Chapter 107
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
Chapter 107: The Shield Bearer
Ji Yongxing positioned the small spotlight on the opposite side of the vial, observing the fully illuminated bottle with intense focus.
Regardless of whose blood it was, he sensed it held nearly boundless knowledge.
If only he could comprehend it, analyze it, and distill its essence…
After a prolonged gaze, Ji Yongxing reluctantly slipped the vial into his pocket, intending to examine it more thoroughly upon his return.
The efficacy of the blood rain had been firmly established; upon contact with living mycelium, the crimson rain initiated a frenzied assault.
It exhibited no aggression towards other living tissues.
Yet, the mycelium, which once dominated other living entities, wilted under the blood rain, swiftly disintegrating and perishing entirely.
As he resumed his research, a clamor of shouts erupted from outside.
The researchers’ attention was captured; with the situation largely resolved, they allowed themselves a moment of relaxation, free from pressing concerns.
However, upon discerning the shouts from outside, the researchers could no longer maintain their composure.
Amidst the cacophony, one declaration rang out clearly:
“Mr. Holy Shield has passed away!”
The unflinching announcement struck like a death knell, reverberating through the hearts of all who heard it.
All eyes turned to Zhou Zhuo, seated at the forefront.
The elderly man appeared visibly shaken by the abrupt news.
The impact of this revelation surpassed even that of the recent blood rain.
With a swiftness uncharacteristic of his years, he rose from his seat.
“Luo Ya, Qian Qingfeng, accompany me to the scene.”
His gaze swept the room, locking briefly with Ji Yongxing’s.
“Ji Yongxing, you come as well.”
“Understood.”
In that fleeting exchange, Ji Yongxing grasped the unspoken message.
His mentor had not overstepped by offering him preferential treatment; he merely hoped Ji Yongxing’s observational skills would prove beneficial.
At this juncture, Ji Yongxing was acutely aware of the adage that one lie begets a thousand more.
Thankfully, his fabrication wasn’t too far-fetched; the advancement of his observational skills was a legitimate aspect of his capabilities.
Otherwise, he would be at a loss for how to proceed.
Had he erred in concealing that facet of his identity and abilities?
Ji Yongxing’s uncertainty was short-lived, for within ten minutes, he beheld the eerie emblem crafted from glass shards and blood, beneath which the word “Believer” was inscribed with meticulous precision.
Damn it!
Could this be the work of someone from our own ranks?!
Ji Yongxing’s panic was palpable for an instant, his breath catching in his throat.
But fortunately, no one was paying close attention to him at that moment; everyone’s focus was drawn to the smiling corpse seated in the wheelchair.
The high-end lounge was in disarray, with everything displaced from its original position.
Scattered debris littered the floor, and shards of glass covered the tables and every corner of the room.
It looked as though a storm had swept through the space multiple times, leaving only the area around Holy Shield Lucas’s wheelchair untouched—a final sanctuary amidst the chaos.
The Fourth Level superpowered individual, renowned for his defensive prowess, sat peacefully in the wheelchair, a serene smile gracing his face.
His head tilted gently to one side, as if he had passed away naturally in his sleep.
It was hard to believe that just hours ago, this high-ranking figure of Hope City had been issuing commands in front of everyone, and now he lay there, a tranquil corpse.
An invisible, heavy weight pressed down on everyone’s hearts.
Zhou Zhuo was the first to regain his composure, pulling himself out of the depths of sorrow.
He withdrew his right hand, which had instinctively reached out to touch Holy Shield—a gesture that would have violated the rules of the scene. Summoning his rationality, he overcame his overwhelming grief and maintained his calm.
“Let’s examine the scene. Before the headquarters team arrives, we need to complete at least the basic documentation.”
The three people Zhou Zhuo had brought with him dispersed. Luo Ya and Qian Qingfeng, though not professional researchers, had experience with similar incidents in the past, which was why Zhou Zhuo had chosen them to assist.
As for Ji Yongxing, he was given the directive to act independently and began meticulously observing every detail of the scene.
While surveying the area, Ji Yongxing moved closer to the window, leaning halfway out to inspect the surroundings.
Where had the attack come from?
The tempered glass was shattered so thoroughly; if it had been caused by an external impact, the point of contact would likely have been even more severely damaged.
But now…
Ji Yongxing looked down. The afternoon sunlight was bright, and with the aid of his abilities, he easily spotted the ground directly beneath the floor-to-ceiling window.
Not a single shard of glass lay there.
He reported his findings to Zhou Zhuo, knowing that if others were present, he wouldn’t be able to explain the source of his information.
The Deputy Director nodded, deep in thought. After a few seconds, he said,
“Negative pressure—it must have been a sudden and severe drop in negative pressure.”
He glanced at the lone ventilation fan still functioning in the room and muttered to himself,
“This has to be a superpowered crime.
“Sigh, the state of the world is truly deteriorating.”
Ji Yongxing didn’t know how to respond. As he noticed the other two approaching with their own findings, he subtly adjusted his distance from Zhou Zhuo.
At that moment, he had no desire to scrutinize the scene further.
How could he investigate this?
What if the investigation led back to him?
Even if he were unaware of any involvement, being a member of the believers’ organization would cast a dark shadow over him.
And what Ji Yongxing couldn’t comprehend most was, why?
Why kill a powerful superpowered individual who had dedicated himself to protecting humanity?
Both Dr. Lin and the Paster had emphasized that the believers’ organization was founded to save humanity from impending destruction.
There must be something he was missing.
Something like the death of Holy Shield.
Yes, Holy Shield’s death.
Ji Yongxing suddenly realized his thinking was flawed. He shouldn’t shy away from this event that had already occurred; instead, he should take a proactive role and actively participate in the investigation to uncover the full truth.
And the key to it all was Holy Shield’s death.
Why had he died?
How had he died?
Why had he died with a smile?
Ji Yongxing slowly approached the corpse, his eyes sharpening as he began to examine it closely.
Holy Shield’s frame was large, and he didn’t appear frail.
His right arm was twisted at an unusual angle, perhaps due to some illness.
The smile on his lips showed no signs of being forced; it seemed genuine.
Finally, Ji Yongxing’s gaze settled on Holy Shield’s neck.
A faint sense of unease stirred within him.
Ji Yongxing deactivated his abilities, and the feeling of unease diminished significantly. If not for the lingering sensory impressions, he might not have noticed it at all.
The neck had been tampered with.
Ji Yongxing’s brow furrowed. Instinctively, he reached out to touch Holy Shield’s neck, but as his hand extended halfway, an aged yet firm hand gripped his wrist.
