Chapter 36

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Chapter 36: Speaking for the Gods

“Sir, we’ve arrived at 375 Oak Street,” the rickshaw man reminded Chaoyang.

“Wait here,” Chaoyang instructed as he pushed open the door and stepped out.

It was precisely two o’clock in the afternoon, and Glorious Fortress welcomed its long-awaited sunny day. The slightly scorching sunlight filtered through the leafy canopies lining both sides of the street, casting dappled patterns that danced on the ground. Despite being ideal weather for strolling, few people were visible on the streets—compared to just a week ago, the city seemed much quieter now.

In the distance, two cavalrymen dressed in City Guard uniforms patrolled along the road.

Chaoyang lowered his hat brim and entered number 375.

This was a small two-story building, serving as one of Kurt Dunn’s secret residences. From the interior decor on the first floor, it appeared to be a fruit shop temporarily closed for business, with empty fruit racks still standing against the walls.

As soon as he stepped inside the entrance hall, Zhu Di approached him eagerly.

“You’re here. Ever since receiving your letter, I’ve been looking forward to…” Her expression brightened visibly, seemingly delighted at seeing the detective again, “You mentioned needing assistance with something. As long as it’s within our capabilities, we will spare no effort!”

“Zhu Di, is it Lord Chao?” Dunn’s voice echoed from the inner room.

Chaoyang noticed that this time, his title had been elevated significantly.

“Yes, it’s him!”

“Please invite him inside to discuss matters.”

Chaoyang followed Zhu Di into the living room, where freshly brewed tea was set on a low table. Dunn sat stiffly nearby, dark circles pronounced under his eyes. Upon seeing Chaoyang enter, he promptly stood up and bowed slightly as a sign of respect.

Feeling somewhat surprised, Chaoyang glanced at him. In his memory, this journalist had fearlessly investigated the truth behind the serial killings, never losing his composure even when faced with imminent danger. He certainly didn’t lack courage, so why had he become so deferential now?

“What’s wrong? Haven’t you been sleeping well?” Chaoyang removed his hat and took a seat across from Dunn.

Dunn shook his head with a wry smile, “I’m afraid only you could sleep soundly these days. You may not fully grasp the implications of dismantling the Northern City Police Department entirely, let alone the grand theater being reduced to ashes overnight. Now, wherever people gather, this topic dominates conversations. Even sales of the Jeddy Brothers have surged by nearly fifty percent!”

“We thought you’d wait until things calmed down before returning, not realizing that you’re undeterred by the City Guard’s search,” Zhu Di added. “Honestly, this is the most significant event I’ve witnessed since arriving at Glorious Fortress. Even the second prince’s diplomatic visit didn’t cause such a stir!”

“So… Kui Qi is really dead?” Dunn whispered.

“Yes, I confirmed it with my own eyes,” Chaoyang nodded. Using his true form was a considerable risk, but the rewards were immense. If used judiciously, the harvested Wish Power could sustain him for half a year—a quantum leap compared to the previous nine-day lifespan. “Although he wasn’t the mastermind, he was directly responsible for orchestrating this plot. Only with his death can we ensure no one traces back to you.”

Zhu Di’s eyes sparkled with even more brightness.

“I knew there must have been a reason Lord Chao advised against leaving the city immediately.”

“Kui Qi’s death is one reason; the other is my concern that the true mastermind might still be on the old continent. Escaping from Glorious Fortress wouldn’t necessarily guarantee your safety.” Chaoyang picked up his teacup and took a sip. Naturally, he wouldn’t reveal that the primary reason was if they left, he would need to rebuild his entire network of relationships from scratch.

“Thank you,” Dunn said after a moment of silence. “Not just for saving me, but also for all the others who were rescued. I once harbored doubts about you, but it seems I was wrong. If I had Wish Power, I would willingly entrust it to you…”

Chaoyang promptly interrupted, “Wish Power must be based on a signed contract. Zhu Di has already provided compensation, and this matter is settled; there is no need to mention it again. You mentioned earlier that others were saved as well?”

“Yes, the City Guard discovered five more survivors in the estate’s dungeon. I heard the Lord has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident,” Dunn replied. “On the other hand, the sponsor of the Northern City Police Department remains silent, rejecting all interview requests. Consequently, people outside are unaware that they are the true culprits behind the serial killings.”

A clear dissatisfaction flashed in his eyes at this point.

Chaoyang felt compelled to remind him, “Since the Lord intends to investigate, the truth will eventually come to light. There’s no need for you to speak up further right now.”

Otherwise, attracting attention from the forces behind Kui Qi could be detrimental.

Dunn gradually unclenched his fists. “You’re right. Let’s focus on business instead. You mentioned needing our assistance, may I ask what specifically requires our help?”

At that moment, Zhu Di held his breath.

After a brief silence, Chaoyang spoke up, “I need several bodies.”

“Bodies?” Dunn was slightly taken aback. “Could you provide more details…?”

“Ah!” It was Zhu Di who blurted out impulsively, “My lord, could you possibly mean dead bodies?”

“Cough… you can understand it that way,” Chaoyang replied nonchalantly, though internally he felt quite awkward—this request seemed truly bizarre, almost akin to something a heretic would demand. “They must be fresh and not decomposed. Additionally, if possible, I hope their dimensions match these values.”

With those words, he handed over a note containing about ten sets of data for height, measurements, weight, and so on.

From the previous game round, Chaoyang realized that over half of his Wish Power expenditure went towards creating bodies, which significantly limited the number of players entering Paradise. The solution was simple: using physical corpses as carriers instead. He would only need to invest minimal Wish Power during routine maintenance, and any severely damaged ones could be directly replaced.

However, while the idea was straightforward, execution proved challenging—in this unfamiliar other world, where could he find complete and fresh bodies?

Thus, seeking help from locals became the only viable option.

He hoped they wouldn’t turn against him, considering that he had saved their lives.

“This…” Dunn took the note, displaying a deeply conflicted expression.

“If it’s not possible, then forget it. I don’t insist on making you do this,” Chaoyang quickly added, fearing any misunderstanding. “As for resorting to murder for obtaining bodies, that is even less acceptable.”

He expected Dunn to readily abandon the idea, but surprisingly, after carefully folding the note, the journalist looked up and said, “Lord Chao, may I ask you a question first?”

“Go ahead.”

“Please tell me… Are you acting on behalf of a particular deity?” Dunn’s tone was exceptionally solemn.

Chaoyang initially froze but soon realized what must have been going through Dunn’s mind—Aha! So that’s why he has always seemed so reserved!

Dunn believed Chaoyang to be a spokesperson for some divine entity!

It made sense considering the situation—a regular detective single-handedly dismantling the Northern City Police Department overnight and personally executing its chief? Such a feat would be highly improbable unless backed by a more powerful authority.

Unless, of course, there were unseen forces supporting him behind the scenes.

The reporter’s speculation was indeed plausible.

Of course… Chaoyang wasn’t merely assuming the role of a detective; any persona he presented during conversations stemmed from his own creation. In a sense, Dunn’s guess resonated with reality, differing only in that Chaoyang acted independently on his behalf.

Moreover, allowing the journalist to misinterpret seemed beneficial rather than harmful.

With this thought, Chaoyang readily agreed, “Yes, you’re correct.”