After Hu Tao took Chen Feng sightseeing for another two days, the two finally returned to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Zhongli had already been waiting for them for a long time, like an old father waiting for his playful daughter to come home.
"Consultant Zhongli, has anyone met with an accident during this time?"
Upon hearing Hu Tao's question, Zhongli glanced at Chen Feng, who was standing beside her. He clearly noticed that the distance between the two had shortened considerably compared to when they left, but he said nothing.
"Director Hu, the people who left their names before are all still alive, and no accidents have occurred."
This result meant that Chen Feng's suspicions had not been completely cleared. However, after hearing this, Hu Tao snorted coldly and then spoke.
"It seems this murderer intends to fight the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to the bitter end!"
"However, this Director doesn't believe he's been completely inactive this time. Perhaps some deaths that appear quite normal are actually his handiwork."
"Consultant Chen Feng, let's go ask Ningguang!"
After saying this, Hu Tao hurriedly took Chen Feng to Yuehai Pavilion and submitted an application to see Ningguang.
Normally, people wanting to see Ningguang had to wait in line for several months, but Hu Tao and Chen Feng were clearly not in that category. Very quickly, Ningguang arranged a meeting with them at the Jade Chamber.
"Director Hu, Mr. Chen Feng, you have finally returned."
After seeing the two, Ningguang spoke slowly.
"I've also heard about the recent situation at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. I was worried about Director Hu at first, but now it seems I was overthinking."
"Isn't it just a minor matter of personnel turnover? Rest assured, this Director isn't that fragile."
"Is the matter of money also a minor thing?"
Hearing Ningguang's words, Hu Tao suddenly felt a bit awkward.
"So you already knew about this, huh? Ningguang, you're really well-informed."
"Heh heh."
Ningguang chuckled lightly. Her gaze lingered on Chen Feng for a moment before turning back to Hu Tao.
"Given our friendship, Director Hu, I can offer you an interest-free loan of two hundred million Mora with a thirty-year term. What do you think, Director Hu?"
"H-How much?!"
Hu Tao nearly bit her tongue in shock at Ningguang's extravagant offer.
Two hundred million Mora sounded as trivial as two hundred Mora in Ningguang's mouth. Even though Hu Tao wasn't particularly greedy, she couldn't help but feel a bit envious. That damn rich woman!
"T-Ten million Mora is enough for this Director to use in an emergency. I'll definitely pay you back within a year!"
Hearing Hu Tao's words, Ningguang shook her head and said decisively:
"I'll give Director Hu one hundred million Mora. This amount is nothing to me, and I'm sure the Director can pay it back within the time limit. Let's end this topic here. Just have Consultant Zhongli visit my Jade Chamber more often when you have time."
"...Alright, I'll send Consultant Zhongli over as soon as I get back!"
Hu Tao hesitated for a moment before finally accepting Ningguang's kindness. It was just that such a debt of gratitude would be hard to repay!
But now the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had indeed reached its wit's end. She wasn't such an inflexible person, and she could figure out a way to repay the debt later.
"By the way, Director Hu Tao and Mr. Chen Feng, is there something important you want to tell me about today?"
Ningguang picked up her teacup, took a sip, and then slowly asked the two of them.
"Ningguang, you should have been organizing the daily death toll of Liyue during this time, right?"
"I think this number should have increased considerably."
Hearing Hu Tao's words, Ningguang didn't deny it, nodding and speaking.
"Indeed, there's been an increase of nearly double, and it has been like this for several days in a row."
After hearing these words, the expression on Hu Tao's face seemed to relax a bit, and she quickly spoke again.
"It seems this murderer is very cunning, and knows how to hide his criminal behavior."
"This person is truly hateful, and it looks like he is determined to pin the deaths of those victims on the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Chen Feng spoke up with some indignation.
"The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has suffered grievances during this period. In this matter, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor can be considered a victim. When the murderer is brought to justice, they will clear the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's name."
