July 30.
It was the last day of July. Under the Star Yuan Calendar, there were no long or short months; each month was a standard thirty days.
Today was a rest day. Whether in the Inspectorate or the Night Watchers, personnel had scheduled days off—six days a month. Relatively speaking, holding a government position was quite comfortable.
Of course, once things got busy, it meant working year-round without rest.
On this day, Li Hao woke up quite late.
It was not that he had slacked off because he did not need to work. Rather, after Yuan Shuo collapsed a certain mine the previous night, the old man had rushed straight to Li Hao's room in the dead of night, nearly scaring him out of his wits, and then tormented him for hours.
The torment mainly consisted of feeding him mysterious energy!
It was forced down his throat. Whether he wanted to absorb it or not, he had to, absorbing as much as his body could take.
Yuan Shuo had prepared a full thousand cubic meters of five elements energy for him.
With so much five elements energy, Li Hao absorbed it until he nearly vomited blood, yet he barely managed to absorb less than a hundred cubic meters... Even so, word of it would frighten people to death.
Who could absorb a hundred cubic meters of mysterious energy in a single night?
Even a Thousand-Battler martial master like Liu Long might not be able to absorb so much right now, primarily because his body would not be able to digest it.
Yet Li Hao had sword energy.
Once neutralized by the sword energy, the mysterious energy turned mild. Even if he could not absorb it immediately, it could be stored internally within his flesh and organs.
However, both Li Hao and Yuan Shuo noticed something: the sword energy was diminishing.
As for how to solve the depletion of sword energy, Yuan Shuo had no idea either. Origin God Armaments were top-secret in the supernatural domain, and historical texts made no mention of them. The term was likely a concept coined by modern supernatural powerhouses.
Absorbing a full hundred cubic meters... That was enough for a Hundred-Breaker to advance to the supernatural realm. For instance, a Hundred-Breaker like Liu Yan would probably only need a hundred cubic meters if an advancement were possible.
Back when Yuan Shuo was at the peak of the Hundred-Breaker realm, he had said that if he wanted to advance, he would only need a few hundred to a thousand cubic meters.
As for Li Hao, absorbing this much had primarily strengthened his five internal organs and bolstered his foundational physical constitution.
Projecting inner force beyond his torso would still require Li Hao's own effort and a bit of time to temper. But purely in terms of physical constitution, even Yuan Shuo remarked that Li Hao's internal organs were now no weaker than his own back when he had been a peak Hundred-Breaker.
Back then, Yuan Shuo had relied entirely on nurturing them with inner force; he had never enjoyed Li Hao's conditions of using special energy solely for physical reinforcement.
Consequently, Li Hao woke up late, feeling thoroughly bloated.
It felt like having eaten far too much!
The branch establishment ceremony was scheduled for tomorrow evening—the night of August 1. There was still plenty of time, so whether Li Hao worked today did not matter, and he did not care about sleeping in.
"A big house is nice... but it's a bit inconvenient!"
Still digesting the energy, Li Hao sighed with emotion.
This place was wonderful and comfortable to live in, but it had one drawback: there was nowhere to buy breakfast. In a wealthy neighborhood, who went out to street stalls every morning like Li Hao? People here had private housekeepers and personal chefs.
Otherwise, waking up, going for a stroll, having a bit of breakfast, stretching his limbs, and practicing the Five Animals Art was quite an enjoyable way to maintain health.
After grumbling under his breath, Li Hao checked his body again and felt his five internal organs burning like a furnace.
It felt warm and toasty!
His blood surged wildly. With every pulse, wisps of inner force were generated, while simultaneously strengthening his blood vessels, skin, bones, and the like.
"Thunder energy strengthens the body, while wind energy accelerates..."
Thinking of thunder energy, Li Hao felt somewhat helpless.
Ying Hongyue's son had been a thunder-element cultivator. When Yuan Shuo killed him, he had extracted some thunder energy. In the end, half of it had been taken by Huang Yun, and what little remained had also been traded away by the man.
Yuan Shuo had originally wanted to keep it, but then decided five elements energy was more important. Now, they had only received a thousand cubic meters of five elements energy in exchange, along with three hundred cubic meters of useless non-elemental mysterious energy, making Li Hao feel they had gotten the short end of the stick.
What did Huang Yun want thunder energy for?
Wasn't he a wind-element cultivator?
Non-elemental mysterious energy was indeed effective for strengthening martial masters, but to Li Hao, it was far less precious than elemental energy.
Complaints aside, Li Hao began practicing his routine.
A lazy, leisurely form!
