be ordinary people.


    At that point, a knife, a bullet, maybe all it would take to end their lives.....


    Therefore, just by seeing the introduction of this stone, Fang Ze felt that it must be extremely valuable and could y a decisive role at a critical moment.....


    With this in mind, Fang Ze picked up the bup bundle that Miaomiao gave him yesterday, packed away the [Law Prohibition Decree] inside it, and put it safely on the table.


    Having acquired another key artifact, Fang Ze felt that his days were getting better and better.


    He believed that given a little more time, a little more preparation, he would be ready to make his escape.....


    However, that was all forter. The current priority was to continue strengthening himself!


    Thinking this, Fang Ze stepped out of the range of the Law Prohibition Decree and summoned the Shadow Warrior to begin sparring.


    Perhaps it was because Bai Ling had mentioned physique and physical strength so many times when exining things to Fang Ze that day, or perhaps it was an intuition, but Fang Ze always felt that training his body and honing his martial skills was the right path for him now.


    That was why he was working hard to train from morning to day, and then to night.


    During the training, Fang Ze also discovered many little secrets about his Awakening Ability.


    For example, by borrowing the effects of training and martial skills, he managed to achieve in advance the results that otherwise would havee 30 dayster.


    ordingly, his training efficiency actually increased to what it would have been 10 days in the future.


    Although his training currently had no effect due to his debts,


    the coordination of his muscles and the proficiency in training and martial skills could not be faked.


    So Fang Ze naturally came to a conclusion:


    If he trained for two or three hours every day and repaid his debt in 10 days, indeed it would be as if he had just obtained what he wanted in advance, and the process wouldn''t change.


    But if he repaid his debt in just 2 days,


    then it would be as though his training efficiency after 2 days was at the level of 10 dayster.


    If one were to quantify it, it would be like this:


    The ordinary Fang Ze, practicing martial skills, would take many detours as a beginner and only gain "10 points of proficiency" per hour, which would gradually increase until reaching "50 points of proficiency" after 10 days.


    But Fang Ze, after borrowing and mastering the martial skills, would be in a state of expertise during practice, gaining "50 points of proficiency" per hour, and could maintain this rapid growth even after quickly repaying the debt, bing even stronger.


    This was already quite astonishing,


    because it meant thatter Fang Ze could instantly be proficient in anything new by borrowing 10 to 30 days of experience.


    And after swiftly repaying the debt, he could continue to improve in this expert state.


    This meant that no matter what he learned, he could save decades of timepared to others, and..... his learning efficiency would far exceed that of others afterward.


    With this realization, Fang Ze became determined.


    He directly increased his borrowed effect from 10 days to 30 days.


    This significantly improved his physical condition and martial skill proficiency. Even the Finishing Move "Throwing Stick" became much more refined.


    And the consequence was that Fang Ze''s repayment schedule was now packed to the brim.


    Hence, he was now enduring pain with pleasure....evente at night, he was still sweating profusely as he trained with two Shadow Warriors in the Late-Night Investigation Room....


    .....


    Meanwhile, at the Special Case Team''s temporary residence,


    Fang Ze and Wang Hao''s dormitory,


    Wang Hao opened his eyes from bed.


    He quietly turned his head to look at his criminal roommate in the next bed.


    The criminal roommate seemed to be having some kind of nightmare, eyes tightly closed, face strained, apparently under a lot of stress....


    After making sure his roommate was sound asleep, Wang Hao stretched out his hand and looked at it.


    He was indeed holding a note.


    This proved that all of this was not a dream...


    He quietly got up from the bed, then tiptoed to the bathroom.


    He closed the bathroom door, turned on the light, and carefully read the Awakening materials written on the note.


    Afterparing them one by one, Wang Hao confirmed that the items listed were allmonly avable on the market and could be easily bought.


    This gave him a sigh of relief.


    "Mental Awakening Skills, huh."


    "Only those with potential can Awaken....."


    Recalling the science lesson from the mysterious person, Wang Hao suddenly realized btedly.....he had almost missed a great opportunity!


    The thing in his hand was not a one-time Awakening tool, but an Awakening Method!


    So, it wasn''t just for him to use!


    And the materials were good and cheap.


    This meant..... as long as Wang Hao desired, every one of his descendants, or anyone dependent on him, could try Awakening using this method.


    Even if the sess rate is low, there should always be one or two people in each generation, right?


    With this "Mental Awakening Skills," he could create a small family of Awakeners.


    The thought alone made Wang Hao''s heart race with excitement.


    This was the foundation of a family indeed¡­


    Never did he expect the mysterious person to give it to him so casually.


    Thinking of this, and having been a bit of a loner from childhood, rarely receiving the care of others, his heart was once again filled with emotion and respect for the mysterious person¡­


    He clenched his fists and quietly made a resolution.


    He must work hard, try his best.


    He vowed to repay the mysterious person''s cultivation someday, not letting down the expectations ced upon him¡­


    .......


    The next day.


    After a hard night''s work, Fang Ze struggled out of bed, exhausted.


    Because he had "borrowed" the effects of 30 days of training, his strength had undergone a tremendous increase.


    He felt as if his body had undergone some wondrous changes.


    His body became more robust, his muscles more defined and fluid, and each time he exerted force, the muscles in his limbs, chest, abdomen, and back would warmly heat up, as if he had an endless supply of strength.


    With every punch he threw, his muscles seemed to twist into a single rope, then vibrating and exerting power together. There was an indescribable sense offort and strength.


    He didn''t know what was happening.


    He only knew, byparison, that he felt capable of easily beating ten of his pre-Awakening selves.


    However... Fang Ze understood that this was likely because it was his first time encountering Martial Skills, hence the rapid progress.


    Later on, the increase in his abilities would gradually slow down and not be as swift as now.


    So, he didn''t get ahead of himself, and his goal was to "repay the loan" diligently every day; once this term''s "debt" was repaid, he''d "borrow" for the next term, without rushing too much.


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze was momentarily stunned, then couldn''t help but curse,


    "Damn it! I hadn''t finished paying off my mortgage in myst life before I transmigrated here, and now I have to pay off "loans" in this life too¡­"


    "Is a working person''s life always this hard, no matter the world¡­?"


    Regardless, this was indeed the fastest way to enhance strength. So despite hisints, Fang Ze could only choose to continue on this path¡­


    After washing up and eating in the cafeteria, Fang Ze headed to the meeting room, just like the day before.


    Arriving at the meeting room, he didn''t idle and took the time to get into a horse stance to continue "repaying his loan."


    One by one, the Investigators trickled in, chatting in twos and threes.


    Compared to yesterday, they had be more ustomed to Fang Ze''s entric behavior; after a couple of nces, they didn''t pay much further attention to him.


    Perhaps because the Security Bureau had still not found the cause of Han Kaiwei''s death, there was significant pressure on everyone''s mind, so most of them were in a rather somber mood.


    This state continued until noon.


    At lunchtime, just before mealtime, Bai Ling came down from upstairs and announced to the Investigators below: the cause of death and killer of Han Kaiwei had been found. Those present were cleared of suspicion and were free to move about.


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    But for their safety, they were temporarily still not allowed to go out.


    If anyone wanted to leave, they would have to apply for it.


    Upon hearing the news, everyone was quite surprised.


    After all... there had never been any mention of progress from the Security Bureau before.


    How had they suddenly found the cause of Han Kaiwei''s death and the culprit?


    Many wanted to ask questions, but due to the status difference, they dared not to speak up, so they could only watch Bai Ling leave.


    Among them, only Fang Ze was indifferent to his status.


    Seeing how none of the Investigators dared to step forward, he directly chased after the figure of Bai Ling...


    ...


    The vi, first floor, front hall.


    Bai Ling had left the meeting room not long before, and was about to head upstairs when she suddenly heard a familiar voice calling out from behind, "Chief Bai Ling, Chief Bai Ling."


    Hearing the familiar voice, Bai Ling, who was carrying arge hammer, turned around curiously, then looked back at Fang Ze who was catching up.


    Actually, Bai Ling''s attitude towards Fang Ze had gone through several stages.


    From initially being "just another person," "neutral, neither liking nor disliking," to disliking him after finding out about the "previous Fang Ze''s" vices, to gradually improving her impression of him during a joint vacation...


    To say that she held goodwill towards Fang Ze would be a stretch, but she no longer found him disagreeable.


    Moreover, they had to continue ying their roles.


    So, seeing Fang Ze approaching, she blinked and asked,


    "What is it? Investigator Fang Ze. Do you have something you want to discuss with me?"


    Seeing Bai Ling stop, Fang Ze quickly caught up and asked, "I do have something I''d like to discuss with Chief Bai Ling. Are you avable now?"


    Truth be told, Bai was curious about Fang Ze.


    She had never seen someone change so dramatically before and after amnesia.


    Plus, cracking cases always involves interacting more with criminals, exploring their minds, and finding faults.


    So, faced with Fang Ze''s request, she nodded and replied, "I''m avable..."

 Chapter 43 38. Division of Realms and the Extraordinary Trap (Seeking Recommendation Tickets!)

    Because the atmosphere inside the vi was too oppressive, the two of them walked out while talking and strolled through the jungle.


    Actually, Bai Ling had some guesses about what Fang Ze wanted to ask.


    She thought it was nothing more than the truth about Han Kaiwei''s death and who the murderer was.


    So, while walking outside, she had also prepared her lines ordingly, just as Bai Zhi had advised...


    However, when Fang Ze started speaking, she realized... she had thought too much. This man in front of her just didn''t y by the usual rules!


    "Chief Bai Ling, actually... I wanted to ask you why physique and martial skills are so important for an Awakener?"


    Bai Ling: ??


    Bai Ling paused, then tilted her head and asked, "Aren''t you curious about how Han Kaiwei died?"


    Fang Ze also paused for a moment.


    After a brief moment, he blinked in confusion and countered, "Why should I be curious? It wasn''t me who killed him."


    Bai Ling: .....


    Somehow, Bai Ling felt there was a lot of sense in Fang Ze''s reply...


    But isn''t it stranger to not have any curiosity when someone has died right beside you?


    So, in response to Fang Ze''s question, she adorably extended her little hand, "200 Lini, thanks for your patronage."


    Fang Ze didn''t hesitate to reply, "Put it on my tab."


    Bai Ling bowed with a smile, "Okay~ Thank you, boss."


    After the transaction waspleted, she didn''t respond directly, but instead asked with curiosity, "Why did you ask this question?"


    As she asked, she added, "I remember you''ve been exercising your body for the past couple of days."


    Hearing Bai Ling''s words, Fang Ze smiled and then said, "It''s all because of Han Kaiwei."


    "The suddenness of his murder gave me a sense of urgency."


    "Besides, Chief Bai Ling, you keep stressing the importance of physical training, so I started working out as well."


    "It''s just that, although I''ve been training, I still don''t quite understand the significance of it, that''s why I wanted to ask what good does training do?"


    Having heard Fang Ze''s words, Bai Ling''s face showed sudden realization.


    Possibly because this rationale indeed made sense to her, she nodded in satisfaction and began walking ahead with her hands behind her back, like a little instructor, and began to exin while walking, "Actually, you''re right to be training your physique now."


    "Because physique and Awakening Ability are indeed closely rted."


    With this, she asked Fang Ze in return, "Do you know how the levels of Awakeners are divided, and the realms above that?"


    Hearing Bai Ling''s question, Fang Ze shook his head.


    Bai Ling said, "Then you better remember what I tell you."


    "Actually, Awakeners are divided into three stages."


    "There are elementary, intermediate, and advanced Awakeners."


    "The division of these three stages is very simple, it is based on the level of your Awakening Ability. If it is an elementary Awakening Ability, then you are an elementary Awakener."


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    "If it is an advanced Awakening Ability, then you are an advanced Awakener."


    "However, to enhance the grade of Awakening Abilities, it depends on the strength of your physique."


    On hearing Bai Ling''s words, Fang Ze was somewhat enlightened but also puzzled, "What does upgrading the level of Awakening Abilities have to do with the strength of the physique?"


    Hearing Fang Ze''s question, Bai Ling responded with a hint of frustration, "Look, you''re just not paying attention."


    "I''ve already said before that an Awakening Ability is the manifestation of fragments of the World''s Laws."


    "So, do you think an ordinary creature''s body can withstand an entire fragment of the Law?"


    Hearing this, Fang Ze truly had an epiphany.


    He couldn''t help but say, "So, the Awakening Ability someone gets at first isn''tplete, but just a part of it because the body of an ordinary person can''t handle the full ability."


    Bai Ling nodded, "Exactly. That''s how it is."


    She continued, "Therefore, to ept theplete Awakening Ability, one''s physique needs to reach a level that can amodate it."


    "And training is the simplest way to strengthen the physique!"


    "Training the flesh, muscles, skin, bones, organs... one step at a time to bring one''s body to its peak. To contain more and more of the World''s Laws."


    On hearing this, Fang Ze couldn''t help but develop a new doubt, "Then... doesn''t a stronger Awakening Ability require a higher physical quality?"


    Bai Ling looked at Fang Ze with an approving expression, nodded her head, and said, "Right. That''s why Awakeners with powerful abilities often take longer to grow."


    "After all, the world is fair. There are gains and losses."


    Fang Ze: ....


    Fang Ze suddenly had an ominous premonition about the upgrade requirements for his own Awakening Ability.


    However, facing Bai Ling at the moment, he couldn''t show it, so he continued to ask along the same line, "Then, is it possible that a weak ability immediately bes advanced upon gaining it?"


    Bai Lingughed out loud with a "pfft."


    She then said, "Of course not."


    Fang Ze was stunned for a moment.


    He reflexively wanted to ask, "Isn''t it starting from the elementary stage?"


    But Bai Ling seemed to see through his thoughts and directly answered, "Yes, it''s what you''re thinking, starting from the elementary stage. And... it will never improve again."


    Hearing Bai Ling''s words, Fang Ze couldn''t help but be somewhat surprised.


    Bai Ling said with profound meaning, "Yes, that''s right. Awakening Abilities actually alsoe in different ranks."


    "And most Awakening Abilities, because theyck subsequent growth..."


    "Once an Awakener awakens with such an ability..."


    "I''m sorry, but their Extraordinary Path will bepletely ruined."


    Fang Ze broke out in a cold sweat.


    He had thought that Awakening Abilities would be like the professions in games, all having the same growth potential and paths to advance.


    But now he was being told


    that perhaps, from the moment of Awakening, the future of most Awakeners was already sealed.


    Possibly sensing Fang Ze''s emotions, Bai Ling nodded with satisfaction and then took the initiative to say, "Like this kind of issue, actually, there are many on the entire Extraordinary Path."


    "Sometimes, you might unknowinglye to a crossroad and choose the wrong path."


    "And after you''ve strived for many years, you look back only to realize that the moment you chose that path, your path to advancement was already ruined."


    "We have a unified term for this mistaken path to advancement: the Extraordinary Trap."


    "The Extraordinary Trap..." Fang Ze muttered this term, feeling like this world waspletely different from what he had known before.


    There wasn''t a clear upgrade route, and the Extraordinary Path was filled with the unknown and forked roads, where a single misstep could plunge one into the Abyss...


    After thinking for a while and regaining hisposure, Fang Ze looked at Bai Ling and then asked, "By the way, you just mentioned there are realms beyond an Awakener, what are they?"


    Hearing Fang Ze''s question, Bai Ling said carelessly, "That realm is called the Law Integrator."


    "To reach that realm, you must sessfully integrate your Awakening Abilitypletely into your body, and then... start Awakening and integrate a second Awakening Ability."


    "A second Awakening Ability?" Fang Ze was a bit surprised.


    Bai Ling nodded and then, with her hands propped behind her head, said as if it were obvious, "Isn''t that normal?"


    "After all, I mentioned before that the essence of Awakening Abilities are fragments of the World''s Laws."


    "So, after fully absorbing one fragment, continuing to integrate new fragments, and then enhancing strength further, seems like a rather obvious path."


    Hearing Bai Ling''s words, Fang Ze was momentarily dumbfounded.


    Analyzed in that way, it really made sense.


    He couldn''t help asking, "Won''t there be conflicts between Awakening Abilities?"


    Bai Ling smiled and then affirmatively said, "Of course there will be."


    "So this tests a person''s ability to build a power system and their foresight."


    "If the chosen Awakening Abilitiesplement each other, then strength will increase rapidly."


    "If the wrong Awakening Abilities are chosen, especially unfortunately conflicting ones that cannot integrate, then you fall into an Extraordinary Trap. In a mild case, the Awakening Ability fractures; in a severe case, your entire head explodes."


    "And with each stage of a Law Integrator, a new ability must be integrated, up to the fifth stage, where along with the original one, there are a total of six abilities."


    "Ensuring that the six abilities peacefully coexist andplement each other is very challenging in terms of the level of ability collection and understanding of how to build a power system."


    "After all, with six abilities, even a slight mismatch could spell doom."


    "Just like with the Awakening stage, to allow the body to amodate more Law Fragments, the physique must keep up."


    "So often, by the time they are high-ranking Law Integrators, they may have prepared several abilities that suit them, but their physique can''t keep up, preventing them from advancing."


    "And if you possess six abilities, then you''ve reached the most critical step on the entire Extraordinary Path: Spirit Ascension stage..."


    At this point, Bai Ling seemed to recall something and stopped what she was about to say.


    Fang Ze looked at her and wanted to continue asking.


    But this time, Bai Ling just wouldn''t continue, saying that Fang Ze had not yet reached the stage where he could know about this.


    With that response, Fang Ze had no choice but to stop thinking about the Spirit Ascension stage.


    After all, that stage was still too far away for him at the moment.


    Understanding the importance of forging one''s physique now was enough for him. He could focus on training...


    After discussing the path ahead for Awakeners, Fang Ze suddenly recalled the "Law Prohibition" from the day before.


    Since receiving the "Law Prohibition," Fang Ze always had a question: Could the Security Bureau also possess a "Law Prohibition"?


    If they had such a stone.


    Then, if Fang Ze used "Usury" to sessfully push his strength to a level unmatchable by any of them, but they pulled out a Law Prohibition that rendered his ability ineffective,


    wouldn''t that be a disaster?


    So, Fang Ze pondered whether he could get some clues from Bai Ling...


    To avoid any idents during an escape...

 Chapter 44 39. The Efficacy of Law Prohibition (Seeking Recommendation Tickets!)

    Thinking of this, Fang Ze looked towards Bai Ling and then asked, "Chief Bai Ling, you just mentioned a lot about Awakening Abilities. Actually, I am very curious about one thing."


    "That is, with so many Awakening Abilities avable, is there something that can counter all Awakening Abilities?"


    Bai Ling heard Fang Ze''s question, smiled, and replied, "Of course, there is. The Law Prohibition Decree."


    Fang Ze felt reassured in his heart, as he had indeed asked the right question.


    Thinking this, he feigned curiosity and asked, "What is the Law Prohibition Decree?"


    Bai Ling tilted her head in thought and said, "The Law Prohibition Decree, huh? It is something very useful but at the same time quite useless."


    Hearing Bai Ling''s answer, Fang Ze was momentarily stunned.


    Useful, but also quite useless?


    Since acquiring this treasure yesterday, he had always thought it was something particrly formidable.


    After all, "Magic Ban"! The ability to render all powers ineffective. Such a thing sounds particrly badass, doesn''t it?


    But then, why did it seem so useless when Bai Ling mentioned it?


    With these thoughts, Fang Ze couldn''t help but look towards Bai Ling.


    And Bai Ling did not y coy. She looked at Fang Ze and asked, "Do you still remember what I told you earlier?"


    "That Awakeners seeking to advance their abilities, or wishing to fuse a second or third power, need to continuously strengthen their physique?"


    Fang Ze nodded.


    Bai Ling said, "So, what does the Law Prohibition Decree do? It prohibits Awakening Abilities."


    "But what''s the use of that prohibition?"


    "Most Awakeners have trained their physique and practiced Martial Arts. Let''s not even talk about the stage of a Fuser, even mid-level Awakeners have started to be Fearless against cold weapons and basic firearms."


    "Martial Arts itself is an important aspect of an Awakener''s repertoire inbat."


    "So, even if you inhibit the opponent''s ability, they can still fight you with their physical body."


    "Low-level Awakeners still won''t be a match for high-rank Awakeners."


    "Moreover, this thing has a range of use limitation. Generally, ording to the size, it''s between 10 meters and 0.1 meters."


    "And for an ordinary Awakener, 10 meters might just be a single leap away."


    "Its effectiveness is very low."


    Fang Ze: ....


    Oddly enough, Fang Ze felt that Bai Ling''s words made a lot of sense.


    But... to have obtained such high-value information, only to receive something so useless?


    Thinking this, Fang Ze somewhat reluctantly asked, "So, is this thingpletely useless then?"


    Bai Ling replied, "Not necessarily. It is at least..."


    "Expensive!"


    Bai Ling said with a smile, "If you happen to pick one up by ident, you might as well sell it; you could get quite a bit of Lini for it."


    With that, her eyes began to sparkle with golden light again.


    Fang Ze: ...


    Perhaps noticing Fang Ze''s speechlessness, Bai Ling stopped joking. After some thought, she exined, "Actually... this stone is not entirely without use."


    "It can be quite effective when facing some special types of Awakeners, Fusers, or even Disaster Creatures."


    Hearing this, Fang Ze''s interest was piqued, and he couldn''t help but ask, "Special types of Awakeners, Fusers?"


    Perhaps sensing Fang Ze''s excessive curiosity about the Law Prohibition Decree, Bai Ling did not answer his question but rather looked at him doubtfully and countered, "You didn''t reallye across a piece of the Law Prohibition Decree, did you?"


    Fang Ze nodded with a smile, "Yes, I did."


    "Pfft.", originally when Fang Ze showed such enthusiasm, Bai Ling really did suspect that he might have found a piece of the Law Prohibition Decree.


    But now that she asked and Fang Ze admitted it immediately, she suddenly didn''t believe it.


    She felt that a person wouldn''t be so foolish as to say everything that is asked of them...


    ''Eh? Why does it feel like something is off...?''


    Shaking her head to cast those strange thoughts from her mind, Bai Ling went on to exin, "You should still remember that I mentioned there are many Awakeners and Fusers who have taken the wrong path, right?"


    Hearing Bai Ling''s words, Fang Ze nodded.


    Bai Ling said, "You should also remember that I mentioned the correct path is through physical training to amodate more Awakening Abilities, right?"


    Fang Ze nodded again.


    Bai Ling pped her hands and dered, "Then isn''t it quite simple?"


    "Among so many Awakeners and Fusers, there must be many who disagree with the current training route, or whose Awakening Abilities simply cannot follow the physical training path."


    "For example, soul-type Awakeners."


    "This group of Awakeners believes that physical training is not the correct advancement path for Awakeners. Instead, the right path should be to cultivate the soul. So they start giving up on their physical body from the Awakener stage and focus on strengthening their soul."


    "For example, medium-type Awakeners."


    "These Awakeners believe that the World''s Laws and Awakening Abilities are harmful to the human body. So, to control Awakening Abilities, they cannot be brought into oneself, but instead, the powers should be concentrated on external mediums, and then used through those mediums."


    "Then there are the Awakeners with abilities that directly affect only a single part of the body."


    "These types of Awakeners have their Awakening Abilities concentrated in certain parts of the body, such as the eyes, ears, bones, and so on...."


    "Because their abilities are so strongly tied to that particr part, they need to continuously strengthen that part in order to grow more powerful. However, human energy and resources are limited, which leads them to gradually abandon the practice of training other parts of their bodies due to low efficiency."


    Fang Ze nodded somewhat enlightened, like Wang Hao''s first love with the Awakening Ability using only bones: Dry Bones.


    "Her" Awakening Ability was associated with bones, and as the body constantly needed to be reced, it became very likely that she would no longer practice physical training.


    Bai Ling said, "So, for special Awakeners and Fusers whose main strengthes from their Awakening Abilities and who haven''t trained their bodies, using the ''Law Prohibition Edict'' will be extremely effective."


    "Aside from Awakeners and Fusers, it''s also a Divine Artifact for those with Extraordinary Power items, or Disaster Creatures whose physical strength is not great."


    Continuing on, Bai Ling added, "Think about it. If the Law Prohibition Edict really had no use, then why would it be so expensive?"


    "It''s just that its use isn''t to target most Awakeners, that''s all."


    Fang Ze nodded in understanding.


    It turned out that the Law Prohibition Edict was not useless, in fact, its main use and effect were even greater than he had imagined. It just... wasn''t thebat weapon he had thought it was.


    And really, how could there possibly be an item that could overpower everyone just by being brought out.


    With Awakening Abilities and various miraculous Divine Artifacts having existed for so many years, they must have been thoroughly researched, with many countermeasures developed.


    It''s possible that the fact that most Awakeners in this world follow the path of physical training is due, in part, to the Law Prohibition Edict.


    With this in mind, Fang Ze no longer dwelled on the matter.


    Having learned about the future development of Awakeners today, and the real usage of the Law Prohibition Edict was a considerable gain for him!


    So, he found an excuse and took his leave from Bai Ling.


    Watching Fang Ze leave so decisively, Bai Ling was utterly confused, "He... He really didn''te to question me about the case?"


    "Also... How many questions did he ask just now?"


    "One by one yields one, two by two yields two... Oh no, I''ve lost count. This is a big loss!"


    Bai Ling stomped her feet in frustration, annoyed by her perennial inability to keep track of ounts...


    ...


    ...


    Even though the Security Bureau announced they had found the cause of Han Kaiwei''s death, theck of public disclosure of the truth meant the Special Case Team''s Investigators were still somewhat uneasy.


    Thus, during investigations, they were somewhat preupied, or just going through the motions. Find your next read at empire


    This made Fang Ze''s shirking quite inconspicuous among them.


    And with Lini''s guidance, Fang Ze also had a clear understanding of the path ahead of him.


    That was to train, train, and train some more!


    To enhance his strength, and prepare to run away!


    ......


    Night fell quietly...


    After dinner, Fang Ze returned to his dormitory; Wang Hao hadn''te back.


    He hadn''t seen him all day and wondered what he was up to.


    Fang Ze guessed he was trying to gather materials for Awakening.


    But now, with the Special Case Team being locked down again, getting materials from the outside world, especially without the Security Bureau finding out, was extremely difficult.


    Therefore, Fang Ze wasn''t optimistic that he would be able to gather the materials in a short time.


    Perhaps, it might not be until after Fang Ze had escaped that he would get his hands on those materials.


    But Fang Ze didn''t concern himself with that, after all, in reality, they were still in opposing positions...


    After doing about half an hour of exercise and further advancing his ''repayment'' progress, Fang Ze cleaned up and theny down in bed, entering dreand.


    He had a demanding task today, to verify something at the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    .....


    Meanwhile, as Fang Ze slept, a conversation was taking ce in a secret base of the Security Bureau...


    Bai Zhi sat on the sofa, while Bai Ling knelt on the ground, holding her ears and looking pitifully at her.


    But Bai Zhi''s expression wasplex as she stared at her and then said, "Bai Ling, I truly didn''t expect it to be you."


    "In the entire Security Bureau, the person I trusted most was you."


    "So, when Fang Ze got to know you, I never doubted you."


    "Later, when you told Fang Ze so much about Awakeners, I still didn''t doubt you."


    "Even during Lie Detection, I excluded the two of us."


    "It wasn''t until today, when you leaked so much ssified information to Fang Ze, that I suddenly realized..."


    "I should have thought earlier that the only ones who could leak your information, besides those who have met you, are you..."


    "I was so foolish..."


    Hearing Bai Zhi''s words, Bai Ling was nearly in tears, tugging at her own ears and looking at Bai Zhi with teary eyes, saying, "Sister Bai, please don''t be like this... I''m scared."


    "I''m not really an undercover agent. I''m just simply foolish."

 Chapter 45 Miaomiaos identity really has a problem (asking for monthly votes!)

    "I don''t know why, but when Fang Ze asked, I just told him,"


    "I suspect it''s rted to my ability."


    "You know what my ability is."


    If it were any other time, faced with Bai Ling''s words, Bai Zhi might have started to show hesitation, but this time she remained unmoved.


    She merely held the sculpture of the Twenty-Two Winged Angel, staring coldly at Bai Ling and said, "Whether it''s true or not, a test will tell."


    "Bai Ling. Now I''m asking you. Besides being a member of the Security Bureau, do you have any other identities..."


    Upon hearing Bai Zhi''s words, Bai Ling quickly shook her head, "I don''t. I''m not. I only have one identity at the Security Bureau."


    Bai Zhi looked at the Twenty-Two Winged Angel in her hand.


    After a while, the statue showed no change.


    Bai Zhi''s eyes involuntarily widened.


    Then she looked at Bai Ling with a bit of disbelief and asked again, "Why did you tell Fang Ze so many secrets, even going into detail about the realms of the Awakener, Law Prohibition, and such?"


    Bai Ling blinked herrge, confused eyes and said in a daze, "I... I didn''t know I wasn''t supposed to talk about it."


    "You told everyone before that he''s just an ordinary criminal, watched by us. He can''t escape, he won''t leak information. So to make the act realistic, you''re supposed to treat him like a normal colleague."


    "Aside from his identity, whatever he asks, you answer, to avoid giving anything away."


    "So, when he asked me questions, I just answered."


    "Moreover..." she muttered softly, "he even gave me money..."


    Bai Zhi: ...


    Bai Zhi looked again at the Twenty-Two Winged Angel in her hand. The angel remained unchanged.


    She thought for a moment, and then said, "Tell a lie."


    Bai Ling looked at Bai Zhi, herrge eyes moving slightly, and then with a ttering smile said, "I hate Sister Bai Zhi the most."


    The feathers of the Twenty-Two Winged Angel turned ck at her words.


    Seeing that the prop was not ineffective, Bai Zhi was truly bewildered this time.


    Is she really not an undercover agent, just a fool?


    Then who is the undercover agent?


    It couldn''t be me, could it?


    And at that moment, the sculpture of the Twenty-Two Winged Angel in her hand suddenly shattered, crumbling to the ground: this indicated the artifact had tested 22 lies and was now thoroughly spent...


    Normally, it was just a case of the artifact expiring, but Bai Zhi was first taken aback, then let out a surprised "Huh?"


    She looked at the fragments on the ground and the remnants of the angel in her hand, as if she suddenly thought of something, a hint of contemtion appeared on her face...


    ''I think I know how to narrow down the suspects and find that undercover agent...''


    ......


    While Bai Zhi began deducing the identity of the undercover agent, Fang Ze had also finished today''s "investigation test."


    His test content today was very simple; he wanted to see if his always sessful investigations were due to his own MAX luck, if the investigation room had a buff for probability up on the first 10 times, or if the two people he had picked "had issues."


    So today, he randomly chose a person who had been in contact with his original body, who looked very ordinary, and then used the methods he had used to hoodwink Wang Hao to deceive the other party.


    The other party, perhaps because he was just an ordinary person, believed Fang Ze when he silently transferred him here, and then he confessed in detail about having an affair with the woman next door and conspiring to poison her husband.


    Fang Ze was shocked after hearing this, and then recorded the person''s information... nning to have Stick One and Stick Two pay a visit to the man''s hometer.


    By rights, uncovering such secret and shocking information should have brought him some reward.


    Unfortunately for Fang Ze, his reward turned out to be just an ordinary porcin bowl.


    Fang Ze found it somewhat nauseating, so he tossed it into the corner of the room, no longer paying it any attention.


    However, despite his disappointment, Fang Ze had finally ascertained that his recent good fortune was not due to the heavens favoring him with MAX luck but rather simply because the two individuals he had chosen for the investigation were extraordinary in their own rights.


    Especially Miaomiao, from whom Fang Ze had apparently not obtained any information, yet he kept receiving the Shadow Warrior.


    This indicated that her identity or potential must be incredibly extraordinary.


    Maybe... the Shadow Warrior is the minimum reward for investigating her.


    So, Fang Ze felt... he might just be able to get some good returns by probing into her past a bit, uncovering some secrets about her.


    And perhaps... he might even obtain the critical artifact he needed to escape.


    Fang Ze felt... maybe he could take a gamble on Miaomiao tomorrow.


    After finalizing his ns, Fang Ze stopped thinking about this matter and once again began exercising in the interrogation roomte into the night.


    Ever since taking on that "loan," he felt a renewed sense of diligence.


    It must be said, "credit" truly was a sharp de for cutting leeks...


    With it, the leeks naturally began to strive for growth without any need for whipping...


    ......


    The next day.


    Rain.


    This was Fang Ze''s first encounter with rain in Another World.


    Unlike in his original world.


    The rain in this world was dark red, like tears of blood. Yet when it fell on buildings or the ground, it turned colorless and clear.


    Initially surprised and concerned at the sight of this rain, Fang Ze soon became curious.


    Wondering if it was some kind of disaster from the heavens.


    Still, Wang Hao looked at him with a confused face and said that''s just what rain looks like.


    Fang Ze suspected... above the sky of this world, there might be some sort of ss-like treasure causing the refraction of light, turning the originally colorless rain into a dark red hue.


    Or perhaps, there was some substance in the air reacting chemically with the rainwater.


    Unfortunately, these conjectures were something Fang Ze could only ponder by himself, as there was no one he could discuss them with.


    Because... in the eyes of everyone else, this is the color of rain, and it had always been this color from their birth; there was simply no need for discussion...


    But with the rain, Fang Ze''s range of movement was significantly restricted; he used to be able to make the excuse of searching for clues in the jungle to go out for a run, but now... he could only stay in the vi practicing the Horse Stance.


    The only difference from a few days ago was that, since the prohibition was lifted, no one continued to watch him.


    After a morning of hard work, by noon, Fang Ze finallypleted one of the tasks of repaying his debts, the "Horse Stance."


    Only running and sparring remained upleted.


    And after a morning of training, he felt a strange change in his body once again.


    The muscles in his legs seemed to start heating up along with the muscles in the rest of his body.


    Now when he exerted himself, the muscles in his limbs, back, and other parts of his body connected as one, twisting into a single cord.


    Without guidance, Fang Ze wasn''t sure if this was normal.


    He could only estimate based on the phenomenon that he must be improving...


    Perhaps after "borrowing" the 30-day effect a few more times, he could reach the level of an intermediate Awakener? Then maybe he could gain further control of his Awakening Ability?


    Thinking this, Fang Ze continued to immerse himself in his training...


    ...


    Meanwhile, as Fang Ze was earnestly training,


    in the vi''s jungle, a figure in uniform was looking down, searching for clues while "talking to himself,"


    "That Periphery Member is definitely a bit strange. The more I interact with him, the less I understand him."


    "I always feel like he''s hiding some secret."


    "And... he seems to have sensed the danger too, constantly training as if preparing to run away."


    "However, during my interactions with him these past few days, I''ve already left a mark on him. No matter where he runs, he can be found; there''s no worry about him causing trouble."


    "Hmm..."


    Your next chapter awaits on empire


    "I know...


    "You need to have some faith in me."


    "There''s already a lead on that item."


    "I have verified that it must still be inside the vi. It hasn''t been taken away."


    "Just give me a few more days, and I should be able to find it."


    "Bai Zhi?"


    "Hahaha."


    "She''s probably still having a headache over Han Kaiwei''s death. Her attention has beenpletely diverted to searching for the spy."


    "She has no idea that this is exactly what I intended."


    "If she hadn''t been distracted, how could I have searched for that item?"


    "And... don''t worry too much."


    "She is at a critical point of promotion. She took initiative in this matter to earn a grand merit and overtake that person."


    "So, as long as things don''t get too bad, she will definitely keep pushing through."


    "Hahaha."


    "Yes. Her abilities are indeed terrible. But she isn''t part of the brainy kind."


    "If that person were toe, I might have to be more cautious."


    "But her? She won''t find me out."


    "I know. I''ll be careful."


    "That''s why I have transferred here all the forces I''ve cultivated over the past years, just in case."


    "Actually, I''m not worried about her, but I''ve always been somewhat uneasy about that Periphery Member."


    "I have a feeling that something is not quite right with him."


    "If it weren''t for the fact that he is Bai Zhi''sst hope, his presence preventing her from going mad, giving me time to continue my search, I would have silenced him long ago."


    "But now, finding that item is the most important thing."


    "We can''t afford to lose that item, you should know this better than I do."


    While speaking, he raised his head and looked towards the direction of the vi, his eyes narrowing into slits, like a wily fox, "So, when necessary, annihting the entire Special Case Team is also an option."


    "In the entire Special Case Team, only Bai Zhi is a bit of a challenge..."


    "The others are not to be feared..."


    ...


    At the same time,


    at the secret residence of the Security Bureau''s Special Case Team,


    Bai Zhi was also in the Security Bureau''s secret base, staring nkly at several piles of Twenty-Two Winged Angel fragments, with a sheet of paper full of numerical calctions spread out before her...

 Chapter 46 41. Three Traitors (Seeking Recommendation Tickets!)

    Yesterday, little Bai Ling, who had been severely dealt with, was sitting beside her, sucking on a lollipop and swinging her fair little legs, curiously asking, "Bai, what exactly are you researching? You''ve been staring at these two artifact fragments for a long time."


    Hearing Bai Ling''s words, Bai Zhi snapped back to reality.


    The "misunderstanding" from yesterday seemed not to have affected her rtionship with Bai Ling, she looked at Bai Ling and then said, "I think something is not right."


    Bai Ling tilted her head and looked at Bai Zhi, "What''s not right?"


    Bai Zhi, "I''m asking you."


    "How many people are there in total in the Special Case Team and the Security Bureau?"


    Bai Ling counted on her fingers and then said, "21 investigators. 13missioners from the Security Bureau. That makes 34 people total."


    Bai Zhi nodded and then said, "Excluding Han Kaiwei who died, and you and me, the entire Special Case Team isprised of 31 members."


    "The first time, because I suspected that the traitor was among the people you knew, I verified five people including Director Pang and Wang Hao."


    "The second time, because of the mysterious death of Han Kaiwei, I suspected someone used extraordinary power. So I verified the key suspect Fang Ze and all the members of the Security Bureau except you and me, a total of 12 people."


    "The third time, since there were no clues, I checked all members except you and me, totaling 31 people."


    "Finally. Because your actions were too suspicious, I verified your identity again."


    "That means we have verified a total of 5+12+31+1, 49 instances in total."


    Bai Ling nodded her head, still puzzled, "Then what?"


    Bai Zhi pointed at the two heaps of Twenty-Two Winged Angel fragments and said, "But we only have two Twenty-Two Winged Angels, who should only be able to verify 44 times."


    "Where did the extra five timese from?"


    Bai Ling was stunned for a moment, then couldn''t help asking, "So, did someone really evade the artifact''s detection?"


    Bai Zhi nodded, "Yes. Someone used an artifact, Awakening Ability, or Law Prohibition to evade the detection. That''s why there were five additional uses."


    Bai Ling couldn''t help asking, "Who is it?"


    At this point, an image of someone shed in her mind, she hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "Bai... could it be Fang Ze?"


    "He asked me about the Law Prohibition today..."


    Bai Zhi shook her head hesitantly, "It''s hard to say."


    "Or rather... even if it was him, he must also have two aplices, and one of them is likely very well hidden, having never entered our sight from the beginning."


    Bai Ling couldn''t help asking, "Why?"


    She looked at the two angel statues in front of her, then exined,


    "Among the 49 checks, Fang Ze, the five key suspects, and themissioners of the Security Bureau were each verified twice."


    "Ordinary investigators were checked once."


    "Now there are five extra times. Since it''s an odd number,"


    "it indicates that in the ordinary investigators, there is at least one, if not more, traitors."


    "At most, there can be two traitors among Fang Ze, the five key suspects, and themissioners of the Security Bureau."


    Saying this, she had already forgotten that she was exining to Bai Ling and started taking out paper and pen, beginning to calcte,


    "I checked the interrogation surveince."


    "The first angel shattered after interrogating 24 people."


    "And the third group began with investigators who had never been tested, so the first 24 people were exactly all different."


    "This means. Among the first 24 people, two blocked the artifact''s detection."


    "So it''s confirmed that among Fang Ze, the five key suspects, and themissioners of the Security Bureau, there are two traitors."


    "In the ordinary investigators, there is one traitor."


    Saying this, she touched her chin, thought for a moment, "And if Fang Ze really didn''t recover his memory and didn''t block the lie detection,"


    "That would be even more terrifying."


    "It means, within the Special Case Team, aside from him, there are still three lurking traitors."


    "And these three people are likely all... Awakeners."


    Saying this, Bai Zhi picked up the paper and looked at it closely.


    After a moment, she murmured,


    "It''s just like a sieve...."


    "If a small Special Case Team is like this, then what would the whole Security Bureau system, Investigation Bureau system turn out to be?"


    Hearing Bai Zhi''s analysis, Bai Ling was frightened too.


    She didn''t even eat her lollipop, looking very cautiously at Bai Zhi, then asked, "So... Bai, what should we do now?"


    Bai Zhi''s expression was very serious.


    She didn''t speak, as if making a very important decision in her mind.


    After a moment, she seemed to have made up her mind.


    Then she stood up and said to Bai Ling, "Bai Ling, you go out first."


    Hearing Bai Zhi''s words, Bai Ling seemed to guess her thoughts, she couldn''t help saying, "Bai, you need to think carefully.... If you really do this, then you''vepletely lost to that person this time."


    "What about your promotion..."


    Bai Zhi smiled and then said, "It''s just a chance at Spirit Ascension. It''s not a big deal."


    "At worst, I''ll just umte a few more years."


    She spoke lightly, but Bai Ling knew how rare this opportunity was.


    Bai Ling wanted to persuade her again, but Bai Zhi seemed to have already made up her mind.


    She waved her hand and said, "Alright. I''ve made up my mind. You go out first."


    Seeing Bai Zhi like that, Bai Ling could only reluctantly jump off the sofa and then kept turning back as she left the secret base.....


    With the door of the secret base closed, only Bai Zhi was left in the entire huge secret base.


    She took a deep breath, straightened her clothes, and then approached a locked safe.


    Opening the safe, she took out a small box-like item.


    She clicked a few times on the small box, and suddenly the lights in the entire secret base began to flicker, the monitor screens started to show static, and emitted a "hissing" noise.


    After a moment, all the strange phenomena stopped, and a cold female voice resonated in the secret base, "What is it?"


    Hearing the woman''s voice, Bai Zhi stood up straight, then she said seriously, "Director. My n has failed, I am now requesting reinforcements."


    After a moment of silence on the phone, the woman asked, "How many?"


    Bai Zhi, "Six middle-tier Fusers."


    "Among them, there must be those with Special Awakening Abilities like Sealing, Barriers, Lie Detection."


    "Furthermore, I apply for jurisdiction over the five lower-tier cities near Qingshan City topletely seal off the entire Vi Forest area, no entry or exit allowed."


    "And to have direct handling authority over all members of the Investigation Bureau, including the Director."


    There was silence on the phone for a while, then the woman coldly asked, "Is the situation that urgent?"


    Bai Zhi replied, "Yes."


    After a moment, the woman said, "Okay."


    After ending themunication, Bai Zhi held the ck box in her hand, her face written with resolve.


    This call signified that her chance for Spirit Ascension waspletely gone. The effort of these past years had been all in vain.


    But she did not regret it.


    She had arranged so much for so long, careful to maintain it for such a length of time. She had done everything she could.


    Yet, the results were not as expected.


    It seemed, she indeed was not the kind of material to think these things through.


    If so, then she shall just forcefully move through!


    Anyway, there are already three mice in the jar. As long as she captures everyone, something will definitelye out of the investigation!


    She wanted to see what this organization was really nning!


    And what sort of sinister conspiracies they had!


    In two days, once reinforcements arrived, she could begin to wrap things up.


    By then, none would escape, neither Fang Ze nor those three insiders....


    ......


    Late at night.


    Fang Ze washed up a bit and then returned to bed, lying down.


    The training of these past days had left him utterly exhausted. After falling asleep, he had to enter the Late-Night Investigation Room for investigation, which tired him even more.


    Handling one task was exhausting enough, but now with two tasks every day, Fang Ze felt like his liver was about to burst.


    Thest time he felt like his liver was about to burst was when he yed a certain domestic mobile game in his previous life.....


    Those mobile games were really inhumane.....


    While grumbling, Fang Ze nced at his roommate in the next bed.


    Wang Hao was smiling as he read a book.


    Fang Ze knew that today he had borrowed the Director''smunication tool and sent a message outside, probably asking his family to help him purchase awakening materials.


    Looking at him, it seemed everything went smoothly.


    Fang Ze thought that perhaps, it wouldn''t be long before he could see him again in the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    However..... tonight''s marker belonged to Miaomiao.


    After verifying Miaomiao''s extraordinary identityst night, Fang Ze had been eagerly anticipating meeting Miaomiao all day long.


    He wanted to try and get more information from Miaomiao, to see if he could obtain something valuable!


    If he could get a tool for escaping, then his desperate situation would bepletely resolved!


    Thinking this, Fang Ze no longer hesitated.


    He closed his eyes and slowly entered the realm of sleep....


    .....


    He did not know how long it had been when Fang Ze woke up again.


    He discovered he had already arrived at the "Late-Night Investigation Room."


    Summoning two Shadow Warriors, he had them clean the room while he himself settled into a chair, tapped lightly on the desk, and began tonight''s investigation....


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    ....


    These past few days, Miaomiao seemed listless....


    Ever since she helped "Mr. Devil" deliver the blue crystal, Miaomiao had not visited that magical ce again, nor had she seen Mr. Devil.


    It was as if Mr. Devil had forgotten her, every night she went to sleep full of hope, then woke up filled with disappointment.


    If not for asionally seeing the fluctuations of her shadow, knowing that Miss Monster was still by her side, she might really have doubted that all of it was just a dream....

 Chapter 47 42. Investigating Background (Vote for monthly ticket!)

    These past few days.


    During the day, she would disguise herself well, open the door, face the sunlight, engage in handicrafts, and earn a meager ie.


    At night, sitting by the bed, in the dark, she would also quietly chat with Miss Monster in the shadows.....


    But, Miss Monster in the shadows had never responded.


    At most, the shadow slightly fluctuated.


    However, for Miaomiao, this was already a very joyful matter.


    Each time after she wiped her face, untied the bandages around her chest, and prepared to sleep, she would silently pray to the moon: could she see Mr. Devil tonight?


    She also wondered whether Mr. Devil was doing well?


    Had he managed to save the person she wanted to save?


    And tonight.... it was the same.


    After the prayers, Miaomiao dressed for bed, then slowly drifted into a dream with hopeful anticipation.....


    Until....


    "You''re sleeping soundly, aren''t you?"


    Listening to the raspy, low voice that arose beside her ear, Miaomiao slowly awoke from her sleep.


    Upon opening her eyes, she realized she was no longer in that shabby little hut.


    She paused, then a bit of surprise appeared.


    Could it be that she hade to Mr. Devil''s ce again?


    Thinking this, she couldn''t help but take a look around her surroundings.


    What met her eyes was not the ming Abyss of before, but a luxurious room.


    The floor wasid with wless,rge marble tiles, and the walls were engraved with ancient, mysterious patterns.


    A massive sofa was ced in the middle of the room, incredibly conspicuous....


    And there, the Mr. Devil she had missed for the past two days was sitting on that sofa, looking at her with a not-quite-smiling expression.


    Seeing Mr. Devil, Miaomiao''s face involuntarily brightened with a lovely smile, "Mr. Devil, I''ve finally seen you again."


    Hearing her words and feeling her cheerful emotion, Mr. Devil gestured toward the chair across the sofa, "Have a seat."


    After the surprise, the girl also realized she had lost herposure, her cheeks slightly turning red.


    So hearing Mr. Devil''s words, she obediently went to sit, perhaps because it was her first time on such an upscale object, she found it a bit unfamiliar, and thus only sat on a third of the chair seat, her legs tucked and chest drawn in.


    That feeling was especially like Fang Ze''s shy elementary school students from his previous life.


    Fang Ze looked at her for a few moments, then slowly began to speak, "These past two days, I arranged a cross-dimensional ritual, and the person you wanted to save has been rescued."


    "In a few days, you should receive the news."


    Hearing Mr. Devil''s words, Miaomiao weakly nodded her head, "Thank you, Mr. Devil."


    Mr. Devil nodded, then continued, "From now on, you and his mother''s kindness are erased. You owe nothing to each other. His affairs have also nothing to do with you anymore. You are to focus on being my servant."


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    Miaomiao again weakly nodded her head, "Okay. Mr. Devil."


    Having said that, she couldn''t help but lift her head and softly asked, "Then, what does being Your servant generally involve?"


    Mr. Devil did not answer directly but spoke, "Don''t rush to do anything. Before I let you work, I need to first understand you."


    "Understand me?" Miaomiao was a bit puzzled, and she softly murmured, "With Your mighty power... what could there be you don''t know?"


    Hearing her words, Mr. Devil, Fang Ze replied unruffled, "Even a deity is not omniscient and omnipotent."


    "Moreover, your fate underwent a change over a decade ago. I seek to explore who you were before your fate changed."


    "My fate changed?" The girl couldn''t help but lift her head to look at Mr. Devil.


    Mr. Devil nodded, then he raised his right hand and extended his index finger, lightly tapping a few times in the air.


    With his tapping, suddenly, several tiny, brilliant stars appeared in the air. Immediately after, a multicolored beam passed through, linking all the stars together into a straight line.


    Then, Mr. Devil tapped the second star, and suddenly the star shifted, causing the entire line behind it to break apart.


    Mr. Devil spoke in a deep, gravelly voice, "A person''s fate is like this line. It progresses in a set direction, aiming for the ultimate other side."


    "But your fate, when you were about five or six years old, took a significant detour and became shrouded in a heavy fog."


    "Since this involves the Law of Cause and Effect and space-time magic, I will need you to provide clues."


    Although she didn''t understand what Mr. Devil was saying, Miaomiao felt it was impressive.....


    And the words of Mr. Devil inevitably reminded her of something.....


    Actually, her memory had never been very good since she was little.


