Chapter 13

That night, after returning home, Li Hao went to bed very late.

Even when he fell asleep, he was particularly cautious. He placed the black panther at the door to guard, and kept the third-generation vortex gun by his side, not even caring about the risk of accidental discharge. He was worried about the dog being driven to desperation.

Fortunately, nothing unusual happened that night.

Perhaps, the other party was still waiting, waiting for the rainy night to come.

...

1730, July 13.

The noise from last night seemed like a dream. The Qiming Community was as quiet as ever, and no one cared about the commotion on the old street next door.

Even if someone noticed, they wouldn't take it seriously.

In the morning.

Li Hao got up, washed up, and then boiled a cup of water, placing the jade sword in the boiling water.

He waited for a while.

The boiling water cooled slightly, and Li Hao took a sip, frowning slightly.

"The starlight energy is a bit less."

Li Hao pondered. Compared to yesterday, today's water from the sword seemed to contain a little less starlight energy.

"If it's just a little less, it's not a big problem. The key is whether this mysterious energy can be restored..."

This was what Li Hao was concerned about.

The mysterious energy on the jade sword was the energy previously stored, or did it need a certain amount of time to recover after each soaking? If it could be restored, it would be an endless treasure!

As for the stone knife, Li Hao had not used it yet.

Last night, he was worried about being followed and couldn't conveniently take it out.

After drinking a cup of water, feeling a warm current flowing through his body, Li Hao quickly practiced the Five Animal Exercises. Even if it didn't significantly improve his abilities, it might still be beneficial, and Li Hao wouldn't miss the opportunity.

While exercising, Li Hao thought.

Should he soak the sword multiple times a day, or just once? How much difference is there in the effects of the water from each soaking?

These were things he needed to test gradually.

In the room, Li Hao's movements were still agile, darting around like a monkey.

This time, he didn't practice as many times as last night.

After practicing three times, feeling he still had some energy left, Li Hao stopped exercising. The starlight energy on his skin had all dissipated, and Li Hao waited until it was gone before stopping.

He was worried that other superhumans, like the Red Shadow, could see the starlight energy on his skin.

If so, he would be exposed.

Liu Long and the others had a faint starlight energy on their skin, which Li Hao could see at a glance, so these guys couldn't hide from him.

"Before, I didn't notice..."

Li Hao thought, recalling the situation last night. He wondered if he didn't see the starlight energy on Liu Long's skin because his eyes couldn't see it, or if Liu Long had only recently changed.

Or perhaps, because he drank the water from the soaked sword, he could now see it?

Now, he knew too little about all this.

"Extraordinary world!"

Li Hao washed up again, changed into fresh clothes, and looked much more refreshed.

He poured the remaining water from the bowl into the black panther's food bowl. The panther's eyes were full of excitement, and it eagerly licked it up, wagging its tail at Li Hao after finishing.

Li Hao carefully observed the panther for a while and took a deep breath.

"Good boy!"

The starlight energy on the dog seemed even more intense than on himself. Was it emitting more and absorbing less?

Or was it absorbing more, causing a surge in starlight energy?

Li Hao didn't know!

He preferred to think that the dog couldn't absorb it, and the starlight energy was leaking out. Otherwise, it would mean the dog was more powerful than himself, absorbing more starlight energy.

"Woof woof!"

The panther was very excited, as if saying, "Another cup!"

Li Hao patted the dog's head and smiled, "No more! Next time!"

He then instructed, "I'm going to work. You stay and guard the house! Be cautious of anyone who comes. Remember their scent, and if possible, track their location... but don't go too far."

He was worried that someone might break into his house while he was away.

The jade sword was on him, and there wasn't much valuable in the house.

Of course, the stone knife he brought back last night was also a treasure.

However, the stone knife wasn't a concern. Although it was a bit large and inconvenient to carry, Li Hao had left it in the panther's doghouse downstairs. Who would find it?

As for someone picking it up, that was a joke. Who would take a stone from a stray dog's den?

The neighborhood cleaners would only clean the stray dog's den if they were bored.

In short, there was no safer place than the doghouse.

And if it was lost, the panther would know and track it down. It was safer than carrying it on himself. The jade sword was a pendant, and no one would think it was strange. But who would carry a stone around without a reason?

"Woof!"

The panther understood Li Hao's words and nodded its head, becoming even smarter.

Li Hao got up and walked downstairs.

...

Outside the community, at the familiar breakfast stall, the owner handed Li Hao a few large meat buns and a cup of soy milk without him even asking.

Li Hao didn't eat for free, paid the money, and slowly rode his bicycle to the Inspection Bureau.

The black car that followed him after work yesterday didn't appear.

He didn't know if they had given up on following him or were now too afraid to follow him after last night's incident.

Li Hao didn't feel the sensation of being followed until he entered the Inspection Bureau.

...

Inspection Bureau.

Confidential Room.