This was the Five Animals Art when not used for combat. Known as the foremost art of health preservation, it was far from fierce when practiced casually.
Feeling the inner force accumulating within him and his flesh and blood being tempered, Li Hao felt a genuine surge of strength.
Of course, he dared not exert too much force, fearing that the disturbance would attract the attention of the neighbors next door.
He wondered if Qiao Peng was still in the mood to cozy up to him today.
The corners of Li Hao's mouth curved slightly. The Qiao family's mine had collapsed last night. In the middle of the night, Li Hao had felt the Moon Overflow supernatural following Qiao Peng head out; in the darkness, that light source had been unmistakable.
By morning, the person had returned, suggesting that the mine collapse had mostly been handled.
Speak of Qiao Peng, and Qiao Peng arrives.
Li Hao could not actually sense Qiao Peng's aura, nor could he detect the Moon Overflow supernatural's presence. But when a light bulb of that size was moving toward him, Li Hao was not blind; he could clearly see it.
Regarding these keen eyes of his, Li Hao now judged that they were probably due to his bloodline; there was no other explanation.
Yet sometimes Li Hao wondered: the Night Watchers seemed to have recruited several people with this trait. Could it be that they also carried the bloodlines of the Eight Great Families?
That did not make sense. If they also had the bloodlines of the Eight Great Families, it meant the Night Watchers knew about it. Why, then, were they completely oblivious to the affairs in Silver City?
These were questions he could not ask directly.
Wang Ming might know, but Wang Ming was no fool either. If Li Hao probed too much, he worried the fellow might deduce something.
There was no rush. Once they fought together in battle and forged a deep camaraderie, he could ask gradually without worry.
What had ultimately happened to those people who had seen the Red Shadow?
And was the Red Shadow a secret among the higher-ups of the Night Watchers?
Probably not!
Otherwise, why would the Night Watchers immediately recognize someone as special the moment they saw the Red Shadow?
Then again, the Night Watchers had powerhouses with extraordinary abilities, and beings at the Three Sols level might even be able to see it directly... That was merely speculation, since Li Hao did not know any friends at the Three Sols level.
Thoughts flashing through his mind, he pretended not to notice the man's arrival.
It was not until someone knocked on the courtyard gate that Li Hao called out, "Who is it?"
"It's me, Inspector Li. Are you busy?"
Outside the gate, Qiao Peng and his driver were waiting.
Soon, the gate swung open. Li Hao frowned and looked at him coldly. "Qiao Peng, I already told you: if you don't mess with me, I won't bother with you! What do you want so early in the morning?"
"Don't misunderstand!" Qiao Peng chuckled. "I truly mean nothing by it. You might have a misunderstanding about me, Inspector Li. I came today because I have a matter I'd like to discuss with you."
"What matter?"
Li Hao had no intention of inviting him inside, blocking the courtyard doorway.
Not the least bit offended, Qiao Peng explained, "It's like this. Qiao's Mining has a mine in Silver City. You visited it the day before yesterday, so you know about it, right?"
"Of course!"
"Last night, a collapse occurred at the Qiao family's mine..."
Li Hao's eyes lit up. "Did anyone die?"
He looked at Qiao Peng and suddenly grinned. "Looking for my help to cover it up? First, tell me how many died. If it's more than three, go settle it with the Inspectorate yourselves. If it's fewer than three... I don't care about money, and money is meaningless to me anyway. I want mysterious energy!"
"..."
Qiao Peng stood dumbfounded. Who said this bastard was an upright person?
Good heavens!
The guy had only been an official for a few days, yet he had already learned how to solicit bribes.
Did he just lack the opportunity to show his true colors before?
Qiao Peng truly had not expected Li Hao to immediately demand a payout to settle trouble; that was not why he had come at all.
"No, no... The Qiao family treats our workers well; we don't even work night shifts. The cave-in last night only collapsed a shaft without injuring anyone. Starting today, the shaft is sealed and operations won't resume until a new one is established."
Only then did Qiao Peng state his purpose. "It's like this. Professor Yuan is the most renowned geological expert in Silver City..."
Li Hao showed understanding. "You want my teacher to help you site a new shaft entrance?"
"Not quite!" Qiao Peng smiled. "Professor Yuan is now the top powerhouse in Silver City. We wouldn't dare trouble him with such a minor matter! Everyone knows that Inspector Li is the professor's disciple and studied these subjects extensively. That's why I came today—to ask if Inspector Li could do us a favor and help determine the location for the new shaft entrance."
Li Hao's brow furrowed slightly.
His mind raced.
He had not expected the Qiao family to seek his help in the end. What was their game?
