"The murderer, assisting with the investigation? Heh heh, quite interesting." Lu Luo looked at the official, and the Observer simultaneously provided him with the man's information. [Human male, Fifth Tier Transcendent, ability unknown. Attributes: Strength 15, Agility 12, Constitution 14.] The Inner Ring Faction dispatched a Fifth Tier official even with a Hunter present. This indicates a significant lack of trust in the Hunter System. Or perhaps, the Inner Ring can no longer control the Hunters? Has it really gotten that tense? Lu Luo knew very well that if the Inner Ring still had the power to command the Hunters, they definitely wouldn't dispatch such a high-ranking official. The fact that they had sent an official with such strong abilities could only mean one thing. The relationship between the Inner Ring and the Outer Ring had reached a freezing point, with even hints of a complete break. The Inner Ring could no longer command the Hunters. This official was named Liu Wei. As soon as he spoke, everyone in the Circle Studio stopped what they were doing and turned to look at Lu Luo. They were facing an investigation official from the Inner Ring, a Fifth Tier master, and the investigation team members were all senior Transcendents. But Lu Luo was their leader! And the Fourth Ring was not what it used to be. These Inner Ring employees no longer had awe on their faces. On the contrary, they seemed eager for a confrontation. Lu Luo slightly lifted his head, an intriguing expression on his face. Would the Inner Ring's investigation proceed according to the rules? They probably can't afford a complete fallout with the Fourth Ring right now, can they? After all, the Fourth Ring's population resources are still very abundant. If it hadn't been for the changes in Dark Energy levels, the Inner Ring's past exploitation policies would have actually been sustainable. They possessed the strength to withstand Eighth Order disasters, and life within the Inner Ring was incomparably lavish. With the Fruit of Life, they could greatly extend their lifespans, and so on. The Fourth Ring, on the other hand, despite its large population, couldn't compare to the Inner Ring in terms of high-end power. If not for the change in Dark Energy density, the Inner Ring might have sustained its exploitation of the Outer Ring indefinitely—for a hundred years, even several hundred! They would have become true Heavenly Dragon People! But unfortunately, people from the Inner Ring now had less influence in the Fourth Ring. So the question arose: should he go back and assist with the investigation? If he did, would he be treated unfairly? But if he didn't, and if he publicly humiliated this official here, would the Inner Ring even bother with him then? The invitations from the Luo Family and the Church—should he accept or decline? There were quite a few things to consider, and Lu Luo couldn't make a quick decision. He didn't respond to the Inner Ring official, instead leaving him hanging and turning to look at Zhang Anran. Compared to the Inner Ring official, Lu Luo felt that Zhang Anran, the Hunter, was somewhat more trustworthy. Although he wasn't very familiar with Zhang Anran, he was at least more familiar with him than with the people from the Inner Ring. "First, I want to state clearly that I did not kill Li Kaizhe." Zhang Anran frowned slightly. They had long anticipated Lu Luo's lack of cooperation; they just didn't know what Lu Luo would do next. In fact, they had never suspected Lu Luo because his abilities were outstanding. Now that he had his own power base, he had a bright future ahead of him. They had also investigated secretly and found that Lu Luo had indeed been busy with his base recently. At this time, the leaders of every faction were undoubtedly focused on developing their own strength, and Lu Luo was no exception. Anyone with a sound mind wouldn't go to the Security Bureau office and kill the Security Bureau Chief. Isn't that insane? But they hoped Lu Luo would cooperate with the investigation because the Fourth Ring needed time. "Although we are willing to believe you, the people from the Inner Ring don't think so. Lu Luo, I believe this matter truly needs a thorough investigation. Don't worry, we will ensure a fair environment for you. I am also aware of your capabilities. If you want to collect evidence or have any ideas of your own, feel free to act on them. You just need to agree to have our people accompany you." Zhang Anran adopted a very humble stance, and Lu Luo could tell the Hunters seemed to be trying to buy some time. The reasons for this were unknown. "Captain Zhang, where will this so-called 'assistance with the investigation' take place?" "At the Security Bureau." Afraid that Lu Luo would refuse, Zhang Anran quickly added, "Rest assured, the Security Bureau is entirely staffed by our people now." Only then did Lu Luo nod. "Alright then, I'll go with you." "Thank you for your cooperation, Lu Luo." Zhang Anran was very pleased because Yang Liya had told him about Lu Luo's abilities. This time, the Inner Ring officials, in inviting Lu Luo to assist with the investigation, considered him a suspect. The Hunters, however, regarded him as a detective. "Let's dispense with the pleasantries. Let's resolve this quickly. I also hope the Fourth Ring will truly stabilize." Their conversation deliberately included the Inner Ring official, Liu Wei. This made his expression somewhat unsightly, but Liu Wei remained silent. He sensed a powerful and dangerous aura from Lu Luo. Although Lu Luo was very young, Liu Wei had no confidence if it really came to a fight. Moreover, this was the Fourth Ring and Lu Luo's personal territory. That was why Liu Wei hadn't forcefully arrested him. When they were about to take Lu Luo away, Bai Yuetong and Zhou Kai stepped out. "Lu Luo! What's going on?" Lu Luo turned his head and gestured to them that everything was fine. "It's nothing. Wait for me at home." After making these arrangements, Lu Luo followed Zhang Anran and Liu Wei to the Hunter base. 