Chapter 20: Independent Investigations

Not far from the concrete house, the group settled into a thatched hut. The peculiar man, Akun, led them there in silence and left without another word. Before departing, he warned them not to start fires or use their flashlights too frequently in the village, lest they attract unclean things from the mountains.

Everyone secretly scoffed at this. The twenty-first century was nearly halfway over, and they all considered themselves atheists, rarely believing in such tales of demons and spirits. Yet, Akun’s earnest caution did make them a little wary.

After setting down their luggage, Captain Li Jiajie called the team together for a brief meeting.

“The mission is straightforward,” Li Jiajie began. “As scouts, we need not engage in combat unless absolutely necessary. Our objective is to investigate whether there are abnormal disappearances in Wangshi Village, and uncover the truth behind them. The task is simple. We’ll divide into three groups. Dai, Yin, and Xiao Si will each lead a group. I’ll take Zijing with me. After a rest, we’ll set out at midnight. Remember, don’t alert the villagers or stir up trouble. If anything happens, use the communication chips behind your ears.”

“Yes,” the three replied, and began preparing for the investigation.

Zijing leaned against the earthen wall, eyes closed, recalling every event that had occurred since they entered the village. Li Jiajie did not disturb him, knowing that the newcomer possessed a keen logical mind; he hoped Zijing could sort through the details before their search began.

After a while, Zijing opened his eyes and spoke, “Captain, I’ve noticed something odd.”

“Go ahead,” Li Jiajie replied, sitting cross-legged and looking up.

“There are three things that seem off. First, we arrived at Wangshi Village just at sunset. It’s winter, so it must be around seven or eight o’clock. Yet, there wasn’t a single soul on the village’s dirt roads. Before we came, I researched the place: the villagers rely on foraging for medicinal herbs and mountain delicacies since the terrain isn’t suitable for farming. Akun mentioned there are unclean things in the mountains, so villagers who hunt or gather would surely return before dark. We should have seen them when we arrived.

Second, there’s a tourist spot called Peacock Valley only about ten kilometers away, which explains the concrete road we used—it’s a government project. Over the years, there must have been travelers staying overnight in Wangshi Village. Yet the elderly woman we met immediately questioned our identities. Considering our attire and the village’s history, her behavior is suspicious.

Third, that man Akun—he wore only two thin cotton shirts in the middle of winter, and though he was thin, he showed no signs of being cold. I accidentally shone my flashlight on his hand; water dripped continuously, as if he’d just washed them. I noticed every household had a large vat by the door, filled with water. It could be a custom, or something else. I suspect Akun touched one just before coming to us.”

Zijing spoke slowly, and the others listened with puzzled expressions. This village left them unsettled—a strange mix of mystery and hints of the supernatural, unlike any case the Youzhi Squad had handled before.

Li Jiajie pondered for a long moment, then said, “Zijing’s analysis makes sense and may guide our investigation. When you act separately, if the old woman or Akun does anything suspicious, report to me immediately.”

“Beep, beep, beep…” As the chime sounded on their micro devices, midnight arrived. The four began their separate missions.

Si Guilong, whose abilities suited outdoor scouting, went to the pond at the village’s northern edge, searching for clues. Dai Yin settled in a concealed corner to the east, sitting cross-legged with eyes shut, listening for unusual sounds.

The southern side housed the strange mother and son, so Li Jiajie took Zijing west to inspect the livestock pens.

“Report your status,” Li Jiajie murmured into his communication chip.

“No anomalies in the east,” Dai Yin replied, her voice distant and cool. Zijing couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly—so her earlier performance with the old woman was just an act. She was not to be underestimated.

“Captain, there’s something in the south,” Si Guilong responded.

Li Jiajie turned toward the direction behind him, his tone serious. “Speak.”

“There are a lot of incomplete footprints around the pond. It looks like someone tried to clean them up. And since it’s winter, the pond is low and the soil should be hardening, but the earth here is still moist.” Si Guilong reported, pinching a handful of dirt and bringing it to his nose. It still carried the fresh scent of soil.

“Stay nearby and keep hidden. We’ll notify you when we’re done searching.”

“Yes, Captain.”

Li Jiajie and Zijing arrived at the livestock enclosure. Because the village was small, all the villagers’ animals were kept together. On the left were rows of chickens, on the right were pigs, and by a distant pond were ducks and geese.

It was late; the animals were resting. At first glance, nothing seemed amiss. But occasional noises from the water drew their attention.

They checked the area for a while but found nothing unusual.

At that moment, Zijing spoke, “Captain.”

Li Jiajie’s respect for the newcomer grew. Several times, turning points in their cases had centered on Zijing. Without showing any emotion, he asked softly, “What did you find?”

Zijing pointed at the ducks. “Something’s not right there—the soil beneath the flock is much darker.”

They moved closer. The earth around the ducks was noticeably deeper in color.

Li Jiajie crouched and touched the soil, sniffing it. His eyes widened, pupils contracting. “There’s definitely something wrong—this soil smells of blood!”

“Check the pigpen and chicken coop—there might be similar traces!”

Zijing ran to the chicken coop and found scattered feathers and a splatter of blood on the wall.

“Captain! The chicken coop too!” Zijing called in a low voice.

Li Jiajie emerged from the pigpen, face grim and tinged with anger, holding a blood-stained rag.

“It’s likely some villagers have already been harmed.”