With the ever-bustling Aunt Imagination around, legs surely won't get tired. Inside the luxurious carriage, "Ah Xin, Old Luo doesn't want to steal your credit. You are now at the Canon Law School with a bright future ahead."
"Sister Casey, I understand. Uncle Luo is typically tough on the outside but soft on the inside. Once this matter is settled, I'll definitely get everything in order." Li Xin said with a smile.
With new clues emerging, Kathy's mood brightened considerably, and she gave Li Xin a sidelong glance, "Don't just talk and not act."
Such a bold Aunt Imagination, perhaps she's eager to knock Old Luo over.
"I heard you've joined Black Rose. How's your relationship with Luo Xue? That girl seems cold, but once you get to know her, you'll find out that's just a facade. She's really nice." Kathy said with a smile, impressed that Li Xin managed to join Black Rose. It definitely wasn't from Old Luo's efforts.
"Chairman Luo Xue is a good person!" Li Xin nodded.
"Oh?" The Little Rich Lady's interest was piqued, "A good person, huh? There must be more to it."
"When we were selected into Black Rose, a vice-chairman named Zhao Qing gave us a hard time, but Chairman Luo Xue was very resolute in standing up for our justice." Li Xin described.
"She really did that?" Kathy laughed, "It's best not to provoke that Zhao Qing if you can avoid it. The Zhao Family holds significant power in the Celestial Capital and is a prestigious clan in the whole of Lirong. He was originally thought to be the next Black Rose chairman, but unexpectedly, he stumbled. Luo Xue is quite something. I'll find time to set you two up together."
Kathy wasn't too familiar with the specifics, but it caused quite a stir among the nobility.
"No, definitely not. My main focus now is to study hard. If I have any spare time, I also want to return to the Night Patrol to do something." Li Xin immediately and firmly refused. Even a little hesitation would certainly lead to the Little Rich Lady stirring up trouble, which would be awkward.
"Alright, I understand. You're proud, and I won't interfere." Kathy said with a smile as the carriage arrived steadily at the Canon Law School. The two parted ways; watching Li Xin walk away, Kathy signaled for the carriage to go home.
Old Luo didn't want Li Xin involved because he didn't want him to be resented. If the Inhaler was really Montreal, this would be a big issue. These old aristocrats are well-connected in the Celestial Capital, and while they wouldn't do anything to Luo Jin, there are huge uncertainties regarding Li Xin.
The Canon Law School and the Night Patrol are completely different worlds. Kathy didn't understand this before, but now she's an old hand in the Night Patrol. Old Luo is truly concerned for this kid, probably seeing himself in him when he was younger.
On another front, Luo Jin immediately found Chief Bishop Matthew. If the Night Patrol wants to act against the city guard's captain, Chief Bishop's support is a must.
These past few days, Chief Bishop had been overwhelmed with pressure from above all on his shoulders. Otherwise, Luo Jin would've already been given a deadline, like a three-day ultimatum to solve the case.
After hearing Luo Jin's report, Matthew finally breathed a sigh of relief. "The possibility is very high. It's better to mistakenly capture than to let go. He's a major suspect and needs to be detained immediately. No need to do anything; just keep him for a few days. Without fresh blood and spiritual ability replenishment, the Inhaler will reveal its true form!"
"Kurt is keeping an eye. I'll immediately gather people while from City Hall..."
Luo Jin hadn't finished speaking when Matthew's face turned solemn, "You let Kurt watch him?"
"Yes, didn't assign anyone else, also afraid of alerting the snake." Luo Jin said, suddenly realizing, "Are you suggesting?"
"The Inhaler is not a Licker. Their sense of spiritual abilities is already beyond ordinary. Act immediately, hoping it's just my overthinking!" Matthew decided and quickly ordered the Church's Judgement Team to assist Luo Jin while he headed to City Hall since the city guard's captain wasn't under his jurisdiction. A split of political and church powers required cooperation; some things couldn't be too unorthodox.
They split into two groups.
Luo Jin, accompanied by six members of the Judgement Team, headed quickly to the city guard. Halfway, a small black-feathered peregrine falcon descended, and Luo Jin beckoned to it, accompanied by a loud call as it landed. This was how the Night Patrol communicated intelligence.
"The target has left the city guard, on his way home."
This was Kurt's message. However, seeing this intelligence made Luo Jin even more anxious. At this hour, what home was Montreal returning to?
The group quickly proceeded toward Montreal's residence, and after only ten minutes or so, reached a street corner filled with crowds and frantic chatter. Luo Jin rushed over, his face changing drastically as he saw Kurt lying on the ground.
Luo Jin squeezed his way through without explanation. The knights responsible for security started to get angry but quickly stepped aside upon seeing his attire. The Church's Judgement Team behind him also promptly cordoned off the crowd, "Now the Church is taking over; you only need to secure the perimeter."
The Knights Order had discovered the body on patrol and immediately preserved the scene. It was clearly linked to the recent uproarious mist incidents. Unexpectedly, this time the victim was a Night Patrol member, judging by the attire, a Captain level member, which made the situation even more serious.
Kurt's body was turned over, completely shriveled, with wide-open eyes and a rough hole in the center of his forehead. It was hollow enough to see the dried bone cavity, devoid of any trace of blood, and his spiritual energy was also drained with no clear signs of struggle... There was a shriveled hole in the heart area, a penetrating wound that seemed to be fatal on impact.
He knew Kurt's skills and abilities very well, yet he didn't even have a chance to fight back.
