Chapter 560: Conscience

The murder case at Yuezhou University's academic exchange conference had a severely negative impact. This impact wasn't just due to the murder itself, but also a series of subsequent issues.

Unlike Puluo State, the use of dark abilities is not publicized in Outer State. Ninety-nine percent of Outer State residents are unaware of the concept of dark abilities. Even some low-level dark ability enthusiast groups cannot confirm their existence. For the experts, professors, and students who believe in science, what they experienced in the academic lecture hall challenged the entire Outer State's understanding.

Fortunately, the situation was effectively brought under control. Yu Yaoming only killed Yan Youjun, and the act happened so quickly that most people didn't clearly see it. This gave the authorities an opportunity to provide a plausible explanation. Ultimately, Yan Youjun's death was attributed to a laboratory accident. As for why an experiment was conducted at the conference, and what kind of experiment it was, there would be plenty of time later to elaborate and smooth over the details.

Currently, the authorities have decided to swiftly investigate two individuals. The first is Yu Yaoming: How did he acquire dark abilities, and why did he kill Yan Youjun in public? The second is Li Qi: He arrested Yu Yaoming in time, preventing the situation from escalating further, but why was he present in the academic lecture hall? Did he foresee the incident, or were there deeper hidden reasons and conspiracies involved?

Li Qi provided a seemingly sincere answer: "I am a science enthusiast. I went to Yuezhou University to observe the academic discussion with the intention of learning, and I happened upon this case." Although his statement omitted certain details, Li Qi was telling the truth. However, despite speaking truthfully, no one believed him. The higher-ups issued an urgent directive, demanding an immediate case review and a focused investigation into Li Qi.

The directive was approved by Director Wang, who took it very seriously. He spent an entire afternoon drafting a work plan and then went to report it to Shen Jingye. "Director, our work plan is divided into three phases. In the first phase, we will directly use interrogation equipment to try and get Li Qi to disclose the full details of the case tonight. The second phase involves organizing a special task force to conduct a targeted investigation into Li Qi, combining the results from the first phase to clarify the entire case outline. The third phase will involve analyzing and comparing details with the statements from Yu Yaoming and other witnesses to ensure Li Qi isn't concealing anything. According to this timeline, we should have preliminary investigation results within three days and be able to form a report."

Shen Jingye glanced at the plan, set it aside, and asked, "Have we obtained Yu Yaoming's statement?" "Yes, we have," Director Wang replied, handing the transcript to Shen Jingye. Shen Jingye flipped through it, then nodded and said, "Alright, then."

"Alright, then"? Director Wang didn't understand what Shen Jingye meant. He assumed Shen Jingye approved of his work plan. "I'll go inform the interrogation room staff right away so they can prepare." Shen Jingye looked at his watch. "It's already half past six." Director Wang, thinking he was too slow, quickly stood up and said, "I'll go get ready now." Shen Jingye shook his head. "It's half past six; time to get off work, Old Wang. Go home." Director Wang was stunned. "Director Shen, the directive states we need to start the review immediately—" "Leave the plan with me. I'll handle this. You can go home."

Puzzled, Director Wang returned to his office. Though Shen Jingye told him to go home, he didn't dare leave, sitting by the phone, waiting for Shen Jingye's next instructions. Shen Jingye picked up his phone, asked his secretary to order some takeout, and then, with the food, went to Li Qi's office. Li Qi, sitting behind his desk, smiled and said, "Xiao Shen, here to interrogate me?"

"I haven't eaten yet," Shen Jingye said, placing the food and drinks on the table. "Join me for a bite." Li Banfeng had already eaten at his portable residence, but at Shen Jingye's repeated invitation, he joined him for two drinks. Shen Jingye had prepared a substantial meal: roasted chicken, beef tripe, jellyfish salad, and pickled cabbage fish.

Li Banfeng remarked, "I'm currently the primary subject of investigation. Isn't this treatment a bit too good?" "What kind of treatment is this?" Shen Jingye shook his head. "They want to investigate you? On what grounds? Do they even have the authority?"

