Doubts

"First question: Is the Peacock Spider really dead?"

Lan Junxian smiled. "What makes you say that?"

At this moment, only Lan Junxian and Jiang Qian were in the safe house, and Lan Junxian had already assumed that Jiang Qian was part of the Peacock Spider Task Force.

Jiang Qian recalled his actions. "My initial goal in detonating the gas wasn't to kill her; I just wanted to find a way to trap her or cause enough damage to facilitate an arrest. Yet, she just died like that."

"Is it reasonable for a License Holder in the Fourth State: Perfect Form to die from a gas explosion?"

Jiang Qian had been a License Holder for a short time and his understanding of the seven states was still quite superficial. However, judging by how the task force guarded against the Peacock Spider and spoke of her with such terror, the fruits of this victory felt far too easily won.

He looked up at Lan Junxian.

"You said the remains found require genetic technology to reconstruct the appearance for system comparison. In other words, the remains were unrecognizable. So, how was it determined that they belonged to the Peacock Spider?"

Hearing these questions, Lan Junxian merely nodded, showing no surprise.

He answered Jiang Qian's questions one by one. "It is true that one cannot be killed so easily in the Fourth State, but the Peacock Spider was not at her peak at that time."

"According to intelligence from Jintian City, the Peacock Spider had been involved in significant conflicts with the Black Alliance, and later clashed with an official squad. During this period, she lost at least two of her thralls."

"Considering the intense battles and her injuries, it is not impossible that the gas explosion became the straw that broke the camel's back."

"The Black Alliance?" This was the first time Jiang Qian had heard the term.

"A free organization composed of Mutants, a bunch of outlaws. They do everything that falls below the moral baseline of License Holders." Lan Junxian patiently explained to his prospective subordinate. "There are several similar free organizations in the country. The Black Alliance isn't the most elite, but they are numerous and widely connected; they are like cockroaches, always difficult to eradicate completely."

"What kind of grudge did the Peacock Spider have with them?" Jiang Qian asked curiously.

"I'm not entirely sure. Friction is inevitable between free organizations; it was probably a case of 'thieves falling out'."

Lan Junxian continued, "As for the remains, some iconic features of the Peacock Spider's mutant form were preserved. Xiao Jing predicted the fact of her death based on these features. But as I said, this case can only be closed once the genetic reconstruction and system comparison results are out."

As he spoke, he pushed a tablet toward Jiang Qian.

A photo of a charred, mangled corpse appeared before Jiang Qian's eyes.

Although the body was severely damaged and incomplete, the face still retained some degree of recognizability.

"This is... the mistress of the villa?" Jiang Qian had seen the mistress during his Spirit Vision, so he recognized the features of the corpse.

"Correct. The Peacock Spider maintained the appearance of the person she was impersonating until her death. Whether she was caught off guard by the heavy damage and couldn't change her appearance, or if it was intentional, remains to be verified," Lan Junxian said.

There were many doubts, and Jiang Qian's mood grew inexplicably heavy.

Assuming the Peacock Spider is still alive, she probably won't show her face for a while, but that also means that one day in the future, I will inevitably face this tormenting enchantress again...

Lan Junxian noticed Jiang Qian's contemplation and smiled. "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Before the Peacock Spider case is settled, Xiao Jing and I will remain in Jinping for a while longer."

That's a relief... Jiang Qian nodded thoughtfully.

"I suspect you have other things you want to ask?"

Since there was a first question, there would naturally be a next one.

Jiang Qian thought for a moment and said, "I want to know why the Peacock Spider targeted me."

Previously, everyone's focus had been on the Spider Cocoon, and Jiang Qian hadn't had the chance to discuss these issues with Lan Junxian.

Only now did he have the opportunity to properly sort through these puzzles with a key figure.

"The Peacock Spider selects young men with excellent aptitude, seduces them, and hands out invitations to make them her sacrificial thralls. In this regard, official License Holder families and newcomers to the alliance bear the brunt of it. But not everyone earns her favor the way you did."

Lan Junxian sighed, having seen too many cases of tragic deaths.

"That's strange. My background is very ordinary, yet she went to such great lengths to target me." Jiang Qian felt a bit confused. "Could it be that she got tired of delicacies and wanted to try some commoner's food for a change?"

"Perhaps. The so-called Saintesses of the Sacred Mountain are indeed looking for someone, or some special people."

Seeing Jiang Qian's confused expression, Lan Junxian immediately realized something and added, "The Peacock Spider claims to be a Saintess of the Sacred Mountain. Of course, what exactly this 'Sacred Mountain' organization is and where it is located, there is no reliable conclusion yet."

"Another famous Saintess of the Sacred Mountain, like the Peacock Spider, has a keen interest in young, promising official License Holders. She not only serves the Sacred Mountain but also works closely with another mysterious free organization."

"Unfortunately, this case is not in my hands. It is best if you don't ask too much at this stage."

Jiang Qian nodded. "Understood."

He silently stored the information, quickly listing the relationships in his mind and gradually building his own understanding of the world of License Holders.

"One last question: is there any way for me to access all the detailed information regarding the Peacock Spider?"

A sharp glint flashed in Jiang Qian's eyes.

His usual mask of safety vanished in that instant.

It made Lan Junxian realize immediately that even if the Peacock Spider never appeared again, this young man before him would surely prepare himself to fight off any potential enemies!

This was exactly the opportunity Lan Junxian needed to recruit a great talent.

"There is a way, of course. For instance, you could join the East Sea Special Security Action Department and come work with me in the East Sea."

Since the words were out, Lan Junxian decided to go a step further.

"The Peacock Spider's eye for talent is quite vicious! The fact that you cleared 'Whispers of the Inner Demon' and walked away unscathed shows that your aptitude is one in ten thousand, and your life-and-death struggle over the past three days further proves that your growth potential is immeasurable."

"Come back to the East Sea with me. No probationary period is needed. Any case you want to investigate, I will find a way to provide you with convenience."

Even Lan Junxian was a bit surprised that he could make such a promise.

I'm getting ahead of myself...

However, Jiang Qian's reaction was relatively calm.

"Thank you for your high regard. I currently have no plans to leave Jinping. I will need to consider your proposal."

A flash of surprise crossed Lan Junxian's face, followed by a mix of confusion and tension, which eventually subsided.

He expressed his understanding. "No problem. After all, it involves cross-regional life and work changes. No rush, take your time to consider."

As Lan Junxian spoke, he stood up and left the room, leaving Jiang Qian space to think and organize his thoughts.

He had already gained the support of his superiors and his family regarding the recruitment of Jiang Qian, having done all the necessary groundwork both overtly and covertly.

As long as the Beijing Headquarters didn't forcibly keep Jiang Qian, he had plenty of ways to bring this rare talent into the East Sea department.

The more he thought about it, the more pleased he felt.

Back in his temporary office, Lan Junxian poured himself a glass of fine wine, turned on the record player, and paced leisurely to the sound of Hong Kong-style music.

Even the conversation just now had its surprises.

Not to mention the astonishing potential, Jiang Qian's analytical and critical thinking skills also satisfied him. The young man had a good attitude, and aside from being a magnet for trouble, he perfectly fit his definition of a rare talent.

Of course, for true young elites, attracting trouble was a common phenomenon. It couldn't really be considered a flaw.

As he planned, Xiao Jing pushed the door open, her face expressionless.

"Boss, there is news regarding the headquarters' special task force's personnel appointment for Jiang Qian."

"Oh? Let's hear it."

Lan Junxian wore an expression of absolute certainty.