CHAPTER 415: CHAPTER 415: THE INSPECTION DEPARTMENT COMES KNOCKING

"How’s the situation?"

Inside the Inspection Department base, Zhang Changming stared at the lab personnel before him, his expression extremely cold. So many of his subordinates had died; he naturally had to take this seriously. This was no longer just an issue for his Guixi District; if it escalated further up the chain of command, it would be considered a provocation against the Imperial authority. Zhang Changming had already submitted his report, and the Imperial headquarters’ stance was simple: he was to handle it. If he truly couldn’t manage, the Imperial forces would send someone to take over.

Zhang Changming understood perfectly what that implied. If the Imperial forces really sent someone, his tenure as the head of the Guixi branch would almost certainly be over.

"Chief, we found a total of 19 bug carcasses at the scene. Although their types varied greatly, they all shared some common characteristics. Firstly, they are all previously undiscovered species. We can basically confirm this is their first appearance in Guixi District. We can’t discuss this on a national level yet, as we don’t have sufficient reference data. Additionally, these bugs all carry the same pheromones. This pheromone is very peculiar, but from our past experience, it does not belong to humans."

Hearing this, Zhang Changming frowned slightly.

Not human, eh! If a weird is committing these crimes, then this is terrible news.

Although humans were more cunning and intelligent, as long as the perpetrator was human, there was one exploitable aspect: their social nature. Humans communicate with others and live in communities, so tracking a human culprit wouldn’t be overly difficult.

But if it was a weird, that was an entirely different matter. The nature of weirds couldn’t be analyzed or predicted like human behavior. Their actions and habits were vastly different from those of humans. Zhang Changming couldn’t even determine why the weirds killed. Natural predator? Revenge? Or some twisted form of salvation?

If it’s a weird, the entire investigation has hit a dead end again!

The lab technician, seeing Zhang Changming’s displeased face and thinking he was about to erupt, hurriedly said, "Chief, we will try to find other evidence."

"This matter isn’t your fault. If it’s a weird, many things do indeed become unpredictable."

Just as Zhang Changming thought this investigative lead had dried up, another researcher suddenly approached.

"Chief, there’s a new discovery."

"Speak."

"Although the pheromones on these bugs are all from weirds, they have a very strange characteristic. They all have traces of Luosang vegetation on them. The amount is small, but every single one has it."

"Luosang vegetation?"

"It’s from the nature reserve west of Dong’an City. That’s the only place in the country with Luosang vegetation."

"Dong’an City! Notify the others. Gear up and prepare to depart. Target: Dong’an City!"

"Understood!"

...

Luo Yi listened to Yang Di’s request with a bitter expression. Lu Luo wanted her to prepare ID cards for 204 people; it was an outrageous demand. But could she refuse? Of course not. Forget ID cards; if he asked her to spend the night with him, she wouldn’t refuse either.

Why do I keep thinking about sleeping with Lu Luo? What’s wrong with me lately?

Arriving at the security office, Luo Yi found her old flame, Wang Qiang, a chubby superintendent. Luo Yi was only sixteen when they first got together, a young woman who had just come of age. Wang Qiang had been handsome in his youth, and Luo Yi had admired him greatly. Unfortunately, he was already married.

However, time is a cruel butcher. The current Wang Qiang no longer possessed his former youthful charm, though his relationship with Luo Yi hadn’t changed.

"Why are you here again?"

"What, afraid your wife will see?" Luo Yi teased.

"What nonsense are you talking?"

"Oh, so you know it’s nonsense, huh? You’re so fat now, I wonder if you can even perform anymore."

Wang Qiang now weighed almost 300 pounds; he was a far cry from his former self. Their relationship had evolved from lovers to current business partners.

"Spit it out. What is it this time?"

"The usual. ID cards."

Hearing "ID cards," Wang Qiang visibly relaxed. Although his position was largely a sinecure, he held the genuine title of police superintendent. Arranging an ID card for someone was a piece of cake for him.

"That’s manageable. But why have you been getting ID cards for people so often lately? Does a city with population outflow like Dong’an City suddenly have so many undocumented residents?"

Luo Yi, seeing Wang Qiang’s relaxed demeanor, almost laughed. She hoped his expression wouldn’t change when he heard the number of IDs needed.

