Chapter 127: Reaching the Limit

Last night in Nanlin City, a great fire broke out at Tongxin Temple. However, the numerous monks perished not from the flames, but were brutally murdered. The Federal Police investigated throughout the night without finding any leads or clues, though nearby residents reported seeing a black cloud hovering over the temple. Linking this to the demonic cloud Shen Qingzhen had arrived on the previous night, the 36th Bureau took over the case.

Zhang Guichuan’s demeanor softened as he said, "Young Master, this matter will be handled by the General Investigation Bureau. Even the 36th Bureau cannot do much to help, let alone you." Sending the young monk to deal with the Garde Group would be akin to sending him to his death. "That’s enough. Hu Xiong, report the situation here to the General Bureau, then escort Miss Shen there."

As Zhang Guichuan made his decision, Jinghui seemed hesitant to speak, ultimately just furrowing his brow deeply. The group exited Zhang’s office. Hu Xiong made the call to notify the General Bureau of the findings, then took Shen Qingdai to drive her to the headquarters. Given the strength the demons had displayed, her safety could not be guaranteed even at the 36th Bureau.

Shen Qingdai understood this, but before leaving, she pulled the monk Jinghui aside. Taking out a set of keys, she whispered, "Little Master Jinghui, these are the keys to my rented apartment. It’s paid for another year; perhaps by then, the General Bureau will have resolved the issues with the Garde Group." She paused, glancing at Li Changqing not far away, and added, "Put aside thoughts of revenge for now. If you run into any trouble, you can ask this detective for help."

Jinghui took the keys and pressed his palms together. "Thank you, benefactress." Shen Qingdai felt a twinge of guilt; if not for her, Tongxin Temple would never have suffered this catastrophe. She realized with surprise that she was capable of such guilt—something that would have been impossible for her in the past. She departed with Hu Xiong.

"I’ll drive you back," Bai Chuan said calmly. The group boarded the car and soon dropped Jinghui off at an old residential building. This was where Shen Qingdai had rented her place, only two kilometers from Li Changqing’s detective agency.

"Master Jinghui lives here?" Li Changqing looked up and said, "If you’re ever free, feel free to visit me."

"Understood," Jinghui nodded and turned to head upstairs. After dropping Li Changqing and Tang Xiaoyu off at the agency, Bai Chuan said, "If anything happens, call me immediately."

"Thanks, Old Bai," Li Changqing replied after a moment’s thought. "By the way, regarding the threats from Shen Qingzhen..."

Bai Chuan replied calmly, "Don’t worry. I’m quite free these days. There’s a clean, reputable bookstore across from your sister’s bun shop; I’ll be spending some time there over the next few days."

Li Changqing felt a weight lift from his heart. He had considered asking Bai Chuan for help after the threat, knowing he couldn't protect Li Lin and Li Qingxue even if he stayed at the shop, but he hadn't been sure if Bai Chuan would agree. "Thank you," he said gratefully.

"No need for thanks," Bai Chuan replied, turning to drive away.

Back home, Li Changqing lay on the sofa, pondering the Garde Group. For now, he could only hope the Bureau of Paranormal Investigation would successfully eliminate them. Tang Xiaoyu opened the door, carrying a stack of newspapers from the past few days, and placed them on the table. "Read these for a while; I’ll make you something delicious." She had recently learned several new recipes from Li Lin.

The day passed quickly. As the sky dimmed, Li Changqing returned to the riverside where the boatman Xie lived. Only the light in the boatman’s shack was on. Li Changqing knocked, and the door opened.

"You’re here?" The boatman, dressed in a straw raincoat and conical hat, said, "Follow me." He walked toward the riverbank with his hands behind his back. Li Changqing followed, asking curiously, "Have the other boatmen gone to sleep?"

"They have moved away," the boatman replied calmly. "They saw things in secret last night, but didn’t dare speak. They left in a hurry early this morning."

"Your surname is Xie, right? I still don’t know your full name," Li Changqing asked.

"Xie Quzhen." The man turned back, took off his hat, tossed it aside, and said, "Shift into your zombie form."

"Zombie form? Alright." Li Changqing prepared to reach for his own throat. Xie Quzhen frowned slightly and pointed to his own forehead. "Mobilize the corpse energy within you and strike your forehead."

Li Changqing tried as instructed, and to his surprise, the surge of energy instantly triggered the transformation.

"Zombies rely primarily on speed and immense power. You must learn to skillfully manipulate your internal corpse energy. For instance, when throwing a left punch, gather all your energy into your left fist. After the punch, throw a right kick, concentrating the energy into that leg. You must learn to move your internal energy with precision."

Li Changqing tried to focus his energy into his left hand. "Too slow," Xie Quzhen shook his head slowly. "You are thinking first, then guiding the energy. You must make this an instinct. When a part of your body needs energy, it should arrive instantly, without a moment of conscious thought. Attack me. If you can land a single touch, you’ll have passed the test."

Under the moonlight, Xie Quzhen stood still in his straw cape. Li Changqing took a deep breath and launched an attack. A punch—and predictably, it hit nothing. Just as the strike was about to connect, Xie Quzhen shifted slightly, evading it with ease.

"When running, land on your left foot, and the energy goes there; land on your right, and it moves to the right," Xie Quzhen commanded. Li Changqing groaned inwardly; it sounded simple, but the execution was grueling. It required incredibly precise control over his own strength.

Under the moonlight, Li Changqing attacked repeatedly, yet Xie Quzhen dodged every strike with ease. The gap in their strength was insurmountable; Li Changqing couldn't even graze the hem of the man’s cape.

"The power and speed of that punch are still insufficient," Xie Quzhen said while evading. "You aren't at your limit yet. You need to reach it."