Chapter Six: Examining the Scene

A minor episode had come to an end, but the “Bloodstain Operation” organized by the Boundary Stone this time was far from a leisurely spring outing between mentors and disciples. Among the staff of the Boundary Stone, a saying circulated—usually the first lesson imparted by veteran employees to newcomers.

“In the vast sea of humanity, the person who brushes past you might not only be your beloved with whom you share three lifetimes of fate, but could also be a half-demon as old as your ancestors, or a monster ready to drag you into darkness with its claws.”

The half-demon community was comparatively safe. After all, they still belonged to the human realm, and organizations like Boundary Stone provided regulation and restraint. But to monsters, humans were mere prey. According to Boundary Stone’s research, compared to ancient times, in the current global environment, the path of consuming human blood as food was the most straightforward avenue for monsters to evolve their bloodline.

Such was the nature of a natural enemy. Thus, Boundary Stone would spare no expense in hunting monsters, establishing a comprehensive grading system to tailor responses to monster-related cases.

For example, the bloodline concentration in Niu Shan’s ox demon body was twenty percent, rated as Grade C, corresponding to the “Infant Extinction” level. Monsters were graded according to their destructive power—the potential casualties they could inflict upon humans, or their “disaster level.” For example, Qing Fu was the lowest Infant Extinction level, followed by Ten Deaths, then Hundred Destruction—which Li Fus and others were currently investigating—and even more dangerous monsters.

Monsters of Infant Extinction level could be exchanged for one merit point at Boundary Stone. The Ten Deaths and Hundred Destruction levels increased tenfold accordingly, but so did the danger, in direct proportion. Merit points could be traded for anything legal and reasonable that Boundary Stone could offer. Statistics showed a ninety-five percent success rate in merit point exchanges, and to put it simply, one merit point was worth ten thousand yuan.

One could imagine the immense power—and responsibility—held by Boundary Stone.

Wildcat instructed the efficient black-clad employee Number Forty-Seven and another black-clad woman to guard both ends of the alley, then led Li Fus and the other three to examine the scene.

“This is the primary crime scene. The estimated time of the incident was this hour on that day—about three twenty in the morning. The witness reported it an hour later, a cleaning worker.”

“Here.”

“And here.”

“There’s a large patch behind those trash bins as well.”

Wildcat pointed out several locations to Li Fus and the others.

“These bloodstains are quite substantial. There are also countless tiny traces—practically covering the ground and walls of the alley. But after a month, they’re invisible to the naked eye.”

Li Fus looked to Ma Qiqi.

Ma Qiqi said proudly, “I can smell them.”

Wildcat first addressed the three younger ones, “You all know that, in the eyes of monsters, humans are nothing but food, right?”

Seeing them nod, Wildcat continued, “These bloodstains are from two victims. No bodily remains were found, their fate unknown. But the medical department at Boundary Stone concluded: with this amount of blood loss, they’re dead.”

“Moreover, based on the blood’s distribution, the medical department determined it was splattered—”

Wildcat paused briefly. “They suspect the victims were torn apart during the attack, and as the monster swung their remains, blood was flung onto the walls.”

“Even though no flesh remains, the blood splattered everywhere is horrific enough. The cleaning worker was nearly scared senseless.”

Suddenly Li Fus asked, “I’ve always wondered: in cases with witnesses like this, how does Boundary Stone’s PR department handle the aftermath? There’s never a hint of news outside.”

Wildcat chuckled. “Is it really so hard to guess? In the half-demon world, is there anything impossible besides immortality?”

“A PR field agent with spiritual abilities handled it—used hypnosis-like powers to seal the cleaner’s memories of this place. Unless someone deliberately helps her break it or triggers her, she’ll never recall, not even to her dying day.”

---

Li Fus realized, “I hadn’t expected even such rare spiritual-type half-demons among your ranks.”

Wildcat waved a hand. “I know that guy. His bloodline concentration is extremely low, almost harmless. He’s only good for things like this.”

Li Fus nodded. “Any other hypotheses?”

Wildcat hesitated. “Let’s visit the next scene.”

The second site was a patch of woodland in a park, again marked only by large bloodstains. After Wildcat explained the estimated time and victim details, the group moved on.

Forty minutes later, they had visited six crime scenes—the last in a derelict, unfinished building.

By now, the lazy demeanor had vanished from the faces of Ma Mingming and his companions, Li Fus included.

With a somber tone, Wildcat asked, “After seeing all the scenes, have you found anything?”

All three looked to Li Fus, eager to hear the insights of the merit point leaderboard’s second-ranked member.

Li Fus was silent for a moment, then said, “Two clues. First, the hunting sites are all within a five-kilometer radius and occurred in rapid succession—the largest gap between six attacks is ten minutes. There are two possibilities: one, the monster is extremely fast; if you account for feeding or moving the victims, its speed is terrifying.”