    She vaguely seemed to remember living in a veryrge house when she was young.


    At that time, there were many people serving her, and her mother was the one who took care of her the most.


    After that, her memories became very vague....


    But when she actually had memories, she found out she wasn''t living in a big house but in a small, dim house.


    And her mother had passed away early.


    ording to the neighbor, Aunt Pang, their family had fled to this ce, and her mother passed away within half a year of their arrival.


    She had looked for clues in the house, wanting to find memories of those times, but she found that her mother had left no clues. She couldn''t even clearly remember her mother''s face.


    So, over the years, she had kept this matter buried in her heart. She just considered it a dream of her own.


    Now, hearing Mr. Devil''s words, she couldn''t help but remember that matter.


    The girl was not one to lie, especially since she didn''t understand her own situation and had nothing to hide, so sheid out the entire matter in detail...


    Fang Ze listened quietly to the girl''s story, and then he couldn''t help but start pondering.


    The girl''s memories aligned with the fragments in Fang Ze''s dreams.


    He remembered that in his dream, the girl had also fled here with her mother.


    And the girl mentioned a big house in her memories...


    Could that have been where she lived before she fled?


    But the information about the big house was too vague.


    It waspletely non-directional.


    Fang Ze could only specte that the girl''s background might not be ordinary and might conceal a significant secret...


    Otherwise, there might be some powerful bloodline in her body, granting her some inherited memories, which exined the sudden surplus in her mind...


    After some thought, Fang Ze subtly inquired about more details from the girl.


    Realizing that the girl was indeed uncertain and didn''t fully understand everything, Fang Ze somewhat gave up.


    However, he felt... this oue wasparatively better than the previous few times and should yield better results than the Shadow Warrior...


    With this thought, he coughed and then said, "I roughly understand your origins and fate now."


    "When I have time, I will try to dispel the fog of fate and look into your background."


    "Now, you just be at ease and be my servant."


    "As for the work...."


    At this point, Fang Ze paused...


    He originally wanted to say: Serve tea, deliver water, clean, do chores...


    But thinking about it, there was too big a secret in this room, and he dared not let her clean it.


    So, he hesitated for a moment, wondering what he should really have Miaomiao do...


    After some thought, Fang Ze suddenly remembered how he had been exercising daily, sore all over; inspired, he said, "You can give me a shoulder massage."


    Saying this, he then asked, "Do you know how to massage?"


    The girl, head down and blushing, shook her head, "I... I can learn."


    Fang Ze "hmmed," and said, "Then try."


    Obediently, the girl stood up, and clutching her somewhat long trousers, she trotted over to Fang Ze''s back.


    As she approached, a burst of fragrance wafted over.


    Fang Ze couldn''t help but nce at her.


    Unaware, the girl stood behind Fang Ze, awkwardly extended her hands, and then gently ced them on Fang Ze''s shoulders, beginning to massage him.


    Though her technique was inexperienced, it was gentle andfortable, allowing the already somewhat tired Fang Ze to unintentionally rx a little...


    He didn''t realize how much time had passed when he felt something was off.


    He suddenly awoke, his head lifting from the girl''s soft, ample chest.


    Then, he couldn''t help but turn to look at the girl.


    With tears in her eyes, her small face was flushed red, her whole body trembling, shivering; waves of emotions like "fear," "shyness," and "unease" emanated from her.


    Fang Ze then realized that he had inadvertently fallen asleep during the girl''s massage and had leaned on her.


    The girl, unsure whether it was intentional and too scared to cry, didn''t dare resist.


    He severely rebuked himself for letting his guard down.


    Fang Ze said sternly, "Alright. No need to continue with the massage. You can go back now."


    After he spoke, he waved his hand, disconnecting the link with the girl.


    Just as the girl was about to leave, waves of sleepiness attacked her, and her body weakened, copsing toward the ground.


    Fang Ze instinctively reached out to catch her.


    Soft and fragrant in his arms, but before Fang Ze could even savor that moment for a second, the girl''s figure slowly turned into a wisp of smoke and disappeared into the air.


    Watching the tiny sparks vanish from his embrace, Fang Ze was momentarily lost in thought.


    Having never been so intimate with a girl in either of his lives, the sudden closeness was a bit too much for Fang Ze to get used to...


    Especially... that softness that drew all men, made him feel a bit overheated.


    Shaking his head, he dispersed the whimsical thoughts in his heart. Fang Ze pped his face to bring himself back to alertness.


    It wasn''t time for romantic entanglements!


    He was still trapped in a difficult situation!


    The Security Bureau, the Investigation Bureau, the Mysterious Organization¡ªeach loomed like a mountain before him!


    How could he spare the time to deal with these matters!


    All that would have to wait until he could escape!


    Giving himself an internal pep talk, Fang Ze took a deep breath, "Today''s investigation of Miaomiao had some progress! Let''s see what has been achieved!"


    With that thought, Fang Ze reached inside the couch for themp, then proceeded to deactivate the entire room''s setup...


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    End of 6000 words, seeking rmendation and monthly tickets!

 Chapter 48 42. Miaomiaos Background (Vote for monthly ticket!)

    These past few days.


    In daylight, she would disguise herself well, open the door of her house, face the sunlight, work on her crafts, and earn a meager ie.


    At night, sitting on the edge of her bed, she would have quiet conversations with Miss Monster in the shadows¡­


    However, Miss Monster in the shadows had never replied.


    At most, the shadow would ripple slightly.


    But for Miaomiao, this was already a matter of great joy.


    And every night, after cleaning her face and loosening the bandages that bound her chest, preparing to sleep, she would silently pray to the moon: "Can I meet Mr. Devil tonight?"


    Is Mr. Devil doing well on his end?


    Did he manage to save the person I wanted to save?


    And tonight¡­ was the same.


    After her prayers, Miaomiao dressed for bed and slowly dozed off into a hopeful slumber...


    Until...


    "You''re sleeping so soundly, aren''t you?"


    Hearing the raspy, deep voice ringing in her ears, Miaomiao slowly awoke from her dreams.


    As she opened her eyes, she realized she was no longer in that dpidated little house.


    She paused for a moment, then felt a bit of excitement.


    Had shee to Mr. Devil''s ce again?


    With that thought, she couldn''t help but take in her surroundings.


    Instead of the abyss that burned with mes, she was in a luxurious room.


    wless marble covered the floor, and the walls, embroidered with carvings, bore ancient, mysterious patterns.


    A huge sofa was ced right in the center of the room, strikingly conspicuous...


    And Mr. Devil, whom she had missed for two days, was sitting on that sofa, watching her with an almost smiling gaze.


    Seeing Mr. Devil, a lovely smile bloomed on Miaomiao''s face, "Mr. Devil, I''ve finally seen you again."


    Hearing her words and sensing her happiness, Mr. Devil pointed to the chair opposite the sofa, "Sit."


    After the initial surprise, the girl also realized that she had lost herposure, and her cheeks reddened.


    So, hearing Mr. Devil''s words, she obediently took a seat. Perhaps because it was her first time sitting on such avish item, she felt a bit ufortable and only perched on the edge of the chair, knees together and chest withdrawn.


    She resembled a shy primary school student from Fang Ze''s previous life.


    Fang Ze watched her for a moment and then slowly began to speak, "In the past few days, I''ve arranged a cross-dimensional ritual. The person you wanted to save has been rescued."


    "In a few days, you should receive news about it."


    Hearing Mr. Devil''s words, Miaomiao meekly nodded, "Thank you, Mr. Devil."


    Mr. Devil nodded and then said, "From now on, you owe nothing to his mother. His affairs have nothing to do with you anymore. You must focus on being my servant."


    Miaomiao nodded weakly again, "Alright, Mr. Devil."


    After speaking, she couldn''t help but raise her head and asked softly, "So, what does being your servant usually entail?"


    Instead of answering directly, Mr. Devil said, "There''s no rush to start working. Before you do, I need to understand you first."


    "Understand me?" Miaomiao was puzzled, murmuring softly, "With your great power... what could you not know?"


    Hearing her words, Mr. Devil, Fang Ze, replied without changing his expression, "Even a deity is not omniscient and omnipotent."


    "What''s more, your destiny changed drastically over a decade ago. I seek to understand you before the change in your fate."


    "My destiny changed?" The girl looked up at Mr. Devil, incredulous.


    Mr. Devil nodded, then he lifted his right hand, extended his forefinger, and lightly tapped in the air a few times.


    With his tapping, several small, brilliant stars appeared in the air. Soon after, a rainbow-colored light passed through, linking all the stars in a straight line.


    Then, Mr. Devil tapped the second star. Instantly, the star shifted out of ce, causing the whole line to break apart.


    Speaking in a deep, rough voice, Mr. Devil exined, "A person''s destiny is like this line. It progresses in a set direction to reach the final destination."


    "However, your fate took a significant detour when you were around five or six and was shrouded in a dense fog."


    "Since this involves the Law of Cause and Effect and Space-Time Magic, I need you to provide clues."


    Miaomiao didn''t quite understand what Mr. Devil was saying, but she felt it was impressive...


    Mr. Devil''s words also made her recall something...


    Actually, her memory had been rather poor since childhood.


    She vaguely remembered living in a veryrge house when she was little.


    Back then, many people attended to her, and her mother took care of her the most.


    After that, her memory became very blurry...


    But when she actually began to remember, she found herself not living in some big house but instead in a narrow, dimly lit house.


    And her mother had passed away early.


    ording to Auntie Pang from next door, their family had fled to this ce. Her mother died within half a year of their arrival.


    She had searched for clues at home, trying to find memories of the past, but she discovered that her mother had left no trace of anything. She couldn''t even clearly remember what her mother looked like.


    So, over the years, she buried this matter in her heart, treating it as if it were just a dream.


    And now, hearing Mr. Devil''s words, she couldn''t help but recall that incident.


    The girl wasn''t one to lie, especially when she couldn''t understand her own situation and had nothing to hide, so she told the entire story in detail.....


    Fang Ze listened quietly to the girl''s ount and then began to ponder involuntarily.


    The girl''s memory matched the fragments in Fang Ze''s dreams.


    He remembered that in his dreams, the girl also escaped with her mother to this ce.


    And the girl spoke of a big house in her memory.....


    Could that have been where she lived before she had to flee?


    But the information about a big house was quite vague.


    It had no directionality whatsoever.


    Fang Ze could only guess that the girl''s background was likely to be no ordinary one, possibly concealing a huge secret.....


    Otherwise, there was some powerful bloodline within her that gave her certain inherited memories, which would exin the sudden appearance of these memories in her mind...


    After thinking for a while, Fang Ze asked the girl some probing questions about the details.


    Upon discovering that the girl truly knew little about it all and wasn''t very clear after all, Fang Ze gave up.


    However, he thought....this time, the findings were much more significant than before, and he should obtain something better than what he had from the Shadow Warrior....


    With this in mind, he coughed and then said, "I have a rough understanding of your background and fate."


    "When I have time, I will try to dispel the mist of destiny and look into your past."


    "So, now, just settle down and serve as my servant."


    "As for the work...."


    Speaking of which, Fang Ze paused...


    He had intended to say: serve tea, fetch water, clean up, housework.....


    But upon further thought, the room held too many secrets, and he dared not let her clean it.


    So, he hesitated for a moment, thinking about what exactly to have Miaomiao do....


    After a while, Fang Ze suddenly remembered that he had been exercising every day recently and was weary with aching back and shoulders, so he had a brainwave and said, "You can give me a shoulder massage."


    With that, he added, "Do you know how to massage?"


    The girl, with her head bowed and her face blushing, shook her head, "I....I can learn."


    Fang Ze grunted in affirmation and said, "Then give it a try."


    The obedient girl stood up and, holding up her slightly long pants, trotted up to Fang Ze''s back.


    As she approached, a wave of fragrance wafted towards him.


    Fang Ze couldn''t help but nce at her.


    Unaware, the girl stood behind Fang Ze and awkwardly extended her hand, then gently ced it on Fang Ze''s shoulder, and began to massage him.


    Although the girl''s technique was childish, it was gentle andfortable, causing Fang Ze, who had been somewhat tired these past days, to rx slightly.....


    Not knowing how much time had passed, when Fang Ze realized something was amiss.


    He abruptly awoke and lifted his head from the softness of the girl.


    Then he couldn''t help but turn to look at her.


    The girl was teary-eyed, her petite face now flushed with shame, her body trembling, shivering, and from her emanated waves of "fear," "shyness," and "unease."


    Fang Ze then realized that he had inadvertently fallen asleep during the girl''s massage, and had rested against her.


    And because the girl did not know whether it was intentional, although she was scared enough to cry, she still didn''t dare to resist.


    He castigated himself for letting his guard down.


    Fang Ze spoke firmly, "All right. You don''t need to continue. Go back now."


    After saying this, he waved his hand and disconnected the girl.


    The girl was about to leave when waves of drowsiness hit her, and her body went limp, copsing towards the ground.


    Fang Ze reflexively caught her.


    With tenderness in his embrace, but before Fang Ze could even savor the moment, the girl''s form slowly turned into a shadow and vanished into the air.


    Watching the glimmering stardust disappear in his arms, Fang Ze was momentarily lost in thought.


    Possibly because he had never been so close to a girl in either of his lives, suddenly being so intimate with one made Fang Ze feel quite unustomed.....


    Especially....the softness that was attractive to all men, which made him feel somewhat ufortable all over.


    Shaking his head, he dispersed the fanciful thoughts from his mind, Fang Ze pped his face to keep himself alert.


    Now was not the time for him to be indulging in matters of the heart!


    He was still amid a predicament!


    The Security Bureau, Investigation Bureau, mysterious organizations - each stood before him like a mountain!


    He had no time to deal with these matters!


    Everything would wait until he escaped!


    Reinvigorating himself with determination, Fang Ze took a deep breath, "Today''s investigation into Miaomiao has made some progress! Let''s see what reward I''ve received!"


    With this thought, Fang Ze pulled amp from inside the sofa, then undid the entire room''s arrangement....

 Chapter 49 43. This criminal is acting strange (Vote for recommendation!)

    After dispelling the room''s disguise, Fang Ze sat in his chair, then turned his attention to the table in front of him.


    Just like several times before, when he''d restored the room to its original state, tonight''s harvest was already quietlyid out on the table...


    It was a piece of sheepskin paper the size of a handkerchief, its color somewhat simr to the table''s, a shade of brown.


    Fang Ze waved his hand over it to make sure it wasn''t dangerous before picking up the paper.


    The sheepskin felt a bit rough to the touch, and both sides were nk.


    Fang Ze looked at it with some confusion, then rubbed his hand lightly over it a few times.


    Suddenly, something magical happened: patterns slowly emerged from the center of the sheepskin paper.


    A house-like symbol was at the very center of these patterns, which then started to extend outwards, slowly bringing trees, hills, and roads into view, one by one.


    Along with thesendmarks, more and more detailed coordinates appeared, and Fang Ze realized that this piece of sheepskin paper... it looked very much like a map.


    Moreover, it was a map centered on himself.


    Until all of the patterns on the sheepskin were fully visible, Fang Ze spread the map out on the table with some surprise and studied it carefully.


    Then he noticed that the scale of this map wasn''trge, it felt like it was around 1:50000.


    Because at the edge of the map, it barely extended past the jungle, mainly depicting deep mountains that Fang Ze had never visited.


    "What... is this?"


    "Is it an Extraordinary Artifact rted to maps?"


    While thinking, Fang Ze calmly ced his hand on the sheepskin, trying to obtain an introduction to this paper.


    Sure enough, after a moment, some information entered Fang Ze''s mind.


    He carefully read the information in his mind, and his facial expression slowly changed from indifferent to amazed, and then... to delighted...


    This...


    Was it really a wishe true?


    Whatever he wanted just appeared?


    With this... surely there would be no more problems with his escape n, right?


    With that thought, Fang Ze clutched the sheepskin paper tightly and began tough heartily.


    He felt that Miaomiao truly was his Goddess of Luck.


    Although he hadn''t uncovered much information, the items he found were better than thest.


    He absolutely couldn''t let her go!


    Tch. He definitely mustn''t let go of her...


    ...


    The next day.


    The sky was clear and bright.


    Insects chirped, and birds sang.


    Life always finds a way out; the insects once controlled by Awakening Abilities, and the birds that had been killed, gradually became active in the jungle once control by the Awakeners ceased.


    The Special Case Team''s temporary residence.


    Wang Hao had just gotten out of bed when he saw a big face right in front of his eyes.


    "Ah!" he screamed in fright, then involuntarily shuffled backward, scrambling with his hands and feet.


    After dodging, he realized that the face belonged to his inmate roommate.


    Wang Hao patted his chest, still a bit shocked, and asked in annoyance, "What are you doing?"


    His roommate''s smile was particrly bright, "Nothing. Just wanted to say hello."


    "Morning, Mouse."


    Seeing his roommate''s beaming smile and hearing the nickname, Wang Hao didn''t quite know how to react for a moment.


    "Mouse... Mouse...?"


    This term of endearment usually reserved for close friends strangely touched him.


    After all, he had been a lone wolf with very few friends due to his reticence and introverted nature.


    Initially, he looked forward to having genuine male friendships, but gradually... he had given up on such fantasies.


    Yet unexpectedly, he was now receiving this from the suspect he was guarding.


    Wang Hao felt a mix of emotions wash over him.


    He didn''t quite know how to describe his own feelings and was a little unsure about how to face his foolish inmate who genuinely considered him a friend.


    He sighed, then came back to his senses, wanting to chat with the other.


    But he discovered that after greeting him, the other guy hummed a tune, hands behind his back, and went to wash up in high spirits,pletely ignoring him.


    Wang Hao: ???


    Watching his roommate act as if he had won a ten-million Lini jackpot, Wang Hao was utterly baffled.


    What was up with his roommate?


    Why was he so happy?


    And... were you really just saying hello?


    You didn''t have to get that close, though!


    ......


    A person''s good mood is hard to hide.


    Soon, apart from Wang Hao, other Investigators in the Special Case Team also began to notice that Fang Ze was in an unusually good mood today.


    Walking while humming a tune, his steps light, his eyes sparkling, and smiling at everyone he saw.


    They all felt as if he might take off flying if they didn''t tie him down with a string the next second.


    Seeing Fang Ze like this, many Investigators were curious and shared their thoughts,


    "What''s up with this guy? He seems to be in a really good mood."


    "Yeah. It''s so strange. Hey? Why did you say ''again''?"


    "He was acting weird a few days ago too, practicing the Horse Stance, running. But today he''s even weirder. Smiling while doing the Horse Stance, smiling while running, that''s freaking scary."


    "True."


    Meanwhile, in the Security Bureau''s temporary residence, Bai Zhi and Bai Ling were also stunned as they watched through the screen.


    What''s with this criminal...?


    Why is he so happy today?


    Is his apliceing to rescue him?


    Watching the monitor, Bai Ling nced at Fang Ze''s image, then turned her head to look at Bai Zhi, and couldn''t help but ask, "Bai, what on earth is he doing...?"


    Bai Zhi remained silent, her willow-like eyebrows furrowed slightly, and her stunning face was filled with confusion.


    She murmured softly,


    "Could it be that he''s signaling to an aplice?"


    "But that''s not right. Signals should be passed discreetly. What''s with all this fanfare?"


    "Or perhaps, he''s nning to escape?"


    "But that still doesn''t make sense. How could he possibly run?"


    Seeing that Bai Zhi was also confused about Fang Ze''s situation, Bai Ling raised her hand high, and then said, "Bai, why don''t I go see him... to test out what he''s nning?"


    Hearing Bai Ling''s words and recalling howpletely puzzled she was, Bai Zhi nodded slightly, agreeing to Bai Ling''s request.


    Having received Bai Zhi''s approval, Bai Ling quickly skipped out of the secret base, heading to find Fang Ze....


    ...


    When Bai Ling found Fang Ze, he was chatting with the old Investigator from Shan Hui, all smiles.


    Well... it was more of a one-sided conversation.


    Fang Ze kept talking while Shan Hui just drooped his eyelids, drinking water, without saying a word.


    Seeing the two of them in this state, Bai Ling went over and asked, "Fang Ze, do you have a moment?"


    Before Fang Ze could respond to her question, Shan Hui, as if he found his savior, turned and slipped away.


    His pace was clearly slow, but he moved away quickly, leaving Fang Ze stunned.


    Seeing Shan Hui leave, Fang Ze didn''t mind and looked at Bai Ling,ughing as he said, "Of course, I have time, Chief Bai Ling."


    Two minutester, the two of them began to stroll through the jungle and chat.


    Bai Ling tilted her head and asked Fang Ze, "What''s with you today? You seem really happy?"


    Fang Zeughed and replied, "I''m alright."


    "It''s just that Han Kaiwei''s murderer has been found, so I can investigate again. That''s why I''ve be excited again."


    Bai Ling: ...


    "Oh... is that so?"


    Fang Ze nodded and said cheerfully, "Yes."


    "Also... I remember a few days ago the Special Case Team announced that we could work on cases outside for a long period."


    "I n to ask the director for extended leave to go catch the culprit."


    Bai Ling: ??


    Bai Ling said, "Do you know where the culprit is? Just like that, you''re going to catch them?"


    Fang Zeughingly countered, "But even in the Special Case Team, we can''t find the culprit, can we?"


    "Going out to try my luck might bring some rewards."


    Bai Ling: .....


    For some reason, Bai Ling felt that Fang Ze''s logic seemed... not wrong...


    But... how could the Special Case Team possibly let him go? This waspletely unrealistic!


    So, she couldn''t help but look up and ask, "When do you n to leave?"


    Fang Ze said casually, "Tomorrow, I guess. Once I get my leave approved."


    Bai Ling followed up, "That''s fast. But have you prepared everything you need to work on the case outside?"


    Fang Ze was taken aback for a moment, then replied, "Oh. Right... it seems I really haven''t prepared much."


    Hearing Fang Ze say this, Bai Ling almost nodded in agreement, wanting to persuade him not to rush into taking leave.


    Then... she saw an extended hand appear before her.


    Bai Ling looked at the owner of the hand with a questioning face: Fang Ze.


    "Lend me some money, Chief Bai Ling."


    Bai Ling: ???


    Bai Ling instinctively covered her purse and said, "You still haven''t paid back the money you borrowedst time."


    Hearing Bai Ling say this, Fang Ze scratched his head, "That''s true."


    While speaking, he reached into his pocket, pulled out 600 Lini, and handed them to Bai Ling, "Here. First, I''m returning 600 Lini of interest to you."


    Seeing the moneying back, Bai Ling''s eyes suddenly lit up!


    Then... that hand was extended in front of her again, "Lend me some money, Chief Bai Ling."


    Bai Ling: ...


    Bai Ling felt something was off but couldn''t quite put her finger on it.


    She could only cautiously hold onto her purse, looking pitiful as she asked, "How much do you want to borrow this time?"


    Fang Ze touched his chin, "2000 Lini should do it."


    Bai Ling said, "Another two thousand?"


    Fang Ze patted her shoulder, "Don''t feel bad about it. I''ll give you seven percent interest this time."


    "2000 Lini, I''ll pay you back 3400!"


    "Seven percent interest?!" Bai Ling''s eyes became wide, and her breathing quickened.


    Then she looked up at Fang Ze with a pitiful blink, "You... you won''t cheat me, right?"


    Fang Ze patted his chest and promised, "I swear on my honor!"


    Seeing Fang Ze''s earnestness, Bai Ling finally rxed, then she opened her purse, counted out a stack of banknotes, and passed them to Fang Ze.


    Afterward, she carefully put the 600 Lini back into her purse.


    Seeing her do that, Fang Ze couldn''t help but ask, "You seem pretty happy?"


    Bai Ling smiled like a crescent moon, patting her purse as she said, "Of course! It''s my first time sessfully getting my loan back!"


    Fang Ze: ...


    Looking at Bai Ling''s innocent demeanor, Fang Ze''s conscience started to feel unexpectedly uneasy.


    He thought for a moment, then said with a smile to Bai Ling, "Chief Bai Ling, do you trust me?"


    Bai Ling looked at Fang Ze, a hint of confusion in her eyes, "Why wouldn''t I?"


    Fang Ze said with a smile, "Then tomorrow I''ll bring you a gift."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 50 44. Fang Ze has escaped from prison! Somebody help! (Requesting monthly passes!)

    "A gift?" Bai Ling was clearly a bit surprised.


    Her watery big eyes looked at Fang Ze, somewhat incredulous.


    Stay updated via empire


    She had obviously not expected the man before her to actually give her a gift.


    Fang Ze nodded, "That''s right. Consider it a thank-you present for lending me so much money."


    Bai Ling cocked her head, "Then why tomorrow, why not give it to me now?"


    Fang Ze smiled and patted her little head, "Because preparing a gift also takes time."


    "Oh~" Bai Ling nodded somewhat confusedly...


    ........


    Five minutester, Bai Ling returned to the Secret Bureau''s secret base, hopping back with a huge hammer on her back.


    As soon as she entered the secret base, she happily shouted, "Bai, it seems like Fang Ze has no issues, and he even repaid me the money."


    Listening to Bai Ling''s words, Bai Zhi, who had watched the conversation between the two the whole time, turned her head with a strange look in her eyes.


    Probably not knowing what had gotten into her.


    Bai Ling touched her round cheeks, a little puzzled, "What''s the matter, Bai?"


    Bai Zhi gave her a weird look and said, "It''s nothing..."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Bai Ling. Maybe you should do less business from now on?"


    Bai Ling, "Huh?"


    Bai Zhi, "I''m afraid you might get sold, and you''ll even help the seller count the money."


    Bai Ling: ?????


    ....


    A day passed in the blink of an eye.


    Fang Ze was happy all day, and he also made everyone in the Special Case Team feel a bit weird all day long.


    Night fell, and everything finally began to quiet down.


    Late at night, in the Security Bureau''s secret base.


    Bai Zhi stood with her arms crossed, looking at the screen image of Fang Ze, her eyebrowspletely furrowed together.


    After a moment, she picked up the walkie-talkie andmanded, "Increase the patrol staff tonight, enhance the defenses. Commissioners to team up in groups of four and be on standby outside the temporary residence."


    Bai Ling''s voice came through the walkie-talkie, "Okay, Bai. What about the investigators?"


    Bai Zhi said, "They proceed as usual, there''s no need to notify them."


    "Affirmative."


    After giving the orders, Bai Zhi looked at the screen in front of her, but her expression did not change in the slightest.


    She murmured softly, "Something''s not right, not right at all. I''ve got a feeling that something''s going to happen."


    ...


    Meanwhile.....


    In the temporary residence.


    An investigator with eyes wide openy on the bed, resembling a corpse, while another person in uniform, wearing gold-framed sses, was quietly observing the Security Bureau Commissioners'' arrangements by the window.


    "Bai Zhi, that crazy woman, is not entirely foolish after all."


    "She''s finally noticed something''s off."


    At that point, he paused, then adjusted his sses, a mysterious light flickering in his eyes,


    "But... that periphery member is indeed strange."


    "He''s obviously trying to escape."


    "But... how could he possibly get away?"


    "Awakened some kind of escape ability?"


    "Acquired some critical artifact?"


    "But... that''s not right."


    "The Special Case Team has been blocking ess, and the organization hasn''t contacted him, so where did he get it from?"


    Muttering this to himself, he suddenly froze, "Could it be... did he get his hands on that thing?"


    With that thought, his entire demeanor suddenly became solemn.


    He moved away from the window and began pacing around the room, "No... the n has to change."


    "Lucky for me, I left a mark on him."


    "Otherwise, this would be really problematic..."


    .......


    Meanwhile.....


    In the temporary residence.


    Fang Ze sat on the bed, looking at the parchment in his hands, and then revealed the brightest smile of his entire day.


    "Extraordinary Artifact: Prank Map."


    "This map allows one to y the ''Prank Game'' once every two days."


    "Once the ''Prank Game'' begins, the map will automatically map out the environment within a 10-kilometer radius of the user."


    "Users can teleport to a specific location on the map within two days at any designated time."


    "However, before teleporting, one must tell someone close by that they are going to leave, to allow them to search for oneself."


    To be honest, when Fang Ze saw this artifactst night, he was truly stunned.


    He really wondered if there was a Goddess of Luck in this world. Otherwise, why would whatever he wished for juste true?


    Originally, he was worried that he hadn''t trained for long enough and, even with the "Usury" ability, he would still be unable to break out of the Security Bureau''s encirclement.


    But now, with this item.....


    Fang Ze thought: What''s the point of fighting and killing? I''m someone who uses my brain! I''m not a rash man!


    Of course, his Awakening Ability and the effects of the borrowed training were not wasted either.


    Not to mention his cost-free Awakening Ability, he would need certain martial skills to protect himself if he encountered pursuing personnel or wild animals in the jungle while escaping.


    So with the Awakening Ability and this Extraordinary Artifact, Fang Ze''s n to escape was finally perfected.


    He swore he would never return to this broken Special Case Team again!


    ...Well, unless there was a special circumstance.


    And while Fang Ze was thinking this way, Wang Haoid half-lying on the bed, looked at Fang Ze, and probed, "Fang Ze, why aren''t you sleeping yet?"


    As the Investigator in charge of watching the prisoner, ording to the Security Bureau''s requirements, Wang Hao had to sleepter and wake up earlier than Fang Ze to monitor his every move in the dormitory.


    Previously, Fang Ze always went to sleep very early, but for some reason today, Fang Ze was incredibly alert and had been fiddling with various things.


    Now, he was holding a tattered sheepskin parchment, lost in thought.


    Andbining this with Fang Ze''s strange actions throughout the day, Wang Hao felt like something was about to happen...


    Upon hearing Wang Hao''s words, Fang Ze also came back to his senses.


    He looked at the dormitory clock, and the time was about toe.


    So... he looked at Wang Hao with a particrly sincere and serious gaze for the first time.


    He spoke earnestly, "Mouse. You''re actually a really decent person."


    "Although, I know our identities are opposed, I don''t dislike you," he continued.


    "Your little haughtiness, your reticence. Sometimes, they''re quite amusing."


    "However... people are social animals. Being silent and unsociable isn''t good in the long run."


    "After I leave, take care of yourself, chat more with your colleagues, interact with them. Don''t always keep to yourself."


    "As for me... don''t worry about me. I''ll eat the fruits you gave me on the way, I won''t starve...."


    "..."


    At the beginning of Fang Ze''s words, Wang Hao hadn''t reacted yet.


    But soon, he realized something was wrong: Stop! Opposing identities? Leaving? On the road?!


    He suddenly started with rm, sat up from the bed, and looked at Fang Ze in fright.


    Seeing his expression, Fang Ze smiled candidly and nodded, "Yes. I''ve known all along."


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s words, Wang Hao waspletely dumbfounded. His mind kept reying one sentence: He knew, he actually knew everything?!


    For a moment, he was flustered and didn''t know what to do.


    But then, he remembered his identity and responsibilities.


    So, he involuntarily stood up from the bed, ready to pounce on Fang Ze and subdue him.


    Just then, suddenly, Fang Ze threw a "hidden weapon" at him.


    Wang Hao reflexively paused, then reached out to catch it.


    Then he heard Fang Ze say, "Oh yeah. Almost forgot."


    "This is a parting gift for Chief Bai Ling. Please deliver it for me."


    "And also, convey a message for me... say thanks for her trust."


    Wang Hao''s action was interrupted, and he couldn''t help but look down at the "hidden weapon" in his hand.


    It was a gray cloth bag. It looked small and felt light to hold. He didn''t know what was inside.


    And as Wang Hao was thinking this, Fang Ze jumped down from the bed. He then shouldered the pile of fruits prepared a few days ago for his trip to Qingshan City¡ªfruits that Wang Hao had given him¡ªand picked up¡­ the chair beside the bed.


    Then he gave Wang Hao a carefree smile, waved his hand, "So, goodbye, Mouse. You''re wee toe and find me."


    Seeing his manner, Wang Hao rushed forward in surprise, grabbed him, and cried out, "No!"


    For a moment...


    Wang Hao, clinging to Fang Ze like a ko, found themselves hugging each other, staring eye to eye.


    Looking closely at Fang Ze, Wang Hao slowly formed a questioning mark above his head: ?


    Fang Ze awkwardly nced at the dormitory''s clock, then looked down at his own watch and swore, "Damn it. Our dormitory clock is fast."


    Apanying his words, suddenly, his figure holding the bundle and the chair turned into a phantom and disappeared on the spot.


    Wang Hao, left embracing thin air, nearly tripped and fell to the ground in his failed attempt to hold on.


    For a moment, as Wang Hao staggered to his feet, he looked at the vanishing outline of Fang Ze, sweat rolling down his forehead!


    Then, he dashed to the door, flung it open, and shouted into the outside, "Someone! Quick, someone! Fang Ze has escaped!!"


    The hoarse cry echoed throughout the temporary residence, over the vi, setting off a flurry of lights.


    The originally quiet and settled temporary residence was suddenly in an uproar, with people tumbling over each other...


    The Security Bureau Commissioners, who were standing shifts in groups of four outside the temporary residence, all rushed into the temporary residence upon hearing the shout...

 Chapter 51 45. The Special Case Team was shocked (Please vote for recommendations!)

    Meanwhile,


    Temporary residence, dormitory.


    Listening to the noisy sounds from outside the door and in the corridor, along with various exmations, the man dressed in a uniform and wearing gold-rimmed sses was momentarily surprised.


    Then, as if he had thought of something, he opened the door and grabbed an investigator, asking, "What''s going on outside? Why is it so chaotic?"


    The investigator, upon seeing the man in uniform, quickly saluted and said, "Investigator Cui, the criminal has escaped!"


    "Escaped?" A flicker of surprise shed in Investigator Cui''s eyes as he asked, "How did he escape?"


    The investigator shook his head, "Unclear. It''s said that he just disappeared into thin air."


    "Alright. I understand," Investigator Cui let go, then said, "You''d better go check it out. I''ll get dressed and head over too."


    "Yes!" The investigator nodded and then ran toward Fang Ze and Wang Hao''s dormitory.


    Meanwhile, Investigator Cui slowly closed the door behind him, his face disappearing into the darkness...


    "Disappeared into thin air...?"


    "Interesting, really interesting..."


    "This periphery member is quite something."


    "Fortunately, I had made arrangements early, just in time to give him a surprise...."


    As he spoke, he thought of something amusing and suddenly let out a light chuckle,


    "But.... it must be really fun at Bai Zhi''s side right now, right?"


    "She didn''t prepare in advance like I did...."


    ...


    Meanwhile,


    Under the guidance of the Security Bureau Commissioner, Wang Hao also hurriedly arrived at the secret base.


    When he reached the secret base, Bai Zhi was already standing there.


    At this moment, Bai Zhi looked nothing like the gentle, charming woman she was initially. Her face was covered in frost, and her eyes, normally as cid as water, had frozen over.


    She looked at Wang Hao coldly, then said, "Tell me the situation."


    Not daring to dy, Wang Hao quickly recounted every detail of Fang Ze''s unusual behavior earlier that night.


    Bai Zhi listened with a stern face and then asked, "How did he disappear?"


    Wang Hao paused for a moment and then gestured, saying, "Just like that. Suddenly ''whoosh'' and he was gone."


    "At that time, I was still holding him, but it still didn''t affect his departure."


    Bai Zhi''s expression darkened as she murmured, "Is it a Transfer-type Awakening Ability? Or some kind of special artifact?"


    "How could amoner have such a precious item?"


    After murmuring, Bai Zhi looked up at Wang Hao and asked, "Did he leave on his own?"


    Hearing Bai Zhi''s question, Wang Hao quickly said, "Not exactly."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "He took a lot of things."


    Bai Zhi, "A lot of things? What did he take?"


    As she asked, the door to the secret base was pushed open, and Bai Ling and Director Pang also ran in hastily from outside.


    Director Pang''splexion was terrible, his forehead beaded with sweat, while Bai Ling looked utterly astonished; evidently, both had learned of Fang Ze''s escape on their way.


    Hearing the door open, Wang Hao involuntarily stopped talking.


    Bai Zhi said in a stern voice, "Never mind. Keep talking. What did he take when he escaped?"


    Wang Hao then awkwardly spoke, "He took some fruits and snacks that I usually gave him."


    The three nced at him.


    A bead of sweat dripped from Wang Hao''s forehead as he continued, "And some daily necessities that Chief Bai Ling bought for him the other day when we went out."


    Bai Zhi and Director Pang turned to look at Bai Ling.


    Bai Ling''s small face was filled with innocence.


    Wang Hao, "Lastly... he also took a chair."


    At that, all three furrowed their brows and fell silent.


    It was clear they didn''t understand why he would take a chair.


    After a while, Bai Ling sneakily nced at Bai Zhi, noticing that Bai Zhi had no intention of scolding her, and then she looked at Wang Hao, asking, "What did he need the chair for?"


    Wang Hao was taken aback, then he recalled something Fang Ze had said a few days ago when he was going on vacation to Qingshan City.


    He couldn''t help but repeat, "He seemed to say... worried about getting tired from walking, he could have something to sit on."


    The room fell silent for a time.


    After a moment,


    "Crack!" A sharp sound.


    A cup was furiously smashed to the ground by Bai Zhi, her chest heaving with anger, "Arrogant! Too arrogant! To think he dared to bring a chair for resting while escaping!"


    After saying this, she spun around and shouted loudly at the Security Bureau members standing behind her, "Everyone, go after him, investigate!"


    "Elementary Transfer abilities or artifacts can''t move him far. He must still be nearby!"


    "Also, with mymand, send people to the four lower-tier cities nearby the Investigation Bureau, gather forces, and lock down the entire area. I refuse to believe he can just sprout wings and fly away!"


    Hearing Bai Zhi''s words, the Security Bureaumissioners hastily responded with a unified "Yes" and then prepared to leave to gather personnel.


    Just then, the director, who had been standing by wiping sweat, hastily said, "Wait a moment."


    Having seen how angry Bai Zhi was, no one dared to speak earlier; even Bai Ling, usually quirky and spirited, didn''t dare to breathe loudly, for fear of catching any k.


    Yet unexpectedly, at that time, the director actually dared to oppose Bai Zhi''s suggestions.


    So, in that instant, Bai Zhi''s eyes, filled with frost, had already shifted toward the director.


    Seeing Bai Zhi''s gaze, the director''s forehead began to sweat "drip by drip," and he quickly piled on a smile, lowered his neck, and obsequiously pleaded, "Your Honor, Your Honor. Please, don''t rush."


    He leaned towards Bai Zhi, whispering, "Don''t forget. Though Fang Ze has escaped, his aplices might still be in the Special Case Team."


    "What if you give the order for the Special Case Team to search and transfer personnel, and his aplices take the chance to flee?"


    "So...I think it would be better for you to personallymunicate and arrange for other cities'' Investigation Bureaus to investigate while the Special Case Team secures the area here, preventing Fang Ze''s aplices from escaping amid the chaos."


    Upon hearing the director''s words, Bai Zhi was stunned for a moment, and then she immediately felt that these were sensible words.


    Indeed, though Fang Ze had escaped, he still had two or three aplices in the Special Case Team. She could not afford to be rash out of excitement and end up allowing them to escape as well.


    Thinking this, she nodded and then said, "That makes sense."


    Then, she nced at themissioners in the secret base and said, "Let''s not transfer personnel yet... continue the lockdown of the temporary residence downstairs. Then, review the members of the Special Case Team to see if anyone else has escaped or is missing."


    After saying this, she nodded to Director Pang, Chief Bai Ling, and Wang Hao, saying, "Wait for me for a moment."


    Then, she left for a while, seemingly to directlymunicate and arrange the lockdown.


    Shortly, she returned and then nodded to Director Pang, signaling him to carry out the ns.


    Director Pang smiled obsequiously.


    And perhaps because there was a chance to alleviate the mood, Bai Zhi gradually calmed down as well.


    She no longer acted impulsively, but after being silent for a while, she looked towards Wang Hao again and asked, "By the way. Are there any other clues?"


    Hearing Bai Zhi''s words, Wang Hao quickly stood up straight and furrowed his brow in thought.


    A secondter, he remembered the instructions Fang Ze had left before leaving.


    He couldn''t help but nce at Bai Ling, then at Bai Zhi, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Officer Bai Zhi, Chief Bai Ling, the suspect... left something before he left."


    Hearing Wang Hao''s words, the three people turned their gaze towards him.


    Bai Zhi looked over, "What is it?"


    Wang Hao raised his hand, holding up the gray cloth bag he had been clutching, and then said, "Fang Ze said this was a parting gift for Chief Bai Ling, and asked me to pass it on."


    Hearing Wang Hao''s words, Bai Ling blinked, covered her mouth with her small hand, and eximed in surprise, "He indeed said he wanted to give me a gift yesterday."


    Bai Zhi nced at her, and Bai Ling immediately mped her mouth shut, not daring to speak.


    Then Bai Zhi held out her hand towards Wang Hao.


    Wang Hao reluctantly looked at Bai Ling, but still had to pass the gray cloth bag over.


    Just as Bai Zhi was about to take the gray cloth bag, Director Pang suddenly said, "Wait a moment, Lady Bai Zhi."


    Your next read is at empire


    Bai Zhi and Wang Hao''s actions paused.


    Having heard the sensible words from Director Pang just earlier, Bai Zhi calmly looked towards him.


    Director Pang obsequiously cautioned, "Your Honor. This thing, after all, is given by a criminal. It could very likely be dangerous."


    "Heh." Hearing Director Pang''s words, Bai Zhi let out a coldugh, about to say it wouldn''t be a problem for her. But as the words reached her lips, she seemed to think of something, and paused abruptly.


    Then she looked at Bai Ling and said, "Bai Ling, Director Pang has a point. I''ll open it for you and check it before handing it over."


    What could Bai Ling say?


    She could only desperately gaze at the gray cloth bag, nodding her head.


    Having found the perfect examination reason, Bai Zhi, with peace of mind, took the gray cloth bag and shook it.


    The cloth bag was light to hold, and it made no noise when shaken.


    A puzzled look appeared on her face, then she bent down, untied the gray cloth bag''s string, opened it, and looked inside.


    And the moment she saw what was inside, her face instantly showed a look of surprise.


    Seeing her expression, the three people standing by also became a bit curious.


    After all, there must be something incredible inside to surprise Bai Zhi.


    Noticing the expressions of the three, Bai Zhi came back to her senses, her expression returning to calm.


    Then she reached into the bag, touched the items inside one by one, confirming there were no dangers, and then she threw the gray cloth bag to Bai Ling.


    Apanying the throw, she also said with aplex look, "That guy sure is thoughtful."


    The curiosity of the three had already been stirred by Bai Zhi''s actions, and hearing her say this only increased their curiosity even further.


    They were all wondering what exactly Fang Ze had put inside that made Bai Zhiment like that.


    A criminal, moreover a heavily monitored criminal by the Security Bureau and Investigation Bureau who even had to borrow money, what kind of good thing could he give?


    Bai Ling took the gray cloth bag, looked at Bai Zhi curiously, then opened it.


    "My goodness!" She couldn''t help but exim after just one nce.


    Because inside the gray cloth bag were ten differently colored crystals.


    There were blue crystals, green crystals, and even the slightly more valuable ck crystals.


    With just a cursory look, the total market value of the entire bag of crystals was around 8000-10000 Lini.


    Hearing Bai Ling''s exmation, Wang Hao and Director Pang couldn''t resist any longer and also secretly peeked inside. After seeing the content, they too were a bit surprised.


    So many crystals?


    Such a valuable farewell gift?


    What exactly is the rtionship between Bai Ling and that suspect?


    Meanwhile, Bai Ling gave a light "eh" and then dug around inside the bag, pulling out a note from underneath the crystals.


    The note was filled with Fang Ze''s handwriting.

 Chapter 52 46. A letter after the escape (Vote for monthly tickets!)

    Looking at the note, Bai couldn''t help but read it out softly,


    "Chief Bai Ling. By the time you read this letter, I should have already run far away."


    "How should I put it? You really have no talent for business. You better not get into business anymore. Making money is not easy, and you''re giving it away every day¡ªdoesn''t that hurt?"


    "In this world, there are few good people like me who are willing to repay their debts."


    Listening to Bai Ling read the content, Bai Zhi, Director Pang, and Wang Hao couldn''t help but show a slightly weird expression...


    A criminal saying he is a good person, no matter how you think about it, it''s strange...


    But... considering Bai Ling''s borrowing history over the past few years, it seems not wrong for this criminal to im he is a good person...


    Bai Ling continued to read, "But, don''t be discouraged."


    "You may not have talent. But I do!"


    "If there''s a chance, when we meet next time, I''ll introduce you to a stable way to make money. With our cooperation, I guarantee you can make a fortune!"


    "I have many ideas that surpass this era in my mind. Once they''re out, it''s a guaranteed profit!"


    "Do you believe that?"


    "See, you''re so easy to deceive."


    "How could you possibly do good business."


    At this point, Bai Ling: ...


    Bai Zhi couldn''t help but slightly curl the corners of her lips.


    Director Pang and Wang Hao were even struggling to hold back theirughter.


    Bai Ling paused for a moment and continued reading, "I''m not sure about the value of the crystals, so I left fifty of them."


    "If there are any missing, that means Wang Hao took them."


    Reading this, several people simultaneously paused.


    They then couldn''t help but turn their gaze toward Wang Hao.


    Wang Hao was also bewildered, waving his hands repeatedly.


    Bai Ling coughed and continued reading, "Got fooled again, right?"


    "I told you, you can''t do business well."


    "Pfft." This time, even Bai Zhi couldn''t helpughing out loud.


    Bai Ling continued reading, "Also, while I''m at it, writing to you, I have a few words I''d like you to pass on for me."


    "As a member of the Special Case Team, leaving my post without permission is indeed not right."


    "So, please tell the Director for me, I''d like to take a long leave to go after the criminal suspect Fang Ze. Ask the Director to approve my leave request."


    "If he says no..."


    "You tell him, regardless of your approval, I''m taking leave anyway! Hahaha! (Note: Remember to read out theughter, but not the words within the brackets. End of brackets.)"


    Bai Zhi looked toward Director Pang with a smiling face.


    Director Pang was caught betweenughter and tears.


    Then Bai Ling continued reading, "Also, please pass on a message to Officer Bai Zhi."


    "Officer, you better not y any more conspiracies or schemes. They make your heart dirty and your brain has to be wless."


    "You''re not dirty enough, and your brain is not good enough. That''s why you''ve been led by the nose all along."


    "Moreover, you are an agency of national violence, why y with conspiracies? Isn''t it better to crush them with due authority?"


    "Once ites down to realbat, who can withstand you?"


    "By the way, I estimate that there are still two or three of my aplices in the Special Case Team, don''t give me any face! Crush them!"


    Listening to Bai Ling''s words, Bai Zhi''s face turned red at first, then it slowly faded, and finally, upon hearing that she should not give him any face, her expression became one ofughter and helplessness.


    Bai Ling said, "Lastly, please convey a message to my roommate Wang Hao."


    "Getting along with you has been quite enjoyable. It''s just that sleeping was always a bit unsettling."


    "If fate allows it, let''s have a sincere drink next time."


    Having finished thest sentence, Bai Ling put down the note in her hand and looked at the crystals in the grey cloth bag, unsure of how to describe her own feelings for a moment.


    And Bai Zhi and the others, who had just been amused or caught betweenughter and tears, slowly fell silent.


    Truth be told, although Fang Ze was a criminal, during the time he spent with the Special Case Team, his sunshine, his cheerfulness, his humor, indeed easily evoked goodwill in others.


    Adding to that, this time, despite "escape," leaving a note filled with jokes and reminders revealed such an open-mindedness that everyone couldn''t help but feel a mixture of feelings.


    If only he weren''t a criminal, how great that would be...


    With this thought, Bai Ling couldn''t help but look at Bai Zhi and said, "Bai... about the pursuit of Fang Ze..."


    Bai Zhi looked down at her, her expression slowly bing moreposed.


    Then, with a profound gaze at the monitors, she spoke without inflection, "No matter what kind of person he is, right now, he is still a criminal."


    "And we are the agency tasked with protecting national security and social order."


    With that, she picked up a walkie-talkie and said, "Inform the Investigation Bureau in the four lower-tier cities to raise the suspect''s danger level, increase the search effort and range. He must not be allowed to escape."


    "He has an Awakening Ability that can infect people''s hearts, more dangerous than we imagined..."


    Inside the room, the other three, who had been feeling somewhat sentimental, heard Bai Zhi''s words, their faces immediately turned serious, their backs straightened without them realizing it, and their gazes grew firm...


    ......


    Meanwhile, Fang Ze was rapidly moving through the dense jungle.


    Having acquired the "Prank Map" yesterday, he had already prepared his escape n for today.


    Last night, he had set the time and ce for the scheduled transfer.


    The time was midnight today, after most people had gone to sleep.


    And the location was the jungle on the map, furthest away from the Special Case Team.


    He understood very well that although the national machine was cumbersome, its power was not something an individual could withstand. Once he fled, the other party would definitely lock down the nearby cities and issue a warrant for his arrest as soon as possible.


    And since Fang Ze didn''t know how to disguise himself, trying to escape to live in a city was as difficult as ascending to the heavens, so he might as well hide in the jungle first.


    Normally, Fang Ze had no experience with wilderness survival and without supplies, it would be very difficult to survive in the jungle for a long time.


    But... don''t forget, Fang Ze had the "Late-Night Investigation Room."


    He couldpletely y hide-and-seek with the Security Bureau and the Investigation Bureau in the jungle while having Miaomiao send supplies to him, increasing his provisions.


    Then, by using the Investigation Room''s "disguise" or "face-swapping" treasures and abilities, he could wait until the other party let their guard down, reach the edge of the encirclement, and escape with the "Prank Map."


    So, after being transported away tonight, Fang Ze started drilling into the depths of the jungle without any hesitation.


    With ample food, fruit, and even a chair, Fang Ze was not panicked at all.


    As for... whether he could carry all that stuff, whether it would slow him down...


    Are you kidding? The Shadow Warrior, two and a half meters tall, is a vegetarian?


