Six in the evening.
It was time to get off work at the Inspectorate. Since Li Hao was not frontline law enforcement, he naturally clocked out right on the hour.
On any ordinary day, he would have left already.
Today, however, Li Hao was in no rush to leave.
Inside the director's office.
Wang Jie glanced at Li Hao and said in a low voice, "You're saying you want to go check out Zhang Yuan's house?"
"Yes."
"The two of you were classmates, and now that there's a chance it might be a homicide, going to take a look isn't out of the question. Still... someone from the Confidential Records Office applying to take a firearm home—that's a bit tricky."
Indeed, Li Hao had come to request a firearm.
He needed Wang Jie's formal approval before he could take a gun home.
Even though the red shadow was bizarre and a gun might not do any good against it, there was no guarantee the entity could come out right now. If that were the case, what Li Hao needed to watch out for was another person.
And against a human being, a firearm possessed devastating lethal power.
"Director, it's not taking it home—it's for an active case!" Li Hao corrected him.
Wang Jie chuckled. Taking it home and using it for an investigation were two entirely different concepts. The kid truly was a student from the Silver City Ancient Academy; with a single phrase, he had completely altered the nature of the request.
"Our Confidential Records Office isn't the Law Enforcement Team."
Wang Jie shook his head, and Li Hao felt a surge of disappointment.
He hadn't figured out a good way to deal with the red shadow yet because he knew so little about it. Even so, holding a gun in his hand would at least grant him some sense of security.
"Regarding Zhang Yuan's case, we've only had an initial talk with the Law Enforcement Team. It hasn't been formally logged yet, so there's no way you can apply for an issued firearm on those grounds."
Saying this, Wang Jie pondered for a moment before quickly adding, "How about this: the Silver City Ancient Academy will be conducting an external expedition soon, and the Inspectorate is assigning some personnel to provide security. Fill out an application form to join. That way, you'll have an assigned mission. As security personnel, you'll be authorized to carry a firearm."
Li Hao froze for a moment, feeling a wave of helplessness.
After all that running in circles, this assignment was still landing on his head?
Chen Na had brought this very matter up that morning, and he had turned it down.
He had heard that the academy's expedition was to be led by his former mentor. In other words, if he accepted this mission, he would be seeing his professor again very soon.
Seeing his silence, Wang Jie sighed. "What's wrong? Afraid Old Yuan will give you a beating? I heard things didn't end on the best terms when you dropped out. Xiao Hao, now that you're in the Inspectorate, I think you should look for a chance to patch things up. He was your teacher, after all.
"If Old Yuan gives you a helping hand, your future in the Inspectorate will be far brighter. But if everyone knows Old Yuan dislikes you—well, even though Old Yuan has no authority over the Inspectorate, others will still wonder whether it's worth getting on his bad side just for the sake of a Third-Class Inspector."
Wang Jie was genuinely acting in his best interests. Though he didn't know the exact details, he had heard that Li Hao's withdrawal from school had caused friction with his mentor.
While the professor couldn't directly influence promotions within the Inspectorate, the Silver City Inspectorate still had to afford him a great deal of face.
"If you want an issued firearm, this is the best way. Plus, you can mend your relationship with your mentor. It kills two birds with one stone..."
He had intended to persuade him further, as he thought highly of Li Hao.
Before he could say more, Li Hao nodded and said, "All right!"
The words Wang Jie had been about to speak caught in his throat.
Wang Jie gave Li Hao an odd look. Hadn't people said that although this kid was kindhearted, he had a stubborn streak?
Why had he agreed so readily today?
An honest, helpless smile appeared on Li Hao's face. "Director, what people say on the outside isn't necessarily true. My relationship with my professor isn't nearly that bad. When I dropped out, he was indeed displeased, but a whole year has passed—he moved past it long ago. Just the other day, he was urging me to work hard and do well in the Inspectorate."
"That's good, then! That's good!"
Wang Jie nodded, quite pleased. Whether that was true or not, Li Hao was generally an honest person, so it probably wasn't far off.
"Then fill out the form. In a few days, you'll have to go on field duty to accompany the Law Enforcement Team in protecting the ancient academy's expedition team."
Li Hao took the form and glanced at it. The departure date for the academy's expedition was set for the end of the month.
However, no specific destination was listed; the accompanying personnel were simply instructed to stand by.
This was to prevent information leaks. The ancient academy held a revered status, which naturally reflected its immense value. Since the expedition was being led by his own professor, the mission would likely be anything but simple.