Li Banfeng stared at Shen Jingye, scrutinizing him from head to toe. He suspected the Shen Jingye before him wasn't real. "Xiao Shen, did you just say that?" "Yes, I did," Shen Jingye replied, handing Li Banfeng a chicken drumstick. "Do you think I'm muddled and don't understand anything?"

Li Banfeng shook his head. "You understand everything; you just like to pretend you don't." "Yes, I like to pretend I don't," Shen Jingye said, taking a sip of beer. "Some things you have to pretend about. But you can't be muddled about everything. The Yu Yaoming incident is one you can't be muddled about. Why did you go to Yuezhou University? Why did you attend the academic exchange conference? Does that even matter?

If you hadn't been there today, it would have been a disaster. Yu Yaoming would have killed countless people. If he had caused a bloodbath and then escaped, who would have been able to bear the consequences? You not only saved everyone at the scene but also rescued those higher-ups. And now they're turning around and investigating you? How can they be so shameless?" Li Banfeng grew increasingly surprised. He still suspected that the Shen Jingye before him was an imposter, yet he couldn't detect anything unusual about him.

Shen Jingye set down his beer can. "These few honest words are just for you. I already gave instructions; the surveillance in this room is off. Once I walk out that door, I won't acknowledge anything I've just said."

*That* sounded like Shen Jingye.

Li Banfeng asked, "Have you clarified things with Yu Yaoming? Where did his dark abilities come from, and why did he kill Yan Youjun?" Shen Jingye sighed. "You might not believe it when I tell you. Here's his statement; take a look first."

Li Banfeng took the statement. "Am I allowed to see this? Aren't you afraid I'll tamper with the testimonies?" "No!" Shen Jingye shook his head. "Showing it to others would be a waste of time. Showing it to you might actually be useful."

As Li Banfeng flipped through it, Shen Jingye explained, "According to Yu Yaoming's confession, he doesn't know about the concept of dark abilities. He's not a practitioner, nor is he a dark ability enthusiast. His special abilities came from some experiments." "What kind of experiments?" The statement records were somewhat scattered, making it difficult for Li Banfeng to find what he was looking for.

Shen Jingye replied, "He said they were experiments simulating environments around wormholes. He placed himself in simulated extreme conditions, observing his physiological data. The results showed his body had evolved, giving him special abilities. Because his special abilities originated from scientific research, he calls them 'powers of wisdom.' This has also been corroborated by the statements of several of his students." Li Banfeng recalled Fang Yufei, who had always emphasized to him that her mentor possessed wisdom and power beyond comprehension.

"Are his students all right?" "One female student's mental state is not quite normal; the hospital says it's due to extreme fright. The other students are fine."

Li Banfeng continued to flip through the transcript. "Which sect or profession does his ability belong to?" Shen Jingye shook his head. "None of them. He's quite agile but doesn't possess the speed of a Wanderer. He knows many combat techniques, but he doesn't have the weapon mastery of a Fighter." Li Banfeng countered, "He can kill with a pen. Isn't that weapon mastery?"

"The origin of that pen is hard to explain. I suspect it's a dark energy conduit, but tests haven't shown the characteristics of one. However, if it were truly an ordinary pen, Yu Yaoming wouldn't have been able to easily penetrate someone's skull with it. He doesn't have that kind of ability." *This pen is that special? It seems I'll have to find an opportunity to 'communicate' with that pen.*

"What was Yu Yaoming's motive for killing Yan Youjun?" Shen Jingye sighed. "I wouldn't have believed it myself if I hadn't seen the statement. Yu Yaoming's motive for killing Yan Youjun was out of anger." "Just anger?" "Yes. During the interrogation, there was a Verifier present—what Puluo State calls a Virtuoso. Given Yu Yaoming's abilities, he couldn't have resisted this Virtuoso, so what he said should be true. Yu Yaoming had been suppressed by Yan Youjun for a long time. Many in the academic world knew about this. Before the conference, Yu Yaoming had even revealed to his students that he intended to severely punish Yan Youjun at the venue, possibly even taking his life."

