Local Snakes

Feng Jianhua said, "Our investigation into the Ghost Market has led us to a man surnamed Du who is connected to the White Bone Centipede."

"Check if your colleague is here. If so, are there any other people with the same surname in the team?"

Guan Ya said, "Ghost Market?! Okay, we're on different projects, but since this involves something like this, it shouldn't be difficult to ask them about their recent situation."

After hanging up the phone, Feng Jianhua waited for a while.

Chu Tianshu walked over, took a picture of the worm that jumped out of Wang Bo's body, and then stomped it to death.

Yuan Chongxiao then instructed Chu Tianshu to continue the interrogation.

Chu Tianshu said, "Still asking?"

"Try asking some less important questions; they might actually be enlightening."

Yuan Chongxiao said, "If I ask the questions while you're maintaining this spell, will it still be effective?"

Chu Tianshu nodded. "That's fine."

When Yuan Chongxiao asked these questions this time, he did so with a degree of caution, inquiring about the apparent identities of these people.

The size of the purchasing department, the general size of the Ghost Market" bookmakers' staff, and the areas where they typically operate...

Qi Lianyong was typing away rapidly beside him.

Numerous questions arose, some of which touched on topics that should not be touched, causing the centipede to burst forth from its body.

Chu Tianshu formed a hand seal, flicked out a silver needle with his other hand, and stomped it down with practiced ease.

Unfortunately, these centipedes clearly have a significant impact on their parasites.

However, from the perspective of the material used to depict Evil Spirit spirits, its scale is not large.

What a strange species! It seems that only when it is with the person it parasitizes can it produce a strange reaction and exhibit an effect far beyond its own size.

Perhaps this is also the result of the experimental project team in Chang'an carefully modifying genes and trying to domesticate them.

This ensures that these insects are small enough under normal circumstances, yet effective enough once they enter the body.

However, even after all these efforts, the potential risks of this project are still too great.

Yuan Chongxiao continued questioning, he killed several more prisoners, leaving only one remaining.

He used all the security issues he had accumulated from dealing with the previous prisoners on this last one.

I'll compare the answers from a few people before trying to ask some new questions.

Chu Tianshu wasn't particularly interested in the previous information about his identity.

Those records definitely need to be submitted to the provincial authorities so that their professionals can help screen the inmates' interpersonal relationships and see if there are any clues.

There was another point that Chu Tianshu was more concerned about.

According to these individuals, they had already ingested Gu worms the moment they joined the Ghost Market.

Those who venture into this dangerous industry reap substantial benefits, and are prepared to pay the price.

Moreover, with the Gu worms around, they were assured that their colleagues wouldn't betray them, which actually made them feel more at ease.

However, the Gu worms of the past had virtually no effect other than ensuring that they did not reveal important information.

As long as the antidote is taken regularly, it will not recur.

The Gu worms currently affecting them are new ones that were replaced in the first half of this year.

In addition to retaining the effects of the old Gu worms, the new products can also unlock their potential.

Those responsible for operating the equipment feel their thinking is more active and they have more energy; those who often have to go out on fieldwork also feel they are more perceptive.

All practitioners, whether they cultivate internal strength, internal energy, or spiritual communication, report that they have benefited from it.

"So what you mean by having a more agile mind is that, as the head of the purchasing department, you stormed into the Golden Saber Martial Arts School because a deal was ruined?"

Yuan Chongxiao also asked this question, "Was he always this... brave?"

"Or has something changed recently?"

The prisoner answered slowly.

Wang Bo has always been known for his unconventional actions, which is why he was able to become a purchasing manager at such a young age.

But in the past, all his actions had been successful, and in hindsight, they seemed to have been handled very well.

Lately, the most obvious change is that people seem to be more afraid of him.

Previously, his subordinates had some respect for Wang Bo, but not to the point that they showed it all the time at work.

Recently, it seems that a simple glance at Wang Bo or an unintentional encounter around a corner can inexplicably make her afraid, causing her to hurriedly lower her head as if to show submission.

Yuan Chongxiao asked, "How close is 'closest'?"

The prisoner said slowly, "It seems to have been... after the snowfall."

The expressions on the faces of everyone in the room changed slightly, and they all made some connections.

"Didn't we say before that these centipedes are easily disturbed by the aura of Ghost God?"

Yuan Chongxiao pondered for a moment and said, "The heavens have their celestial phenomena, and the earth has its own climate. If each place adapts to its own climate over a long period of evolution, then it doesn't matter whether it's cold or warm."

"However, according to ancient records, if the climate in a certain place suddenly becomes abnormal, it may make certain Ghost God in the Spirit Realm more susceptible to sensing reality."

One thread seems to be quite clear.

The market manipulators of the Ghost Market came into contact with the holders of the technology related to the White Bone Centipede.

They may be unaware of the dangers posed by the White Bone Centipede, or they may mistakenly believe that once the poison has been concocted, there is no need to worry.

Because they coveted the benefits of being parasitized by the centipede, they replaced the previous Gu worm with White Bone Centipede.

In the first half of the year, the parasites did indeed benefit and no problems arose.

However, when the cold weather arrived, it had a wide range of impacts.

The cold weather caused transportation disruptions...

The Ghost God connection that came with the cold disaster...

The bookmakers in the Ghost Market have been plagued by bad luck lately.

But Yuan Chongxiao's expression was extremely unpleasant.