He wondered if it would conflict with the matter of the red shadow.
With his professor traveling, there was a high probability that the Night Watchers would accompany them. If the red shadow made its move then, it might actually turn out to be a good thing.
Thoughts flashing through his mind, Li Hao quickly finished filling out the form.
"Go to the armory and collect your gear!" Wang Jie took the paperwork.
Li Hao didn't leave immediately. Hesitating a moment, he probed cautiously, "Director, Zhang Yuan's case is a bit... a bit bizarre. Do you think it could involve some sort of unusual power? Can our Inspectorate truly resolve it?"
"Hmm?"
Wang Jie snapped his gaze toward Li Hao, his eyes shifting slightly as his brow furrowed. "What did you hear?"
"No, nothing."
Li Hao seemed embarrassed, looking as though he couldn't hold it back, and forced out awkwardly, "I'm just worried that the Law Enforcement Team might... startle the snake in the grass or run into unexpected trouble. I heard... that our Inspectorate... seems to have another organization?"
"Enough!"
Wang Jie frowned. "Watch your tongue! I know you might have heard some rumors, but that is not something for us to discuss! And another thing—don't even think about it. To be completely honest, if things ever reach that stage, the trouble only gets bigger! Whenever people from over there get involved, when has it ever brought anything other than a mountain of trouble?"
He didn't want to say more, nor was he willing to discuss the Night Watchers.
Their arrival was never a good sign.
Once the Night Watchers were involved, things became a massive headache. Moreover, their presence often dragged tremendous problems in their wake.
Therefore, unless it was an absolute last resort, he had no desire to have any entanglement with the Night Watchers.
The Law Enforcement Team was probably just as reluctant to let them interfere.
Of course, if a situation truly spiraled out of control, the Night Watchers would naturally appear. At that point, it would no longer be up to the Inspectorate to decide.
Li Hao nodded, then offered one final reminder: "Director, I looked into the timing of the spontaneous combustion cases. Every single one occurred on an overcast, rainy day. Silver City will soon enter the rainy season again, and it's been almost a year since the last incident. Based on the past timeline, I suspect that if this is indeed a series of deliberate murders, the next one might happen very soon!"
Wang Jie took note of this seriously.
He had only just taken over the case and hadn't examined the details yet, so he naturally didn't know as much as Li Hao.
Hearing this, Wang Jie remained silent for a moment before nodding. "I'll inform the Law Enforcement Team. You need to be careful as well. When you go inspect Zhang Yuan's house, stay alert. Do you need me to assign some men to back you up?"
"No need!"
Li Hao shook his head. It wasn't that he had a death wish, but ordinary people couldn't see the red shadow, so having them along would be useless.
If he didn't encounter the red shadow, having a gun and a few other arrangements would be enough to keep him safe.
Besides, most people in the Confidential Records Office were civilian staff. If real trouble broke out, it was hard to say who would be protecting whom.
"Then take care of yourself. Even though he died a year ago, I doubt there's much danger."
Wang Jie waved his hand, dismissing Li Hao.
***
Li Hao soon stepped out of the office, breathing a small sigh of relief.
Wang Jie really was looking out for him.
Walking toward the armory with Wang Jie's written authorization in hand, Li Hao soon received a deep-black handgun with a solid metallic feel.
A Vortex III. Its effective range was fifty meters; beyond that, accuracy was nonexistent.
It was said that several major cities had already begun deploying the Vortex IV, which had an effective range of up to a hundred meters. Silver City, of course, was not large, and the upgrade hadn't rolled out here yet; even frontline law enforcement officers were currently using the Vortex III.
He was issued eighteen rounds of ammunition. It held six rounds per cylinder and supported rapid fire, making it quite an intimidating weapon.
Before joining the Inspectorate, even though he was assigned to the Confidential Records Office, Li Hao had undergone a month of temporary training. Marksmanship had been part of the curriculum, so he wasn't completely clueless about how to handle it.
It was just that after spending all his time in the office, he hadn't used one in a long while.
With a weapon on him, Li Hao felt a touch more confident.
He just didn't know whether it could harm the red shadow. Other people couldn't see the thing, but he could; if he shot at it, would it have any effect?
*Judging from Director Wang's attitude, the Law Enforcement Team seems reluctant to notify the Night Watchers to step in. But time is running out. If the Night Watchers don't intervene, can they handle the red shadow?*
*What if I tell them right now that I can see the red shadow...?*
The thought flashed across Li Hao's mind.