After hearing Ningguang's words, Hu Tao nodded.
"Ningguang, this Director has one more thing to tell you."
"These past two days, this Director and Consultant Chen Feng went to the Border of Life and Death. There, this Director couldn't find the souls of the first three victims. I'm afraid the murderer is using their souls for something nefarious."
Hearing Hu Tao's words, Ningguang's expression also became serious.
"I didn't expect that even after death, people couldn't rest in peace. We must capture him as soon as possible, before things get to the absolute worst."
"Just in time. Regarding the matter of the false names, we Liyue Qixing have already held a meeting to discuss it. In the end, we came up with the most suitable plan, which can be promulgated within today. I hope this time we can force that person to reveal a flaw."
"Even if we can't find him, I hope this method can protect the lives and safety of Liyue's people to the greatest extent."
"This method will definitely be effective, Ningguang, you have to have confidence in it!"
After hearing Hu Tao's words, Ningguang nodded.
"Right, there's one more thing."
"Because the impact of this incident is too severe, I have already ordered Yelan to establish a Task Force to investigate this matter with all her might."
"Because we need Mr. Chen Feng to identify the victims and warn them in advance, I sincerely hope Director Hu and Mr. Chen Feng can join us."
After listening to Ningguang's words, Hu Tao looked at Chen Feng, asking him with her eyes. After receiving the other party's affirmative answer, Hu Tao looked at Ningguang again and said.
"Since you've personally asked, Ningguang, this Director and Consultant Chen Feng will join."
"Moreover, since that person chose to let Wangsheng Funeral Parlor take the fall for his crimes, this Director will personally drag him out and bring him to justice!"
Ningguang nodded.
"Since Director Hu and Mr. Chen Feng have both decided to join the Task Force, you can go with Yelan to meet the other members when you leave the Jade Chamber. Yelan should be waiting for you two down there right now."
"You, Ningguang, you had us figured out from the start, didn't you? You even had Yelan waiting down there already."
Hu Tao spoke with some annoyance, her face filled with displeasure.
However, Ningguang didn't mind this. After taking another sip of tea, she slowly spoke to the two.
"On the contrary, I know Director Hu and Mr. Chen Feng have no reason to refuse my invitation."
-
"Director Hu, Consultant Chen Feng, I presume you two have decided to join the Task Force?"
Hearing Yelan's words, both Chen Feng and Hu Tao nodded.
"Please follow me."
Yelan walked ahead to lead the way, and Chen Feng and Hu Tao exchanged a glance before quickly following her.
After a short while, Yelan stopped in front of the entrance to a hidden residence, turned around, and said to Chen Feng and Hu Tao.
"We've arrived."
Chen Feng and Hu Tao curiously inspected the residence. From the outside, it looked like a very ordinary home for a wealthy family.
However, after Yelan knocked on the main gate using a special method and someone inside opened it, Chen Feng and Hu Tao immediately saw the many busy figures of Millelith soldiers inside.
"Ningguang has mobilized quite a lot of manpower this time!"
Hu Tao exclaimed, looking around in surprise.
There was too much to investigate, and having too few people wouldn't be enough to handle it all.
Yelan gave a brief explanation.
"Please follow me."
Yelan led Chen Feng and Hu Tao to a room deeper inside, which was already occupied by quite a few people.
"Baizhu?"
Hu Tao looked at a familiar figure in surprise; she never expected to see Baizhu here.
"What are you doing here?"
"Cough, cough. The Task Force needed someone with medical expertise, and since I happen to be a good fit, I came along."
Baizhu explained while coughing. Although he spoke lightly, Hu Tao knew he had likely joined because of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
By seniority, Baizhu was considered her uncle. His master had also come from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and he naturally wouldn't stand by and watch it fall into decline.
"Is Changsheng not with you?"
Noticing the lack of the accessory around Baizhu's neck, Hu Tao asked curiously.
Baizhu shook his head.