Li Hao was the first to arrive.

As usual, he cleaned the office and boiled a pot of hot water before others started to arrive.

Chen Na, who was not very senior, also arrived early.

The weather was a bit hot, and Chen Na was already feeling sleepy in the morning. She might not have slept well last night, yawning and complaining to Li Hao, "Li Hao, you're not being fair! Why didn't you call me to help with the case last night?"

"You knew?"

"Of course I knew!"

Chen Na yawned, "Of course I knew, the enforcement team was out last night!"

The incident was significant, so she naturally received the news.

Soon, Chen Na shook her head to dispel the drowsiness and asked curiously, "Did you encounter the murderer last night?"

"No."

Li Hao shook his head, "I just felt like I was being followed."

"Really? That sounds exciting!"

Chen Na hadn't been involved in any major cases yet, so she was immediately interested, excitedly asking, "So, the files you showed me before, were they all real murders?"

Li Hao nodded slightly, "Most likely."

"Then you're going to get credit!"

Chen Na became even more excited, "Li Hao, if you solve the case, you'll get the main credit. You might even be promoted to a second-level inspector with just this one case!"

She was a bit envious, more because Li Hao could be involved in major cases, which she couldn't.

She wasn't the type to endure loneliness.

"There's no lead yet."

Li Hao didn't say much, and Chen Na's eyes twinkled as she quickly whispered, "Didn't we agree to go to my hometown tomorrow? Li Hao, are we still going? Will we be followed? Li Hao, if we catch the murderer together, will I get credit too?"

Yesterday, Li Hao had agreed to go to Chen Na's hometown with her to investigate the folk song.

But yesterday, Li Hao didn't know he would be targeted so quickly, and the situation was extremely dangerous, even with the Red Shadow appearing.

Now, Li Hao was hesitant.

Looking at Chen Na, he finally said, "Forget it, we won't go. We're both new, and it's too dangerous. Let's keep a low profile for now."

He didn't want to involve his colleague in this.

The extraordinary and superhuman world was too dangerous.

As for the folk song, it wasn't urgent. Now that he knew the situation, if he was really interested, he could investigate it after dealing with the Red Shadow.

"Ah? We're not going?"

Chen Na was immediately disappointed. She wanted to be involved in a major case!

"Li Hao, let's go! What's there to be afraid of? We can just inform the enforcement team and use ourselves as bait. We might catch the culprit directly!"

She knew there were risks, but they could involve the enforcement team.

"Let's see!"

The two chatted for a bit, and others started to arrive.

Many had heard about last night's incident. Yu Dajie, as soon as she entered, said bluntly, "Xiao Hao, don't be foolish! Don't get involved in such dangerous cases. Our Confidential Room has less work and less danger, but the pay is good! Where else can you find such a good deal? Stay in the Confidential Room and don't get involved with the enforcement team!"

"Right, Xiao Hao, listen to your senior. Don't get involved in these things. It's dangerous and there's no benefit."

"..."

Everyone was concerned about their young colleague and advised him.

Staying in the Confidential Room had made everyone unfamiliar with investigations. Now, if they were asked to go to the front lines, few would be willing.

Li Hao didn't argue, just nodded, looking very kind.

It seemed to say, "I have no choice, I just got involved."

...

Until Wang Jie entered, everyone finally calmed down.

"Li Hao, come to my office!"

Wang Jie said and quickly entered his office.

Li Hao waited a moment and then got up to go to the office.

...

In the office.

Wang Jie carefully observed Li Hao for a while, then smiled and patted his hand, "Sit down!"

Li Hao sat down cautiously.

Wang Jie laughed, "Don't be so stiff, it's not good for your career in the enforcement team."

Li Hao looked up.

Wang Jie said, "The enforcement team called me last night, saying they want to transfer you over. Liu Long rarely speaks up, and for him to personally request you is quite rare, showing how much they value you! Li Hao, what do you think about the self-immolation case? It seems you've caught Liu Long's attention, and the enforcement team wants you. What do you think?"

In reality, Wang Jie couldn't refuse.

As for Li Hao, Wang Jie thought he couldn't resist either. Of course, Li Hao's teacher was quite concerned about him, so if he really refused, it wouldn't be a problem.

Liu Long's position was much higher than Wang Jie's, and he was a real power player.

Wang Jie wanted to hear Li Hao's thoughts.

Li Hao thought for a moment, lowered his head, and said softly, "Chief, I want to go! The Confidential Room is great, and I like it, but you know, I joined the Inspection Bureau for one goal... to avenge my friend!"

"Ah!"

Wang Jie sighed, "I understand. I'm really going to miss you, but I was planning to recommend you for a promotion. Since you're thinking about the self-immolation case, I won't stop you."

"However, be careful. The enforcement team is much more dangerous than the Confidential Room, with casualties every year. Especially the self-immolation case, I suggest you focus on paperwork and avoid the front lines. This case isn't simple, and if the enforcement team can't handle it, it might attract higher attention."

