Free Web NovelChapter 709: Chapter 301: Autopsy
The next few days were filled with important events. Li Xin was busy, but he returned for meals in the morning, noon, and evening. Ma Liu prepared meals with utmost care, as a good diner was very important for a chef. Now, not only was there Brother Li, but also an extraordinary guest. Just after sharing a meal, he felt his cultivation improving, such feedback was remarkable.
Another extraordinary figure, with exceedingly strong fortune.
Dragon Capital was entering a new round of electoral contention. The Justice Faction was nominating Chen Rutang to represent them and replace Hong Yan in the election. This decision was undoubtedly rushed, but internal conflicts were fierce and couldn’t be delayed any longer, or Chen Rutang wouldn’t have had the opportunity.
Currently, Nalan Jingguo was far ahead, and the Justice Faction was indeed about to fall. However, within the Justice Faction, there was a constant push to investigate Hong Yan’s death. They had not given up on seeking evidence. The Nalan Family and the Potter Family had been exceptionally low-key recently, restraining family actions. They were mostly out of sight and wouldn’t engage in pointless disputes. As for any slight loss of face, they didn’t care at all, as long as they endure the election. After achieving great success, the victor could rewrite everything.
Currently, the three major Hex Bird Reports are using significant space to boost the election. Both major factions have shares in the three reporters, but currently, Nalan Jingguo dominates the Justice Daily and Citizen Daily. Apparently, the forces behind these two papers lean towards Nalan Jingguo, while the Flying Bird Daily has shifted to support Chen Rutang, but with little impact. Clearly, the voter base of readers mainly lies with the Justice Daily and Citizen Daily.
Unexpectedly, the Freedom Daily has gained momentum, riding the wave of the Utopia Mountain grudge story and currently rising rapidly.
This week was an unexpected delight for Jina and Lin Fei. Initially, they had prepared to face the siege from the other three bird reports. However, due to the election, the Justice Faction needed channel support, so they approached Jina. As a royal family member, she couldn’t join a faction but her stance leaned towards the Justice Faction. The collaboration was seamless, and with the protection from the Justice Faction, the expansion of the Freedom Daily was instantly boosted. Initially, some newspaper stalls were reluctant to accept the Freedom Daily, but now obstacles were removed. Coupled with the Utopia Mountain grudge story, the Freedom Daily was placed in a prime spot.
Even the finest wine fears being in a deep alley. This grand battle offered Freedom Daily a chance to rise, and its sales climbed steadily. Celestial Principle School scholars contributed articles in support of Chen Rutang.
In terms of funding, the Justice Faction naturally provided support, forcefully helping Freedom Daily expand production. It’s safe to say that Freedom Daily was just in the right place at the right time. Issues that needed confrontation turned into a catalyst for growth.
Wusu was also found. Li Xin initially thought he was making money in Hedan, now that he’s the Night Patrol Chief, he has the authority to transfer an overseas Night Patrol member. As it turned out, upon checking, Wusu was in Dragon Capital, retained after reporting to the Church Court, idling away in the Flame Dragon’s logistics department, sorting files, serving tea and water. Coupled with internal friction, Wusu’s mindset was on the verge of explosion.
After the Hedan incident, the Night Patrol suffered significant damage, leading to departmental changes and personnel redeployment. Upon returning, Wusu had achieved merits, but there was no suitable position for him among the three bird reports. Hearing Li Xin’s movements was a later matter. While Wusu was hesitating whether to seek out Li Xin, the transfer order was already issued.
Wusu became the editor of Freedom Daily, supplementing it with several capable editors with overseas experience who had battled in Hedan, all possessing enough experience in struggle.
Li Xin discussed matters with Longji and Hong Jiu, needing their assistance to keep an eye on Ji Sheng. The Night Patrol had deep roots in Dragon Capital, although oppressed and suppressed in various ways. The remaining members were battle-hardened, strong-willed hands.
Upon learning that Ji Sheng might be the Slave Master who killed Jiang Wu and was related to Hong Yan’s death, Longji and Hong Jiu were truly shocked, finding it hard to believe. The Night Patrol’s shortcoming lies in their lack of upper-level influence, lagging behind Hundred Martial Hall’s deep infiltration. The high-level members of Hundred Martial Hall live lives akin to nobility.
"Ji Sheng is an old hand of the royal family, granted the surname Ji, and wields significant power and influence. Wouldn’t it be dangerous for us to investigate abruptly?" Hong Jiu asked anxiously, "Captain Li, although the upper echelons have delegated power to us here, such orders can change just as easily."
"Sister Jiu, that’s precisely why we should seize this opportunity, or we will always be mere tools." Li Xin wasn’t just holding the authority for show, but using it to equip himself. "This time we must send adept hands, no need for actions, mere observation suffices."
