Chapter 95

Wen Xiuzhi quickly found Xu Yan and said to him solemnly, "Xiao Yan, give me a straight answer: what did you do to the criminal to make him end up like this?"

In response to this question, Xu Yan naturally refused to admit anything, "Brother Wen, you must be mistaken. I already said, the criminal came over and fainted on his own. I didn’t do anything!"

Talking to this guy was too exhausting, so Wen Xiuzhi didn’t bother to beat around the bush, "Alright, Xiao Yan, I won’t listen to your nonsense. Just one question: can you wake him up?"

Xu Yan was surprised, "Wake him up? Brother Wen, are you joking? After all this commotion, with so many comrades injured or killed, we finally subdued him. If you wake him up, won’t that just cause more trouble? What will you do when he starts causing chaos again?"

Wen Xiuzhi said irritably, "At worst, we’ll add more handcuffs and leg irons. With a dozen pairs, even a superman couldn’t break free—Xiao Yan, can you wake him up? Give me a straight answer!"

The criminal was taken down by Zhu Youxiang, and Xu Yan didn’t know what she had done to him. He hesitated, not daring to answer Wen Xiuzhi. But since he was the one who took down the criminal, he couldn’t ask Zhu Youxiang for advice in front of Wen Xiuzhi, as that would only make Wen Xiuzhi suspicious—didn’t you take down the criminal, Xu Yan? Why don’t you know how to revive him and have to ask a girl?

For a moment, Xu Yan was in a difficult situation. He pretended to be deep in thought, but subtly turned his body to see if Zhu Youxiang was giving him any hints. As soon as he moved, a faint but clear female voice whispered in his ear, "Young Master Xu, you can agree to it." The voice was unmistakably Zhu Youxiang’s.

Xu Yan was startled. He looked at Wen Xiuzhi, who seemed unaware and was still waiting for his answer. He casually turned his head and glanced at Zhu Youxiang, who nodded slightly and winked, confirming that she had just spoken.

The legendary "secret transmission" technique was actually real!

With Zhu Youxiang’s assurance, Xu Yan felt more confident. He said calmly, "Brother Wen, since you’re asking, it’s not impossible... but I’m curious, didn’t you capture this madman for experiments? Isn’t he in the best state now? He’s not causing trouble, and you can do whatever experiments you want. Why wake him up? It will be a hassle to have the military and police guard him."

"Xiao Yan, you don’t understand. Things in the capital are complicated! If I bring this madman back like this, it’s simple, but I’m afraid the higher-ups won’t accept it!"

Seeing Xu Yan’s confused look, Wen Xiuzhi didn’t bother to explain further: if he brought back a sleeping person who just drooled and slept, the higher-ups would definitely be dissatisfied. They might even mock him, "These vegetative patients, any hospital has plenty of them. Did we really need Commander Wen to travel all the way to Xiangcheng to bring one back? I heard many people died, and Commander Wen is so capable, he lost dozens of people just to capture a vegetative patient!"

Therefore, despite knowing it would be troublesome, Wen Xiuzhi had to wake the criminal to prove he was a genuine f-virus infected person. This way, when he returned, the leaders could see the f-virus infected person’s behavior firsthand, making his experiments more convincing.

However, Wen Xiuzhi also agreed with Xu Yan’s concern: what if the criminal wakes up and escapes?

To prevent any accidents, Wen Xiuzhi discussed with the other leaders present and decided to add more protection. In addition to doubling the handcuffs and leg irons, the special task force contacted the Xiangcheng government and borrowed a steel cage from the Xiangcheng Zoo to put the sleeping criminal inside. According to the zoo, this steel cage was custom-made for transporting large wild animals, with steel bars that could withstand over five tons of force. The zoo guaranteed, "Even an elephant or a polar bear couldn’t break free!"

With these precautions in place, Wen Xiuzhi asked Xu Yan to take action. He pleaded earnestly, "Xu Yan, I’m counting on you. Please find a way to wake him up!"

Captain Xu Yan was humble, "Leader Wen, I’ll do my best, but whether it works or not is up to luck."

Surrounded by hundreds of participating military and police officers, and with a group of leaders watching, the new hero of the intelligence department, Captain Xu Yan, made his grand entrance!

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Xu Yan sauntered over to the steel cage. Following Zhu Youxiang’s instructions, he squatted next to the lying criminal, reaching through the cage to press the criminal’s shoulder. Xu Yan closed his eyes, pretending to be channeling his energy, muttering rapidly and unintelligibly.

