After leaving Steward Zhang's residence, Lu Chen didn't rush to a conclusion.
A guess was still only a guess. To claim that thousand-tael reward, he needed hard evidence.
Following the trace of that distinctive fragrance, he tracked it onward.
Though the scent had grown faint, it still couldn't escape Lu Chen's hound-like nose.
The trail came and went as it crossed more than half the city, finally disappearing on a bustling street south of the city.
Lu Chen stopped and looked up at the shop in front of him.
"Drunk Fragrance Shop."
It specialized in selling all kinds of rouge, powder, and incense. The storefront was large and tastefully decorated, and most of its customers were wealthy young ladies and noblewomen.
That distinctive scent of Soul-Bewitching Incense had ended here.
Or rather, it had been masked by the thick fragrance of cosmetics.
Lu Chen narrowed his eyes and stepped inside.
"Good sir, what can I get for you? We've just received some rouge from Jiangnan, and we also have..."
A shop assistant hurried over with a broad smile, but when he saw Lu Chen's stern attire and the long saber at his waist, his smile froze.
"I'm not here to buy anything."
Lu Chen cut him off coldly. "Bring out your shopkeeper."
"Well..." The assistant hesitated. "The shopkeeper is receiving a guest in the back. I'm afraid..."
Bang!
Without another word, Lu Chen slapped the Blade Catcher's token down on the counter.
"I'm investigating a case."
At the sight of the fearsome bronze token shaped like a demon's head, the assistant turned deathly pale.
In Canglan Prefecture, the Blade Catchers had earned their fearsome reputation in blood. No one wanted to provoke those harbingers of doom.
"Y-Yes, sir! Please wait! I'll get him right away!"
The assistant scrambled toward the