    One carried the chair, the other the luggage.


    If there hadn''t been a third Shadow Warrior missing, Fang Ze even thought of having them carry him as they ran.


    In this way, they ran through the night into the depths of the jungle, took a half-hour break in the middle, then used "Credit World" to borrow eight hours'' worth of energy, and Fang Ze and the Shadow Warrior ran for another full day.


    He didn''t know how far he had run out, or even where he had ended up.


    He ran until the evening, only then did Fang Ze rx a bit and stop.


    He estimated the distance and felt that the Security Bureau shouldn''t be able to find him for the time being. Then he had the Shadow Warrior keep watch, sat down on the ground, set the chair down, ced the food on it, and began to replenish his energy.


    While eating, Fang Ze also pondered the Special Case Team''s reaction at this time.


    He wondered if Bai Ling had received his crystal.


    He wondered if Director Pang had been infuriated by his "hahaha"ughter.


    He wondered if Bai Zhi had been fooled by him and turned her attention to investigate the aplices in the Special Case Team.


    But no matter what, he was sure that the Special Case Team must be inplete chaos now, right?n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    At the thought, Fang Ze couldn''t help wanting tough.


    He swallowed the fruit in his mouth, opened his arms wide, took a deep breath of the fresh air of the jungle, then closed his eyes and savored it, "Ah~ the taste of freedom!"


    .....


    Meanwhile, back at the Special Case Team.


    In the open space in front of the vi.


    A charred body, almost indiscernible as human,y quietly on the ground, while Officer Bai Zhi, Chief Bai Ling, and Director Pang listened solemnly to a report from a Commissioner from the Security Bureau.


    The reporting Commissioner held up a document and then said, "Your Excellency. This is the profile of this Investigator."


    Bai Zhi took the document, nced over it, and as she flipped through it, she asked, "Is he the one who tried to escape?"


    The reporting Commissioner nodded, "Yes!"


    "Today, when I was patrolling the jungle, I found him carrying things, sneaking around trying to escape."


    "After I captured him, just as I was about to report to Your Excellency... he suddenly burst into mes."


    Crouching down to examine the ckened corpse, Bai Zhi nced at the Investigator and then asked, "Did he use any Awakening Ability?"


    The Commissioner thought for a moment, shook his head, "No. But his physical condition and martial skills are not weak. I almost got taken down by him."


    Bai Zhi silently nodded. Then she turned to the Director and asked, "Director Pang, what do you think?"


    Director Pang had been standing by quietly listening the whole time, not saying a word.


    Suddenly hearing Bai Zhi''s question, he quickly put on a smile, then bowed and said, "Your Excellency. I have no particr opinion."


    Bai Zhi asked, "Do you think he could be an aplice of Fang Ze?"


    Director Pang was taken aback for a moment, and then said, "Hard to say."


    "But it feels... highly likely."


    "After all, if he''s not an aplice, why would he try to escape at such a sensitive time?"


    Bai Zhi pondered for a while and silently nodded.


    After a moment, she stood up and asked again, "By the way. Have you sent someone to check out the slum area where Fang Ze lived? Is there anything unusual?"


    As soon as these words were spoken, the Director''s face suddenly showed an unpleasant expression.


    He wiped the sweat off his forehead, then said embarrassingly, "Not yet, Your Excellency... There was aplication."


    Bai Zhi looked at him.


    He bent even deeper and exined, "As you know, the City Hall hardly manages the slum areas in lower-tier cities."


    "Therefore, the hoodlums of the city, fugitives from other cities, and some unsavory elements secretly form gangs there."


    "Those gangs are not weak, and some have backgrounds."


    "When our people went to the slums to investigate yesterday, they found the area sealed off by a gang."


    "Apparently, they are looking for a murderer who robbed a store and killed three people."


    "With their numbers and some... backgrounds, our Investigators... were turned back..."


    .......


    6500 characters, customary request for rmendation tickets, monthly tickets, and followers!


    The editor said I update too much and can''tplete the rmendation process, so I will miss a few rmendations. Let me be mentally prepared... So everyone, please give more support...

 Chapter 53 47. Hit Squad! (Request for monthly tickets!)

    Meanwhile, in Qingshan City, in the impoverished district.


    Miaomiao stayed at home, peeking out through the crack of the door.


    Since yesterday, the nearby streets had seen a sudden increase in thugs and gang members.


    They seemed to be up to something, wielding sticks and machetes, inspecting and interrogating everyone at the intersections.


    The residents of the streets walked about in constant trepidation, and Miaomiao was somewhat frightened too.


    She had heard from Aunt Pang before that the gangs in the poor neighborhoods were the worst, indulging in extortion, robbery, and murder.


    However, because their street was united and had several people working in the city area, their neighborhood was tough enough to barely avoid harassment.


    But now, for some reason, the gangs had reversed their usual attitude and started to blockade these areas.


    It was evident that something serious had happened.....


    Feeling uneasy, Miaomiaoy by the door, looking outside while silently praying, "Mr. Devil, protect us.... Mr. Devil, protect us.... I hope nothing bad happens..."


    Just as she was praying, suddenly, she saw a figure in the distance that seemed to be walking towards her ce.


    She was startled, hurriedly closed the door tightly, and then leaned against it, daring not to move.


    Sure enough, after a few seconds, her door was knocked on with a "bang, bang, bang."


    Miaomiao leaned against the door and said nothing, pretending not to be home.


    But then a familiar voice called out from the other side, "Miaomiao, it''s me, your Aunt Pang....."


    Hearing Aunt Pang''s voice, Miaomiao quickly eximed, "Ah?" and then quietly asked, "Aunt Pang? Why are you here?" as she turned around to open the door.


    Aunt Pang entered the house, then held the door, looking outside to make sure no one saw her, before she hurriedly closed the door.


    Aftertching the door, she pulled Miaomiao over to the bed, sat down, and whispered, "Nannan, have these past couple of days frightened you?"


    Hearing Aunt Pang''s words, although Miaomiao was indeed very scared, she didn''t want Aunt Pang to worry, so she quickly shook her head.


    But Aunt Pang, who had watched Miaomiao grow up, knew her character well, so she gently patted Miaomiao''s hand andforted her,


    "It''s okay, don''t be scared, don''t be scared."


    "This will soon pass."


    She paused, then said, "I just went to ask around. Those gangs have surrounded this area because they are looking for someone."


    "Looking for someone?", Miaomiao asked, puzzled.


    Aunt Pang nodded, "Yes."


    She was about to exin, but her gaze fell on Miaomiao''s left cheek, and she stopped herself.


    She said somewhat reproachfully, "How could you be so careless again?"


    As she spoke, she crouched down, wiped her hand on the ground, and then carefully smeared the dirt on Miaomiao''s left cheek.


    Suddenly, the left cheek of Miaomiao, which had not been smeared, revealing her fair skin, was covered up again.


    After smearing, she examined Miaomiao again and then nodded reassuringly.


    Then she took Miaomiao''s hand and said with a bit of emotion, "Oh.... Nannan, don''t me your aunt for always dirtying your face."


    "The poor district is too unsafe, and now you are growing up and bing more beautiful. I really fear that one day I might suddenly not see you anymore....."


    "You must be very careful."


    Feeling Aunt Pang''s concern, Miaomiao''s nose also felt a bit sour. She lowered her head and nodded, whispering, "Aunt Pang, don''t worry. I will be careful....."


    It was only then that Aunt Pang "Hmm"ed, feeling a bit relieved.


    Then, as if she remembered the conversation she hadn''t finished earlier, she patted her broad forehead, "Look at my memory. I forgot what I was saying halfway through."


    She nced at the door, then whispered, "Let me tell you. Over at themercial street, the owner of cktooth Grocery Store somehow offended someone and was murdered."


    "But that person didn''t just stop at killing; they also killed three gang members and even stole the crystals that the gang was selling at the grocery store."


    "So.... the gang leaders were furious. They have been thoroughly investigating this matter these past few days."


    "In their investigation, somehow, they ended up focusing on our streets."


    "They said, a witness saw a girl who seemed to have visited the grocery store twice just before the incident. After that, everyone there was dead."


    "So, they are looking for that girl..."


    "They said, as soon as they catch the person, they will withdraw."


    "So.... don''t be too scared, okay?"


    Upon hearing Aunt Pang''s words, Miaomiao''s face instantly turned pale.


    Her body involuntarily began shaking slightly, and her hands clenched tightly.....


    .......


    In the jungle.


    After finishing his meal, Fang Ze did not continue to run.


    From the map, the forest looked vast, but it felt even broader once he actually entered it.


    And therger the forest, the more creatures it harbored.


    Since this was a world of extraordinary powers, Fang Ze was genuinely afraid of identally stumbling into the nest of a disaster creature he couldn''t contend with.


    Previously, he needed to quickly escape the search range of the Security Bureau; there was no helping it. Now that he was slightly farther away, Fang Ze could be more cautious.


    Moreover, because he was fleeing for his life yesterday, he hadn''t had the chance to use the "Late-Night Investigation Room." Now that he wasn''t as pressed for time, he could use the "Late-Night Investigation Room" again to enhance his strength.


    After all, strength was king at any time.


    Thus, the urgent matter at hand was to find a safe, restful ce so he could sleep peacefully....


    Thinking this, Fang Ze summoned two Shadow Warriors, asking them to scout the nearby area for a suitable ce to sleep while he himself began repacking his belongings, preparing to move.


    Just as he was packing, in the nearby jungle, three figures also swiftly moved through.


    It was a small group of three, two men and one woman.


    The leading woman had long legs and a slender waist; she was fair and beautiful with a hint of valor in her eyes.


    The two men behind her, one tall and one short, but both with tight muscles. As they moved, their thick legs seemed to vibrate with taut sinews.


    While swiftly moving through the trees, the three were also whispering among themselves.


    The shorter man voiced, "Boss, something feels off. That kid can really run, huh?"


    "Hours on end. He doesn''t seem tired at all; almost inhuman."


    Hearing him, the tall man also chimed in, "Yeah, boss. We''ve been chasing for a day and a night and still haven''t caught up with the target. Could the information from Lord Golden Fox be wrong?"


    Hearing the two men, the long-legged woman spoke coldly, "The information from Lord Golden Fox can''t possibly be wrong."


    "But, the target might be carrying some kind of Transfer-type artifact. That''s why we can''t catch up."


    With that, she quietly sensed something.


    After a moment, a smile appeared on her face as she said, "The target has stopped to rest. This is a good chance; let''s hurry and catch up."


    Hearing the woman''s words, the other two men were also energized. They quickly responded with a "You got it!"


    Then the three of them burst into action with their leg muscles exploding in power, quickly sprinting forward.....


    Less than ten minutester, indeed, they saw the figure of their target.


    Since they were now close, the long-legged woman quickly signaled with her hands, then gestured for the two men to slow down and adjust their breathing.


    Momentarily, she stared at the distant target, then whispered, "ording to the intelligence, the target is an untrained ordinary person but is suspected of having Awakening Ability or possessing an Extraordinary Artifact."


    "So, to avoid any idents or letting the target escape, we''ll do it the usual way...."


    Hearing the long-legged woman, the shorter man casually patted his chest, smiling as he said, "Boss, don''t worry. It''s just an Awakening Ability."


    "We''ve killed more than one or two untrained Awakeners."


    "Without their Awakening Abilities, they''re no different from ordinary people."


    "Even, due to suddenly having Awakening Abilities, they tend to be overconfident, making them easier to deal with."


    "You just rx."


    Hearing the shorter man''s words, the long-legged woman nodded in agreement but still said, "Don''t take it lightly."


    ...


    After waiting in the clearing for a while, Fang Ze sensed through his Shadow Warrior, Stick One, that a suitable hiding cave had been found.


    However, since the simple mind-link couldn''t conveyplex information, he could only patiently wait for them to return.


    Sitting in a chair, with his legs crossed and yawning, Fang Ze was just getting a bit bored when he heard the sound of two or three people talkinging from the jungle,


    "Hey. We didn''t catch enough prey today either. How are we going to exin this when we get back?"


    "Indeed. It''s almost time to pay the rent. If we can''t catch any prey again, it''ll be troublesome."


    Hearing the unfamiliar voices, Fang Ze uncrossed his legs, grabbed his luggage, tensed up, and squinted in the direction of the sounds.


    Apanied by the voices, three people dressed in hunter gear emerged from the woods.


    Three people, two men and one woman.


    The woman had a lovely face and long legs, carrying a bow and arrow on her back.


    The two men, one tall and one short, held steel spears and had three wild rabbits hanging on their backs, which seemed freshly killed and still dripping blood.....n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Seeing the appearance of these three people, Fang Ze picked up his luggage and watched them warily, then asked, "Who are you?"


    Meanwhile, upon seeing Fang Ze, the three also showed cautious expressions on their faces.


    They stepped back, moving closer to each other, then sized up Fang Ze.


    Momentarily, the taller man among them said in a muffled voice, "We are hunters from Bluewater City. We hunt in Bluewater Forest. It gotte, and we are looking for a ce to camp. Who are you?"

 Chapter 54 48. Counterkill! (Seeking recommendation tickets!)

    ''Hunter?''


    Fang Ze''s eyes narrowed slightly as he observed the three people''s attire and their cautious movements.


    It seemed... unproblematic?


    As he thought this, he said, "I am an investigator from the Qingshan City Investigation Bureau. I came to Bluewater Forest to track down a fugitive."


    Upon hearing Fang Ze speak, the three exchanged nces, then used the moonlight to examine the uniform on Fang Ze''s body.


    After a moment, as if recognizing the uniform on Fang Ze, the three visibly rxed.


    The taller man scratched his head and then, with a ttering smile, said to Fang Ze, "So you are an official from the Investigation Bureau. I''m terribly sorry for the disturbance."


    At this, he looked at the nutshells thrown on the ground, then took down a wild rabbit from his back and said, "Meeting is fate. Look, it''s just mealtime. If you don''t mind, shall we have something to eat together?"


    As he spoke, he showed the still warm wild rabbit, "We just happened to catch two rabbits. We''re in for a treat tonight."


    Fang Ze nced at him, then at the wild rabbit in his hands, a deep gleam flickering in his eyes.


    After a moment, he smiled and said, "Sure. I wasn''t quite full tonight."


    Upon the agreement of Fang Ze, in the darkness, a hint of delight shed through the three''s eyes...


    Indeed... they are untrained Awakeners, too naive...


    Lacking even a bit of suspicion towards ordinary people.


    Before an Awakener strengthens their physique, they are still flesh and blood.


    An ordinary person''s spear could easily pierce through them!


    By then, they wouldn''t even have the chance to use their Awakening Ability...


    So, by allowing the three toe close and finding the right opportunity, even an Awakener could be taken down in one strike.


    They had killed many Awakeners using this method...


    All the while pondering, the three quietly closed in.


    But as the three drew near, Fang Ze was also quietly observing them.


    From the very beginning when he met them, Fang Ze had never trusted them.


    Although their attire, demeanor, and conversation all seemed fine,


    but... no matter what, it was too coincidental.


    He had been escaping alone without encountering anyone, and as soon as he stopped to rest, he met local hunters who even invited him to eat?


    Fang Ze, who had downloaded anti-scam apps, was a modern, savvy young man not easily fooled.


    However, although he knew there was something off about them, Fang Ze was somewhat unable to figure out their identities.


    Initially, Fang Ze thought they were from the Security Bureau or a pursuit team from the Investigation Bureau.


    But observing closely, he felt something was amiss.


    Although the three were well equipped, two in closebat and one in ranged,


    neither their stance nor their aura or actions carried the official organizations'' air of ''being in the right.''


    So... who were they exactly?


    Because he couldn''t figure out their identities and worried that if he tried to run now, they could still catch up, making them harder to deal withter,


    Fang Ze hadn''t just turned and left; he nned to feignpliance and interact with them first to see what would happen.


    Of course, since it''s risky to stand beneath the wall about to fall, he was also urging Stick One and Stick Two to hurry back in his mind.


    Enjoy exclusive adventures from empire


    Thus, the four people, each with their own schemes, slowly approached. Then they finally saw each other clearly.


    Upon seeing Fang Ze, the three sized him up and, confirming he was the target, felt even more at ease.


    ''Sir, don''t worry. I''m cleaning the rabbit right now, and we''ll eat soon.''"


    As he spoke, the tall one swept the ground with his foot, sat down right there, then took the wild rabbit and pulled out a dagger from his waist to start skinning.


    As he was skinning, he gestured towards the direction opposite Fang Ze and then instructed the short one, "Old Six, go gather some firewood, set up the frame."


    The shorter one smiled in agreement and then walked towards there.


    Fang Ze became even more convinced that these three were problematic: clearly, they were blocking his retreat...


    As he was thinking this, the tall woman among the three nced at him and then said to the tall man, "Brother, I''m going to rest for a bit over there."


    After speaking, she walked to the other side of the clearing below a tree, sat down, and held her bow and arrows, closing her eyes as if to rest.


    With the three standing in a triangr position, the situation had them enclosed, yet the target showed no reaction, rxing their minds even more.


    The target was indeed a novice,pletely unaware of the abnormality.


    They had even noticed that when the three initially approached, the target was a bit cautious. But now that they had separated, the target seemed more rxed.


    Clearly, he had been worried about them being in a group initially because, in case of a conflict, it would be difficult to handle. Now that they were separated, he felt fearless as an Awakener.


    This made them want tough even more.


    Indeed, so naive...


    Meanwhile, Fang Ze, appearing genuinely oblivious to the danger,


    dragged his chair and luggage over to the tall man, then squatted down and curiously asked, "What''s Bluewater City like? Is it fun?"


    Hearing the target''s question, the tall one, while continuing to skin with his dagger, grinned and responded, "Fun, of course it''s fun."


    ''Our Bluewater City is a city of flowers. Now, in June, it''s exactly the season when hundreds of flowers are in bloom. So, it''s really beautiful to go flower watching."


    "Is that so?" Fang Ze grew even more curious.


    He leaned in closer and then asked, "Then after I catch this fugitive, I mighte to visit your city if it''s all right."


    "At that time, you guys need to be my guides and show me around."


    Hearing the target''s words and feeling the target''s growing trust in him, the tall man gripped the dagger in his hand even tighter.


    While calcting the distance, he smiled and said, "Of course. No problem! If the chiefes, you must find me!"


    Fang Ze responded, "No problem. I will definitely impose on you then."


    Fang Ze, as if trusting him, moved closer again.


    Meanwhile, the hand holding the dagger tightened its grip, and his body tensed up even more.


    ''Closer¡­''


    ''Much closer¡­''


    ''Just a bit closer. One pounce, one stab! The target won''t even have time to react before I finish him off!''


    Just as he thought this, suddenly, he heard a light "eh" from the target, "Eh? Didn''t yourpanion go the other way? How did theye out from there?"


    Hearing the target''s words, the tall man reflexively looked in the direction indicated by the target''s finger.


    At that moment, his heart was filled with irritation: Damn Old Six, whye out when I have such a good opportunity? Don''t fucking blow our cover!


    As he was swearing, his head just turned.


    But ¡­ in the dark forest, there was no one.


    That instant, the tall man''s mind went nk, instinctively feeling something was wrong!


    But it was toote!


    He heard the "whoosh whoosh" of wind sound by his ears, apanied by the sound. With a "crack!" a crisp sound, wood chips flew, blood sttered, and his head was forcefully smashed to the ground!


    At that moment, all he saw was darkness before his eyes, his head buzzing, and he fell headlong to the ground.


    He struggled to get up, but before his hands could even reach the ground, he felt a cold iron spear pierce through his chest, nailing him harshly to the ground!


    ''This¡­ is this my iron spear?''


    ''When, when did¡­''n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He incredulously tried to lift his head to look in the direction of the spear.


    But as soon as he lifted his head halfway, all the strength was drawn out of him, and finally¡­ his head heavily fell, no longer able to lift¡­


    Unsure whether it was because it was his first time killing someone or because he had been too nervous and exerted too much force,


    Fang Ze gripped the iron spear in his hands tightly, his heart thumping wildly, gasping for air, feeling numbness all over his body, all the muscles he had exerted ached fiercely.


    Everything had happened very suddenly. When the tall man was knocked down by Fang Ze with a chair, and then speared to death, the tall woman and the short one nearby were just starting to react.


    Their faces filled with astonishment, disbelief.


    Then the short one bellowed, charging towards Fang Ze.


    While the tall woman also leaped up, grabbed an arrow with feathers from behind her, drew the bow, and readied to shoot.


    Seeing the two react this way, Fang Ze dared not dawdle any longer.


    "Ah!" he roared, pulling out the iron spear with his hands.


    Then he recalled the martial skill of the Shadow Warrior he had practiced many times, called "Throwing Stick," using his whole body''s muscles, legs engaged his waist, waist his back, back his shoulders, shoulders his elbows!


    His muscles twisted into a steel lock then he fiercely hurled the iron spear at the tall woman.


    "Swoosh!" With the added power of the skill, the iron spear flew towards the woman with a piercing sound!


    The tall woman was startled and quickly dodged, retracting her bow.


    Only a "thud!" resounded as the iron spear embedded itself deeply into a tree.


    The tall woman looked at Fang Ze in astonishment, disbelief written all over her face, "You''re not an ordinary Awakener! You''ve actually practiced Martial Skills?!"


    Hearing the woman''s exmation, the short one was also shocked.


    An Awakener who had practiced Martial Skills versus one who hadn''t, theirbat strength was entirely iparable.


    For a moment, their hearts drummed with fear, and their actions began to hesitate.


    But just then, Fang Ze seemed to finally recover from the numbness of killing, regaining hisposure.


    Ignoring the pause in their actions, he coldly looked at them, emotionlessly spat out a word, "Kill!"


    Hearing the target''s word, in that moment, the tall woman and the short man felt a great unease well up inside them.


    They always felt like a great danger was about to fall upon them.


    And before they could react, suddenly, the shadows of two giant Shadow Warriors appeared behind them, like demons, d in ck, emotionless as they lifted huge sticks and with a "bang!" smashed them down¡­


    The two only felt an endless ck shadow enveloping them.


    ''Never thought we''d die here.''


    ''Lord Golden Fox, the information you gave... it was inurate!''


    Following theirst thoughts, dust flew, blood sttered¡­


    Five minutester, Fang Ze, pale-faced, nced at the three slightly mangled corpses nearby, then began to search through the items extracted by the Shadow Warriors from their bodies¡­

 Chapter 55 49. Limited time three days! (Requesting monthly tickets!)

    The three didn''t bring much, but what they carried was very valuable.


    Not to mention the 6000 Lini in cash.


    Just for food and water, they brought three bags. That''s not even counting the two wild rabbits.


    Besides that, they also brought three daggers, two spears made of fine steel, and a bow with 20 arrows.


    Fang Ze''s weapon and "mount": the chair, hadpletely fallen apart in the first wave of attack, so after a moment of hesitation, he had no choice but to settle for using the two spears for now.


    Apart from these valuable items, what concerned Fang Ze the most was that all three men were carrying something like an amulet.


    The amulet bore a strange pattern: an open palm with a giant eye in its center. It looked a little creepy.


    The moment he saw that pattern, Fang Ze immediately associated it with the pattern left on the ground at Han Kaiwei''s death.


    Are the two patterns the same¡­?


    Could it be that these three were from the organization?


    Had the organization sent them to assassinate him?


    But if the Security Bureau couldn''t find him, how did the organization manage to?


    With these doubts in his mind, Fang Ze threw the three amulets onto the corpses and ordered the Shadow Warriors to bury them on the spot.


    He had no intention of taking such peculiar items with him, considering they could contain any number of curses or tracking devices.


    After the Shadow Warriors finished burying the bodies, Fang Ze repacked his belongings properly.


    Then, holding the iron spear, he said to Stick One, "Lead the way."


    Before the intense battle, Stick One had found a suitable ce for rest and hiding.


    Fang Ze had been running for a day and a night and had fought for the first time; it was inevitable that he felt both physically and mentally exhausted.


    Therefore, he wanted to see if that ce was suitable for recuperation.


    Moreover, he hadn''t gone to the Late-Night Investigation Room yesterday, and today he should enter the Investigation Room to continue gaining benefits and strengthening his power.


    Thinking this, the three once again dashed through the jungle, speeding toward their hiding spot.


    Yet as he ran, Fang Ze felt something off about his body.


    Not that it felt bad, but rather a little too good.


    Previously, after two instances of borrowing the effects of training and several days of exercise, he felt as though all his muscles had been activated; they''d start generating heat the moment he moved.


    But he''d never been able to fully channel all that power.


    This time, however, after a fight to the death, he miraculously felt as though he had improved.


    His arms, shoulders, and back seemed to have formed into one big tendon.


    During movement, they becamepletely unified, indistinguishable from each other, making his strength more vigorous and the use of power smoother.


    "Really, is it in the face of death that breakthroughs are most likely...?"


    As he thought this over, Fang Ze also grew curious, "I wonder to what level those three''s Martial Arts Cultivation had reached? It seemed like they didn''t get a chance to show their real strength. There wasn''t a chance topare."


    .......


    At the same time.


    Within the Special Case Team''s temporary residence.


    A man in uniform with gold-rimmed sses seemed to sense something.


    He squinted his eyes, a smile appearing on his face, "Interesting... how interesting¡­"


    "The Silver Feather trio died?"


    "Their Martial Arts Cultivation was not weak; they had all reached the Skin Tempering stage. Not only were they powerful and agile, but they also had tough skin and dense flesh. Unless you used refined weapons and Extraordinary Power, it was almost impossible to inflict fatal damage on them."


    "Plus, the three of them understood Combined Strike Skills. Once executed, even an early-stage Awakener with training might not be their match."


    "I didn''t expect them to fall at the hands of a simple Periphery Member."


    He paced slowly around the room.


    After a while, he adjusted his sses, his eyes narrowing slightly, "In that case... what if we sent him?"


    ......


    After running for about five minutes, Fang Ze finally arrived at a cave following Stick One.


    The cave wasn''trge and could only fit three or four people standing.


    Fang Ze carefully inspected it, finding no signs of animal droppings or w marks; it seemed naturally formed.


    Although the conditions were a bit harsh, in the jungle, this was already considered an excellent ce.


    Thus, Fang Ze nodded to the two Shadow Warriors and instructed, "Put the things down. We''ll rest here for tonight."


    Obeying his orders, the two Shadow Warriors put down their burdens and spread Fang Ze''s carried bundle on the ground for him to sit on.


    Fang Ze sat on his bundle and began to ponder over the battle he had just fought and his ns moving forward.


    First off, he could be sure that the following period would be a dangerous fugitive life.


    That was the price he was paying for freedom.


    Initially, he thought he would only be facing pursuit from the Security Bureau and Investigation Bureau.


    Unexpectedly, now the organization had also started to hunt him down.


    This made his situation even more dire.


    Therefore, even while fleeing, he had to enhance his strength as quickly as possible!


    After all, in this world of extraordinary power, freedom is elusive everywhere. Only with great strengthes true freedom!


    As for Fang Ze now, there were only two ways to enhance his strength.


    One was his Awakening Ability.


    His Awakening Ability, despite many harsh conditions, still satisfied the criteria for a powerful ability.


    At its current early stage, he couldn''t make full use of it.


    Therefore, improving his ability level as soon as possible and developing more uses for his power had be Fang Ze''s urgent priority.


    Besides the Awakening Ability, the second means to enhance Fang Ze''s strength was the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    This room, which could bring various magical abilities and treasures, was the quickest path to boost Fang Ze''s strength. Fang Ze had to utilize it.


    Previously, in the Special Case Team, he used it in a "safe" environment. He could enter it everyte night.


    But now, with enemies chasing him outside, if he wanted to use it without concernster, Fang Ze felt he must conduct some safety experiments.....


    With this in mind, Fang Ze gestured to the two Shadow Warriors who had once again submerged into his shadow to hide.


    As he beckoned, the two huge Shadow Warriors slowly emerged from his shadow, then knelt on one knee, awaiting Fang Ze''s orders.


    Fang Ze instructed, "Next, I''m going to sleep. Then I''ll go to an unknown ce."


    "Don''t stay in my shadow. One of you go outside to keep watch, and the other stay close to protect me."


    "In case of a special situation, or if I''ve slept for 2 hours, wake me up."


    "Understood?"


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, the two Shadow Warriors slowly nodded and said in a muffled voice, "Yes."


    Fang Ze waved his hand, signaling them to proceed with the n.


    The two Shadow Warriors were clearly led by Stick One. After Fang Ze gave the orders, Stick Two looked towards Stick One.


    Stick One gestured with a nod of his head.


    Consequently, Stick Two, carrying his huge stick, left the cave and submerged into the darkness to keep watch.


    Meanwhile, Stick One approached the dark corner of the wall and submerged into it as well, seemingly intent on guarding Fang Ze personally for reassurance.


    Seeing the two divide the work, Fang Ze alsoy down, ready to investigate and do safety experiments.....


    ........


    Although the cave floor was cool and hard, perhaps because he had traveled all day and fought a big battle, he was so tired that it didn''t take long for Fang Ze to sink into deep sleep.


    As Fang Ze fell asleep, the cave also plunged into darkness and silence.


    The night wind gently brushed outside, rustling the leaves.....


    The two huge "t" ck shadows inside and outside the cave stood still like door gods, as if they had been there since ancient times.....


    .....


    It was hard to tell how much time had passed.


    When Fang Ze awoke again, he found himself in the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Discover hidden tales at empire


    Rubbing the somewhat sore back of his head, Fang Ze suddenly felt silly.


    He had brought a chair! Why hadn''t he brought a pillow!


    Wasn''t this more useful than the chair''s one-time weapon?


    Mutteringints, Fang Ze sat down and tapped the desk softly with his right index finger.


    Immediately, a multitude of images appeared before Fang Ze.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Looking at the avable summons, honestly, if there hadn''t been an attack by gang members that night, Fang Ze had nned to summon a neer to see if there were any additional gains.


    But after tonight''s battle, Fang Ze knew that the most important thing was to enhance his own strength.


    Therefore, even though it was just an experiment, he still made the most advantageous choice: Miaomiao.....


    This remarkable woman had an exaggerated "guaranteed minimum" mechanism.


    Even if for a shorter time, the gain should still be assured.


    With that in mind, Fang Ze altered the room''syout, once again transforming it into the appearance of that luxurious room, then gently clicked on Miaomiao''s image.....


    .......


    Miaomiao was somewhat physically and mentally exhausted thesest few days.


    Maybe because there had been no progress, starting from yesterday, in addition to guarding several street entrances and exits, the gang had also gathered a lot of hoodlums. They brandished machetes, iron rods, and iron pans, ceaselessly banging and nging on the streets, creating a tremendous racket.


    As they banged, they shouted, "That stinking whore. You bitch, stop hiding. We know you fucking live between these two streets."


    "You have the guts to kill our people, to steal our stuff. You don''t have the fucking guts to show your face?!"


    "I''m telling you! You have three days toe out on your own. Otherwise, don''t me us for searching house by house ourselves!"


    They shouted these things every couple of hours, taking turns to chant them on multiple streets. Evente into the night, into the early morning, they didn''t stop, deliberately preventing rest.


    As for their "house-by-house" "search," it was not really just a "search."


    Miaomiao still remembered, a few years ago, a family had offended a gang, and when that gang went to their house "to search"...


    The door was violently kicked in, anything breakable was smashed to pieces, the people were beaten until their heads bled, gang membersughed wildly while they dragged the bloodied family through the streets...


    Even if searching two streets might not be as dramatic or violent,


    It didn''t mean they would be much more restrained.....

 Chapter 56 50. Harvest Extraordinary Plant! (Seeking recommendation tickets!)

    So, Miaomiao has been both afraid and worried these past few days.


    She feared she would be beaten just as badly.


    Worried... because she hadn''t stood up, she might harm the people of the two streets...


    Especially the street she lived on, where the neighbors were so kind.


    If they suffered such humiliation and beatings because of her, she might never have peace of mind for the rest of her life...


    She had absolutely no idea what to do.


    So, all day today, she had been silently praying that Mr. Devil would give her guidance...


    And somehow, whether Mr. Devil really heard her prayers or not.


    When she opened her eyes from her sleep, she truly saw that "all-powerful" "Mr. Devil"...


    ....


    Seeing Miaomiao again, Fang Ze was startled.


    It had only been two days, but he could tell that Miaomiao looked much more haggard.


    She was already malnourished and frail. With her pallid face, she seemed like she could be blown away with a puff of wind.


    What happened to this girl?


    Why had she suddenly be like this?


    Although he felt a bit worried, Fang Ze knew his "identity" at the moment, so he did not express it directly. Instead, he silently observed Miaomiao, sensing her emotions, trying to use "listening to the inner voice" to figure out what exactly was wrong with her...


    Perhaps it was because she felt aggrieved and scared inside that upon seeing "Mr. Devil," Miaomiao seemed to have found her backbone, her eyes instantly reddening.


    She knelt on the ground, her head bowed, andrge tears "plop plop" fell down...


    Without her having to say anything, Fang Ze roughly learned of the whole affair from her inner voice.


    ''Shadow Warrior silencing, also robbing the shop...''


    ''Gangs encircling the street...''


    ''Time limit to step forward or else they will capture people house by house?''


    Listening to Miaomiao''s inner voice, Fang Ze was a bit surprised for a moment: Stop! Wasn''t it Miaomiao herself who led people to rob the grocery store?


    So it was the Shadow Warrior himself who did it?


    So there''s no small whip, no Zorro mask, and no contrasting Miaomiao?


    Fang Ze felt a bit disappointed...


    However... what''s the deal with gangs robbing, killing, and capturing people from the streets?


    Are the gangs in this world so audacious?


    Doesn''t the Investigation Bureau care?


    Fang Ze, who grew up in better times, found it hard to understand.


    But... after thinking it over, he felt perhaps Miaomiao was over-worrying?


    While the Shadow Warrior might be a bit weak and not up against Awakeners, they are more than capable against the ordinary.


    With the protection of Nv Dao, there is no need to worry about Miaomiao''s safety, right?


    Thinking this, he thought over his words carefully, then looked down at Miaomiao from his superior position, and in a low, husky voice he said, "I heard your call today and understand your worries."


    "But you can rest assured."


    "The Clone of the Shadow Warrior I entrusted to you is more than capable of dealing with this crisis."


    "To her, those gang members are nothing but a mob."


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, Miaomiao, with tearful eyes, looked up, slightly bewildered, and said, "Miss Monster?"


    She said softly, "So Miss Monster is really that powerful..."


    She bowed to Fang Ze, "Thank you, Mr. Devil. Then I''ll rest assured."


    Shey on the ground, weakly exining, "It was just me being too anxious."


    "I heard the gang has three or four Awakeners, and a dozen Martial Artists, and even weapons like revolvers."


    "Today, even the people from the Investigation Bureau, only dared toe in and investigate after they hadmunicated with them first."


    "So, I was always worried that Miss Monster couldn''t handle it."


    "Mr. Devil, forgive my ignorance. I should have had faith in Miss Monster''s strength."


    Upon hearing Miaomiao''s words, Fang Ze, seated on the sofa, was stunned for a moment!


    The sack on the bridge!


    Well, well.


    A gang with Awakeners? Martial Artists, and even firearms?!


    Even the Investigation Bureau needs tomunicate with them before investigating the slums?!


    Is this a gang?


    Mexico would shout that it has found its peers!


    Fang Ze felt a bit dazed.


    And when he thought about how he had just told Miaomiao not to worry and to let the Shadow Warrior handle it, he suddenly felt uneasy.


    If the gang was just ordinary thugs and Martial Artists, then indeed, the Shadow Warrior would have no problems dealing with them.


    But if there were Awakeners among them, then the Shadow Warrior would have difficulty coping.


    Moreover, since the adversaries had firearms, Fang Ze wasn''t sure if the Shadow Warrior could protect Miaomiao under gunfire.


    With that thought, Fang Ze felt doomed.


    However, as "Mr. Devil," his word had already been spoken; he certainly couldn''t backtrack now.


    So he racked his brain, trying to think of a remedy.


    After a moment, he coughed lightly, then with an unconcerned tone, he said, "Your concerns about what you said are unnecessary, but I suddenly thought that if the Shadow Warrior goes on a killing spree, wouldn''t it affect your life?"


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, Miaomiao was stunned.


    Then she bowed her head, saying softly, "Yes."


    Fang Ze, leaning his cheek on his hand, said, "I see... then in that case... let''s not have the Shadow Warrior handle this for now."


    Hearing Mr. Devil''s words, Miaomiao couldn''t help but ask softly, "Then how should we deal with it... Mr. Devil?"


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    Fang Ze said nonchntly, "Don''t worry, I''ll arrange for someone else to handle it..."


    "Just as well, I''ve developed a few Believers in your area. Maybe I can get them to stretch their legs a bit...."


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s words, Miaomiao, who was kneeling on the ground, wiped her tears and looked up at Fang Ze with teary eyes, then sincerely thanked him, "Thank you, Mr. Devil."


    After speaking, she lowered her head again and said softly, "I''m sorry. I always cause trouble for you...."


    Fang Ze hummed a response, saying, "Who told you to be my servant?"


    It was just a casual remark. But after he said the word "servant," Fang Ze couldn''t help but recall therge, soft, wonderful feeling of thest time Miaomiao gave him a massage. His heart skipped a few beats involuntarily.


    Miaomiao seemed to recall it too, and her face, still looking down, suddenly showed a look of embarrassment and unease....


    The atmosphere in the room became somewhat strange for a moment....


    Seeing this, Fang Ze knew he couldn''t go on like this any longer, so he gathered his thoughts and said coldly, "Alright, if there''s nothing else, you can go back first."


    "I will have someone take care of this matter properly."


    Hearing Mr. Devil''s words, Miaomiao came back to her senses, knelt on the ground, and softly hummed a "Hmm," again expressing her gratitude, "Thank you, Mr. Devil...."


    Fang Ze waved his hand indifferently, then dissolved the connection.


    Watching Miaomiao''s fading figure, Fang Ze fell into contemtion....


    Although he appeared confident in front of Miaomiao,


    in reality... he had no good solutions.


    The other party had given them three days. Now one day had passed. Only two days remained.


    And the other party still had three or four Awakeners, over ten Martial Artists, and even firearms.


    This force... not even the Investigation Bureau could handle it. How was he to deal with it within two days?


    Fang Ze couldn''t help but feel a headacheing on.


    And if he just gave up and let Miaomiao fend for herself, he wouldn''t be able to live with himself.


    After all, she was not only obedient and utterly trusting, making her his first "Believer," but this whole situation had also arisen because of him.


    Besides, she was his "Goddess of Luck," helping him achieve great results in every investigation.


    So, both emotionally and rationally, Fang Ze couldn''t abandon her.


    With that in mind, Fang Ze massaged his temples, feeling the headache, and decided to take things one step at a time.


    If it really came down to it, even at the risk of exposing his identity, he was willing to let the Shadow Warrior help her escape under the cover of night rather than abandon her...


    Thinking this, Fang Ze removed the disguise from the Late-Night Investigation Room and then started looking over today''s "harvest."


    His gaze fell on the table where there was a new palm-sized cloth bag.


    The bag looked simr to the one Fang Ze had given to Little Bai Ling before he left.


    Picking up the bag and fiddling with it, he couldn''t detect anything special about it.


    Fang Ze hesitated: Could it be... that the Goddess of Luck is no longer effective?


    As he pondered this, he opened the bag and peeked inside.


    "Huh? There''s something inside?"


    Thinking this, Fang Ze curiously reached his hand in and fished around.


    Inside were seeds the size of watermelon seeds, cool to the touch, somewhat hard, and slightly rough on the surface.


    Fang Ze picked one up and observed it. It was a strange "6" shape, like a sprouting watermelon seed.


    "What''s this?"


    As Fang Ze was wondering,


    information about the object slowly surfaced in his mind....


    "Extraordinary nt: Qingfeng Seed"


    "nt this seed and water it with just a bowl of water, and it will germinate, grow, and bloom into a Windbreeze Flower...."


    "Bring an item tainted with a certain creature''s scent close to the Windbreeze Flower, and the flower will transform into a breeze that seeks out that person, allowing you to establishmunication...."


    "The farther the contact, the longer the time it will take to establish themunication. A Windbreeze Flower can only establishmunication with one person, and you can onlymunicate from the flower''s location....."


    Recalling the information about the item in his mind, Fang Ze was stunned.


    It seemed like a very amazing nt?


    Once nted, it allows for finding people andmunication... It seems very useful?


    The only problem is.....


    For the current crisis with Miaomiao, this thing is utterly useless!


    Damn!


    While internally ranting, Fang Ze counted the seeds in the bag.


    There were a total of three seeds, which meant he could establishmunication with three people.


    "I wonder if the Windbreeze Flower can bear new seeds...."


    "If it can bear seeds from flowers, and those seeds bloom into more flowers, and flowers keep producing seeds without end, that would be great...."


    While dreaming about this, Fang Ze carefully packed the three Qingfeng Seeds away.


    With the day''s investigationplete, all that remained was to perform safety experiments....


    ........


    Meanwhile, as Fang Ze was conducting safety experiments in the Late-Night Investigation Room,


    a man dressed in green was racing through the dark jungle.


    His speed was incredibly fast, and the trees in the jungle seemed to obey hismands, automatically making way for him.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    In fact, as he rushed by, distant trees would stretch out their branches and vines to hook him, elerating his momentum forward...


    In the forest, he was like a sprite of nature, a shepherd of the trees, all-powerful.....


    If Fang Ze were here, he would certainly recognize him as one of the three powerful Awakeners behind the tragic annihtion of a wealthy merchant family.


    Special Case Team codename: Ranger...


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Over 6000+ updateplete, as usual, asking for rmendation votes, asking for monthly tickets!


    Also, I have established a fan group for our book. Chang Shi Book Friends Group 4: 863768896.


    Everyone can join the group to chat, drive, and push for updates. I will chat in the group from time to time.


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 Chapter 57 51. Pursuit from a High-level Awakener (Vote for Monthly Tickets!)

    At this moment, Fang Ze did not know that the enemy was about to attack.


    He had not slept, instead calcting the time as he patiently waited for the Shadow Warrior to wake him, while practicing the Shadow Warrior''s special technique "Throwing Stick" in the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Using this special technique today had given Fang Ze a great shock.


    Usually, he was just tossing a chair back and forth, unable to see the power of "Throwing Stick."


    But today inbat, holding a steel spear and using "Throwing Stick," the power was simply astonishing.


    Therefore, he ced great importance on what was the first Martial Skill he had learned.


    He even had an "immature" idea: to use his first "High-Interest Loan" ability on "Throwing Stick."


    Fang Ze''s elementary Credit World had two abilities, one was like Ant Check Later, drawing on an effect from the uing month in advance. This had already be Fang Ze''s "strength elerator."


    The other was, of course, "High-Interest Loan."


    It could unlimitedly borrow strength, but had tremendous side effects.


    Actually, since obtaining "High-Interest Loan," Fang Ze had always wanted to experiment with this branch ability.


    After all, it was his biggest trump card.


    To his surprise, he couldn''t use it at all.


    He tried making himself a stronger Awakener than even Bai Ling or directly enhance his own strength.


    But.... nothing happened.


    He tried making himself able to fly or able to smash a mountain with one punch...


    But.... still could not use it.


    During those experiments, Fang Ze was full of question marks.


    My thoughts are clearly not wrong. Why can''t it be used?


    This situation persisted until the day before he escaped, after he had a conversation with Bai Ling, things changed.


    After talking with Bai Ling, Fang Ze discovered¡­ he could now use the "High-Interest Loan" ability.


    When he wanted to enhance his physical fitness to the Bone Tempering stage, that annoying rabbit finally showed up.


    And when Fang Ze wanted to elevate "Credit World" to advanced level, that annoying rabbit appeared again...


    And each time, it presented the necessary price list.


    Although he canceled both uses in the end, Fang Ze had figured out the two hidden conditions of the "High-Interest Loan" ability:


    First, you cannot bluff. Only when Fang Ze clearly knows the details of what he is borrowing and the target he wants to achieve can he use it.


    Second, the cost difference between borrowing strength temporarily and borrowing permanently is enormous. Thetter''s cost is almost beyond what Fang Ze can repay.


    So, after much thought, Fang Ze felt the most suitable way tobine with "High-Interest Loan," which could serve as a trump card with the smallest price, might just be special skills like Throwing Stick.


    Such special skills inherently have great power and are hard to resist. And.... they can be used on a one-off basis.


    "High-Interest Loan" ability could effortlessly enhance it, and at a rtively low cost. Fang Ze had the capacity to repay it over a short period.


    Today, after testing the power of "Throwing Stick" in actualbat, Fang Ze became even more expectant of this trump card''s power.


    "Throwing Stick" + "High-Interest Loan".... It always feels like it could destroy heaven and earth...


    With that, Fang Ze, looking forward to thebination of Martial Skills and Awakening Ability, diligently trained.


    He did not know how long had passed.


    When Fang Ze was practicing Throwing Stick for the fifth time,


    suddenly, he felt the entire Late-Night Investigation Room begin to shake violently.


    And he also had a premonition: someone was tampering with his body outside; he didn''t need to sleep and could quickly leave the Late-Night Investigation Room!


    "Was I actually right? "


    "Can it really be?"


    While murmuring, Fang Ze disconnected his own link just like disconnecting an interrogated subject.


    Momentster, when he opened his eyes, he saw Stick One squatting next to him, shaking his body back and forth with its thick hands like kneading dough.


    "Stop! That''s enough!"


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, Stick One naively stopped the movement of his hands.


    Fang Ze grimaced, rubbing his head: Stick One had shaken his body too forcefully, and his head had been continuously grated by stones on the ground, painfully so.


    This made him miss something even more: a pillow...


    Standing up, Fang Ze looked up at Stick One''s mountain-like towering figure, jumped up in anger, and tapped its head.


    Stick One touched its head dully, its face full of confusion, clearly not understanding why its owner was angry....


    Seeing its ignorant expression, Fang Ze couldn''t bring himself to scold it anymore and could only rub his scarred head and then ordered, "Pack up the things, we need to keep moving.... "


    Afterpleting the investigation and gaining results. He also verified that in the investigation room, he could sense changes in the outside world, so there was no need to worry about safety. Fang Ze''s ns for the night werepletely sessful.


    Now was a critical moment for escape, so he didn''t n on dying any longer.


    Instead, he nned to run further first to give himself some leeway before deciding...


    ....


    Because the chair was smashed. Stick One and Two, one carrying a bundle, the other shouldering Fang Ze, started swiftly making their way through the forest, continuing their escape.


    That speed was at least twice as fast as when they used to run with Fang Ze...


    And sitting on Stick One''s broad shoulders, casually observing the scenic beauty of the forest, Fang Ze felt extremely pleasurable.


    "Hmm... if only this pose didn''t resemble ''Gan Jiang Mo Ye'' from Honor..."


    .....


    Meanwhile, in the dark jungle.


    A ranger, dressed in green, slightly furrowed his brows.


    He halted his steps, looking towards the distant darkness of the jungle, his gaze flickering slightly, "The target suddenly moved? And increased its speed as well?"


    "Has it discovered me?"


    No sooner had this thought urred than he shook his head, "Impossible. There''s at least fifteen kilometers between us. Even a Fuser wouldn''t be able to detect me."


    "So, has the opponent''s practice concluded?"


    Thinking thus, he muttered, "It seems I also need to speed up..."


    "I had hoped to conserve energy, not wanting to use my Awakening Ability. Now, it seems I have no choice but to use it..."


    Thinking this, he walked up to arge tree over ten meters high, ced his hand on the trunk, and his body suddenly erupted in a burst of green light.


    The light slowly spread, then enveloped the entirerge tree, making it glow in the darkness like it was draped in fireflies.


    In a moment, the tree shuddered within the light, and then the ground at its roots began to crack. In just two seconds, numerous roots were pulled from the earth, squirming on the ground like tentacles of an octopus.


    Then it abruptly rose from the ground, shaking its twigs, and roaring at the sky!


    As the light dissipated, what appeared before the ranger was a gigantic Tree Person.


    The Tree Person was tens of meters tall, its branches thick as columns, vines turned into arms, and dozens of long roots supporting it, giving it swift mobility.


    The ranger stepped lightly, propelling himself onto the treetop of the giant tree. Papers and green leaves on the treetop immediately spread upwards, securing his legs.


    Standing on the treetop, he pointed forward, "Pursue!"


    Hearing hismand, the roots of the Giant Tree Person instantly wriggled rapidly on the ground, gaining traction, then carried him forward at high speed....


    ......


    The moon sets, stars sparse.


    The darkness gradually fades, and the fiery red sunrise begins to rise from the east....


    5 AM.


    Special Case Team, temporary residence.


    Cui Xuemin''s dormitory.


    The bed next to him, which had "someone" lying in it, was now empty. Explore hidden tales at empire


    And Cui Xuemin stood alone in his room, looking out at the sunrise, his eyes narrowing slightly...


    ''Estimating by time, the ranger should be catching up to Fang Ze soon.''


    ''The ranger is a high-ranking Awakener, and he has undergone formal training in martial arts andbat.''


    ''Fang Ze was just an untrained ordinary person half a month ago, and now at best, he is a beginner Awakener.''


    ''Ordinary creatures, after Awakening, begin to ept the World''s Laws (Awakening Ability).''


    ''The integration of the World''s Laws assists in the growth of the creatures'' physiques. This significantly enhances their physical attributes and recuperative abilities to amodate more Law Power.''


    ''The higher the potential of the Awakening Ability, the faster this elerated state.''


    ''By the intermediate stage, most creatures have reached the stage of Skin Tempering, significantly enhancing their resilience against impact. At this point, the World''s Laws also form a Law Protective Membrane over the creature''s body.''


    ''With these twoyers of protection, ordinary thermal weapons and low-level Disaster Creatures can no longer harm the Awakener.''


    ''For high-ranked Awakeners, it is aboutpletely integrating aplete fragment of the Law into their bodies.''n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ''Not only do they achieve effortless control of that specific Law, but their bodies also reach a state of unity between sinews and bones, with blood like liquid mercury, under the support of the World''s Laws.''


