C14
Ye Anan briefed them on the details of the homicide, and Tian Binn laid out their next steps.
Over an hour later, the meeting wrapped up, and Tian Binn offered to take everyone out for a meal. Most declined, citing illness, ongoing investigations, or a lack of appetite.
Ultimately, it was just Tian Binn, Ye Anan, and Wey Chengtian who joined Lee Yiran for a meal at the Demonic Beast Treatment Team's cafeteria.
The setup was modest, but Lee Yiran was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food, particularly the braised bullfrog which was tender and flavorful. Since it was on someone else's dime, Lee Yiran ordered several plates and devoured them, paying little attention to Tian Binn's attempts at conversation.
Ye Anan frowned at Lee Yiran's voracious eating, taking only a few bites herself before setting her chopsticks aside and sipping tea.
"Uh, looks like Deputy Captain Lee is famished. Enjoy your meal, and once you're done, Anan, you and Xiao Wei can show him the crime scene to get a lay of the land."
Ye Anan nonchalantly agreed, while Wey Chengtian looked visibly scared.
Eventually, when Lee Yiran could eat no more, he reluctantly agreed to visit the crime scene. He had expected to travel by carriage.
But Ye Anan informed him they'd be using a flying creature. They approached a majestic beast resembling a horse with two horns, fine scales, and a vast, ten-meter wingspan.
Lee Yiran recognized it as a Black Wing Horse, known for its mild nature and swift, wind-riding capabilities, stable enough to carry dozens of passengers.
The trio swiftly reached the crime scene on the back of the Black Wing Horse. The victim, surnamed Wang, was a prosperous tea shop owner. The incident came to light the day after, discovered by a tea shop worker who then alerted the authorities. The government, suspecting the involvement of demonic beasts, handed the case over to the Demonic Beast Treatment Team.
With the Wang residence sealed by the officials, Ye Anan, token in hand, led Lee Yiran and Wey Chengtian inside. The place was in disarray, with dried bloodstains scattered throughout.
The body had been removed and stored in a designated preservation area, with an outline of the human form still sketched on the ground. Noticing that Lee Yiran was new to the scene, Ye Anan realized he might be unfamiliar with their investigative procedures and began to explain them in detail.
"Demonic beasts can shapeshift into humans, making them difficult to identify. However, we humans can store spiritual energy throughout our bodies, whereas demonic beasts rely on inner cores for control. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. When humans utilize spiritual energy, the traces vanish quickly, but it's not the same for demonic beasts; their traces are distinct and linger."
While explaining, Ye Anan produced a pristine, snow-white wooden bird and channeled some spiritual energy into the sigil on its head. The bird's eyes sparkled to life, and it soared around the Wang Family's property before returning to Ye Anan's hand, now displaying six red lines on its white back.
"This spirit bird, crafted by the Soong Family, can detect residual traces of spiritual energy in the vicinity. The six red lines signify that the spirit energy used here does not exceed the sixth grade," Ye Anan clarified.
Wey Chengtian, holding his nose, spoke with a quivering voice, "Uh, it seems there's nothing left to find on Sister Anan's end. Let's get going; the stench here is unbearable. Ugh."
Aware of Wey Chengtian's inherent timidity and obsession with cleanliness, Ye Anan chuckled and responded, "We have a task from the captain. Soon, we'll need to take Captain Li to examine the body, assess the bite marks and wounds, and determine which demonic beast is at play so we can tailor our capture strategy to its behavior."
Upon hearing this, Wey Chengtian's expression soured, but Ye Anan paid him no mind and continued to prepare Lee Yiran for the examination of the body. As they walked, she mused, "Normally, the demonic beasts in Lin City keep to themselves and follow the rules. A beast that wipes out an entire household without concealing its actions is typically just passing through—either incredibly powerful or foolishly impulsive."
Lee Yiran silently agreed. The beast in question likely lacked strength and couldn't contain its bloodlust. He had encountered formidable demonic beasts capable of curbing their primal urges, which were also discerning in their actions.
