Zhang Yang was visibly startled by the sight of the spent casings and blades in the bag. The things President Yan of the Paranormal Association had unearthed were certainly numerous; all of this evidence should have been thoroughly cleaned up back then, at least anything directly related to him.

“Mr. Yan, I truly admire your thoroughness, but how can you prove these are all connected to the giant python?” Long Cheng raised his head and asked softly, his expression tinged with doubt.

Yet, inwardly, he too was greatly surprised. The items Yan Yefei had found were clearly direct evidence.

It was the old saying come true: beware the man with a plan. He wondered if Yan had started to suspect Zhang Yang’s involvement.

Yan Yefei smiled mysteriously and whispered, “I knew you’d ask that. Come over here; I have something even more shocking to show you!” He beckoned Zhang Yang and Long Cheng over, then stepped aside.

Long Cheng glanced at Zhang Yang; they nodded to each other and followed him. What he was saying had successfully captivated both of them, especially Zhang Yang, who was intensely curious about what Yan had uncovered and how much he truly knew.

Once Zhang Yang and Long Cheng approached, Yan Yefei took out a stack of photographs from an aide’s bag and glanced around cautiously. “I was the first person to enter the Savage Mountains to gather evidence related to the giant python.

Besides the casings and blades, I also discovered a terrifying location. I photographed it, and you’ll understand once you see!” As Yan Yefei spoke, he handed over the photos in his hand.

Long Cheng took the photographs and paused slightly upon seeing the first one. He then passed the viewed photos over to Zhang Yang.

The content of the pictures was the forest—specifically, a scene deep within the Savage Mountains. The photos were full of broken tree trunks and a cleared area.

Though not overtly obvious, Zhang Yang instantly recognized the site of their great battle with the Golden-Crowned Python. “This is a place I found inside the Savage Mountains.

This absolutely did not form naturally, nor was it the work of machinery. I inspected it closely on site, and it looks more like the aftermath of a massive battle.

Based on the manner of the python’s death and where it was unearthed, I’ve made a bold guess!” Yan Yefei revealed another flash of mystery and whispered, “I suspect someone fought a massive battle with this python and ultimately defeated it. Afterward, I learned from the villagers that they were the first to find the python’s corpse.

However, when they found it, the body was highly toxic, so they buried it, and it was only later exposed by reporters by chance!” When Yan Yefei finished speaking, Zhang Yang and Long Cheng had finished looking at the photos. They exchanged another look.

They had to admit this man was sharp; his deductions were remarkably accurate, nearly hitting the mark on everything. “You have quite the imagination.

Couldn't it be that the military came and killed the python? Such a massive creature—one person couldn't handle it, right?

Aren’t there shell casings?” Long Cheng chuckled again, but Yan Yefei gently shook his head and said once more, “No, definitely not the military. I suspect it wasn't many people; very likely, just one individual killed the python.

And those casings? They aren't military rounds either.

I checked; they are shotgun shells!” “One person? How could anyone be that powerful!” Long Cheng laughed again, feigning disbelief.

This outward display was intentional; he had learned long ago how to conceal his status as a cultivator in the mundane world. Long Cheng’s internal energy was not high, but he was still a cultivator.

“I know you won't believe me yet. I currently lack the definitive proof, but once I have it, I can substantiate everything!” Yan Yefei shook his head with a hint of regret.

“It’s a pity the python’s body vanished without a trace. If the corpse were here, these pieces of evidence, combined, could reconstruct the process of its death.

Now that the body is gone, even if I try to piece it together, no one will believe me!” As he spoke, the person beside him nodded vigorously, his face etched with regret. Both were from Jinxi and members of the Paranormal Research Association; this man was his assistant, who also believed that many things existed in the world that they couldn't comprehend.

In the past, they had researched extensively but never found direct physical evidence. This time, they finally had evidence, but alas, the python had disappeared.

The python was the central point of all their arguments; without it, everything in his possession became useless. “Mr.

Yan, if I may ask, this must be the result of your painstaking investigation. Why tell us all this on our first meeting?” Zhang Yang suddenly asked, and Long Cheng turned back, looking at Yan Yefei.

His research was indeed excellent, and he had obtained real evidence. Moreover, this material held considerable value.

Simply put, if they sold this information to reporters, they could fetch a decent price. His previous claims would gain significant traction under the weight of this evidence, becoming captivating material.

By any measure, he shouldn't have revealed this on their initial encounter. “To be honest, I hadn't intended to share this at first.

But after meeting the two of you, I suddenly felt the urge to find someone to share our findings with. Now that the python’s body is gone, our research here might once again yield no concrete result, remaining just a personal study, perhaps for future generations to solve the mystery!” Yan Yefei slowly shook his head, looking dejected again.