    ''At this stage, the Awakener has endless stamina, their body akin to humanoid armor. Facing ordinary people, to say they can fight a thousand is hardly an exaggeration.''


    ''Even artillery shells can hardly hurt them.''


    ''Unless it is power from the same level, almost all attacks are futile.''


    ''They are truly what you call Transcendent Creatures....''


    Analyzing this, Cui Xuemin''s gaze intensified, and he judged,


    ''Just upon contact, given the ranger''s capability, the battle should be resolved within a few minutes.''


    ''After all, he is inherently in an invincible position, and in the forest, the ideal ce for him to demonstrate his power.''


    ''Even against a Fuser, if the opponent doesn''t possess a counteracting ability, victory is unlikely to be in their favor....''


    ........


    Meanwhile, as Cui Xuemin was analyzing.


    At that moment, in the jungle, Fang Ze, who was fleeing, also sensed that something was amiss.


    Sitting on Stick Two''s shoulder, Fang Ze twisted around to look back.


    Not far behind in the jungle, for some unknown reason, it seemed as if a ground dragon had passed through, with a ''rumbling'' noise, not only birds pping about wildly and dust flying, but trees also falling one after another.


    Even without knowing what was happening, a foreboding feeling arose in Fang Ze''s heart....


    Could it really be pursuers?


    Would the pursuit be this loud?


    While hesitating, Fang Ze signaled to Stick One and Stick Two to change direction, to avoid whatever terrifying thing was in the distance....

 Chapter 58 52. Giant Tree Person Legion (Vote for recommendation!)

    Five minutester.


    Fang Ze looked at the trees that were still copsing behind him, his expression slightly somber.....


    ''Is it really me they''re after?''


    Fang Ze was somewhat worried.


    His worry stemmed not only from the relentless enemy behind him but also from... why could the enemy always find him with unerring uracy every time?


    He had already changed directions many times.


    But it was no use.


    The other party could still follow right behind him urately.


    Considering the three-person team from yesterday, if Fang Ze couldn''t guess that someone had put a tracker on him, then he would be a fool.


    "When did it happen?!"


    "Was it there when I was my original self?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Or was it during the time with the Special Case Team?"


    While inwardly cursing the organization''s lingering presence, Fang Ze was also contemting his strategy.


    Given the scale of the opponent''s pursuit, they were most likely an Awakener.


    Having experienced hisst failure, the organization must have sent him because they were sure he could not cope.


    And seeing how unguarded the other party was, they probably didn''t intend to y any conspiracies or tricks but rather nned to rely on raw strength to crush him openly.


    So, if he wanted to have a chance at survival, he might only seed by catching them by surprise....


    As for how to catch them by surprise....


    Thinking this, Fang Ze calcted the distance and observed the terrain, then he let the two Shadow Warriors stop.


    Next, he threw away his luggage and bundle, carrying the two steel-made spears on his back, and quickly made his way toward the depths of the forest.


    Behind him, the two Shadow Warriors slowly merged into the shadows of the surrounding trees...


    Two minutester, Fang Ze finally saw the "beast" that had been tirelessly pursuing him.


    It was a Tree Person who looked to be over ten meters tall.


    It had a dense canopy, thick branches, and roots like hundreds of pythons.


    The moment he saw it, Fang Ze almost thought it wasn''t a pursuer but a Disaster Creature he had inadvertently provoked.


    But on closer inspection, Fang Ze''s gaze couldn''t help but sharpen. He suddenly realized.... the Tree Person in front of him was very simr to the ones used by the murderers in the annihtion case.


    Sure enough, as he was examining it, a man dressed entirely in green, with a green shirt, green pants, and green shoes, jumped down from the tree canopy.


    Seeing the man''s face, which was identical to the one in the images, Fang Ze immediately recognized him as the criminal suspect code-named "Ranger" from the Investigation Bureau. That is.... his teammate.


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze tentatively asked, "Teammate?"


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s voice, the man clearly paused for a moment, then sneered, echoing Fang Ze''s words, "Teammate?"


    "What are you thinking?"


    "You''re just a Periphery Member tasked with recording the target''s behavior and leading the way."


    "Do you think you have the right to be my teammate?"


    Fang Ze:...


    Fang Ze felt this person truly knew nothing about conversation.


    Just like his taste....


    While Fang Ze was thinking this, the other man spoke up, "Alright. I don''t have much time."


    "Now, are you going toe with me willingly, or do I have to beat you down and take you with me?"


    Hearing the other man''s words, Fang Ze quietly asked, "Where am I supposed to go with you?"


    The [Ranger] replied, "You don''t need to know that."


    Fang Ze, "Then how could I dare to go with you?"


    He was nning to stall for time and simultaneously probe the man''s true capabilities.


    But the [Ranger] obviously had no intention of giving him the chance.


    Seeing that Fang Ze was not keen to apany him, the man kicked off the ground andnded back on the Giant Tree Person, then he immediately ordered, "Attack!"


    Following hismand, the Giant Tree Person also roared and lunged forward, its roots shooting out like giant snakes, coiling towards Fang Ze.


    Fang Ze sprang up, turning in midair, and hurriedly fled.


    The Giant Tree Person kept snapping at his heels and relentlessly tried to entangle Fang Ze with its countless roots.


    Fang Ze, while weaving between the trees to keep ahead, used his iron spears to block the attacks, barely maintaining a stalemate.


    As Fang Ze was exhausting himself, the [Ranger] stood with his arms crossed, perched atop the Giant Tree Person''s canopy, looking down at Fang Ze as if a deity observing an ant.


    "I didn''t expect, in just a few days since west met, you''d also be an Awakener?"


    "However, even amongst Awakeners, there are levels."


    "Like you, naturally Awakened without any training, are at the very bottom of the food chain. Forget about me; even a mid-tier Awakener could crush you with a flick of their finger."


    Listening to the [Ranger]''s taunts, Fang Ze remained silent.


    Despite his unwillingness to ept it, he indeed found that he had no ability to fight back under the assault of the Giant Tree Person.


    Originally he thought having gained an Awakening Ability, and after "borrowing" 30 days of cultivation effect from the Credit World to get a foothold in Martial Arts, he should be strong now.


    But faced with such a powerful Awakener, he realized he couldn''t resist at all!


    ''This won''t do, I need to find a way!'' ''I must think of something!''


    And just as Fang Ze was thinking of a way to break the situation, the ranger wasn''t idle either.


    With a "whoosh," he blew a whistle.


    In an instant, the Giant Tree Person''s movement came to a halt.


    Fang Ze was momentarily startled. Before he could react,


    he saw the towering Giant Tree Person suddenly leap up, its two massive vine arms sped together, raised, and then mmed down!


    The sky was obscured by the enormous ck shadow, and in that moment, Fang Ze felt the breath of death.


    He let out a loud "Ah!" as his muscles tensed, and then he fiercely flung himself to the side!


    A thunderous "Boom!" resounded, and dust flew everywhere, shaking the ground like an earthquake!


    When Fang Ze turned back in rm, he found that the spot he had just been standing in now bore a massive crater!


    Everything in the pit, whether rocks, trees, or grass, waspletely obliterated...


    "Drip..." A bead of sweat slowly trickled down Fang Ze''s forehead.


    Strong. Too strong!


    Although he didn''t know exactly what level of Awakener the man before him was, Fang Ze knew that the other was definitely far stronger than himself.


    He was no match for him now!


    To beat him, he must use his "High-Interest Loan" ability!


    Moreover, even with the "High-Interest Loan" ability, maybe... he only had one chance to attack!


    The other party would definitely not give him a second chance!


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    With this thought, he got up and started to run away, all the while quickly formting a n...


    ...


    The ranger didn''t pay much mind to Fang Ze''s evasion of the first attack.


    After all, from the probing just now, he had roughly gauged Fang Ze''s strength.


    An Awakener with preliminary training.


    He might stand a chance against an ordinary person, or amon martial artist, but against himself, Fang Ze couldn''t even breach his defenses.


    As for Fang Ze''s Awakening Ability, ording to the information from Lord Golden Fox, it should be a transfer type, essentially an ability for escaping.


    That was even less to be feared.


    The huge gap in strength made him feel like he was ying cat and mouse with Fang Ze.


    So, looking at Fang Ze''s figure, he smacked his lips and blew another whistle, signaling for the Giant Tree Person to chase after him...


    During his escape, Fang Ze finally settled on a n.


    However, the n was a bit bold; a slight mistake, and he might not see the sun tomorrow.


    So, his heart went "Thump, thump, thump" as he ran, constantly turning his head to look at the Giant Tree Person chasing him, then with a thought,


    In a moment.


    Two Shadow Warriors suddenly leapt from the tree canopies on both sides of the Giant Tree Person.


    Those two Shadow Warriors, huge in stature and looking formidable, seemed like infants before the Giant Tree Person, totally ineffective as if attempting to stop a vehicle with outstretched arms.


    But even with the clear gap in strength, they still held their ck clubs high and recklessly smashed them down towards the ranger on top of the Giant Tree Person''s head.


    The ck clubs, with a "whoosh" of wind sound, powerfully descended.


    The ranger, as if not seeing them at all, kept his gaze fixed on Fang Ze as if he didn''t care in the slightest.


    Indeed, he didn''t.


    With just a "thud, thud!" the Shadow Warriors'' clubs hit the ranger, having no effect at all, not even damaging his clothes.


    Even though he had anticipated this, Fang Ze''s pupils still contracted slightly upon witnessing the shocking scene.


    At that moment, the ranger snorted coldly, his body shook without any other visible action, and the abdomens of the two Shadow Warriors violently contracted before they were sted away like cannonballs.


    Luckily the Shadow Warriors didn''t take much damage; they flipped over,nded in the shadows of the trees on either side, and then vanished...


    The ranger didn''t concern himself with the Shadow Warriors going back into hiding; he looked down at Fang Ze and mockingly said, "Although I don''t know where you bought these Shadow Warriors from,"


    "But, didn''t the person who sold them to you tell you that they are the weakest Disaster Creatures?"


    "Forget about me, even a junior Awakener who has undergone half a year''s training and can form Law Defense on their body surface would find their attackspletely ineffective."


    "And you dare to dream of using them to turn the tables? That''s simplyughable. Heh heh heh..."


    Seeing the scene before him and hearing his mockery, Fang Ze''s hand gripping the iron spear was dripping with sweat.


    He didn''t respond, just gritted his teeth and continued to run at full speed, trying to encourage himself.


    ''It''s okay... that was just a probe, just a probe.''


    As he thought this, the ranger smiled and said, "Seems like I should make you understand the difference between us."


    With that, he spread his arms, and his body shimmered with green light; after a moment, he took a deep breath, then exhaled forcefully.


    It was clearly just an ordinary breath, but when breathed out, it turned into white mist.


    The mist swept across the forest like wind.


    In just an instant, dozens of towering trees shook their canopies and uprooted themselves.


    The ground beneath Fang Ze became unstable, thend fractured and crumbled.


    Roots writhed continuously beneath the soil.


    When he finally fled the area and looked back... forty or fifty Giant Tree People, just like the first one, stood like an army behind him, eyeing him menacingly...


    Then they all leapt together, their fists raised high, like a group of heavily armored giants, and with an rming shadow, they smashed down toward Fang Ze!

 Chapter 59 53. A Strike Beyond the Awakener! (6000-word Mega Chapter!)

    "Fuck!"


    Witnessing the scene that resembled the apocalypse, Fang Ze''s heart "thump, thump, thump" pounded fiercely in that instant. He only had time to shout in his mind, "Usurious loan! Borrow 10x jumping boost! One-time! Confirm!"


    Then he exhausted all his strength to leap to the side!


    At that moment, time seemed to slow down.


    Fang Ze even felt as if he could see "every frame of movement" of his jump.


    And as he jumped into mid-air, those forty or fifty Giant Tree People also "slowly" leapt to his direct overhead.


    Fang Ze felt as though he could see their raised huge hands, could see their ugly faces, could feel the oppressive airflow beating down on him...n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    And just at this critical juncture, the rabbit with wings finally leaped out in front of him.


    The rabbit''s crimson eyes mechanically gazed at Fang Ze, "Usurious loan: 10x jumping boost, one-time, borrowing sessful."


    Time seemed to return to normal in that instant.


    Originally jumping into the air and already feeling exhausted, Fang Ze suddenly felt a surge of immense force within him.


    His body, as if equipped with a spring, shot backwards dozens of meters, narrowly leaving the area of the Giant Tree People''s attack!


    And at that very moment he was propelled away, those dozens of Giant Tree People fell to the ground like cannonballs, one after another. Find your next adventure on empire


    Only to hear "boom! boom! boom! boom!" resounding as if the heavens themselves were shaking. Dust was thrown into the air, stones flew apart, the earth quaked and the mountains swayed.


    Even standing ten or so meters away from the scene, Fang Ze still felt as if there was an earthquake, nearly falling to the ground.


    Having to resort to such a usurious loan to narrowly escape this attack also made Fang Ze realize he could no longer wait!


    Seeing the way his opponent was toying with him like a cat with a mouse, who knew how many more tricks they had yet to y.


    Especially since this was all forest, clearly the home turf of his opponent, dragging this out would only leave him even more at a disadvantage.


    The n had to be executed!


    Thinking this, he no longer hesitated.


    Through the dust, his gaze firmly fixed on the ranger''s figure.


    Then gripping one of the two iron spears in his hand, he coordinated his whole body''s muscles: legs with waist, waist with back, back with shoulders, shoulders with elbows! His muscles tightened into a cord of steel, and then he violently threw the iron spear towards the ranger!


    Throwing Stick! The only Martial Skill Fang Ze had mastered!


    With the boost of the Martial Skill''s power, the distance of a dozen meters was covered in a blink, and with a "whoosh" of the wind, the Throwing Stick shot right in front of the ranger!


    The ranger, upon seeing Fang Ze dodge the group attack of the Giant Tree People, was a little surprised.


    But before his surprise could subside, he heard the sound of the raging winding from not far away.


    By the time he came to his senses, he saw an iron spear, carrying a humming sound, flying straight towards him. Then "thump," it hit him squarely in the chest with a dull thud.


    Hit by the immense force, the ranger''s body involuntarily bent slightly, and a trace of pain crossed his face.


    But... only a trace. In just a moment, he gritted his teeth, patted his chest, and tossed the iron spear to the ground with a "ng¡­"


    Arge hole had been torn in his green clothing at the chest, revealing his bronze skin underneath.


    And on that skin... not even a white mark was left...


    His gaze ice-cold, the ranger looked at Fang Ze and said, "It seems you truly don''t understand the gap between a low-level Awakener and a high-level one."


    "For someone like me who has Fused with all the Law Fragments of the World''s Laws, your attacks are useless."


    "However... you''ve managed to hurt this ant."


    "I''m not nning to y any longer."


    Having said that, he looked ferociously at Fang Ze, raising his hands high as if readying some terrifying big move.


    At this moment, Fang Ze watched the preceding scene with shock, nervousness, and unease filling his heart...


    Strong.


    Really strong.


    Although this attack was only to gauge the opponent''s defensive power, the fact that it did not even scratch their skin was still almost unbelievable to Fang Ze.


    The Shadow Warriors being non-corporeal and the ranger protected by the Laws, Fang Ze could understand not being able to harm him, but his own iron spears made of refined steel, even with the mastery of a unique skill, could not even scratch the man?


    Is this the power of a high-level Awakener?


    How terrifying must Fusers who have merged severalplete abilities be?!


    In that moment, Fang Ze''s heart was filled with an endless yearning for power!


    Then, he also hardened his heart!


    A single strike!


    He only had one chance for a strike!


    It seemed the price he had to pay was going to be more than he had anticipated!


    With that thought, Fang Ze hesitated no longer and sharply whistled.


    Suddenly, from the jungle, the two Shadow Warriors who had been repelled a moment ago charged once more.


    They lifted their thick iron clubs, leapt high, and smashed them down towards the ranger!


    Seeing the futile attack of the two Shadow Warriors, the ranger disdainfully said, "Useless! Their attacks arepletely ineffective against me!"


    But the moment the iron clubs were about to strike him, to his astonishment, they abruptly stopped short and then forcefully crossed over each other, pinning down his shoulders and locking him in ce.


    Immediately after, the two Shadow Warriors neatly pulled out two ropes from behind them.


    One hand used the iron club to press down on him, the other hand tied his body and arms with ropes, leaving him strung up on the spot.


    Caught off guard by this sudden turn of events, the ranger was momentarily dumbfounded, unsure of what they were doing.


    He involuntarily turned his head to look towards Fang Ze.

 Chapter 60 53. A Strike Beyond the Awakener! (6000-word Mega Chapter!)_2

    Then he saw Fang Ze holding another iron spear, readying himself tounch the same Martial Skill he had used just before.


    Although he had experienced the power of that Martial Skill, the ranger knew that with Fang Ze''s strength, it was impossible to harm him.


    So he couldn''t help but let out a sigh of relief, thinking that Fang Ze was merely struggling in hisst throes.


    He then stopped paying attention to Fang Ze and focused on gathering the strength in his body, trying to shake off the two Shadow Warriors and break free from his constraints.


    While the two Shadow Warriors couldn''t injure a high-level Awakener due to the natural attributes, they had the advantage of size and strength.


    Especially since they only knewmands, so in the situation where they didn''t attack and relied solely on suppressing him with their strength, the ranger found himself unable to break free for a moment.


    But as he trembled time and time again, numerous cracks started appearing on the Shadow Warriors'' bodies, like splintering fractures.


    And just as the situation was at a stalemate, Fang Ze finally prepared his killer move. Staring intently at the ranger, he murmured in his heart, "Usury! 50 times the power! Enhance!" and then activated his ability.


    Suddenly, the rabbit jumped out again, its blood-red eyes nced at him, and then mechanically said, "Usury: 50 times power enhancement, one-time, borrowing sessful."


    As Fang Ze''s ability was activated, the ranger seemed to sense something and frowned in his direction.


    But when he saw Fang Ze in that instant, his eyes widened, his pupils shrank rapidly, his blood ran in reverse, and his mind went nk!


    What did he see?


    What was that?


    On that ordinary-looking iron spear, a horrifying Power of Laws had now gathered, terrifying even to him.


    Then....


    "Buzz!"


    A rainbow pierces the sun!


    The entire steel spear trembled as Fang Ze threw it with a speed surpassing the sonic barrier.


    The unparalleled speed, that terrifying force, caused it to intensely friction with the air within just a few dozen meters, starting to fall apart, ignite, and be razor-sharp!


    Witnessing that terrifying scene, the ranger felt the threat of death.


    That was a power beyond the stage of an Awakener!


    That was a dreadful power only a Fuser could unleash!


    He let out a loud shout, "Ah!" as he burst forth with a terrifying power, trying to dodge!


    Under his outburst, ropes snapped one by one, iron rods broke in sections, and the cracks on the Shadow Warriors'' bodies multiplied, "crack, crack"; they seemed like ss, no longer able to maintain their own shapes.


    Feeling the constraints on his body lessen, the ranger''s heart surged with joy, and then he attempted to burst forth with power to dodge Fang Ze''s lethal strike!


    He swore that once he evaded this strike, he would never give Fang Ze another chance!


    He would crush Fang Ze like a bug, fiercely smashing him into the ground!


    He would make Fang Ze understand what a high-level Martial Artist, what a high-level Awakener was!


    And just as he was thinking this, just about to dodge!


    Suddenly!


    The two Shadow Warriors, who were disintegrating, suddenly turned their heads, giving Fang Ze a resolute look, then in the shocking gaze of both Fang Ze and him, they hurled themselves onto him with a determination to not turn back, hugging him tightly on both sides!


    They used their fragile bodies to block the ranger''s path!


    At that moment, the ranger''s mind went nk; he tried to break free but found it utterly impossible!


    And the next second, his eyes were filled with the zing iron spear! He strained to twist his body, trying to avoid the strike!


    But... it was all toote!


    Only to hear a massive "boom!"


    His entire body was struck by the iron spear, concentrated with 50 times the Law Power!


    His Law Defense crumbled in just a second, shattering into pieces.


    His sturdy body didn''tst a second before it was easily pierced through.


    He felt a surge of immense pain! He wanted to scream! But before he could, the me-engulfed iron spear detonated within his body!n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Another "boom!" resounded!


    Half of his body exploded into pieces.


    His eyes wide open, he gazed emptily at the also impacted by the spear''s power and now utterly shattered Shadow Warriors, their bodies reclining and then, like broken dolls, fell from atop the Giant Tree Person''s canopy... Explore more stories with empire


    Then with a "thump," they hit the ground, dust billowing....


    The scores of Giant Tree People were still madly chasing after Fang Ze.


    But the moment he fell, their actions suddenly froze, slowed down, and then... they slowly bowed their heads and stopped.


    Two secondster, from their roots to the trunk, to the lush leaves, they all turned yellow and wilted as if life had been drained away.


    A gust of wind passed.....


    Yellow dead leaves scattered across the sky....


    In the midst of summer, it seemed as if it were deep autumn....


    .....


    In the open space, Fang Ze stood there, gasping for air, drenched in blood, and in a sorry state.


    His right hand hung limp by his side, like a boneless appendage,pletely incapable of being used.


    While Usury could bring a terrifying increase to his Martial Skills, he still had to unleash that increase himself.


    He didn''t borrow physical strength, so he had to bear all the side effects on his own.


    Ten minutester, Fang Ze dragged his severely injured body and staggered towards the battlefield of that strike.


    Looking at the broken remains of the Shadow Warriors on the ground, a wave of sorrow welled up in Fang Ze''s heart.


    In his n, he had not intended for the Shadow Warriors toplete the n with their deaths. He had only thought to have the Shadow Warriors use iron rods and ropes to control the ranger, to create an opportunity for himself.

 Chapter 61 53. A Strike Beyond the Awakener! (6000-word Mega Chapter!)_3

    And yet, at the moment when the n was on the brink of failure, they chose toplete the mission with their lives...


    As Fang Ze picked up those pieces of ck debris, he recalled the introduction to Shadow Warriors from the Late-Night Investigation Room,


    "The weakest of the Disaster Creatures."


    "Their thinking is simple, only capable of following simplemands, but they know no fear and will battle to the death to fulfill thosemands..."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Fang Ze fought back his sorrow and collected their remains, dug a hole, buried them on the spot, and then piled up a small grave.


    Afterward, Fang Ze sat quietly in front of their modest grave for a while,posed himself, and then forced his body to stand to check on the ranger onest time.


    However, before he could get close to the ranger,


    Suddenly, he saw the ranger''s broken body tremble slightly.


    At that instant, Fang Ze felt a surge in his heart.


    He hurriedly picked up the first iron spear he had found while collecting the Shadow Warrior debris, tensed up, and approached cautiously.


    It was only when he got close to the ranger''s body that Fang Ze was surprised to discover that half of the ranger''s body had been blown away.


    An arm and a leg were gone. Half of the body, neck, and half the face were also blown away, exposing the innards and flesh and blood.


    But still... he was stubbornly alive.


    It was unclear whether it was the ranger''s higher Awakener vitality that was so tenacious, or if there was something rted to vitality within his Awakening Ability.


    He may have been left with half a life, and though he had passed out, he was still alive...


    Even... this wasn''t everything; from the broken parts of his body, sprout-like flesh buds were growing, like nt tendrils, slowly healing his body...


    ......


    Seeing this, Fang Ze was truly scared.


    This is a high-level Awakener?


    To have withstood an attack 50 times his own formidable power and to survive despite half his body being blown to bits?!


    But if he didn''t die, it would be Fang Ze''s turn to die!


    With this in mind, he lifted the iron spear in his hand, raised it high, and prepared to deliver a few more blows to the ranger, to send him off for good!


    But at the moment the iron spear was about to fall, Fang Ze abruptly stopped.


    He looked at the ranger''s broken body and then at the slow healing speed, a bold idea suddenly born in his mind!


    Last time, with the three-person pursuit team, he had killed them outright, leaving no survivors.


    This meant he couldn''t find out why the organization was hunting him and how they had tracked him down!


    Now, with a living enemy, instead of killing him now and waiting for the next one toe after him, it might be better to use the Late-Night Investigation Room to investigate and interrogate him.


    To get from his mouth the reason and method of the manhunt, so as to find a way to solve it!


    And moreover...


    Actually, ever since using the Late-Night Investigation Room, Fang Ze always had many questions: Can the room investigate Awakeners?


    Your journey continues with empire


    Would Awakeners get tricked by the interrogation room?


    Could they still use their abilities inside the room?


    Could those abilities hurt him? Could he control them?


    Because of this series of questions, although Fang Ze had actuallye into contact with Awakeners like Bai Ling and Bai Zhi, he had never dared to summon them into the investigation room.


    But now... therey a severely wounded, unconscious, and on the brink of death Awakener.


    Fang Ze felt... perhaps it was time to test it out!


    What''s more, just investigating ordinary people with Awakening potential yielded so many good things.


    Then, investigating an Awakener should grant even more benefits, elerating the enhancement of his powers, right?


    With this thought, although he knew the n was risky, Fang Ze still clenched his teeth and decided to go through with it!


    Fortune favors the bold! Without risk, how could there be high rewards!


    With this in mind, Fang Ze stabbed the ranger with the iron spear several more times to slow his self-healing, then tore his battered shirt to make rope, and tied up the ranger on the spot. Dragging him along the ground, he left the battlefield...


    ........


    Following the traces of battle, Fang Ze went back and collected all his belongings, all of which he now had to carry alone without the Shadow Warriors.


    After the battle and being riddled with injuries, he found this to be the most difficult and humiliating few hours he''d had since his escape.


    Thus, he fiercely dragged the vine, allowing the ranger''s head to intimately contact the uneven ground...


    So carrying the baggage and dragging the ranger''s broken body, Fang Ze walked for hours in the jungle until he finally found a small cave behind some shrubs at the side of a mountain...


    Having dragged the ranger into the cave, Fang Ze checked his recovery from the wounds, stabbed him a few more times with the iron spear, and then sat down with peace of mind.


    Then Fang Ze opened his bag and took out a bottle of water he had seized from the trio, poured a little into the shrubs to make sure it wasn''t poisoned, and then carefully took a couple of sips.


    The water wet his lips and quenched his dry throat, making his body feel a bit better.


    After sitting and resting for a while, Fang Ze began to check the belongings that the ranger had been carrying.


    Whether it was because half of his body had been sted away or because the ranger was too confident to need supplies, there was almost nothing left on him.

 Chapter 62 53. A Strike Beyond the Awakener! (6000-word Mega Chapter!)_4

    Fang Ze searched meticulously for a long time and only found a ss bottle ced close to the body.


    He took out the ss bottle and, facing the sunlight, examined it carefully.


    It contained a paste-like viscous substance simr to honey.


    The only difference from honey was that honey is yellow while this substance was green.


    Since Fang Ze did not know what the substance actually was, he dared not use it. So, he could only temporarily keep the ss bottle on him, nning to find someone to appraise it in the future when he reached the city to see if it was anything useful.


    After checking his loot, Fang Ze started to assess his own battle damage.


    The death of the two Shadow Warriors goes without saying.


    His body, having used strength far beyond its limits, was severely damaged, especially his right arm, which he could hardly lift.....


    But most importantly, there was the high-interest loan he had on his shoulders.....


    Although the high-interest loan had proven itself powerful, a truly pivotal ability that could reverse fortunes in critical moments.


    But..... the side effects were extremely strong.


    At that thought, Fang Ze whispered softly, "Repayment Details."


    Suddenly, a list filled with a myriad of items appeared before him.


    10-fold leap: Frog Jumps 1000 times, or high-knee 1500 times, or.... or items valued at 2000 Lini....


    50-fold power "Throwing Stick": 500 throwing stick reps, or 100 intensebat sessions, or 100,000 sandbag strikes, or..., or items valued at 15000 Lini....


    Looking at the repayment terms above, Fang Ze felt his scalp tingle.


    A moment''s cheat is a thrill, cheat all the time and it''s the crematorium!


    Although the ability to defeat enemies above one''s level was extremely powerful, the price was also very high.


    This was just the cost for two brief, one-time borrowings. If he wanted to borrow for a long time, he would truly be burdened with a loan he could never pay off in his lifetime....


    While thinking, Fang Ze fished out from his bag the 30 crystals he had reserved and casually picked out 10. Holding them in his hand, he murmured, "Repay."


    Instantly, the crystals in his hand vanished into thin air, and his repayment list started to reduce rapidly. A total debt of 17000 Lini disappeared by 11000 Lini in an instant.


    Fang Ze pondered for a moment, then took out the 6000 Lini he had seized from the trio and murmured "Repay" once more.


    All at once, his repayment list waspletely lightened.


    Fang Ze breathed a sigh of relief, yet he also felt a little pained.


    The battle had cost him close to 2w Lini, nearly halving his assets. It was just too expensive.


    No wonder there''s a saying that''s widely spread in the olden world: war is fought with economy....


    With that thought, he couldn''t help but re resentfully at the ranger lying unconscious on the ground, on the brink of death: if this investigation didn''t yield something good, then he would have suffered a big loss!


    ......


    Late at night.


    Fang Ze took a detour to the back of the hill, dug a hole in the bushes with his iron spear, then went to the trouble of dragging the mangled body of the ranger over, tossing it in and starting to bury it, leaving only the head exposed.


    After jumping fiercely a few times on top of the burial site topact the soil, Fang Ze finally shouldered his iron spear and returned to the cave.


    After covering the cave with some branches and leaves for concealment, Fang Ze leaned inside the cave, hugging his iron spear as he fell into a deep sleep...


    He didn''t know how much time had passed, but when Fang Ze woke up, he found himself in the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Upon arriving at the Late-Night Investigation Room, Fang Ze first took out the paste-like substance he had seized from the ranger''s body, nning to store it along with his other misceneous items: the item seemed very fragile, not convenient to carry around.


    However, before he even reached the corner of the room, suddenly, some information appeared in his mind.


    Stay updated through empire


    Fang Ze stood there stunned, momentarily surprised.


    "This.... this is.... an introduction to this bottle''s contents?"


    Fang Ze looked at the paste-like substance in his hand with a bit of astonishment, then at the mysterious room before him.


    He had always thought that getting detailed introductions for each treasure was because they were items retrieved from an investigation.


    Turns out, it was actually an additional ability of the investigation room?


    This investigation room actually has the ability to appraise items?!


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    It''s not appropriate to cut at any point, so I might as well consolidate it into one chapter. A big chapter of 6000 words. I ask for your rmendation tickets and monthly tickets.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

 Chapter 63 54. Harvest Treant Essence (Thank you, everyone!)

    ```


    Although surprised, Fang Ze thought about it and felt it was understandable.


    After all, this investigation room allowed him to perceive the emotions of the person being investigated and hear their inner thoughts, so it made sense for him to know the real information about extraordinary items.


    After all, the former could be considered a type of "Appraisal."


    While thinking thus, Fang Ze recalled the information about the paste in his hand.


    "Treant Essence."


    "It takes the withering of 200 Giant Tree People to extract one gram of essence, which has the magical effect of elerating the healing of bodily injuries, even to the point of regenerating flesh and bones. It is also effective on Awakeners."


    Recalling this introduction, Fang Ze couldn''t help but nce at the bottle.


    Two hundred Giant Tree People could only extract one gram of essence?


    Although he had not weighed this bottle, Fang Ze felt there must be at least about 10 grams in it, right?


    And for such a Healing Sacred Medicine that can be used on Awakeners, the price should not be cheap, right?


    5k Lini per gram?


    So... was he still going to make a profit this time?


    Most importantly... his injuries seemed like they could recover, right?


    With such thoughts, Fang Ze opened the bottle, poured out a bit of Natural Essence, and carefully applied it to his right arm.


    As the Natural Essence spread over his arm,


    His previously sensationless right arm immediately felt cool, and Fang Ze felt as if a strange sensation was spreading across his limb.


    It seemed like something was permeating through his skin, then inside his arm, helping to repair the broken muscles and reconnect them.


    Visibly, his arm went from being shriveled to swelling up, regaining its strength.


    After several seconds, when Fang Ze came to his senses, he tried to grip his right hand.


    His right hand regained sensation once again.


    He shook it with a bit of astonishment; although it was still slightly ufortable, it had already recovered a great deal.


    With that in mind, Fang Ze did not skimp on this product.


    Although it seemed expensive, was anything more valuable than his own life?


    If enemies kepting wave after wave, and if he didn''t recover properly and got killed, wouldn''t all his possessions be war booty?


    Then the enemy would be smearing on the essence he hadn''t dared to use, wielding the weapons he hadn''t wanted to spare, and even whipping his corpse!


    What kind of perverse NTR plot was this!


    While wandering in such wild thoughts, Fang Ze removed his clothes and poured out some more Natural Essence, applying a little to all the wounds on his body. Of course, he focused primarily on his right arm, which had only begun to heal.


    Soon, feeling vitality coursing through his whole body and his physical recoveryplete, Fang Ze felt incrediblyfortable!


    He got dressed and then looked again at the Natural Essence in the bottle. About half was left.


    "Truly a life-saving Divine Artifact!"


    After uttering this praise, Fang Ze suddenly understood why the ranger''s life force was so tenacious.


    Apart from the inherent vitality of a high-level Awakener, Fang Ze guessed it was rted to their Awakening Ability?


    Being able to extract such valuable Recovery Medicine, their own Recovery Power must also be exceptionally frightening.


    This was probably why he didn''t die despite his severe injuries.


    However... not dying from severe injuries wasn''t necessarily a good thing. After all, in the presence of Fang Ze and his Late-Night Investigation Room, perhaps... death would have been a form of relief.


    ...Coming from an era of information explosion, Fang Ze''s mind was filled with various punishments merely hearing about which would send chills down one''s spine...


    With that thought, Fang Ze, now recovered, got dressed and sat down at the chair, tapping lightly on the table.


    A momentter, a bunch of three-dimensional images popped up before him.


    And the first one was the ranger''s figure.


    Seeing the ranger''s image, Fang Ze''s face bloomed with a splendid smile.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Indeed... whether someone was unconscious or had fallen asleep, as long as their body remained still and their consciousness in slumber, it was possible to investigate.


    However, he didn''t know whether investigating an Awakener would result in any strange changes...


    With that thought, Fang Ze made some minor arrangements to the room and grabbed the iron spear, getting ready and selecting the ranger...


    ......


    As a high-level Awakener, especially one with Healing abilities, Zheng Shu held a certain status within the organization.


    Usually, he had almost no tasks and could live freely in the forest, nting flowers, trees, and doing as he pleased.


    Only when tasks that required high-level Awakeners orbat in the forest emerged would the organization assign him to join the battle.


    Half a month ago, he had epted such a task: to hunt down a wealthy individual with three other high-level Awakeners and Fusers, to retrieve an item the tycoon had cached away.


    The mission was perilous and far from perfect. Not only was the objective unmet, but they also nearly lost their lives there.


    Having escaped back to his hideout, Zheng Shu had spent half a month recuperating in peace.


    He thought the mission was over.


    Unexpectedly, the day before, he received orders from his superiors: to go to Bluewater Forest and bring back a Periphery Member suspected of having taken the target item and deserted the organization.


    He had seen that Periphery Member before; he had been the one to lead them to the tycoon''s vi.


    Back then, he was just an ordinary person. It was hard to imagine that in just half a month, the man had found the target item, be an Awakener, and even deserted the organization.


    Still, such a mission was rtively easy.


    After all, a newly Awakened Awakener had almost no power to fight back against him.


    ```


    The only thing he had to be careful of was not to identally kill him.


    And indeed, the progression of events was going very smoothly.


    Until...


    Those two damned low-level Disaster Creatures clung to him for dear life.


    It was only when that periphery member, who he never took seriously¡ªlike an ant¡ªfired that terrifying strike rivaling that of a Fuser that he felt fear!


    But it was all toote!


    By the time half his body was blown apart, even losing half of his head, he was plunged into endless darkness and fell into aa...


    In that moment of unconsciousness, his only thought was: If given another chance, he would disregard the mission entirely and hold nothing back!


    He would unleash full firepower from the get-go, and then kill those two damned Disaster Creatures, kill that periphery member!


    As the boundless darkness faded and light returned, Zheng Shu found himself in a dark room.


    It felt like he was missing half his body¡ªhis face, neck, body, organs¡ªeverything hurt, and it seemed like he had lost a lot of his strength.


    The only constion was that his Awakening Ability, although damaged severely, was persistently repairing his body¡ªslowly, but at least it was healing.


    Plus, he still had the valuable Treant Essence with him, which meant his life was at least saved for now.


    ''But... where is this?''


    Bearing the pain, he propped himself up with the only hand he had left, struggling to get up from the ground to see where he actually was.


    And just as he was about to lift himself up...


    Suddenly, a "swoosh" broke the silence as a finely crafted iron spear ruthlessly pinned his remaining arm to the ground.


    "Ah!" he screamed in agony as his arm bent in pain, and then he copsed to the floor!


    Only then did he realize that due to severe injuries, his Law Defense had long since failed to protect him, making it possible for him to be hurt by an ordinary weapon.


    His arm was nailed to the ground, blood gushing, he endured the pain and tried to see who had attacked him with eyes full of rage.


    Then... he saw the periphery member he wished to y alive a thousand times over.


    "It''s you!" The sight of the periphery member filled him with boundless sorrow and rage, his eyes reddened with fury, wishing he could stand up right now and tear the periphery member apart with his bare hands!


    Perhaps sensing this intense emotion, as he was thinking this, that hateful periphery member pulled out the spear and raised it high, then thrust it down mercilessly once more!


    "Thump!" The spear went straight through his body!


    "Ah!" A scream of agony escaped him once again...


    Then, that cold voice of the periphery member, as chilling as December''s frost, echoed in his ears,


    "I''ll ask, you''ll answer. If you dare lie, I''ll make you experience the greatest pain in this world."


    Hearing these words, Zheng Shu strained to lift his head, following the torn hem of the periphery member''s trousers up.


    Perhaps it was the darkness of the environment, but the periphery member''s face was half-shrouded in shadow, spear in hand, dominant like a Demon God...


    "What''s your name?"


    "Zheng... Zheng Shu."


    "What''s the name of your organization?"


    "That''s our organization, don''t you know its name?"


    "Thump!"


    "Ah!"


    "The... Salvation Sect."


    "Thump!"


    "Ah! Why are you stabbing me when I''ve answered!"


    The voice of the periphery member was devilish, "Because you lied."


    Zheng Shu looked at the periphery member in horror.


    The "Demon" looked down at him from above, an expression on his face that was clearly not a bluff, but a genuine knowledge that he was lying...


    Then, with a wave of the "Demon''s" hand, suddenly, arge cauldron appeared before him, steaming with billowing ck smoke and spewing heat.


    In that instant, Zheng Shu''s eyes widened in terror, an ominous premonition filling his heart...


    Having been brainwashed and nurtured by the organization for many years, Zheng Shu''s loyalty was beyond doubt. Enjoy exclusive chapters from empire


    But the Demon before him was too terrifying, as was this ce...


    Any incorrect answers or even a moment''s hesitation, and the environment would begin to change.


    From iron cauldrons filled with boiling oil, to endless icebergs, to red-hot copper pirs...


    Punishment after punishment was inflicted upon him, eroding his will bit by bit, pushing his spirit to the brink of copse.


    There were moments when he wished he could simply die.


    But what made him despair was that aside from the real damage of the iron spear to his body, he could feel the pain of the tortures without being physically harmed.


    Death had be a luxury beyond his reach...


    After suffering countless spear stabs, boiling oil immersions, wooden horse rides, and flesh cutting, Zheng Shu felt his consciousness fading, having confessed everything he could.


    The Demon finally spared him...


    In that moment, unable to hold on any longer, he once againpsed into boundless darkness...


    Watching Zheng Shu''s form slowly vanish with an expressionless face, a murderous aura around him, Fang Ze tiredly deactivated the Late-Night Investigation Room''s disguise and then copsed into a chair, noting back to his senses for a long time...

 Chapter 64 55. The Secret of the Investigation Room (Thank You Everyone!)

    To tell the truth, he wasn''t a pervert.


    So, torturing Zheng Shu wasn''t enjoyable for him.


    It was just that Zheng Shu was incredibly uncooperative, even under these circumstances, still spouting nothing but lies.


    Not to mention mixing truth with lies, out of ten sentences, there weren''t even three that were true.


    If it hadn''t been for his ability to probe people''s hearts, Fang Ze would have definitely been deceived by him.


    Moreover, his thinking was quite firm, hardly ever considering the organization''s intelligence.


    Thus, Fang Ze could only resort to continuous torture to break down and unravel his will, extracting as much information as possible...


    During the whole investigation process, Fang Ze was actually very nervous.


    Because, in this investigation, he discovered two terrifying hidden rules of the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    The first rule was that when a person entered the Late-Night Investigation Room, it was his physical body that entered.


    But at the same time... his body also existed in the real world.


    It was a very difficult phenomenon to exin.


    If forced to exin it inyman''s terms, he thought: it was something simr to the "superposition state" from quantum mechanics in the past.


    That is to say, a person''s body exists simultaneously in both the real world and the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Whether injured in the real world or trained and healed in the Late-Night Investigation Room, the states of both would synchronize.


    Fang Ze had actually been curious many times before:


    Why, even though he clearly entered the Late-Night Investigation Room, did his real-world self still exist? And the effects of his training could carry over between the two worlds.


    And now, after dealing with Zheng Shu''s case, Fang Ze understood.


    Because... all creatures thate to the Late-Night Investigation Room exist simultaneously in two spaces...


    He guessed... this might be rted to the mechanisms of the Late-Night Investigation Room, or some deeper secrets of this world?


    And the second hidden rule he had sensed before:


    Apart from the two sets of tables and chairs in the Late-Night Investigation Room, and the items Fang Ze brought from the real world, everything else set up after turning on the tablemp was fake.


    No matter how real, how solid, or how hot those things seemed, they were all fake! All illusions! They couldn''t cause real harm to Fang Ze or the summoned ones!


    Combined with the first hidden rule, this led to a very serious problem: If Fang Ze summoned an Awakener stronger than himself, he actually had no power to control them.


    That is, if the summoned individual was stronger than him and wasn''t duped by him, Fang Ze would be in great danger.


    It was also fortunate that Zheng Shu was summoned in a dying state, barely clinging to life. If he had been slightly healthier, Fang Ze might have been easily counter-killed in the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    This frightened Fang Ze a great deal.


    Fortunately, since obtaining the Late-Night Investigation Room, he had always resisted summoning any Awakeners.


    If he had been slightly reckless, the oue could have been dire...


    Besides discovering the two hidden rules of the Late-Night Investigation Room, Fang Ze also obtained a lot of information about the organization, the massacre case, and why they had been "hunting" him from Zheng Shu.


    Firstly, regarding the organization.


    It turns out the organization that Zheng Shu and the original host had joined was called the Human Rejuvenation Society.


    This organization, established for many years, mainly operated in the eastern region of the Pris Federation.


    The purpose of the organization was to uncover the conspiracies hidden by the Pris Federation, and... the true secrets of this world.


    ording to the internal statement of the organization, decades ago, the whole human society faced a great disaster. Afterwards, hundreds of countries around the world suddenly merged to form the Pris Federation.


    But, details about that disaster and what exactly it was, had all been erased from history by the Pris Federation.


    All information was blocked, all written documents were destroyed.


    Even the witnesses of that event were all silenced.


    The president of the Rejuvenation Society, fortunately, had retained a small portion of the documents and knew some of the truth from that time.


    He said that that disaster, the Awakening Ability, the World''s Laws, and the real secrets of this world were closely rted.


    He believed that this secret belonged to all of humanity, that all human beings had the right to know this secret. The Federation had no right to cover it all up.


    Thus, he created the Rejuvenation Society over these decades, began investigating the hidden truths from that time, and nned to reveal everything to the public.


    Both the original host and Zheng Shu were thus "coaxed" (Fang Ze judged) into joining this organization and struggled for this great goal...


    Secondly, about the case of the rich businessman''s family being wiped out.


    From Zheng Shu, Fang Ze had learned the whole truth of the massacre.


    Unlike Fang Ze and the Security Bureau''s previous spections,


    the organization had no rtionship with this rich businessman, nor was it to silence him.


    It was purely for the kind of stuff the businessman was smuggling.


    That stuff was said to be a very precious resource, not only one of the strategic weapon materials controlled by the nine major regions but also rted to the origin of the World''s Laws.


    That stuff, in its most wasteful but also most fundamental application, could produce countless Extraordinary Artifacts and Awakeners...


    After they had taken over the vi, they wanted to coerce the businessman into handing over that stuff.


    Who knew, before even having the chance, the businessman suddenly died from poisoning.


    Following that, another team of Awakeners came to snipe them.


    ording to Zheng Shu''s guess, the organization behind that team of Awakeners was probably the backstage sponsor of the businessman''s interstate smuggling business.


    It''s just a pity that since the businessman was silenced, and they were repelled, that backstage organization also disappeared without a trace.


    As for why the Rejuvenation Society had always been "hunting" Fang Ze.


    It was because Zheng Shu''s superior thought that Fang Ze had grown from an ordinary person to an Awakener suspected of possessing multiple Extraordinary Artifacts, and even Awakening Abilities, in just a few days, probably because he had obtained that thing.


    Therefore, they had sent two groups in session, preparing to bring Fang Ze back.


    The reason they could always find Fang Ze was that Zheng Shu''s superior had been lurking in the Special Case Team and, taking advantage of Fang Ze''s unguarded moments, covertly used an artifact to imnt a tracking device on him.


    This device couldst for a month. Unless the allotted time passed, or the person who nted it died, it could not be removed....


    As long as the device was not removed and Fang Ze was not taken back, the organization would send even stronger individuals to capture him in order to acquire that thing.....


    ........


    "Rejuvenation Society...."


    "A major disaster decades ago...."


    "The establishment of the Pris Federation...."


    "A world secret desperately concealed by the Federation....."


    "The material for arge regional strategic weapon....."


    "That mysterious organization behind the wealthy...."


    "A marksting a month...."


    After sorting through the critical information obtained from Zheng Shu, Fang Ze couldn''t help but feel a headache.


    He felt as though he had been swept into a vast and troublesome conspiracy.


    And the whole affair was bing increasinglyplex.


    He was inclined to escape this vortex, but he found he had been unwittingly embedded deep inside it, unable to leave.


    Especially with the marksting a month and the relentless pursuit.


    At that moment, Fang Ze suddenly felt like returning to the Special Case Team to lie low.....


    He thought, actually, the days of idling away in the Special Case Team were quite nice.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Colleagues were so friendly, and the superiors were so foolish.


    Every day there was hot food to eat, hot water to drink.


    He could ck off if he wanted to ck off,ze around if he wanted toze around, with no one hunting him down.


    Such a good life, why did he ever escape from it?!


    Fang Ze was momentarily at a loss for words.


    People always realize the value of their former lives only after losing them.


    Discover hidden content at empire


    However, as much as he thought about it and reminisced, Fang Ze naturally wasn''t willing to run back now.


    He had just broken free, and to return dejectedly after only two days....


    What would his colleagues in the Special Case Team think of him? What would Bai Ling and the others think of him? What would the mole in the Special Case Team think of him!


    Didn''t he have any pride!?


    Besides, running back to the Special Case Team and ignoring everything when he encountered difficulties, what would happen to Miaomiao?


    She was still trapped in the slums due to him.


    The Security Bureau could protect him, but could it also take care of her?


    He was a criminal, not a superior officer.


    And suppose Fang Ze traded the information with them. But what if the Security Bureau traced the clues to the grocery store robbery, discovered the Shadow Warrior, and uncovered the secrets of the Late-Night Investigation Room after rescuing Miaomiao?


    A man is not guilty until he is found possessing the gem. But that''s a truth applicable in every world....


    Fang Ze was not willing to depend on others'' kindness for his safety....


    Thinking this over, Fang Ze also extinguished the idea of returning to the Special Case Team to avoid the pursuit.


    A man, after all, needs to have a backbone. Chosen a path, he must follow it through even if on his knees....


    As for not returning to the Special Case Team, how to deal with the pursuers and the device?


    Fang Ze had alreadye up with a rough idea.


    However, he thought it wasn''t urgent, deciding to first review the oues of this investigation of Zheng Shu.


    This was the first time Fang Ze had investigated an Awakener, and he had done so thoroughly.


    If it weren''t for the fact that Fang Ze wasn''t a freak, he probably could''ve even determined what color underwear Zheng Shu was wearing today!


    Therefore, he was really looking forward to what this investigation would yield!


    Was it an Extraordinary Artifact?


    Was it a Disaster Creature?


    Was it Awakening Abilities?


    Or something entirely unknown.......?


    Although a bottle of Essence of Tree had already made Fang Ze "break even," but.....having taken such a big risk, who wouldn''t want to earn more!


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    6000 character updatepleted, asking for rmendation tickets. Seeking monthly tickets.


    Released a single chapter yesterday, and unexpectedly it exploded with so many readers, including some old readers like Shen Chao Coffee, Confusion, etc.... It was a bit surprising, also a bit happy T.T.


    Because very few of our old readers followed along, perhaps due to the transformation, even the former Alliance Hierarchs and managers don''t read this book anymore, no one is even willing to be the operational officer, sigh....


    Then, I read everyment you all left. Seriously, every single one. Danke wasforting mest night, talking about everyone''sments, and he was stunned when I recounted them all verbatim. His exact words were: Dude, you are really awesome! You look at eachment in detail in your single chapters! (Then he also made fun of me for the thing about the protagonist having to shout during fights.


    T.T)


    Lastly..... Thank you all for yourforting words and support. I will make minor changes (I edited thest chapter again, changed to chanting silently), I will stick to my own path, and I will definitely make this book good! Thanks again, everyone!

 Chapter 65 56. Special Harvest Awakening Crystal (Request for monthly votes!)

