「That night.」

In the inner courtyard of the County Yamen.

Han Yuan was listening to Yang Sen’s report.

"The forensic doctor has finished examining the bodies of Zhao Jian and his wife."

"The fatal wound can no longer be determined, but based on the incisions on their heads and the state of their fractured bones, it was likely done with a Bone-Cutting Saber."

"As for enemies, they didn’t have any major grudges with anyone. It was all just petty squabbles."

Yang Sen said in a low voice.

"What about the valuables in Zhao Jian’s home?"

Han Yuan asked.

"Nothing was stolen... and there were no signs of the place being rummaged through."

"That’s why this case is so bizarre."

Yang Sen was at a loss.

No enemies, no robbery.

’Was this just killing for the sake of killing?’

The only other explanation was something supernatural.

Even Han Yuan felt it was possible that Evil Spirits were at work.

After all, he had truly encountered Evil Spirits on Great Tiger Mountain before.

He thought for a moment, then said softly, "Tonight, I’ll hold a vigil at Zhao Jian’s house. I want to see if this is the work of a man or a ghost."

"Chief Constable Han, isn’t that too dangerous?" Yang Sen cautioned.

Anyone who had seen the scene in that kitchen would likely not dare to go back.

But Han Yuan was still going to stand watch. His courage was truly far beyond that of an ordinary person.

"Don’t worry."

"All fear comes from a lack of strength."

"If you are strong enough, you naturally have nothing to fear."

Han Yuan said calmly.

With that, he picked up his Cold Blade, called for Wang Dahua and the others, and prepared to head to the Zhao Family residence.

Before leaving, Han Yuan called over Wang Changbai, who was guarding the storehouse, and whispered a few words in his ear.

Wang Changbai nodded. "Rest assured, I’ll have it investigated for you quickly."

Han Yuan trusted Wang Changbai and left with his men immediately.

Upon hearing they were going to stand guard in that ill-fated house, Wang Dahua, Gu Zhengyang, and the others felt a little unnerved. They didn’t even dare to stray too far from Han Yuan, practically sticking to his side.

"Why are you all standing so close?"

Han Yuan said, speechless.

"Han Head, I heard from the elders."

"Someone who has killed many people develops an Evil Qi around them, one that even Ghosts will avoid."

"I’m standing this close hoping some of your Evil Qi will rub off on me."

Wang Dahua hadn’t been with Han Yuan for long, but he already had a good grasp of his personality.

As long as you didn’t anger him, the Chief Constable was quite approachable, not as ferocious as the legends claimed.

"What’s there to be afraid of? Am I not here?"

"Get away from me."

Han Yuan said with a wave of his hand.

Hearing this, Wang Dahua and the others quickly backed away.

After crossing a few main streets, they arrived at White Stone Alley.

Although Han Yuan had ordered a lockdown on the news, the neighbors in White Stone Alley had some idea of what happened. None of them dared to stay in their homes at night, instead flocking to stay with relatives.

When Han Yuan and his men stepped inside, the alley was dark, pitch-black, and deathly silent.

The houses on both sides were dark and hulking, like shadowy monsters lying in wait, giving off a sinister and terrifying feeling.

"This alley is fine during the day... but coming in now, it feels so eerie."

Wang Dahua said, looking uneasy.

"Me too. I keep feeling like something is watching me."

Yuan Xu nodded in agreement.

"Stop being so jumpy."

"Just follow me quietly."

Han Yuan said flatly.

Wang Dahua and the others immediately fell silent.

After pushing open the wooden gate of Zhao Jian’s residence.

Han Yuan didn’t even rest. After taking off his Chief Constable’s uniform, he immediately began his Cultivation of the Arhat Iron Cloth Shirt.

’The night is long. It would be a shame to waste it.’

It was only then that Wang Dahua understood why Han Yuan had made them bring Iron Rods before they left.

It wasn’t to fight ghosts, but to assist with Han Yuan’s Cultivation.

For a moment, the expressions on the faces of Wang Dahua, Gu Zhengyang, and the others turned a bit strange.

’Our Head is really something else.’

’He won’t even let this little bit of time go to waste, actually having the mood to cultivate in this cursed house.’

But they didn’t dare question Han Yuan’s orders. They could only swing the Iron Rods, smashing them fiercely against his body.

They took turns battering him just like that.

By the time dawn broke.

Wang Dahua and the others were so exhausted they were sprawled on the ground, their muscles cramping as they foamed at the mouth.

Han Yuan, however, was still brimming with energy. But as he gazed at the faint light on the distant horizon, his brow furrowed.

He hadn’t expected that after spending the entire night in the courtyard, nothing had happened.

’Could it be that it’s not Evil Spirits causing trouble in the city?’

"Chief Constable Han, there’s been another murder!"

A Government Official suddenly burst into the residence, his voice urgent.

"The same manner of death as Zhao Jian and his wife?"

Han Yuan asked with a frown.

"More or less... their heads were also cut off, flesh minced, and bones chopped into neat pieces of various sizes."

The Government Official said, his expression panicked.

"So it didn’t come for us... it went for someone else."

Wang Dahua shot up from the ground.

"Lead the way. The rest of you, go back and get some rest."

Han Yuan waved his hand and followed the Government Official.

Soon, Han Yuan arrived in a spacious alley.

Yang Sen was standing guard at the entrance with his men. Seeing Han Yuan approach, he let out a sigh.

"This time, it was a family of five..."

Han Yuan didn’t say much, merely stepping into the house.

The crime scene was, once again, in the kitchen.

Two adults, three children...

Staring at those small heads.

A rage seemed to be growing inside Han Yuan.

He took a deep breath, turned, and left.

...

News of this magnitude couldn’t be contained forever.

With such bloody cases happening one after another, they could no longer be covered up.

「Soon.」

Word spread like wildfire throughout Qingshui County, causing widespread panic.

Many people believed a vicious ghost was haunting the county. Fearing it would come for them, they rushed to burn incense and pray to the gods.

As a result, business boomed for temples and Daoist Temples. Even the most dilapidated little shrines saw a surge in worshippers.

In the County Yamen.

"Chief Constable Han... the rumors about this are getting more and more outlandish."

"Could it really be some vicious ghost at work?"

Even Zheng Heda came personally to get an update from Han Yuan.

"I’m not sure... I’m still waiting for some information."

"But rest assured, Lord Zheng, it will be resolved soon."

Han Yuan said softly.

"That’s good."

"There’s nothing you can’t solve."

Zheng Heda had absolute faith in Han Yuan.

Just then, Zhang Hu walked into the main hall, panting. "Lord Zheng, those Protective Talismans are in high demand! I had to spend fifty taels of silver just to buy a few."

Only then did he notice Han Yuan. He chuckled, "Chief Constable Han is here too? Would you like one?"

"No need." Han Yuan shook his head.

Zheng Heda looked a little embarrassed and gave a sheepish laugh. "Chief Constable Han, of course I trust you."

"I just bought a few Protective Talismans for peace of mind."

Han Yuan knew that people in this world were very superstitious. With such a bloody and terrifying case on their hands, it was only natural for them to be panicked.

He didn’t say anything more and turned to leave.

Just then, Wang Changbai happened to be looking for him.

The two of them found a corner to speak.

"Han Yuan, I have a lead on that matter you asked me to look into last night."

"Recently, a butcher over in the West Market did indeed die an unnatural death."

Wang Changbai whispered.

"How did he die?"

Han Yuan’s eyes narrowed. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

"The fellow drank too much, lost his footing, fell into the river, and drowned."

Wang Changbai’s expression was serious.

"Take me there."

A sharp glint flashed in Han Yuan’s eyes.