Another comrade he'd fought alongside for years was gone. Luo Jin controlled his emotions, placing his right hand on his chest while quietly closing Kurt's eyes with his left. "Are there any witnesses?"
"Captain Luo, we were patrolling nearby when we noticed heavy fog and rushed over immediately, but it was already too late. Captain Kurt was dead, with many onlookers." A Knight Order member reported.
The surrounding people were also discussing spiritedly. The recent mist murders had caused a huge stir, though media control had kept the spread from inciting panic. Mysterious incidents had always occurred, but the Night Patrol always managed them well; it was only a matter of time.
But now, in broad daylight in the city, the Night Patrol leader has been killed, and panic has already spread among the crowd.
"Protect the scene, and don't let anyone get close!" Leaving one Judgement Team member to guard, someone else informed the Chief Bishop and led the others to charge towards Montreal's residence.
The incident hadn't happened long ago, so he might not have returned home, but Montreal's house had to be controlled first. Right now, Montreal is the biggest suspect; the only worry is whether the guy would flee!
If he runs, there will be a city-wide manhunt; if he doesn't, he will reveal his true self at any cost.
Thinking of this, Luo Jin didn't care that it was broad daylight, his speed increased as he weaved through the city at high speed, with the four Judgement Team members immediately following. The Inhaler was already acting blatantly, slapping the Church in the face. Initially, the influence of the Moon God Church in the Canon Law School was declining, and if it also diminished in the minds of the public, it would be a major blow to the Celestial Capital Church Court.
Viscount Montreal's mansion was in the Inner City, and Luo Jin and the team reached it unimpeded, but were stopped by the guards at the gate.
"I'm Luo Jin, Night Patrol Captain, with important matters to see Viscount Montreal."
The guards chuckled, "There are plenty who want to see our Viscount, do you have an appointment?"
"No, it's urgent..."
"Then what's the fuss about, the lord is hosting esteemed guests today. Without an invitation, go back." The guard showed no respect for the Night Patrol; they belonged to different systems and looked down on the Night Patrol. If it weren't for the four behind Luo Jin in the Church Judgement Team's attire, he would have directly chased them away.
Luo Jin didn't bother to argue, suddenly taking action and knocking out the two guards, then leading the team inside. From the guard's tone, Montreal was home.
At that moment, a party was being held in the mansion, with melodious music, accompanied by laughter and cheer, flowers and delicacies — all completely disconnected from what was happening outside.
In the crowd, Luo Jin saw Montreal and took a deep breath. If Montreal had fled, that would have been better; but since he hadn't, the opponent might be fearless, yet an arrow already nocked must be shot.
This was a noble's gathering, with several elegantly dressed, seductive ladies. Upon seeing the fierce Night Patrol, their expressions subtly changed, and Montreal frowned slightly too, but his aristocratic decorum kept him from losing his temper.
"Isn't this Captain Luo Jin? Why have you rudely barged into my estate?" Montreal said calmly.
"Montreal, the Night Patrol discovered significant clues during the investigation of the mist case. We need your cooperation," Luo Jin said.
Montreal looked incredulously at Luo Jin, "Luo Jin, mind your words, you are slandering a noble, a noble knight protecting the Celestial Capital. Do you know the price of slandering my honor?"
"Luo Jin, what are you doing, barging in so rudely and talking nonsense, who gave you such audacity?" Another noble who was initially conversing with Montreal approached, speaking softly yet intimidatingly.
Count Zhao Xun, possessing great influence in the Celestial Capital and a member of the Li Long Upper Council.
"Councillor Zhao, as I just said, we traced significant clues related to Montreal, and just now, our Night Patrol leader was murdered while pursuing him. Are you implying we should stop the investigation?" Though the opponent was powerful, Luo Jin was not afraid, as the Chief Bishop would bear the responsibility for any issues.
Luo Jin could solidify his position as captain partly due to the Chief Bishop's support and partly because he was a lone wolf, unafraid of death and uninterested in promotions or wealth, leaving everyone helpless against him.
"Viscount Montreal has been discussing matters with me in the afternoon. How could he be the mist killer?"
"Are you saying he's been with you from noon until now?" Luo Jin asked, "Please confirm this!"
Zhao Xun, of course, knew it wasn't true. Seeing Luo Jin's confidence, he realized the latter had evidence.
"I returned to the team at noon and have been discussing national matters with the Count since then, unaware of anything else. You may go." Montreal said calmly, "Considering you're investigating a case, I won't hold it against you."
Luo Jin looked at Montreal expressionlessly, "You need to come with me to the Church for investigation."
"Luo Jin!" Montreal shouted, "Don't you fail to recognize favor when you see it. Your actions have seriously tarnished a noble's dignity."
"Luo Jin, investigating a noble requires City Hall's permission and concrete evidence. Do you have that?" Zhao Xun asked calmly.
"Evidence is in hand; City Hall's permission is en route. My task is to ensure the main suspect doesn't escape." Luo Jin displayed a zombie-like, emotionless face. Not to mention a Viscount, he would dare confront even a Count, though there's one crucial step before confirming the murderer.
From long years in the Night Patrol, Luo Jin knows that until the truth is fully revealed, recklessness is inadvisable, but Montreal's significant suspicion is undeniable.
"Without permission, without concrete evidence, you barged in like this?" Zhao Xun frowned.
"Count, the mist killer has murdered twelve lives, including children, Night Patrol members, and innocent citizens. We've been working day and night to catch the killer, and now we have a major breakthrough. How do you think I should proceed?" Luo Jin said. "Of course, if you're willing to guarantee, I can go by your arrangement."
Luo Jin said coolly.
If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.