On the afternoon of the second day, four elders located in Nanhua and Qi Yuan received a package almost simultaneously.

Kang Rulin and Wild Phoenix were both staying at the Kanglin Hotel, the same hotel where He Kao sneaked in that night to steal the ID card. Why does the hotel's name sound so familiar? It's actually named after Kang Rulin.

This is the property of the Shi Family. Back when it was near completion, Kang Rulin became the Ancestral Hall Elder. The Shi Family named it "Rulin Garden" intending to present it as a congratulatory gift to Kang Rulin.

Rulin Garden was acquired and constructed under the guise of a garden-style hotel. Part of its area could be opened for business, which served as a cover, while in reality, it could be treated as Kang Rulin's private garden.

However, Kang Rulin did not accept it. He didn't want to be so extravagant and ostentatious, and it was too conspicuous. At the time, it was already on the edge of the Nanhua City District, and now it's included in the urban area.

Later on, the Shi Family converted it into a garden-style hotel, naming it Kanglin Hotel. Kang Rulin didn't pay attention to it, but when he and Elder Ye handled affairs in Nanhua, staying there was quite reasonable.

The material was delivered by hotel staff, and at that time, Kang Rulin was sitting in a waterside pavilion, inquiring about certain matters.

After receiving and opening the package, he took a quick glance and told the people around him, "You all leave first, and bring me a computer."

The materials prepared by He Kao included not only paper content but also electronic versions stored in a USB drive, including surveillance and drone footage.

Kang Rulin had only seen half when his hair seemed to be steaming invisibly! He picked up the phone ready to call for someone when he unexpectedly looked up to find Wild Phoenix already blocking the table opposite him.

Wild Phoenix: "You received the materials too?"

Kang Rulin's voice was somewhat hoarse as he nodded and said, "Yes, I just received a package. Did you receive one as well?"

Wild Phoenix: "Not just me, but Elder Gu and the Second Elder at Qi Yuan each received one as well. I came to verify, is your content the same as mine?"

Saying this, she tossed over an envelope. Kang Rulin opened it, took a glance, and found no need to insert the USB, immediately nodding to confirm, "It's the same! Who sent it?"

Wild Phoenix: "Same-day city delivery; they're everywhere delivering parcels, food, flowers, pancakes, fried dough sticks, buns, and tea eggs...they do it all. Is Elder Kang planning to investigate, is it important?"

Kang Rulin sighed, "I didn't mean that, I'm saying—the sender called themselves Hidden Moth!"

Wild Phoenix scoffed, "Indeed, claiming to be Hidden Moth, I never expected it; Hidden Moth actually tampered with the surveillance and even used a drone. Truly a moth that can fly.

Either it was indeed Hidden Moth, or someone stole Hidden Moth's identity. Still, I repeat—does it matter? First, tell me, where is Hu Shulue?"

The two elders were a bit unlucky; the Nanhua police had already collaborated with Huiming police, summoning Shi Haowu and seven others yesterday morning, and this incident happened in Huiming City.

Hu Shulue was shot twice, though he didn't die instantly, he eventually succumbed. Shi Haowu was also panicked, drove back to Huiming with the body...before police picked them up soon after arriving home.

For regular cases, non-direct suspects simply leave a record after questioning. But this case is too serious, and the police, in cooperation investigations, can detain them for at least forty-eight hours.

Out of the eight, seven were detained; obviously, Hu Shulue couldn't be taken away. All claimed they didn't know where Hu Shulue went. They claimed they went to Nanhua to play, while Hu Shulue stayed behind and strangely couldn't be contacted.

The police immediately issued a co-investigation letter to find Hu Shulue's whereabouts.

The police asked where their IDs were, and they answered that the IDs were stolen from the hotel yesterday! The thief didn't take anything else; only took their IDs, not caring if the police believed it. It was bizarre regardless.

When He Kao sneaked into Kanglin Hotel, he certainly couldn't avoid all surveillance; he just did some disguise. By yesterday afternoon, the police had already investigated the hotel, confirming that a "thief" had indeed visited.

At that time, Kang Rulin and Wild Phoenix had already arrived in Nanhua; this incident certainly couldn't be hidden from the two elders.

Strange events at the Nanhua Public Security Bureau entrance weren't publicized by the police, but the two elders had heard…and also heard that the Shi Family had seven members taken away, with one missing.

The Shi Family told the police that Hu Shulue was out of contact, but internally in the Magic Sect, the narrative was different; otherwise, how could a High-tier Sorcerer disappear without a trace?

They claimed that Hu Shulue mishandled refining a Magical Artifact, which destroyed it and led to his death due to backlash. Due to the horrible condition, his body had already been cremated.

The two elders had also heard this version.

At this moment, hearing Wild Phoenix ask, Kang Rulin with a bitter face replied, "I also don't know, Shi Zhizhai only told me that Hu Shulue mishandled artifact refining and died from the backlash."

Wild Phoenix: "The Magic Sect hasn't had such an incident in nearly thirty years, do you believe that?"

Artifact mishandling, causing destructive impact from a failed artifact, could occasionally happen in ancient times.

But in recent times, artifact refining in the Magic Sect has incorporated concepts of precision, proceduralization, and controllability, significantly improving risk control.

Failures in artifact refining still occur, but resulting casualties are rare, mostly just minor injuries. As for severe injuries or disabilities, only one or two incidents happen every ten years.

As for the death of an Artifact Refiner, it hasn't happened in nearly thirty years.

Looking at the materials on the table, Kang Rulin shook his head, "Of course, I don't believe it. I am investigating the matter internally, but I didn't expect the truth to be so!"

Wild Phoenix: "Where is Shi Zhizhai, what is he doing?"

Kang Rulin: "I reckon he's figuring out a way to release people from the police...I have summoned him to be here by dinner tonight. At that time, Elder Ye can interrogate him face to face."

Wild Phoenix: "I'll question him, and what will you do?"

Kang Rulin sighed, "You know my connection with the Huiming Shi Family; I should avoid involvement. Now that the Shi Family has this incident, I should resign from the Ancestral Hall Elder position and let Zhou Yeming, my junior nephew, take over. Check me as well."

Wild Phoenix: "Wishful thinking! You think this is working in a company or office? Ancestral Hall Elder is neither just a position nor an official title. Can you resign as you wish?

Remaining silent during normal times, and trying to wash hands of it during troubles, how is that reasonable?

With Huiming Shi Family's incident, who should investigate if not you? Who understands the circumstance better than you? If you have any involvement, confess voluntarily. Investigate the Shi Family first, then deal with you, or handle yourself along with them!"

Kang Rulin sighed again, "I am uninvolved in this matter, but their audacious actions are somewhat related to me. Since Junior Brother said so, when Shi Zhizhai arrives, give me a chance to question him privately, and you can listen secretly."

Wild Phoenix: "Fine! But from now on, Senior Brother Kang, please refrain from contacting anyone privately, and I must keep an eye on you at all times.

Also, let the Shi Family's side continue contacting lawyers and connections for their release. If the police can't solve this case, after their release, let the Ancestral Hall handle it."

**

PS: Sorry, something came up, another update is planned for the afternoon.

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