Qiao's Mining was a professional operation; were they truly lacking an expert?
Not at all!
This was not some insurmountable task. The Qiao family were the professionals, so why come to him?
This was utterly bizarre.
A moment later, an inkling formed in Li Hao's mind.
Looking for me!
What benefit would there be for the Qiao family if I went?
None at all!
Not only was there no benefit, but they would also have to worry about me discovering something. Yet Qiao Peng had still come...
Li Hao's heart stirred. The ruins!
He roughly grasped the Qiao family's intentions. The mine collapse might not be worth their concern at all. But if they could use this pretext to lure him to the mine, and if his bloodline triggered some reaction from the ruins... that would be a monumental gain for the Qiao family.
Could it be... they also wanted to kill him?
Li Hao drew a sharp breath inwardly.
It was not impossible!
Silver City was currently drawing immense attention, and many eyes were on Li Hao. Using an ordinary excuse to bring him to the mine would look suspicious. He had gone there two days ago, but that was in the company of a Night Watcher, in plain view of everyone.
If they invited him privately today under the guise of surveying a shaft, others might not think much of it.
Yuan Shuo was an expert in the field, and Li Hao was his prized student. For a major enterprise like Qiao's Mining to ask Li Hao for help was completely plausible.
The real danger was... once he went, he might never return!
Qiao Feilong might kill him, plunder the ruins, empty them out, and flee immediately. By then, even if something were exposed, they would not care.
*Danger!*
Thinking this through, Li Hao immediately caught the scent of peril.
The Qiao family might genuinely take this opportunity to finish him off.
No wonder they took the initiative to come and invite him despite knowing the ruins and their secrets were located there... There was definitely malice behind it.
While these thoughts raced through his head, Li Hao feigned a troubled expression.
Qiao Peng understood and said in a low voice, "We won't make you take a trip for nothing, Inspector Li. Whether you want star coins or mysterious energy, everything is negotiable..."
"I haven't mastered all of my teacher's skills!" Li Hao frowned. "Besides, it's just siting a new shaft entrance. Does your Qiao family really lack people capable of doing that?"
Qiao Peng replied helplessly, "We don't lack people, to be honest. If possible, we'd naturally prefer our own staff to handle it. But the collapsed area is tricky. Our experts are older folks who aren't agile on their feet. That's why we wanted someone skilled in martial arts who could survey the location swiftly and get the mine running again... In Silver City, only you and Professor Yuan fit the bill. But as for Professor Yuan... we truly can't afford him!"
Qiao Peng forced a bitter smile. "He's a Thousand-Battler martial master, practically an earthly immortal. How much would we have to pay just to invite him out? The value of our mine is fixed; if we offer too much, we take a loss, but if we offer too little, the professor won't be satisfied... Thinking it through, Inspector Li must have learned at least eighty percent of his skills, which is more than enough!"
What a well-crafted excuse.
Why not invite Yuan Shuo? Because Yuan Shuo was too expensive.
Why invite Li Hao? Because Li Hao was agile, efficient, and capable among experts, handling tasks cleanly without delay.
Li Hao raised an eyebrow. "How much are you offering?"
"One cubic meter of mysterious energy, or one million star coins!" Qiao Peng said earnestly. "That price is definitely fair!"
Li Hao scoffed in disappointment. "Forget it. My monthly salary already comes with one cubic meter of mysterious energy. I thought a grand enterprise like the Qiao family would be generous, but you offer only this much?"
Qiao Peng cursed under his breath!
*I’d love to offer you ten or a hundred cubic meters, but I doubt you’d dare take it!*
Besides, it was just a survey; offering this much wasn't enough to satisfy him?
This guy was far greedier than the rumors suggested.
"Inspector Li, that really is quite a lot. It's not that the Qiao family can't afford more... but honestly, if we pay too much, it won't be cost-effective. Even if work resumes tomorrow, paying a steeper price... we might as well wait a few days."
Qiao Peng added, "At most, it will take a day or two of your time to earn one cubic meter of mysterious energy. Inspector Li, ask around anywhere you like—isn't the Qiao family's offer fair?"
Li Hao appeared slightly swayed. After pondering for a moment, he nodded. "Fine. Wait for me a moment... Are we going right now?"
"Yes, the sooner the better!" Qiao Peng nodded repeatedly, eager to have Li Hao leave with him immediately.
As for kidnapping him by force... that was out of the question. Someone in the city might be watching, not to mention they were too close to Yuan Shuo.
Furthermore, if Li Hao were abducted by force, it would instantly blow Silver City wide open.
They had to make him come along willingly!
