Although Ling Ji wouldn't hide her demon identity, if it weren't for a significant trigger, Ye Jianghuai's staunchly atheist mother would have dismissed it as a joke, no matter what she heard.

Ye Jianghuai thought of the masked black-clad men.

The ringing phone interrupted his thoughts. He glanced at the caller ID, his expression tightening as he answered.

...

"Deputy Director, there's something very suspicious about Zhao Boshan. I suspect he's the mastermind behind Mo Baobao's murder."

"Evidence?"

"..." Zhao Jiong stood before Zhou Cen, muttering softly, "If I had evidence, I would have arrested him already instead of bothering you."

"Don't think I can't hear you." For those with cultivation, keen hearing was a given. Even the smallest sound could be heard clearly, especially when Zhao Jiong barely lowered his voice, clearly intending for Zhou Cen to hear.

"Zhao Jiong, I understand your eagerness to solve the case, and Zhao Boshan is indeed suspicious. But," Zhou Cen paused, his eyes turning sharp like an unsheathed sword, exuding a heavy, commanding presence, "our Special Management Bureau operates with rules and regulations."

Human law governs humans, and the demon world has its rules.

Even if they didn’t have to follow ordinary laws, they couldn't act on mere suspicions, breaking into homes or conducting searches without warrants.

"Although the Special Management Bureau operates independently and isn’t under other departments' control, we must maintain our own standards. If our agents disregard rules and act arbitrarily, the greatest threat to society would not be the demons and monsters but us, wielding power without restraint."

Laws exist to regulate and guide, ensuring those in power know their limits and allowing ordinary people to protect their rights.

"You've been a bit reckless lately."

Zhao Jiong bowed his head, his lips moving without making a sound. After a while, he looked up, his face full of remorse. "Deputy Director, I understand my mistake."

Being used to the Special Management Bureau's methods and pace, he had forgotten that this time, they were dealing with a regular human, not a demon.

Seeing that he understood, Zhou Cen's expression softened, and he relaxed slightly. "The path may be blocked, but there are always alternatives. If necessary, we can create our own path."

Zhou Cen subtly hinted, "As a member of the Special Management Bureau, your actions represent our image. You must be cautious in all you do."

"I'll authorize you to get some puppet birds from the logistics department to monitor Zhao Boshan closely."

"Thank you, Deputy Director." Zhao Jiong, relieved to avoid returning empty-handed, beamed and was about to rush to the logistics department.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

"Come back," Zhou Cen called, seeing he hadn't fully grasped the hint. "I heard Ling Ji moved out of Guanyin Garden?"

"Yes, Yu Zhiyan from Yumu Films arranged a private villa for her at Yunhe Bay, coincidentally right next to Zhao Boshan." Zhao Jiong started to grasp the implication and looked at the still stern Zhou Cen. "Are you suggesting I ask Ling Ji for help?"

"I didn't say that," Zhou Cen replied coolly.

Zhao Jiong understood instantly, gave an OK sign, and left humming a tune.

Special Management Bureau members had to follow the rules, but non-members didn't. Plus, with Ling Ji's high status and deep demon power, they couldn't control her even if they wanted to.

Perfect reasoning!

...

Zhao Boshan felt like countless eyes were watching him lately.

But every time he looked back, everything seemed normal.

"Am I overthinking?" he muttered, instructing his driver to stop at the upcoming intersection. He then took the wheel himself, heading towards the outskirts.

What he didn’t notice was a yellow stray dog in the corner, lifting its head as he turned onto another road. It then dashed into an alley.

"Bark, bark." Target has turned onto New Road. All units on New Road, stay alert.

"Bark." Came the response from a collar around its neck.

Received.

Meanwhile, sparrows resting on branches took off as if suddenly invigorated, following Zhao Boshan's direction.

On another front, Hu Li, now dressed in a low-key tracksuit, knocked on the door of an old courtyard in the city's old district.

The door creaked open, revealing an old, wrinkled face.

Looking at the aged face, Hu Li averted her eyes in disdain. "Can't you change your face? Aren't you afraid of scaring yourself awake at night?"

