Chapter 82

Even though Gu Zhengyang was a super-rich tycoon and a great philanthropist renowned in Mingzhu, seeing Secretary Tang personally visit him in the hospital still left all the doctors, nurses, and hospital leaders who were bowing and smiling behind Tang Lei in utter disbelief.

Gu Zhengyang was indeed famous and a leading figure in the business world of Mingzhu, but what was Secretary Tang's status? He was a genuine national leader. The gap in status between the two was not just a little. The fact that Secretary Tang personally visited him as soon as possible could only mean that Gu Zhengyang's reputation and influence in Mingzhu City over the years were indeed significant and had a very positive impact.

Tang Lei thanked all the doctors and nurses present, then turned to the hospital president, Wu, and whispered, "President Wu, if it's convenient, please have the comrades step aside for a moment. I want to spend some quiet time with the patient. Old Gu is my old comrade, and seeing him like this, I am very heartbroken. I want to have a private conversation with him."

How could President Wu dare to refuse Secretary Tang's request? He was also very surprised that Gu Zhengyang had such a relationship with Secretary Tang. Now that Secretary Tang could openly speak about their relationship, it was clear that his friendship with Gu Zhengyang was indeed deep.

President Wu immediately dismissed all the doctors and nurses, and Tang Lei's entourage also left the ICU, leaving only Tang Lei, Wang Yaodong, and Lin Tianhuo.

Sitting by Gu Zhengyang's bedside, Tang Lei frowned and sighed, "Old Gu, since I took office, we old comrades have rarely had the chance to meet. I know you were considering my position, worried that if I got too close to you, a major businessman in Mingzhu, people would criticize me behind my back. But you really overthink it. I know your character, and you should know mine. Our comradeship is not tainted by other trivial matters. Fortunately, you have survived this time. Over the years, you have done a lot of charity work, and good people will eventually be rewarded. I believe you can overcome this ordeal. Today, I have brought someone who has a connection with you. He is Master Qingyuan's last disciple, Lin Tianhuo. With him here, your life will at least be saved. As for whether you can fully recover, we will have to wait for Master Qingyuan to come to Mingzhu."

After saying this, Tang Lei turned to Lin Tianhuo and asked, "Xiao Lin, can the pill your master gave you really help Old Gu?"

Lin Tianhuo, who had been somewhat arrogant and solemn with the Mingzhu police, was exceptionally respectful to Tang Lei, a national leader. He bowed and said, "Uncle Tang, this pill is called the Life-Extending Pill. As the name suggests, it has the effect of preserving life and extending breath. It is a high-quality pill that my master recently refined. Although it cannot completely cure Mr. Gu, it can stabilize the yin poison in his body and prevent it from worsening. Once my master arrives, he will have a way to completely cure Mr. Gu."

Hearing this, Tang Lei felt relieved and said, "Then there's no time to waste. Please give the pill to Old Gu now."

Lin Tianhuo took a black pill from his pocket, walked up to Gu Zhengyang, and gently tapped the philtrum, causing Gu Zhengyang's tightly closed mouth to open automatically. He then crushed the black pill and poured it into Gu Zhengyang's mouth, gently massaging his throat to help the medicine enter his body, and finally closed his mouth again.

After doing all this, Lin Tianhuo said to Tang Lei, "Uncle Tang, if it hadn't been for the delay, this pill would have been enough to wake Mr. Gu. Unfortunately, after a night, the yin poison had penetrated too deeply, and it was too late. Fortunately, my master once gave Mr. Gu a protective amulet, which resisted most of the yin poison, making him the only survivor."

Gu Zhengyang asked seriously, "Xiao Lin, is it true, as you said, that this series of murders was not committed by ordinary humans?"

"Yes, Uncle Tang, I can confirm this. I have followed my master for many years and have encountered similar evil cultivators in the Western Border before. The several perpetrators of this case are, to be precise, not human. They are either demon cultivators or ghost cultivators. From my investigation at the crime scene, I could clearly sense the yin and toxic aura they left behind. More importantly, four of the five perpetrators have been killed and turned into yellow water. This kind of heavily yin yellow water is only produced when a ghost slave's soul is refined. Uncle Tang, I have experienced similar events in the Western Border with my master, so my judgment is absolutely correct. This case is definitely not the work of humans, which is why I asked the Mingzhu police to terminate the investigation. Such a case, which clearly violates science and common sense, is beyond their understanding. Only people like Uncle Tang and Director Wang, who have some knowledge of this, can accept it."

Tang Lei's expression grew even more serious. After a moment of deep thought, he asked, "Xiao Lin, I have been a good friend of Master Qingyuan for many years and have heard him preach many times. However, I have never heard of terms like demon cultivators, ghost cultivators, and ghost slaves. Master Qingyuan is a remarkable person, deeply respected and valued by the leaders. Since you, as his last disciple, have made the final judgment on this case, I, as the top leader of Mingzhu City, have no doubts. However, this case has a significant impact. If it remains unresolved for a long time, it could cause a huge negative impact on society and the people. I may not be able to bear this responsibility. I have no idea how to properly handle this. Therefore, Xiao Lin, the final resolution of this case must be left to you and Master Qingyuan."

Lin Tianhuo nodded and said, "Uncle Tang, please rest assured. Even if my abilities are limited, my senior brothers and sisters will soon arrive in Mingzhu, and my master will also come to Mingzhu after finishing his current tasks. We will definitely solve this case and fulfill our duty to you, the leaders in Beijing, and the people of Mingzhu."

"Good, then I am relieved. As a member of the most mysterious department in our country, each of you is a pillar of the state. Since you have said this, I will not worry further. However, I still want to ask, you mentioned that four ghost slaves were killed by someone. Who is this person, and how did he do it? What is his relationship with the main perpetrator? Do you have any leads?"

Lin Tianhuo shook his head and said, "I am not yet clear on this. This is one of the important aspects I will investigate next. From what I currently understand, all the victims in this case seem to be related to two people, one named Liu Yong and the other named Ye Feng. Liu Yong is currently missing, and Ye Feng was seen at the final crime scene but is also missing. Next, I will focus on investigating these two people. Director Wang will provide you with a detailed case report later."

Wang Yaodong interjected, "Secretary Tang, we have already summarized the preliminary investigation results. You are already aware of Liu Yong and his father Liu Tianlong's identities. Both are currently missing. As for Ye Feng, we need to conduct further investigations. I will report the results to you as soon as possible."

Tang Lei nodded, his expression extremely serious, and said, "Good, I will notify the relevant units and departments to fully cooperate with your investigation. Once there is any progress, report it to me immediately. During the investigation, pay attention to the methods and do not miss any suspects or harm any innocent people. Try to avoid causing further negative impacts on society. Do you understand?"

Lin Tianhuo and Wang Yaodong nodded simultaneously and said, "We understand. Please rest assured, Uncle Tang (Secretary Tang)."

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