"You know, recently our relations with the Sunset Association have improved. We’ve gained many cooperation opportunities we never had before, so our association is progressing swiftly. Expansion is also rapid. Naturally, when an association expands, it needs to recruit enough people. You’re also aware of the current situation in Dong’an City; the available pool of people has been mostly divided up. If I want to grow, I naturally have to find people through other channels. That’s why I’ve been needing more ID cards lately."

This was the excuse Luo Yi had concocted. Though it was utter nonsense, it was an unspoken understanding between them. An old fox like Wang Qiang was all too familiar with gangs needing ID cards for new recruits.

He sized up Luo Yi. At twenty-five or twenty-six, she was in the prime of her womanhood. A young, beautiful body was, naturally, a man’s greatest temptation. Wang Qiang found himself reminiscing about their past encounters.

He swallowed hard. "Don’t recruit too many criminals. If there are too many, they’ll be hard to control. Besides, criminals are highly dangerous. If something goes wrong, it won’t be a trivial matter."

Wang Qiang’s warning was well-intentioned, and Luo Yi knew it. But she truly couldn’t tell if Lu Luo’s people were criminals or not.

"I know what I’m doing. Just get it done for me. Don’t worry about the rest."

"Alright, alright. So much for my good intentions. Hand them over. How many?"

"204."

Wang Qiang was stunned and asked again, "How many?"

Luo Yi’s expression wasn’t great either. Lu Luo’s demand was indeed excessive, but at this point, she had to bite the bullet.

"204!"

Wang Qiang suddenly sat bolt upright. He scrutinized Luo Yi carefully, ensuring she wasn’t being coerced or threatened, before cautiously asking, "Are you Wings of Blazing Sky planning a revolt? Sister, this is Guixi District; we don’t do that kind of trouble here! If you want to stir things up, the east side is a better option!"

Wang Qiang was clearly terrified. Two hundred and four undocumented individuals—if they were all criminals, what a massive threat that would be! If they actually caused trouble, the resulting turmoil would be immense. Needless to say, if things went south, Wang Qiang’s career would be the first casualty. He might even be purged. Then, even if he avoided a death sentence, life imprisonment would be inevitable.

Luo Yi looked awkward, but her stance remained firm. "What kind of drivel are you spouting? We, the Wings of Blazing Sky, are staunchly loyal to the crown. The Imperial Family is our beacon; how could we possibly rebel?"

"If you’re not rebelling, why are you gathering so many people? Do you want to die, or do you want me to die?"

"Just tell me, are you going to help or not?"

"I really can’t help with this!"

"You’ve helped me so many times before. Does this one time really matter?"

Wang Qiang glared. "You know I’ve helped you many times? And you’re still coming to me with this kind of trouble?"

"So, you’re really not going to help?" Luo Yi’s eyes began to gleam with a hint of murderous intent.

Wang Qiang’s lips twitched, his brow furrowed. "If I help you, will I still be a police supervisor or not?"

Luo Yi took a deep breath, her gaze shifting away from Wang Qiang. "If they find out you’re taking bribes, running small gambling dens..."

Wang Qiang shot up from his seat. "You dare threaten me?"

Luo Yi remained silent, continuing to stare out the window. "If your wife finds out you’re keeping a mistress..."

Wang Qiang wilted.

"So, tell me, how am I supposed to help you?"

"It’s just 204 ID cards. It’s really not that difficult! You’re a police supervisor, a high-ranking official. Surely you can manage 204 ID cards, can’t you?"

"Alright then!" Wang Qiang said with a slight, strained smile.

Luo Yi frowned. "I want real ID cards. Don’t try to fool me with fakes!"

"Are you insane? Are you trying to get me killed?"

Luo Yi wrinkled her nose. "Wang Qiang, I heard you even... the chief’s wife..."

Wang Qiang stood up and grabbed Luo Yi’s fingers. "Stop it. We’re on the same side. This favor, I’ll do it."

...

Luo Yi walked out of Wang Qiang’s office and wiped her fingers with a wet wipe. She wasn’t a germaphobe, but the way Wang Qiang had gripped her fingers still made her feel a wave of nausea.

Sigh, I don’t even remember why I fell for him when I was young. I’ve almost forgotten what he used to look like.