Once they reached the mine, outsiders might deduce that their purpose was merely surveying a new shaft entrance. When they went inside, no one would recklessly barge in to investigate.
The Qiao father and son had calculated carefully.
This time, they indeed harbored special motives. If Li Hao's proximity to the ruins triggered an unusual phenomenon... they could either eliminate him on the spot or find a way to obtain some of his blood while at the mine.
In short, the Qiao family needed to confirm Li Hao's utility.
If there was no reaction at all and his blood proved useless, killing him would needlessly make enemies and expose years of concealment for nothing.
In any case, inviting Li Hao over today was meant to ensure they did not return empty-handed.
At the very least, Li Hao had to leave some blood behind.
And inside a mine was the least conspicuous place to make that happen.
The mine had just collapsed, leaving loose rubble everywhere. Li Hao was merely in the Ten-Slayer realm; a stray shattered rock scratching his skin would be completely natural.
...
Without delay, Li Hao went back inside, changed his clothes, and walked out the gate shortly after.
Just as he stepped out and climbed into the Qiao family's car, his communication device rang.
Li Hao answered, while Qiao Peng in the front seat pricked up his ears to eavesdrop on the conversation.
"Li Hao!"
"Boss, what is it?"
Qiao Peng raised an eyebrow. Liu Long?
"Director Hao arrived from White Moon City, saying he's here to help host tomorrow's branch establishment ceremony. If you're free, come over right now to meet him!"
"Right now?"
"Yes, the sooner the better."
"Well..."
Li Hao hesitated. "Boss, could you wait a bit? Or better yet, drive over to Qiao's Mine and wait for me at the entrance. I'm on my way to help Qiao's Mining locate a new shaft entrance, and it'll be done quickly."
"Are you out of your mind?!"
Liu Long's furious roar erupted. "Director Hao is waiting for you, and you run off to earn side money?"
"No, that's not what I mean..."
Li Hao explained, "The Inspectorate also has a duty to handle certain cases. A mine collapse is a safety incident. I'm mainly going to inspect the site and see if the Qiao family is concealing any casualties. Boss, I'm doing official business."
"Nonsense! Get back here right now!"
Yet Li Hao sounded reluctant, gritting his teeth. "Boss, just one hour... I'll head over the moment I'm done. I already gave my word, and we're almost there. It wouldn't be right to back out now! Boss... I... I'm short on mysterious energy."
"Fuck!"
Liu Long cursed, "If you weren't Yuan Shuo's student, I'd slap you to death! You wait right there. I'm driving over right now. Get it done quickly! Li Hao, did you read all those books with your ass? Don't think you can do whatever you want just because of your master. Director Hao is here, and you still dare act like this... I really misjudged you before!"
"It's just bad timing!"
Li Hao tried to explain, but Liu Long had already hung up.
Li Hao looked helpless and cursed softly under his breath before glaring at Qiao Peng in the front seat with annoyance. "Look at that. Because of your business, Director Liu just chewed me out. Qiao Peng, I don't care what happens—one hour tops. Siting it is best, but even if I can't... you still have to pay!"
Right now, Qiao Peng wanted to scream bloody murder!
He was practically boiling with rage.
Liu Long was coming too?
Hao Lianchuan had arrived in the city?
With Liu Long heading there and Li Hao present, wouldn't everyone's attention immediately focus on the mine?
If Hao Lianchuan took notice as well... they would have to be extraordinarily cautious. Bringing Li Hao and Liu Long together might draw suspicion and expose everything.
He quickly said, "Wait, Inspector Li, let's call it off for today. No need to trouble Director Liu to make the trip. We can reschedule when you have time."
If Liu Long was coming, the plan was ruined.
They might as well call it off.
Li Hao frowned. "Cut the crap. I already took an earful. If I tell the boss not to come now, wouldn't I be asking for another beating? It's fine. Director Liu takes good care of me. I really need mysterious energy anyway, and earning one cubic meter in an hour... the boss won't truly mind. He's just venting with his mouth."
As he spoke, he glanced at Qiao Peng, secretly laughing inside.
*Suffer in silence, why don't you!*
Liu Long's call had come at such a convenient time naturally because Li Hao had coordinated it in advance when he went inside to change clothes. Since the Qiao family was so polite and warmly inviting, going along was no harm.
Refusing outright would have aroused suspicion instead.
Having Liu Long tag along... would also allow Liu Long to sense what was there and investigate the three supernaturals' specific elements, abilities, and strength levels.
Martial masters were adept at concealing themselves, but supernaturals—especially those at the Solar Radiance realm—would be hard-pressed to hide completely from a Thousand-Battler martial master at such close range. Liu Long should be able to sense something.