Li Banfeng put down the statement. "He intended to murder Yan Youjun, told his students beforehand, and then chose to commit the crime at an academic conference?" Shen Jingye nodded. "Do you think he's insane?"

Judging by Fang Yufei's reaction at the time, Yu Yaoming was likely telling the truth; Fang Yufei wasn't surprised by Yan Youjun's death. As for whether Yu Yaoming was insane, that depends on the context. In Puluo State, killing someone after declaring war isn't unheard of, but in Outer State, such an act is indeed quite reckless. Shen Jingye continued, "We had professionals conduct a comprehensive examination of Yu Yaoming and assess his mental state. Although no substantial pathology was found, his mental state is extremely paranoid. He himself admitted that his mental condition had changed, and this change was also a result of some of his experiments. His students are also very paranoid, likely related to the experiments he conducted. If you hadn't apprehended this madman, his future actions would have been unimaginable."

The two had a few more drinks. Shen Jingye lit a cigarette and said, "My heart has been on edge these past two days. Now that this incident has occurred, I feel somewhat relieved. The higher-ups kept telling me to investigate the black market, and I just felt something was unusual about it. The Cultural Palace black market has been around for how many years? Why are the authorities suddenly taking it so seriously? Old Liao got some intel: someone named Hua, who has a grudge against you, seems to have connections in Outer State. I wonder if this incident is related to him." *Someone named Hua? Hua Manchun? The black market incident is connected to him?*

Li Banfeng stared at Shen Jingye for a moment. Regardless of whether the information was true or false, Shen Jingye wouldn't usually reveal it so readily; he was always reluctant to get involved in matters outside his jurisdiction. Why was he so uncharacteristically forthcoming today?

Shen Jingye continued, "Now that such a major incident has happened, the black market matter can be temporarily put aside. Take my advice: you'd best stay at the bureau for the next couple of days. If you really can't get used to it, staying at home is fine too, but under no circumstances should you go to the black market. It's also best not to investigate the matters of the Birch Hermitage or the Ferrymen during this time." This aligned with Li Banfeng's deduction: Teacher Song had suddenly asked him to attend the academic conference precisely to help him avoid this black market investigation, which was likely a trap—a trap aimed at Li Banfeng.

*But how much influence did Hua Manchun wield? Enough to extend his reach to Outer State, and even to the upper echelons of the Dark Star Bureau?* "Xiao Shen, why are you revealing so much to me?" Li Banfeng asked directly, wanting to see Shen Jingye's reaction.

Shen Jingye drained his beer can and took a bite of jellyfish skin. "I've always acted with a clear conscience." Li Banfeng sipped his own drink. "Have there been times when you haven't acted with a clear conscience?" Shen Jingye was silent for a moment, lit a cigarette, opened another can of beer, took a large gulp, and said nothing for a long time.

He looked around Li Banfeng's office, trying to find an opportunity to change the subject. He spotted a wind-up phonograph on a bookshelf and asked, "Is that just a decoration?" "No, it's not," Li Banfeng shook his head. "It's a record player I brought from Puluo State; it plays music." "Really?" Shen Jingye sounded disbelieving. "Play something, then?"

Li Banfeng wound the phonograph and placed the needle on the record. Shen Jingye shook his head slightly. "The static is a bit loud." Li Banfeng replied, "For a bakelite record, the static is actually quite low."

After a brief prelude, a mournful song began to play. "Butterflies fly away, and my heart is gone. Who will wipe away my tears on this desolate long night? Is it greed for a little dependence, a little love? Old ties, though they should end, refuse to, leaving my heart filled with sorrow—" Shen Jingye listened intently, his cigarette burning down by more than half without him noticing to take a puff. "What's the name of this song?" "Wild Grass and Neglected Flowers Bloom in Spring."