Looking at the stack of ID cards in her hand, Luo Yi smiled with satisfaction. Regardless, she had managed to resolve Lu Luo’s request. She no longer pondered what Lu Luo wanted from her or what his motives were. Lu Luo was powerful enough; his relationship with the Wings of Blazing Sky was no longer mere cooperation but a form of dependence—their dependence on him. What she needed to do now was to securely latch onto Lu Luo, this great tree, and absorb nourishment. She couldn’t be bothered to think too much about the future; living in the present was what mattered.

Luo Yi took out a photo of herself and Wang Qiang from her wallet. In the picture, Wang Qiang was handsome and dashing, a far cry from his current greasy appearance. Luo Yi stared at the photo for a few seconds, unsure if she was reminiscing about her own youth or their past relationship.

With a carefree laugh, she crumpled the photo into a ball and tossed it into the trash can. Today, she had exhausted her emotions, leverage, and threats—everything she could use. From now on, she couldn’t use these things to coerce Wang Qiang again; doing so would be breaking the unspoken rules. The Chapter between her and Wang Qiang was well and truly over.

Tsk, I guess I still prefer pretty boys like Lu Luo!

Luo Yi tapped the trash can, then, with a swing of her long legs, walked towards the exit of the security office.

However, just as she neared the door, she abruptly stopped. A group of men in black overcoats, clearly formidable, walked in. They didn’t speak, but everyone around them instinctively made way!

This uniform! Could it be the legendary...

Luo Yi sensed something was wrong. Why would a high-level armed organization like the Inspection Department come to Dong’an City for no reason? If there had been any major event in Dong’an City recently, wasn’t it related to Lu Luo?

Could these people be here for Lu Luo?

Luo Yi felt uneasy, but Zhang Changming, leading the group, had already walked past her, heading deeper into the security office.

Should I warn Lu Luo about this?

With this lingering question, Luo Yi returned to the association headquarters.

...

Inside the security office, Zhang Changming stared at the director of Dong’an City’s security office. Although, on paper, the Dong’an City director was of equal rank to Zhang Changming, their true standing was worlds apart. In terms of both strength and status, there was no comparison. The Dong’an City director was merely at the Fifth Tier, while Zhang Changming was a genuine top-tier Seventh Tier expert. If they were to clash, the director would be shattered instantly.

"Director Zhang, all the police supervisors and inspectors have arrived. Do you have any instructions?"

Zhang Changming scanned the members of Dong’an City’s security office. Most of them were paunchy and out of shape. These individuals were all Transcendents, yet they had degenerated to such a state. It was truly contemptible.

"I’m here today with only a couple of questions. First, have there been any disturbances in the western nature reserve recently? For example, the emergence of new weird species or anything of that sort? Second, have any suspicious individuals appeared in Dong’an City lately? For instance, unaffiliated individuals from associations with unclear motives, or people applying for ID cards who cannot provide legitimate identification."

As Zhang Changming finished speaking, whispers filled the office. Among them, Wang Qiang felt an unprecedented surge of anxiety!

Suspicious individuals! Suspicious individuals? And suspicious individuals needing ID cards!

He had just processed 204 ID cards, and they were all genuine! Should he confess now? If he didn’t, would the Inspection Department find out? If they did, would he be in trouble? If he got into trouble, what would happen to his family?

Speak up or not? What should I do? What should I do?

Wang Qiang grew increasingly tense, his fingers gripping his trousers tightly. Fine beads of sweat dotted his nose and forehead. He was caught in a terrible dilemma. If he confessed, his acceptance of bribes would be confirmed. He was still young, with a long career ahead. Accepting bribes would undoubtedly lead to suspension and investigation. But if he stayed silent and the Inspection Department uncovered it, the consequences would depend on the severity of the matter. If it was serious, he could lose his head!

"Little Wang, Little Wang? What’s wrong with you? You’re drenched in sweat. It’s not that hot today, is it?"

Wang Qiang was only in his early thirties, so being called "Little Wang" at the station was quite normal. He looked at the speaker, Old Li, who was over fifty. Wang Qiang knew this old timer wasn’t clean either.

He looks kind and friendly now, but he’s probably terrified inside!

Wang Qiang looked at Old Li, knowing he had to make a decision.

"Old Li, your hands aren’t clean either, are they?"

