Chapter 234: The Murder Case Begins

It was early morning. A torrential rain poured down.

However, Gu Chudong and Li Li did not abandon their original plan to visit Qingxi Lake. So, early in the morning, Li Li arrived to pick up Gu Chudong.

Gu Mo, as usual, stayed indoors, playing his zither. Previously, he enjoyed carving wood sculptures in his free time, but now that he had mastered the new skill of playing the zither, he began to use it for leisure.

Outside in the courtyard, the rain continued to fall heavily, with raindrops cascading like a curtain from the eaves. Ye Jinglan hurried in, a long saber on his back and a bamboo hat on his head, his expression grim.

Gu Mo's zither music abruptly stopped. He asked, "Brother Ye, what happened?"

Ye Jinglan removed his bamboo hat and said gravely, "Song Zichu is dead, and the map of Ghost City he spent years preparing has been burned."

Gu Mo was slightly surprised. "How did that happen?" he asked.

Ye Jinglan took a deep breath and explained, "According to the prefectural yamen in the capital, Song Zichu died from exhaustion and heart failure after several days and nights without sleep. The oil lamp he was holding fell onto the map when he died, causing it to burn."

Gu Mo frowned. "Are you sure it was an accident?" he asked.

Ye Jinglan shook his head. "I just received a rough report. The exact details are still unclear. I'm about to head to the scene to investigate. Brother Gu, will you come?"

"Yes," Gu Mo replied.

Immediately, Gu Mo departed with Ye Jinglan, accompanied by a dozen constables from the Ministry of Justice, whom Ye Jinglan described as experts in criminal investigation.

Lantian County, the county seat, was located within Chang'an City. More precisely, Chang'an City itself was a conglomeration of seven or eight counties from Chang'an Prefecture, and Lantian County was one of them.

Ye Jinglan led Gu Mo directly to the Song family residence.

The Song family home was modest: a small courtyard with side wings on the left and right, and a main hall in the center. At this moment, the Song family courtyard had been sealed off by officers from the capital's prefectural yamen.

After Ye Jinglan presented his token and identified himself, he was permitted to enter with his men.

Upon entering, they saw a body laid out in the Song family's main hall, while a woman and two youths knelt on the floor, weeping. Ye Jinglan recognized the three: Song Zichu's wife and his two sons.

In the hall, a lean, middle-aged man in official robes stood. His black official gown was lightly dusted, his features deep-set, and his eyes sharp. He was currently half-kneeling beside the body, examining it intently. His slightly graying hair was casually tied back, and a wisp of beard adorned his chin. He spoke in a low voice, while a young man beside him took notes.

As Ye Jinglan walked further into the room, he said to Gu Mo, "That man is Su Ziyou, an investigating official from the capital's prefectural yamen and a renowned criminal investigation expert."

Ye Jinglan was a martial arts Grandmaster, and he knew that with Gu Mo's cultivation, he could clearly discern those around him even without sight. So, he merely gestured slightly and continued, "In terms of official rank, he is two grades higher than me!"

Gu Mo nodded slightly. An investigating official of a prefecture was a fourth-rank official, while Ye Jinglan was currently a fifth-rank official, a difference of two grades from Su Ziyou. However, that was only in theory, because while both were capital officials, Ye Jinglan held a position within one of the Six Ministries of the court, whereas Su Ziyou's position was merely within a prefectural yamen. Their statuses were fundamentally incomparable.

"Investigating Official Su!" Ye Jinglan greeted him with a cupped-hand salute upon entering.

Su Ziyou quickly rose and bowed to Ye Jinglan, speaking very politely, "Officer Ye, is the Ministry of Justice taking over this case?"

Ye Jinglan quickly replied, "Investigating Official Su, you misunderstand. I am here in a personal capacity, not on official Ministry of Justice business. Brother Song Zichu and I were good friends. Upon hearing of his misfortune, I specifically came to learn about the situation. By the way, Investigating Official Su, what were the results of the coroner's examination?"

