Zhou Huan and Xiao He meticulously stared at what Director Li was writing. For every character written, Zhou Huan strained to memorize it; Xiao He was equally focused on retention. In less than half an hour, Director Li finished his notes and handed them over to Zhou Huan: "Master Zhou, please take a look.

What I’ve written is far from what our Criminal Investigation Division needs. I expect you’ll see through it more clearly. Most of this material is utterly inexplicable and untraceable for us; it’s truly a mystery." "Director Li, I don't need to look.

I remember every word you just wrote with perfect clarity. Now, please send someone to escort us to the morgue; we need to see the body," Zhou Huan requested proactively. Xiao He glanced at Zhou Huan, then took the materials from Director Li's hand: "I'll keep these notes.

Is there anything you missed, Director? Think hard—we want to resolve this as quickly as possible so we can return." "Officer Wang, I've written everything in detail; there's nothing left out. I’ve been thinking about this matter daily.

We have no other pressing cases right now; the region is quiet and peaceful, which is why this one case remains unsolved, leading us to seek your expertise," Director Li showed a trace of anxiety on his face. Zhou Huan slung his bag over his shoulder, then pulled out a talisman tied with red thread from within it, presenting it to Director Li: "This talisman will protect you from spiritual interference. You can rest assured and attend to other matters.

We will handle this situation appropriately." "Yes, yes, thank you, Master Zhou, and thank you, Officer Wang!" As Director Li spoke, Zhou Huan and Xiao He were already heading out, waiting by the main entrance for the person Director Li would summon. "Brother Huan, do you think this matter will be easy to handle?" Xiao He asked Zhou Huan, looking at the documents. Zhou Huan’s expression held little warmth as he dismissively remarked, "If it were easy to handle, they wouldn't leave it for us.

Be careful yourself in a little while; your body hasn't fully recovered. If you can’t manage something, don't push it. I’ll take care of what I can." "Hmph, you’re capable, but I’m not completely useless either!" Xiao He knew Zhou Huan was concerned for her, but she didn't want to show it, so she put up a brave front.

Zhou Huan offered a slight, passing smile. "Master Zhou, Officer Wang, why are you already out here? I was looking everywhere for you," Director Li hurried out, followed by a towering police officer nearly six feet three inches tall, a sidearm holstered at his waist.

Director Li brought this man before Zhou Huan and introduced him: "Master Zhou, this is our bureau's combat ace, Deputy Director of the Investigation Unit, Sui Xi. From now on, he will be your direct liaison for all matters concerning this case." "That’s fine, as long as we can find him when needed. We probably won't need him much anyway," Xiao He wasn't trying to belittle Sui Xi; she merely implied that Zhou Huan could solve these matters on his own.

Just as Xiao He finished speaking, Sui Xi’s imposing frame stood before the car hood: "That officer has quite a sharp tongue. You won't need me?" "Brother, that's not what I meant. When dealing with spiritual phenomena, police officers may not always achieve the best possible results," Xiao He explained.

Sui Xi was even less yielding: "What, you think you’re the only ones with certain skills? Does Wen Chang County lack capable individuals like us?" Hearing this, Zhou Huan immediately sensed the atmosphere shifting. Were they invited to help, or were they being challenged?

If they already had such capable people, why summon outsiders? It seemed superfluous. Zhou Huan then questioned Sui Xi: "I hadn't realized you possessed such abilities.

Alright, let's put that aside for now. Let's get in the car and head to the morgue first." The three of them then boarded the car, with Zhou Huan taking the driver's seat. Just as the car began to move, Director Li leaned close to the window, his face crinkled with flesh, but the smile now held none of the previous politeness; instead, it carried an indefinable, eerie sense of menace.

"Master Zhou, this man is the apprentice of Yu Laohu, a renowned master of funeral rites from Shandong. He came here right after graduating from the police academy. I hope you two can join forces to resolve this matter quickly; that way, we can all be satisfied." Director Li observed the slight surprise on Zhou Huan and Xiao He’s faces, then grinned widely: "That's all I have to say.

You two enjoy yourselves." Zhou Huan immediately recognized the sharp shift in tone. What did this mean? It was clearly a challenge, but with matters having reached this stage, it was awkward for Zhou Huan to refuse.

Besides, a challenge was beneficial to Zhou Huan; in every contest, he could absorb new techniques from the masters of his craft. His own creations were, after all, only one perspective, and many others' methods of crafting and cultivation differed markedly from his own, so he was keen to observe. "Master Zhou, what do you say?

I’m sure you won't refuse," Director Li’s smile now appeared utterly treacherous and cunning. Xiao He became agitated: "Director Li, you are clearly trying to trick us! We came with sincerity, and now you spring something else on us.

