Chapter Sixty-Nine: The Card Game!

Both individuals had hanged themselves, and according to the traces at the scene, it was confirmed as suicide. There were no signs of a third party, only a playing card found on the table—a red Ace of Hearts.

When the provincial bureau learned of this, they were furious. To dare kill senior criminal investigators—the perpetrator was truly lawless. To ensure the safety of the other involved members, three platoons of armed police were dispatched from the military district that very day, tasked specifically with their protection.

But it was all in vain. On the fourth day, two more experts died, also by hanging. At the scene, a King of Hearts was found.

One armed policeman noticed a figure moving in the distance and immediately gave chase with his gun. Yet that night, he disappeared. The next day, his body was found by the bank of the Tuhai River—he had drowned, another suicide.

The danger of the case forced the provincial bureau to take it seriously. Helpless, they could only continue to report up the chain…

After the higher authorities confirmed the matter, they immediately assembled a vast task force from across the country, forming the large investigation unit we were now part of. To prevent further incidents, all members of the task force worked within the military district; aside from investigations during the day—when protected by armed police—no one was allowed to leave at any other time.

The directive from above was clear: ensure personal safety first, then investigate the case.

After reading this, I found myself unable to calm down for a long time. Under the heavy protection of armed police, two seasoned criminal investigators had been killed—how had the perpetrator managed it? And that body with intact skin but missing internal organs—how could it be?

At the very least, science could hardly explain any of this.

“Has everyone finished reading?” the leader sighed. “Does anyone wish to speak?”

“Report.” An elderly man suddenly stood up from the crowd.

The military leader nodded. “Please, sir.”

“Ten years ago, there was a similar case by the Qinhuai River. The victim’s body was unharmed on the outside, but all internal organs were gone. One investigator involved in the case disappeared; the others remained safe. To this day, the mystery remains unsolved. Could it be… the same perpetrator?”

As soon as he mentioned that, I was instantly agitated—one investigator disappeared; could he have been referring to Third Uncle?

I calmed myself and, after some thought, believed that the missing person was very likely Third Uncle.

The leader nodded. “That case was a stain on our record—we prefer not to mention it. However, since the conditions of the deceased are so similar, we’ll distribute a summary of the ten-year-old case to everyone shortly.”

“We need all the files!” the crowd demanded.

The leader sighed. “All the files, including every tip from the public, now fill a whole archive room.”

Everyone began whispering and discussing among themselves.

I immediately looked at Elder Lin. “Elder Lin, surely you’ve heard something about this?”

Elder Lin nodded thoughtfully. “It was a sensation in its day—‘the playing card game.’ I heard about it even while working abroad.”

“It made it overseas? How come I’ve never heard of it?”

“Events of a supernatural nature spread only by word of mouth. The news would never be allowed to report it,” Elder Lin explained.

I nodded in understanding.

“Report.” Another person stood up. “Why not involve the members of the original task force in the investigation?”

The leader’s mouth twitched, showing a trace of embarrassment, but eventually he sighed. “All members of the original task force have since died of various illnesses…”

The room erupted into a commotion, people whispering and losing their composure.

The leader quickly spoke, “Quiet, please. Our investigation shows all died of natural causes—heart and lung diseases, nothing directly tied to that case. If anyone wishes to withdraw, you may do so—just register with me.”

Immediately, the room fell silent. No one chose to withdraw.

For anyone who withdrew, their career would be finished. Even if they weren’t directly involved, as someone with inside knowledge, the higher-ups would not let them off lightly. The punishment would be much like exile in ancient times.

“After the Pentagon incident in the United States, most of the rescuers later died of lung disease,” Elder Lin whispered to me. “So I suspect the previous task force unknowingly inhaled some kind of toxin that accelerates aging. I suggest we all wear gas masks during our investigation.”

I nodded and asked why Elder Lin didn’t make this suggestion publicly.

He replied, “No need. They’ve surely noticed this already—gas masks will be provided.”

And sure enough, after the meeting, each of us received a set of the latest gas masks. Every time we returned from a crime scene, we were required to go through a special decontamination process.

“If anyone has information, it must be shared. This is no trivial matter. Any department member who provides valuable clues will be rewarded and commended according to the importance of their contribution.”

At last, the anxious hearts of the group found a little comfort.

“Report!” To my surprise, Master Huo’s disciple, Ashan, raised his hand to speak.

The older veterans had already looked down upon such a young man joining the task force; now, seeing him volunteer to speak, they regarded him with even more disdain, thinking him brash and eager to show off.

Even the senior leader seemed uncertain, glancing at Ashan. “What would you like to say, young comrade?”

“I’d like to view the body,” Ashan replied. “I suspect microorganisms are responsible for all of this. Microorganisms can thrive in the human body by decomposing organs, and after breaking down the organs, they can exit through the nose or mouth. This isn’t so incredible—think of the cordyceps fungus; the principle is the same.”

The leader’s interest was piqued. “Oh? You have a unique perspective, and it’s scientifically sound. What is your name?”

“Huo Shan,” Ashan responded.

“Very good.” The leader smiled and nodded. “Indeed, as the poet said, ‘Heaven, grant us more talent, from all walks of life.’”

Master Huo smiled. “My disciple is willful and not much for respecting his elders, so if he’s offended anyone, I beg your forgiveness.”

A blatant provocation—it was a clear jab at everyone present, suggesting none of them were as useful as his disciple!

Several people nearby muttered curses at the old man and his arrogant disciple; even Tang Jingjing was cursing them silently in her heart.

After the meeting adjourned, all the files were collected and taken away. Master Huo, full of pride, strode over to us and asked Elder Lin with a smile, “Elder Lin, do you have any guidance regarding my disciple’s opinion?”

“I do,” Elder Lin replied. “A tall tree in the forest invites the wind.”

“You’re just jealous, aren’t you?” Master Huo glared at Elder Lin in anger.

Elder Lin chuckled. “I am jealous—so what? Jingjing, do you smell the stench of scoundrels growing stronger?”

“It’s even thicker now.”

“Then let’s leave quickly, lest we be choked by it.”

Once outside, Elder Lin requested to view the corpse immediately. I hesitated and suggested we first examine the bodies of the deceased investigators.

Elder Lin agreed, “As you wish. I’m no expert in autopsies.”

With that, Elder Lin asked the military to escort us to view the bodies of the fallen criminal experts.

Soon, a staff member led us to the morgue.

There were two autopsy rooms prepared. Clearly, the military was aware of the rivalry between Elder Lin and Master Huo—perhaps this competition was deliberately arranged, as rivalry can yield better results.

And indeed, it was working—Elder Lin was clearly anxious, eager for me to give my best effort. This first round simply could not be lost to Master Huo!

Though Elder Lin always appeared calm and unruffled in front of his old adversary, deep down, facing a former rival—especially one who had once been beaten by him—he was a mischievous old man, perhaps even less composed than Li Huai at this moment.