"Hey, Little Wang, what do you mean by that? That’s not very sporting, is it? Picking on an old comrade?"

"Stop pretending, Old Li. We don’t know how big this is, but I’m not going to hide anything. I’m young, and I’m scared of dying, so I’m planning to come clean. There’s safety in numbers. Want to join me? If you do, and it turns out to be nothing, we’ll have more leeway. If you keep hiding things, there’s no guarantee you won’t get caught. You’re an old hand at this; you should understand what I mean."

The conversation between the two police superintendents was brutally frank. Upon hearing Wang Qiang’s confession, Old Li’s expression became conflicted. He was indeed corrupt, and being in his fifties, his misdeeds were likely more egregious than Wang Qiang’s. But he was only a few years from retirement. To step forward at this juncture!

If I lose my job, then...

However, Wang Qiang had a point: the law is more lenient with the masses. If he didn’t speak up now and an investigation was launched, he could very well be implicated!

"Old Zhou, Old Wu."

"Hmm?"

A few of the older men began to whisper amongst themselves, their words inaudible.

...

Meanwhile, Wang Qiang had already stood up. His sudden movement naturally caught Zhang Changming’s attention.

"Do you have something to say?"

"Uh, Director Zhang, I..." Wang Qiang hesitated.

Zhang Changming immediately waved his hand magnanimously. "You are now a cooperating consultant for the Inspection Department. Say whatever you need to. As long as your previous actions didn’t cross any fundamental lines, they can be considered part of official Inspection Department business. Alright, what do you have to say?"

As the director of the Inspection Department, Zhang Changming knew that few in the security office had clean hands. Without offering sufficient incentive, how could they be expected to speak and act honestly? Corruption and bribery were major offenses in the security office, but to the Inspection Department, such matters were trivial. Unless one committed truly heinous acts of grand corruption, the Inspection Department wouldn’t bat an eye.

"Thank you, Director Zhang. I do indeed have something to report. Just before you arrived, I processed a batch of ID cards—a large number of them!"

"A large number? How many?"

"204."

That many? This kid really has some nerve, not even afraid of being reported!

However, this number didn’t quite align with Zhang Changming’s earlier expectations. He theorized that a weird, even an anthropomorphic one, would try to minimize contact with humans to survive among them. Therefore, someone processing 204 ID cards at once was unlikely to be his target. This group was more likely some fugitive organization.

"Director, what’s the verdict?" a subordinate asked, likely guessing Zhang Changming’s thoughts, though such decisions ultimately rested with the director.

"Forget it. The others can continue the original investigation. We’ll go check out this fellow who processed 204 ID cards and see what he’s up to."

...

At the Wings of Blazing Sky branch, Luo Yi dialed Lu Luo’s number.

"Today, when I was at the security office getting the ID cards, I saw people from the Inspection Department."

On the other end of the line, Lu Luo frowned slightly. "The Inspection Department?"

"Yes, a lot of them. I don’t know what they were doing."

"Alright, I understand. How did the ID cards turn out?"

"Mission accomplished. All 204 are done, all genuine and valid. It took a lot of effort and connections to get this sorted. How do you plan to compensate me?" Luo Yi’s tone carried a hint of teasing.

But Lu Luo was already an old hand at this. Besides, with top-tier beauties like Dumb Hair and White Snake by his side, why would he bother with Luo Yi, that wilted vegetable!

"I’ll transfer some extra money to you later. You went to a lot of trouble for this."

"Heh, money is indeed good! That settles it then. You can pick up the ID cards yourself when you come to the association tomorrow."

"Alright!"

After hanging up, Luo Yi sat in her chair, feeling a slight emptiness. Severing ties with Wang Qiang brought relief, but also a void. At twenty-six, she was in her prime, and there was a suitable target right beside her: Lu Luo! Unfortunately, Lu Luo was utterly clueless. She had hinted so many times, yet he showed no reaction.

Forget it, maybe he just isn’t interested in someone like me!

Sitting before her computer, Luo Yi looked at her bank account with satisfaction. The association needed to grow, but she needed money too! Nothing provided a greater sense of security than money. Saving up a good sum for her dowry was the most sensible plan. Perhaps she would work for the Wings of Blazing Sky for the rest of her life, but finding a partner wasn’t something she had to confine to the association.