「On the way, Lu Luo inquired about the specifics of the incident.」 "What was Li Kaizhe's power level?" "To be precise, he had reached the peak of the Fourth Tier, but his actual combat ability wasn't particularly strong. They only had a slight advantage in Cultivation Techniques, but their practical strength and abilities were poor, lacking true fighting spirit. Most people from the Inner Ring were like that. Except for the members of the Church, who were somewhat stronger, the rest were average, including the Constitution Guard Corps." As Zhang Anran spoke, Liu Wei, who was beside him, glanced at him unhappily but said nothing, tacitly acknowledging Zhang Anran's assessment. Lu Luo also felt this was accurate; he had crossed paths with people from both the Constitution Guard Corps and the Church. The people of the Church were truly strong! It could be said that the Church's strength was overwhelming in many aspects. They excelled in attack, defense, and healing, possessing excellent physical constitutions and superb skills. Although the Constitution Guard Corps and the Hunters were often mentioned in the same breath as the Church, in a real fight, the Church was undoubtedly the strongest—by a significant margin. "Fourth Tier combat power... If a Sixth Tier like Captain Wang Jie took action, an instant kill would indeed be possible. What were the traces of battle at the scene like?" "There were many signs of combat at the scene, and they didn't appear to be faked. The battle between the two must have lasted for a considerable time before concluding." Hearing this, Lu Luo immediately sensed something was amiss. "A Sixth Tier against a Fourth Tier... it's unlikely the fight would last long, right? If the fight did last a long time, wouldn't any of your people have noticed? That's too absurd." Not only Lu Luo, but Zhang Anran himself found it absurd. He had been at the bureau that day and hadn't heard any sounds of fighting. So, this whole affair was incredibly strange! "I really didn't hear anything." "Never mind. We'll discuss it once we arrive." The conversation between the two made Liu Wei feel very uncomfortable. Lu Luo was clearly a suspect, wasn't he? He had been brought back to assist in the investigation, but now... Lu Luo, the suspect, had suddenly transformed into someone genuinely assisting them. Liu Wei wasn't quite sure of Lu Luo's abilities, but he wasn't stupid. Since Zhang Anran trusted him so much, Lu Luo must have some unique qualities. Liu Wei decided he would figure it out once they reached the Security Bureau. The group arrived at the Security Bureau. Just as Lu Luo got out of the car and walked towards the main entrance, he stopped in his tracks. [Someone is surveilling you from the rooftop opposite. The distance is too great to confirm their identity.] Lu Luo turned to look at the clock tower opposite and suddenly bolted, intending to give chase. But Liu Wei, who was behind him, unleashed four chains that coiled around Lu Luo's calves, forcibly dragging him down. [Detecting Sequence particles. Sequence C-77, Chains LV3: Create up to four Cloud Chains to trap the enemy.] Fuck! This guy's ability is really annoying. Lu Luo felt somewhat helpless. He knew Liu Wei had acted out of concern that he might escape. But he couldn't resist with all his might either; he knew Liu Wei's strength. If he pulled hard, he might even tear Liu Wei's body apart. Although Liu Wei was Fifth Tier, his Constitution was genuinely lacking. Lu Luo was here to solve problems, not create them. Rashly killing a Fifth Tier Inner Ring official, an investigating officer at that, would undoubtedly be a slap in the face to the entire Inner Ring. Such an action, contrary to his interests, was not to be taken. Unfortunately, the others clearly hadn't noticed the observer on the opposite building, and chasing after them now would be pointless. Any explanation he offered now would seem feeble. Liu Wei's expression was solemn. As he stared at Lu Luo, several of his colleagues had already drawn their pistols and aimed them at Lu Luo. "You better not try to run, Lu Luo! You are still the prime suspect in the Li Kaizhe case." Zhang Anran stepped forward at this moment, positioning himself in front of Lu Luo to block the gun muzzles. "Lu Luo, what just happened?" "Nothing much. Someone was just surveilling us from over there." Everyone looked towards the building across the street. Zhang Anran immediately instructed his subordinates, "A few of you go check