"Sudden death," Su Ziyou said. "The coroner has examined the body, and the conclusion is sudden death. Based on the Song family's description of Prefect Song's final moments last night, it indeed appears to be sudden death."

Ye Jinglan asked, "What exactly happened at the time?"

Su Ziyou looked at the grieving Song family members kneeling on the ground, sighed slightly, and gestured for Ye Jinglan to speak privately. Noticing Gu Mo beside Ye Jinglan, he asked in confusion, "And who is this?"

Ye Jinglan quickly introduced him, "Forgive me, Investigating Official Su, this is Gu Mo, the Great Hero of Yunzhou, and also a friend of Prefect Song."

Su Ziyou immediately cupped his hands and bowed, "Ah, the renowned Great Hero of Yunzhou! My apologies for not recognizing you sooner!"

Gu Mo returned the salute, saying, "It's an honor to meet you."

After they exchanged courtesies, Su Ziyou said, "According to Prefect Song's wife, children, and household servants, Prefect Song had been engrossed in studying the Ghost City map day and night recently. Last night, it was around the end of the second watch..."

Su Ziyou pointed to the study in the west wing and continued, "...in that room, Prefect Song was studying the map, just as he had been for the past few days. Suddenly, he started shouting, yelling things like 'Fiend, face my sword!' and 'Damned fiend!' He brandished his sword wildly in the courtyard, and at times he would cry out 'Eldest Sister' or 'Second Brother.' At the time, Madam Song and several servants suspected that Prefect Song might have developed hysteria. However, Prefect Song was a highly skilled martial artist, and with him wielding a sword, they dared not intervene. They could only send someone to the county yamen for help and another to fetch a doctor. But shortly after, Prefect Song vomited blood and collapsed. By the time the doctor arrived, it was too late to save him!"

Ye Jinglan asked, "Were there no suspicious circumstances?"

Su Ziyou replied, "On the surface, there were none."

Ye Jinglan asked in confusion, "What do you mean 'on the surface'?"

Su Ziyou explained, "On the surface, both the doctor's examination and the coroner's autopsy concluded that Prefect Song died suddenly from exhaustion due to excessive dedication. His shouting was a common phenomenon; many people who die suddenly exhibit an excited, almost 'last surge' of energy, leading to strange behaviors before their death."

Ye Jinglan said gravely, "Investigating Official Su, are you implying there's something beneath the surface?"

Su Ziyou nodded slightly, stroking the wisp of beard on his chin. "However, it's just a personal doubt of mine. As far as I know, Prefect Song Zichu was a disciple of the Medicine Sage of Qingzhou, Qi Miaoxuan. Although he never specialized in medicine, his skill was considerable. He could easily treat common ailments and was well-known in the Lantian County yamen. Many people there, when injured or ill, would seek out Prefect Song instead of a doctor. Furthermore, Prefect Song possessed exceptional martial arts prowess, primarily cultivating internal energy. Such a person should have an intimate understanding of his physical condition. It seems unlikely he wouldn't notice until he was on the verge of dying from exhaustion, wouldn't you agree?"

Ye Jinglan nodded. "Now that you mention it, I also find it strange. I've exchanged blows with Brother Song; his internal energy was exceptionally profound, considered top-tier in the martial world. Coupled with his medical skills, it's highly improbable for him to have suffered such a sudden death. Could someone have poisoned him?"

Su Ziyou replied, "No traces of toxins were found."

Ye Jinglan turned to Gu Mo and said, "Brother Gu, why don't you examine him? Last year, after Elder Qi returned to Spring God Valley from Mo Bei, he repeatedly praised your talent, Brother Gu, saying that in a short time your medical skills had reached a top-tier level. Moreover, your profound internal energy, combined with your medical expertise, makes you truly exceptional, unmatched by many in the martial world!"

"Elder Qi is merely too kind!" Gu Mo waved his hand. "I did learn medicine, and I received much guidance from Elder Qi while I was in Mo Bei, which is why I can barely manage."