They had just been worrying about lacking intel on their opponents!
This was an opportunity delivered straight to their doorstep; otherwise, Liu Long, as the branch director of the Night Watchers, would have had no justification to wander over there.
Although Yuan Shuo had visited last night, what he sensed might not be the same as what Liu Long could detect.
Yuan Shuo might think they were easy to deal with, but that was from his own perspective; they still had to account for Liu Long's actual capabilities.
...
At the same time.
Liu Long drove toward the mine, feeling thoroughly amused.
What a truly... obliging bunch of do-gooders.
Was the Qiao family so eager to rush to their deaths?
He had actually wanted to sneak into the mine to scout, but had worried his concealment skills were inferior to Yuan Shuo's and getting spotted would cause massive trouble. Now, he could inspect it openly and legitimately.
He drove swiftly, matching his decisive, vigorous nature.
He arrived before Li Hao and the others did.
Due to the collapse, very few people remained at Qiao's Mine. Upon arriving, Liu Long did not enter. He simply stood by the mine entrance, stepped out of the vehicle, and lit a cigarette.
When someone stepped forward, Liu Long said with chilling detachment, "I am Liu Long!"
The person's complexion instantly changed.
In the next breath, Liu Long demanded, "Where is Li Hao? Tell him to hurry out!"
The person remaining here was naturally an upper-level manager of the mine. Hearing this, he hastily stammered, "Cap... Captain Liu, Inspector Li doesn't seem to have arrived yet. Are you looking for him?"
"Yes!" Liu Long frowned. "He hasn't arrived? Is he playing games with me?"
His brow furrowed deeper as he glared coldly at the man. "I heard there was a cave-in here. Did anyone die?"
"No, absolutely not..." The manager frantically explained, terror plain on his face.
Few in Silver City were not afraid of this man—the top dog of the Law Enforcement Team... Even though he held a new title now, ordinary people were unaware of the details.
As they spoke, a car pulled up.
Li Hao stepped out with a cheerful face. "Boss, you got here even faster than I did?"
Following him out of the car, Qiao Peng inwardly cursed violently.
*You sure got here fast, didn't you!*
"Save the chatter!"
Liu Long noticed them, completely ignoring Qiao Peng. He cast a doubtful glance at the driver, then looked back at Li Hao. "Hurry up. Director Hao is still waiting!"
With that, he pointed at the driver. "Are you a supernatural?"
His gaze turned piercing. "Have you registered?"
The middle-aged driver replied softly, "Not yet. I was planning to register with the Night Watchers tomorrow."
Qiao Peng quickly explained, "He's a bodyguard my father hired for me. We weren't intentionally hiding him from the Night Watchers; we were just about to register..."
"Shut up. Nobody asked you!"
Liu Long's eyes flashed coldly, and he let out a scoff. "Register as soon as possible!"
He said no more. Concealing a few supernaturals was an open secret among influential families.
Qiao Peng had brought the driver along despite knowing Liu Long would be here, partly because Li Hao was already in the car and changing drivers was inconvenient, and partly to test the waters and see how much the Night Watchers knew about the Qiao family.
Judging by Liu Long's reaction... there seemed to be no hidden suspicion.
Otherwise, Liu Long would have feigned ignorance.
Though Qiao Peng seemed like a spoiled young master, he was calculating. Every move was deliberate; exposing the driver was an intentional probe rather than an accident.
After all, for a family as prominent as the Qiaos, not having a single Lunar Nether or Hundred-Breaker would seem inconsistent with their status.
Liu Long could not be bothered to waste words. He frowned. "I don't care what deal you two made. Li Hao, make it quick. I'll accompany you to get it done fast!"
With that, he glanced at the driver. "This guy stays right here. With me around, who would dare harm the young master of the Qiao family?"
His tone carried a clear edge of mockery. "Keep a low profile, all of you! Don't think you can do whatever you please just because you have money. Before, I couldn't be bothered and had no jurisdiction, but things are different now!"
"Understood, understood!" Qiao Peng nodded repeatedly. "How about Director Liu take a seat here while Inspector Li goes in? It won't take long..."
"No need. We go together!"
Liu Long declared haughtily, "Given your family's standing, you should know that Li Hao is still in danger. Better safe than sorry. If someone is hiding in the mine and moves against him, your Qiao family can't bear the responsibility!"
Qiao Peng cursed again in his heart.
What rotten luck today.
Had he known, he wouldn't have tried to be clever by inviting Li Hao... Now he had even dragged Liu Long into the mix.
A complete nuisance!
