C6 It Is also a Life and Death Situation

Upon hearing Chen Fan's words, Xiahou Wu's brow furrowed in a deep frown, his gaze fixed on Chen Fan with a look of wariness.

How could Chen Fan possibly know this information? It wasn't widely known.

Prof. Wang?

He couldn't recall any professor by that name.

Unperturbed by Xiahou Wu's reaction, Chen Fan pressed on, "Are you about to suggest that the killer's next targets are Tong Zhengting, Tan Jingyao, Cao Zi'an, Yuan Qingyang, Fang Wenxi, Faang Liude?"

Xiahou Wu was taken aback, astonished that Chen Fan could recite the very thoughts he had in mind.

All these individuals were renowned for their leg techniques and were also his prime suspects. How could Prof. Wang have articulated his suspicions so precisely?

Was it really this man's own deduction, or was there something else at play?

Chen Fan touched his nose, a hint of awkwardness on his face.

True, Xiahou Wu had voiced these suspicions, but the Xiahou Wu of now was hardly a match for the murderer. Left with no choice, he had to borrow Xiahou Wu's insights.

After a moment of silence, Xiahou Wu hung his head, offering no further words.

Chen Fan had laid all the cards on the table, stripping Xiahou Wu of any leverage in negotiation. It seemed unlikely that Lu Xuanxin would allow him to leave now.

Lu Xuanxin glanced at Chen Fan, her eyes narrowing without a word. She then turned to leave.

Watching her retreat, Chen Fan called out with a hint of resignation, "Officer Lu, aren't you leaving a bit hastily? Why don't we sit down and discuss this properly?"

Lu Xuanxin paused, turning back to face Chen Fan with a frosty tone, "Prof. Wang, we are merely collaborators. Please don't overstep."

"Overstep?"

Chen Fan acknowledged her concern with a nod and gestured towards the interrogation room door.

"If you believe I'm overstepping, Officer Lu, then by all means, continue your search for the killer without me. I won't get in your way."

Lu Xuanxin's fists clenched as she glared at Chen Fan, her face seething with anger. Chen Fan remained indifferent, simply allowing her gaze to linger on him.

As time slowly ticked by, Lu Xuanxin took a deep breath, steadying her emotions.

Regardless of her frustration, she knew that to crack this case, she had no choice but to seek Chen Fan's assistance.

After all, if they had the ability to investigate, they wouldn't have brought Chen Fan here in the first place.

Lu Xuanxin lowered her head slightly and unclenched her fists, nodding in agreement. "Alright, just say what you need to say. There's no need for subtlety."

Chen Fan gestured towards Xiahou Wu.

"Release him!"

It made sense. He was the protagonist. The murderer was formidable; even if all the police officers attempted to apprehend him, capturing Feng Yuxiu might prove impossible. They needed Xiahou Wu's assistance.

With Xiahou Wu's help, Chen Fan's mission would become significantly easier.

After all, they shared a common purpose!

"Impossible!"

Lu Xuanxin didn't hesitate to refuse outright.

"He's a murderer who killed people and injured seventeen inmates today. Releasing someone like that—have you lost your mind, or have I?"

"If I'm bold enough to make such a statement, I'm confident that he's a good man!"

Xiahou Wu fixed his gaze on Chen Fan, as if trying to see right through him.

He was still unaware of this person's identity, but he was certain that Chen Fan knew his. What did Chen Fan want from him? Was it to help solve the case, or something else?

A good person?

Really?

Xiahou Wu smiled wryly, shaking his head with a hint of resignation.

Chen Fan turned to look at Xiahou Wu briefly before refocusing on Lu Xuanxin. "I understand that Officer Lu is skeptical. So, how about this? I'll help you save the next victim, and then you release him. Deal?"

The next victim was Tan Jingyao. As Feng Yuxiu had said, their contest was not only a battle of wits but also a matter of life and death!

They couldn't afford to waste any more time.

Lu Xuanxin looked troubled. She glanced at Xiahou Wu, torn over the decision.

She was unaware of Xiahou Wu's identity and what kind of person he was. If she released him just like that, she would be accountable for any consequences!

Chen Fan, aware of Lu Xuanxin's character, proposed, "Let's do this: I'll first help you save the next victim, and then you release Xiahou Wu. How does that sound?"

Calculating the time, Feng Yuxiu should have already decided on Tan Jingyao's fate. All they needed to do tonight was to lie in wait. Even if they couldn't take down Feng Yuxiu, rescuing Tan Jingyao would be a significant victory.

As long as these individuals were saved, Feng Yuxiu's plans would be severely disrupted.

Lu Xuanxin cast a brief glance at Xiahou Wu before fixing her gaze on Chen Fan. She scrutinized him closely, searching for any trace of emotion on his face, but to no avail—Chen Fan's expression remained unreadable.

Ultimately, Lu Xuanxin conceded.

"Fine, but this will have to wait until after tonight. If Xiahou Wu turns out to be clean, I'm more than willing to cooperate. But if he's not... well, that's a different story."

"Understood!"

Chen Fan's voice cut in before Lu Xuanxin could finish her thought.

"In that case, let's not dawdle any longer. We'll go find Tan Jingyao tonight. Just the two of us, got it?"

Sending other officers would be pointless; they might inadvertently tip off the suspect.

Besides, Lu Xuanxin was known for her caution; she'd likely have someone tail them regardless of her agreement.

That was to be expected.

Lu Xuanxin nodded, and Chen Fan turned and left. Once Chen Fan was gone, Lu Xuanxin took a moment to look back at Xiahou Wu before departing.

When she was out of sight, her followers approached.

Lu Xuanxin turned back to Xiahou Wu in the interrogation room and instructed, "Investigate the identities of all eight individuals."

"Eight people?"

Lu Xuanxin gave a confirming nod.

"Including Xiahou Wu!"

With a clear understanding, the man nodded in acknowledgment.

"Yes, ma'am!"

He then turned and exited the room.

...

That evening, in the hall, a man stood atop a large skeleton, meticulously carving and refining it.

Suddenly, a voice broke the silence.

"There's a man named Tan Jingyao, whose leg techniques are unrivaled across Asia, earning him the title of the foremost master. Later, he left the martial arts world to become an artist."

The man on the skeleton paused, momentarily taken aback—it was Tan Jingyao himself. He turned to see a man dressed in black standing behind him, his face half-concealed by a large hat, leaving only his stubbled chin visible.

Upon seeing the individual, Tan Jingyao's lips twisted in a display of discontent. He rose to his feet, casting an impatient glance at the person before him.

Chen Fan and Lu Xuanxin arrived just in time to witness the scene. Lu Xuanxin made a move to approach, but Chen Fan held her back.

Turning her head, Lu Xuanxin looked back, her expression tinged with confusion. She couldn't fathom Chen Fan's intentions.

Observing the criminal and not pursuing him – were they waiting for him to make a run for it?