"We have a set method for dealing with experts, no need to worry, our brothers are absolutely reliable." Longji said, "But there are drawbacks. Such tracking can hardly yield core evidence, the scattered clues can’t be defined, right?"
Longji and Hong Jiu still couldn’t grasp what Li Xin intended to do. Even if the investigation yielded results, what good would it do?
"Captain Long, who said we need to be the vanguard for this?" Li Xin said, glancing at the time, "Someone is more anxious than us."
Li Xin didn’t elaborate further. Longji and Hong Jiu were excellent Night Patrol captains, but they weren’t skilled in power struggles and the bigger picture.
Longji and Hong Jiu exchanged a glance and nodded. They were quite familiar with Li Xin. After entering Dragon Capital discreetly, their chief appeared to soar, yet each step was meticulously planned.
"How’s Captain Li’s side of things?" Li Xin asked. This was indeed a great move by the Night Patrol.
"There’s intense competition within the Outer Hall of Hundred Martial Hall. The other three elders are already on their way back to the capital, all vying for the top elder position in the main hall. Even the Eight Vajras have schemes, yet the Inner Hall remains unyielding." Longji said, "Li Chao’s primary mission is to hide in plain sight."
Li Xin nodded, minor intelligence didn’t warrant action. Li Chao must only move when there is intelligence of sufficient weight. The Outer Hall might be easier to handle, but the Inner Hall must be taken seriously. The Inner Hall was the ones who identified Ji Sheng’s identity. Just this point requires a higher intelligence level than the Night Patrol.
"Alright, let’s act separately then."
The Night Patrol has been preparing all along. Now, with the Hong Yan case formally placed under Night Patrol’s purview, it was indeed a stringent test for them. It’s the biggest case recently, with all Night Patrol members in action, though the toughest part remained at the impasse, as the Hong Family wouldn’t even yield to the Church Court, let alone the Night Patrol.
And the person Li Xin wanted to meet had the means to conduct an autopsy.
In the café, meeting Patir was perhaps the happiest moment for Hong Ban in recent times, and it was Patir who initiated the invite, something he wouldn’t have dreamed of before.
Until Li Xin appeared, Hong Ban’s expression changed slightly, sighing softly.
"Hong Ban, don’t be upset, it was indeed Li Xin who pleaded with me. He said there’s something important to discuss with you, and I think you should listen." Patir said.
How should it be said, for Patir, it’s not about what can be done, but whether she wants to do it.
Hong Ban was silent for a moment, rising before sitting back down again. Li Xin also took a seat next to him, observing Hong Ban, whose expression was better than expected.
"What do you want from me?" Hong Ban asked straightforwardly, with anyone else he’d directly flip.
"Hong Ban, you should know I am currently in charge of investigating your father’s assassination case. I’ve already identified the suspect, but we need further evidence." Li Xin said.
"The Church Court had no solution, so you’re saying you have a way?" Hong Ban sneered, face darkening.
"Just because the Church Court couldn’t doesn’t mean I can’t. Maybe others don’t want to, but I want to, our goals are aligned!" Li Xin said. "And as you know, I never speak frivolously."
Hong Ban’s eyes suddenly ignited with passion, "Are you serious? Who is it?"
If it were anyone else, he’d punch them outright, but this was Li Xin, and for Hong Ban, Avogadro Li holds credibility.
"When have I ever joked? The person has a significant identity, even your Hong Family might not be able to touch them. Without adequate evidence, I wouldn’t speak rashly, so I need to see your father’s remains, possibly conduct an examination." Li Xin said.
Hong Ban’s face fell sharply, "Li Xin, that’s impossible!"
"Hong Ban, he was your father. I believe no one in the family desires revenge more than you." Li Xin said calmly. The professional aspect, Hong Ban wasn’t foolish; attacks from Hidden Power would inevitably leave traces on the body. He’s vented for long enough, now is the time for calm.
Silence descended, and Patir didn’t interject, merely observing the two men quietly.
"Li Xin, I know you’re capable, but my father’s body is not to be desecrated. If you can’t find anything, even if you’re the Prince of Secret Castle, I’ll fight you to the end!" Hong Ban said solemnly, staring directly at Li Xin.
Li Xin looked at Hong Ban calmly, "I am Night Patrol, investigating cases, upholding Justice. No matter who the murderer is, my mission is singular, to bring them to justice."
"Alright, the family refuses, those cowards are scared, but I’m not. I’ll arrange it, though it has to be done at midnight." Hong Ban said deeply.
Li Xin nodded, "Alright, let’s do it quickly. I’ve locked onto the target. If we can acquire definitive evidence, we can proceed."
"Hong Ban, can I come?" Patir asked, a natural daredevil.
Hong Ban gazed at Patir and nodded silently. He truly indulged Patir, "You wait for my word."