"Who sings it?" "Jiang Mengting, the Queen of Songs from Puluo State." Actually, this record wasn't recorded by Jiang Mengting, but by Niangzi, but Li Banfeng couldn't reveal Niangzi's name, so he attributed it to Jiang Mengting.

"It's really beautiful," Shen Jingye said, carefully recalling the feeling of the music, then asked Li Banfeng, "Could you play it again?" Li Banfeng nodded, placing the needle back at the beginning. As the song started again, Shen Jingye's hand trembled.

Ash fell onto his trousers, and the cigarette in his hand had completely burned out. He lit another one. Under the cover of the music, Shen Jingye murmured, "If you want to talk about times I've gone against my conscience... there have been some. The matter with Big Head... I'm sorry to him." Li Banfeng asked, "Just Big Head?"

"Yes, and..." Shen Jingye took a deep drag from his cigarette. "There's also Candied Fruit, Awl, and Jiazi... The previous director wronged them, and I wronged them too. Maybe it's because things have always been this way. I didn't want it to be like this, but it is. Even if it's always been this way, I still wronged them." Shen Jingye spoke haltingly, the cigarette trembling constantly in his fingers. "Forest flowers have withered, and hearts are buried too. When spring swallows return someday, where will I be?"

As the music reached its end again, Shen Jingye put out his cigarette, grabbed his jacket, and stood up. "I'm going home. My wife is sensitive; if I don't go home without notice, she'll be upset. I'm leaving." At the doorway, Shen Jingye turned back. "That song is really beautiful." Li Banfeng nodded. "We'll listen to it more often another day."

Shen Jingye was indeed acting unusually today, but Li Banfeng was certain he wasn't an imposter. This was the real Shen Jingye, and his abnormal emotional state was likely connected to Yu Yaoming, as he had been present during Yu Yaoming's interrogation. Yu Yaoming possessed the ability to influence others' emotions, and many people in the academic lecture hall, including his students and the conference organizers, had been affected by him. Shen Jingye, influenced by this, said things to Li Banfeng that he normally wouldn't openly express. However, his rationality remained intact; when a critical topic arose, he would find a way to circumvent it. But after hearing Niangzi's song, his emotions were amplified once more, causing him to lose some control. *Xiao Shen, what can one say about you?*

Li Banfeng touched the projector; the projector and the surveillance devices in the room acknowledged each other. Shen Jingye had indeed given the order to turn off the surveillance equipment in Li Banfeng's office, but it was hard to say when these devices might be turned back on. Even if they were reactivated now, the monitors wouldn't detect anything unusual. Li Banfeng left the projector to stand guard in the office and returned to his portable residence to discuss Yu Yaoming's courseware with Niangzi.

***

Puluo State, Immortal Flower Manor. Manor Lord Hua Manchun was listening to Yuan Chunping relay news from Outer State: "The situation has changed. Li Qi is temporarily still alive, but he won't be able to leave Outer State anytime soon." Hua Manchun nodded. "Keeping him occupied is enough." He then turned to another woman and asked, "Any news on He Jiaqing?"

The woman, Lian Cui, was from Immortal Flower Manor and naturally showed much more deference to Hua Manchun than Yuan Chunping did. "Master, we haven't found his whereabouts yet." "Still haven't found him?" Hua Manchun asked, seemingly casually, which so unnerved Lian Cui that she swayed. "I'll immediately dispatch more people to investigate—" "Send all your people," Hua Manchun said, pinching Lian Cui's cheek. "I'll wait until tomorrow. By this time tomorrow, I must have news of He Jiaqing."

Lian Cui's luck was indeed good; by twilight the next day, she had found He Jiaqing's whereabouts. "Master, He Jiaqing has just arrived in Chu Yaoxian's territory." "Excellent!" Hua Manchun's mood brightened. He told Yuan Chunping, "Please inform our friends in Puzi. Tonight is the night for me to exact my revenge. If you remember my contributions to Puzi and my friendship with you all, I ask for your assistance."