it out." Although he himself hadn't detected any surveillance, he still showed his support for Lu Luo through his actions. This eased Lu Luo's discomfort somewhat. He spread his hands. "Forget it. It's too late to go now. Let's go." A few Inner Ring officials looked at Lu Luo skeptically but eventually lowered their weapons. "Making a mountain out of a molehill," some muttered under their breath. Lu Luo paid them no mind. Among them, only Liu Wei remained silent. The others specifically looked towards him. "Captain Liu, what are you looking at? Let's go." Liu Wei nodded, dispersing his Cloud Chains. His hesitation stemmed from the strength Lu Luo had just displayed. Lu Luo's physical strength was comparable to a Lord! Just that slight tug from Lu Luo had torn the skin on Liu Wei's fingers, causing them to bleed. Lu Luo could have easily dragged him along, or even ripped his arm off, but Lu Luo hadn't done so. Did this kid show mercy? Don't tell me I have to thank him? Liu Wei was somewhat speechless, his perception of Lu Luo becoming even more complicated. 「Meanwhile, on the building opposite the Security Bureau, Qin Wanyu was talking to Lu Xiaotian.」 "Master, did you... deliberately set him up?" Lu Xiaotian frowned slightly. Qin Wanyu's talent was indeed remarkable, but she was too preoccupied with Lu Luo. This wasn't good. It could easily compromise their mission's focus and slow Qin Wanyu's growth. "You should be very clear about my objective, right? Why would you ask such a question?" "I'm sorry, Master. I shouldn't have questioned you, but this matter really does involve Lu Luo." Qin Wanyu knew she shouldn't question her master, but she couldn't help herself. Lu Xiaotian shook her head; lovesick women were truly troublesome. If Lu Luo couldn't even resolve such a minor issue, then he wouldn't be Lu Luo. "If anyone was to blame for this situation, it was Lu Luo for learning the Dust Devil technique. And coincidentally, there was a very special individual within the Inner Ring's investigation team. But don't worry. Lu Luo's personal abilities are formidable; he can handle such a minor issue himself." Qin Wanyu sincerely felt that Lu Xiaotian was very good to her and a reliable pillar of support. In the world of Exotic Species, repeatedly questioning the leader as she had done would have gotten her killed long ago. But Lu Xiaotian would never do such a thing. Qin Wanyu realized then that she herself had been too disrespectful. "Master, I always question you. Aren't you angry with me?" "Of course I'm angry." Read full story at novel•fire.net "Then why don't you punish me?" Lu Xiaotian smiled. "Because anger, resentment, and questioning—that's what it means to be a real person!" 「Upon arriving inside the Security Bureau, Lu Luo saw Luo Sen covered in wounds.」 After Ludie's death, Luo Sen had become even more taciturn than before. Previously, he was merely taciturn, but the current Luo Sen exuded an eerie, menacing aura. He fought with even greater recklessness, as evidenced by his current injuries sustained on a mere cleanup mission. "How did you get so injured?" Lu Luo took the initiative to greet Luo Sen. Upon seeing Lu Luo, the injured Luo Sen stood up abruptly and tore off the bandage on his arm. "Don't sweat the details! You're here about the investigation into the Bureau Chief's death, right?" "Yes, that's right. To assist with the investigation." "Assist my ass! If you ask me, we might as well kill all these people. We've already come this far, anyway." Luo Sen's words made the atmosphere instantly freeze. Liu Wei's expression turned extremely ugly. The other members of the Inner Ring investigation team were also on high alert, their hands already reaching inside their jackets, ready to draw their guns at any moment. Previously, despite the tension, they had at least maintained a veneer of civility and respected certain boundaries. But Luo Sen's attitude was different. He openly displayed hostility, even murderous intent. Luo Sen's animosity towards the Inner Ring was complex, but it stemmed mainly from the recent upheaval. Although he had been monitoring Ludie all along at Yang Liya's request, his surveillance, like Yang Liya's, had been protective in nature. He and Ludie had been close friends. Ludie's death and the destruction in the Fourth Ring had dealt Luo Sen a heavy blow. Therefore, he had become a staunch advocate for the Fourth Ring's complete separation, making no effort to hide his stance. What was more alarming was that after Luo Sen spoke, many Hunters within the Security Bureau shifted in their seats, their muscles tensing, looking ready to act. They made no explicit verbal statements, but their body language spoke volumes. There were definitely more than just one or two who shared Luo Sen's sentiments. "Luo Sen, have you lost your mind?" A clear female voice came from the entrance of the Security Bureau. Yang Liya, captain of Team 2 and now the de facto leader of the Hunters, had finally arrived. Upon seeing Lu Luo, Yang Liya simply nodded, showing no particular emotion. However, as she quickly approached Luo Sen, she suddenly lashed out. A heavy punch slammed Luo Sen into the ground. Then, she casually pulled him up again. The disparity in their strength was glaringly obvious.