As for killing Liu Long as well... forget it. Hao Lianchuan was in the city, alongside Yuan Shuo. Turning hostile right now would easily spiral out of control.
It seemed the plan had to be abandoned.
The priority now was to see these two jinxes off as quickly as possible.
Daring not say more or act neglectful, he swiftly led the two toward the collapsed mine area.
Liu Long fell silent, crossing his arms as he followed Li Hao.
They strode grandly into the mine!
The moment he crossed into the mining zone, he faintly sensed something—three extremely faint presences... If he had not stepped into the Thousand-Battler realm, he would have been utterly incapable of detecting them.
Right now, he could just barely perceive them. Had he not known beforehand, he might have overlooked them entirely.
This showed that the Qiao family truly possessed remarkable methods of concealment.
Could these three also possess treasures like Qiao Feilong that completely masked their auras?
Even so, what he sensed was exceptionally faint.
That meant either their supernatural energy was fully restrained within, or they were situated in an extraordinary location where their aura was severely isolated—perhaps... sealed by ice crystals!
At this thought, Liu Long's eyes lit up.
Could that really be the case?
Isolation by ice crystals could indeed conceal an aura to the greatest extent. But if that was true, it meant they would struggle to unleash their full supernatural power instantly while contained within the ice crystals.
Under normal circumstances, ice crystals were fragile and could be shattered in an instant.
However... seizing that split-second opening could prove immensely valuable.
*Is it ice crystals? Or the effect of the ruins Li Hao mentioned?*
He weighed the possibilities and concluded that ice crystals were far more likely!
The Qiao family might not have genuinely entered the ruins yet. If the ruins were not fully unsealed, then nine times out of ten, it was ice crystals.
*Heaven is helping me!*
Liu Long felt a surge of excitement. If that were the case, and he could infiltrate in advance to catch them off guard before the ice crystals broke, he might be able to eliminate three Solar Radiance cultivators ahead of time!
This trip was well worth it!
Soon, however, the sensation faded.
The collapsed section was quite far from that location, and the faint perception gradually dwindled until it vanished entirely.
This further reinforced Liu Long's conviction that ice crystals were the likely cause.
Meanwhile, Li Hao had not remained idle either, looking left and right.
He had been observing the three clusters of light all along, gauging their strength against Huang Yun as a direct baseline. That way, he could discern their relative power.
He also looked for special colors within the light clusters... If they were powerhouses of common elemental types, he might even discern their attributes.
Soon, they reached the collapsed section.
Li Hao possessed genuine expertise. He examined the site carefully, checked the surroundings, and worked swiftly.
Before long, Li Hao leaped up from below. "It's simple. There's no need to sink a new shaft. Clear this one out, and operations can resume in about a week to ten days! Digging a new shaft would take far longer."
He added, "To prevent secondary collapses, it's best to wait three days before sending workers to clear the site!"
Li Hao warned seriously, "Don't disregard human life! It's true that the Qiao family is wealthy, but the workers are locals. There's a risk of secondary cave-ins here. You'd better wait a few days until the ground fully stabilizes before clearing it. Understood? I'll be keeping an eye on you. Don't act recklessly; you wouldn't want Sister Liu to recall unpleasant memories because of this. If that happens, don't blame us for not showing you face!"
Qiao Peng quickly replied, "Of course not! Inspector Li, are you certain there's no need for a new shaft?"
"One hundred percent!" Li Hao said with a touch of pride. "I may not compare to my teacher, but I understand small issues like this at a glance! Hiring me... frankly, you wasted your money. Anyone else could have seen it too. But your Qiao family is wealthy enough not to care."
"That's not the same. Hearing it from Inspector Li puts my mind at ease..."
Beside them, Liu Long spoke impatiently, "Now that you've seen it, leave with me immediately. What are you dawdling for?"
Li Hao chuckled, nodded, and glanced at Qiao Peng.
Understanding the hint, Qiao Peng hurriedly said, "When Inspector Li returns home tonight, I'll have someone deliver the payment. Carrying it right now wouldn't be convenient."
"I trust you wouldn't dare swindle me!"
Li Hao laughed and said no more, turning to walk out with Liu Long.
Qiao Peng escorted them all the way out of the mining area. Only after both had climbed into the vehicle did he exhale a soft breath.
Watching the car disappear into the distance, he could not resist cursing under his breath!
"We were so close!"
Of all people to show up, it had to be Liu Long.
Soon, a thought struck him, and he turned to the driver beside him, whispering, "Go ask if anything unusual happened over there."
Failing to obtain Li Hao's blood was regrettable.
However, he did not know whether Li Hao's presence here had produced any effect on the ruins.