Yuan Chunping replied, "Manor Lord, rest assured, two elders from Puzi are nearby." Hua Manchun turned back to Lian Cui. "You and your people guard the manor. If anything goes wrong, don't blame me for being merciless." Lian Cui nodded repeatedly. Just as she exited the main hall, a spiderweb struck her face.

*Spiderwebs in the Master's grand hall? No wonder those previous maids were killed; they couldn't even clean up a spider. They were truly incompetent.* Lian Cui rubbed her face a few times, then quickly gathered her people to intensify the manor's defenses.

Dabuyins sensed the vibration of the spider silk and said to Feng Daiku, "Ms. Feng, Hua Manchun has taken his people to Chu Yaoxian's territory. There will be a fierce battle between them and He Jiaqing. The information is highly reliable." Feng Daiku nodded and handed Dabuyins a pearl hairpin. It was a spiritual artifact, the agreed-upon payment. Dabuyins accepted the hairpin. "Ms. Feng, I have grievances with both Li Qi and Ma Wu. Please abide by our agreement and do not reveal my whereabouts to them."

Feng Daiku replied, "For one day, I will not reveal your whereabouts to anyone. After today, we are strangers. If your information is false, I will not let you go. Even if the information is true and I've given you your reward, we owe each other nothing. If Young Master Li and Fifth Master wish to kill you in the future, I will show you no mercy." Dabuyins nodded and quickly vanished into the depths of the forest. Feng Daiku relayed the message to Ma Wu. Ma Wu took out a simple phone and, using Luo Zhengnan as a central relay, called Li Banfeng.

"Old Qi, Hua Manchun has gone to Chu Yaoxian's territory; a battle is about to begin." The projector and a cluster of cameras acknowledged each other. Li Banfeng walked out of the Dark Star Bureau and headed to Huahu Park. Inside a residence in Xindi, Chu Yaoxian was pouring tea for He Jiaqing. "Brother He, what brings you to my humble abode today? How may I assist you?"

He Jiaqing chuckled. "Sister, what are you saying? I specifically came to visit you today, and I also wanted to discuss something." "Don't say 'discuss,' Brother. Just give your orders, and I shall heed them."

He Jiaqing sighed. "Sister, if you're so polite, I won't be able to speak. I've taken a liking to a plot of land recently, and it's in Luohuo Wang's territory. If you're familiar with Luohuo Wang, could you connect us so I can speak with him directly?" "Brother, you've come to the right person," Chu Yaoxian said with a smile. "Luohuo Wang and I are indeed well-acquainted. He had some conflict with Tao Xuehong back then, and it was I who mediated, convincing Tao Xuehong to spare him. He still owes me a considerable favor for that. Brother He, if you wish to cultivate land in his territory, just go ahead. If he dares to cause you trouble, I'll slap him directly. If you want to acquire a piece of land directly from him, I'll go with you to see him. As long as the plot isn't too large, Luohuo Wang will surely agree."

He Jiaqing shook his head. "I certainly wouldn't take his territory for free. I'll pay every penny that's due." Chu Yaoxian lowered her head. "Brother, whatever you wish, I'll listen to you." As she spoke, Chu Yaoxian moved closer.

He Jiaqing felt a slight discomfort and subtly retreated a small step. Chu Yaoxian, blushing, took He Jiaqing's hand. "Brother, was I too forward?" He Jiaqing withdrew his hand. "Thank you for your kindness, Sister, but let's finalize our previous discussion first." "Alright, let's finalize it then." Chu Yaoxian then directly embraced He Jiaqing.

To be honest, she herself felt she was losing composure. It was certainly understandable that Chu Yaoxian harbored some admiration for the promising young He Jiaqing. However, one must distinguish between roles. Chu Yaoxian was a local deity, and a rather renowned one among them. Even if she had feelings, she shouldn't have acted so directly, disregarding propriety. He Jiaqing realized something was wrong and quickly exited the residence. In the courtyard, he saw Hua Manchun, fanning himself with a feather fan, admiring the flowers.