"The Sunset Association is really generous. It hasn’t been long, and profits have already increased by over a million."

Luo Yi was about to make herself a cup of milk tea and take a nap on the sofa when the door suddenly burst open!

Something’s wrong. I distinctly remember locking the door. How could someone open it so easily?

"Who is it?"

The intruders ignored Luo Yi and walked straight towards her.

"What do you want?" Luo Yi stood up, reaching for a nearby weapon, but her opponents were faster! In an instant, they were in front of her.

Men in black! The Inspection Department!

They’ve come after all.

The gun in Luo Yi’s hand was swiftly disarmed by an Inspection Department member. Zhang Changming slowly walked over, stopping before her.

"Hello, Miss Luo Yi. We met once before at the security office, I believe. I never imagined that the suspicious person Superintendent Wang Qiang mentioned would be you!"

Luo Yi bit her lip slightly. Wang Qiang, that bastard. He sold me out the moment he turned his back. Men. Not a single one of them is trustworthy.

Zhang Changming was being unusually polite. He rarely adopted such a tone. The main reason was his uncertainty about the situation and his desire not to alert his true quarry.

"What are you going to do to me?"

"Miss Luo Yi, there’s no need to say such things. We are an official state department, not a criminal organization or an association. Even if we resort to interrogation, we will use standard procedures. If you cooperate, you will certainly be spared any undue hardship."

Zhang Changming picked up the stack of ID cards from the table and began examining them one by one. He scrutinized them so intently that the others around him dared not make a sound. If Zhang Changming hadn’t been moving, Luo Yi might have thought time itself had stopped.

"I’ll cooperate! Just don’t hurt me!"

"No rush, Miss Luo Yi. There will be plenty of opportunities."

At that moment, Zhang Changming’s entire focus was on the ID cards. The photos on them had been provided to Luo Yi by Lu Luo. They were the true likenesses of the members of the Breath of Favor team. The team comprised both men and women, and their spirited appearance in the photos clearly indicated they were a group of highly capable combat personnel.

This feeling... they’re a bit like soldiers!

Zhang Changming was a good judge of character. The proficiency evident in these individuals suggested they were well-trained soldiers. Moreover, they were very likely all Transcendents!

Where did such a large group of people come from? What are they planning to do?

Zhang Changming continued flipping through the IDs without pause. Suddenly, his pupils constricted, and his fingers began to tremble faintly. In his hand was Bai Yuetong’s ID card! Because Lu Luo felt there was no need for them to use aliases here, Bai Yuetong hadn’t even changed her name! Her white hair was strikingly conspicuous among the photos, allowing Zhang Changming to recognize her at a glance.

This girl... her surname is Bai too? If it’s not due to her lineage, what’s with the white hair?

Numerous speculations flashed through his mind, but he couldn’t ascertain the truth of the situation!

Zhang Changming gathered the ID cards and turned to Luo Yi. "Where is the person who had these ID cards made?"

Luo Yi pursed her lips. "At the Half-Mountain Villa."

...

At the villa on the mountaintop, Bai Yuetong was cheerfully supervising the work. According to her and Lu Luo’s plans, the villa’s basement area could be expanded further downwards. For the foreseeable future, Circular’s base would be located here. So, naturally, her personal laboratory had to be constructed properly.

"Lu Luo, Lu Luo, what do you think about installing a gantry crane here?"

"I think it’s fine."

"I want an energy pool over here."

"I think it’s fine!"

Lu Luo continued with his perfunctory replies, but this dismissiveness had already irked Dumb Hair.

She suddenly said, "Then how about letting Bai Lin sleep with you tonight?"

"I think it’s fine," Lu Luo repeated automatically.

Nearby, Bai Lin’s eyes lit up. Has the day finally come?

Even the Observer chimed in at this moment.

[Are you serious?]

"Serious about what?"

[Are you really planning to be a grassroots hero?]

Only then did Lu Luo sit up, recalling Bai Yuetong’s earlier questions, and then glanced at Bai Lin beside him. "No! I’m being framed! I honestly had no such thoughts."

"Tsk, all bark and no bite!" Dumb Hair huffed, ignoring Lu Luo and returning to her laboratory plans.

Lu Luo wanted to get closer to Dumb Hair again, but Gu Fangyi called.