Li Hao nodded silently.

Wang Jie, seeing this, didn't say more. He actually quite liked this young man.

But since he came to the Inspection Bureau with this goal, there was no point in persuading him further.

"Once the self-immolation case is over, if you want to come back, you can submit a report, and we'll welcome you back anytime!"

"Thank you, Chief!"

Li Hao thanked him. Everyone in the Confidential Room had been very good to him.

If it weren't for the current situation, he would have thought staying in the Confidential Room was a good choice.

...

Leaving the Chief's office, Li Hao didn't tell anyone he was being transferred.

He didn't pack anything, just said goodbye to Chen Na and went to the enforcement team.

The enforcement team and the Confidential Room were both in the Inspection Bureau headquarters.

However, they were in different buildings.

The Confidential Room was in the office behind the inspection hall, while the enforcement team was in a separate building, which was much more spacious and luxurious.

Wearing his inspection uniform, Li Hao walked to the entrance of the enforcement building, and no one stopped him.

At the entrance, enforcement team members were coming and going, all looking tough.

Compared to them, Li Hao looked thin and unremarkable.

Without asking anyone, Li Hao walked upstairs.

He was looking for Liu Yan.

Liu Yan was the deputy leader of the enforcement team and had her own office on the sixth floor.

Li Hao quickly went up to the sixth floor.

The sixth floor was mostly empty, with offices for leaders.

After looking around, he found the nameplate and knocked on the door of an office.

"Come in!"

Liu Yan's voice, lacking the charm from last night, was a bit cold.

When Li Hao pushed the door open, Liu Yan's tone changed, with a hint of a smile, "Oh, Xiao Li Hao, you look like you didn't sleep well. Missing your sister this early in the morning?"

"Good morning, Deputy Leader Liu!"

Li Hao saluted, remaining composed.

Charm had no effect on him.

Especially in a dangerous situation, he had no interest in appreciating her charm, let alone the fact that Liu Yan was not simple and was part of Liu Long's group. Li Hao didn't want to get into trouble.

"Xiao Li Hao, why so formal?"

Liu Yan smiled, but Li Hao stood straight, glancing around her office.

He was inwardly shocked.

The office was large, at least a couple of hundred square meters, not much smaller than the entire Confidential Room.

The key wasn't the size; it was normal for the enforcement team to be more luxurious. What was abnormal was that Li Hao immediately saw some large-scale weapons in the office.

What was the third-generation vortex gun compared to these?

Such a small pistol was trash here!

The Storm One!

Li Hao had heard of it, a powerful assault weapon with a capacity of 300 rounds, capable of continuous fire.

The Eagle Eye Four, the most advanced sniper rifle, with a precision range of over 500 meters and a larger effective range.

The Armor-Piercing Two, rumored to penetrate steel.

...

This wasn't an office; it was an armory!

Li Hao was inwardly shocked.

Liu Yan seemed to notice his expression and laughed, "Xiao Li Hao, don't be surprised. These are all models, just for decoration, not real!"

Li Hao was speechless. Do you think I believe you?

Models?

The metallic texture, emitting a cold metallic glow, were these models?

Do you think I'm blind?

The enforcement team was really something, and Liu Yan boldly displayed these lethal weapons in her office.

"These are models!"

Liu Yan laughed, suddenly picking up a black grenade and tossing it to Li Hao, "Play with it, it's fine!"

Li Hao's eyes widened, quickly catching it.

Cold sweat trickled down his forehead!

Damn!

It won't explode, right?

"Don't be afraid!"

Liu Yan came closer, laughing, and seeing Li Hao catch it, casually pulled the pin, still laughing, "It's fine, the pin isn't pulled, so it won't explode."

Li Hao's scalp tingled!

Are you crazy?

She actually pulled the pin!

At that moment, Li Hao wanted to run.

Fortunately, Liu Yan laughed and took the grenade, casually throwing it out the window.

"It's fine, it's fake!"

Boom!

A loud explosion shook the room.

Li Hao's face turned pale. Fake?

Also, this woman is crazy, you just threw it down and it exploded. This... this is fine?

Liu Yan stared at him, seeing his pale face, and suddenly stopped smiling, saying calmly, "Xiao Li Hao, this won't do!"

"Huh?"

"You were scared?"

Liu Yan returned to her seat, leaning back and casually putting her feet on the desk, saying lazily, "Superhumans aren't like these things! Some can create a small fireball with more power than this! A slight mistake... and you're dead! If you're afraid of a grenade exploding, you're too timid to join us."

Li Hao frowned slightly, then relaxed, "I don't know anything about these! I'm just an ordinary person. Even if I join the enforcement team, I might not deal with these people. Deputy Leader Liu, I should be afraid, and maybe with more practice, I'll get used to it."

"Is that so?"

Liu Yan laughed, "You're so