Chu Yaoxian followed him out. The reason for her earlier lapse in composure was that she had been affected by Hua Manchun's technique, which had stirred her affections for He Jiaqing. Now, upon seeing Hua Manchun, Chu Yaoxian felt a pang of panic, but with He Jiaqing present, she gritted her teeth and asked, "Manor Lord Hua, what are you doing in my home?" Hua Manchun smiled. "Can't I come to your home?"

Chu Yaoxian retorted, "Coming uninvited and using your techniques on me doesn't seem proper." Hua Manchun said, "Well, ask your Brother He here. Did I invite him when he came to my manor?" He Jiaqing's face was grim as he looked at Hua Manchun. "Senior, I already clarified what happened back then."

"Clarified, and then it's over?" Hua Manchun shook his head. "Young Master He, you overestimate my forbearance. Do you really think I'd just swallow that insult?" "Then, according to Manor Lord Hua, how can this grudge be resolved?" He Jiaqing's expression remained composed, his gaze shifting as he looked for an opportunity to strike Hua Manchun.

Hua Manchun straightened the feather fan in his hand. "Seeing as you're still young, I truly shouldn't be too harsh on you. Kneel down, kowtow three times, then get out of this territory and never come back. That'll be the end of it." He Jiaqing asked, "If my matter is over, what about Miss Chu?" Hua Manchun looked at Chu Yaoxian and shook his head. "She won't get off so easily. I'll take her into my manor and discipline her properly for a few years."

Chu Yaoxian was about to fight Hua Manchun to the death, but then He Jiaqing lifted the hem of his clothes. Hua Manchun was startled. *What was he doing? Was He Jiaqing really going to kneel?* "Senior, I apologize to you first!" He Jiaqing genuinely made a motion as if to kneel.

Hua Manchun remained impassive, simply watching He Jiaqing. He Jiaqing didn't intend to truly kneel; he had two magical artifacts hidden in the hem of his clothes. As long as Hua Manchun was even slightly distracted, He Jiaqing could seize the initiative and deliver a fatal blow. However, these two artifacts remained still because He Jiaqing hadn't given the order to attack. At that moment, He Jiaqing suddenly had another idea.

Hua Manchun was too vigilant; a direct attack seemed unsafe. Chu Yaoxian was under a technique's influence, and it was uncertain if she could help, or even if she might hinder him. *Kneel first, then reconsider. Once I've knelt, Hua Manchun's suspicion will naturally dissipate. Then, a surprise attack will have a much higher chance of success.* He Jiaqing's knees slowly lowered until they touched the ground. He Jiaqing had truly knelt before Hua Manchun.

Hua Manchun nodded, smiling. "Teachable youth. Your kneel is quite proper. Now, let me hear the sound of your kowtows. The louder the sound, the more sincere you prove to be." *No need for kowtows.* He Jiaqing was already set for a sneak attack. He touched his magical artifacts, giving the order to strike, but they didn't move. He looked down and saw that the two artifacts were pinned to the ground by the hem of his clothing. He tried to stand up but found he couldn't.

Hua Manchun sighed. "That's why they call you a thief—your methods are never clean. You try to play dirty tricks in front of me? Don't you check if your teeth have grown in yet?" An old man entered the courtyard, leaning on a cane. "Recitation Master Ren Antian." He Jiaqing recognized him—the local deity of Yinian County.

An old woman followed the old man out. "Adhesion Master Sun Peiying." He Jiaqing recognized her too—the local deity of Niantuangouzi. Just now, He Jiaqing had delayed his surprise attack plan and chosen to kneel before Hua Manchun because he had fallen victim to Recitation Master Ren Antian's technique. After kneeling, it was too late to attempt a surprise attack; he had then fallen victim to Adhesion Master Sun Peiying's technique.

Hua Manchun waved his folding fan, and a surge of malevolent fire erupted from He Jiaqing's heart, scorching his internal organs. "Young Master He, did you think kneeling would be the end of it?" Hua Manchun sneered. "The day you stepped into Immortal Flower Manor, your life was forfeit."