    Thinking this, Fang Ze retracted his thoughts, then turned off the deskmp and deactivated the disguise of the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Just as he had verified before.


    Aside from the few bloodstains left by his spear thrusts, all other Traces had vanished with the turning off of the deskmp.


    He approached the desk with a sense of anticipation.


    In front of Fang Ze was a crystal glowing with light.


    The crystal had six edges and appeared hexahedral, emitting a captivating glow under the dim light.


    Fang Ze carefully walked over, confirmed there was no danger, then lightly touched the crystal and patiently waited for the "Appraisal" of the investigation room.


    Suddenly, the information about the crystal entered Fang Ze''s mind.


    After carefully studying the information in his mind, Fang Ze''s mouth slowly opened wide, his face filled with surprise and disbelief.


    After a moment, he couldn''t help but mutter, "Hit the jackpot! Really hit the jackpot!"


    "Special Gain: Awakening Crystal (Shepherd Tree People)"


    Experience exclusive tales on empire


    "The method of creating Awakening Crystals has almost been lost over the long course of time; nowadays, very few people possess the knowledge."


    "Each Awakening Crystal has its corresponding Awakening Ability from the moment of its creation. It can only be activated by inserting it into the corpse of apatible Awakener."


    "Within 12 hours after an Awakener''s death, cing the corresponding Awakening Crystal inside the corpse will resonate with the remaining World''s Laws of the Awakener, absorb the surrounding Soul Fragments, consume the nutrients of the corpse, and grow into a new Extraordinary Being."


    "This Extraordinary Being will possess about 20%-80% of the strength of the Awakener, depending on the time of the Awakener''s death, their condition before death, and thepleteness of the corpse. It can inherit rtively simple Martial Skills from the Awakener, is protected by the Law, and can utilize the corresponding Awakening Ability."


    After carefully reading the crystal''s information, Fang Ze knew he had scored an incredible deal!


    Moreover, from that information, he also learned.


    The reason this gain was so substantial was because he had almost entirely emptied the most valuable information from an Awakener at one go.


    Speaking bluntly, Zheng Shu really didn''t have anything left now,pletely turning into dregs.


    Due to the immense gains from the investigation and considering that Zheng Shu was originally a powerful Awakener, coupled with the disparity in their strengths.


    That''s why there was such an enormous gain this time!


    And once this gain was realized, it not only meant that Fang Ze would immediately have a powerful fighter at his disposal, empowering him to protect himself for a short period and handle the Miaomiao incident.


    Moreover, it could also mean that his Stick One, Stick Two... could continue to apany him in another form!


    After all... just because it absorbs surrounding Soul Fragments doesn''t mean it has to be the original Awakener''s Soul Fragments.


    Couldn''t he first get rid of the "dregs" and then use it at the graves of Stick One, Stick Two?


    Surely the Soul Fragments don''t float away with the corpse, right?


    Thinking this, Fang Ze could no longer suppress the excitement inside him. He quickly grabbed the crystal, sat in the chair, and then fell into a deep sleep....


    .......


    Half an hourter, Fang Ze, now fully healed, arrived at the burial site of the ranger with his spear.


    After digging the ranger out from the ground, Fang Ze checked him.


    Just as he had anticipated, the ranger''s body had only the holes he had made with his spear in the Late-Night Investigation Room, while all other injuries, whether from frying or cutting, had not transferred to the real world.


    Looking at the dying ranger, Fang Ze also thought a lot.


    Even though he knew that killing the ranger would alert the organization to the ranger''s failure, and they would send pursuers again.


    But with an increase in strength right before his eyes, could he afford to let this opportunity slip because of a threat?


    It was better to hope for the enemy to be slow in their response rather than not to strengthen his own side quickly; that was the true strategy!


    Thinking this, and looking at the enemy who had caused him to nearly perish, who had wanted to kill him multiple times in the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Fang Ze did not hesitate, raised his spear, and thrust savagely into the opponent''s head and heart, twisting it!


    The destruction of the heart and head ensured Fang Ze could feel the life fading from the body before him.


    Clearly, even a high-ranking Awakener from the nt Series couldn''t survive with both vital parts destroyed.


    At this moment, he couldn''t afford to dy.


    Not minding the dirt, he carried the corpse, holding his spear and the Awakening Crystal, and rushed to where he had fought during the day.


    Minutester, he arrived at the graves of Stick One and Stick Two. Fang Ze put down Zheng Shu''s corpse and picked up the Awakening Crystal.


    Then, following the method recorded in the information, he ced the crystal in front of the graves and began to silently chant the Soul Gathering incantation.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Two minutester, as the entire crystal began to glow brightly, Fang Ze picked up the crystal without hesitation, then stuffed it into Zheng Shu''s mouth.


    He then took out a dagger, pricked a wound on his finger, and dripped blood into it.


    Suddenly, the crystal shone intensely, then turned into a liquid and slowly seeped into the corpse through the mouth.


    Visibly, the body underwent significant changes. Its muscles slowly turned into nt fibers, its severed limbs began to regrow, and its body started to swell....


    Fang Ze watched these changes intently, feeling a bit nervous.


    He didn''t know how long it had been, but when the body''s changes finally ceased, what appeared before Fang Ze was a giant Tree Person about two and a half meters tall.


    Its entire body was made of wood, its limbs wereposed of vines, and on its head grew lush green leaves, resembling hair.


    Looking at that bizarre creature, Fang Ze felt a bit nervous.


    After a moment, the creature''s eyes slowly opened.


    Those eyes were pure and clear, filled with confusion.


    It looked around bewilderedly before its gaze fell upon Fang Ze.


    It hesitated for a moment and then spoke with a buzzing voice, stumbling over the words, "Master... Master?"


    Hearing this address from the Treant before him, Fang Ze couldn''t help but exim with surprise, "Stick One? Stick Two?"


    "Are you Stick One or Stick Two?"


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s question, the Treant before him paused, its gaze filled with confusion.


    It muttered, "Stick One... Stick Two?"


    After a moment, its gaze cleared up, then it looked at Fang Ze and said, "Master... I am both Stick One and Stick Two."


    ........


    Half an hourter, Fang Ze had roughly figured out everything.


    Actually... both Stick One and Stick Two had already died before.


    But their Soul Fragments still existed nearby and would gradually disappear over time...


    The Awakening Crystal had recalled their Soul Fragments, reforged them, allowing them a different form of rebirth.


    This new life, although it had parts of Stick One and Stick Two''s memories and souls, was also apletely new life.


    To put it more directly, it was more like an extension of Stick One and Stick Two''s lives...


    Though it didn''t revive Stick One and Stick Two, it allowed their lives to continue in another form, somewhat alleviating the guilt and self-me in Fang Ze''s heart.


    He patted the newly born Treant''s arm and then said, "Since your lifees from Stick One and Stick Two, from now on, shall we call you ''One Two Three''?"


    "Treant One Two Three."


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, Treant One Two Three solemnly nodded its head.


    Its character was a bit like Stick One, clearly more intelligent but still not very fond of talking. The asional naive action, however, was quite reminiscent of Stick Two.


    Looking at it, Fang Ze felt as if he were seeing the twopanions who had apanied him before.


    It was a truly peculiar feeling. Some lives end in death, some in rebirth; death and rebirth, the intertwining cycle of nature. Life continues on generation after generation...


    Though he no longer had Stick One and Stick Two, he now had a newpanion: One Two Three...


    Taking One Two Three to the graves of Stick One and Stick Two, they bowed deeply and he added a handful of soil to the small graves, then Fang Ze and his newpanion set out back towards the cave.


    Along the way, One Two Three also demonstrated the abilities it had inherited from Zheng Shu.


    There were three abilities.


    The first was like Zheng Shu''s, capable of revitalizing the nts around it, manipting or transforming them into Giant Tree Persons, and thenmanding the Giant Tree People in battle. However, unlike Zheng Shu who could control forty or fifty at once, it could only handle three.


    The second was, after the death of a Giant Tree Person, condensing Treant Essence. But unlike Zheng Shu''s efficiency of obtaining one gram from 200 Giant Tree People, it needed to activate 300 to obtain one gram.


    The third was an innate ability from its birth; in the absence of trees nearby, it could also transform into a Giant Tree Person itself, thus erging its form and enhancing its strength.


    And on the road, Fang Ze roughly tested its strength.


    Strong!


    Very strong!


    It not only had Law Protection but also, because of its nt body, was exceptionally tough.


    Kicking it felt like kicking an iron board.


    Even piercing with an iron spear felt as though it couldn''t breach its defenses.


    Apart from its astounding defensive power, its attack power was also impressive¡ªpunching out, it could shatter boulders and break trees.


    However, because it wasn''t made of flesh and blood, Fang Ze couldn''t precisely define its strength.


    He could only roughly estimate: perhaps itsprehensive strength was about the same as that of an Awakener who had just entered the high tier?


    After all, although it didn''t have Zheng Shu''s terrifying ability tobat in groups, it might be stronger than Zheng Shu in small-scale battles...


    At least... it was definitely much stronger than Fang Ze...


    ......


    Back in the cave, the slight advantage of Treant One Two Three''s higher intelligence became apparent.


    Without Fang Ze''smand, it used its abilities to make the weeds and vines outside wildly grow, not only cleaning up the interior of the cave for Fang Ze but even constructing a vine mattress for him.


    And whether it inherited the memory of Stick One, knowing Fang Ze wanted a pillow, on the vine mattress, it considerately prepared a simple pillow wrapped in various grasses.


    When Fang Zey down, he felt incrediblyfortable.


    The only thing he wanted toin about was: surely this fellow wasn''t mocking him with a "Grass Bag," right?!


    And while he had theseints, he had finished receiving all the gains from this battle and investigation.


    So, lying on the vine bed, Fang Ze began to ponder on how he should deal with the organization''s pursuit and the investigative matters concerning Miaomiao...

 Chapter 66 57. Counterattack! Drive Out Wolves and Swallow Tigers (Vote for Recommendation!)

    Although the information obtained from the ranger indicated that the organization didn''t want to kill him outright.


    They suspected that he had stolen something they wanted, so they intended to capture him for investigation.


    But, once they delved into his Extraordinary Artifact, the source of his Awakening Ability, the existence of the "Late-Night Investigation Room" would inevitably be exposed.


    Setting aside whether the "Late-Night Investigation Room" was the thing the organization was after.


    Just the great power of the "Late-Night Investigation Room" could easily arouse the organization''s covetousness.


    Fang Ze certainly didn''t think the organization was made up of good Samaritans.


    So, there could only be two oues in the end.


    Either the "Late-Night Investigation Room" was taken away, or he himself would be a machine for producing Extraordinary Items for the organization.


    And neither of those oues was eptable to Fang Ze.


    Therefore, shaking off the organization''s tracking and hunting had be the current issue Fang Ze needed to resolve.


    And to get rid of the organization''s tracking, there were only two methods.


    The first was to survive 30 days until the mark on his body disappeared, and then the organization would naturally be unable to find him.


    Hmm... Fang Ze might not be able to find himself either.


    The second was to deal with the person who had marked him.


    ording to the information from the ranger, that "Golden Fox" who had marked him held a certain position within the organization and must be very powerful. Moreover, he was hiding within the Special Case Team.


    He simply couldn''t deal with him.


    At this thought, Fang Ze was momentarily stunned.


    He recalled the inspiration that had shed through his mind in the Late-Night Investigation Room...


    He muttered to himself, "I can''t deal with him..."


    "Eh? Why should ''I'' deal with him?"


    "He''s a member of the organization, meaning an insider threat in the Special Case Team. Compared to me, it should be the Special Case Team and the Security Bureau who are most eager to catch and deal with him, right?"


    "So... if I just find out who he is and then inform the Special Case Team, wouldn''t everything be taken care of?"


    With that thought, Fang Ze felt as if a floodgate of ideas had opened in his mind.


    Right!


    Why bother handling everything on his own? Isn''t it better to let the wolves consume the tigers?


    Moreover, he still held information on the Rejuvenation Society that the Security Bureau was most interested in.


    They simply had no reason to decline!


    What''s the point in being a Rash Man! A smart person like him should y the game of conspiracy!


    And with that realization, Fang Ze started pondering how to make contact with the Security Bureau while ensuring his own safety?


    As he thought about it, he couldn''t help but remember the prize he had identally obtained before: the Qingfeng Seed.


    Huh?


    That little thing... it can make remote contact, as long as there''s a scent, right?


    And in his hands, he just happened to have... Bai Ling''s "scent."


    With that thought, Fang Ze rolled off the vine bed, picked up the bundle, searched through it, and pulled out a stack of Lini.


    This was the money Fang Ze had tricked (not really), borrowed from Bai Ling before he left.


    It surely carried Bai Ling''s scent.


    With that, all the objective conditions for the n to let the wolves consume the tigers were in ce.


    What remained was to see if he could find that person, the Golden Fox!


    And at this thought, Fang Ze inevitably thought of Miaomiao... Explore stories at empire


    If he cooperated with the Security Bureau to catch the "Golden Fox," then his safety would be somewhat guaranteed.


    Plus, during the honeymoon phase with the Security Bureau, where they wouldn''t heavily guard against him, and with the "map," the escape Divine Artifact in hand...


    When the time came, he couldpletely break out of the encirclement and return to Qingshan City, where, after disguising his identity, he could go and rescue Miaomiao.


    Now that he had One Two Three, although he was no match against the organization in terms of strength, he should be overwhelmingly powerful against the Awakeners from those gangs.


    In this case, he could resolve both dangers at once!


    Realizing this, Fang Ze felt the whole n was falling into ce...


    ......


    After going through his n several times in his mind and making sure there were no issues, Fang Ze didn''t dy.


    He took the Qingfeng Seed and some water, and under the moonlight, he left the cave with the Tree People One Two Three and found an open space.


    He wandered around the open space a few times, found a soft spot, and instructed One Two Three to dig a hole, where he nted the Qingfeng Seed...


    Poured over a cup of water.


    Fang Ze and One Two Three sat, their figuresrge and small squatting side by side, under the moon''s light, patiently waiting for the seed to germinate.


    One minute, two minutes, three minutes.....


    One Two Three yawned.


    Fang Ze shot it a nce and then btedly came to a sudden realization: the damn seed''s directions mentioned the nting steps but didn''t specify the growing cycle!


    If this damn thing took 100 years to germinate, 100 years to sprout, and 100 years to bloom, wouldn''t that wear him out!


    And even without a 100-year cycle, if it followed the typical cycle of nts, taking several days, that wouldn''t be fast enough either!


    By that time, whether it was him or Miaomiao, they''d probably have been long since thrown into the river to feed the fish!


    And just as Fang Ze was getting anxious about the seed germinating.


    Suddenly...a breeze blew through the night.


    Something magical happened.


    In the freshly turned soil, a tiny sprout with a transparent green glow suddenly broke through the ground with the wind...


    The small sprout had two leaves, resemblingmon weeds.


    The vitality of this nt was as strong and tenacious as that of weeds. Despite theck of fertilizer, it swelled as it faced the wind.


    After several more gusts of night wind, it had grown as tall as Little Grass.


    Then, amidst the gentle breezes, it budded and bloomed, unveiling its beauty.


    Looking at the Windbreeze Flower in front of him, Fang Ze was a bit stunned.


    It was a flower made entirely of air currents, resembling two plump balls, somewhat like dandelions, somewhat like ice cream...


    The two air-formed spheres shimmered with faint light, twinkling nonstop, as if with a gust of wind, they would drift away.


    Fang Ze gently ced his hand on it, and it felt as though tiny sharp breezes were licking his palm.


    He gently shook the little flower, and immediately two gentle gusts of wind encircled him cheerfully, dispelling the muggy heat of the summer night.


    "Truly amazing..."


    "To think that ''wind'' has actually been grown."


    Perhaps seeing Fang Ze enjoy himself, One Two Three also curiously touched the Windbreeze Flower.


    Instantly, two gentle breezes also began to whirl around it.


    Its round eyes widened with curiosity, as it reached out to catch the wind beside it, but the wind, as if sentient, flew around, eluding its grasp.


    So, it started to spin around by itself, ying as if it were catching butterflies...


    Fang Ze nced at it and then shook his head slightly.


    Despite its size, this guy''s mentality was like that of a five- or six-year-old child. Definitely not asposed as Stick One and Stick Two...


    While internally critiquing, Fang Ze took out the money he had prepared in advance from his pocket.


    Then he took the money, ced it on the Windbreeze Flower, and softly instructed, "Go find Bai Ling."


    Following Fang Ze''smand, the Windbreeze Flower seemed to understand as it swayed briefly. Then a night breeze passed by, and the "wind" from the upperyer of its crown blew away with it towards a distance...


    His gaze followed the breeze as it vanished into the expanse of the forest, Fang Ze patiently waited for the "call to connect".....


    ......


    Special Case Team.


    A secret base of the Security Bureau.


    As the standard Extraordinary Artifact for the Security Bureau''s field agents, the secret base is a rather miraculous thing.


    With just a few spatial nodes set up, the secret base can be erected.


    And within the secret base, there are all the usual facilities and tools used by the Security Bureau squads when they are on the move, to facilitate themissioners in their fieldwork.


    Of course, the living quarters are part of it too.


    Compared to the simple temporary dwellings of the investigators, the Security Bureau''s field amodations are much more luxurious.


    Not only are the spaces spacious, but each one is a single room, and even the beds arefortable palm beds.


    At this moment, in a dormitory inside the secret base, Bai Ling was dressed in a bear pajama suit, lying on her palm bed in the shape of a "big" character.


    The nket had been kicked to one side, covering only half of her body.


    At her feety a copy of "101 Ways to Do Business."


    While she was sleeping sweetly, suddenly, a breeze swept into her room.


    The breeze, as if alive, spiraled in the room for a while, then began to circle around Bai Ling and fly.


    In her sleep, Bai Ling seemed to feel the breeze, involuntarily grabbing her nket, turning over in a daze, wrapping herself up to continue sleeping.


    The little breeze circled in front of her, appearing a bit "angry," then it snuck through a gap in the nket and started shuttling back and forth inside, "harassing" Bai Ling.


    Bai Ling, still not waking up, found it buzzing around her nose and ears incessantly.


    Tickled in the nose.


    "Ah... Achoo!" Bai Ling couldn''t help sneezing and then rubbing her sleepy eyes, she got up somewhat groggily.


    Then... she saw the swirling breeze in front of her.


    She paused for a moment.


    Then her eyes widened.


    "Windbreeze Flower?"


    "Is it really a Windbreeze Flower?!"


    She clearly recognized the breeze before her, and surprise spread across her face, "This stuff is valuable! Who''s using such avish thing to contact me?"


    "Wasn''t it just easy to tell me, and I''d havee running over?"


    Just as she thought this.


    The breeze in front of her slowly morphed into a semi-transparent head.


    The head, looking a bit puzzled, scratched its head, then tentatively spoke out, "Chief Bai Ling? Can you hear me talking?"


    Seeing the familiar head before her, Bai Ling was taken aback.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    After a moment, she said with a hint of disbelief, "Fang Ze? Is it you?"

 Chapter 67 58. Asking for a sky-high price (Seeking monthly passes!)

    Discovering that the Windbreeze Flower was actually used by Fang Ze to contact her, Bai Ling couldn''t be more shocked.


    As a Security Bureau Commissioner who aspired to be the greatest merchant, Bai Ling, though failing at every business venture, still had broad vision and knowledge.


    Windbreeze Flower, that''s something only produced in the Directly Governed State of the Eastern Region.


    While its utility might seem a bitckluster, its value was anything but trivial. A single flower cost 5000 Lini, non-negotiable.


    The reason it seemedckluster was that, aside from lower-tier cities, other high-tier and directly governed cities generally had wireless signals and fiber opticsid down.


    Everyone could use wired or wireless devices tomunicate with each other, making the Windbreeze Flower unnecessary.


    Thus, if one didn''t go out, the Windbreeze Flower was essentially useless.


    Stay updated through empire


    However, its high value came into y once one left the area covered by wireless signals, like in low-tier cities, the wilderness between cities, or when venturing outside¡ªthat''s when contacting someone could be incredibly difficult.


    At such times, the Windbreeze Flower could show its worth.


    Although a flower could only be used on one person and there was a limit on its bloom time,


    it could truly save lives in critical moments.


    So, seeing that Fang Ze actually had a Windbreeze Flower and had even used it to contact her, Bai Ling truly found it hard to believe.


    She couldn''t help asking, "Fang Ze, where did you get the Windbreeze Flower from?"


    ....


    At that moment, in the forest clearing, Fang Ze, looking at the face of Bai Ling appearing before him, also felt a bit of magic.


    He gently reached out his hand, wanting to touch Bai Ling''s face.


    But when he did, all he felt was the swirling wind.


    He withdrew his hand and said casually, "Picked it from the forest. There''s arge patch of them here."


    Bai Ling: ...


    Bai Ling felt Fang Ze must be insulting her intelligence.


    Even fools have their dignity, okay!


    Not everything said blindly could deceive her!


    Thinking this, she crossed her arms, pouted and decided to ignore Fang Ze.


    Yet, when she didn''t want to deal with Fang Ze, he spoke up.


    He said, "Chief Bai Ling, do you want to know the organization''s intelligence? Do you want to know why the organization silenced that wealthy merchant? Do you want to root out the mole within the Special Case Team?"


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, an initially sulking Bai Ling suddenly looked at him with surprise.


    Before she could respond, Fang Ze gave a radiant smile and said, "I can help you."


    In that instant, Bai Ling felt... as if Fang Ze was a devil, tempting her...


    She was unsure whether to agree or refuse.


    She opened her mouth, and after a long pause, finally managed to squeeze out a question, "Your... your memory hase back?"


    Perhaps because he hadpletely taken the rhythm of the conversation in just a few words, Fang Ze became more and more at ease as he smiled and shook his head, "No."


    Bai Ling, "Then....."


    Fang Ze candidly responded, "After I escaped, the organization has been trying to kill me. I caught one of their members, and before killing him, I interrogated him and got a lot of intelligence."


    "I also learned about my own identity. Just a very ordinary Periphery Member."


    "In this entire massacre, I was just leading the way, didn''t even lift a hand. My guilt isn''t that heavy."


    "So, I want to cooperate with you. Consider it making amends for my actions."


    "Periphery Member, didn''t lift a hand, guilt isn''t heavy..." The Security Bureau had simr clues and deductions, so she believed what Fang Ze said.


    But... "Caught a member of the organization? Interrogated for intelligence?" Bai Ling was obviously a bit incredulous...


    What power did Fang Ze have to capture a member of the organization?


    Wasn''t that a bit too exaggerated?


    But just the thought that Fang Ze had obtained a Windbreeze Flower and used it so nonchntly made it seem... slightly credible?


    With that in mind, she tentatively asked, "Who did you catch?"


    Fang Ze answered truthfully, "A ranger."


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, Bai Ling unexpectedly covered her mouth in surprise, "A ranger?"


    As a Commissioner sent by the Security Bureau to solve the case, Bai Ling knew the basic information about several suspects by heart.


    Based on the video data, the ranger was at least a high-ranking Awakener. Moreover, with his ability to manipte trees, his power would be even stronger in the forest.


    Yet Fang Ze had caught and even killed him?


    If she remembered correctly, wasn''t Fang Ze just an ordinary person a few days ago?


    How had he done it?


    Truth be told, if she hadn''t pinched herself secretly, Bai Ling would have thought she was dreaming.


    Of course, she also wondered if Fang Ze was deceiving her.


    But... to contact her with the valuable Windbreeze Flower, just to deceive her, what was he after?


    With this thought, Bai Ling also started to use her own little brain.


    After a moment, she said with a smile, "Alright. I believe you, Fang Ze."


    "So you just said you can help me get the organization''s intelligence? Can help me find out why the organization wiped out the wealthy merchant? And can help me catch the mole inside the Special Case Team?"


    "Is that true?"


    Seeing the clearly doubtful expression on Bai Ling''s face, Fang Ze didn''t mind.


    He naturally had a way to prove himself.


    So, he smiled and nodded, "Of course it''s true."


    "However...."


    He paused and then added, "There are conditions!"


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, Bai Ling thought to herself, "Here ites!" She asked with a beaming smile, "What are the conditions?"


    However, Fang Ze didn''t continue along with what she said, instead, he suddenly asked, "Chief Bai Ling, do you trust me?"


    Caught by Fang Ze''s question, Bai Ling was visibly taken aback.


    The wariness she had maintained up until now involuntarily dissipated, and she started to ponder.


    After a moment, she said, "If it were before, I probably wouldn''t have believed..."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "But..."


    As she reached this point, her tone shifted, and with a smile, she said, "Ever since you became the first person to actually pay me back, I started to trust you!"


    This time, her smile was much more sincere.


    And hearing her words, Fang Ze couldn''t help but smile as well, then he said, "Chief Bai Ling, I trust you too."


    "So... I hope you won''t be wary of me any longer or keep testing me incessantly."


    "I genuinely want to cooperate with you."


    Seeing her own tactics called out by Fang Ze, Bai Ling pouted.


    She let out a light "hmph" and, somewhat annoyed, leaned back on the bed and said, "Alright. It seems I''m not really cut out for ying mind games. The moment I start getting a bit crafty, I get found out."


    Having said that, she asked, "So, no more tests. Why not you tell me your conditions directly?"


    Seeing Bai Ling finally let down her guard, Fang Ze nodded in satisfaction.


    Then, looking at Bai Ling and smiling slightly, he casually started to drive a hard bargain,


    "Actually, what I want is very simple."


    "I want the Security Bureau and the Investigation Bureau to lift my arrest warrant and stop pursuing me. To restore my identity."


    "I want three Transfer-type and five Defense-type Extraordinary Artifacts."


    "And I also want one million Lini."


    Hearing Fang Ze''s demands, Bai Ling''s eyes inevitably widened as she eximed, "Fang Ze, what do you think you''re doing, robbing a bank!?"


    "You dare to ask for such a price," she said


    Fang Ze, smiling, responded, "Chief Bai Ling, don''t be in a hurry. Why don''t you go and talk to Officer Bai Zhi first?"


    "As for business, it''s meant to be negotiated. Not set in stone with a fixed price."


    Hearing this, although Bai Ling still felt the terms were likely imusible, even if halved, she acknowledged that indeed, the decision wasn''t hers to make for the Special Case Team.


    So she hesitated for a bit, nodded, and said, "Then I''ll go talk to Bai."


    "I''ll get back to you shortly."


    Having said that, she lightly tapped the wind that had been hovering in front of her and spoke, "Pausemunication."


    The Windbreeze Flower transformed into a little flower and settled on Bai Ling''s shoulder, waiting for the next connection...


    .......


    10 minutester, in Bai Zhi''s room.


    Dressed in a sheer nightgown, Bai Zhi looked at the Windbreeze Flower resting on her shoulder as Bai Ling recounted the recent conversation with Fang Ze right in front of her...


    After a moment, she reached out to check Bai Ling''s forehead.


    Bai Ling, who was in the midst of her enthusiastic narration, looked at her with a puzzled face and then couldn''t help asking, "What''s wrong, Bai?"


    Bai Zhi shook her head, "Nothing... I just thought you weren''t running a fever. How could you be so easily brainwashed?"


    "He says he defeated the ranger, and so he did?"


    "Rangers are at least high-ranking, if not Awakeners in the Fusion stage. How did he defeat him?"


    "Is there a corpse? Is there a crime scene? Are there Traces of Awakening Ability use?"


    "He ims to have information about the organization, but does he really?"


    "He says he can catch the traitor within the Special Case Team, but can he really do it?"


    Bai Zhi spoke earnestly, "Bai Ling, you have to understand. A man''s mouth lies like a ghost. The more handsome they are, the more they lie. Don''t be easily deceived by them."


    Hearing Bai Zhi''s words, Bai Ling nodded thoughtfully and then said in a cutesy voice, "In that case, given Fang Ze''s appearance, he must be a super big liar."


    Bai Zhi: ...


    Although Bai Ling was agreeing with her, Bai Zhi still felt something was oddly amiss...


    Shaking her head to dismiss her silly thoughts, Bai Zhi pondered for a moment and then said, "Well, let''s do this. Reconnect with hismunication. I want to talk to him as well."


    "Let''s see what all this hoo is about and what he really intends to do."


    She spected, "I suspect this might be part of some organization''s conspiracy..."


    Bai Ling nodded, then lightly tapped the Windbreeze Flower and said, "Request to resumemunication."


    Shortly, the connection resumed in less than two seconds.


    But the image that appeared before the two of them wasn''t Fang Ze, but a deadly silent forest of Giant Tree People...


    Although the Windbreeze Flower could only simte the scene, the sight of the Giant Tree People bowing their heads in wilt, falling to the ground, still made both Bai Zhi and Bai Ling stand up in shock.


    Meanwhile, in the forest, Fang Ze held a torch in one hand and the Windbreeze Flower in the other.


    Below the Windbreeze Flower, there was now a vine-woven pot, with the entire soil intact inside, making it portable...


    He walked with it in tow, narrating, "Officer Bai Zhi, Chief Bai Ling, take a look."


    "This is where I battled the ranger."


    "At that time, he summoned forth forty or fifty towering Giant Tree People! Then, one by one, they shot at me like cannonballs!"


    "And me, I faced the danger without fear, shouted out loud: ''Sword,e!''"


    At that instant, thousands of swords throughout Qingshan City unsheathed and shot toward the sky, nketing it.


    Then, I slew them all on the spot.


    Bai Zhi: ???

 Chapter 68 59. Crushing Negotiations (Seeking Recommendation Tickets!)

    ```


    If she hadn''t been trained in noble etiquette since childhood, always maintaining basic manners in front of others,


    Bai Zhi would have really felt like grabbing Bai Ling and leaving at this moment.


    She felt thatmunicating with Fang Ze was simply too embarrassing.


    Such obviously evasive talk, and he dared to say it so casually!


    It was a direct insult to their intelligence!


    Did he think she and Bai Ling were that easy to deceive?


    Thinking this, she nced at Bai Ling.


    Bai Ling was biting her fingernails, eyes sparkling as she watched Fang Ze. Her hands seemed eager, as if she was mimicking the movements Fang Ze had made when he shouted hismands during the fight.


    Bai Zhi: .....


    Just as she was at a loss for words, Bai Ling snapped back to reality, then tugged at her sleeve and said in a low voice, "Bai. No matter if Fang Ze is joking or not... but based on the traces at the scene, it seems like he really did have a big battle with the ranger."


    Upon hearing Bai Ling''s words, Bai Zhi suddenly realized something. She couldn''t help but carefully examine the images transmitted by the Windbreeze Flower.


    Although the picture was somewhat coarse due to the transmission, those Giant Tree People indeed looked exactly the same as the Tree People summoned by the rangers in the Special Case Team''s images.


    Looking at the dead Tree People, the huge pit, and the "corpses" dressed in ranger''s clothing, Bai Zhi found it hard to believe for a moment: Could it be... everything he said was true?


    Could it be that he actually fought a huge battle with the ranger and emerged victorious in the end?


    Could it be an act?


    As soon as this thought urred, Bai Zhi dismissed it as unlikely.


    If there were only a few Tree People, a few pits, it could be an act.


    But with so many Tree People, such a huge pit, and all the detailed disys, even down to the corpse...


    The likelihood of this being an act was too low.


    Using Awakening Abilities is indeed taxing on the body, and staging the scene also takes time and effort. To go through so much trouble just to put on a show for themselves? That cost is too high, isn''t it?


    What was he trying to achieve?


    Unwillingly, a bit of belief in Fang Ze started to grow in her heart...


    However, once she believed Fang Ze, it would mean that Fang Ze truly defeated the ranger and extracted intelligence from him...


    This....


    To be honest, Bai Zhi found that even harder to believe.


    She couldn''t imagine how Fang Ze could have possibly defeated the ranger.


    Did he possess such strength within the Special Case Team already?


    Or did he gain such strength during the two days he had been on the run?


    But regardless of which possibility, it meant that the man before her... was extremely formidable.


    With this in mind, Bai Zhi also put away her contempt.


    She put on a jacket and then, looking at Fang Ze in the image, said solemnly, "Alright, I''ll reluctantly believe you for now, Fang Ze. Let''s talk."


    Seeing that Bai Zhi finally had some belief in him and was willing to negotiate, a smile appeared on Fang Ze''s face on the screen.


    He said with a smile, "It should have been like this from the start, Officer Bai Zhi."


    .......


    With a basic foundation of trust established, the two parties began their formal negotiation.


    However, the negotiations were clearly not progressing smoothly.


    Fang Ze, at least on the surface, appeared confident and demanding, while Bai Zhi felt a lot of confidence inside due to the imminent reinforcements.


    In the face of Fang Ze''s exorbitant demands, not only did she directly reject most of his conditions, but she was only willing to "lift the warrant issued against Fang Ze, restore his identity," and "give Fang Ze 50,000 Lini as a reward."


    ording to her, Fang Ze was a criminal in the first ce, and providing intelligence would be considered establishing merit with a crime. He shouldn''t make so many demands.


    Fang Ze was more direct: Well... then just continue to hunt me down.


    I won''t establish any merit and won''t restore my identity. It''s quite nice to be a criminal.


    But... the things you owe me, whether it''s money or Extraordinary Artifacts, can''t be shortchanged.


    These words infuriated Bai Zhi so much that she almost went through the Windbreeze Flower to hit Fang Ze!


    But after calming down, Bai Zhi said seriously, "Fang Ze, the conditions you asked for are really too much. We can''t ept them."


    She paused and then said sincerely, "I''m not afraid of leaking information."


    "The day after tomorrow, reinforcements from the Security Bureau will arrive. Among them are Ability Users capable of lie detection."


    "By then, we won''t need your intelligence and clues. We can interrogate on our own."


    "So the value of your information isn''t as high as you think."


    Fang Ze smiled and then confidently asked, "Is that so?"


    "But if you call for reinforcements, won''t your evaluation at the Bureau decrease? Won''t you lose face?"


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, Bai Zhi couldn''t help but nce at Bai Ling.


    Bai Ling quickly ced her hand on her chest and waved slightly, indicating it wasn''t her who told Fang Ze.


    ```


    Fang Ze saw her actions and smiled, "Officer Bai Zhi, you don''t need to check on Chief Bai Ling anymore."


    "This is just my guess."


    "After all, if solving the case with reinforcements truly had no impact on you, you wouldn''t have had to spend such a long time chatting with mete at night."


    "But now... it seems I''ve guessed correctly."


    Bai Zhi bit her lip.


    Fang Ze continued, "Additionally, you just mentioned ''Lie Detection''. But ''Lie Detection'' only means that you can find out who the traitor is."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "It doesn''t mean the traitor won''tmit suicide, keep silent, or be rescued or let go by someone else, right?"


    He paused and then said, "If I''m not mistaken, this time the reinforcements should not include an Ability User with mind-rted abilities, unable to directly probe minds and gather intelligence."


    Bai Zhi''s gaze sharpened slightly.


    It wasn''t just this time that reinforcementscked such Ability Users... even the Security Bureau internally did not possess such individuals.


    Awakeners are protected by the World''s Laws, and normally, unless one''s level of Law is far superior to the other''s, it is impossible to peer into someone else''s mind.


    Seeing Bai Zhi''s expression, Fang Ze knew he had guessed right again.


    So he gave a faint smile and said, "So... you actually don''t have a choice."


    "My information is extremely important to you."


    Bai Zhi closed her eyes in a bit of despair.


    She felt that the letter Fang Ze had left behind was correct: she really wasn''t cut out for ying conspiracies.


    How could she have anticipated that a casual remark she made would allow Fang Ze to spot a blind spot and then directly take an absolute advantage?


    So, in the end, she sighed and said a bit dejectedly, "Alright. You win."


    After speaking, she added, "But... we really can''t meet such conditions."


    "Whether it''s 1 million Lini or 9 Extraordinary Artifacts, the value is too high..."


    As she said this, she paused, then involuntarily looked at Fang Ze and said, "Right, how about... you join the Security Bureau instead?"


    "Your own crimes aren''t severe, and now you''ve also established merit while wearing them. Plus, you''re so intelligent. Your strength is strong as well. Joining the Security Bureau, you would definitely have a promising development."


    "Not only are the benefits of the Security Bureau generous, the status esteemed, and the authority extensive, but we also have a full set of training ns for members. Whether it''s Martial Skills or Awakening Ability, guidance and assistance are avable."


    "And having established merit, you''ll receive various stages of resources for member development..."


    "When your strength or merits are enough, we could even rmend you for a position within the Eastern Administrative Region."


    "Bing a noble, managing a city, all are entirely possible!"


    After listening to Bai Zhi''s lengthy introduction, Fang Ze was stunned for a whole two seconds.


    After a moment, he slowly let out five words, "You want a free ride, huh?"


    Bai Zhi: ???


    Bai Ling, "Pfft."


    Fang Ze said, "Since you have so many resources and training ns, let''s add that to the conditions."


    Bai Zhi: ...


    Bai Ling covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking as she desperately tried to suppress herughter.


    Bai Zhi was convinced.


    Next, the two began a sincere negotiation. Bai Zhi asked in detail about the approximate value of Fang Ze''s information.


    Then, she temporarily set the conditions to four.


    1. The Security Bureau would lift the wanted notice and manhunt for Fang Ze and restore his identity.


    2. ording to the value of Fang Ze''s information and the fact that he helped Bai Zhi catch the traitor in advance, the Security Bureau would provide Fang Ze with a reward of 10-50 thousand Lini.


    3. Bai Zhi would personally gift Fang Ze with four defensive Extraordinary Artifacts.


    4. Until the case was resolved, Bai Ling would use the Windbreeze Flower to be responsible for exining some basic knowledge about Awakeners to Fang Ze and guide some of his training.


    These were only preliminary intention conditions; whether they could actually be implemented still depended on subsequent cooperation between the two parties.


    The overall conditions were almost precisely on Fang Ze''s bottom line. Although notvish, Fang Ze actually only had the most basic intel on the organization. He didn''t even know how many members or who the leader was, so he didn''t dare to quote too aggressively.


    Moreover... most importantly, he couldn''t dy any longer: After all... his goal tonight wasn''t really to make a big profit, but to catch Golden Fox! Your journey continues at empire


    That was his true purpose hidden behind all these negotiations!


    After the negotiations concluded, the two sides remotely high-fived to swear their agreement. Then Bai Zhi took the lead and said, "So now, can you tell us the information rted to the organization?"


    Hearing her words, Fang Ze smiled and said, "Not in a hurry. To show my sincerity, I''ll help you catch the traitor first."


    Bai Zhi: ??


    Fang Ze said with a legitimate reason, "As for the information, I can tell you at any time."


    "But don''t forget about the traitor, the reinforcements from the Security Bureau are about to arrive."


    "If they arrive and then the traitor is caught, you''ll receive a lot less credit and lose a lot of face."


    "So, let''s catch the traitor first. Then I''ll tell you the information. Wouldn''t that be better?"


    After hearing Fang Ze''s words, Bai Zhi pondered for a while, then looked at Fang Ze suspiciously...

 Chapter 69 60. Begin the Capture of Golden Fox! (Seeking monthly votes!)

    ```


    She always felt as if something was not quite right, but she couldn''t quite put her finger on it.


    So, she nodded, "That makes some sense, I suppose."


    Then, tentatively, she said, "I can tell you the clues and intelligence information."


    "However, I must make it clear in advance. Due to earlier waste, we no longer have any lie-detection-ss Extraordinary Artifacts on hand."


    She paused, then added, "Nor do we have any other simr artifacts."


    "So, you will have to rely on your ''brain'' to find the mole."


    When she said "brain," she emphasized the word, clearly remembering how Fang Ze had previously mocked her forck of intelligence in his letter.


    Fang Ze nodded unconcernedly and then said confidently, "Don''t worry. Catching a mole is no big deal. No Extraordinary Artifact is needed."


    "I already have a rough n in mind. I just need some clues from you to narrow down the range."


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s words, Bai Zhi furrowed her brows deeply...


    No need for a Lie Detection Treasure?


    Not even any Transcendent Artifact?


    Just relying on brainpower and reasoning?


    How could that be possible...?


    She had used artifacts to interrogate so many people, spent so much time, and still hadn''t found the mole. And Fang Ze could do it without anything?


    She felt it was almost magical.


    Could this guy really just be here to trick her out of intelligence?


    With that thought, Bai Zhi involuntarily opened her mouth, then asked, "Fang Ze, do you think this could be a possibility?"


    "You contacted us today, put on this show deliberately, just to trick the intelligence out of us, to see how much we know about your aplices'' clues."


    "Then, is it to facilitate your aplice''s hiding and escape?"


    Hearing Bai Zhi''s words, Fang Ze couldn''t help butugh out loud.


    He said, "Commissioner... if your brain really isn''t that sharp, please don''t overthink things. When you do, I can''t help butugh."


    Bai Zhi had never been subjected to such "humiliation" before; her beautiful face flushed red. She stared at Fang Ze, unconvinced.


    Smiling, Fang Ze exined, "Commissioner. Think about it."


    "If... I wanted to help an ''aplice'' escape, why would I have escaped alone the day before yesterday?"


    "Wouldn''t it have been better for us to arrange a n together, using the Awakening Ability to Transfer, or for him to escape in the chaos?"


    "Moreover, after my escape, the Special Case Team should have been under martialw."


    "My ''aplice'' trapped under your tight security. Even if I knew his information, how would that help him escape?"


    "Besides, let''s say my purpose isn''t to aid his escape but to help him hide. But don''t forget, reinforcements from the Security Bureau are arriving in two days. What''s the point of hiding for two more days?"


    "You weren''t nning to catch the mole in these two days anyway. Isn''t what I''m doing superfluous?"


    Listenting to Fang Ze''s well-reasoned argument, Bai Zhi''s face turned alternately red and white. Clearly embarrassed by her previous suspicion, she had to keep quiet and then signaled to Bai Ling to tell Fang Ze the intelligence information....


    ......


    Five minutester, Fang Ze listened attentively to the intelligence narrated by Bai Ling.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    How should it be put... He thought his previous ridicule was justified.


    These two silly girls, one big and one small, thought they could solve the case?


    It would be fortunate if they weren''t toyed with andpletely fooled.


    The reason Fang Ze was so critical was because, after all this time, the girls had only "lie detection" as useful information. They had nothing else.


    If Fang Ze hadn''t already had a n in mind, he might have been at a loss on the spot.


    While internally criticizing, Fang Ze picked up a twig and started scribbling on the ground, re-calcting the problem Bai Zhi had worked on.


    The ability of lie detection could be used 44 times, but in reality it had been used 49 times.


    That''s 5 times too many.


    Since it''s an odd number, it implies that there is at least one mole, if not more, among the ordinary investigators.


    There could be at most two moles, or fewer, within myself, the 5 prime suspects, and the Security Bureau Commissioner.


    The first statue broke only after the 24th investigator was scrutinized, and the first 24 people investigated were all different.


    This means that among the first 24 people, two masked their presence from the artifact''s test, and the 24th investigator is definitely not the mole.


    Excluding myself and Wang Hao, whose identity was confirmed in the Late-Night Investigation Room, there are only 21 people left.


    Among these 21 people, there are 3 prime suspects: the chief, Shan Hui, Cui Xuemin; 11 Security Bureau Commissioners, and 7 investigators.


    If the two moles are among the investigators, and neither the prime suspects nor the Security Bureau Commissioners are moles,


    That would mean there are 5 moles among the 14 investigators (21 people, minus myself, Wang Hao, Cui Xuemin, and the other six prime suspects and the deceased Han Kaiwei).


    Moreover, these five moles inexplicably killed Han Kaiwei while Bai Zhi was investigating Cui Xuemin and the four others.


    The probability of that is too small.


    So, it''s very likely that out of the three moles, two are among the three prime suspects and 11 Security Bureau Commissioners.


    One is among the 14 investigators.


    And ording to Bai Zhi, after I escaped, one investigator tried to follow, but was caught on the spot and killed, bearing the mark of the organization (Chapter 46).


    With that, there are only two moles left. They should be among the prime suspects and the 11 Security Bureau Commissioners.


    The range has been narrowed down directly to 14 people, which isn''t a big problem for Fang Ze''s n.


    Having thought this through, Fang Ze contemted seriously for a moment, and after confirming there were no issues, he said to Bai Zhi, "Commissioner. I know how to find these two moles now. I just need some cooperation from your side."


    .......


    While Fang Ze was calcting, Bai Zhi and Bai Ling were sitting on the bed, also whispering quietly to each other.


    ```


    Bai Ling, "Bai, do you think Fang Ze can really do it?"


    Bai Zhi shook her head, "I don''t know."


    She whispered, "But I always feel it''s very difficult."


    "We''ve analyzed and calcted it too, and at most we can only narrow the target down to a range of a dozen people. We can''t narrow it down any further."


    "The internal traitor isn''t a carp that will jump out by itself. So...."


    She had only gotten halfway through her sentence when Fang Ze''s voice rang in her ears, "Commissioner, I know how to find the two traitors. I just need your cooperation."


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s words, Bai Zhi momentarily stopped the words that were about to leave her mouth, as she and Bai Ling exchanged a nce, both reading surprise in each other''s eyes.


    He has a n so soon?


    The two of us have been pondering for days without a clue!


    Could it be.... are we really that dumb?


    With this thought, Bai Zhi couldn''t help but look towards Fang Ze, and then asked, "Are you sure? Can you really find the traitor?"


    Fang Ze smiled, then said,


    "Although I can''t be 100% certain, I''m pretty close to it."


    "But I need to confirm one thing first."


    "Without the cooperation of othermissioners from the Security Bureau, are you sure you can capture or suppress the traitor once we find them?"


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s words, Bai Zhi and Bai Ling looked at each other again and saw a hint of amusement in each other''s eyes.


    Bai Zhi said decisively, "Of course."


    She paused for a moment, adding with confidence, "Taking thosemissioners with us is actually just to train them. In a real fight, they''d only hold us back."


    "If I can''t capture that traitor, then their going after them would be even less effective."


    Bai Ling added, "Fang Ze, you might think Bai is always using her brains. But actually, this is her first time solving a case."


    "Her position at the Security Bureau was earned through fighting."


    Fang Ze nodded, understanding....


    .....


    Half an hourter, Fang Ze had detailed the first step of the n to the two of them, then had them recite it back to him in detail.


    After confirming there were no issues, Fang Ze paused themunication, instructing them to proceed with the n, and to contact him once they hadpleted the first step.


    Looking at the inactive Windbreeze Flower, Bai Zhi and Bai Ling faced each other.


    Now that Fang Ze wasn''t present, their conversation could be more straightforward.


    Bai Zhi frowned, then asked Bai Ling for her opinion, "Bai, what do you think... is the n feasible? Can we... trust him?"


    Bai Ling looked at Bai Zhi, then naively said, "Bai, I''m not sure if the n is feasible. But I know he should be trustworthy."


    Bai Zhi asked curiously, "Why?"


    Bai Ling replied, "Because... he''s the first person to return my money."


    "Even including you... you still haven''t paid me back for the fruit tea you asked me to buy half a month ago."


    Bai Zhi: .......


    "Bai, do you believe it? It seems like you have an Awakening talent that makes people forget to pay you back...."


    Bai Ling: ??


    ........


    Late at night.


    Special Case Team. Temporary residence.


    Cui Xuemin had been standing by the window for a long time; his face marked with astonishment, disbelief, and confusion.


    "The ranger is dead too?"


    "How is that possible?"


    "His strength isn''t weak, and his ability to protect himself is so strong. Even if he was a bit careless, he shouldn''t have been killed, right?"


    "What kind of terrifying ability did that periphery member Awaken?"


    The n going out of control had left him a bit panicked for the moment.


    Andbining that with the increasingly strict control of the Special Case Team''s outwardly rxed but inwardly tense state over the past few days, his ominous premonition grew stronger.


    "This won''t do... we can''t keep going like this. It looks like I need to get reinforcements here sooner...."


    Just as he was thinking this, suddenly, his room door was knocked on "bang, bang, bang."


    Startled, he steadied himself and asked in a voice as if he had just been woken up, "Who is it?"


    A voice from an Investigator came through the door, "Investigator Cui, themissioner from the Security Bureau requests your presence."


    Hearing the Investigator''s words, Cui Xuemin hesitated for a moment, then couldn''t help but nce at the clock in his dormitory.


    It was already 1 am.


    A summons at this time?


    It feels like there might be something wrong....


    With that thought, he asked, "What''s the matter?"


    The Investigator said, "I''m not sure. Everyone has just been asked toe out all of a sudden."


    Hearing the word "everyone."


    Cui Xuemin''s heart slightly rxed.


    If it wasn''t just him being summoned, then it probably wasn''t the worst possibility.


    With that in mind, he said, "Alright. I''lle out now."

 Chapter 70 61. Cui Xuemin Panics (Please Recommend!)

    He spoke, emitting sounds of getting out of bed and dressing up. Then, slightly tousling his hair, he yawned and walked out.


    Upon exiting the dorm, the Investigator pointed to the outside of the temporary residence and said, "The Director said we can assemble outside."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Investigator Cui nodded and then walked out leisurely.


    Upon arriving at the open space outside the temporary residence, he discovered that, besides himself, there were also severalmissioners from the Security Bureau who had been called out.


    Bai Zhi and Bai Ling stood in front of everyone, patiently waiting. Next to them stood a person in a ck robe, whose purpose was unknown.


    Shortly after, when Director Pang also arrived at the open space, Bai Zhi slowly began, "Everyone knows that there is a traitor among our special case team."


    "And not just one."


    "After the previous two rounds of screening, the suspects have already been narrowed down to among you."


    "Since the traitor is very cunning, I specifically invited a Lie Detector from the bureau to assist me in a new round of screening."


    "I know that the traitor possesses either an Extraordinary Item or an Awakening Ability that can shield against lie detection."


    "But this time, the lie detector is a person; as soon as you dare to use any ability or item, you will be immediately discovered."


    "So, I advise you all to think carefully."


    Hearing Bai Zhi''s words, the Investigators andmissioners below exchanged nces.


    Clearly, nobody expected that they were all gathered together in the dead of the night again just to catch a traitor!