“The second clue: all the victims were overweight men.”

Ma Qiqi interjected, “You haven’t mentioned the second possibility of your first clue.”

Li Fus sighed, “That one’s worse: the monster might not be alone.”

Wildcat picked up the thread, “That’s what I hesitated about earlier—I didn’t want to say anything without proof. If that’s true, Kyoto may have to launch a red alert.”

Niu Shan, a classic example of someone who seems imposing at first but eventually reveals a simple nature, asked in confusion, “If there’s more than one, doesn’t that usually mean they’re communal creatures? That would mean they’re not individually strong—shouldn’t that be a good thing?”

Li Fus glanced at the three rookie half-demons; their expressions showed they agreed with Niu Shan. Li Fus thought for a moment, then chose not to elaborate, only murmuring, “Perhaps you’re right.”

For a moment, no one spoke. Aside from meeting each other, tonight had yielded almost nothing.

Li Fus finally said, “Let’s call it a night. This case has been stagnant for a month; it’s not something we can solve just by showing up. Next—”

Li Fus rarely worked with others to hunt monsters; he knew nothing about protocols or procedures. Fortunately, Wildcat, the veteran, stepped forward. “According to the Bloodstain Operation plan, eighteen teams will be stationed around the crime scenes, expanding the perimeter to ten kilometers. Sensory-type field agents are the main force, supported by other field agents and Boundary Stone staff. The net will be cast day and night, ready to hunt or bait the monster at any time.”

Wildcat turned to Ma Qiqi, “Until the case is closed, you’ll have to work hard. The others will rotate shifts—be sure to protect Ma Qiqi’s safety, and under no circumstances act alone. Only move in once the backup team is in position.”

Li Fus asked, “So, every team has a sensory-type half-demon?”

Wildcat nodded, “There aren’t many, but there aren’t few either. After filtering out those who can’t be spared, eighteen is the absolute limit for the Kyoto region.”

Li Fus made a sound of understanding, “No wonder even rookies are being sent out.”

Ma Qiqi’s chest rose and fell in anger at his words, letting out a heavy snort. Except for Ma Mingming, nearly every man’s gaze lingered on that magnificent scene.

At times like this, it was always the guileless Niu Shan who spoke up, sighing from the heart, “What a weapon! Shame about the face…”

The result was a piercing, wretched scream as Ma Qiqi stomped hard on Niu Shan’s toes.

---

Li Fus checked his watch. He’d been out for a long time, so he hurriedly waved goodbye. “I’m heading back. Contact me if there’s news—I can reach any battlefield in Kyoto in fifteen minutes.”

Before anyone could respond, his figure had already vanished.

Back at the Reverse Door Bar, tonight’s patrons were unusually few. Xuanzi hadn’t had time to miss her brother, and didn’t even notice Li Fus entering as she earnestly took orders from a table of guests.

Li Fus quietly slipped behind the bar, scanning the semicircular raised platform. He saw the big wave and the perfect male god among the overtime crowd, muttering about “sudden death” as they sprawled across the bar, exhaling deeply.

Steward Ten, dressed in a tailcoat, stood at the center of the bar as meticulously as ever, serving as bartender.

“Master Fus, regarding the Bloodstain Operation case, how do you plan to proceed?”

Li Fus buried half his face, fixing one eye on the busy Xuanzi. “I’m at a loss. It feels tricky. But since Boundary Stone has rated it Hundred Destruction level, tricky is to be expected. What bothers me is, during the operation, what excuse I use to deceive Xuanzi.”

“Brother! When did you get back!”

Xuanzi, returning for a drink, spotted Li Fus and cried out in delight.

Li Fus reached out and pinched the bun atop her head, flicking the young woman’s mask on her face. “I've been back a while—just observing your work ethic for ages.”

Xuanzi sought praise, “Really? How did I do? Lots of new guests today, and I made several new friends!”

Li Fus commended her, “Excellent, couldn’t be better. Go on, don’t run too fast—watch your step.”

Xuanzi acknowledged him, taking the drink from Steward Ten and plunging once more into the lively atmosphere.

Li Fus continued with Steward Ten, “How about saying I’m out restocking?”

“That excuse has been used, Master Fus.”

“Then escorting drunken guests?”

“That one too, Master Fus.”

“…”

“Perhaps say you’re going for a run.”

“Master Fus, haven’t you always disapproved of exploiting Miss Xuanzi’s forgetfulness?”

“…”

Li Fus scratched his head, “I’m out of options…”

Before he could finish, his gaze locked onto Big Wave and froze, his eyes suddenly flashing with murderous intent, his expression fierce with rage.