Without a word, the driver swiftly vanished from the spot.
...
Meanwhile, in the car.
Only after driving a considerable distance did Liu Long speak in a low voice. "The presences were faint and hard to detect, but they were definitely Solar Radiance. There were faint heat waves rising—likely fire element!"
Li Hao nodded. He had also seen some fiery red hues. "It seems two are fire-element, and the other might be earth or wood... it wasn't very clear. My teacher went to check last night and mentioned to me that all three should be slightly weaker than Huang Yun... the wind-element Night Watcher from last time."
"Your teacher... is truly formidable!" Liu Long sighed with admiration. He had barely sensed a wisp of energy, yet Yuan Shuo had observed so much the night before and even gauged their strength. What an extraordinary man!
"Huang Yun is in the mid-stage of the Solar Radiance realm. That means these three are likely early-stage, or close to mid-stage... In any case, as long as they don't exceed Huang Yun, that's the best outcome!"
Liu Long added, "Did your teacher say whether their auras were masked by the ruins or by ice crystals?"
Well... Yuan Shuo had never mentioned that at all!
Of course, Li Hao did not mind. His teacher hadn't mentioned anything else either; he hadn't probed closely last night for fear of being detected.
After assessing the situation, Li Hao said, "It's likely the effect of ice crystals. The ruins are extremely sturdy and wouldn't be so fragile! Ice crystals are more delicate. Last night's collapse might have caused cracks in the ice crystals, allowing some supernatural energy to leak out. Otherwise, Boss, you might not have sensed them at all."
He said this because he had seen wisps of mysterious energy leaking from the edges of the light clusters rather than remaining entirely sealed, indicating minor fissures in the ice crystals.
With that, Liu Long felt reassured.
He suspected nothing; there was no need to doubt Yuan Shuo's word.
"Their strength and elements are mostly accounted for. Today was truly a coincidence. The Qiao family actually invited you to survey the mine—water must have gotten into their heads!"
Liu Long laughed.
Li Hao twitched his lips. *Water in their heads?*
Hardly. They had been dreaming of an easy prize.
If Liu Long hadn't been there, the Qiao family would have almost certainly tried to kill him.
"So now..."
"We're going to see Director Hao. Did you think I was joking?" Liu Long looked at him strangely. As a deputy branch director, how could he not go meet his direct superior?
Li Hao thought for a moment, nodded, and asked, "What stage of the Three Sols realm is Director Hao in?"
"Hard to say."
"You don't know, Boss?"
"How could I know?" Liu Long shook his head.
Li Hao wondered if he could ask. Using Hao Lianchuan as a benchmark, he should be able to determine Qiao Feilong's exact realm—whether he was at peak Solar Radiance, early Three Sols, or even stronger.
In his vision, Qiao Feilong's light cluster was slightly weaker than Hao Lianchuan's, though not by much, and slightly weaker than Duan Tian's, also not by much.
...
The vehicle soon pulled up at the Law Enforcement Building.
Li Hao met Hao Lianchuan once again, the powerhouse his teacher had summoned to serve as backup.
Hao Lianchuan looked quite genial, smiling warmly.
Seeing Li Hao, he began with lavish praise, expressing the Night Watchers' concern for him, followed by a brief explanation of the Night Watchers' current difficulties: the Night Watchers had taken the Li family sword, and the promised resources would be delivered, but it would take some time.
Typical bureaucratic talk!
Li Hao did not mind. After Hao Lianchuan finished speaking, Li Hao feigned a naive, straightforward look. "Director Hao, my master said you are very strong. He said that while he could slay Duan Tian, he might not be your match... Master said Duan Tian's strength wasn't considered top-tier among Three Sols, and that Director Hao is stronger than him. Could it be that Director Hao is in the mid-stage of the Three Sols realm?"
Asking someone's cultivation level to their face—especially as a subordinate—was impolite and lacked decorum!
However, the one asking was Li Hao, an ungraduated student...
Moreover, he was Yuan Shuo's student. Crucially, he claimed his master had praised Hao Lianchuan, saying he might not be Hao Lianchuan's match.
Everyone liked flattery!
Hao Lianchuan was no exception. He immediately beamed, showing no annoyance at Li Hao's blunt question.
Liu Long, however, frowned slightly and chided, "Li Hao, mind your manners! Don't ask what you shouldn't! Director Hao was previously at the Solar Radiance realm; even if he reached Three Sols, he would only be in the early stage. How could he reach the mid-stage so quickly?"
Hao Lianchuan's brows knit together!
He did not like hearing that, even if it was the honest truth.