    Moreover, there''s more than one traitor?


    At this moment, Investigator Cui was even more shocked, "More than one traitor?"


    "Are you kidding?"


    "In the whole special case team, apart from Han Kaiwei, I''m the only member of the organization..."


    "Could it be from that mysterious organization behind the tycoon?"


    "Or perhaps ... nted by some other saint?"


    Thinking of this, he couldn''t help but recall his conversation that day with the saint.


    His movements within the special case team were known clearly by other saints in the organization. (Chapter 28)


    This meant that there might indeed be other organization members around him that he was unaware of.


    Plus, with the sudden appearance of a Lie Detector in the special case team, Investigator Cui feltpletely unsettled...


    At this moment, Bai Zhi spoke again.


    She said, "Of course, I''m not without sympathy. Having worked with you all for so long, I have developed certain feelings. I''m willing to give everyone onest chance."


    "Thus, I promise that the first person who admits their own identity as a traitor and provides me with intelligence about their backing organization will be dealt with leniently."


    "If the intelligence is valuable enough, you could even be an informant and receive protection from the Security Bureau."


    "As for the other person who doesn''te forward voluntarily... Sorry. You can only pray that you manage to escape from my hands."


    "You all know, when I lose my temper, I never leave survivors."


    As she spoke, her whole body suddenly erupted with an astonishing aura. Simultaneously, five dazzling stars quietly floated out behind her.


    These five stars formed a hexagram pattern missing a corner, ethereal and vast, inducing awe at a nce.


    Everyone present changed theirplexion.


    For this signified that Bai Zhi had fused with fiveplete Awakening Abilities, and was just a step away from the Spirit Ascension stage.


    To say nothing of within the special case team or Qingshan City, even in the Emerald City region or the whole of Xida State, she would be considered a master.


    At this moment, Investigator Cui''s hands were clenched tightly.


    He felt trouble was brewing.


    ''This crazy woman, is she for real?''


    ''And when did she fuse another ability?''


    ''This wasn''t in the intelligence reports.''


    ''What should I do now?''


    While Investigator Cui was anxious, each suspect was thoroughly searched to confirm they carried no Extraordinary Items and then escorted to separate rooms for istion.


    Investigators without suspicion were grouped in threes, keeping watch at the windows of the rooms to prevent them from escaping or contacting each other.


    Investigator Cui was also brought to an Investigator''s dorm alone.


    Inside the dorm, he suppressed the agitation in his heart, sat by the table, and then patiently waited for his interrogation.


    As he waited, he gradually calmed down, and his mood rxed slightly.


    Firstly, he believed it was very unlikely that reinforcements from the Security Bureau had arrived; this could all just be a setup.


    After all, if the reinforcements had truly arrived, there wouldn''t just be one Lie Detector. That wouldn''t match the Security Bureau''s style.


    Secondly, even if that Lie Detector had arrived early and they discovered his and another member''s identity issues,


    as long as he and the other member kept their mouths shut, they wouldn''t be able to extract the organization''s information and deal with him.


    Thinking this, he suddenly felt unease again...


    Even if he could ensure to keep mum, could the other organization member guarantee the same?


    What if he spoke?


    Then wouldn''t he be doomed?


    Bai Zhi, that crazy woman, was indeed capable ofmitting acts of torture.


    Thinking of this, he could not help but feel anxious and wanted to stand up and walk around.


    However, seeing that an investigator was constantly watching him, he could only take a deep breath or two and make sure not to show any signs of abnormality.


    He felt that he must calm down.


    Not to mention that there might not be any other traitors, it could just be Bai Zhi deceiving him.


    Even if there were, he had to trust everyone''s faith in the organization! He couldn''t be paranoid!


    Moreover, the organization''s reinforcements were about to arrive, and by then, they would surely be able to rescue the two of them.


    So... he must not lose hisposure.


    Just as his thoughts grew tangled, suddenly, his door was pushed open.


    Bai Zhi, Bai Ling, and the person dressed in a ck robe walked in.


    Seeing the three of them, Cui Xuemin quickly adjusted his mood and then, narrowing his eyes slightly, he smiled faintly, gave a formal salute, and said, "Good day, officer."


    Bai Zhi nodded, then said, "Don''t be nervous, we are just going to simply confirm your identity for the first time."


    At this, she went straight to the point and asked, "Are you the traitor in the Special Case Team?"


    Cui Xuemin''s hand inadvertently touched the seam of his trousers as he sincerely said, "I am not!"


    Bai Zhi nodded, then looked toward the person in the ck robe.


    Cui Xuemin also discreetly looked at the person in the ck robe.


    Then he only saw the person in the ck robe take out a notebook, make two cross marks on it, and then show it to Bai Zhi.


    Bai Zhi, upon seeing the pattern, obviously stiffened for a moment. Her body tensed, as if slowly gathering energy, then she looked at Cui Xuemin, smiled meaningfully, and said, "Investigator Cui, is there anything you would like to tell us?"


    Seeing Bai Zhi''s expression, a sudden nervousness struck Cui Xuemin''s heart.


    Could it be... that person was really the Lie Detector?


    Had he really arrived so quickly?


    That shouldn''t be, right?


    Because he suspected Bai Zhi was deceiving him, Cui Xuemin, although worried, pretended to look puzzled and said, "Ah? I have nothing to say, officer."


    Bai Zhi looked at him intensely and said casually, "Alright. Since you don''t feel like speaking, there''s no rush. I''ll go see if yourpanion has anything to say."


    Saying this, she led Bai Ling and the person in the ck robe, without any hesitation, out of Cui Xuemin''s room.


    Upon leaving, she also deliberately instructed in front of Cui Xuemin, "Keep a close eye on Investigator Cui. Notify me immediately if there''s any issue."


    "Yes!" the investigators outside the door promptly responded.


    Inside the room, Cui Xuemin''s hand involuntarily clenched tightly...


    Subsequently, Bai Zhi and herpanions used the same method, the same state, and the same "instructions" to sequentially visit Director Pang, Wang Hao, Shan Hui, Gao Shu, and all other personnel under suspicion.


    Just like that, after a full round, the three people returned to the clearing.


    Upon arriving at the clearing, the person in the ck robe slightly bowed to Bai Zhi and Bai Ling, then consciously stood back, giving the two space.


    Bai Zhi and Bai Ling gave the person a nce and then whispered amongst themselves.


    Bai Ling, "Bai, what exactly are we doing by Fang Ze''smand? Why can''t I understand at all?"


    Bai Zhi frowned and pondered for a while, then shook her head, "I don''t know either."


    "But... it''s better to trust someone wholly than to harbor doubts. Let''s contact him now."


    Saying this, the two pulled out Windbreeze Flowers from their pockets and connected themunication.


    When themunication came through, via the Windbreeze Flowers, they saw Fang Ze apparently sweating profusely as he busied himself.


    Bai Ling leaned closer and couldn''t help but ask, "Fang Ze, what are you doing?"


    Hearing their voices, Fang Ze wiped the sweat off his forehead and, without answering her question, immediately asked, "Is the taskpleted?"


    Indeed, the two''s curiosity was sessfully diverted by Fang Ze.


    Bai Zhi nodded, then said, "Everything was done as you instructed."


    At this, she couldn''t help but ask, "But... I still don''t understand, what are you doing?"


    She paused, then added, "With these arrangements, can you really catch the traitor?"


    Hearing Bai Zhi''s words, Fang Ze couldn''t help but smile.


    As the most famous theory from the past life''s game theory¡ªthe Prisoner''s Dilemma¡ªit had been validated by numerous experiments and was even used extensively by various transmigrators before.


    This also proved its effectiveness.


    Although the original situation didn''t align with the Prisoner''s Dilemma,


    But... Fang Ze had intentionally gathered all the suspects and had Bai Zhi announce "not just one traitor," "leniency for whoever confesses first," and "no mercy for thetter confessors," before separating them, thereby artificially creating a Prisoner''s Dilemma!


    In the face of the threat of death, trust is the most fragile.


    Especially when you don''t know how your aplices will choose, once you decide to conceal, you''re essentially cing your life in the hands of others.


    The psychological pressure and the level of trust needed aren''t something ordinary people can withstand or possess.


    Of course, Fang Ze also considered whether, after the organization''s indoctrination, these people''s wills could be strong enough to endure this pressure.


    So... he also prepared a subsequent n, adding the final straw to their fragile psyches...


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze chuckled and said, "Whether or not the traitor can be caught, you''ll find out soon."


    "Next, carry out the next step of the n."

 Chapter 71 62. Golden Fox Captured (Part 1)

    ```


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, Bai Zhi couldn''t help but ask, "The next step of the n?"


    Fang Ze nodded, and then said nonchntly, "Don''t you want to know the intelligence regarding the organization?"


    "I can give you some of it now."


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, Bai Zhi and Bai Ling exchanged a surprised look.


    Previously, Fang Ze had intentionally been withholding information about the organization, which had caused them to have some doubts.


    They worried that Fang Ze might be deliberately leading them on.


    But because they wanted to take the risk, and after hearing Fang Ze''s n, they did not think anything would go wrong. So they had agreed.


    They had assumed that Fang Ze would not disclose the specific intelligence until the very end, so they were not in a hurry.


    But who would have known that only halfway through the n, Fang Ze would suddenly decide to share the intelligence?


    Fang Ze, however, ignored their surprise and methodically divulged the details of the organization''s intelligence.


    The intelligence he possessed was not extensive. It was just some information about the organization''s purpose, its manifesto, and the scope of its activities.


    However, for the uing n, and for Bai Zhi, who had not gained much until now, this was enough.


    After listening to Fang Ze, Bai Zhi frowned thoughtfully and murmured, "The Rejuvenation Society?"


    "The disaster fifty years ago?"


    "The secret covered up by the Federation?"


    "Their activities span the entire Eastern Administrative Region, with infiltrations into eight states?"


    Listening to the intelligence provided by Fang Ze, Bai Zhi did not harbor much suspicion.


    Although she did not understand why Fang Ze wanted to cooperate with her or what his real intentions were, she could tell that Fang Ze was indeed wholeheartedly helping her catch the mole.


    Moreover, this intelligence coincidentally matched a secret known only to the nobility.


    Therefore, she was 70% confident that this intelligence was authentic.


    With this in mind, Bai Zhi looked at Fang Ze once more with newfound seriousness.


    ''This man is talented...''


    Although she didn''t know if Fang Ze could truly help her catch the mole, the fact that he had obtained this intelligence in only two days made Bai Zhi take him more seriously.


    While she was thinking this, Fang Ze suddenly spoke up again.


    He said, "Have you memorized the intelligence I just shared with you?"


    Bai Zhi snapped out of her thoughts, and together with Bai Ling, they nodded.


    Then Fang Ze said, "Now, cooperate and put on a y. Share the intelligence I told you with every suspect!"


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, Bai Zhi and Bai Ling were once again surprised.


    They had the intent to question, but Fang Ze had already begun exining his n.


    So they could only hold back their doubts and listen attentively to Fang Ze''s n.


    After hearing Fang Ze''s n, the two exchanged a look and saw shock in each other''s eyes.


    Poisonous! It was extraordinarily diabolical!


    This was clearly pushing the moles into a corner.


    Even though they still didn''t understand what Fang Ze meant by "game theory" and "prisoner''s dilemma," they could see the terror in such maniptive tactics that directly targeted the darkest aspects of human nature.


    No wonder Fang Ze didn''t need an Extraordinary Artifact to catch the moles.


    With such a method, who needed Extraordinary Artifacts!


    For a moment, the way they looked at Fang Ze changed.


    Fang Ze, feeling a bit puzzled, nced at them and said, "What are you staring at me for? Go on, get to work!"


    Although among the three of them, Fang Ze was the lowest in rank, perhaps because the n had made such an impression on them, they obediently nodded and then prepared to discontinuemunication to begin the second round of the n.


    Just at that moment, Fang Ze suddenly said, "Wait a second."


    The two stopped in their tracks.


    Fang Ze said, "Be careful. Watch out for their desperate bacsh."


    Bai Zhi''s gaze sharpened, and then she nodded earnestly...


    .......


    Bluewater Forest.


    Fang Ze ended themunication, wiped the sweat from his brow, and said to One Two Three, who was digging traps, "Come on, One Two Three!"


    "The first time, that group of three caught up with me at night."


    "The second time, the ranger caught up with me in the afternoon."


    "Based on the timing, our next wave of enemies will likely catch up with us this morning or early in the day."


    "So, we must finish setting the traps before dawn and make the necessary preparations!"


    "That way, we won''t have to worry about being powerless when the pursuers arrive!"


    One Two Three responded with two growls, which served as an acknowledgment, and then he resumed eagerly digging the trap with a wooden shovel.


    Fang Ze took the towel from around his neck, wiped off his sweat, and then cheered loudly, "Come on! Come on! Come on!"


    A momentter, he wiped his sweat again and fanned himself,menting, "Ah, it''s so hot today, being a cheerleader is really exhausting."


    ......


    Meanwhile, back at the Special Case Team.


    Bai Zhi and Bai Ling began the second round of mole-hunting probing ording to Fang Ze''s n.


    "Wang Hao! Stop pretending! We already know you''re the mole from the lie detection results, and in our first round of investigations, we''ve also pinpointed another aplice of yours."


    "Are you nning to confess on your own for a lighter sentence, or will you wait to see if your aplice betrays you?"


    "What?" Wang Hao said,pletely bewildered.


    After a moment, the dormitory door swung open, and Bai Ling walked in excitedly,


    "Bai, Wang Hao''s aplice has confessed."


    "Oh?"


    Read thetest on empire


    Bai Ling said, "Their organization is called the Rejuvenation Society. Their main area of activity is the Eastern Region, and their purpose is...."


    Wang Hao: ???


    .....


    "Gao Shu! Stop pretending! We already know you''re the mole from the lie detection results, and also..."


    ```


    "Now, do you n to confess on your own, to lighten your punishment, or..."


    "Bai, Gao Shu''s aplices have already confessed."


    "Oh?"


    "The organization they belong to is called the Rejuvenation Society. Its main area of activity..."


    ....


    "Director Pang! Stop pretending! We already know you''re the mole, thanks to the lie detector results..."


    .....


    Simr conversations were heard in each of the rooms where suspects were held.


    And every time, they were met with the bewildered and puzzled looks of the Investigators and Commissioners.


    And after probing for a while, the two dropped a line, "Seems like you''re still ying tough, then stay locked up here for now!" and left the room.


    Yet, with each exit from a room, their spirits sank a little more.


    They were sure that Fang Ze''s n was foolproof. But... it was as if they couldn''t find a single mole that would take the bait.


    Were they just unlucky? Having questioned so many people without finding a single mole?


    Or was Fang Ze''s so-called "Prisoner''s Dilemma" ineffective?


    At this point, Bai Ling''s face was increasingly losing confidence. She gnawed on her fingernails like a worried little hamster.


    Bai Zhi, on the other hand, was moreposed.


    It wasn''t that she trusted Fang Ze more, but rather that the partial intelligence on the organization she had received from Fang Ze was already worth the risk.


    So even if they didn''t catch the mole, she wouldn''t be too disappointed.


    Thus, they went from room to room, visiting eight suspects in total, all to no avail.


    Finally, they came to the ninth room: Cui Xuemin''s room...


    ......


    At this time, Cui Xuemin was actually more nervous than they were.


    He had no idea that all of this was a trap.


    Being locked up alone in the room, unable to contact his aplice, not even knowing who it was, the pressure inside him kept mounting.


    The threat to his life from Bai Zhi''s strength also terrified him.


    He was tempted to stubbornly hold out, but he feared his aplice giving up information first, rendering his resistance meaningless.


    He thought about escaping, but he didn''t have any Transcendent Artifacts that could facilitate a transfer, and after seeing Bai Zhi''s strength, he knew it was almost impossible to get away.


    Thus, he could only keep resisting in the room, hoping that Bai Zhi was really just trying to bluff him.


    And while he was thinking this, his room door was pushed open from the outside.


    Bai Zhi walked in alone.


    Seeing Bai Zhi, Cui Xuemin quicklyposed himself, then smiled at Bai Zhi and said, "Commissioner, do we have results? Can I go now?"


    Upon hearing Cui Xuemin''s words, Bai Zhi, with a cold face, looked at him and said, "Cui Xuemin. Stop pretending. We just found out that you''re one of the moles."


    "We just wanted to confirm who your aplice is, so we didn''t deal with you for the time being."


    "Now your aplice is already under control."


    "Bai Ling is currently interrogating him. I''m here to give you onest chance, out of respect for your father. Will you confess or not?"


    Hearing Bai Zhi''s words, Cui Xuemin''s face showed a perfectly eager and perplexed expression, "Commissioner! What are you talking about?"


    "You know me! My father works for the Security Bureau, how could I possibly betray the Security Bureau?"


    "There must be some misunderstanding here. Please don''t be deceived by others!"


    Bai Zhi shook her head in disappointment, "It seems you still harbor some unrealistic hopes."


    And just as she said that, suddenly, the dormitory door was "thud thud thud" knocked on.


    Bai Zhi said, "Come in."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Bai Ling entered excitedly from outside and then said to Bai Zhi, "Bai! The other side confessed!"


    With that said, she looked at Cui Xuemin with pity, then approached Bai Zhi.


    Upon hearing Bai Ling''s words, Cui Xuemin clenched his fists tightly, reassuring himself in his mind: Impossible, it can''t be. They must be bluffing me! They have to be!


    But just then, he heard Bai Ling whisper to Bai Zhi, "They said their organization is called the Rejuvenation Society, a group that has been established for 50 years. Their main area of activity is the Eastern Administrative Region. The purpose of their establishment is to uncover..."


    Hearing Bai Ling''s words, Cui Xuemin''s head buzzed!


    They confessed!


    They actually confessed!


    That damned bastard really betrayed the organization! Spilled everything!


    It''s over! All is lost!


    Thinking of what would happen to him now that the other side had confessed, thinking of that madwoman Bai Zhi and the things she had done!


    A great despair welled up within him!


    His eyes reddened as he looked at Bai Zhi, then suddenly yanked a button from the seam of his trousers and threw it at Bai Zhi.


    Then he erupted with astonishing strength and lunged toward the window!


    With a "crash," the ss shattered, and Cui Xuemin jumped out of the window.


    He let out a long howl, his body glittering with gold, and as he faced the bright moonlight, he transformed into a massive fox, at least a dozen meters tall!


    The fox was covered in golden fur, sleek and fluffy; with every move, it sparked like needles of light.


    Then, with resentful eyes, the fox took onest look back at Bai Zhi, who was frantically catching the "Law Prohibition decree" made button, then pushed off with four limbs and bounded away into the distance!


    Meanwhile, inside the room.


    The sudden turn of events didn''t rm Bai Zhi. On the contrary, her face was filled with excitement.


    "Fang Ze''s method actually worked!"


    "We really tricked the mole into revealing himself!"


    "So it was you!"


    "This time we''ve caught a big fish!"


    With that, she threw the button aside with a "snap!" and turned to Bai Ling, "Keep a close watch on the other suspects! Don''t let them escape! Wait for me for 30 seconds!"


    "Yes!" Bai Ling responded excitedly with a salute!


    Then Bai Zhi leaped out of the temporary residence!

 Chapter 72 63. Golden Fox Caught in the Net (Part 2)

    In the dark jungle, a mountainous golden fox stepped on the treetops, covering several meters in a single stride as it dashed rapidly towards the distance!


    As it ran, it sent signals to the outside world, hoping to inform its reinforcements toe and support it.


    It had a father working at the Security Bureau, so it was well aware of the terror of that insane woman, Bai Zhi.


    Although her mind was not right and her early years'' experiences had caused her to be extremely obsessive and highly murderous,


    it was also the reason why her power was so formidable, ranking her among the topbat forces arranged by the Security Bureau in the five cities within Emerald City''s jurisdiction!


    Even her strength alone qualified her topete with that freak for the position of the next Bureau Chief of Emerald City!


    Furthermore, her methods were brutal and bloody. So, it was really hard for him to imagine what would happen if he fell into Bai Zhi''s hands!


    And while he thought this,


    suddenly, he saw a huge full moon light up before him.


    The moon was as huge as a mountain, standing in the sky out of nowhere.


    The Golden Fox''s pupils slightly contracted, and a foreboding feeling suddenly arose in its heart.


    Sure enough, the moon slowly rotated, and from behind it emerged a statue of Guanyin with countless arms.


    The Guanyin bore a resemnce to Bai Zhi, her body was blood-red; two of her hands were at her chest, one dragging upwards, the other forming a spell, with hundreds more stretched out behind her.


    Her eyes were tightly closed, yet her face bore a terrifying furious expression.


    Upon seeing the Guanyin, the Golden Fox trembled all over, feeling a chill, "...Wrathful Kuan Yin...."


    Hearing his address, the statue slowly said, "It seems your father has told you a lot of information."


    "No wonder, we''ve been led by the nose the whole time¡ªno wonder, we couldn''t find any information about your organization."


    Saying this, she paused, then continued,


    "However, out of respect for Director Cui, I will let you keep your two hands."


    "After all, who made you my junior?"


    As she said this, the statue''s eyes suddenly opened wide, and she roared, "Thousand-Handed Buddha Dance!"


    That instant, aside from the two hands in front of her chest, the thousand hands behind her swung out one after another!


    "Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!"


    It was like a bomb sweeping thend!


    10 secondster, Bai Zhi, wearing a white long dress, emerged from the dust carrying the blood-soaked and critically injured Cui Xuemin.


    As the dust settled, half of the forest was destroyed, trees fallen, debris and broken branches everywhere¡ªit looked as if a natural disaster had struck.....


    "Indeed... fighting still suits me best." Bai Zhi smiled beautifully, her pale yet gorgeous face losing a shade of color...n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ....


    Meanwhile, Fang Ze in the deep forest seemed to sense something and looked in the direction of the forest edge.


    After a moment, noticing nothing unusual, he shook his head and resumed oiling One Two Three with a towel...


    ....


    By the time Bai Zhi returned to the Special Case Team, she found that the team had descended into chaos.


    There were two or three bodies on the floor; Bai Ling had transformed into her Leopard Woman form, her ears fluffy and a tail added to her back.


    At that moment, she was holding a dagger, squatting on the ground, stabbing a corpse.


    The confused investigators andmissioners surrounded her.


    Bai Zhi dropped Cui Xuemin to the ground with a "thump" and asked, "What''s going on, Bai Ling?"


    Upon hearing Bai Zhi''s voice, Bai Ling turned around with a look of joy and said, "Bai! You''re back!"


    Bai Zhi nodded and then asked again, "What are you doing? Weren''t you supposed to be watching the suspect?"


    As Bai Ling exined, Bai Zhi came to understand the whole story.


    Shortly after she chased Cui Xuemin, the Special Case Team had faced a crisis.


    Whether it was Cui Xuemin''s long howl or not, the previously inconspicuous Shan Hui had suddenly attacked, killing two guards and then fleeing into the forest.


    Bai Ling quickly chased after him and caught him halfway.


    Seeing that escape was hopeless, Shan Hui detonated himself, not giving Bai Ling a chance to capture him alive.


    Looking at the half-blown body of Shan Hui and seeing the small piece of "Law Prohibition" and the insignia of the organization that Bai Ling had found on him,


    Bai Zhi thought for a moment, then silently nodded her head.


    She calcted. ording to the previous 49 lie detection tests, a total of five people in the Special Case Team had evaded lie detection.


    The main targets Cui Xuemin and Shan Hui had each undergone two lie detection tests, and a previously escaped and then suicided investigator had one.


    Together, the numbers were exactly correct.


    At this thought, she pondered a moment.


    With that being said, all the traitors must have been caught, right?


    Plus, some intelligence about the organization was obtained.


    And on top of that, the most crucial of the three traitors, Cui Xuemin, along with his father. Bai Zhi suddenly felt as if everything wasing to light!


    It seemed like she did quite a good job with this case, didn''t she?


    Who would dare say she was all brawn and no brains after this!


    Of course, she hadn''t forgotten the person who had allowed her to redeem her reputation.


    ''Fang Ze really seemed to be quite something....''


    ''He''s a thinker!''


    ''Thebat effectiveness of my own team is strong, but itcked someone like him!''


    ''I can''t let him slip through my fingers....''


    ''Even if I have to tie him up, he''sing back with me.''


    With this in mind, she turned to a Commissioner of the Security Bureau next to her and instructed, "Bring me the Law Prohibition handcuffs and the Muscle Rxant Needle."


    Hearing her order, the Commissioner quickly went to the secret base and retrieved these treasures used for restraining Awakeners.


    They flipped Cui Xuemin over, handcuffed him with the Law Prohibition handcuffs, and then injected him with a Muscle Rxant Needle. Bai Zhi beautifully wrapped things up with a satisfied mind.


    She then soothed the Special Case Team members who had been tormented all night, picked up Cui Xuemin, and prepared to head back to the secret base to personally keep watch over him.


    Just as she was about to ascend the stairs, it seemed like she remembered something. She then twisted around and said to Bai Ling, "Oh right, Bai Ling. Remember to notify Fang Ze that everything is over."


    At this, she paused for a moment, then added, "Also, tell him I won''t go back on the deal I promised him."


    "The defensive treasures he needs are with me. We can meet tomorrow at a set time, and I''ll hand them over to him."


    "As for the reward he asked for..."


    "Although I can''t guarantee the full 500,000, getting 300,000 should still be fine."


    "If it''s less than 300,000, I''ll cover the difference!"


    "I, Bai Zhi, keep my word and never shortchange those who work with me!"


    Having said this, she picked up Cui Xuemin, hummed a song, and prepared to head upstairs.


    Behind her, Bai Ling blinked and muttered softly, "What about my fruit tea money....."


    Bai Zhi might not have heard, even though she was clearly very capable, she still stumbled on the stairs....


    ......


    Half an hourter, sitting on a tree and patiently waiting for the next wave of enemies, Fang Ze received amunication request from Bai Ling.


    Upon connecting, Bai Ling''s excited voice came through, "Fang Ze! You''re really amazing!"


    He hadn''t yet heard the details, but Fang Ze could guess the oue.


    So he waved a hand dismissively and said, "It''s all small stuff. I told you, catching a traitor isn''t that hard."


    He might have been dismissive, but Bai Ling blinked herrge eyes and then earnestly said, "It''s hard! You know, I''ve never seen Bai so happy."


    "She said she won''t short you a single cent of what she promised."


    "Four pieces of defensive equipment are ready, and she also managed to secure a minimum of 300,000 Lini for you."


    Hearing Bai Ling''s words, Fang Ze just smiled and said nothing more.


    Rewards didn''t concern him much at the moment. What he was most concerned about was whether the "Golden Fox" had been captured or dealt with.


    So, he carefully inquired about the whole sequence of events.


    And when he heard that Cui Xuemin had transformed into a giant golden fox and then escaped over the moon,


    he was stunned for a moment.


    "A golden fox? Golden Fox? Is that him?" Fang Ze pondered, stroking his chin.


    And when he heard Bai Ling say, "When Cui Xuemin came back, he was in a sorry state. Not only was he beaten ck and blue, covered in bruises, unconscious, but he also had Law Prohibition handcuffs on and had been injected with Muscle Rxant Needle. He had absolutely no ability to resist."


    Discover exclusive content at empire


    Fang Ze was again momentarily stunned.


    Beaten to a pulp?


    With Law Prohibition handcuffs? Injected with a Muscle Rxant Needle? Completely without the ability to resist?


    Whoa whoa whoa?


    Why does it feel like..... this is the reward for me?


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Requesting monthly votes, and nominations. Going live at midnight, June 1. Please support generously then! Thanks in advance, everyone!

 Chapter 73 64. Is Shan Hui really a traitor?

    ```


    An Awakener who had lost his powers.


    And very likely, a Fuser.


    Completely stripped of resistance capabilities, and even his Awakening Ability and physical strength were disabled.


    Isn''t this just the perfect, natural investigation target?


    Previously, a high-level Awakener had brought himself a tremendous gain named "One Two Three."


    How much would a Fuser bring to himself?


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze''s heart couldn''t help but thump wildly.


    Moreover, Cui Xuemin had nted a tracker on him. To remove the tracker, he needed to have a "confrontation" with him as well. Two birds with one stone.


    As for how Fang Ze, being so far away from Cui Xuemin, would make contact with and investigate him.


    This... wasn''t really a problem.


    Because on the day that Fang Ze gained ess to the Late-Night Investigation Room, not knowing his own identity, he made the silly decision to make contact with everyone. Cui Xuemin was among them. (Chapter 4)


    Theoretically, as long as Fang Ze wishes it, he could summon Cui Xuemin at any time.


    The only problem was that, having already investigated a ranger tonight, the number of investigations avable in the Investigation Room had been used up, so he must patiently wait another day, until tomorrow night to investigate Cui Xuemin.


    While Fang Ze was pondering this, Bai Ling roughly recounted the entire incident once more.


    Fang Ze listened to the entire ount with seeming indifference.


    Feeling that everything was progressing ording to his own ns.


    This world''s criminal investigations rely too much on Awakening Abilities and Extraordinary Items,pletely failing to develop the earlier theories of criminal psychology and game theory.


    So, faced with these tactically experimental methods for manipting people''s hearts, they inevitably cannot resist.


    All this was quite normal.


    So he nonchntly asked, "By the way, I remember you saying just now that after Cui Xuemin escaped, his aplice also tried to flee but eventually self-destructed, is that correct?"


    Bai Ling nodded and replied, "That''s right!"


    Fang Ze inquired, "Who was that person?"


    Bai Ling answered, "Shan Hui."


    "Shan Hui?"


    Upon hearing this name, Fang Ze was momentarily surprised.


    Cui Xuemin, he had made contact with, did indeed feel a bit odd. Wearing gold-rimmed sses, his eyes always narrowed, giving off the impression of a cultured beast.


    Thus, the idea that he was an insider, Fang Ze thought, was imaginable.


    But... Shan Hui.


    To be honest, Fang Ze hadn''t had much contact with Shan Hui. This old man wasn''t enthusiastic about solving cases or about his colleagues either. Enjoy new stories from empire


    Always holding a vacuum sk, with drooping eyelids, he silently searched for clues.


    Even during meetings, he would only speak up about his findings deliberately and sparingly when asked by the chief.


    At other times, he showed an indifferent attitude.


    Before the escape, Fang Ze had one contact with him. (Chapter 43)


    Even though Shan Hui was dismissive towards him, Fang Ze, who suffered from social anxiety, just wouldn''t stop chattering.


    Annoyed by Fang Ze''s pestering, Shan Hui would still respond with a word after Fang Ze went on for ten.


    Hence, gradually, Fang Ze came to understand that it wasn''t on purpose that Shan Hui was so Zen-like.


    Lower-grade cities are on the very edge of the entire Federation,cking the affection of both maternal and paternal figures, where officials did not exert control and gang powers were strong, with murder and arson beingmon urrences.


    Therefore, being an Investigator was a high-risk profession.


    Having worked in Qingshan City for half his life, Shan Hui had seen too many departures. His survival up to this point relied entirely on his carefulness and caution.


    Now, he had only a few months left until retirement.


    Of course, he became even more careful in his work, not wanting to stir up any trouble.


    In chatting with other Investigators, Fang Ze also heard about Shan Hui having a daughter at home, famously beautiful and sessful. She went to the higher-grade city Emerald City for work in an official position, married, and had a child.


    In recent years, it was said she also had a lovely daughter.


    So Shan Hui nned that after retiring, he would go live in Emerald City, spending his days with his daughter and granddaughter.


    This kind of person... an insider?


    Honestly, Fang Ze found it hard to believe.


    Was Shan Hui too cunning and calcting? Or was there... some other unknown factor?


    Fang Ze always felt there was something odd...


    But ording to Shan Hui''s reactions, the results of Lie Detection, and deductions, Shan Hui was indeed undeniably an insider.


    So Fang Ze didn''t know where the problemy.


    Might it be because Fang Ze had been silent a bit too long, Bai Ling from across the Windbreeze Flower started to grow impatient.


    She tapped on the small table in front of her and said, "Fang Ze, Fang Ze, are you listening to me?"


    "Ah?" Fang Ze came back to his senses and gave an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. I zoned out."


    "What''s up? What happened?"


    Bai Ling took out a map, pointing to it while exining, "Listen, here''s the thing."


    "Director Bai said, first thing tomorrow morning, she''ll order the withdrawal of your warrant and the entire blockade to be lifted."


    ```


    "We''ll meet here at noon tomorrow,"


    "At that time, Bai would like to have a good talk with you and give you the promised item,"


    She paused before continuing, "As for the bonus, it might be a bitte, but Bai mentioned it should be around 300,000 based on your contribution."


    "If it''s not enough, she''ll top it up for you."


    "And as for the defensive charm, she carries it with her, so she can give it to you then as well."


    Hearing Bai Ling''s words, Fang Ze smiled and said, "Alright. Thank her for me, Director Bai. Then I shall see you tomorrow at noon."


    After hanging up, Fang Ze checked the time: 2 a.m.


    He still had about five to six hours until his identity was restored.


    By then, he would shift from a criminal to a free man!


    This thought made the half month of struggle he had been through since his arrival all worthwhile!


    The mere thought filled him with joy!


    As for... meeting Bai Zhi?


    Forget it, he wasn''t foolish.


    She clearly had her sights set on his body; if he went, he''d definitely be forced to stay, and then how could he rescue Miaomiao?


    Moreover, Fang Ze had yet to interrogate Cui Xuemin and wasn''t sure whether his "Late-Night Investigation Room" was what the organization was looking for.


    If he went back to the Special Case Team too soon and they discovered that the Late-Night Investigation Room was the very thing the organization sought, what would he do if the Security Bureau wanted him to hand over the evidence? To hand it over or not?


    Therefore, he decided it was best to finish investigating Cui Xuemin and make sure he waspletely clear of any issues before doing anything else.


    And besides... he wasn''t sure if it was just a premonition,


    but Fang Ze always felt that the Special Case Team''s business was not yet finished. If he went back now, he, a small fry, would be in great danger...


    With these thoughts in mind, Fang Ze stopped concerning himself with the idea of meeting Bai Zhi.


    Hey down on the vine bed One Two Three had made for him, gestured to One Two Three to keep watch in case enemies came, and then fell into a deep sleep...


    ......


    Perhaps because of thest couple of days fleeing, he was utterly exhausted.


    Fang Ze slept until the sun was high in the sky.


    He checked his watch, which showed it was well past 10 a.m.


    He then looked down at the traps and at One Two Three beneath the tree.


    The traps were undisturbed, indicating no enemies hade.


    One Two Three was lying on the ground, staring nkly at a little red flower on the ground.


    After spacing out for a while, as if "having grasped some secret," it extended its wooden hand.


    Momentster, a small flower sprouted from its palm as well.


    Seeing it had actually grown a flower, One Two Three danced with joy, looking quite foolish.


    Up on the vine bed, Fang Ze couldn''t help but smile.


    Then he leaped down from the tree, patted One Two Three''s arm, and said, "Alright, stop ying. It''s time to go. We''ve got someone to save."


    Back at the cave where they stored items, Fang Ze didn''t take everything with him.


    He only secured more than 30,000 Lini and the remaining 20 crystals close to his body, hung three daggers around his waist, slung 20 feather arrows on his back, picked up his iron spear, and set off with One Two Three on the home stretch.


    As for all the other items, he hid them in their current location, just in case he had to return and continue to struggle for survival.


    Sitting on One Two Three''s shoulder, the return journey was very fast.


    One Two Three''s arms transformed into two long vines, swinging from tree to tree like a monkey, swaying through the jungle.


    At first, Fang Ze was so scared his legs shook,


    Fearing they would fall and die.


    But gradually, he rxed and began to enjoy this primitive thrill of freedom.


    In this way, after running for a solid three to four hours, observing the increasingly unfamiliar terrain, Fang Ze got the feeling something was amiss: Hold on, this ce looks strange? Could One Two Three have taken the wrong direction?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    .......


    Meanwhile,


    In Qingshan City, the slums.


    A fierce conflict was underway.


    Ever since the gang sealed off several streets in the slums, the atmosphere had been extremely tense.


    Even though Investigator from the Investigation Bureau hade to understand the situation, due to the overall neglect and theirck of strength, they departed without aplishing much.


    The people of the slums had contemted resistance, but the gang''s power was too overwhelming.


    There were more than two hundred strong men, about forty Martial Artists, and three Awakeners in charge.


    They simply could not resist...


    So although there was some public outrage over the past few days, it was to no avail.


    This morning, just like the previous days, gang members carried machetes and iron basins, incessantly banging them while walking the streets.


    Comparatively, they were much more irritable than before, not only banging their items but also smashing them against the doors and windows of the residents'' homes, threatening them with violence.


    When some slum dwellers, unable to stand by, came out to protest, they were dragged by several gang members to the middle of the street, hacked to death, and their bodies were left to rot in public, as a warning to others.


    This only caused more fear and anger among the residents of these streets,


    So they began to organize spontaneously, gathering together, seeking to survive...

 Chapter 74 65. Thousands of flowers in purple and red celebrate the Flower God.

    ```


    But their strength was clearly much inferior to that of the gangs. Discover exclusive tales on empire


    Even though there were only a few dozen strong men from the gang surrounding the streets at this early stage.


    They were still much stronger than the poor folk of these streets.


    Moreover, perhaps sensing the resistance from the people in these streets, gang members, armed with weapons, began to converge from various parts of the slums.


    Whether it was through extorting the hard-earned fats and oils from the people, or for some other reason, they were all broad-shouldered and stout,pletely different from those malnourished residents of the slums with their sallowplexions.


    On the streets, the number of people on both sides continued to swell. But clearly, the momentum on the side of the citizens was weakening¡­


    Miaomiao was also among the crowd.


    She hade out only after hearing themotion in the streets.


    When she saw a familiar neighbor being hacked to death, and his body thrown in the street like a dead dog, she was utterly bewildered.


    Later, as more and more people emerged, she was tightly grabbed by Auntie Pang, who firmly protected her behind herself.


    With a pale, bloodless face, she watched her familiar neighbor, watched the increasingly gathering gang members outside, carrying machetes with eyes filled with coldness, feeling as if they were about to strike, her heart filled with confusion and worry...


    ......


    Meanwhile.


    At the Secret Base of the Special Case Team, Security Bureau.


    All themissioners had been cleared from the scene, with only Bai Zhi and the still unconscious Cui Xuemin remaining there.


    Bai Zhi opened the safe and took out the small box-like item fromst time.


    After tapping a few times on the small box, immediately all the lights in the secret base started to flicker, and signals, along with technological devices, emitted "tz tz" sounds of interference.


    For a moment, the cold voice of the female director of the Security Bureau rang out in the base, "What''s the matter?"


    It was the familiar opening, but this time, Bai Zhi was obviously much more at ease.


    She said with a smile, "Director. I''ve cracked this case."


    "Not only have I thoroughly investigated the basic situation of that organization."


    "But I''ve also captured an important member of that organization."


    "You''ll never guess who it is!"


    When the cold voice heard her words, it was silent for two seconds, then said, "Cui Xuemin?"


    "???" Bai Zhi looked stunned.


    She couldn''t help asking, "Director, how did you know?"


    The cold voice said, "Yesterday afternoon, Gu Qing came to me with a series of evidence, iming that Director Cui is a spy for that mysterious organization."


    "And requested his arrest."


    Bai Zhi: ...


    "Gu Qing..." Bai Zhi''s smile vanished, and she clenched her hands tightly.


    Sensing Bai Zhi''s mood, the woman''s voice softened a bit, trying to console her, "Don''t take it too much to heart."


    "He is more cerebral, and you..."


    She hesitated mid-sentence, "The Bureau has different roles in mind for the two of you."


    "You have great strength."


    "....."


    Bai Zhi acknowledged with an emotionless "Hmm."


    The woman, clearly not adept at consoling, sighed slightly, then changed the subject, "Also, stop ying around."


    "It''s just a bet. You actually dropped everything and went to solve the case with a few rookies. You don''t want to be theughing stock, do you?"


    "Now that the case is closed, hurry back to Emerald City."


    "The once-in-a-decade Flower Morning Festival is about to begin."


    "It''s a big event."


    "Gu..." She paused, then continued, "He has been investigating the Flower Morning Festivaltely. He says he''s found some leads... "


    "You know, the Flower Morning Festival may be rted to that special path of Spirit Ascension: Faith."


    "If confirmed, it might give humanity a bit more hope."


    "That is what''s most important right now."


    Hearing the woman''s words, Bai Zhi also put her emotions aside and responded with another "Hmm."


    The woman continued, "When youe back, get in touch with him. He will primarily lead the investigation this time."


    Upon hearing this, Bai Zhi suddenly reacted, protesting, "Why should he? I can lead the investigation too!"


    "The decision for the district chief hasn''t been made yet, so why should he lead?"


    The woman fell silent for a while.


    As if realizing something, Bai Zhi quickly added, "Right, Director. During this case, I discovered a very bright talent!"


    "If it hadn''t been for him, we wouldn''t have cracked the case at all."


    "He even captured the mole without using an Extraordinary Artifact."


    "He''s as unusual as Gu Qing was back in the day!"


    With that, confidence returned to her face. "I don''t need any resources from the Bureau, I''ll just take him and a few neers, and then investigate on my own."


    "It''s healthypetition, right?"


    The woman fell silent again for a moment, then said, "Suit yourself. As long as you don''t cause trouble for me. If Gu Qing needs your support, don''t you dare throw a tantrum on me."


    Bai Zhi cheerfully replied, "Yes!"


    .....


    Ending the call, Bai Zhi looked around the empty secret base. Her expression faded, returning to herposed demeanor....


    Staring at the monitor, flickering with white snowkes, she muttered, "Gu Qing... Flower Morning Festival..."


    "A fine day of birth for all flowers, and not even half spring by Flower Morning. Thousands of purples and reds, dressed in brocade, yet still pay decoration to honor the Flower God."


    Bai Zhi couldn''t help but recall the Flower Morning Festival from ten years ago.


    At that time, in the prime of her life, she donned her exquisite noble attire, cut colored papers, took red threads, and tied the colorful notes onto the trees. Together with her close girlfriends andpanions, they ventured into the suburbs to enjoy the celebration of blooming flowers....


    "Green hiking," "admiring the blooms," "flower lion decorating," "releasing Flower Godnterns," "Flower Saintess."


    ```


    The Flower God Festival, held once every ten years, is the most important holiday for the high-tier city, Emerald City, as well as the five low-tier cities it oversees.


    Every time when it arrives, Emerald City would be lit up withnterns and buzzing with excitement.


    In the past, she also cherished this festival, but after joining the Security Bureau for certain reasons, she came to understand that behind this grand celebrationy immense secrets.


    One of the most important tasks of the Security Bureau''s division in Emerald City over these ten years has been to uncover that secret....


    But they had alwayse up empty-handed.


    Unexpectedly, that psychopath who hade to the Emerald City division merely two years ago had now established a formidable reputation throughout both Emerald City and Xida State and had now been appointed to oversee this task.


    And thinking again about her own grudge against that person, Bai Zhi''s hand clenched tightly.


    She didn''t want to lose.


    If the her of the past had no choice, but now.... the her of now, seemed to have a glimmer of hope.


    "Fang Ze..."


    Murmuring that name, Bai Zhi''s eyes filled with more spirit.


    Suddenly, she picked up the walkie-talkie and called out, "Bai Ling! Bai Ling! What time did you arrange to meet Fang Ze? Where? Let''s go earlier, so we don''t keep him waiting!"


    .....


    Half an hourter, Bai Zhi, with Xiao Bai Ling and a fewmissioners from the Security Bureau, patiently waited for Fang Ze at the agreed forest exit.


    Xiao Bai Ling carried not only a hammer but also a backpack.


    The backpack contained four defensive Extraordinary Artifacts that Bai Zhi had promised Fang Ze, as well as several doses of Lini.


    Clearly, this was the advance payment Bai Zhi had prepared for Fang Ze.


    To recruit Fang Ze under hermand, she had indeed shown full sincerity.


    Standing at the forest exit, Xiao Bai Ling held the backpack and then alternately looked at the forest exit and at Bai Zhi, asking in a low voice, "Sister Bai, it seems like you really value Fang Ze."


    "Even the defense artifacts you''ve picked out are top-notch. There''s even one that you used to wear."


    "Did something happen?"


    Bai Zhi simply smiled and said nothing.


    And so, the group waited from noon till afternoon, and from afternoon till evening.


    Xiao Bai Ling initially wanted to contact Fang Ze, to ask where he was.


    But it was Bai Zhi who stopped her, saying indifferently, "In the face of talent, we must show sufficient respect."


    "If it''s slow, it''s slow. I have the patience to wait."


    "That psychopath could even mooch off someone for more than a month for the sake of a talent."


    "What''s one day of waitingpared to that?"


    So, the time continued to tick by....


    Until the sun set and the moon rose, and they still hadn''t seen Fang Ze, Bai Zhi''s nonchnce began to fade gradually.


    She coughed once and signaled Xiao Bai Ling with her eyes, "You should still get in touch and ask...."


    ......


    Meanwhile, in the jungle, Fang Ze and One Two Three stood on the canopy of a giant Tree Person, directing their way while Fang Ze said angrily, "You''re directionally challenged! You should have told me that sooner!"


    "If you don''t tell me, how would I know!"


    "You keep swinging back and forth. I can''t make out any direction at all."


    "If I hadn''t realized something was off midway, we could have identally ended up in Emerald City!"


    Fang Ze stood on the canopy, looking eagerly into the distance and discerning the direction as he said, "We''re supposed to be on a rescue mission today. If we''rete, see if I don''t bust your head!"


    One Two Three hung its head gloomily, squatting on the canopy and covering its head with its wooden hands, not daring to speak.


    It was at that moment, suddenly, the Windbreeze Flowers started swirling around Fang Ze.


    Fang Ze nced at the flower and pped his forehead in annoyance.


    Because One Two Three took a wrong turn, by the time he realized it, it was toote, and in his haste, he had forgotten to notify Bai Ling.


    Thinking of this, he quickly picked up themunicator.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Before Xiao Bai Ling could even speak on themunicator, Fang Ze started exining quickly, "Chief Bai Ling! I''m really sorry! I ran in the wrong direction in the forest!"


    "I won''t be able to make it today! You guys go ahead and pull out!"


    "I''ll contact you in a couple days!"


    Little Bai Ling, on the other end of the Windbreeze Flower, listened to his words and involuntarily looked at Bai Zhi.


    Bai Zhi walked over and then spoke to Fang Ze with a smile, "No problem, Fang Ze. Since you can''t make it today, we''ll head back."


    "When youe back in a few days, get in touch with us."


    Seeing Bai Zhi being so understanding, Fang Ze was a bit surprised.


    Although he didn''t want to go in the first ce, the wrong direction was truly idental, and he also felt a bit guilty for not having contacted Bai Ling sooner.


    Originally, he was prepared for a harsh scolding from Bai Zhi.


    Yet seeing them like this, not the slightest bit angry?


    Officer Bai Zhi was nicer than he expected.


    Next time, he should try not to stand them up again....


    However, at this moment, Bai Zhi, after hanging up the phone, clenched her fist and silently cheered herself on:


    Go the wrong way?


    No way.


    He was definitely flexing his power over her.


    But no matter, having talent usuallyes with a bit of arrogance.


    She must be patient, patient, and not scare him away....


    ....


    And as Bai Zhi''s group walked back, Fang Ze and One Two Three rushed anxiously to Qingshan City.


    Just then, in Qingshan City, in the slums, the situation on the street where Miaomiao was located grew increasingly dangerous....


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    The 6000+ update isplete; I''m asking for rmendation tickets and monthly tickets. Theunch is on June 1st. Remember toe and support~ Thank you, everyone.

 Chapter 75 66. Blessings from Lord Devil! (Seeking monthly passes!)

    ```


    In a world without Extraordinary Powers, everyone is "equal." A greater poption bes an advantage. So no matter what, the upper sses still have to consider the feelings of those at the bottom.


    But in a world with Extraordinary Powers, where strength is everything, and an Awakener can fight against thousands or even tens of thousands alone, the gap between people is greater than that between people and animals. Numbers be irrelevant, and no one cares about the lives of those at the lower levels anymore.


    Therefore, when the farce in the slums got so big, not a single official came to intervene or stop it.


    After all, this was just the poorest area of a low-level city in the most remote part of the Federation...


    To some extent, these slum dwellers weren''t even considered "people," because they lived in a gray area, not even registered as citizens.


    And for this reason, as they faced the relentless approach of over a hundred armed gang members, the encirclement by twenty or more Martial Artists, and the cold watch of an Awakener not far away, the slum''s poorly organized resistance could only retreat step by step with shovels and makeshift weapons in hand, retreating, retreating, and then retreating further.


    And Miaomiao was among the crowd, being pushed back into a corner step by step.


    Looking at the ferocious faces of the gang members opposite, their gleaming weapons, and their sneering smiles, all the poor could do was steady their hands and tremble less in their legs.


    But Miaomiao, perhaps, could do a little more¡ªthat was to pray ceaselessly in her heart...


    "Mr. Devil, Mr. Devil... didn''t you say you would send your Messenger to help us? Mr. Devil...


    where are you..."


    "Mr. Devil, Mr. Devil, save your servant."


    But as expected, her prayers were met with no response...


    After cornering the residents, the gang''s leading Martial Artist finally spoke, "The three-day deadline has passed."


    "Now... do you hand over the person or not?"


    After he finished his words, the poor fell silent.


    Only after a moment did a bold young man speak up, "My lord, we really didn''t do anything. How can we hand someone over..."


    Hearing this, the Martial Artist gave a "heh heh"ugh, replying, "It seems you are intent on covering up for her."


    "Then... don''t say I didn''t give you a chance!"


    With that, his eyes turned icy, and with a wave of his hand, over twenty Martial Artists stepped forward, their presence erupting, as they prepared to assault the slum residents. The gangsters, holding their cleavers and weapons, charged.