Seeing Xu Yan’s mysterious and unfathomable demeanor, everyone present felt a sense of awe. The security department’s Director Yu whispered to Wen Xiuzhi, "Leader Wen, our Captain Xu must be practicing a secret sect technique. I once went to the Tibetan region and saw a high-ranking Rinpoche perform rituals, and his manner was very similar to Captain Xu’s!"

"Secret sect? No, no, Old Yu, you’re mistaken," the intelligence department’s Director Gao said confidently. "Captain Xu’s method is clearly a Daoist technique! You know Zhang Butian, a descendant of the current Dragon Tiger Mountain Zhang Celestial Master. I’ve seen him perform rituals, and the incantations he uses are exactly the same as Captain Xu’s! I’m telling you, Captain Xu is definitely using Daoist talisman techniques. Don’t believe me? Let’s bet!"

Wen Xiuzhi impatiently shushed them, "Shh! Don’t talk. Don’t disturb Captain Xu!" The leaders held their breath, watching the expert perform.

Xu Yan maintained his pose for a while, then finally heard Zhu Youxiang’s secret transmission, "Done! I’ve withdrawn the restraining spirit from the monster’s body. Young Master, you can leave now."

Xu Yan quickly withdrew his hand from the cage—actually, even without Zhu Youxiang’s words, he could feel the body’s temperature rising, and the monster’s body was trembling slightly, as if regaining vitality.

Xu Yan withdrew his hand, stepped back a few steps, and looked at the criminal in the cage with a serious expression, exuding a mysterious aura of authority.

Wen Xiuzhi approached and asked quietly, "Did it work? Can you wake him up?"

Xu Yan observed for a moment and said, "Yes, he will wake up soon."

As soon as Xu Yan finished speaking, the criminal’s body trembled, and he suddenly opened his eyes, revealing a sinister red glow. He abruptly sat up in the cage and turned to glare fiercely at the people outside!

"He’s awake!"

A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd. Even the leaders, including Wen Xiuzhi, had seen f-virus infected patients before, but they had only seen those who had been killed. This was the first time they faced a living one, and the red, evil eyes filled them with fear, causing them to involuntarily step back.

Fortunately, the monster’s body and limbs were tightly bound with multiple handcuffs, leg irons, and chains. His hands were cuffed behind his back, and although he could sit up, he couldn’t exert much force. He could only wriggle like a venomous snake in the cage, drooling and emitting a low, guttural sound, like a rabid dog.

Wen Xiuzhi and Xu Yan stood side by side, closest to the madman and the first to bear the brunt of his fury. Seeing the madman awake, Wen Xiuzhi frowned: the madman’s eyes were bloodshot, filled with evil, malice, and a mesmerizing power, like two blood-red lamps from the depths of hell.

To relieve the pressure, Wen Xiuzhi exhaled softly and turned to Xu Yan, "Xiao Yan, you once told me that these monsters are possessed by ghosts or spirits from the netherworld. To be honest, I didn’t believe it at the time. But now—"

Wen Xiuzhi turned to the monster, his pupils narrowing, and said softly, "I’m starting to believe you—this thing is something only those who have seen it can believe!

Look at his eyes, filled with murder, hatred, savagery, and naked evil. He hates us, hates everything in this world!

I’ve seen many vicious criminals, many with antisocial personalities, but even those on death row don’t have such eyes! No trace of humanity, no warmth, only complete bloodlust and savagery—You’re right, this terrifying gaze is not something from this world, only a devil from the netherworld could have such eyes!

Xiao Yan, this isn’t a madman, this is an enemy who hates us humans!"

Xu Yan glanced at Wen Xiuzhi, feeling a bit more respect for him. He asked, "Leader Wen, now that he’s awake, what’s your next move?"

"I’ll transport him back to the capital as soon as possible... let the leaders see him firsthand to gain a direct understanding of the situation, then I’ll give him the medicine to see if he can be cured. Xiao Yan, if your medicine can cure him, you’ll have done a great service to the country!"

Xu Yan smiled and reached into his pocket, pulling out a bottle of pills and handing it to Wen Xiuzhi, "Brother Wen, here are four pills. Keep them. When the time comes, find a way to give them to him. It’s not complicated—just use mineral water to make him swallow them. If one doesn’t work, give him another—If it still doesn’t work, I’m out of options."