Though somewhat displeased, Liu Long was notoriously blunt, so he let it pass.
He smiled and said, "It's fine! Young people are curious. Li Hao, just as your Director Liu said, I'm only in the early Three Sols realm... Of course, if we categorize it by early, mid, and late stages, I am indeed in the early stage. There's nothing to hide about that. But Three Sols is still far beyond your reach, so there's little point in discussing it."
Li Hao nodded, showing an expression of yearning. "Three Sols... is already incredible! Even Master said Director Hao is formidable, and anyone praised by Master must be exceedingly powerful! Director Hao, I truly hope that one day, I can command such awe across the land just like you!"
"You'll have your chance. You're still young."
Hao Lianchuan smiled radiantly. Those words were music to his ears!
*Yuan Shuo, oh Yuan Shuo. You act arrogant in person, but your disciple has laid bare your true thoughts. So behind my back, you also consider me powerful?*
*What an innocent child!*
If his master heard those words, he would probably give the kid a good beating.
For a martial master's successor to admire a supernatural like him was the ultimate defeat for Yuan Shuo. Even though Yuan Shuo had slain a Three Sols cultivator, in his disciple's eyes, he was still inferior to Hao Lianchuan. How satisfying!
Li Hao also smiled, appearing somewhat bashful, and quickly said, "Then I won't disturb Director Hao any longer. You are busy with countless duties; just being able to meet you is enough of an honor! Please attend to your work, Director Hao. I'll take my leave!"
"Mm, work hard and strive to enter the supernatural realm soon. The environment in White Moon City is far better than here; I hope to see you in White Moon City soon!"
Li Hao nodded with a smile and left on his own without waiting for Liu Long.
Inwardly, he thought: *Qiao Feilong is only in the early Three Sols realm, and slightly weaker than Hao Lianchuan. Master should be able to handle him, right?*
Inside the office.
Hao Lianchuan praised Li Hao to Liu Long a few more times, chuckling. "Educated people really are different—courteous and well-mannered. That Yuan Shuo can't compare at all. That old fox is thoroughly hypocritical and rotten to the core. Fortunately, his student didn't take after him."
Liu Long felt helpless inside. *Good grief, is this the extent of your judgment, Hao Lianchuan?*
Still, Li Hao was remarkably deceptive.
To be fair, the first time Liu Long saw Li Hao's bashful smile, he had also thought the kid was too innocent to be dragged into such dangerous affairs.
Of course, he no longer thought so.
That kid was a bottomless pit of schemes, no different from Yuan Shuo.
Liu Long said nothing to disabuse him, offering a few polite remarks before saying, "Since Director Hao will host tomorrow's establishment ceremony, the others and I will arrive a bit late."
"Hm?"
Hao Lianchuan paused. Who ran things like that?
The hosts arriving late while making a guest preside first—what was going on?
Liu Long explained, "With the Night Watchers branch being established, Director Hao knows our Demon Hunting Squad's history. Liu Yan and the others suggested that before the ceremony, we first pay respects to our fallen comrades. It wouldn't be appropriate to ask Director Hao to join us for that..."
"I..."
Hao Lianchuan sighed and nodded. "As you should! Speaking of which, those men were all brave souls. It's just... the Night Watchers had our own difficulties back then, as you know."
"Yes, we hold no grievances!" Liu Long said calmly. "Li Hao said that since we are now Night Watchers, cursing the Night Watchers is cursing ourselves. There's no need to blame anyone; it was our own choice!"
Hearing this, Hao Lianchuan could not help but sigh with emotion. What a fine young man!
Only an educated person could say something so profound; Liu Long certainly lacked that depth.
"Then go pay your respects. I'll help host the preliminary proceedings, and once you return, we'll make the official founding announcement!"
"Thank you for your trouble, Director Hao!"
Liu Long exchanged pleasantries, and Hao Lianchuan smiled. "No need to be polite; it's part of my duty!"
After a few more courteous exchanges, Liu Long turned and took his leave.
With Hao Lianchuan hosting the ceremony tomorrow, everyone's absence would not cause displeasure or suspicion. This worked out perfectly.
Perhaps after killing their targets, they would still have time to attend the banquet.
...
After Liu Long left, Hao Lianchuan pondered for a moment, sensing that something felt slightly off... yet he could not put his finger on what it was.
Forget it. With him here, nothing major could happen.
He only wondered if Wang Ming and the others should go along.
"Taking them along would be good too—it shows Liu Long and the others have accepted them... That's a good thing!"
Thinking of this, he smiled a gratified smile. Integration was naturally the best possible outcome.
Chapter 60