Although Gu Mo's words were humble, his time in Mo Bei with Qi Miaoxuan, spent treating Second Prince Li Zhongqing's poisoning, indeed allowed him to benefit immensely from Qi Miaoxuan's guidance in medicine.

Ye Jinglan waved his hand. "Brother Gu, there's no need to be modest. Elder Qi is the contemporary Medicine Sage, a Grandmaster of medicine, among the absolute top medical practitioners in the world. If he praises your medical skills, then they are undoubtedly unmatched in the martial world."

Gu Mo said no more. He walked directly to Song Zichu's body, extended his hand, and placed it on the corpse's wrist. Immediately, a stream of vital energy flowed into the body, circulating through its extraordinary meridians. Gu Mo instantly understood Song Zichu's physical condition.

It was indeed purely from excessive fatigue. Song Zichu's qi and blood were far beyond ordinary people's. Although vital energy dissipates upon death, traces remained. However, no toxins were present. Based on the various traces of qi and blood flow, as well as the cracks in his meridians and heart vessels within Song Zichu's body, it could be conclusively determined that he died suddenly from exhaustion and heart failure. Before his death, his heart vessels had atrophied, leading to a build-up of qi and blood that caused a state of agitation.

"Brother Gu, have you found anything?" Ye Jinglan asked.

Gu Mo shook his head slightly. "Let's go look at Prefect Song's room where he died. If there's something suspicious about his death, the problem must have occurred while he was still in that room."

Ye Jinglan asked Su Ziyou, "Was there anything unusual in that room? And is any part of the map still left?"

Su Ziyou shook his head. "Based on the traces at the scene, Prefect Song was examining the map with an oil lamp. He didn't realize his body was already at its breaking point. In his final outburst, the oil lamp fell onto the map. To preserve the map, Prefect Song had made it from oiled paper, a highly flammable material. The falling oil lamp was literally adding fuel to the fire, and the entire map was burned to ashes."

As he spoke, the three walked side by side to the study.

The moment Gu Mo entered, he sniffed slightly and again detected the scent of Yunlu Sandalwood. Since arriving in the capital, he had been constantly exposed to Yunlu Sandalwood; Zhang Daoyi also liked to use it at the Imperial Preceptor's Residence. When staying at Ye Jinglan's home, because Gu Chudong liked it, Ye Jinglan had specially purchased a large quantity at a high price.

However, he personally disliked sandalwood, so by now, he had developed a somewhat adverse reaction to the scent of Yunlu Sandalwood. However, the scent of Yunlu Sandalwood in this room was very faint, which, ironically, Gu Mo found rather agreeable.

The group began to search the room. Of course, it was primarily Ye Jinglan and Su Ziyou conducting the search, as Gu Mo wasn't skilled in investigating cases or finding clues, and his eyes were covered with a black cloth.

After searching for a while, they found nothing.

The group walked out. Su Ziyou suddenly asked, "Great Hero Gu, did you smell something unpleasant in the room just now?"

Gu Mo asked, puzzled, "Why do you ask?"

Su Ziyou explained, "When you entered earlier, you sniffed lightly, and your brow furrowed for a moment, as if you smelled something that made you uncomfortable."

"Investigating Official Su, your observation is truly meticulous, with eyes like torches; no wonder you can repeatedly solve perplexing cases." Gu Mo complimented him before saying, "It wasn't an unpleasant smell. It's just that I personally dislike sandalwood, so the scent of it makes me a little uncomfortable!"

"Sandalwood?" Su Ziyou asked in surprise. "Was there a sandalwood scent in the study just now?"

"Yes," Gu Mo replied. "It was Yunlu Sandalwood, a specialty of the capital. However, the Yunlu Sandalwood in that study just now had a fresh, light fragrance, but the scent was extremely faint, unlike the strong aroma of ordinary sandalwood."

Su Ziyou asked in confusion, "Great Hero Gu, are you certain you smelled Yunlu Sandalwood? Not a scent carried by you and Officer Ye?"

"No," Gu Mo shook his head. "I am a physician, and I am very sensitive to smells. Furthermore, the scent of Yunlu Sandalwood in this study was noticeably fainter than the sandalwood scent we carried, Brother Ye and I."