As Scarlet Flame mentioned, humans with low spiritual energy were practically begging to be devoured, but he couldn't be bothered with them. Ye Anan had mentioned that the Wang family were all ordinary folks, which only reinforced his perspective.
The trio made their way to the morgue, where a magical array etched into the floor emitted a chilling mist. Wey Chengtian hesitated at the entrance, reluctant to step inside, while Lee Yiran felt uneasy at the sight of the numerous corpses.
He had always detested killing and found the sight of dead bodies even more repugnant. Yet, if Scarlet Flame were privy to his thoughts, it would surely call him out for his hypocrisy. Lee Yiran had taken many lives, though he preferred to banish people to spatial rifts, out of sight and out of mind.
Claiming he had overeaten, Lee Yiran excused himself to the restroom and made a swift exit, leaving Ye Anan with no choice but to conduct the examination alone.
After using the facilities, Lee Yiran's true motive resurfaced. He was only there to bide his time and settle Su Xiaoxiao's affairs. He and Scarlet Flame had more pressing matters to attend to. It must have been the bullfrog he had for lunch; he overindulged to the point of clouding his judgment.
With this realization, Lee Yiran, eager to leave the morgue as much as Wey Chengtian, suggested they go elsewhere to gather evidence. He clapped Wey Chengtian on the shoulder, offering a reassuring smile.
"Uh, hey, Wey, know any fun spots around here you could recommend?"
Wey Chengtian, caught off guard by Lee Yiran's easygoing demeanor, replied, "Ah... We're in the middle of an investigation. We can't just sneak off. The captain will have my head if he finds out."
"What's to worry about? I'm a captain too, albeit an assistant one. It's all good. If anything goes sideways, you—no, I mean, I'll handle it!" Lee Yiran promised confidently.
With no way out, Wey Chengtian relented, "Well, Mr. Lee, there's a renowned gallery nearby with an impressive collection of masterpieces and even some spiritual paintings."
"Ah, going to look at paintings? What's so special about that? Sure, spirit paintings are impressive, but it's unlikely they'll just let us view them on a whim. Eh, but let's go anyway. We've got nothing better to do."
Wey Chengtian led Lee Yiran to the Spring and Autumn Painting Gallery.
The gallery exuded an antique charm, its walls adorned with numerous paintings that were both profound and vividly lifelike.
Lee Yiran couldn't help but whistle at the prices; art certainly didn't come cheap.
The gallery buzzed with visitors, men and women alike, who gathered around their favorite pieces, engaging in lively discussions.
Wey Chengtian appeared to be a familiar face here. As he walked in, he was warmly greeted by someone, and he returned the gesture with a friendly smile.
Then, a sarcastic voice cut through the air:
"Well, well, if it isn't Young Master Wey. Here to admire the paintings again? Hoping to acquire the gallery owner's Divine Bull Painting? That's wishful thinking!"
Wey Chengtian faced the tall man, who stood beside an elegant young lady, and retorted:
"Hmm... He Yi, what concern is it of yours whether I get the painting or not? Don't push your luck!"
Not wanting to be embarrassed in front of his companion, He Yi replied, "I'm just worried you'll annoy the gallery owner with your constant badgering, and we'll all suffer for it."
Lee Yiran, witnessing their confrontation, pulled Wey Chengtian aside to get the full story.
It turned out that the gallery owner had a rare ancient painting in his collection. Though not a spirit painting, it was still a coveted piece. Wey Chengtian had set his heart on purchasing it, but the owner was reluctant to part with it. To resolve the matter, the owner posed a challenge: if Wey Chengtian could decipher the painting's deeper meaning, he could have it. Despite his efforts, Wey Chengtian had yet to succeed. He Yi, who had his own issues with Wey Chengtian, seized the opportunity to taunt him.