"Lu Ge, there’s a problem."

"What is it?"

"Some men in black are here!"

The Inspection Department? Lu Luo frowned slightly.

"I understand. Relax, it’s alright. Don’t show any hostility. These people are strong; they’re not someone we can afford to provoke right now. However, don’t lose our nerve either. If such official departments become too arrogant, they also encounter a lot of trouble. You can use standard procedures to give them a hard time!"

"Such as?"

"Such as demanding a search warrant!"

"Got it."

I trust Gu Ge to handle things. "Remember, verbal confrontations are acceptable, but avoid any physical conflict."

"Understood."

The base had just been established; Lu Luo didn’t want any overly intense conflict with the Inspection Department. After carefully reviewing all recent events and confirming he hadn’t left any loose ends, Lu Luo straightened his clothes and walked directly towards the entrance.

Black vehicles carrying the Inspection Department members arrived at the gate of the mountaintop villa. As the base’s sentinel, Gu Fangyi was naturally the first to encounter them. The Inspection Department personnel leading the way tried to push Gu Fangyi aside, but when they shoved, Gu Fangyi stood firm, unmoving! Their strength was clearly on different levels.

"You?"

"Who are you?" Gu Fangyi asked, showing no hostility but following standard protocol.

The two Inspection Department members, thwarted by Gu Fangyi, looked somewhat embarrassed but produced their credentials. "We are from the Imperial Inspection Department. We need to conduct a routine investigation of your estate."

"The Inspection Department? Do you have a search warrant?"

"The Inspection Department’s investigations never require a search warrant!" one of them retorted.

"Without a search warrant, what are you trying to pull with me?" Gu Fangyi shot back. He had learned from Lu Luo that even special departments required a search warrant to investigate private residences. Although the Inspection Department often didn’t bother bringing one, officially, this requirement had never changed.

"Are you trying to obstruct an Inspection Department operation? You’d better think carefully about the consequences!"

Despite the threat, Gu Fangyi didn’t yield. "Without a search warrant, this constitutes trespassing on private property. My phone is recording, by the way!" He even held up his new phone.

"Don’t push it too far!" The lead Inspection Department agent snatched Gu Fangyi’s phone. Even though they were from the Inspection Department, if word of such an incident got out, they would face punishment. He threw the phone to the ground and crushed it underfoot, then looked at Gu Fangyi with a touch of arrogance.

"This phone cost 88,000."

"???" What does he mean?

Gu Fangyi sneered. These people’s methods are so crude. All that cultivation has just turned their brains to muscle. Amateurs!

"I said this phone is worth 88,000. Prepare to pay up."

"For that kind of phone? Are you joking?"

Gu Fangyi turned and pointed to the other members at the villa and the surveillance cameras mounted on the walls. "There are over a hundred cameras and phones here combined. Do you want to keep smashing them? It’s fine by me. That one was 88,000; the others are 66,000 each."

The Inspection Department member’s fingers twitched. He wanted to lash out again but, after a glance at his companions, finally abandoned the idea.

"Enough!"

When his subordinates couldn’t resolve the issue, the leader naturally had to step in. Zhang Changming glanced at his men. It was normal for subordinates to make mistakes, but in public, he still had to protect his own.

"I am Zhang Changming, a division chief of the Inspection Department. We are here to conduct an urgent, secret investigation. Kid, know when to stop. Don’t go too far."

Gu Fangyi met Zhang Changming’s gaze. Although Gu Fangyi’s Sequence was Hawk Eye, facing Zhang Changming, whose eyes were like a falcon’s, even Gu Ge couldn’t help but feel outmatched.

This man... he’s so strong.

Gu Fangyi’s fingers trembled slightly, his muscles and bones tensed to their absolute limit. He had a gut feeling that if he made a rash move, he would be instantly killed by the man before him!

Seventh Tier! That’s utterly ridiculous.

Zhang Changming looked at Gu Fangyi, a hint of appreciation in his eyes. Another outstanding young man. Though not quite on par with the Lu Luo he had encountered earlier, possessing such strength at this age was already very impressive.

Zhang Changming retracted his intense gaze and aura, speaking with surprising politeness, "I am Zhang Changming. I would like to meet the owner of this place. Could you please inform them?"