Su Ziyou's pupils constricted slightly, and he immediately hurried back to the study, searching frantically everywhere inside.

Ye Jinglan and Gu Mo were both puzzled.

Su Ziyou searched in the study for a good while but found nothing. He then rushed out of the room and went directly to the main hall, where he looked at Madam Song, who was kneeling on the ground, and asked, "Madam Song, where is your family's Yunlu Sandalwood?"

Madam Song, her eyes red and tear-filled, looked up and said, "Investigating Official Su, we don't have Yunlu Sandalwood in our house. That Yunlu Sandalwood costs dozens of taels of silver per ounce. My master's monthly salary is so little; how could we afford Yunlu Sandalwood?"

Su Ziyou stared into Madam Song's eyes. "Are you certain you don't?"

Madam Song's gaze flickered slightly, but she still nodded, "Truly, we don't have any."

"Alright." Su Ziyou nodded slightly, stood up, and said to the scribe, "Investigation complete. Cause of death: sudden death. Notify the others; we're withdrawing!"

Then, Su Ziyou rose and said to Ye Jinglan, "Officer Ye, our business here at the capital's prefectural yamen is concluded. Prefect Song's death can be closed as a sudden death. If your Ministry of Justice wishes to review it, I will compile the case files as quickly as possible upon my return. Farewell!"

With that, Su Ziyou cupped his hands and departed.

"Investigating Official Su, wait a moment. I am also leaving; perhaps we can go together!"

Immediately after, Ye Jinglan inquired with Madam Song about the map. Upon learning that there was only one copy and no backups, Ye Jinglan left a few men to help with Song Zichu's funeral arrangements. He then bid farewell to Madam Song and departed.

Gu Mo naturally left with Ye Jinglan.

The group exited the house, where the torrential rain continued to fall outside. The few of them put on their bamboo hats and left, braving the rain.

Ye Jinglan walked beside Su Ziyou and asked, "Investigating Official Su, did you discover something?"

Su Ziyou said gravely, "Madam Song was lying just now."

Ye Jinglan said, "I noticed as well. When she answered your questions, her eyes darted around, her heartbeat quickened, and her breathing became rapid. It was clear she was lying."

Gu Mo, standing nearby, chuckled lightly. He too had easily detected that Madam Song was lying. One could say that ordinary people have very little room to lie in front of martial arts masters.

Su Ziyou said, "Officer Ye, I will secretly send people to investigate Madam Song and Prefect Song's financial situation. Given Prefect Song's meager salary, he shouldn't have been able to afford Yunlu Sandalwood; that's the first suspicious point. The second suspicious point is that someone seemed to have deliberately masked the scent of Yunlu Sandalwood. If Great Hero Gu hadn't smelled it, we wouldn't have detected it at all. In another day or so, the scent would have completely vanished, and this clue would never have surfaced. The third suspicious point is Madam Song's lie."

Ye Jinglan asked, "Why not question Madam Song directly? A mere woman, a little intimidation, and she'd spill the truth."

Su Ziyou shook his head. "If Prefect Song had secretly taken bribes by abusing his authority, and Madam Song lied to cover for him to preserve his reputation, that would be a minor matter, and direct interrogation would be fine. However, I worry that there's a conspiracy behind this, that Madam Song conspired with others to murder Prefect Song. If we interrogate her directly, it might alert those behind the scenes and cause trouble."

Ye Jinglan asked in confusion, "But you just mentioned Yunlu Sandalwood in front of Madam Song. She's bound to be alerted."

"I did it on purpose!" Su Ziyou said. "Most cases, when they reach a standstill, are resolved when the culprit exposes themselves by trying to conceal existing clues and evidence."

"So that's it!" Ye Jinglan understood, then said, "Investigating Official Su, please notify me immediately once there's any progress."

Su Ziyou looked at Ye Jinglan, a hint of depth flashing in his eyes. He nodded slightly and said, "If I make any progress on my end, I will certainly inform you!"