Lee Yiran, preferring to stay out of trouble, advised Wey Chengtian to avoid further conflict. Seeing Wey Chengtian back down, He Yi couldn't hide his smugness. Then, noticing the acquaintance between Lee Yiran and Wey Chengtian, he shifted his attention:
"Surely this isn't the reinforcement Young Master Wei has brought in, is it? Just look at his ragged attire. Couldn't possibly be one of Young Master Wei's country relatives, could he? Haha."
He Yi's words were barely out when his female companion joined in with her laughter.
Lee Yiran observed He Yi's smug look and was reminded of the classic 'face-slapping' trope so common in web novels from her past life.
The protagonist is unremarkable, the haughty young master sneers, and then the protagonist reveals a hidden power. 'I am the vaunted God of War, I am the revered Art Saint,' or perhaps the Art Saint arrives to become a disciple, the God of War seeks brotherhood, the protagonist's noble status is unveiled, the haughty young master is humiliated, flees in disgrace, and the aloof beauty has an epiphany, rushing into his embrace.
Lee Yiran, playing along with He Yi, deliberately plastered a goofy grin on her face:
"Cousin Wei, Cousin Wei, is this the Young Master He you mentioned? The one who skips out on paying prostitutes? He's the spitting image of Uncle Rabbit."
He Yi was livid with rage at Lee Yiran's words. "You're asking for it! How dare you defame me? Who are you calling Uncle Rabbit?"
"Young Master He, I meant no offense. In our countryside, anyone as good-looking as you gets called Uncle Rabbit. With your fair skin, you're definitely one!"
He Yi's face blanched with anger as he glared at Lee Yiran, his spiritual energy swirling and causing the temperature to plummet.
Just as He Yi was about to retaliate, his arm was restrained by his companion, her eyes twinkling and a smile gracing her lips. She interjected,
"Enough, let's not make a scene. You instigated this, and when met with a verbal comeback, you're ready to escalate to violence? That's going too far."
"Ning Er, why are you siding with a stranger? He's insulted me, and I just want him to clear the air."
"Let it go, it's been a long day and it's time we headed back." With that, the woman led He Yi away, casting a smile back at Lee Yiran.
As they left, Lee Yiran felt a twinge of disappointment; he had been looking forward to delivering a classic 'face-slap.' But then again, the girl's complexion was also quite fair - almost like a 'Rabbit Sister,' he mused with a chuckle.
If the lady knew what was going through Lee Yiran's mind, she'd likely come back with He Yi to turn the world upside down in a fight.
Wey Chengtian, with Lee Yiran in tow, went upstairs, shamelessly asking the owner to bring out the Divine Bull Painting once more for observation, hoping to strike it lucky.
Upon viewing, a cow was seen grazing beneath a pine tree in the artwork. The brushwork was exquisite, and the green bull depicted was strikingly majestic, far from ordinary.
After staring for some time without a clue, Wey Chengtian turned to Lee Yiran for insights.
"Well, that cow sure has a sizable rear end!"
Wey Chengtian was thunderstruck, feeling raw on the outside and charred within, while the proprietor, fuming, nearly had a fit on the spot. He couldn't fathom why Wey Chengtian would bring such an uncultured person along.
Lee Yiran, amused by their reactions, had little patience for such riddle-like scrutiny of art. Who could guess the artist's true intentions? For all he knew, the artist might have been pondering which concubine to spend the night with while creating the Divine Bull Painting.
Disregarding the pair, Lee Yiran's gaze wandered over the second floor's decor, which showcased the owner's prized treasures, including paintings and the esteemed Four Treasures of the Study.
Suddenly, a paperweight on the desk caught Lee Yiran's eye. Pristine white with a fine crack down the center, it emanated a subtle pulse that Lee Yiran sensed. Seizing the moment while unnoticed, he discreetly pocketed the paperweight.
Ultimately, Wey Chengtian left empty-handed, but Lee Yiran had his serendipitous find. Wey Chengtian needed to return to the headquarters for Demonic Beast affairs, and Lee Yiran took the opportunity to ask for a favor – to call in sick on his behalf, claiming a sudden ailment and promising to return to work the following day.