Yet he couldn't help recalling the earlier case files. Some of the people who had reported seeing the red shadow had ultimately gone completely silent.
Were they dead, or what?
In cases where someone claimed to have seen the red shadow, the Night Watchers might have gotten involved, only for those witnesses to either disappear or die.
Li Hao didn't know whether those people had been killed or recruited into the Night Watchers.
That uncertainty left Li Hao torn.
If the Night Watchers could resolve the red shadow and were willing to do so, exposing himself would be worthwhile. What he feared was... could there be some kind of collusion between the Night Watchers and the red shadow?
If he exposed himself prematurely, would the Night Watchers eliminate the red shadow, or would they eliminate him?
*A mysterious power... The Night Watchers might possess it, and the red shadow clearly does as well. Are the two sides allies, or enemies?* Li Hao had no way of knowing; he lacked any channel to access such information.
If the two were actually in league and everyone who spotted the red shadow had been silenced to cover it up, that would be the worst-case scenario Li Hao dreaded.
A splitting headache!
At this moment, Li Hao was deeply conflicted.
He longed for the Night Watchers to strike down the red shadow, avenging Zhang Yuan and his parents. Yet he also feared that things would go in the exact opposite direction—that he would merely expose himself and end up silenced by the Night Watchers.
*Let's wait a few more days...*
Li Hao knew he was in grave danger, but even so, he preferred to wait a few more days to see the Law Enforcement Team's findings and attitude.
Right now, he had merely stumbled upon the anomalies in the spontaneous combustion cases. He believed that as long as the Law Enforcement Team took it seriously, they would soon spot them as well.
When that happened, if there was anyone sharp among them, Li Hao figured they would likely contact the Night Watchers in advance.
Just moments ago, Li Hao had purposely dropped the hint that another spontaneous combustion might happen in the coming days. He had done it specifically to instill a sense of urgency in the Law Enforcement Team. If he could draw out the Night Watchers through them, he wouldn't need to expose the fact that he could see the red shadow.
*Besides, my professor will soon be leading an expedition out into the field. That alone means the Night Watchers are bound to appear. Regardless of whether there are any stationed in Silver City right now, some will surely rush here in the next few days.*
After sorting through everything and confirming that the Night Watchers would most likely make an appearance, Li Hao shelved the idea of exposing himself for the time being.
Whether they were working together or not would likely become clear soon enough.
If the Night Watchers still hadn't appeared before the rainy days arrived and made no move to question him about the situation... then he would have to find a way to step into the open on his own.
***
Leaving the Inspectorate.
The fierce sun had already dipped below the horizon, and the sky was flushed with the crimson hues of dusk.
There were few pedestrians on the streets. The weather was stiflingly hot—lately, the oppressive heat lingered even until eight or nine in the evening—so very few people ventured outdoors.
Li Hao's home was not far from the Inspectorate, about seven or eight kilometers away.
Retrieving his bicycle, Li Hao swung onto the seat. For the past year, he had commuted by bike.
Partly it was to exercise his body, and partly it was to avoid potential dangers.
Crowded places made it harder to detect danger.
Ever since Zhang Yuan died, Li Hao had remained exceptionally cautious.
Pedaling forward, Li Hao casually looked around as if taking in the road conditions and scenery. In truth, he was checking to see if anyone was following him.
Especially today, having confirmed that he was the red shadow's next target.
Li Hao was trying to figure out how the red shadow tracked them down.
According to his deduction, the red shadow never stayed for long. Each time it appeared, it vanished quickly, lingering out in the open for only a fleeting moment. That being the case, how could it pinpoint them with such precision?
Did that mean someone else was secretly observing in advance, merely waiting for the red shadow to arrive and harvest the kill?
It was not impossible.
Even though he wasn't a trained field investigator, Li Hao still possessed basic countersurveillance awareness.
*Nothing spotted for now. Could the red shadow locate us directly? Does it have something to do with the Starry Sky Sword on me? Can it track us through these ancestral heirlooms?*
The bicycle rolled forward steadily. Li Hao had placed the Vortex III inside his inner jacket pocket, leaving his coat unbuttoned. It looked as though he were just catching the breeze, but it was actually so he could draw and fire at a moment's notice.
Just as before, Li Hao noticed nothing out of the ordinary.
Yet as he reached a downhill stretch and the bicycle rapidly coasted downward, his heart skipped a beat.