"Thank you!"

After traveling together for a short distance, the group parted ways.

After Su Ziyou left, Ye Jinglan sighed. "Brother Gu, my mind is in turmoil right now. I both hope that Brother Song's death was merely an accident, and yet I hope it wasn't."

Gu Mo asked, "Why do you say that?"

Ye Jinglan said gravely, "If it was just an accident, it means the Ghost City map is now destroyed, and a second copy is unlikely to exist. The pursuit of the Human-Faced Demonic Beast would probably have to be put on hold. That's why I hope it wasn't an accident. Because if it wasn't an accident, it means Brother Song likely died because of the Ghost City map, and potentially even because of the Human-Faced Demonic Beast. If he died because of the Human-Faced Demonic Beast, it indirectly indicates that the beast isn't merely a pure killer as people believe, but is being manipulated by someone. That would be another valuable clue."

Gu Mo said, "However, it's more likely that it was neither an accident nor caused by the Human-Faced Demonic Beast, but rather due to the Ghost City map itself. If the Ghost City map were truly completed, it would be a huge disaster for the underground forces within Ghost City."

Ye Jinglan said gravely, "Before, no one believed Brother Song could succeed."

Gu Mo shook his head. "That was before. Now, haven't you come to believe? If none other than Ye Jinglan believes, isn't it normal for others to believe as well?"

Ye Jinglan sighed and said, "That's why I don't want Brother Song's death to be an accident. Because if it truly wasn't an accident, if he was murdered by others, it's very likely that he died because of me!"

"And if he truly died because of you?" Gu Mo asked.

Ye Jinglan said gravely, "I will investigate to the end, and at the same time, I will do everything in my power to fulfill Brother Song's wish. I may not be able to completely dismantle the human trafficking network in Ghost City, but I will do my utmost to kill the biggest human trafficker in Ghost City—the Smiling Buddha!"

Just then, a system notification sounded in Gu Mo's mind:

New target detectedWanted target — Smiling BuddhaMission level — Five StarsMission reward — Max-level Heaven and Earth's Dimming

Upon seeing this reward, Gu Mo was slightly stunned, because the martial art "Heaven and Earth's Dimming" was somewhat unique. It wasn't that this martial art was exceptionally powerful, but rather that it was highly distinctive, with abilities that bordered on resembling a domain.

This martial art, originating from *The Legend of Qin*, embodies the philosophy of "Heaven and Earth are impartial; they treat all things as straw dogs." By releasing pure internal energy to cover the surroundings, it transforms the "impartiality" of nature into a martial killing move, forming a domain-like existence. Within a certain space around the user, everything slows down infinitely, almost to a standstill, and the scene turns dark gray, as if all life has been drained. In terms of effects, it can cause those caught within its range to experience numbed and weakened five senses, sluggish thoughts, and slowed movements, akin to the techniques of a qi cultivator.

However, this martial art also had significant drawbacks. While it could effectively suppress or even instantly kill ordinary experts, its restrictive effect was minimal against true top-tier masters. Furthermore, if one relied on it too heavily, they might even be countered. The abilities of this martial art were quite similar to the War Qi system in this world. However, War Qi relied on factors like environment, leadership ability, army morale, and formation completeness to create an absolute domain. Heaven and Earth's Dimming, on the other hand, depended on the user's level of cultivation.

Suddenly, Gu Mo felt that the drawbacks weren't so significant after all, because his cultivation was high enough. In his hands, the power of Heaven and Earth's Dimming would naturally be incomparable.

"Brother Gu, what are you thinking about?" Seeing Gu Mo in a daze, Ye Jinglan asked, puzzled.

Gu Mo smiled faintly. "I was thinking, if you really go to kill the Smiling Buddha later, Brother Ye, would you call for me?"

