Chapter 88: Murder

"Qin Yang, everything is ready. A large number of underworld killers are already heading to Fengyang County, and the bounty funds are sitting in the account. Once they succeed, the money will automatically transfer into their secret accounts. Qin Yang, you must be careful; these people won't show mercy for the sake of such a sum. Moreover, it seems a mysterious force has become involved in this manhunt. We've lost all contact and information about the police units, including the special police from the armed forces. Be extremely cautious," Ji Lietiger said, his voice tinged with regret for their earlier actions. "The bounty is valid for seven days, and there are three days left. If you can't make it, find somewhere to hide for three days. After that, the bounty will be withdrawn."

"Don't worry about that. By the way, I want to know, who acts as the arbiter for this bounty?" Qin Yang asked curiously. "The bounty is valid for seven days—if it's canceled after four, the reward should be void, right?"

"It's not that simple," Ji Lietiger replied gravely. "Each bounty is judged by a major underworld figure, who cannot participate in any pursuit or leak information during the process. The bounty typically lasts a year, but a fixed term can be set. Once decided, the term cannot be changed; otherwise, those responsible will face annihilation from the underworld alliance."

"Who is the arbiter this time?" Qin Yang inquired.

"It was Dong Qing from the Southeast, but four days ago Cao Ji took over."

"Boss Cao," Qin Yang's heart tightened.

He hadn't expected that man to take up the arbiter's role. Ji Lietiger repeated his warnings, ending with, "Our people have hidden weapons in Fengyang County. I've sent you the map to your phone, along with some medical supplies. Don't be careless—be cautious."

After hanging up, Qin Yang took a deep breath, then removed his SIM card and crushed it. Yu Wenfei watched, puzzled, and asked, "Why throw it away?"

"Because I'm afraid the enemy will track my location," Qin Yang replied, patting her head. "During these three days, don't talk to strangers and don't—"

He broke off, suddenly noticing four or five shadowy figures lurking in the moonlit corner. With a cold smile, he had Yu Wenfei get into the German Volkswagen he'd prepared earlier that day. With a machete gripped behind his back, he strode forward, just close enough to overhear their conversation.

"This time, once we take down Liu Molan and split the money, we'll live in style for the rest of our lives."

"Yeah, but that Liu Molan sure knows how to hide. If we hadn't stumbled on a tip, we'd never have guessed she was holed up in this little place."

"Enough talk. It's late—let's find somewhere to rest and pick up the search tomorrow."

The five men, cigarettes dangling from their mouths, emerged from the shadows, each looking fierce and dangerous. But when they saw Qin Yang standing at the alley entrance with a machete, they froze in terror.

"Who are you?"

"Liu Molan's bodyguard."

...

The next morning.

Just as he entered the county committee building, Qin Xiao barely had time to greet a few old friends before his assistant rushed up, face pale as if he'd witnessed something horrific. Seeing him so flustered, Qin Xiao couldn't help but ask, "Yue Ping, what's got you so worked up? You're acting like it's the end of the world."

"Secretary Qin, it's terrible—nearly the end of the world!" Yue Ping panted anxiously. "Something big has happened. Early this morning, the Public Security Bureau received a report: five bodies were found in the West Four Alley, all killed with a single blow. As the police cordoned off the scene, four more bodies were found ten miles away—also killed with one strike. Nine lives lost, all gone."

Yue Ping was so distraught, he was nearly in tears.

Qin Xiao sucked in a cold breath, rising to his feet. "Have you caught the killer?"

"No clues at all. We couldn't even find signs of a struggle at the scene," Yue Ping replied, miserable.

"Come on, let's go to the scene."

Qin Xiao immediately ordered his secretary to cancel all appointments for the day, including three crucial meetings. He and Yue Ping left in an ordinary Volkswagen, attracting little notice. Upon arrival, they found seven or eight police officers carefully guarding the perimeter. Recognizing Secretary Qin, the officers promptly let them through.

"Don't let any outsiders near," Qin Xiao instructed, then crossed the cordon into the alley.

As soon as he entered, the thick, nauseating stench of blood assaulted him. The five bodies on the ground were a ghastly sight.

"Lao Liu, have you found anything?" Qin Xiao asked, fighting down his disgust as he addressed his longtime friend, Liu Ming, director of the Fengyang County Public Security Bureau.

Liu Ming sighed, seemingly unfazed by the corpses. "Each throat was cut with a single, ruthless strike. I've already sent people to investigate their identities—we'll have results soon."

As he spoke, a subordinate hurried over, handing him a file. "Director Liu, we've checked. These men came from Jianghai City—each a fugitive or criminal. Three served five-year prison terms, the other two are wanted by Jianghai police. The other four bodies found ten miles away were also from Jianghai, similarly wanted criminals. One is even a nationally wanted Class-A fugitive—extremely dangerous."

"What was their purpose in Fengyang County?" Qin Xiao asked urgently.

"We haven't figured it out yet—currently coordinating with Jianghai police," the officer replied.

"No need for that. From now on, I'm officially taking over this murder investigation." Jiang Nanyan approached with two personal bodyguards. Liu Ming glanced at the officers standing by the cordon, clearly furious, but those men could only smile bitterly.

Jiang Nanyan handed over a credential. "I'm the National Security Bureau agent assigned to this case. From today, the Fengyang County police will follow my orders."

"Understood."

Liu Ming recognized the authority of those credentials; however unwilling, he had to comply.

Qin Xiao looked at Jiang Nanyan. "You knew in advance that this murder would happen, didn't you?"

"That's correct."

"Then why didn't you stop it?" Qin Xiao suddenly growled. "Do you realize how devastating this is for Fengyang County?"

"We wanted to stop it," Jiang Nanyan replied coolly. "But both the victims and the killers had extremely rapid mobility. I can tell you plainly: last night's murders were only the beginning. From now on, the death toll could rise as fast as one person per hour."

"What?" Both Qin Xiao and Yue Ping turned pale with shock.