"If this Ghost Market had been destroyed by the Ghost God of the Spirit Realm, that would have been fine. But now it seems that a group of previously hidden vipers may have been catalyzed into out-of-control thugs."

What was once a bunch of bloodsucking vines could now turn into a giant powder keg.

Chu Tianshu couldn't help but scratch his cheek, feeling a slight itch in his teeth.

"These wicked and reckless bastards, even if they're just having bad luck, they might drag many more people down with them... Sigh!"

He took a breath to clear his mind.

Forget it, there are just too many shitty things in this world.

Just like a lesion hidden in the human body, it may not be visible in normal times, but once you learn about it, it can cause an overwhelming surge of emotions.

But throwing a tantrum won't help. If we have a chance to meet, we'll see if we can... kill them all!!

Feng Jianhua has already received a reply.

"There were only two people with the surname Du in that project team. After the project was halted, one of them joined another project and is still at Chang'an Institute of Science and Technology."

"The other one, Du Chen, who was in charge of the Centipede Project, applied to go back to his hometown to recuperate."

Feng Jianhua said, "In Chang'an, we notified people in the Jianghuai department to visit him nearby, but the reply was that Du Chen was not at home."

"The phone calls were vague, the calls ended abruptly, and there was no chance to locate the person."

It seems we can confirm it now; the problem lies with this Du Chen.

Qi Lianyong complained, "How could they just let such a dangerous individual go back to his hometown without any follow-up supervision?!"

What exactly is meant by "dangerous element"?

Yuan Chongxiao shook his head at this point, "He didn't show any signs of anything when he was working over there."

"Just because someone is capable doesn't mean they're a dangerous element; otherwise, there would be far too many people under surveillance."

Feng Jianhua said, "Although he is the project leader, he is not allowed to take any seed sources with him when he leaves the Academy of Sciences, nor will he have access to the equipment from the Chang'an Laboratory."

"His information on his travels to and from various provinces and cities would be closely monitored, but no one expected him to get involved directly with the Ghost Market."

The information we obtained from the interrogation and communication just now is quite complex.

Although a lead has been identified and the potential harm has been assessed, raising awareness, the specific culprit's actions remain elusive.

Chu Tianshu was filled with murderous intent, but he managed to restrain himself.

Qi Lianyong and others basically wore their frustration and distress on their faces.

At this moment, Feng Jianhua's tone became increasingly composed, showing no signs of old age and displaying great energy.

"In Chang'an, we will allocate as many personnel as possible to monitor this area. Our local Special Investigation Bureau in Jianghuai will also mobilize all its resources to investigate the Ghost Market once we receive the information."

"Apart from Mr. Chu, we are all members of the Metaphysics Association. Before the Special Investigation Bureau was established, we were the ones guarding this territory."

"We take up a three-foot knife and guard seven feet of land, for fame and money, but also because this is where we live."

Feng Jianhua laughed, "The Ghost Market is well-hidden, like a venomous snake, but aren't we the local bullies?"

"Gentlemen, let's stop holding back and use all the connections you have."

The teachers present were either those who had previously said they were going to find clues about the Ghost Market and had immediately disguised themselves to participate in the operation.

Or it could be someone like Qi Lianyong, a man who once single-handedly ran his own martial arts school.

Even Yuan Zhonglü is about ten years older than Chu Tianshu.

When these people were young and middle-aged, guns were not yet banned in China.

That strong sense of territory was far more pronounced in them than in later teenagers.

"Alright, let's fight them then."

Qi Lianyong responded, "This time, we can join forces with the Jianghuai Special Investigation Bureau Division, using both overt and covert methods!"

"Is this even less effective than a Ghost Market operating in our hometown?"

The crowd was intrigued, their fighting spirit ignited, and they all departed.

Some people weren't too far away, but it seemed they needed to find another place to make a phone call.

Some headed straight for the school gate, seemingly to run errands outside the school.

Chu Tianshu looked at the middle-aged men and women.

The energy they exuded seemed to transport us back to a different era.

Unlike Chu Tianshu's generation, they did not grow up in a stable environment; they were more restless, unruly, and straightforward.

"The principal is amazing!"

Chu Tianshu murmured, "A few words from you swept away all the pressure and frustration everyone was feeling just now. No wonder you're the principal."

He suddenly came to his senses.

"However, the Ghost Market incident is extremely dangerous. What about those connections the teachers sought out?"

Yuan Chongxiao laughed and said, "We're all adults, we have our own thoughts, and those who don't want to go will naturally refuse."

Feng Jianhua looked at Chu Tianshu: "There are those who are unwilling, and of course there are those who are willing, whether it's for the bonus, for the promise of our martial arts school, or for something else."

"And as long as they take action, there will be risks."

"But, Little Chu, in such a major event, someone is bound to be in danger. We're not invincible cartoon cats, nor are we all-knowing and invincible saviors."

"It is precisely because we are unwilling to make more sacrifices that we are not afraid to sacrifice."

This is a harsh reality.

Yet it is precisely because of the harsh reality that people's complex courage and tenacity are repeatedly revealed.

Chu Tianshu looked at the person striding away into the wind and snow, speechless for a moment.

The computer teacher then said, "But what if among the connections we've made are some undercover agents from the Ghost Market..."

"The purchasing manager is dead here, what else is there to fear from alerting the enemy? The only worry is that we won't be able to scare them out."

Chu Tianshu continued, "Principal, I'd like to learn more about internal energy cultivation. Could I borrow a manual on the subject?"

(End of this chapter)