Free Web NovelChapter 697: Chapter 289: Bluff
"The reports from Hex Bird Report are a bit outrageous, like Flying Bird Daily saying you, Night Patrol, were furious for the twin beauties..." Lu Shuimo chose his words carefully, actually the reports were more sensational than that.
"Damn, can they make things up like this? This newspaper has some nerve, get me a copy so I can... judge it." Li Xin licked his lips and asked.
"Hundred Martial Hall is a major shareholder of Flying Bird Daily, so they’ll do whatever it takes. Even Justice Daily and Citizen Daily followed suit, seems like Hundred Martial Hall spent a lot of money," Lu Shuimo said with a bitter smile, "Captain, letting them slander us like this is detrimental, most people don’t know the truth."
Li Xin chuckled, "Let the bullets fly for a while."
When Li Xin arrived at Shadow Owl, Meng Po wasn’t at the door, but soon came down with a wry smile. It had been a long time since Shadow Owl was so lively, "Captain, you’re finally here. Officials from the City Hall and several members of the Council are here, demanding we release Hua Qianzhan immediately and apologize."
"It’s fine, take me over," Li Xin smiled and said.
Li Xin entered the meeting room, looking at a room full of officials dressed in luxurious attire with arrogant expressions, their faces immediately turned aggressive upon seeing Li Xin enter.
"Captain Li, I’m the public security officer of Longjing City Hall. What are you Night Patrollers doing? Are you trying to throw the entire Dragon Capital into chaos?"
"Li Xin, who gave you the authority to arrest a gentleman of high reputation who has made great contributions to Dragon Capital? You’re simply wanton and lawless!"
"Li Xin..."
As soon as it started, the criticisms were like a torrent, and if saliva were lethal, Li Xin would have been riddled with holes. Even Meng Po could only manage a smile, having been scolded all morning.
Li Xin pressed his hands together, "Everyone, calm down, stop spraying, saliva is everywhere. You’ve all said that I’m just a small Night Patrolman, how could I dare to arrest such a prominent figure?"
Everyone was taken aback, their faces lighting up with delight, "Then why haven’t you released him yet!"
"Release? You have to apologize and accept punishment, or I will impeach Night Patrol in the Upper Council meeting!"
"Oh my, you said it yourselves. I’ll remember each of your words. I received a tip from above, which led to the arrest of a major suspect in the assassination plot against Councilor Hong Yan. You all rushed in, seems like there are unspeakable secrets between you. I was just pondering about how the assassination of Councilor Hong Yan might require such a vast network of connections. Copper Owl, have you registered everyone? They’re all important clues." Li Xin smiled slightly.
The meeting room fell silent instantly. The officials, who were so arrogant moments ago, widened their eyes in shock. They had taken money, believing a mere Night Patrolman could be easily manipulated, but never expected to get involved in Hong Yan’s case.
The amount wasn’t worth it!
"Captain, everyone has been registered. Do you want them detained now or..." Meng Po nodded and said.
"Captain Li, cough cough, Captain Li, Captain Li, we’re all on the same side. I think there might be some misunderstanding here. I came simply to perform my duties, to inquire, as there was a disturbance at the City Hall entrance. I’m unaware of anything else. I have to get back to work, goodbye, goodbye."
"Captain Li, it’s a misunderstanding. I was merely following up on a report, fulfilling a Councilor’s duty, all a misunderstanding. I made a mistake, sorry, sorry, please don’t take it to heart, I wasn’t here today."
It wasn’t long before the entire room cleared out, with everyone leaving in a hurry.
Li Xin opened the window, letting the cold wind blow away the murky air inside.
"Captain, impressive!" Meng Po gave a thumbs up, all the people were scared off as soon as Li Xin arrived, "Did the higher-ups give instructions?"
"What higher-ups, I was bluffing, just scaring them," Li Xin said.
Huh?
"Why should officials be allowed to act with impunity, while Night Patrol can’t light a lamp? If they dare to slander me, I’ll give them a taste of their own medicine," Li Xin laughed.
Regarding the assassination of Hong Yan, Li Xin didn’t initially suspect Hundred Martial Hall. Arresting Hua Qianzhan was partly out of boldness and partly to provoke conflict, to rattle the snake out of the grass, but the morning messenger’s words gave him a hint. Whether Hua Qianzhan was indeed involved in the assassination or not, it gave him a very good direction.