Wen Xiuzhi was surprised, "Xiao Yan, you’re not coming with us to the capital?"

"No, I’m not," Xu Yan stretched, "Brother Wen, to be honest, being with you guys is exhausting—I prefer the life at school."

Wen Xiuzhi was taken aback by Xu Yan’s decision and quickly tried to persuade him to go to the capital, saying there were many things that still needed his involvement!

Xu Yan countered, "Brother Wen, the madman is captured, and I’ve given you the medicine. I’ve done everything I promised. What else do you need me for? Are you planning to dissect me for experiments?"

"Uh, you’re joking, hehe. How could I think that..."

Seeing Wen Xiuzhi’s awkward smile, Xu Yan knew—this guy might have had such intentions!

Since that didn’t work, Wen Xiuzhi tried another approach. He said the capital had many fun things to do, delicious food, and scenic spots, like the Great Wall, the flag-raising ceremony, the Forbidden City Museum, and Peking duck...

Seeing Xu Yan’s indifferent expression, Wen Xiuzhi had no choice but to use his ultimate trick, "Xiao Yan, don’t tell my niece Chen Yaoyu... Besides the scenic spots, the capital has a great specialty—clubs!

These high-end clubs are only open to members. No matter how much money you have, if you’re not a member, they won’t let you in. I happen to be a member of one such club. It’s luxurious, and the food and drinks are top-notch. More importantly, the girls there are incredibly beautiful—some are even celebrities! Imagine, Xiao Yan, if you like a certain idol, you might even get to meet her... hehe!"

Hearing Wen Xiuzhi talk about this "you know what" thing, Xu Yan, being young, naturally became interested, "Really? Can I meet Zhao Yanran?"

Wen Xiuzhi was puzzled, "Who is Zhao Yanran?"

"Zhao Yanran is a popular idol, the lead actress in the current TV series 'Double Palace Mystery' on CCTV, playing Princess Meiyu... Brother Wen, you haven’t seen it?"

"I don’t even have time to sleep, let alone watch TV series! Anyway, Xiao Yan, as long as you come with me to the capital, just tell me which girl you like, and if she refuses, I’ll send a guard to bring her back for you!"

Hearing Wen Xiuzhi’s increasingly inappropriate words, Xu Yan quickly interrupted, "Brother Wen, thanks, but I’m not really interested in that. Thanks, but no thanks."

What a joke, Xu Yan was sure that Zhu Youxiang was listening to every word he said!

Wen Xiuzhi tried every trick in the book but couldn’t persuade Xu Yan to go to the capital. He felt deflated—had it been a regular subordinate, Wen Xiuzhi would have imposed a penalty.

But with Xu Yan, Wen Xiuzhi didn’t dare to be so forceful—contacting him more, he found that Xu Yan had more secrets. Not only had he saved his father and had a medicine that could supposedly cure the madmen, but his martial skills were also unfathomable. He easily subdued a madman that dozens of people couldn’t handle, and the monster, who was so terrifying, was like a helpless child in his hands, waking up and falling asleep at his command.

Xu Yan, though somewhat immature and naive in his character and social skills, had truly unfathomable abilities.

For such a talented person, it was better to be friends rather than enemies.

If he forced Xu Yan to go to the capital, Xu Yan might just go through the motions without putting in real effort, and there would be nothing Wen Xiuzhi could do—Xu Yan might even turn against him! That would be a loss, as Wen Xiuzhi still needed Xu Yan’s help to solve the case and earn a star on his general’s badge.

After some thought, Wen Xiuzhi realized: Xu Yan was right. At this point, it wasn’t necessary to have Xu Yan. Since he knew Xu Yan was studying at Shudu University, he could always go there if he needed help, so why force him to go to the capital?

Realizing this, Wen Xiuzhi felt relieved. He said to Xu Yan, "Alright, if you don’t want to go to the capital, I won’t force you. But if I need your help, you can’t abandon me!"

Xu Yan, eager to get out of this, readily agreed, "Of course! What kind of relationship do we have? Like brothers, with such a good friendship, how could I abandon you? Besides, as you said, I’m still a captain in the intelligence department, and you’ve given me so much. How could I not help you? Rest assured, if you need anything, just give me a call, and I’ll do anything for you!"

Xu Yan made these promises lightly, but in his heart, he thought, "To hell with it! As long as I get through this, I’ll block Wen Xiuzhi’s number and put it on the blacklist!"

~~~~~~~~~~(To be continued)

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