    Seeing the gang actually ready to attack, some of the poor raised their farming tools in a panicked attempt to resist, some tried to flee in a flurry, and some had already closed their eyes, not daring to watch the imminent bloody moment.


    And just then.


    Suddenly, a weak female voice shouted loudly, "Wait, wait a minute!"


    Reality is not a drama series, and no one would stop just because a girl shouted.


    So, she mustered her courage and shouted again, "Wait a minute! I am the murderer!"


    This time, everyone present heard her.


    The gang members, ready to strike down with their knives, hesitated, and then they heard the leading Martial Artist shout, "Stop!"


    They immediately stopped with dissatisfaction but still held their knives, ring menacingly at the poor.


    At this moment, the poor were all staring in surprise at the girl in the crowd who had just spoken.


    The chubby middle-aged woman next to the girl waspletely dumbfounded.


    She couldn''t help but pull the girl and said, "Nannan, have you lost your mind? What are you doing? This isn''t something to admit to lightly!"


    Miaomiao, however, looked at the plump woman beside her, gave a wretched smile, and said, "Pang Auntie. I really did it."


    After saying this, she swept her feeble gaze over all the neighbors and then bowed deeply, asserting, "I''m sorry, uncles, aunties, brothers, and sisters."


    "I really did it. I shouldn''t have involved everyone."


    Seeing her like this, the poor bystanders didn''t know what to say for a moment.


    After bowing, Miaomiao straightened up, bit her lip, and then took a step, ready to walk out.


    But the moment she stepped out, she felt as if someone had grabbed her hand.


    Turning her head, she saw it was Pang Auntie.


    Pang Auntie held her and then said anxiously and distressfully, "Nannan, don''t despair. Even if you did it, do you think they''ll let us off just because you go out?"


    She continued, "They''re just looking for a pretext."


    "They''ve had their eyes on our few streets for a long time."


    "Other blocks have to pay them protection money, listen to them."


    "If they fancy some women, they just snatch them away, have their fun, and then march them back with fanfare when they''re bored of them."


    "They are all beasts, scum!"


    "It''s just that our few streets stand united, and they don''t want to waste their energy, so they''ve been toozy to bother with us."


    "Now, they''ve just found a suitable excuse."


    "Without you, there would be other reasons to trigger this."


    "So, your going out is pointless."


    Hearing Pang Auntie''s words, Miaomiao was taken aback for a moment.


    Her simple mind hadn''t thought that far.


    She thought by stepping forward, she could save everyone.


    But at that moment, the gang''s leading Martial Artist smiled and beckoned her, saying, "Don''t listen to that old woman''s nonsense. We have no reason to target you specifically."


    "Everything we do is to maintain order in the slums."


    ```


    "A murder case has urred in the slums, and we of course need to look into it."


    "So, if only youe out, we won''t pursue anyone else."


    Miaomiao hesitated upon hearing his words, then took a deep breath, turned her head to Pang with determination, and said, "Pang Auntie, whether it''s true or false."


    "Even if I hide in the crowd, if they really make a move, it''ll be just as hard to escape disaster, won''t it?"


    "Let me try."


    Pang Auntie looked into Miaomiao''s eyes and somehow felt that... in just this short day, the girl in front of her seemed to have changed. She had grown up and be strong...


    But at this moment, Miaomiao wasn''t as strong as she appeared, her hands tightly clenched, her legs a bit weak.


    While suppressing the fear inside her, she walked out from the crowd and continued to silently pray in her heart, "Mr. Devil... Mr. Devil... save me, save us..."


    With that, she stepped out of the crowd.


    And as soon as she did, the Martial Artist grabbed her wrist.


    The Martial Artist looked at her and then asked, "Did you really kill the person? Did you steal the things too?"


    Miaomiao nodded.


    The Martial Artist suspiciously sized her up and asked, "How can you prove it?"


    Miaomiao''s voice trembled as she said, "I took a total of 40 crystals, and 30,000 Lini."


    "Out of the 40 crystals, there were 25 ordinary crystals, 7 blue crystals, 5 red crystals, and 1 ck Crystal..."


    Hearing what Miaomiao said, the Martial Artist''s eyes lit up. Clearly, it matched the details of the case exactly.


    Moreover, the previous clues did suggest that the murderer was suspected to be a girl.


    So, even though he couldn''t figure out how such a fragile girl could have killed so many people,


    Stay connected with empire


    the Martial Artist still believed she had to be the mastermind or an aplice in the case!


    Thinking this, he couldn''t help but turn to look at Pang Auntie and then said with a nasty smile, "You''re right. We indeed just needed an excuse."


    With that, he ordered the gang members mercilessly, "Kill all the men. Do whatever you want with the women. But remember to clean up afterward!"


    Having finished speaking, heughed "ha-ha" while dragging Miaomiao away.


    Upon hearing his words, Miaomiao screamed, "No!" and then struggled to return and protect her neighbors.


    But her fragile strength was too weakpared to the Martial Artist.


    Despite her desperate struggle, the grip of the Martial Artist on her hand was like a tiger''s vise, almost unwavering.


    Before her eyes, the gang members were already raising their ughtering knives high, chopping down on the innocent neighbors!


    The neighbors were almost powerless to resist under the de.


    With just two or three strikes, their Armor and weapons were broken, leaving them no choice but to flee in panic.


    And the gang members, one after another, grabbed them with big hands, raising the ughtering knives with sinisterughter!


    Miaomiao felt as if everything before her was blurred by tears. She let out a cry like a swan''sment, "No! No! Mr. Devil! Save us!


    Please save us!"


    "Mr. Devil?"


    His voice echoed through the streets, leaving the Martial Artist in a momentary daze, as he then recalled that he''d never heard of a "Devil" title.


    So he casually tried to drag Miaomiao away, not caring at all.


    And just at this critical juncture!


    Suddenly!


    "Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!"


    A series of whooshing sounds!


    Arrow after arrow rained down like a downpour, striking precisely at the gang members who were ughtering the poor.


    Because of the sudden attack and the hefty force of the arrows,


    the only sound was several muffled "thuds" as more than a dozen of the hacking gang members fell to the ground, hit by arrows!


    Among these arrows was also one aimed at the Martial Artist who had Miaomiao.


    But the Martial Artist was clearly a cut above the rest, so he nimbly leapt up, dodging the arrow.


    Faced with such a sudden huge change, he was fearful and ferocious, and he shouted into the pitch-ck night sky, "Who the hell is ambushing us!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    And as he shouted, suddenly, from a distance, came a man''s stern voice, "Kill!"


    Apanying that voice, a tall figure emerged from the shadows, a woman all covered in ck.


    She, like an elf of the night, wielding a broad-ded sword, drew her de with a "slish,"


    and the Martial Artist who was shouting, was bisected with a single cut...


    Feeling the intense pain, feeling his upper body sliding to the ground, the Martial Artist turned his head with difficulty in disbelief.


    Hisst vision in life was: a tall figure, like a Demon God, with a blood-drenched ck sword on the shoulder, the Shadow Warrior standing beside the girl like a guardian deity.


    Therge and the small figures became the final image of his life.....

 Chapter 76 67. Annihilate the Gang! (Please Vote for Recommendation!)

    The slums, a rooftop in the distance.


    Fang Ze, d in a ck robe, stood on the rooftop alongside One Two Three, who was also donned in ck.


    Behind One Two Three, there were more than a dozen thick vines, which clearly had hurled the arrows with their tendrils.


    Gazing at the chaotic scene in the distance, Fang Ze then said to One Two Three, "What do you think... will the Security Bureau intervene if those two groups of Awakeners start fighting?"


    "If they do intervene, should we attack them or run?"


    One Two Three tilted his head, looking puzzled, evidently not quite understanding what Fang Ze was saying.


    After a moment of thought, Fang Ze then said, "Forget it. Who cares! Let''s go, One Two Three!"


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s words, the vines behind One Two Three propelled him upwards, and he leaped high into the air before crashing down onto the street like a cannonball.


    As a being with the power of a high-tier Awakener, facing a group of ordinary people was akin to being an efficient killing machine.


    The vines shot out with great speed, each one iming a fresh life.


    Members of the gang initially tried to fight back, but upon realizing they were not even close to the same level, they too started to despair.


    The fate that befell the slum dwellers was now happening to them.


    So, they began to flee in a frantic, scattered rush.


    The twenty or so Martial Artists, initially eager to face One Two Three inbat,


    but before they could even approach, the vines from One Two Threeshed out, piercing through their chests.


    ughter! Explore stories at empire


    A one-sided ughter!


    At this moment, both Miaomiao and the slum dwellers on the street were dumbstruck.


    They had never anticipated such an unexpected turn of events.


    They had all braced themselves for the end, but to their surprise, a tall figure in a ck robe had leapt out to save them.


    This unleashed infinite hope in the hearts of the desperate slum dwellers.


    At this moment, Miaomiao, dumbfounded, watched the ck-robed figure in front of her fiercely ughtering, and after attempting to speak several times, she eventually managed to ask the question weighing on her mind, "Is... is it Lord Devil who sent you to save us?"


    Upon hearing her question, One Two Three paused, then nodded his head.


    Miaomiao''s eyes slowly filled with light.


    Tears streamed down her face as she covered her mouth, knelt down, and bowed in the direction of some distant ce, "Lord Devil! Thank you! Thank you!"


    Seeing her like this, the slum dwellers were a bit at a loss.


    They looked at each other.


    A momentter, "Thump!" was the sound as Pang was the first to also kneel down, joining Miaomiao in expressing their gratitude, "Thank you, Lord Devil! Thank you, Lord Devil!"


    With her leading, more and more people, stimted by the enormous fear of life and death, began to kneel and offer their heartfelt thanks to a great existence they neither knew the location of nor the form of.


    And just then, suddenly, a long sigh came from afar, "Ah, foolish people. What Lord Devil."


    "I''ll tell you, the entity protecting you is nothing but a slightly stronger Disaster Creature."


    "In the eyes of us Awakeners, it''s just an ant."


    "Do not think that just because you defeated my Puppets, you can defeat me!"


    Along with the voice, the Awakener who had been waiting in the wings tore his clothes apart, revealing bulging, massive muscles, then stepped forward.


    He was a middle-aged bald man with a scar across half of his face that added to his already intimidating appearance with his muscr build.


    Smirking at One Two Three, he clenched his fists and advanced step by step.


    With every step he took, the stone pavement beneath his feet cracked and splintered.


    And with each step, his aura grew stronger!


    Even though his stature wasn''t particrly tall, he exuded a pressure akin to that of a mountain.


    The once noisy street seemed to fall silent because of him.


    Even the slum dwellers bowing down could only stare nkly at him, too intimidated to speak.


    And just at that moment, suddenly, a loud booming sound came from afar.


    "Buzz!"


    A silvery gleam on a spear, with mes in its wake, shot forth from the distance!


    Startled by the noise, he turned his head in rm!


    Before he could make out what it was, there was a sharp "crack!"


    Half of his head exploded like a firework.


    And with that, half his eyes wide with disbelief and blood sttering, he slowly toppled to the ground!


    Perhaps even to his death, he could not have imagined that he, a mighty Awakener, would die in such a manner here....


    From a distance, on the rooftop, Fang Ze clenched six crystals and spit contemptuously, "That''ll show you to act tough!"


    A momentter, the crystals slowly disintegrated into ashes, disappearing from this world...


    ......


    And so, after even the most troublesome Awakener of the gang was taken down by Fang Ze with a single spear thrust, everything else became easy to handle.


    Guided by Miaomiao and the impoverished, One Two Three and Nv Dao divided the tasks and cooperated, one stabbing the Martial Artists and the Awakeners, the other shing the gang members.


    They fought like they were in a state of unstoppable fury throughout the slums, swords rising and falling without pause, unblinkingly taking lives in a relentless onught.


    The pair sent over two hundred gangsters, several dozen Martial Artists, and the remaining two Awakeners straight to meet Lord Devil.


    Originally, this eradication campaign had only the impoverished from Miaomiao''s streets guiding and helping.


    But gradually, as residents from other streets in the slum noticed that someone was taking out the gang, more and more impoverished people began to join in spontaneously.


    Over the years, they had no idea how much humiliation they had suffered at the hands of this gang.


    Now they finally had the chance for revenge. They had drummed up the courage to avenge themselves and their families!


    The conflict escted greatly, and it wasn''t untilte into the night that the eradication came to a halt.


    The entire slum was drenched in blood, with the corpses and remains of gang members strewn everywhere.


    They were left behind forever in the wicked ce they once terrorized...


    After the campaign ended, all the impoverished who had taken part gathered in Miaomiao''s street, surrounding Miaomiao, Nv Dao, and One Two Three.


    Watching the current situation from afar, Fang Ze actually felt somewhat helpless and troubled.


    He truly hadn''t expected that a rescue operation for Miaomiao would turn out like this.


    As the saying goes, to cut the grass, one must remove the roots, so it was necessary to kill every single member of the gang without exception.


    But... how did so many other impoverished people get involved?


    What should he do about this?


    In the midst of his headache, down on the street, Miaomiao looked at the dense crowd of impoverished people below her.


    It was unclear whether it was because she had voluntarily stood up to die for her neighbors today, shedding her timidity, or if Mr. Devil had given her an immense courage.


    Regardless, she was no longer as cowardly as before.


    Her dark eyes fixed on the impoverished below her, and then with her hands raised, she used her clear, yet trembling voice to call out loudly, "Uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters, little brothers and sisters, please quiet down and listen to me!"


    As key figures in the operation, the impoverished had seen that the terrifying ck Clothed person and Disaster Creature were always prioritizing the protection of the girl.


    After talking with neighbors from Miaomiao''s street, everyone gradually learned that the whole event originated with Miaomiao, and that these two powerful individuals were summoned by her.


    Although unclear about the girl''s rtionship with them, when she spoke, the impoverished people below gradually fell silent.


    Miaomiao''s youthful face surveyed the crowd below, her expression soft yet resolute, as she excitedly said, "Before, we have all endured exploitation and abuse from the gang."


    "We wanted to resist but had no opportunity."


    "But Lord Devil, hearing our pleas, sent his servant from the heavens to help us drive away those who have been exploiting and maltreating us!"


    "Tonight, we should all thank Mr. Devil!"


    "Thank him for rescuing us from a dire fate!"


    "Thank him for saving all of us!"


    Having said that, she was the first to kneel on the ground, then shouted loudly, "Thanks to Lord Devil! Thank you for your salvation! May you always protect us!"


    Seeing Miaomiao kneel, the impoverished spectators looked at each other, exchanging nces.


    After a moment, one after another, they began to kneel as well.


    They were the lowest stratum of this world.


    In a world where strength ruled, no one cared about them, and no one paid attention to them.


    They lived tenaciously like weeds rooted in the filth of the sewers.


    And today, it seemed a light had shone into their lives.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Although they were uncertain about the future, surely it couldn''t be worse than the gang''s rule, could it?


    Thus, quickly, the impoverished people in the street kneeled down one by one, then all started to chant, "Bless us, Lord Devil, thank you, Lord Devil."


    From a distance, on the rooftop, "Lord Devil" Fang Ze rubbed his head with a headache, watching the scene unravel.


    What the heck is this...


    How did things get so out of control...


    Isn''t this potentially taboo in this world?


    I better not get caught by the Security Bureau.


    I was nning, after interrogating Cui Xuemin and ensuring that the Late-Night Investigation Room was safe, to cooperate with the Security Bureau...


    ...


    Meanwhile, as Fang Ze was lost in his whirlwind thoughts,


    something he was unaware of was unfolding...


    In the void, inside the Late-Night Investigation Room,


    with the impoverished people''s repeated prostrations, wisps of white smoke began to mysteriously appear...


    No sooner had they materialized than they were slowly absorbed by the ancient iron door, decorated with the pattern of [One]...

 Chapter 77 68. The Harvest after Annihilation (Please Vote for Recommendation!)

    At this moment, Fang Ze still didn''t know that something unusual was happening within the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Seeing that the worshipping was gradually ending, he estimated the time and felt that the Investigation Bureau and the Security Bureau, even if slow-footed, should being to check soon.


    Thus, he decisively sent orders to One Two Three and Nv Dao.


    He instructed them tomunicate with Miaomiao, stop all activities, and prepare for the official inspection.


    After giving the instructions, One Two Three extended its vines to the rooftop while Nv Dao once again entered Miaomiao''s shadow to ensure her safety.


    Sure enough, the Investigators arrived btedly after a short while.


    At first, seeing so many corpses on the ground, they were a bit shocked and furious, thinking about questioning these poor people about what exactly had happened.


    But when they saw that all the slum dwellers had banded together, clutching the gang''s weapons and watching them with a menacing gaze, they swallowed their words and left the slum area, slinking away with awkward smiles.


    Half an hourter, a Commissioner from the Security Bureau came to understand the situation. After confirming that only the slum dwellers and unidentified gang members were dead or injured, he too left.


    The official attitude towards the slums in the lower-level cities really was one of neglect.


    Fang Ze did not know why, and could only guess that this might have been intentionally left as a buffer zone for social conflicts, or perhaps... the authorities actuallycked the energy to manage it anymore.


    After the matter waspletely resolved, Fang Ze didn''t n to stay any longer.


    He whistled toward One Two Three, which immediately emerged from the rooftop and approached him.


    The two of them descended from the rooftop, preparing to leave the slums, find an inn in the city to stay for the night, and then leave Qingshan City tomorrow to return to the Special Case Team.


    However, just as they were about to exit the slum area, suddenly, a woman''s voice called out from behind them, "Mr. Messenger, please wait a moment."


    Hearing that familiar female voice behind him, Fang Ze involuntarily stopped in his tracks.


    He touched his face, which he had been covering ever since he arrived in Qingshan City from the jungle, with two ck robes and a mask.


    Assuring himself that he wouldn''t be exposed, he turned around and looked toward Miaomiao, who had somehow found him...


    ...


    Looking at the man in front of her, his identity concealed by a mask and a ck robe, Miaomiao always felt a trace of familiarity.


    But she couldn''t pinpoint exactly what it was.


    His build was somewhat like... Fang Ze, whom she had known before, only a bit thinner.


    Yet his movements, whether walking or standing, werepletely different from Fang Ze''s.


    So, after watching him intently for a short while, she withdrew her gaze, then lifted the package in her hand and began to open it while speaking, "Mr. Messenger. This is what we found from the gang."


    "There are some crystals, and some Lini."


    She paused, then said, "We''ve done a rough calction. All together, there should be more than 500,000 Lini. There''s some we haven''t counted, but it should not be much more."


    Hearing Miaomiao''s words, Fang Ze silently did some mental calctions.


    500,000 Lini...


    Miaomiao had been working a "high-paying" job in the slums, earning roughly 2,000 Lini a month.


    Other slum dwellers made about 400 to 800 Lini per month.


    This meant, just here, there was almost the equivalent of five or six hundred slum dwellers'' monthly ie.


    It seemed substantial, but the gang controlling such an area of the slums, having saved up over such a long time, should possess more than this meager fortune. Most likely, much of it was squandered in pleasures or tribute to their superiors.


    And when Fang Ze recalled the gang members'' robust physiques, he wondered: maybe... the money was used to feed their own?


    While Fang Ze was considering this, Miaomiao took out a nt that resembled a cactus from her bundle and said to Fang Ze, "Additionally, Lord Messenger, this was another item we found in the safe."


    "We don''t know what it is. We''ve brought it to you as well."


    Fang Ze took the potted nt and examined it.


    The whole nt was only the size of a palm; the bottom was soil, while the top was a fleshy nt that looked like an anemone.


    Unsure if there was something odd about this nt, or if the nts in this world were just peculiar, Fang Ze gently touched it and felt that it was plump and had the texture of raw meat, not like a typical nt.


    After some thought, he tossed it to One Two Three, instructing it to hold onto it for now, and then said to Miaomiao somewhat coldly, "I''ll keep this nt for now. I''ll look up what it is tonight."


    "As for the money, you keep it for development."


    "Lord Devil isn''t interested in the wealth of us humans; what he''s interested in is your progress."


    "Don''t disappoint Lord Devil."


    Having said that, he turned around and left without a second nce, taking One Two Three with him.


    As Miaomiao held the money, gazing at the familiar back of the Messenger, she felt a pang of recognition... It really did look like Fang Ze...


    ...


    Meanwhile, Pang, who had been following behind Miaomiao out of concern, saw Fang Ze depart and cautiously approached, gently touching her.


    Miaomiao snapped back to reality and turned her head to look at Pang.


    Pang looked at the money in Miaomiao''s hands, then asked, "Nannan, the Messenger didn''t want it?"


    Miaomiao hummed gently in response, then said, "Mr. Messenger said, Lord Devil isn''t interested in the possessions of us ordinary people."


    "He told us to keep it for our own development."


    Upon hearing this, Pang swallowed hard, then said, "500,000 Lini... Old Liu Family''s meat buns, 3 Lini each, that''s more than one hundred thousand buns..."


    "How long would it take to eat them all!"


    Hearing Pang''s words, Miaomiao snapped back to her senses, then looked at Pang and said softly, "Pang. This money isn''t ours."


    "It belongs to Lord Devil."


    "Without Lord Devil, none of us would have survived today. Without Lord Devil, the gang that bullied us would not have been eradicated."


    "So, this money, we have to use it in the name of Lord Devil."


    "Only those who respect and believe in Lord Devil are entitled to his bounty."


    Upon hearing Miaomiao''s words, Pang looked up at the girl before her.


    The girl''s dark pupils were filled with earnestness and faith.


    Whether it was because faith had taken root in her heart, or after experiencing the extreme highs and lows of the day, witnessing killing and bloodshed, the frail expression on her face was gone. Instead, there was an air of sanctity brought about by faith at its utmost...


    .......


    While Miaomiao and Pang were conversing, Fang Ze and One Two Three had also found an inn in the city district.


    The material development level of a low-level city was very low, even lower than the county towns Fang Ze knew from his previous life.


    The inn didn''t even have piped hot water, only thermos bottles and a bath tub.


    Therefore, Fang Ze could only ask One Two Three to keep watch outside and used the hot water to wipe down his body and take a bath.


    While bathing, Fang Ze also thought about the events of the evening.


    He had several reasons for leaving the money with Miaomiao.


    First, his identity was after all "Devil''s Messenger," and taking away money from his subordinates did not match this role.


    Second, he was not actually short of money now. Even though he used six crystals today, he still had fourteen crystals and 30,000 Lini in cash.


    Plus, with the 300,000 Lini Bai Zhi had promised him, the money he had was more than enough for the short term.


    If he ever urgently needed money in the future, he could find an excuse to get it from Miaomiao.


    Third, even though tonight''s events were not instigated by him, he had witnessed everything unfold.


    Having lived at the bottom of society in both his lives, seeing the people from the lower strata band together ignited his passion as well.


    He wanted to see what Miaomiao and the impoverished people from the slums would turn into and what tremendous power they could unleash.....


    .....


    After his bath and tidying up, Fang Zey in bed,municated with Bai Ling using Windbreeze Flower, and indirectly inquired about Cui Xuemin''s situation.


    Bai Ling thought carefully and then uncertainly said with pursed lips,


    "Cui Xuemin? Hmm... I''m not sure what''s be of him."


    "At first, Bai was personally looking after him, cing great importance on him."


    "But by noon today, Bai suddenly lost interest in him, tossing him into the cer, only arranging for twomissioners to keep watch."


    "However... Bai hit him rather hard, and he was also shackled with Anti-Magic Handcuffs and injected with Muscle Rxant Needle, so he should have been unconscious all this time."


    Fang Ze settled down after getting the answer he wanted, knowing that tonight''s interrogation would likely not be a problem.


    Then he made an excuse to want to end themunication.


    However, just as he was about to cut off themunication, Bai Ling stopped him.


    She said, "Fang Ze. I want to talk to you heart-to-heart."


    "Even though I don''t know why you became so capable after losing your memory, and your temperament has changed greatly."


    "But... staying in a low-level city really belittles your talents."


    "I think you should consider developing in Emerald City."


    "You need to understand that the reason low-level cities are called low-level is because the government has almost given up on them. All the talent is concentrated in the higher-level cities."


    "The high-level cities, even the directly governed cities, are truly the core of the Eastern District."


    "Whether it''s technology, research on Awakening Abilities, or Martial Skills, it''s all beyond what low-level cities can offer."


    "Only there can you receive systematic training and nning for your abilities."


    "I also told you before, the Extraordinary Path is full of traps."


    "You may feel that the path you''re walking now is without issues, but yearster, you might be shocked to discover you''ve chosen a dead-end."


    "In the higher-level cities, there are generations of people, multiple Awakeners, geniuses who have trodden those paths."


    "With their guidance, you''d really save yourself a lot of detours."


    Upon saying this, she paused, and then continued, "And to go to a high-level city, you can''t simply go directly."


    "You need a legitimate identity."


    "People from low-level cities without a legal way may never be able to go to higher-level cities in their lifetime."


    "I''m not trying to lobby for Bai."


    "But she really does value you a lot."


    "Perhaps, you can give each other a chance."


    "Now that the case is over, we''ll rest for two days before heading back to Emerald City."


    "If you want to join us, you muste to find us."


    Fang Ze took everything Bai Ling said to heart.


    He was actually aware of the matters Bai Ling had mentioned.


    Although he already had the Late-Night Investigation Room, the Credit World, and One Two Three,


    He had the means for immediatebat, potential, and cards to y,


    But what he trulycked was aprehensive understanding of the power structure of this world.


    He needed a process to fully supplement this understanding.


    And... since he had been reborn in this world, not to enjoy the scenery of this world would surely be a waste of this life.


    So, following Bai Zhi, following Bai Ling to Emerald City, might indeed be the best choice for him.


    The prerequisite was... that his "Late-Night Investigation Room" truly wasn''t something sought after by the organization.


    And this required him to verify tonight with Cui Xuemin.


    Thinking this, Fang Ze promised Bai Ling he would give her, and Bai Zhi, a response as soon as possible, then ended themunication.


    Now, with everything in ce, all that was left was to verify with Cui Xuemin!


    With that thought, Fang Zey on the bed, holding the flesh-like nt, and slowly fell asleep....n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 78 69. Extraordinary Plant: Muscle Dew Grass (Please recommend!)

    He didn''t know how long he had slept.


    When Fang Ze woke up, he had already arrived at the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Inside the Late-Night Investigation Room, everything seemed unchanged... Huh? Why did it seem a bit different?


    Fang Ze''s gazended on the investigation room''s seemingly ageless iron door.


    That iron door, which Fang Ze had noticed on his first visit to the Late-Night Investigation Room, was nearly two meters tall, dark and heavy, with bizarre patterns carved on it.


    Discover hidden content at empire


    These patterns resembled nt stems, twisted and sprawling over the entire door, extending to the center where they formed a "One".


    Previously, Fang Ze had tried many ways to open it.


    But whether he used martial skills, his awakening ability, or even obtained new awakening abilities by killing other Awakeners, the door never changed.


    Over time, Fang Ze had given up hope on this door.


    Now, however, he was surprised to find that the iron door seemed to have undergone some mysterious changes.


    The "One" on the door seemed to have brightened a bit.


    "What''s going on?"


    After a thorough inspection, Fang Ze was somewhat astonished.


    He couldn''t help but ponder if he had done something today that could have triggered the change in the door.


    But thinking it over, he felt that today, aside from hurrying along the road, he had done nothing else.


    If not him, could it have been someone else?


    Thinking this, Fang Ze involuntarily recalled the scene where Miaomiao led hundreds of poor people bowing and praying to him.


    He pondered with his head lowered...


    He seemed to remember a "colleague" once revealing to him about gaining awakening abilities through faith.


    Later, Bai Ling also told him about gaining awakening abilities by worshipping disaster creatures or other awakeners.


    But... it seemed that no one had ever mentioned what one gains from being worshipped by others.


    Fang Ze blinked reflexively.


    He always felt like he had discovered some blind spots.


    He nned to note this event down, and then study it in-depth when he went to Emerald City, to see if anyone had researched this pathway of faith...


    If being worshipped by thousands could open a new area of the Late-Night Investigation Room, then maybe the arrangements he had with Miaomiao deserved more attention in the future...


    Thinking this, Fang Ze snapped back to reality, then took the nt to the desk, holding it patiently as he awaited the results of its "appraisal".


    ording to the rules of the investigation room, if this nt was a transcendent creature, he would receive relevant information.


    If it was a regr nt, he would not receive any information.


    Simple and straightforward.


    Thus, Fang Ze held it and waited for half a minute.


    Just as Fang Ze thought that perhaps this nt was merely a uniquely shaped ordinary nt,


    suddenly, some information emerged in his mind.


    Fang Ze sorted through this nt''s information, then his eyebrows slightly furrowed,


    "Muscle Dew Grass"


    "This nt belongs to the perennial herb category. It appears as a small shrub, or has fleshy leaves of a unique shape. It is characterized by rapid growth and infectious taste. When a small piece of meat is thrown in front of the nt, the nt dposes it and absorbs it."


    "Later, when it encounters water, it cracks open, releasing fruit."


    "This fruit is fleshy, and its taste and texture match the meat that was fed. However, it also promotes muscle development and enhances strength."


    "Side effect: For every additional pound of nt meat consumed, the life of the organism is reduced by one day."


    Understanding this nt''s description, Fang Ze suddenly realized how that gang raised 200 stout men.


    It seems it was all thanks to this extraordinary nt.


    Even considering the muscr appearance of that awakener, he probably hadn''t eaten this nt sparingly either.


    It''s not known whether he was unaware of the side effects, or for those who lived on the edge, losing some lifespan was not a big deal.


    After all, they indeed never lived to die a natural death...


    So sometimes, for those living at the very bottom of society, strength might be more important than lifespan...


    Looking at the nt in front of him, Fang Ze hesitated for a moment, deciding to still let One Two Three give it to Miaomiao tomorrow, letting her arrange it as seen fit.


    Fang Ze believed that under the care of this kind girl, the nt would definitely be put to good use...


    After reviewing tonight''s findings, Fang Ze officially began this evening''s summoning.


    He came to the desk, then tapped lightly with his right index finger on the table.


    For a moment, a list of summonable candidates appeared before him, and Fang Ze scrolled continuously until he indeed found Cui Xuemin.


    This proved that the foolish act he hadmitted on the day he received the Late-Night Investigation Room had indeed served a purpose.


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze did not instantly summon Cui Xuemin.


    He put himself in Cui Xuemin''s shoes for a moment, then thought for a while and slightly adjusted theyout of the entire room.


    Afterward, he also adjusted his own figure and appearance before finally selecting confirm.....


    ......


    Cui Xuemin felt he was really unlucky.


    As the son of the Security Bureau''s director, he had a unique intelligence advantage. Through his father, he was very familiar with the operations within the Security Bureau of Emerald City.


    Thus, when facing Bai Zhi, his enemy, he was almost brimming with confidence.


    After all, this woman was notoriously brainless at the Security Bureau, known only forbat from the Martial Combat school.


    If it had been the twisted Gu Qing who came, he might have been a bit careful, or even just run away, but facing Bai Zhi, he felt no pressure whatsoever.


    Initially, everything developed just as he had envisaged, and he was even somewhatcent, feeling he had the entire Special Case Team at his mercy.


    Ultimately, however, "One who always shot at geese was finally pecked by one".


    He had not anticipated that the lie detectionmissioner from the Security Bureau would arrive so quickly, nor did he expect Bai Zhi''s strength to be so formidable.


    He knew that his father held a very high regard for Bai Zhi''s abilities, considering her to be the top expert among the younger generation in the whole state.


    But he never thought she would be this powerful.


    They were both Fusers after all.


    Yet, he found himself without the slightest ability to fight back.


    This utter defeat also plunged him into deep fear, engrained in his bones even as hey unconscious....


    ....


    As he gradually woke from unconsciousness, Cui Xuemin found himself in the basement of a vi on the minus-first floor.


    The ce where Han Kaiwei had once died.


    His hands were already d in Law Prohibition cuffs,pletely disabling his Awakening Ability.


    And it didn''t stop there; his body had been injected with a muscle rxant, making it impossible for him to use Martial Skills or even his physical strength. This couldn''t help but drive him to despair.


    While he was checking his physical condition,


    suddenly, the door of the cer was opened from outside.


    A figure that filled him with immense fear walked in: Bai Zhi.


    He couldn''t help but try to move his nearly powerless body to back away, trying to put more distance between himself and Bai Zhi.


    But at that moment, Bai Zhi just coldly looked at him and then said, "Awake now? Then let''s talk."


    Cui Xuemin looked at her, and though he was terrified, his loyalty to the organization still made him unwilling to speak.


    But Bai Zhi didn''t mind his silence and instead directly asked, "How many members does your organization have? What are their ranks?"


    Maybe because Bai Zhi''s question was so direct, Cui Xuemin couldn''t help but stammer for a moment before beginning to ponder.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    How many members in the organization?


    Truthfully, he didn''t really know, as he hadn''t interacted with that many.


    Although his position in the organization wasn''t low, it wasn''t high either.


    He was just the person in charge of the organization in Emerald City. Above him was a Saint.


    And from some of the information identally revealed by that Saint, he estimated that the entire formal membership of the organization should at least be between one and two thousand, all trained Awakeners.


    As for the periphery members, there were even more, estimated to be tens of thousands, with just a few thousand in Xida State under his control.


    Most of these members were hidden in the low-ie areas of the various smaller cities of Xida State, making them extremely difficult to investigate.


    Moreover, for secrecy, only the formal members were fortunate enough to know the true name of the organization.


    The other periphery members only received a vest name for the organization and could receive orders and requests only from their superiors. (Mentioned in Chapter 28)


    Though he thought so much, it was only because under Bai Zhi''s intimidation, Cui Xuemin''s mind couldn''t help but wander chaotically.


    Actually, he hadn''t said a word.


    And at this moment......


    Struck by a sudden idea, Fang Ze had disguised the investigation room as a dungeon and transformed his own shape and clothes to resemble Bai Zhi, and was now contemting as he listened to Cui Xuemin''s inner voice.....


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Avable from 00:00 on the 1st.

 Chapter 87 72. Bai Ling was shocked! (10,000 words to appeal for a follow-up subscription!)

    Seeing Bai Ling''s adorable but somewhat silly appearance, Fang Ze was caught off guard for a moment, and then he "pfft" burst intoughter.


    He thought that Bai Ling and Bai Zhi, these two girls, eh. Onecking a screw in her head, the other always in a daze.


    You know, they really did have a CP vibe.


    But, unfortunately, apanying Bai Zhi, the scatterbrain partner, must be tough on little Bai Ling, the ditz.


    Just as Fang Ze was thinking this, Bai Ling pouted at Fang Ze and said with a wronged expression, "Fang Ze, Bai has gone, so what am I supposed to do now?"


    Hearing Bai Ling''s voice, Fang Ze snapped back to reality.


    He checked the time, thought for a moment, and then said, "Don''t worry, Chief Bai Ling. Since Officer Bai Zhi has already gone back, I''ll take you back."


    With Fang Ze''s promise, a smile bloomed on Bai Ling''s face like a flower, and then she said to Fang Ze with augh, "Well then, let''s go! Being alone on the road is just too boring!"


    Looking at Bai Ling''s radiant smile, Fang Ze suddenly doubted... was he being yed?


    Probably not, right?


    ........


    Since Bai Zhi took their car when she left, Fang Ze and Bai Ling could only walk back to the Special Case Team.


    Fortunately, both were Awakeners and had also practiced Martial Skills. So a walk of more than ten miles was not really a big deal.


    On the way, the two of them chatted while walking.


    Fang Ze was still considering the matter of One Two Three''s Fusion with the Golden Fox Bloodline.


    Although the Investigation Room stated that "there is no danger in such a bloodline fusion. If it fails, just stop in time, and that''s it. It''s just that the Bloodline Crystal will shatter and be wasted," Fang Ze was still a bit worried.


    So, as they walked, he also asked Bai Ling, "Chief Bai Ling, do you know about bloodline fusion?"


    Hearing Fang Ze''s question, Bai Ling, who had been goofing around like a child, swirling her little hands around, looked at him curiously and tilted her head, "Bloodline fusion? What bloodline fusion?"


    "Are you referring to the fusion of Awakening Abilities during the Fusion stage?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Haven''t I already told you about that?"


    "When an Awakener reaches the Fusion stage..."


    Listening to Bai Ling''s incessant chatter, Fang Ze was momentarily stunned and almost didn''t catch on.


    He quickly interrupted Bai Ling, "Not the fusion of Awakening Abilities, but bloodline fusion. The fusion of an Awakened Bloodline into a creature''s body."


    Hearing what Fang Ze said, Bai Ling also paused. Then, after a moment of recollection, she said in a puzzled tone, "Bloodline fusion? Bloodlines can be fused?"


    Fang Ze felt he was missing something, but he didn''t know what it was.


    So he thought for a while, then asked, "Then... is there a way to extract a person''s bloodline and then transnt it or fuse it into another person''s body?"


    "Like, Bloodline Crystals or something?"


    "Just swallow it, digest it, and you get aplete bloodline. Not only can it transform the body, but you can also gain the corresponding Awakening Ability, bing a high-level Awakener directly."


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, Bai Ling stopped in her tracks.


    She tilted her head to look at Fang Ze, then went up on her tiptoes, and gently ced her hand on Fang Ze''s......face.


    Fang Ze froze in ce.


    Bai Ling''s cheeks instantly turned bright red, and her head seemed to be steaming with embarrassment as sheined, "You, you, you... lower your head, will you!"


    "Ah?.... Oh...." Fang Ze obediently dipped his head.


    Finally, Bai Ling''s hand reached Fang Ze''s forehead.


    Even though the situation had been so awkward just a moment ago, this girl managed to seamlessly check Fang Ze''s forehead temperature before saying puzzledly, "You''re not feverish. Why talk nonsense then?"


    Fang Ze: ...


    So, you had me lower my head just to check if I had a fever!


    Bai Ling was unaware of Fang Ze''s innermentary.


    She put her heels down, then waved her hand and said, "Alright. Alright. You can raise your head now."


    When Fang Ze stood upright again, she took on a tone of a little adult, hands behind her back, and said solemnly, "Fang Ze. I''ve told you so many times."


    "You need to walk the Extraordinary Path for real, without looking for shortcuts."


    "How could there possibly be something in this world that you swallow to gain aplete bloodline, that can also transform your body and grant Awakening Abilities!"


    "You might as well say that swallowing that thing lets you directly achieve Spirit Ascension!"


    As she spoke, she added seriously, "An Awakened Bloodline is not an independent entity. It is a power inherited from one''s ancestors, integrated into a person''s body."


    "Not to mention aplete bloodline. It''s already incredible to partially plunder a Transcendent Creature''s bloodline through magic potions and rituals."


    "Moreover, unlike Awakening Abilities, a person can only possess one bloodline. How could you go on fusing it left and right?"


    Listening to Bai Ling''s words, Fang Ze asked in surprise, "Does such a thing truly not exist? Is it possible that you haven''t seen it?"


    Perhaps Fang Ze''s words struck a nerve with Bai Ling.


    She puffed her cheeks indignantly and said, "Impossible! I can''t speak for other ces, but my family deals in trade for Awakening materials."


    "I''ve been determined to be the greatest merchant since I was a child! So, I''ve seen all of the federation''s regted trade lists and encyclopedias!"

 Chapter 88 72. Bai Ling is shocked! (10,000 words, please follow!)_2

    "How could there be something I don''t know."


    Seeing Bai''s fur bristle, Fang Ze smiled and rubbed her head, calming her while he secretly pondered...


    He had finally realized what was wrong!


    Although he didn''t believe that Bai truly knew everything, if Bai really was familiar with so many materials but didn''t know about these Awakened Bloodline Crystals,


    then it confirmed one thing: such items were extremely rare.


    Moreover, since the Awakened Bloodline Crystals were obtained from the investigations of the Special Case Team, Fang Ze boldly guessed that perhaps... these items didn''t exist in the world naturally, but were instead synthesized by the investigators.


    Furthermore, considering that previous investigation finds included creatures like the Shadow Warriors, Fang Ze felt... perhaps the secrets hidden behind the Special Case Team were deeper than he had imagined...


    However, the good news was that in the future, when he came across simr items again, he no longer had to worry about the uracy of the information provided by the Special Case Team. He just needed to follow their guidelines.


    And since the Special Case Team''s appraisal of the Awakened Bloodline Crystal allowed for fusion with other bloodlines, Fang Ze decided to boldly try it.


    He wanted to see what One Two Three would ultimately turn into!


    .....


    While Fang Ze was thinking this, Bai caught him absent-minded and couldn''t help but tug at him, then curiously asked, "Fang Ze, you''re asking about this because you want to try fusing bloodlines, right?"


    She spoke with some worry, "Let me tell you. Even if you are a naturally Awakened Awakener, you cannot fuse them until your ability reaches a higher level."


    As she spoke, she seemed to think of something and then froze.


    Fang Ze came back to his senses and looked at her curiously, "What''s wrong, Chief Bai Ling?"


    Bai looked at Fang Ze with a strange expression. "Fang Ze, your ability can''t be very weak, so you must have be a high-level Awakener, right?"


    Hearing Bai''s words, Fang Ze responded with a wry smile, "No. How could I advance that quickly?"


    He thought about the strength of his abilities, and recalling Bai''s words that "the stronger the ability, the harder it is to enhance," he paused and added, "I feel like it''s going to take me much longer than others."


    Hearing that Fang Ze hadn''t advanced that quickly, Bai breathed a sigh of relief...


    Relieved, the two continued on their way.


    As they walked, Bai seemed to remember something and tilted her head to ask, "Right. When you were in the Special Case Team, you were enhancing your physical strength, and that was when you awakened, right? How has your physical strength improved now?"


    Fang Ze thought for a moment, then asked, "How should we quantify that?"


    As they walked, Bai said, "Quantifying physical strength is simple."


    "It involves the Martial Dao realms of Muscle Tempering, Tendon Tempering, Skin Tempering, Bone Tempering, Organ Tempering..."


    "Each realm has different standards."


    "The first stage, Muscle Tempering: A human body contains 639 muscles, but only over 300 are used for exerting force and fighting."


    "So, by solidly tempering these 300 muscles, one''s whole being undergoes a transformation, bing immensely strong."


    "The second stage, Silky Tempering: There are 485 tendons in the human body, with the arms, legs, and back being the main regions used inbat. Therefore, to move one''s body as if it were an extension of oneself, these tendons need to be merged into five main groups!"


    "In this way, duringbat, the tendinous membranes can stretch flexibly and powerfully, offering explosive power, quick reflexes, and rapid movements!"


    "The third stage, Skin Tempering: Continuous striking and training thickens one''s skin membrane to wlessness, resembling bronze or iron. Even modern firearms cannot leave a mark."


    "The fourth stage, Bone Tempering: The human body has a total of 206 bones. Training these bones to be extremely hard makes all the body''s bones as strong as steel, as tough as gold!"


    "The fifth stage..."


    Previously in the Special Case Team, Fang Ze and Bai had discussed Martial Arts and the realms of the body, but at that time, Bai had only mentioned a few things and hadn''t borated in detail.


    Now, with Bai''s detailed exnation, Fang Zepared it with his own condition and roughly figured out his own realm.


    After a few previous borrowings, he seemed to have inadvertently passed the Muscle Tempering stage and reached the Tendon Tempering stage.


    And...


    He lifted his leg to test it.


    In the previous decisive battle with the trio, he seemed to have not only tempered one tendon but... two?


    In this way, his progress in the Tendon Tempering realm was nearly halfplete.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Thinking this, Fang Ze couldn''t help but feel that the progress in Martial Arts in this world was very swift.


    While Fang Ze was thinking this, Bai finished her exnation.


    Then she looked at him with her big eyes and asked, "Alright. I''ve finished exining. You should know which stage you''re in now, right?"


    She paused and said, "However, Martial Arts Cultivation and Awakening Ability are not quite the same."


    "It''s hard work."


    "Even with the bonus from Awakening Ability, only after years and months of training will there be progress."


    "Especially when you''re just starting out, in the Muscle Tempering stage, you have to train each muscle piece by piece, which is very tedious and tiring."


    "So, since you only started training a few days ago, don''t be too anxious."


    "You need to first find the heat sensation, be aware of the muscle you''re training as it heats up, and train slowly."


    Hearing Bai Ling''s words, Fang Ze was stunned for a moment, then a bit lost.


    The muscles in the Muscle Tempering stage are trained piece by piece?


    I don''t seem to feel anything.


    It was just... using the ability "Borrow" for 30 days of training effect, and then, "swoosh," it ended...


    Lately, when I exerted force, my body indeed was heating up, but... it was heating up in an entire area, not piece by piece.


    Bai Ling might have sensed Fang Ze''s confusion and gave him a sympathetic look, "Guessed it" Fang Ze probably hadn''t even started in Martial Arts.


    She thought it was indeed so.


    She thought carefully, from when she had started exining Martial Arts to Fang Ze until now, it hadn''t even been a week. Moreover, no one had taught Fang Ze any methods of Martial Arts Cultivation.


    Even if he was a genius, without any training methods, with just the help of Awakening Ability, it was likely he had barely started in one week.


    So, asking Fang Ze this question now, she did indeed make him lose face a bit.


    Thinking this, she considerately patted Fang Ze''s arm, consoling him, "It''s okay. Even if you haven''t started yet, it''s fine. Some people start slow, but once they start, their progress can be very fast."


    Hearing Bai Ling''s words, Fang Ze came to his senses. He coughed and said, "Chief Bai Ling, I have started."


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, Bai Ling was stunned for a moment, then couldn''t help but praise him, "Then you''ve made quite fast progress."


    "You just came into contact with Martial Arts a few days ago, right?"


    Fang Ze nodded.


    Bai Ling asked, "So how many muscles have you trained?"


    Fang Ze hesitated for a moment, then said, "I don''t know."


    Bai Ling covered her mouth,ughed, and said, "It''s okay, if you don''t know, then it''s fine. After all, you''ve just started. Wait until we get to Emerald City, I can take you to meet my master, see if he is willing to ept you as a disciple..."


    "This way, you can undergo systematic training."


    Before she could finish her sentence, Fang Ze said, "No, Chief Bai Ling. Although I don''t know how many muscles I''ve trained, but I know... I''ve developed two major tendons."


    Hearing Fang Ze''s words, Bai Ling was stunned on the spot.


    She couldn''t help but look at Fang Ze.


    Fang Ze, as if afraid she wouldn''t believe him, stopped walking, stood still, his muscles tensed. Then, driving his legs, hips, waist, back, shoulders, and then elbows, he threw a punch!


    A "boom!" sound followed, a st of fist wind brushed against Bai Ling''s face, making her hair mess up a bit.


    Bai Ling: ¡­


    Bai Ling was astounded.


    He actually reached the Tendon Tempering stage?!


    And using the major tendons so proficiently?


    This man had only been exposed to Martial Arts for five days, right?


    Five days, from starting, to Muscle Tempering, then to Tendon Tempering?!


    Bai Ling couldn''t help but recall her own training times back then.


    It seemed¡­ it took 3 days to start, then six months to temper muscles, and another half a year to develop two major tendons.


    Even then, her master called her a once-in-a-decade genius.


    So... if she was a once-in-a-decade genius, what was this man in front of her?


    A monster?

 Chapter 89 73. New Extraordinary Artifact (10,000 words for additional subscriptions!)

    With that thought in mind, Bai Ling couldn''t help but stretch out her little hand, starting to grope around on Fang Ze''s body...


    At first, Fang Ze thought Bai Ling was taking advantage of him and wanted to resist.


    Butter, when he realized that Bai Ling was just checking out his muscles, he rxed.


    After a brief examination of Fang Ze''s muscle tempering, Bai Ling was convinced.


    In just five short days, this man had actually tempered three to four hundred muscles, sessfully breaking through to the Tendon Tempering realm, and even developed two major tendons!


    She couldn''t help but nibble on her finger as she began to analyze.


    Normally, this situation would be impossible. After all, martial arts cultivation isn''t an Awakening Ability that can be achieved overnight; it requires hard training.


    But... there are special cases.


    For example... the Power of Laws (Awakening Ability) can elerate the growth of martial arts cultivation.


    Moreover, the stronger the Awakening Ability, the faster the eleration of martial arts cultivation!


    Thinking this way...


    "Hiss." Bai Ling couldn''t help but take a sharp intake of breath.


    Could it be that Fang Ze both had an extremely strong martial arts talent and had awakened a super strong Awakening Ability?


    A super strong Awakening Ability + his already very high martial arts talent = rapid mastery + muscle tempering and tendon tempering in five days!


    The more Bai Ling thought about it, the more she felt that was the case.


    And thinking this, Bai Ling suddenly felt that her master wasn''t worthy of Fang Ze anymore!


    This kind of disciple!


    Clearly, only she was worthy of him!


    Extremely strong martial arts talent! Plus strong Awakening Ability! He justcked a guide!


    And she could totally be his guide!


    Even if there were some things she didn''t understand, she could... let the master teach the disciple in her stead!


    As for the rest, just let him grow on his own~!


    Anyway, with his talent so strong, he''d probably advance quickly even without training. She just needed to give him time to develop, and then patiently wait for the day when he''d quietly impress everyone!


    When that time came, everyone who knew she''d taught such an impressive disciple would surely be amazed by her teaching abilities!


    Then, who would dare to underestimate her! Hmph!


    With that thought, Bai Ling couldn''t help but want to strike a pose with hands on her hips.


    She really was a little genius!


    .....


    Meanwhile, Fang Ze gave Bai Ling a strange look. This girl had been acting weird since a moment ago, from indecently groping him at first to then looking at him with burning eyes.


    Now, she was standing with her hands on her waist, and a ck tail was sticking out behind her.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    If Fang Ze weren''t a gentleman, he really would have wanted to lift her skirt to see how that tail managed to get through all thoseyers of clothing...


    While Fang Ze found the situation odd, Bai Ling also came back to her senses.