To be so familiar with Hundred Martial Hall’s movements, considering previous hints, the only powers in Dragon Capital with such influence would be the Church Court or the Inner Hall of Hundred Martial Hall.
There’s an irreconcilable conflict between Inner Hall and Outer Hall, and Inner Hall has reminded him several times. Whatever their purpose, they aren’t enemies for now.
Why did Hua Qianzhan want to involve himself in the assassination of Hong Yan? He would never become a Governor, so why take such a big risk? What’s the motive?
At his current status, his aspirations should be few and far between.
With Song of Hell’s involvement and Hua Qianzhan’s participation, neither seemed to be the mastermind. Originally, he thought the Nalan Family and the Potter Family were the most suspicious, but now it seems it’s not that simple.
Li Xin came to the place where Hua Qianzhan was held, this old guy had sat through the night.
"Oh, Elder Hua, sorry for the rough treatment, are you comfortable?" Li Xin said with a bright smile.
Hua Qianzhan glanced at Li Xin indifferently, "Looks like Captain Li is in quite a bit of trouble, and yet still in such high spirits, I am surprised."
"Elder Hua, I’m a mere Night Patroller, just trying to make a living, what trouble could I have."
"I want to see how long you can hold out. Is it worth it to gamble your future and even life for a little rogue?" Hua Qianzhan said with a half-smile, thinking Li Xin might be a calculating man, but didn’t expect him to be so headstrong.
Li Xin waved his hand, "Life isn’t so full of reasons, if it’s worth it to me, then it’s worth it. As for how long I can hold out, I’m afraid Elder Hua will be disappointed. Elder Hua won’t be staying here much longer either."
"Humph, it won’t be easy to make this old man leave!"
Li Xin looked at Hua Qianzhan with a half-smile, "That’s not what I meant. I’ve already notified the Church Court; they should be here soon for a handover. Your involvement in the assassination of Hong Yan is serious business, beyond our little matter."
Hua Qianzhan’s heart sank, face growing solemn, "Captain Li, you can talk nonsense about food, but not about serious matters!"
"Do you think I can talk nonsense about such matters without evidence, plus, do you think that group of people from this morning left so cleanly for no reason? I know Elder Hua is a Bent Angel, and I am obviously powerless, but the Church Court likely has many ways," Li Xin said.
Hua Qianzhan kept a straight face, but his heart shook violently. What on earth was going on? His involvement in this case was top secret, who leaked it? Bluff?
But this guy didn’t seem to be shooting aimlessly, maybe the Secret Castle’s background had capabilities he didn’t know about.
"Nonsense," Hua Qianzhan still denied firmly.
"Elder Hua, you can’t tell me, such matters aren’t for a little Shadow Owl to manage. You have to endure a bit more, soon you’ll have a much more spacious and comfortable place," Li Xin said with a cheerful grin.
Hua Qianzhan looked at Li Xin’s confident demeanor, his heart pounding. Falling into the hands of the Church Court would be serious, their Judicial Court had many means; even the Great Angels were within their reach, let alone Bent Angels. If...
Thinking of this, Hua Qianzhan shivered. He must not fall into the hands of the Church Court, he had been careless this time; with his noble status, how could he put himself in danger.
"Captain Li, I suddenly realized that there’s an important matter in the hall. How about we end our little issue with a favor from me?" Hua Qianzhan said.
"Elder Hua, you’re too late, I’m afraid it’s no longer up to a small Night Patrol like me. The Law Enforcement Court will be arriving shortly," Li Xin paused slightly, regretfully saying.
Hua Qianzhan looked at Li Xin’s expression, even more afraid to gamble. He regretted his decision this time. Could this be a conspiracy by the Church Court against him?
Otherwise, how could a mere Night Patrol dare to break into the main hall of Hundred Martial Hall to make an arrest, and be so confident when facing him? This person had suddenly appeared, that was suspicious enough, let alone defeating Yan Tianguang, how could he withstand a blow from a Battle Angel? This old man Li Mo might not be a good thing either!
He felt something was wrong right from the Black Market. Night Patrol was essentially the Church Court’s dirty glove, and Shadow Owl had a pile of black history.
Could they all be acting, was the Church Court aiming at Hundred Martial Hall?
Suddenly, Hua Qianzhan felt surrounded by a huge conspiracy.
Wait to be slaughtered?
No!
