Chapter 2429: Chapter 2332: Lady Professor

Zhao Chengke was still investigating the case from that side. Because there were no leads, his attention remained fixed on the archaeological site, hoping to find some clues here. So, early the next morning, he came back to the tomb.

Of course, Huo Sining could tell that Zhao Chengke was talented, with an incredibly keen sense for criminal investigations. Although Su Lan had already advised her to leave Luofu Mountain and stay away from this case, under such circumstances, Huo Sining dared not act rashly.

Zhao Chengke was like a hawk; if she abruptly exited the archaeological team, it would only attract his attention. If he focused on her, it wouldn’t be good.

It’s not that Huo Sining was afraid of Zhao Chengke. With her current status, the mere captain of the Huicheng Criminal Investigation Bureau wasn’t even on her radar.

But she disliked trouble. Although things seemed calm at Luofu Mountain, there was an undercurrent. News about the Mermaid Kyanite had surely spread underground, but had been suppressed, preventing wide dissemination. Nevertheless, many eyes were undoubtedly watching this place.

Among those surveilling, there were definitely people from the Iga-ryu. Although Fujiwara Seiho was dead, the person backing him was surely still tracking this matter, perhaps even determined to pursue the killer to the end for Fujiwara Seiho.

Even if Zhao Chengke dug into her involvement, she wasn’t scared. But she didn’t want to draw the attention of the Iga-ryu and the person behind Fujiwara Seiho. That would expose her to open and covert enemies, leading to endless trouble. No matter how capable she was, she couldn’t guard against everything.

It’s better to lie low in such situations, play a clueless commoner, and leave only when the case concluded and the alarm was lifted.

As long as she kept a low profile, Zhao Chengke wouldn’t trace back to her. After all, the night she killed Fujiwara Seiho, she used her Invisibility Skill, ensuring no one noticed her leaving her tent.

As Huo Sining expected, Zhao Chengke, after meticulously questioning everyone in the archaeological team and reviewing multiple surveillance videos from the tomb site, still found nothing.

Refusing to believe it, Zhao Chengke’s intuition insisted that the killer of the Dongyang man was hiding within the mountain, lurking among the archaeological team. But inexplicably, he couldn’t find any shortcomings in anyone except for Anya and Liu Dapeng from the logistics department, who seemed normal with no issues.

Yet the more trouble-free everything seemed, the more Zhao Chengke felt this was the main issue—the murderer was hiding too well, evidencing cunningness, which frustrated Zhao Chengke greatly, intensifying his resolve to capture this killer!

However, many things weren’t within his control. Despite his resolve to uncover the truth and catch the mastermind, a single transfer order disrupted his plans entirely.

By the afternoon of the following day, a document arrived, stating that since the case involved the Iga-ryu and foreign infiltration, it was no longer a mere homicide case. The authorities had realized the complexity of the matter and swiftly handed the case over to the National Security Investigation Department, leaving no room for Zhao Chengke to intervene further.

Though unwilling, Zhao Chengke had no choice but to comply with the higher-ups’ orders and step back.

As Zhao Chengke withdrew with his team, Huo Sining’s internal alarm was lifted. Not wanting to stay any longer at Luofu Mountain, she prepared to leave. However, before she could explain to Zhou Shitao, the old Mawangdui Tomb archaeological expert from Xiang Province arrived.

Indeed, because several boxes of Cloud Brocade found in the tomb were extremely valuable and one had already been damaged by mistake, Zhou Shitao and the others dared not handle the remaining boxes lightly, requiring an authority on the matter.

The expert who arrived was the seasoned professional involved in the initial Mawangdui Tomb excavation—a female professor known as the Barehanded Celestial Master, Elder Mr. Zhang Xiuchun.

Yes, this female professor was addressed as "Mr." in the field due to her lofty status in archaeology, rivaling that of Zhou Shitao. Having participated in numerous large-scale tomb excavations, her resume even surpassed Zhou Shitao’s.

Nonetheless, this elderly professor was nearly ninety, in good health but undeniably aged. Zhou Shitao had gone to great lengths to invite this senior expert.

Even then, after serious consideration, the elderly professor decided to come personally, though the journey was delayed by an entire day.

"Sorry we’re late, Professor Zhou."

Accompanying Professor Zhang was her daughter, Zhang Xiaomei, who supported her up the mountain. Zhang Xiaomei approached Zhou Shitao to apologize.

Zhang Xiaomei, in her sixties, with greying temples, appeared elegant, delicate, and polite, suggesting an excellent upbringing.

Zhou Shitao waved carelessly, chuckling, "Your arrival is greatly appreciated. I was worried that, given Sister Zhang’s age, asking her to come abruptly might be too much. How is she holding up, old sister?"

Zhou Shitao inquired with a smile at Zhang Xiuchun, though she merely greeted him briefly when ascending and did not respond much to his question.

Zhang Xiaomei, noticing, quickly smiled and explained for her mother:

"My mom’s hearing has deteriorated sharply over the past two years. Your voice was too soft; she couldn’t hear it and didn’t know you were speaking to her."

Zhou Shitao’s mouth twitched, thinking he had already raised his voice, but it seemed still too quiet?

In the next moment, Zhang Xiaomei leaned toward her mother and shouted, deafeningly, "Mom, Professor Zhou is asking how your health is, if you can manage the workload!"

The voice was loud enough to reach five hundred meters away, leaving Zhou Shitao and the accompanying professors bemused, while the archaeological team members flushed red, stifling laughter.

Finally hearing it, Elder Mr. Zhang gave her daughter a disapproving look before grumpily telling Zhou Shitao:

"Since I’m here, drop the formalities and don’t waste time. You’ve really backtracked with age, lad. I have no time for your drivel. Arrange a guide, I need to see the Cloud Brocade to assess the situation for action!"

Zhou Shitao was left speechless by Zhang Xiuchun’s remarks, unable to retort, nodding compliantly, ready to lead the group to the tomb.

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