    Although she was now looking at Fang Ze with an unhideable fervor, she also knew that she couldn''t rush things. So, she patted Fang Ze''s arm (she meant to pat his shoulder but missed), and said, "Not bad at all. Reaching Tendon Tempering in five days. You''re almost as good as I was back in the day."


    Fang Ze gave her a quizzical look and then.......


    Didn''t believe her.


    Almost as good as you were back in the day?


    Then why were you so shocked just now?


    You really think I didn''t notice!


    And Bai Ling still didn''t know that Fang Ze had seen right through her. Humming a little tune, she started pondering how to coax Fang Ze into bing her disciple...


    ...


    Having sorted out the issue of the Awakened Bloodline Fusion and having figured out his own realm of martial arts cultivation, Fang Ze didn''t dy the rest of his itinerary, but quickly delivered Bai Ling to the Special Case Team.


    In front of all the team members, including Wang Hao, Gao Shu, Shen Lan, and a bunch of "colleagues," Fang Ze waved his hand towards Bai Ling, "See you another day, Chief Bai Ling."


    Bai Ling also waved back at Fang Ze, "See you another day, Fang Ze."


    Then, Fang Ze walked out of the Special Case Team with his hands in his pockets, leaving behind an ensemble of colleagues with their jaws dropped, and a suave departing figure.....


    After leaving the Special Case Team, Fang Ze set out for the jungle, ready to fuse bloodlines with One Two Three......


    Without Bai Ling, the journey back was much quicker for Fang Ze.


    He recognized the direction and started traveling through the jungle at breakneck speed. The surrounding environment swiftly moved past like a rolling painting.


    Soon, he arrived at the location he had agreed upon with One Two Three.


    Standing at the edge of the jungle, Fang Ze looked left and right before calling out softly, "One Two Three? One Two Three?"


    After a moment, a wooden head popped out of the ground.


    One Two Three, with a bush growing on top of its head, then looked at Fang Ze happily.


    Fang Ze: .....


    What to do when there''s an idiot at home? Online and urgently waiting for a solution!


    After digging One Two Three out of the ground and dusting off the dirt from its body, Fang Ze took One Two Three and ran towards the depths of the jungle.


    Just like that, the two ran for an afternoon, first arriving at the cave where they had stored their things.


    Then Fang Ze checked his supplies to make sure nothing had been touched by animals or humans, ate something, and began exining to One Two Three,


    "One Two Three, you should know that you are a creation of mine by chance."


    "So, your powers are innate. You''ve told me that you don''t know how to improve your abilities, and I don''t know how to help you increase your strength either."


    "Therefore, your strength might be doomed to never improve throughout your life."


    "But now, there''s an opportunity. To fuse you with another bloodline once again."


    "If you seed in the fusion, then you will be a Transcendent Creature of the Fusion phase."

 Chapter 90 73. New Extraordinary Artifact (10,000 words for additional subscriptions!)_2

    "Of course.... Even if it fails, there''s no risk. You just need to spit out the material,"


    Having said this, Fang Ze looked at it and then asked, "Do you understand?"


    One Two Three tilted its head to look at Fang Ze, then straightened its neck and nodded.


    Fang Ze gave it a satisfied thumbs up.


    He then proceeded with the fusion method given by the research department, asking One Two Three to lie down first.


    The cave was small and cramped, and once One Two Threey down, it upied nearly half of the space.


    Fang Ze moved his supplies aside and then took out seven colorless ordinary crystals, ground them into powder, and carefully drew some strange patterns on One Two Three''s body.


    ording to the method provided by the research department: These were patterns to guide the fusion of the bloodline and body, enabling the Power of Laws in the bloodline to better integrate into the body.


    Then, Fang Ze took out the white candles he had purchased while waiting for Bai Ling and Bai Zhi.


    He lit one on One Two Three''s forehead, palms, soles, and chest.


    Finally, he took out the Awakened Bloodline that bore the golden fox phantom and stood before One Two Three.


    At this point, One Two Three had a burning candle on its forehead, looking quite funny.


    Itsrge eyes looked at Fang Ze and blinked innocently.


    Fang Ze said reassuringly with a smile, "Don''t worry. It''s going to be alright. It will be over soon."


    After speaking, he ced the Awakened Bloodline into One Two Three''s mouth and told One Two Three, "Close your mouth, your eyes, sense the power of the bloodline in your mouth, and then begin the fusion."


    Perhaps One Two Three was a bit slow, because after Fang Ze spoke, it closed its eyes and mouth with effort... but there was no response for a long time.


    Fang Ze did not lose patience. He sat on a vine-woven mat nearby, waiting patiently.


    Time passed, and suddenly... a gust of wind arose in the cave.


    The six candles flickered violently.


    There seemed to be the ghostly image of a golden fox running and roaring through the cave!


    The crystal patterns on One Two Three''s body lit up fiercely, its woody brows furrowed deeply as its body tensed, as if it was enduring great pain.


    But the six candles, like mountains, pressed down firmly, immobilizing it.


    Fang Ze watched, his heart filled with tension.


    He knew the ritual had finally begun!


    And as he was thinking this, suddenly, the phantom of the golden fox shone brightly, beginning to fight back furiously.


    One Two Three''s body started to crack open like a tree molting, and a green liquid like fresh blood flowed out.


    "Hmm!!" One Two Three, with its eyes tightly closed, let out a stifled roar through its nose.


    Watching the scene unfold, Fang Ze couldn''t help but stand up.


    He paced worriedly around One Two Three, wanting to help.


    However, having never facilitated bloodline fusion for another, Fang Ze did not know what to do.


    And then, One Two Three''s body convulsed again, and the cracks grewrger as more green liquid flowed out.


    Sweat formed on Fang Ze''s forehead.


    He couldn''t help but say to One Two Three, "One Two Three, if it''s too much, let it go. Spit out the Bloodline Crystal!"


    But perhaps all the foolish ones have a stubborn streak.


    After hearing Fang Ze''s words, One Two Three not only refused to spit it out but bit down on the Bloodline Crystal even harder.


    Fang Ze, a bit annoyed, wished he could pry open One Two Three''s mouth and dig out that wasted Bloodline Crystal.


    After all, that crystal wasn''t important, but One Two Three was currently his strongestbat strength, and it couldn''t be lost!


    Yet, Fang Ze was also unsure whether forcibly removing the Bloodline Crystal would ruin the ritual and cause problems for One Two Three.


    So, without One Two Three''s agreement, he dared not take action.


    He kept pacing next to One Two Three as the cracks increased. The golden fox phantom seemed to sense victory was near, invigorating its golden fur and raising its head in a triumphant howl.


    It was like those creatures described in books, devouring the essence of the sun and moon.


    "Essence?"


    Seeing this scene and thinking of this word, Fang Ze suddenly remembered the Treant Essence he confiscated from the ranger.


    That stuff was said to heal wounds and flesh and bones quickly!


    Moreover, it was also derived from the same source as the Tree People!


    So... perhaps it could have an effect?


    Fang Ze was not sure.


    But he was certain that, even if he took a step back and the Treant Essence didn''t work, it should at least not interfere with the ritual because of theirmon origin!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    With that thought, Fang Ze hurriedly searched through his pack and found the bottle of Treant Essence.


    Then he opened the lid and gently sprinkled a couple of drops on One Two Three.


    As the Treant Essence fell on One Two Three, visibly, its body began to stop bleeding, heal, and recover.


    Fang Ze kept dripping more.


    The expression on One Two Three began to rx, and the golden fox phantom started a silent roar, struggling.


    Fang Ze dripped more and more.


    Not only did One Two Three''s body heal, but it also began to sprout new tender shoots. The fox phantom was shaking and looked terrified!


    Holding the bottle, Fang Ze looked inside and left only a tiny bit for himself, pouring all the rest onto One Two Three.


    As arge amount of Treant Essence spilled over, a green glow gradually appeared on One Two Three''s body. The glow slowly enveloped the golden fox phantom as if to dpose and absorb it.

 Chapter 91 73. New Extraordinary Artifact (Seeking subscriptions for 10,000 words!)_3

    The golden fox struggled desperately, biting and tearing at the green light. But it was to no avail.


    Little by little, it was devoured by the green light.


    As the golden fox and the green lightpletely fused into one, the tender buds that had sprouted from One Two Three began to grow rapidly!


    In just a few seconds, they grew into thick vines.


    Then, some of the vines meandered out, entwining above the entrance of the cave, leaving a small opening for venttion, sealing off the rest.


    Right after, other vines curled inward, wrapping around One Two Three, coil after coil after coil. Eventually, they formed a giant cocoon of vines.


    Fang Ze stared at this scene in front of him, stunned for a while, then finally muttered btedly, "Is this a sess?"


    After thinking for a bit, Fang Ze felt his question was kind of stupid.


    If it weren''t sessful, there wouldn''t be such a transformation. The vines in front of him were clearly a self-protective measure of One Two Three''s body as it advanced in level.


    The only issue was... if it were advancing in level, why trap itself in a cave!


    Thinking this, Fang Ze looked at the sealed cave entrance, then at the pitch-dark cave, hesitated for a bit, but eventually sat down.


    Actually, if he wanted to leave, he could.


    The third Extraordinary Artifact he obtained yesterday was one that could perform short-distance spatial transfers.


    With this in mind, Fang Ze touched the Token that he had been keeping close to his body.


    "Void Token."


    "Upon possessing this Token, a creature can freely move within a 100-meter range, ignoring any obstacles or distance. However, the appearance location cannot ovep with other objects or creatures."


    "Avable uses: 20/20."


    This was the second consumable Extraordinary Artifact that Fang Ze had obtained.


    But indeed, such artifacts were exceptionally powerful.


    Being able to move freely within a 100-meter range, disregarding any obstacles or distance.


    This was second to none as a weapon, both for escaping and for assassination.


    Especially whenbined with Fang Ze''s high-interest loan ability, it bes even more powerful!


    Thus, a small cave couldn''t stop him at all.


    If he wanted to, he could appear at the mountaintop the next second.


    However, due to the consumable nature of this artifact, Fang Ze was reluctant to use it for such trivial matters.


    He might soon enter a battle with the Rejuvenation Society, followed by the Flower Morning Festival, which could be another major battle.


    It would be better to save such life-saving andbat Trump cards forter.


    Touching the Void Token in his embrace, Fang Ze also began to ponder what he should do to kill the time while trapped.


    As he thought, he involuntarily recalled the Martial Dao Realm he discussed with Bai Ling today.


    As the primary pathway to enhance Awakening Abilities, it was necessary for Fang Ze to advance his Martial Dao Realm to elevate his Awakening Ability.


    Especially for someone like Fang Ze, whose Awakening Ability was particrly strong, the required Martial Dao Realm and physical condition were even higher.


    Having learned the training methods for each realm of Martial Arts today, Fang Ze had a goal and was therefore more suited to practice.


    As for how to train...


    Of course, it would be through using his Awakening Ability.


    Before, Fang Ze had borrowed the effects of training for 10+20 days. That borrow instantly gave his strength a qualitative leap.


    Lately, in the Special Case Team, he repaid the horse stance and some parts of running and squatting exercises.


    Then, in the midst of fleeing, he fully repaid running and squatting.


    Now in a debt-free state, it was convenient to borrow again.


    Thinking this, Fang Ze couldn''t help but stand up, and then silently thought, "Credit World, I borrow the effects of 30 days of training!"


    Following Fang Ze''s silent invocation, the space before him once again revealed the round red-eyed rabbit.


    The rabbit with red eyes looked at Fang Ze with a vacant stare, mechanically repeating, "Borrowing 30 days of training effect. Effective!"


    As it spoke, it transformed into a white light that enveloped Fang Ze.


    Fang Ze only felt countless muscles in his body twitching rhythmically.


    In an instant, with a tremor in his right hand, a thick muscle within his body began pulsating, extending from his hand to his shoulder, then to his back, and finally reaching his hips and legs!


    The power that had just started in his right hand was transmitted entirely to the ground.


    Fang Ze hesitantly touched the thick muscle that had just formed inside him, pondering...n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Before, both of his thick muscles started from his legs and ended at his hands. It was a concentration and explosion of strength.


    This new one that began from his hands seemed to be a technique for deflecting force.


    The power was taken up in his hands, then the whole body moved in unison, transferring the force to the ground.


    Fang Ze stroked his chin, feeling... that this might mean he now had some defensive moves, right?


    Moreover, the formation of another thick muscle meant he had taken another step towards bing a middle-rank Awakener.


    Fang Ze estimated that by the time he reached the Skin Tempering stage, maybe... he could be a middle-rank Awakener.


    Given his current pace of practice, that day wouldn''t be too far away.


    With a goal set, Fang Ze began to happily pay back his debts...


    Thirty days of borrowed training wasn''t much debt.


    Thirty hours of running, thirty hours of horse stance, thirty hours of squats.


    Half his time was spent in the horse stance, the other half doing squats, and thus he trained for six hours.


    When nighttime arrived,


    Through the small window formed by the vines over the cave entrance, moonlight shone in, and Fang Ze btedly stopped his training.


    Afterwards, he nced at the time and realized it waste.


    So, he looked at One Two Three, who was still in slumber, theny on the vine bed and fell asleep in his clothes.


    He had actually been quite busy today.


    In the afternoon, he assisted One Two Three in fusing bloodlines, and at night, he was to help Miaomiao be an Awakener...


    Fang Ze was greatly anticipating the Awakening Ability of this girl with an extraordinary background.


    He felt it would definitely bring him a different kind of surprise...


    And as for increasing his faction''s strength, he was always very happy to do that.


    With these thoughts, he drifted into a deep sleep...


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Seeking monthly tickets! Seeking subscriptions!


    These two chapters might mainly be day-to-day and transition scenes, and if some readers find it filler, I''ll speed up the paceter on.

 Chapter 92 74. Bai Zhi as Bait (Seeking 10,000 words for subscriptions!)

    He didn''t know how long he had slept, but when Fang Ze woke up again, he found himself in the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Out of habit, he first surveyed the entire room''s condition, whether the cement of items or theyout, nothing had changed.


    The only thing that had a hint of change was the ck iron door.


    The character "One" on the iron door seemed to shine a bit brighter now.


    However, it seemed like some more time was needed for it to light uppletely.


    Fang Ze nced at the door twice, a bit curious......


    He didn''t know what was behind the iron door.


    A new room?


    Another investigation room?


    Or some other thing.....


    However, if he wanted to quickly open that room, he still needed to rely on the Power of Faith that Miaomiao had been collecting for him....


    With that thought in mind, Fang Ze approached the desk and lightly tapped on it with his right index finger.


    Momentster, a three-dimensional holographic image of a line of characters appeared in front of him, with Miaomiao at the foremost position.


    Fang Ze turned on the deskmp, altered the room''syout, and then chose her......


    ......


    Miaomiao had been having a very tough few days.


    The slums, although consideredwless areas, still had their implicit rules and order.


    Everyone operated within those rules, and even though they faced more oppression and life was harder, they at least had some twisted sense of "security."


    But when she led those few streets to break the gang''s control and destroy the entire order, the slums went from boiling to being plunged into chaos.


    Some periphery members of the gangs, the timid ones, were scared all day long, while the extreme ones started looting and killing.


    Some who already had ambitions, without the threat of the gangs, began to boldly take to the streets....


    Some of the poor had to do a lot of hard work under the oppression of the gangs every day to earn a meager ie.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Now without the oppression, they thought their lives would improve, but suddenly they found themselves unsure of what to do and without a source of ie...


    In these few days, the entire slum area had indeed fallen into dire straits.


    After realizing this situation, Miaomiao, decisively after consulting with Pang and some well-connected folks on that street, established amunity centered on those few streets. Then under the name of Lord Devil, she began managing the order of the slums.


    At first, there were indeed periphery gang members and ambitious individuals who were dissatisfied and challenged her. But Nv Dao was not just for show.


    With the deterrence of the Shadow Warrior, two and a half meters tall, d in pitch-ck, and emanating an ominous aura, the entire slum''s order was taken over by the two streets where Miaomiao was within just a couple of days, and peace on the surface was restored.


    And the price paid for this was... Miaomiao had to nearly continuously lead the Shadow Warrior to save situations these past two days.


    Here someone was robbing, there someone was causing trouble.


    The enforcers on the streets, even though they carried weapons, were just ordinary people after all.


    There were quite a few martial artists among those causing trouble, so most of the time, she needed to rush over with Nv Dao.


    Therefore, she desperately hoped she could have more helpers to aid her.


    She also hoped she could be stronger or make those around her stronger. To protect the hard-won life of the slums...


    So, for two consecutive nights, each time before she went to bed, she silently prayed, praying that she could see Mr. Devil again.


    Praying for Mr. Devil to give her guidance....


    ...


    When she woke up from her sleep, Miaomiao found herself not on the old, worn wooden bed at her own home.


    The soft sofa allowed her exhausted body to seem to stretch freely.


    The unknown fragrance drifting through the air even made her feel refreshed upon smelling it.


    Even without opening her eyes, she knew that she had finallye to see the man she had longed for day and night, Mr. Devil.....


    So, she promptly opened her eyes, rose from the sofa, and looked toward the tall figure in front of her.


    After a moment, she stood up, then deeply bowed to the ground, "Mr. Devil. Good evening."


    Mr. Devil was clearly very pleased with her gesture; he nodded slightly and said, "Stand up. Sit."


    Listening obediently, Miaomiao got up and then sat down on a chair nearby. She kept her legs together, hands on herp, her gaze devoted as she watched the person in front of her, waiting for him to speak.


    And as she was thinking this, Mr. Devil also slowly began to speak, "I have been paying attention to what you''ve done these past few days."


    Miaomiao''s small hands involuntarily clenched tight. Her heart was a bit nervous....


    Mr. Devil, "You''ve done quite well."


    Hearing Mr. Devil''s assessment, she breathed a sigh of relief.


    Then she heard Mr. Devil add, "However, it''s still not enough."


    Miaomiao''s heart inevitably tightened once more.


    Mr. Devil stood up, walked a few steps around the room, and came to a bookshelf.


    Then, with his back to the bookshelf, he said, "Of course, when I say you haven''t done enough, it''s not because of your subjective reasons but rather because of the limitations of your objective strength."


    "As one of my servants, as a manager of the slum area, how can you be a weak woman without the strength to truss a chicken?"


    With that, he spoke, "So, I intend to bestow upon you an Awakening Ability, to make you an Awakener."


    "An Awakener?" Upon hearing Mr. Devil''s words, Miaomiao''s face was covered with surprise.


    Even living in the slum area, she had heard a great deal about the legends of the Awakeners.


    Walking through heavens and earth, possessing immense strength, omnipotent.

 Chapter 93 74. Bai Zhi as Bait (10,000 Words for Subscriptions!)"_2

    Under the tutge of Auntie Pang, she also knew that the reason the poor in the slums dared not rebel against the gangs was that the gangs had Awakeners.


    And on that night, she truly witnessed the power of the Disaster Creatures and the Awakeners.


    Their battles were something ordinary people couldn''t possibly intervene in, and to them, ordinary people posed no threat at all.


    Back then, Miaomiao couldn''t help but fantasize about bing an Awakener herself one day.


    The result¡ªcould she really be an Awakener as soon as the next day?


    Thinking of this, although she was surprised, she didn''t foolishly confirm it with Mr. Devil in front of her.


    Because¡­ if Mr. Devil said so, he certainly wasn''t joking.


    And all she could do was to repay Mr. Devil.


    So she stood up and once again devoutly prostrated herself on the ground, "Thank you, Mr. Devil!"


    Fang Ze heard all the girl''s thoughts, shrouded in the mist, he was not surprised.


    After observing the girl for this period of time, he found that she was utterly devoted to him, treating him like a deity in her heart.


    Therefore, such behavior was not surprising to him.


    While thinking, Fang Ze waved his hand and made the furniture in the room disappear. Then, he conjured a wide, white cashmere carpet in the middle of the room.


    Then he instructed,


    "Lie down on it."


    Even though her heart was devout, at that moment, Miaomiao''s body still trembled.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Fang Ze keenly caught that tremble and "considerately" said to her, "If you don''t like it, we can change it."


    "Ah?" The girl had a question mark over her head.


    Fang Ze, "Yellow, red, blue, pink¡ªall are possible."


    The girl was stunned for a moment, almost not catching on.


    However, after a moment, she shook her head and walked over without any hesitation, took off her shoes, andy down.


    Seeing this, Fang Ze walked over, stretched out his hand, and turned the girl''s body so she was facing away from him.


    When he touched her body, Fang Ze clearly felt her trembling more violently.


    However, he didn''t mind; he was doing serious work, with no ill intentions.


    So, after turning the girl over, he beckoned with his hand, and instantly, a bag appeared in front of him.


    He took out a crystal from the bag, crushed it, and then began to trace the Bloodline Awakening patterns on the girl''s body based on the content written on a piece of paper.


    Perhaps because it was the same Bloodline Fusion, the Bloodline Awakening Ritual patterns he sketched on One Two Three earlier were simr.


    Only there were some slight differences.


    For instance... the patterns needed to extend out from the body of the Awakener and then formed a giant hexagram pattern on the carpet.


    It took six or seven crystals toplete the sketching.


    Fang Ze looked at the few crystals left in his pocket and thought... training an Awakener really burns through money...


    While sighing, Fang Ze took out some white candles he had prepared extra when buying materials for One Two Three today, and ced them around the six points of the hexagram.


    Having done all this, Fang Ze took out a silver knife used during his own Awakening Ritual and then said to the girl, "Bear with it, it''s going to hurt a bit."


    The girl, facing downward, blushed and murmured softly, "Hmm."


    Fang Ze gently pricked the girl''s finger, then caught the blood, and drew a neat circle around the hexagram once again.


    Thus, all the steps of the ritual werepleted.


    Fang Ze looked at the eerie scene before him and then said to the girl, "I have set up a Bloodline Awakening Ritual for you."


    "It is a type of Awakening Ritual thatmunicates with your ancestral bloodline."


    "Remember the incantation I am about to tell you."


    "When I leave the roomter, you should recite the incantation."


    "The ritual will officially begin."


    The girl "Hmm" again, this time the flush on her face faded, reced by resoluteness¡­


    ¡­


    Two minutester, Fang Ze left the room and stepped into the hallway outside.


    To help Miaomiao awaken, on this asion Fang Ze had set up multiple rooms and even a corridor within the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Fortunately, the Late-Night Investigation Room was spacious enough, or else it would have been difficult to arrange.


    Thinking of this, Fang Ze looked towards Miaomiao''s door: although it was a separate room with walls as barriers, to Fang Ze the Controller, it was actuallypletely defenseless.


    Watching Miaomiao, Fang Ze silently said in his heart, "You can do it, girl."


    ........


    Meanwhile, as Fang Ze was helping Miaomiao with her Awakening,


    in the dark jungle, the wealthy man''s vi, Special Case Team.


    Bai Ling had her big hammer strapped to her back and was bouncing cheerfully towards the outside.


    Just as she left the vi, she encountered a man in uniform, portly and chubby, who looked wealthy and amiable, a middle-aged man.


    "Director Pang? What a coincidence. What have you been busy withtely? Haven''t seen you for several days."


    Bai Ling greeted him with a smile and a wave.


    Director Pang heard her voice, turned his head, and upon seeing it was Bai Ling, his face immediately beamed with a smile, and he said cheerily, "Commissioner Bai Ling."


    He sighed, and then said, "What else can I be busy with but official duties?"


    "Lower-tier cities are too difficult to manage. There are always lots of public security incidents."


    "You know, the state doesn''t care much about lower-tier cities like ours, resources are scarce. We have clues for many cases, butck the capability to solve them."

 Chapter 94 74. Bai Zhi as Bait (10,000 Words for More Subscriptions!)_3

    "This is already a negative evaluation in my assessment,"


    "As a result, recently, a new force has emerged in the slums, wiping out all the gangs that previously controlled the area."


    "The result is that they don''t know how to manage it."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He sighed at this point, "It''s such chaos, s...."


    Bai Ling had merely made a casual polite remark, but who knew Director Pang would spill so much bitterness. So, she was somewhat dumbfounded.


    And so, the two of them walked and chatted, quickly exiting the Special Case Team, and then arriving at the narrow path that was necessary to leave the vi.


    The summer night forest, although pitch-ck, was not creepy, but instead filled with the sounds of cicadas and birds, giving a sense of vibrant life.


    Lady Bai Zhi, dressed in white and with her waist cinched, stood in the middle of the road, floating like a celestial being.


    If she remained silent, without thinking, anyone who saw her at this moment would probably think she was a fairy exiled from heaven.


    Seeing her from a distance, Bai Ling and Director Pang exchanged a look, then quickened their pace and walked over,


    "Bai,"


    "Your Excellency."


    Hearing the greetings from the two, Bai Zhi came back to her senses. She turned around, looked at the two of them, and said indifferently, "You''ve arrived?"


    Bai Ling and Director Pang nodded.


    Then Bai Ling asked, "Bai, why did you call us here?"


    Bai Zhi looked towards the end of the road, and then said, "Preparing to wee a few people."


    "Weing people?" Bai Ling asked with a bit of confusion, tilting her head.


    Bai Zhi continued, "Also to take a casual stroll."


    Having said that, shezily stretched, her exquisite figure fully disyed.


    Then she said, "There''s going to be a big battle soon. So, I came out for a walk."


    "A big battle?" Both Bai Ling and Director Pang were clearly surprised.


    Bai Zhi nodded, then said, "Yes."


    Then, she briefly informed them about the news of the Rejuvenation Society''s impending attack on the Special Case Team and said, "I''ve reported this information to the bureau."


    "The bureau''s order is to have us stand by in our current location and deal with the attacking criminals here."


    Hearing Bai Zhi''s words, Director Pang couldn''t help frowning slightly.


    Meanwhile, Bai Ling eximed in surprise, "Ah? Deal with the attacking criminals on the spot? But the other party is the aggressor with definitely more people than us."


    "Is it about how we deal with them or how they deal with us?"


    Bai Zhi smiled and said, "That''s why... the bureau has sent reinforcements to help us."


    At this point, as if sensing something, she looked up towards the end of the road, "Look, here theye."


    During the conversation, three figures slowly approached from the distance.


    Among the three people, there were two men and one woman.


    The woman was very beautiful, with a ck band tied over her eyes. Despite supposedly being unable to see the road ahead, she walked as usual.


    The two men were robust and muscr, with strong and broad backs, obviously identical twins.


    As the three approached and saw Bai Zhi, they quickly stopped and bowed deeply to her, saying, "Lady Bai Zhi. We''ve arrived."


    Bai Zhi nodded, then warmly said, "Thank you for your efforts. Please go with Director Pang first to the secret base to rest a bit."


    "We''ll have an operation meetingter."


    The three nodded and then turned to look at Director Pang.


    Seeing the three, Director Pang''s expression was clearly much warmer than it was with Bai Ling. He bowed slightly, smiling obsequiously, and with a gesture of his right hand, he said, "Commissioners, please follow me this way."


    Bai Ling''s gaze followed as Director Pang led the three into the Special Case Team before turning back.


    Knowing Bai Zhi''s character well, she couldn''t help looking at Bai Zhi and whispered, "Bai, is there something else you''re notfortable saying?"


    With no outsiders around, Bai Zhi no longer had to put on an act. She sighed softly and then drew Bai Ling into her arms, saying, "Bai Ling, you''re still so perceptive."


    Her gaze deepened, "Actually, the bureau hasn''t sent any reinforcements."


    "These three are the ones I requested as reinforcements from the bureau."


    "Although they are all Fusers... one is a Lie Detector, one is a Barrierist, and one is a Tracker."


    "None of them are from the Martial Combat faction. Theirbat abilities are not strong."


    "And the bureau''s requirement is that we stand by without any reinforcement and lure the enemy."


    Hearing Bai Zhi''s words, Bai Ling gasped in surprise and asked, "Ah? Stand by without any reinforcements and lure the enemy?"


    She eximed, "Isn''t that using us as bait?"


    Bai Zhi looked at her and nodded, "That''s right. We''re the bait."


    She spoke slowly, "The bureau believes that if we leave, the Rejuvenation Society''s people who areing to attack us will have two choices."


    "One is to cause retaliatory destruction in nearby cities to attract our attention. This would cause great harm to the public."


    "The other is to hide on the spot and then regroup with other members of the Rejuvenation Society, and together head to Emerald City during the Flower Morning Festival to execute another n."


    "Neither of these oues is what the bureau wants to see."


    "So, after understanding the intelligence, the bureau decided to have us stand by as bait."


    "To attract their attention and wait for reinforcements from the bureau."


    "If we have the strength to handle them ourselves, then all the better."


    "After all... ording to the information from Fang Ze, the enemy has at most four or five Fusers."


    "Taking them down shouldn''t be a problem for me..."


    Bai Ling covered her mouth in astonishment.


    .......


    Meanwhile, in the Greenwater Forest, where the Special Case Team was located, many figures had suddenly appeared out of nowhere....

 Chapter 95 Miaomiaos Awakening Ability (10,000 Words for Monthly Vote!)

    The figures varied in height and age; there were both men and women, all distinctly different.


    However, the one thing they had inmon was that they were all dressed in ck robes, their bodies exuding a fierce aura.


    Clearly, these individuals were not familiar with each other, despite being gathered in the same ce. They formed groups, thergest consisting of more than twenty people while the smallest had only two.


    Yet, they clearly knew who the others were. Even though they were close in proximity, they only cautiously sized each other up and then patiently waited.


    Soon after, a figure d in a red robe swept in from afar, arriving in just a moment.


    He carried a powerful presence, as if a heavy stone hadnded, causing the ground beneath everyone''s feet to tremble thrice.


    As he stood before everyone, he raised his hand, and suddenly, a ming "8" appeared before him.


    Upon seeing this, everyone paused, then bowed neatly, "My lord."


    The man in the red robe grunted and after scanning the crowd, asked, "Where are the people from Emerald City?"


    From a group of about a dozen on the left, a burly figure in a ck robe stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "My lord. Here."


    The red robe looked towards him.


    The man introduced, "My lord, I am Ferocious Beast."


    At this, he gestured toward a slender figure beside him that looked distinctly female and added, "This is Stone Maiden."


    The red robe grunted again and asked, "Have you obtained the intelligence and information I tasked you with collecting?"


    Ferocious Beast nodded, "We have."


    "The Special Case Teamprises 13 Commissioners, among them one Fuser. Our primary target for this operation: Bai Zhi."


    "ording to the intelligence, she''s a tier-three Fuser with one Primary Awakening Ability and three Secondary Awakening Abilities."


    "The Primary Awakening Ability is named ''Wrathful Kuan Yin,'' a transformation ability with mass assault capabilities."


    "Secondary Abilities are unknown."


    "One high-tier Awakener, codenamed Bai Ling, the young girl from the Bai Family of Emerald City. Her Awakening Ability is likely the Bai Family''s Bloodline Ability: ck Panther."


    "She can seek advantages and avoid harms. Possesses strong crisis sensing abilities, enhancing agility and action speed. However, herbat power is average."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "As for the other 11missioners, they are all rookies brought by Bai Zhi as part of a bet, all initial-stage Awakeners. Their Awakening Abilities are varied, but since they almostck any Martial Arts Cultivation, theirbat capabilities are negligible."


    "As for the reinforcements from the Security Bureau, we have also tracked and investigated them today."


    "Although they are Fusibles, all are function-type."


    "Theirbat strength is weak."


    After hearing Ferocious Beast''s report, the man in the red robe nodded slightly, then sweeping his gaze around, he said in a deep voice, "Although the opponent''s surface strength is insufficient, we must not becent."


    "Bai Zhi is regarded as the strongest of the young generation in both Emerald City and the entirety of Xida State; her strength is indeed formidable."


    "Therefore, we need to proceed cautiously and not underestimate the enemy."


    "Now, each team, follow mymands for blockades and deployment."


    "When reinforcements from other cities arrive, we willunch a total assault..."


    Upon hearing the orders from the man in the red robe, the several dozen in ck robes bowed in unison and responded, "Yes!"


    ......


    Meanwhile, in the Late-Night Investigation Room.


    Fang Ze was unaware that the situation outside was taking a drastic turn.


    He sat across from Miaomiao in the "room," casually reading a book.


    The book was a product of his mind, filled with content he had read in a previous life.


    Revisiting it felt quite different.


    After an unknown amount of time,


    suddenly, Fang Ze felt a tingling sensation in his body,pelling him to look up, only to see darkness seeping through the door crack, as if spreading towards him.


    He waved his hand to block this darkness, then fixed his eyes on Miaomiao''s room.


    Gazing through the walls, Fang Ze saw Miaomiao with her arms crossed before her chest, eyes closed, and her long ck hair, which had been spread out, floating mid-air, not wearing a stitch.


    A dense darkness slowly streamed out from her body like thick ck smoke or ink, gradually filling the entire room, and then spreading out the door.


    Fang Ze once more beckoned, sealing the space, preventing the darkness from escaping, and waited for changes quietly.


    Although he was unsure of what Miaomiao''s Ability truly entailed, seeing all this took ce, Fang Ze realized his guess was correct: the appropriate Awakening method for Miaomiao really was the Bloodline Awakening Method.


    If that was the case, this girl''s background was definitely not ordinary, likely belonging to an Awakened n with a hereditary bloodline.


    Just as Fang Ze was contemting this, suddenly, the darkness in the room sharply withdrew, all flowing back into Miaomiao''s body.


    Miaomiao then fell from the air like a broken doll,nding heavily on the carpet.


    Possibly because the fall had hurt her, she furrowed her beautiful brows, then slowly sat up, supporting herself.


    Perhaps sensing a new strength within her,


    she raised her hands, looked down, and herrge eyes, filled with surprise, observed her own hands.


    However, before she could fully experience this new power, the hoarse voice of "Lord Devil" rang in her ear, "Put on your clothes ande out to see me."


    Only then did Miaomiao btedly realize she was bare, her cheeks reddened, and she quickly picked up her clothes and hurriedly put them on.

 Chapter 96 Miaomiaos Awakening Ability (10,000 Words for Monthly Vote!)_2

    After she had tidied up, she coiled her ck hair that hade loose at some unknown time, then cautiously exited her room and came to the one opposite.


    Upon entering the room across from hers, Lord Devil sat surrounded by mist on the sofa, watching her with evident interest.


    She knelt on the ground respectfully, "Mr. Devil."


    Mr. Devil hummed in response, then said, "Do you like the power I bestowed upon you?"


    Miaomiao, with her head bowed, replied softly, "I like it."


    Mr. Devil gestured for her toe over.


    Miaomiao obediently walked over.


    Then Mr. Devil took one of her hands in his.


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    Miaomiao couldn''t help but tremble slightly, yet she dared not resist.


    Fang Ze held her hand but did not make any other movement, quietly waiting instead.


    After a moment, sure enough, a flood of information suddenly appeared in his mind. It was about Miaomiao''s Awakening Ability.


    A hint of pleasure appeared on Fang Ze''s face, shrouded in mist.


    Indeed, his conjecture was correct.


    If the investigation room could appraise items and even hear people''s thoughts, then there was no reason it couldn''t appraise someone''s Awakening Ability.


    And recalling the information in his mind, Fang Ze looked at Miaomiao with a bit of surprise.


    "Darkness."


    That was Miaomiao''s ability, summed up in two simple words.


    But the ability itself was far from simple.


    "Wherever it reaches, there is darkness."


    "All objects will be engulfed by the darkness, covered, duplicated. And a Dark World is formed."


    "Interweaving of light and shadow."


    "In the world of light, living beings will be infected by the darkness, gaining greater strength, a more formidable defensive power."


    "In the duplicated Dark World, items and creatures could be animated, turning into shadow clones, endowed with Extraordinary Power, transforming into Disaster Creatures, and walking in the light."


    ording to Fang Ze''s understanding,


    Miaomiao''s Awakening Ability was somewhat simr to his own, possessing two separate abilities at the initial stage.


    After unleashing her Dark Domain,


    First, she could infect creatures, making them stronger.


    Second, she could create a dark clone of everything, which she could then animate at will, imbuing them with Extraordinary Power (the Power of Laws), transforming them into Disaster Creatures with new life.


    In other words, whenever Miaomiao wished, she could infect the beings around her, not only making those creatures stronger but also producing a shadow clone, endowing that clone with life, and turning it into a Disaster Creature.


    Achieving a double win.


    All in all, Fang Ze thought this ability was very strong.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Although devoid of direct offensive capabilities, it was especially suited for characters like Miaomiao who "farmed," developing their forces.


    The only problem was... Miaomiao''s growth period would probably be quite long.


    Thinking this, Fang Ze released Miaomiao''s hand and nodded in satisfaction.


    "The ability I bestowed upon you suits your current situation very well."


    "The Disasters you are concerned about can all be solved with ease."


    Miaomiao, who had already known the details of her ability at the moment of her Awakening, nodded slightly.


    Then Fang Ze continued to speak,


    "However, you should not becent."


    "Awakening is only the beginning of the Extraordinary Path."


    "If you wish to continue growing stronger, you must seek guidance from the shadow clone of the Shadow Warrior I gave you whenever you have spare time."


    "Have her teach you the ways of training, to improve your bodily strength, to purify and strengthen your Bloodline."


    "Only then will you not let down my expectations of you."


    Hearing Mr. Devil''s teachings, Miaomiao knelt on the ground, "Yes, Mr. Devil."


    Seeing Miaomiao obedientlyplying made Fang Ze nod in approval, then he said, "Good. You can go back now."


    After speaking, he waved his hand, severing Miaomiao''s connection.


    Watching Miaomiao''s figure disappear from the spot, Fang Ze also dispelled the disguise of the investigation room.


    He then stretchedzily, went over to the desk, and began to inspect his investigative findings for the day.


    Perhaps because he had not conducted any investigation that day, Fang Ze did not have high hopes for the day''s findings.


    So when Fang Ze saw nothing but the familiar puddle of "mud" on the table, his heart felt neither surprise nor excitement. He simply thought... everything was as expected.


    However, when he picked up the lump of mud and dropped it to the ground,


    a Shadow Warrior, standing around one meter ny tall with a shapely figure and striking curves, emerged from the ground.


    Clearly, this Shadow Warrior was different from Stick One, Stick Two, and Nv Dao encountered before. She seemed... more spiritually aware.


    As she appeared, she knelt gracefully on the ground and said to Fang Ze in a soft voice, "My lord, your concubine has arrived."


    Looking at the woman before him, shrouded in ck but with a discernibly delicate appearance, Fang Ze slowly formed a question mark above his head: Hm? Had the Shadow Warrior leveled up?


    ........


    Meanwhile, in Qingshan City, the slums.


    Miaomiao jolted awake from her bed.


    After waking up, she was dazed for a moment before cing her hands in front of her eyes...


    There were no lights on in the room, and it was pitch ck, with nothing visible.


    But she paid no mind and closed her eyes, summoning a thought.


    Endless darkness poured from her being.


    The darkness spread through the room like a living thing. Everywhere it reached turned ck.


    Only when the darkness began to seep out of the room did Miaomiao stop using her ability.

 Chapter 97 Miaomiaos Awakening Ability (10,000 Words for Monthly Vote!)_3

    Then she looked at the matchbox ced on the table.


    With a single thought,


    the matchbox sprouted two tiny pitch-ck legs and arms and abruptly lept up.


    It then moved to the front of the table, lifted its lid, and pulled out a simrly ck match, sliding it across its own body with a "schh~" sound.


    Instantly, a tuft of ck me burst out.


    It then lit the deskmp, bowed to Miaomiao, and jumped back to its original position, retracting its limbs.


    Staring at the ck me on the oil, Miaomiao was momentarily stunned.


    ''Do I really possess Awakening Abilities now?''


    ''Have I really be an Awakener?''


    Miaomiao always felt as though she was dreaming.


    She recalled the days when she had first met Mr. Devil.


    It seemed that it was just under 10 days ago.


    In just 10 days, she had transformed from a girl in the slums who needed protection from everybody, into an Awakener with magical abilities that she could only look up to before.


    Not only did she have Miss Monster as her guard, but she was also helping Mr. Devil to manage a slum...


    This radical change truly made Miaomiao wonder if she was dreaming.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    After sitting quietly on the bed for a while, Miaomiao gathered her thoughts.


    Then she straightened her clothes, opened the door, and walked along the silent, deserted streets.


    Wherever she went, darkness spread, engulfing every nook and cranny, every house, every home...


    Miaomiao closed her eyes, and all the details of the entire street were clear in her mind.


    Then she opened her eyes and softly uttered, "Dark Soldiers, assemble."


    In an instant, a shadow emerged from every strapping man along the street.


    The shadows were identical to the men, yet they were devoid of expression andpletely ck.


    Then they stepped forth, passing through walls and out of their homes to assemble in front of Miaomiao, all kneeling on one knee¡ªover thirty men in total.


    Miaomiao looked at them, then softlymanded, "Don armor."


    The darkness surged, and chunks of ck armor spontaneously formed on their bodies.


    Miaomiao hesitated for a moment, then said once more, "Bear arms."


    Instantly, the darkness surged again, and their empty hands now held long spears.


    Looking at this troop of Dark Soldiers, Miaomiao turned her head towards the vast slum, then softlymanded, "Go. Guard his territory for Lord Devil...."


    In an instant, those shadow warriors briskly dispersed, beginning to hide in every corner of the slum....


    That night, during patrols of the slums by Miaomiao''s party, whenever they encountered resistance or sudden incidents, one or two spear-wielding, d in ck armor Disaster Creatures appeared.


    These creatures were slightly weaker than the shadow warriors, resembling a weakened version of them. But even weakened, with the boost from the Power of Laws, they were not foes ordinary humans could withstand. Thus, wherever they went, all disputes ceased.


    By the next day, those who initially wanted to stir trouble realized that as soon as they made a move, the Dark Soldiers would appear in droves, immediately deterring any further actions.


    Thanks to this troop of Dark Soldiers, the previously tumultuous slum suddenly had a new order...


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    Pang and some other locals familiar with Miaomiao came to see her, curious to ask what exactly was going on.


    And Miaomiao, wearing a newly purchased ck voile dress, embroidered with twin goat horns, devoutly knelt towards the east and said, "This is all... Mr. Devil''s grace......"


    .......


    Truth be told, Fang Ze was actually quite happy with the new shadow warrior.


    If... that shadow warrior could just be a bit more normal.


    Ever since he got the new shadow warrior, Fang Ze felt as if his life had changed.


    When he woke up, he found something very soft under his head. Then, looking up, he realized he was lying on the other''s leg.


    He wanted to quietly practice his horse stance, and the other would wave a small ck g beside him, cheering him on.


    He mentioned offhand he was a bit hungry. Then, five minutester, he would see the other squeezing out of a crevice in the cave, holding freshly picked fruit...


    Truth be told, Fang Ze was a bit scared.


    This wasn''t quite like any shadow warrior he knew.


    Shouldn''t shadow warriors be somewhat dumb and dazed?


    Why does this one feel... a bit off!?


    Especially when he saw that look she gave him, Fang Ze always felt... boys should protect themselves when they''re outside.


    Not to be seduced by a woman over minor favors...


    So, he forcibly requested this new shadow warrior to return to his shadow and then he contacted Bai.


    He remembered Bai once imed to be a walking encyclopedia, knowing a great deal about Awakeners. So... he should have some knowledge about Disaster Creatures too, right?


    He wanted to find out if there were shadow warriors in this world, what kinds they were, if there were any rankings or categories.


    However, oddly enough, when Windbreeze Flower called, Bai did not answer for a long while.


    Fang Ze was puzzled, but he had no choice but to end the call.


    After that, under the grieving eyes of the new shadow warrior, he did an hour of squat-and-rise, and then he tried contacting Bai again.


    This time, Bai picked up very quickly.


    But as soon as the call connected, Fang Ze noticed some noise and chaos on the other end.


    Since Windbreeze Flower couldn''t peek at the surroundings without permission, he could only curiously ask, "Chief Bai Ling, what are you doing over there?"


    Bai sounded a bit tense as he replied, "Fang Ze, we''re preparing for a battle!"


    "Preparing for battle?" Fang Ze was startled.


    Bai nodded, then said seriously, "We''ve spotted traces of the Rejuvenation Society nearby. They are continuously gathering forces, and the numbers are substantial."


    "It looks like they mightunch an attack tonight."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Two chapters of ten thousand words each, asking for monthly passes! Please follow daily! Thank you, everyone!


    Since staying up until midnight every day is toote, updates will change to noon starting Saturday. Don''t wait up tonight. See it at 12.


    Unless something unforeseen happens, it''s likely still a ten-thousand-word update.

 Chapter 98 76. This female Shadow Warrior is really strange! (1w2 seeking subscriptions!)

    Hearing Bai Ling''s words, Fang Ze was stunned.


    He knew about the Rejuvenation Society''s n to attack the Special Case Team. It was him who had informed Bai Zhi. In a way, it was to increase the value of his own intelligence.


    But what he didn''t know, or hadn''t considered was... even though Bai Zhi and the others knew about the attack, they still weren''t running?


    Are they that foolhardy?


    With this thought in mind, Fang Ze interrupted Bai Ling, who was in the midst of briefing on the enemy situation, and couldn''t help but ask, "Wait a second, Chief Bai Ling."


    "I know about the attack by the Rejuvenation Society."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "But... Officer Bai Zhi should know as well, right?"


    "Why aren''t you guys leaving?"


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s words, Bai Ling, who was a bit nervous, couldn''t help but show a trace of hesitation.


    After a moment, as if she had made up her mind, she looked toward the noisy crowd around her, created some distance, and after moving away, she spoke to Fang Ze in a low voice, "Fang Ze, I''m only telling you this. You mustn''t let it slip."


    Fang Ze looked around at his surroundings: a pitch-ck cave.


    Beside him was One Two Three, still in the midst of progression, unable tomunicate.


    And then there was...


    He nced at his shadow.


    In his shadow, a lovely head was sneaking a peek outside, a pair of bright, sparkling eyes admiringly gazing at him...


    Um... and also a possibly somewhat deranged Shadow Warrior.


    Who could he possibly leak information to?


    Therefore, without any hesitation, he said, "Don''t worry. Objectively speaking, I can''t leak anything."


    A question mark appeared over Bai Ling''s head: ?


    There''s a difference between objective and subjective when ites to leaking information?


    Though she didn''t understand what Fang Ze meant, she was certain that he wouldn''t spill the beans. So she exined softly, "Actually, it''s not that Bai wants to leave."


    "It''s the Security Bureau, they won''t let us leave."


    Upon hearing Bai Ling''s words, Fang Ze was taken aback.


    Then he listened as Bai Ling continued to exin, "The Security Bureau said that since the Rejuvenation Society has already gathered their forces, they definitely won''t return empty-handed."


    "If we run away, whether they vent their anger by massacring civilians in a nearby city or cause trouble at the Flower Morning Festival, it would have terrible consequences."


    "Therefore, after discussions and decisions, they ordered us to stand by at our current location, to act as bait to lure them out."


    "Afterward, Bai will annihte them all."


    Fang Ze: .....


    Falling silent for a while, Fang Ze then couldn''t help but curse, "Are the people at your bureau out of their minds? What kind of ridiculous decision is that?"


    "Do they have that much faith in Officer Bai Zhi''s abilities?"


    "If the enemy dares to make a move, wouldn''t they have nned thoroughly?"


    "What if Officer Bai Zhi can''t beat them?"


    "Won''t both you and Officer Bai Zhi be in grave danger by then?"


    As he said this, he furrowed his brows and added, "Incidentally, I remember that Director Bai is a noble, with quite a high status in the Security Bureau, right? Would they really take such a gamble with her safety?"


    Bai Ling was silent for a moment and then said, "Perhaps... they believe in Bai''s abilities."


    "After all, since her Awakening, Bai has been undefeated. Even defeating foes above her level is asmon as having a meal for her. Below the rank of Spirit Ascension, there is no match for her."


    "Or maybe... they have other arrangements and considerations?"


    Hearing this, Fang Ze also fell silent.


    A momentter, he took a deep breath to calm himself and asked, "Do you know how many people they have?"


    Bai Ling pursed her lips, looked up at the sky, calcted for a bit, and then said, "There should be, more than twenty people, I guess."


    "Bai spent the whole night devising battle ns and hasn''t awakened yet."


    "We can''t go out to scout, so we can only estimate based on the Traces. It should be around 20."


    Fang Ze recalled the number of Awakeners and Fusers under Golden Fox''s control. There should be over a dozen.


    More than he had expected.


    Could there be reinforcements?


    After calcting the numbers, he said to Bai Ling, "If among these 20 people, there are 10 Awakeners and 10 Fusers, can Officer Bai Zhi handle them?"


    At that, Bai Ling puffed out her small chest with confidence and said, "No problem! Bai''s strength is really strong!"


    "Just some Fusers! For her, it''s as simple as a palm strike!"


    "And if one palm strike isn''t enough, then just add another strike!"


    "You know, whether it''s her Awakening Ability or her Martial Arts Cultivation, she''s in a ss of her own among the younger generation!"


    But as she said this, her enthusiasm deted, "However... if the opponent constantly harasses and doesn''t engage in direct attacks, or if they attack in waves, there might be some problems."


    "Bai''s Awakening Ability is too strong, so the side effects areparatively stronger than others, and she can''t fight for extended periods..."


    As Fang Ze listened to Bai Ling, his brows knitted slightly. Readtest stories on empire


    He nced at One Two Three who was still wrapped in vines,pletely motionless, then regained his focus and said, "Alright, I got the gist of it."


    "You guys be careful."


    "If anything happens, contact me immediately."


    "Maybe... I can help you out."


    Upon hearing Fang Ze''s words, a smile spread across Bai Ling''s face.


    Although she didn''t think that Fang Ze, a newly Awakened recruit, could be of much use in a battle of Fusers,


    the fact that Fang Ze had the intention was enough.


    It meant that he truly considered her and Bai Zhi as friends.


    With this in mind, she nodded vigorously, "Yep! Yep! Don''t worry!"


    As Bai Ling was always busy, Fang Ze didn''t want to bother her too much.


    After chatting for a few more sentences, he terminated themunication.


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