The old woman, stooped, led her in and closed the door. In an instant, the white hair turned black, and the hunched back straightened. In the blink of an eye, the old woman transformed into a beautiful young lady in her twenties. "What do you want?"

With red lips and black hair, the woman's every move was full of allure, even with a cold face that was strikingly captivating.

Except for her kin, Hu Li.

"Your charm magic has improved," Hu Li noted.

"Get to the point," the beautiful woman snapped.

"Don't be so cold, Sister Fourteen," Hu Li cooed, trying to wrap an arm around the woman's neck, only to be blocked by a cold, glinting hairpin.

Hu Li coughed, redirecting her arm to her hair. "I've run into a bit of trouble."

"I can see that." Bai Shisi eyed the karmic entanglements on her cousin, softening her tone slightly. "What happened? Did you kill that dancer?"

"Of course not." Hu Li pouted. "I was framed."

"Serves you right for using charm spells on people." Bai Shisi scolded after hearing the story.

"I was provoked," Hu Li muttered, inching closer to Bai Shisi. "Sister Fourteen, you have to help me."

"Give me the photo."

Hu Li handed over the photo of the waiter.

"He's not a demon," Bai Shisi observed. "He's using a disguise spell."

In other words, the man was an ordinary human.

"Exactly," Hu Li's eyes flashed with realization. "No wonder we couldn't find him despite our extensive search. The face was fake."

"Sister Fourteen, your magic is amazing." Hu Li praised with a grin.

"Flattery won't get you anywhere," Bai Shisi retorted, tapping the photo. Ripples spread across it, transforming the man's face.

A broad nose, deep-set eyes, and a scar crossing his face, giving him a menacing look.

"Sister Fourteen, your illusion magic is perfected." Hu Li admired, her eyes full of envy.

Being able to trace back a person's true face from a photo was the pinnacle of fox clan illusion magic.

"You could achieve it too if you focused on training," Bai Shisi said coldly.

"I can't seem to focus," Hu Li laughed nervously, changing the topic to avoid past grievances. "When will you return to the clan?"

"No rush," Bai Shisi said, not falling for the diversion. "I'll return when you do."

Hu Li hesitated, looking away. "Sister Fourteen, I..."

"Still can't let go of him?"

Hu Li's silence spoke volumes.

Bai Shisi sighed, heading inside. "My illusion magic has reached a bottleneck. I sense the breakthrough opportunity is in Pengcheng."

So she wouldn't leave until she advanced.

Hu Li, understanding the underlying meaning, relaxed and smiled.

"Sister, I recently met a koi spirit. I'll ask her to bless you for a breakthrough." With that, she disappeared in a flash.

Bai Shisi turned to the empty courtyard, sighing softly. "Foolish child."

...

The next day at ten, in Ling Ji's living room.

Zhao Jiong excitedly presented the new information to the assembled demons and people. "Yesterday, the puppet birds tracked Zhao Boshan to a pharmaceutical factory in the suburbs. He stayed there most of the day and left with a small bag full of vials."

"I suspect they contain the poison used to kill Mo Baobao."

"Sikong Lang's dogs couldn't get close to the factory, blocked by the formation there."

"Another formation?" Zhao Jiong felt his suspicions solidify. "This strengthens our hypothesis."

"Let's go meet Zhao Boshan next door."

Ling Ji lounged on the sofa, reluctant to move. "I haven't finished my jade slip yet. You go without me."

Hearing she wouldn't join, Zhao Jiong's enthusiasm dampened. Considering Zhao Boshan might be the leader of the organization hunting them, he weighed his own abilities and shamelessly clung to Ling Ji. "My lady, without you, we have no sense of security. Zhao Boshan set up powerful formations at home; he might have other deadly tricks. If we fall into a trap, who will buy you tasty treats?"

"And if a fight breaks out and the house gets destroyed?"

Ling Ji pointed to Hu Li and Xing Miao. "They'll handle it."

Seeing no way to persuade her, Zhao Jiong sighed. "Alright."

His tone was resigned.

Ling Ji waved her paw, and suddenly, a thunderbolt exploded above her head.

Ling Ji: "..."

What the...?!

---