Ye Jinglan shook his head. "No, I wouldn't. Because if Brother Song died because of me, it's my responsibility to fulfill his dying wish. And the Smiling Buddha is no ordinary person; he's deeply entrenched in Ghost City's power structure, with a very high degree of control over it, countless experts under him, and he constantly hides within the city. No matter who it is, even if it's you, Brother Gu, with your unparalleled martial arts, going into Ghost City to kill the Smiling Buddha would be incredibly dangerous. Therefore, I wouldn't call for you."

"I like killing wanted criminals," Gu Mo said.

"I know," Ye Jinglan replied.

Gu Mo continued, "Brother Ye, you know that in the martial world, hiring me now requires at least ten thousand taels of silver or something that satisfies me. For example, when Pei Yuanzhen asked me to deal with the Grand Steward, it was so I could gain an opportunity to visit the Ascension Platform."

"I've heard about that," Ye Jinglan said.

Gu Mo chuckled. "But, Brother Ye, the moment you called for me, even before you mentioned the Bloodhand Zitherist Shang Wujiu, I agreed to come to the capital without hesitation. Do you know why?"

Ye Jinglan shook his head slightly.

Gu Mo chuckled lightly. "Because I don't admire many people, and you happen to be one of them. So, when you go to kill the Smiling Buddha, you must call me along. With a friend, doing what you enjoy, why worry about danger? Brother Ye, you're too attached to appearances!"

The heavy rain poured down, and the mist was hazy. Ye Jinglan's body trembled slightly. He looked at Gu Mo's indistinct figure riding ahead, then suddenly chuckled, then laughed outright, and shouted, "Brother Gu, wait for me!"

Gu Mo had originally thought it would take some time for Su Ziyou to make progress. However, to his surprise, early the next morning, Su Ziyou arrived to visit Ye Jinglan's home. However, Ye Jinglan had already left for his duty at the Ministry of Justice.

Upon learning from the Ye family's servants that Gu Mo was home, Su Ziyou requested to see him.

Led by a Ye family servant, Su Ziyou arrived at Gu Mo's courtyard. Upon entering, he saw Gu Chudong practicing her saber, and immediately cupped his hands in a salute. However, Gu Chudong was in a state of utter absorption, completely oblivious to Su Ziyou.

"My sister is deeply immersed in her saber practice, Investigating Official Su, please don't take offense!" Gu Mo said, standing at the doorway. Today was the day Princess Chengyang was to enter the Imperial Palace for a family banquet with the Emperor and Empress, so Gu Chudong had not gone out for shopping or leisure.

"Oh, so this is the 'Bone-Stripping Saber,' Heroine Gu! I've long heard of your reputation!" Su Ziyou quickly said.

"Bone-Stripping Saber?" Gu Mo was a little surprised. "Does my little sister have this nickname in the martial world?"

Su Ziyou asked, puzzled, "Does Great Hero Gu not know?"

"Never heard of it," Gu Mo chuckled.

Su Ziyou entered the room and said, "There's a rumor in the martial world that although Heroine Gu is naturally beautiful, her personality is as cold as ice, and she hates evil as much as she loves good. She is extremely brutal when dealing with villains, and her saber techniques are incredibly fast. Many notorious figures in the martial world have been 'stripped to the bone' by her, and thus the name 'Bone-Stripping Saber' gradually spread!"

Gu Mo pondered for a moment and had to admit that while "Bone-Stripping Saber" wasn't the most pleasant nickname, it certainly suited his sister. Her attacks were genuinely ruthless; though young and appearing somewhat naive, she never hesitated when killing. And since learning the Annihilation Cross Saber technique, she had indeed "stripped" quite a few people to the bone.

"Is it a bit too ruthless?" Gu Mo mumbled to himself, then didn't think much more of it. In the martial world, being ruthless wasn't really a problem.

"Investigating Official Su," Gu Mo poured Su Ziyou a cup of tea and asked, "Did you come to see Brother Ye today because there's been progress on Prefect Song's case?"