"Changsheng dislikes this kind of business, so I temporarily left her to rest at Bubu Pharmacy."
The real reason was that Baizhu had guessed Chen Feng would join the Task Force, so he hadn't brought Changsheng along.
Although Changsheng suffered from a deficiency of vitality and needed Baizhu to nourish her with his own, separating for a short time was perfectly fine.
Hu Tao glanced at the others and noticed Yanfei waving at her.
"Yanfei, you're here too?!"
Hu Tao immediately walked over, looking at Yanfei in surprise as she spoke.
"The murderer this time has gone too far. I couldn't stomach his actions, so I came."
"Anyway, I haven't had much else to do lately. Plus, as a friend, I couldn't stand by and watch the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor suffer so much because of him."
Seeing Yanfei's rather clumsy lie, Hu Tao couldn't help but smile.
As Liyue's most famous attorney, people wanting to hire Yanfei to handle their cases could form a long line. It was just that whether she accepted a case or not depended entirely on her mood, but she wasn't so free as she had claimed.
Yanfei's willingness to join the Task Force was mostly to help her friend.
Aside from Baizhu and Yanfei, although Chen Feng and Hu Tao weren't very familiar with the others, they exchanged warm greetings with each other.
"Alright, everyone quiet down."
Yelan clapped her hands, causing the surrounding chatter to immediately cease.
"I presume it goes without saying that you all know Director Hu Tao and Consultant Chen Feng of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor have chosen to join our Task Force. Please get to know each other."
Then Yelan looked at Chen Feng and Hu Tao, introducing them one by one.
"Everyone here possesses unique skills."
"It's fine if you're not familiar with each other yet. You'll get to know one another over time."
"Additionally, Ms. Keqing and Ms. Ganyu will serve as external members. They're simply too busy to commit much time to this project."
"I've also invited Miss Xianyun, who lives near the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. I've heard her expertise in mechanisms is supernatural and will surely be invaluable to our operation. However, she hasn't responded yet. I suspect she's still engrossed in her research and hasn't seen the letter."
Yelan briefly explained the Task Force's internal structure, then looked at Chen Feng with a slight smile.
"Coincidentally, I heard from Ms. Ningguang that Consultant Chen Feng was the one who proposed the very concept of the Task Force. By conducting specialized investigations into extraordinary cases, we can avoid wasting unnecessary manpower."
"I'm afraid that when Consultant Chen Feng first discussed this with Ms. Ningguang, he never imagined he would become a member of the Task Force himself."
Upon hearing Yelan's words, Chen Feng waved his hand helplessly.
"How could I have ever imagined that?"
"So this was all your idea, Consultant Chen Feng!" Hu Tao exclaimed, looking at him in surprise.
"Consultant Chen Feng, how many more talents do you have that this Director hasn't discovered yet? This Director has truly found a treasure!"
"I just had a casual chat with Miss Ningguang, but I never expected her to adopt the idea, let alone implement it so quickly."
Chen Feng scratched his head and spoke with a bit of embarrassment. At this moment, the other members finally snapped out of their astonishment and began to show him their goodwill one after another.
Having learned some of the inside story, they understood that the key to solving the case might very well lie with Chen Feng. Coupled with the recent rumors, everyone was filled with awe for him.
"Since this is the Task Force's first meeting, we won't dwell on other issues. The most important point is that as far as we can tell, the Murderer's ability may require knowing a person's name to activate. Therefore, we cannot reveal our real names during the investigation. Everyone should address each other by codenames."
Yelan spoke, then paused for a moment before continuing.
"Of course, Director Hu Tao and Consultant Chen Feng are free to do as they please. The Murderer has certainly already learned some things about you, and your identities are no secret anymore."
"Even so, this Director thinks it would be better for everyone to use codenames."
"This Director has already thought of one. You can call me Crouching Dragon, and Consultant Chen Feng is the Fledgling Phoenix. Together, we are the Crouching Dragon and Fledgling Phoenix of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!"