Fine then…" Zhou Huan interrupted Xiao He, offering a placating smile: "Alright, stop arguing with them. A challenge is a challenge; it doesn't matter. We accept.

Let's go!" With that, Zhou Huan started the car, offered a token farewell to Director Li, and then drove off, guided by Sui Xi, toward the largest local hospital. Before they even reached the entrance, Sui Xi began to speak. "You two have traveled far; perhaps you should rest in the car a little longer." As he spoke, Sui Xi removed his uniform, revealing a proper Zhongshan suit underneath.

He pulled a sheet of talisman paper from his pocket and, using the same method as Zhou Huan, bit his finger and began drawing symbols on the paper with his own blood. Zhou Huan realized he had encountered a formidable opponent. His words were sharp; it seemed they intended to crush him completely only to later lift him up, thereby cementing their own reputation.

"Brother Huan, look at what he's drawing. Why have I never seen you draw a talisman like that?" Xiao He noticed the difference first. Zhou Huan looked over.

Sui Xi was inscribing a very peculiar style of talisman on the paper. Zhou Huan had certainly seen it before, but he couldn't recall ever using it—and he couldn't even recall why he couldn't remember. Yet, he was certain he had encountered this specific type of talisman.

"Brother Huan, hurry up and tell me! What is he drawing? Do you know?" Seeing Zhou Huan momentarily silent, Xiao He grew suspicious: "Could it be… that he truly possesses some extraordinary skill?" Zhou Huan frowned deeply and nodded: "Yes, just this one talisman shows he is no ordinary practitioner.

I haven't actually heard of this Yu Laohu, but if I recall correctly, the funeral rites around here should typically follow the Song School techniques." "What's the Song School?" Xiao He asked, curious. Zhou Huan then alighted from the car, following Sui Xi, while murmuring softly to Xiao He: "The so-called Song School is a method of handling rites passed down from the Song Dynasty. Song School techniques are largely derived from Daoism of that era, as Daoism flourished greatly then, resulting in numerous methods across various sects, inevitably mixing in tenets and talismans from Daoist doctrine." He paused here, a hint of contemplation crossing his mind.

"That's right, this is a doctrinal talisman. Talismans like this can only be drawn by the successive sect leaders; one cannot learn such symbols without holding that position. Could it be…" Zhou Huan glanced back at Sui Xi, his mind racing.

Could the current leader of the Song School be this man? At this point, Zhou Huan had stood still for over ten seconds. Xiao He waved her hand repeatedly in front of his eyes before finally drawing his attention back.

"Brother Huan, what’s wrong? Did you remember something from your past life again?" Xiao He brought up the topic of Zhou Huan's reincarnation once more. Zhou Huan smiled faintly: "No.

Let's hurry up and catch up. We need to see if this man is just trying to show off or if he has some other agenda." The two quickened their pace and soon caught up with Sui Xi, who was walking ahead. They traversed a long corridor, turned left at the end, walked to the far wall, and saw a large iron door directly opposite, inscribed with three large characters: "MORGUE." The chill emanating from it was exceptionally sharp; the air in the entire corridor seemed congealed, and Zhou Huan’s breath carried a slightly viscous quality.

"Brother Huan, why is it so unusually cold here?" Xiao He tensed her body, clutching Zhou Huan's left arm tightly. Zhou Huan unfastened his jacket and wrapped it around Xiao He: "Mr. Sui Xi, have we arrived?" "Yes, follow me in.

Oh, by the way, I didn't see you draw a talisman or anything. Aren't you afraid the corpse's soul power will harm you when we see the body?" Sui Xi said this with a smug smile, then pulled two more talisman papers from his pocket: "Here, one for each of you. Don't fight over them.

If you lose them, you won't get another." Zhou Huan knew this was a blatant provocation. Regardless, he decided to accept the talismans for now and assess the situation inside. "Oh, thank you so much for your help and care.

Otherwise, we wouldn't even know how to draw these talismans ourselves," Zhou Huan replied with a smile. Sui Xi chuckled smugly, glanced at Zhou Huan and Xiao He, shook his head, and pushed open the main door to the morgue. "Creeeeak!" It was the sound of years of buildup, the friction of metal panels that had aged over time.

"Master Sui Xi, you lead the way. It looks like you’re about to show off your skills now. Zhou Huan and I will be watching, hehe.

Go for it, Master Sui," Xiao He and Zhou Huan essentially conveyed the same message. Sui Xi maintained his smug expression. As the morgue door opened, a wave of sinister, terrifying cold—the chill of a resting place for the dead—washed over them, the artificially generated cold air pressing directly against the psychological defenses of a normal person.