Su Ziyou nodded. "It's been clarified. Madam Song indeed has issues, but they are unrelated to Prefect Song's death. Prefect Song was highly obsessed with completing the Ghost City map, often under great mental strain, leading to sleepless nights and a rapidly deteriorating physical condition. Madam Song, feeling pity for her husband, tried purchasing Yunlu Sandalwood for Prefect Song to use, upon a friend's recommendation. She found that Yunlu Sandalwood had remarkable calming effects. However, Yunlu Sandalwood was very expensive, and years of continuous use led to Madam Song selling off all her dowry and borrowing heavily from her maiden family, yet it still couldn't support them for long. But Madam Song couldn't bear to see her husband suffer from insomnia again, so she secretly started using Prefect Song's identity to accept bribes and handle favors for people. As for Prefect Song, everyone knew he was obsessed; he had no time to pay attention to what Madam Song was doing, focusing solely on perfecting the Ghost City map."

Gu Mo realized, "So, Madam Song lied yesterday because she was afraid of being exposed for bribery."

Su Ziyou nodded. "Exactly. Yesterday, my persistent questions about the Yunlu Sandalwood made Madam Song anxious, as she still had some hidden at home. She couldn't bring herself to destroy it, so she planned to sell it cheaply to others. That's when I caught her in the act, and she had no choice but to confess the whole story."

Gu Mo said, "So, Prefect Song truly died from an accident."

"On the surface, yes, that's correct," Su Ziyou replied.

Gu Mo asked, surprised, "Why still 'on the surface'?"

Su Ziyou explained, "Because Prefect Song had used Yunlu Sandalwood on the night of his death, and considering how long the scent of Yunlu Sandalwood typically lingers, it shouldn't have dissipated so quickly by the time we investigated yesterday. Moreover, it shouldn't have been so faint that among all the people present, only you, Great Hero Gu, detected it. Therefore, someone must have deliberately used methods to disperse the Yunlu Sandalwood scent, not wanting us to notice this clue. However, I've already interrogated Madam Song, and I can confirm it wasn't her; she genuinely doesn't have the ability to remove the Yunlu Sandalwood scent so completely!"

Gu Mo frowned slightly. "That means Prefect Song was murdered, and the current clue is the Yunlu Sandalwood."

Su Ziyou said, "I sent the Yunlu Sandalwood confiscated from Madam Song to the yamen for specialized examination, and traces of Oblivion Mandrake flower pollen were found within it. Oblivion Mandrake is a rare and unique flower that grows deep within the miasma-filled Ten-Thousand Mountains of the Southern Border. Its blossoms resemble fluttering butterflies, with semi-transparent petals shimmering with iridescent light, and its pollen possesses strong hallucinogenic properties. Therefore, combining this with Prefect Song's strange behavior before his death, we can conclude that he fell into a delusion after inhaling a large amount of Oblivion Mandrake pollen."

Gu Mo quickly asked, "Then why don't we just arrest the person who sold the Yunlu Sandalwood?"

Su Ziyou shook his head. "That's precisely why I rushed to find Officer Ye. I interrogated Madam Song and learned that she didn't buy the Yunlu Sandalwood through official channels because it was too expensive there. She bought it in Ghost City."

Gu Mo asked in confusion, "Ghost City sells Yunlu Sandalwood too?"

Su Ziyou nodded. "Ghost City has everything. Yunlu Sandalwood is more precious than gold, and many people in Ghost City take risks—stealing, robbing, or creating counterfeits. These illicit goods can't circulate openly in the market, so they are sold cheaply in Ghost City. Many people go to Ghost City to buy Yunlu Sandalwood because its market price has soared to sixty taels of silver per ounce, but in Ghost City, it generally stays around forty taels. I plan to enter Ghost City to investigate, but success depends on secrecy. If I directly deploy the prefectural yamen constables, the operation would be too conspicuous, and I can't bring too many people. However, Ghost City is very dangerous, and I am not a martial artist; I am timid. Therefore, I need experts who can ensure my safety and also maintain secrecy, people I can trust. Are there any candidates more suitable than you two Grandmasters, Officer Ye and Great Hero Gu?"

That same afternoon, Ye Jinglan returned home. After learning the sequence of events, he immediately decided to go to Ghost City to investigate further.