His companion mirrored his disappointment. Their Paranormal Research Association was often dismissed as eccentric or foolish; over the years, none of their research had ever yielded substantial proof.

This time, they had the highest hopes for a complete set of research findings, but the python had vanished. The python was the core and foundation of their entire line of deduction; without it as verification, even if they spoke out, others would treat it as mere fantasy.

“Do you two believe us?” Yan Yefei looked up again, addressing Zhang Yang and Long Cheng. After a moment of hesitation, Zhang Yang nodded gently.

He did believe them; he believed them strongly, as no one understood the true sequence of events better than he did. Yan Yefei’s deduction contained minor inaccuracies, but the overall outline was correct.

The python wasn't killed by a single person; it was the combined effort of Zhang Yang, Long Feng, and the lightning-fast coordination of Shadowless that ultimately defeated the spirit beast. “It’s good that you believe us.

In truth, even if we presented this evidence, some people would certainly step forward to refute it. There are far too many materialists in this world.

Telling them that one person could kill such a giant python through personal ability simply wouldn't be believed!” Yan Yefei laughed self-deprecatingly, though a flicker of happiness shone in his expression. The pressure they faced researching these matters was immense; even those close to them often didn't believe them, treating them as mentally unwell.

Now, meeting two strangers who actually believed their words gave them the feeling of finding kindred spirits. For some inexplicable reason, he felt a particular trust towards Zhang Yang—a strange trust, but it was undeniably there.

This was a major reason he had shared so much. “Besides you two, is anyone else investigating this?” Zhang Yang returned the photographs to Yan Yefei and asked another question.

From the current perspective, people were beginning to suspect human involvement in the python's demise. Fortunately, there was no direct evidence linking it to them.

However, if someone did become suspicious, he wasn't overly worried. There weren't many people like Yan Yefei in the world; most remained unconvinced.

If real trouble arose, they could always seek help from the outer circle of the Long family; they could manage everything. The high-ranking members were fully aware of the existence of internal energy cultivators, and the Long family had always maintained a good working relationship with the government.

Long family disciples were routinely tasked with security duties. “No, not really.

Those other people only cared about how much the python’s carcass was worth—they were all driven by greed and didn't think deeply enough. Even the television stations only speculated that an old enemy had killed the python; they absolutely didn't believe it was the work of humans!” Yan Yefei shook his head again, his tone laced with disdain when speaking of others.

Zhang Yang looked back at Long Cheng and nodded silently. The situation wasn't the worst it could be.

Some people were suspicious, but very few, it seemed, only Yan Yefei. Even if others were involved, they certainly wouldn't possess more evidence than him.

Zhang Yang planned to re-enter the Savage Mountains later to erase all remaining traces. As for the evidence Yan Yefei held, he would devise a way to retrieve it later, thus completely eliminating all leads.

His visit hadn't been in vain this time; otherwise, if these people had continued investigating, they might actually have traced things back to them. “Having spoken so much with you two, I don't yet know your esteemed names?” After putting his things away, Yan Yefei asked, feeling a strong, immediate rapport with Zhang Yang and Long Cheng.

They gave their names, and Long Cheng even offered a business card. Yan Yefei also produced his own card, but it listed his position not as President of the Paranormal Research Association, but as the Deputy General Manager of the Haiyuan Group in Jinxi.

Long Cheng had heard of the Haiyuan Group; it was a significant company, quite famous in Jinxi. He hadn't expected that the head of this Paranormal Association would hold such a respectable position.

“Boss Zhang, Boss Long, it’s nearly noon. Shall we head back for a bite to eat?” As they were talking, Mayor Wang walked over again.

By this time, Li Ya, Wang Chen, and the others had finished their own perimeter exploration, and their faces showed some disappointment. They hadn't found any clues of value by looking around.

Apart from Chang Feng, who seemed somewhat skeptical, none of them noticed anything unusual. The constant presence of people in the area recently meant no small animals were around, making the location appear even more dull.

Zhang Yang first nodded slightly, then turned back. “That sounds good.

Mr. Yan, please join us.

We have excellent wine and food; let’s have a proper drink!” “Indeed, let’s drink! Mr.

Yan, does your Paranormal Research Association have any other research topics? I’m genuinely curious!” Long Cheng added with a smile.

This time, he wasn't being overly cautious; he was truly interested in the association. Beyond the world of internal energy cultivation, he wanted to know if there were other aspects he remained ignorant of.

Everyone possesses curiosity, Long Cheng included. “Haha, then I happily accept your invitation.

I actually do have some other fascinating research. Not long ago, I traveled to the Weijiang Province.

I heard tales there of a horse deity, entirely white, much like this one!” Yan Yefei laughed heartily, pointing toward Zhui Feng, who was slowly trotting behind Zhang Yang. At this mention, Zhui Feng lifted his head and looked in their direction.