Chapter 798 - 680: Sudden Hostility

Chapter 798: Chapter 680: Sudden Hostility

The burning sensation remained, and the vast energy continued to surge through the meridians. Yet, miraculously, all its destructiveness faded, becoming obedient, following the path of the "Nine Yang Red Skill", beginning to circulate gently through the cycles.

The waves of intense pain receded, replaced by a warm and comfortable feeling. It was as if the parched land had been nourished by rain. The damaged meridians were quickly repaired and widened as this gentle yet powerful energy flowed through them.

Two hours later.

Zhang Liyou’s tightly closed eyes suddenly opened, and deep within her pupils, a flash of tangible red light flickered like a dancing flame before disappearing.

She let out a long breath of foul air, carrying a faint scorching heat.

"I did it... The first level of the Nine Yang Red Skill, I actually accomplished it in one go?! This... this is simply unbelievable!"

Zhang Liyou murmured to herself, her face filled with uncontrollable joy and a hint of confusion,

"This divine skill doesn’t seem as perilous and difficult as the manual described. Although it was painful at first, it later... later became incredibly smooth!

Or maybe this martial art is perfectly compatible with me, or... could it be that this is actually a skill that can be mastered quickly?"

Mastering the first level in one go made Zhang Liyou almost doubt whether the warnings in the manual were intentionally meant to scare.

In the midst of her delight, a subtle thought emerged in her mind.

She quickly spread open her right palm, revealing the fragment of a mirror that seemed almost fused with her flesh, holding it up to her eyes.

She couldn’t tell if it was an illusion, but she seemed to feel that the fragment had become slightly thinner?

....

On the other side, at the Jade Garden.

The yellow cordon was being raised and lowered sporadically, as soft as its material.

Li Shang looked at his "beloved car", with some mud splatters on the body.

Beside him stood Zheng Geng, with a solemn expression.

Upon hearing Li Shang’s arrival, Zheng Geng immediately paused the villa investigation and blocked him at the entrance.

Zheng Geng claimed that Li Shang himself was a prime suspect in the crime and demanded that he immediately avoid participating in the investigation and return to the Patrol Office for formal questioning to explain why his car was at the crime scene.

Li Shang naturally did not explain much to Zheng Geng. He responded with a simple "I’ve already explained to Secretary Hou".

Zheng Geng was insistent, displaying an unusual level of toughness, even wanting to direct constables to bring Li Shang back to the station. Unfortunately, Li Shang still had considerable authority at the Patrol Office.

The constables around showed hesitant expressions, hesitating for several seconds, but ultimately, no one stepped forward to act against their own captain.

As the temporary head sent by the Mechanical Department and responsible for this case, Zheng Geng theoretically had the authority to command the entire Patrol Office during the investigation.

But thinking he could remove Li Shang with just a few words was merely wishful thinking.

In reality, once Li Shang returned to his domain, Zheng Geng’s theoretical authority naturally shrank by more than half.

On this patch of land of the Patrol Office, Zheng Geng’s words held far less weight than Li Shang’s.

The chasm between theoretical power and actual power always exists.

"Hmph—"

Zheng Geng let out a cold snort from his nose, staring unblinkingly at Li Shang, speaking with an unyielding tone:

"Captain Li, even though Mr. Wang believes in you and is willing to vouch for you, it still goes against proper investigative procedures. Privilege cannot override procedural justice.

When I report back to the Executive Government later, I will truthfully report everything that happened here, especially your attitude and actions."

He deliberately paused, emphasizing each word:

"Involving a special commissioner’s disappearance, even if the sky falls, reporting privately to a Member of Parliament won’t easily clear your suspicions.

I hope you understand that."

Then, Zheng Geng shifted his tone, with a clear hint of sarcasm:

"Don’t think I’m unaware of how your Patrol Office maintains such a high case-solving rate. Some old case files are indeed done perfectly, flawlessly.

But let me advise you, Captain Li, this case can’t be whitewashed with the tricks you’ve used in the past.

Detective? Heh—"

After saying these words, Zheng Geng gave Li Shang no chance to defend himself, sharply turning away, commanding the two subordinates in Mechanical Department uniforms behind him:

"I now have to report to the Executive Government. You two stay here and keep an eye on the crime scene for me.

Every inch of detail, every piece of evidence, make sure you watch them properly, and don’t let some people destroy or ’modify’ the scene!"

The underlying implication was almost blatantly pointing out—I completely do not trust the Patrol Office, and I especially suspect you, Li Shang, and I’m here to prevent you from destroying evidence or fabricating the scene.

"Yes, Special Commissioner Zheng!"

The two subordinates of the Mechanical Department straightened up and replied loudly.

Being chosen by Zheng Geng naturally meant they shared his views, as if carved from the same mold.

The two adjusted their glasses frames, looking at Li Shang with cold eyes.

They exchanged glances, one immediately ran back to the commissioner’s villa, while the other silently followed behind Li Shang.

Chang Erbing watched Zheng Geng’s departing figure, his face turning extremely sour. He leaned closer to Li Shang, speaking in a low voice:

"Captain Li, I don’t remember us ever offending this Special Commissioner Zheng, but why do I feel he has such a deep hostility towards you?"