"Consultant Chen Feng, what do you think?"
Hu Tao turned her head to ask Chen Feng for his opinion, but the glimmer in her eyes was so irresistible that one couldn't bear to refuse.
"I think this title suits us perfectly!"
After Hu Tao and Chen Feng set the example, others also stated their titles one after another.
"Ahem, ahem, ahem, you can call me 'Pharmacist' from now on."
Baizhu spoke while coughing uncontrollably, making everyone worry if something was wrong with his health.
"Then I'll be Liyue's Number One Beautiful Legal Advisor!"
Upon hearing Baizhu's words, Yanfei, who had been frowning in thought about her title, suddenly had her eyes light up and blurted it out.
"Yanfei, that title is too long, and it's so obvious. Everyone will know it's you just by hearing it."
Under Hu Tao's persuasion, Yanfei finally reluctantly removed all the adjectives and gave herself the title "Legal Advisor."
"From now on, everyone can call me 'Brother Reward' because I can reward myself all day!"
A skinny man with a bushy beard and an afro laughed out loud as he announced his title, earning knowing smiles from many men and many eye-rolls from women.
"My complexion is quite dark, so everyone can call me 'Little Blackie' from now on..."
Just as everyone was passionately discussing their respective titles, there was a sudden knock on the door, and the voices inside the room immediately dropped.
Soon, a Millelith soldier entered the room and reported to Yelan with a grave expression.
"Lady Yelan, the fourth victim has been found."
Hearing this, Yelan nodded and then addressed the others.
"Everyone heard that. Move out immediately."
At Yelan's command, everyone in the room began preparing.
Before long, the group arrived at the crime scene. After Yelan spoke with the Millelith on site, the officer gave her a military salute and immediately led the other Millelith away, leaving the Task Force to take over.
"This really is quite convenient!"
Seeing this, Hu Tao's eyes lit up, and she turned to Chen Feng.
"It avoids the waste of time and manpower that would otherwise be spent on handovers of investigations and clues between different Millelith units whenever a crime occurs in a different location."
"Now that the Task Force has been established, we can directly take over the investigation of this type of case."
"Consultant Chen Feng, it's a good thing this Director acted first. Otherwise, you might have been snatched away by Ningguang or Keqing."
Besides Hu Tao, the others were equally surprised. No one present was stupid; they could see at a glance how efficient and convenient this model was.
What surprised them even more was that this method had actually come from the mouth of a Consultant from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Their curiosity about Chen Feng grew even stronger.
"Alright, let's go in and investigate."
As Yelan spoke, the group entered the scene of the incident one after another.
This time, the victim was found dead in his own home by the Millelith responsible for protecting him. When Baizhu saw the deceased's body, he coughed as he stepped forward and performed a simple examination of the corpse.
Soon, Baizhu had a preliminary conclusion.
"The deceased died of cardiac arrest. Aside from that, there are no other external injuries on the body, similar to the first victim."
Just as Baizhu's words fell, Hu Tao immediately spoke up solemnly.
"It seems the murderer has basically figured out his own abilities during this period. It's precisely because of this that he only needed to use the simplest method to take his life this time, without needing to conduct various experiments anymore."
"What? That is hardly good news!"
Upon hearing Hu Tao's words, Yanfei immediately spoke up.
"I cannot rule out the possibility that the murderer has not yet fully grasped the limits of his abilities but is using this method to avoid revealing any more information."
At this moment, Chen Feng also added a remark, which immediately earned him a look of approval from Hu Tao.
Following that, the others expressed their own thoughts on the matter.
"Everyone, come look at this!"
Suddenly, the surprised voice of one of the members echoed from another room. Everyone rushed to the room where the voice had come from.
When the crowd saw the object in the person's hand, they all froze.
In that person's hand was an identification document with the deceased's name on it. However, a closer look at the photo revealed a subtle difference...