From the rapidly descending bicycle, Li Hao caught sight of an oncoming vehicle in the opposite lane out of the corner of his eye. It was an ordinary, unremarkable black sedan, appearing no different from the rest of the passing traffic.
*Silver-7219!*
Li Hao's heart jolted. Something was wrong.
He had seen this car just moments ago. While the streets were flooded with this basic commuter model—nine out of ten cars were this exact type—Li Hao remembered the license plate!
Having earned admission into the Silver City Ancient Academy, Li Hao naturally possessed extraordinary traits of his own.
A sharp memory was practically a given.
If he didn't have any exceptional qualities, he never would have caught the eye of an old professor like Yuan Shuo and been chosen as his student.
*Something's not right. That car was heading in the same direction as me just now. Since I ride slowly, it overtook me and drove off—about seven minutes ago!*
In seven minutes, given the car's speed and the straight stretch of road ahead with no suitable places to park, there was no way it could have run an errand or dropped someone off and driven back so quickly.
Yet here it was, heading straight toward him from the opposite lane. That meant shortly after passing Li Hao, the car had pulled a U-turn and driven back.
Li Hao's expression remained unchanged, but waves of shock surged through him.
*This never happened before. Today is the first time... Is someone really tailing me?*
*Why?*
A possibility instantly occurred to him. The case he had reported to Wang Jie... might have... leaked!
*There's a mole in the Inspectorate!*
*Most likely in the Law Enforcement Team!*
That was Li Hao's immediate thought, and his mood sank. Even though it could be a coincidence—perhaps the driver had genuinely just turned around—Li Hao dared not treat it as one.
Every coincidence had to be treated as a premeditated move.
*Director Wang went to the Law Enforcement Team and told them about the spontaneous combustion cases. If someone there knows I'm the one pushing to reopen the case, they might have set their sights on me! If the Law Enforcement Team had suspicions, they could question me directly; there's no reason to tail me, since on the surface I was only paying extra attention because it involved my classmate...*
*And back then, everyone who reported seeing the red shadow was discovered shortly afterward... In truth, I've suspected for a long time that the red shadow or the Night Watchers have an informant inside the Inspectorate!*
Li Hao had read those dossiers. Anyone who reported seeing the red shadow died or vanished soon after.
Naturally, without paying close attention, it was difficult to notice the pattern.
Most inspectors who received such reports simply brushed them off, jotting down a few notes without following up, treating them as absurd nonsense.
Yet somehow, someone had taken notice.
What did that prove?
It proved that someone inside the Inspectorate was keeping a close eye on this very detail. The moment a report came in, word would quickly reach another group's ears.
*Have I been targeted now?*
*Is it because I brought up the spontaneous combustion cases, and they want to confirm whether I saw the red shadow or just stumbled upon the pattern by accident?*
*When Xiao Yuan died last year, I didn't dare say I saw the red shadow. If these people know anything, they'll most likely assume I noticed it by coincidence rather than because I can see the entity—otherwise, I would have reported it last year!*
In a fraction of a second, countless thoughts and deductions flashed through Li Hao's mind.
He was, after all, a Third-Class Inspector, and the very inspector who had just flagged the anomalies in the cases. Li Hao reasoned that even if someone were colluding with the red shadow, they wouldn't make a move against him right now. Killing him would only confirm that something was amiss with the cases, stirring up even greater trouble.
*This is getting more and more interesting!*
Li Hao sneered inwardly. Not letting a sliver of emotion show on his face, he pedaled on as if nothing were amiss.
The car he had locked his eyes onto soon vanished into the distance.
***
Silver-7219.
Inside the car that had just driven past Li Hao, besides a middle-aged male driver, an ordinary-looking middle-aged woman sat in the passenger seat.
They appeared just like any typical middle-aged couple, completely unremarkable.
"Nothing out of the ordinary,"
the woman said quietly after a brief silence once they had driven past Li Hao.
The driver seemed not to have heard her.
Only after a moment did the driver reply in an even tone, "It's likely just a coincidence. He's probably been paying attention all this time because of that Zhang Yuan's death. Zhang Yuan was a close friend of his."
The woman nodded slightly.
Silence settled over the car once more.
After another while, the driver suddenly said, "We can't rule out other possibilities. Keep watching him for now—just from a distance. Be careful these days; those nuisance fellows might be heading to Silver City soon."
"Understood!"
The woman nodded again. She knew exactly who the driver was referring to; those people truly were a nuisance.
The car fell into total silence.
Chapter 5