Lingyao City
JA District.
The heavy rain had been falling for several days and only gradually stopped in the afternoon.
Emperor's Pavilion Residential Complex Square
A handsome young man dressed as a student sat by the lake, concentrating on flipping through the Books in his hands.
From time to time, he frowned tightly and muttered something softly.
Emperor's Pavilion is a high-end residential complex in JA District, with excellent overall greenery. Combined with Lingyao City's unique geographical location, one can look up and see a sea of clouds filling the sky.
In the middle of the square stands a massive statue, emitting a faint glow.
This is the Divine Statue of the God of Justice and Courage, which can protect the town from Mutation by the Old Ones.
In the distance, an auntie pulled a student past.
"Look how diligent Ye Feng is at studying. He's already been admitted to the Security Team and still doesn't forget to study hard. Now look at you!"
The passing auntie looked envious as she watched the student sitting by the stream reading, then turned to her own child and spoke.
The child pouted and didn't respond. Whose family is so wealthy that they'd still do such a dangerous job? Honor can't be eaten as food.
"You, you have no ambition at all!"
The auntie sighed helplessly and pulled him home.
"Pah!"
Ye Feng spat out the grass he was chewing, his brows tightly furrowed.
"What a lousy thing. What was the Original Host working so hard for, aiming for the Security Team? Now he's going to drag me down with him."
He was originally an office worker with a nine-to-ten schedule, working overtime day after day. The night before last, while working late, everything went black before his eyes, and when he woke up, he was in this place.
From the scattered memories in his mind, he learned that the body's original owner was also named Ye Feng , a university student who was usually withdrawn, disliked socializing, had excellent academic performance, came from an extremely wealthy family, and aimed to become a Security Officer to investigate his parents' cause of death.
Being reborn was certainly a good thing, and the previous body had left him a lot of money that he could never spend.
The problem lay with this Security Team notification. Through querying his memories, Ye Feng discovered that this world was no different from the one he originally came from.
This world has a kind of magical creature.
"God"
That's right, not the illusory, idealistic gods from his previous world.
In this world, Gods truly exist and are spread throughout the land.
Ye Feng frowned tightly, irritably scratching his hair.
"This Security Team usually has to handle criminal cases and maintain safety within its jurisdiction. Making an ordinary office worker like me do this is already unacceptable. What if I run into Cultists who worship an Evil God? Then my life would be over."
"Sigh, but I've already passed. If I don't go, according to this world's laws, I'd probably be sentenced as a deserter! And if I run away, I definitely won't be able to use the money in the card."
Since there was no way to refuse, Ye Feng simply came to terms with it. Since he was given a second chance at life, his own happiness was most important. He'd try working at the Security Team first. If it really didn't work out, he could always hide under a false identity.
"Beep beep beep"
While he was thinking, the phone in his pocket rang.
"Hello?"
Ye Feng looked at the number on the screen with no notes and asked in confusion.
Soon, a steady and deep voice came through the earpiece.
"Is this Ye Feng with the last four digits 0925?"
The voice on the other end paused, waiting for Ye Feng 's response.
Ye Feng was already frustrated by the Security Team matter and had no mood to chat with anyone. No matter how much money there was, you needed to be alive to spend it.
Upon hearing this, he also had no desire to continue idle talk.
"Get to the point, or I'm hanging up. Stop rambling."
The middle-aged man's voice on the other end clearly became urgent, as if he hadn't expected Ye Feng to speak so rudely.
"You kid have quite a temper. I'm Security Officer Yang Yong . You've been assigned to our Security Team by the Church. Originally, I planned to arrange for you to come to the company tomorrow, but I have a case on hand."
The middle-aged man on the other end paused, then continued.
"I'll send you the address later. Come to this location at seven tomorrow morning. I'll take you out on a mission."
"Don't be late!"
"Beep beep beep..."
"Hey hey hey, I don't want to go! Can you hear me? Are you there?"
All that came from the other end of the phone was a busy tone.
Ye Feng helplessly rubbed his chin. He hadn't expected to be sent on a mission so soon. It was already evening now, and he still had to get up early tomorrow.
He patted the dirt off his body and stood up to open the door of the villa behind him.
Reaching out to open the heavy door, he didn't bother washing up and went straight back to the bedroom to lie down.
His parents had died in a car accident, and the cause of death remained a mystery. The Original Body had left behind only a mansion, several cars, and a few bank cards containing several billion.
This was also the reason the Original Body wanted to become a Security Officer—he wanted to take this opportunity to investigate his parents' cause of death.
"Bro, it's not that I'm saying this, but you passed away so young and didn't get to spend any of the money.
"Although we don't know each other, from now on we're brothers from different fathers and mothers. You can rest easy. I'll spend the money for you!"
Ye Feng 's thoughts were very chaotic. He himself didn't know how he should live in this unfamiliar world. Moreover, the Original Body had left him so much money—it was laughable, he could never spend it all. This kind of life made one feel lost and helpless.
He hadn't even gotten to enjoy the good life yet before he realized how happy it was.
As he thought, drowsiness came over him. Ye Feng was ultimately just an ordinary person. The events of the past few days had been too much of a shock for him, and he was mentally exhausted.
"Ring ring ring..."
At six in the morning, the alarm Ye Feng had set went off. He hurriedly got up and checked his phone, finding that there was indeed a text message.
It contained only a few short words.
"33 Shilin Road"
The early autumn morning was still a bit chilly. A few taxis were scattered at the entrance of Emperor's Pavilion Residential Complex.
Several drivers squatted together smoking.
Ye Feng finished getting ready, came out from the Emperor's Pavilion gate, and walked straight toward a taxi driver.
"Knock knock knock"
He knocked on the driver's car door.
Seeing a customer arrive, the driver quickly opened the door.
"Driver, to 33 Shilin Road."
Ye Feng said listlessly.
"Shilin Road hasn't been very stable lately. Sir, you should still be careful. It's best not to go to these places. I have a relative..."
The driver kept talking on the side.
"Stop, that's enough. Do you know why my grandma lived to be a hundred?"
After speaking, Ye Feng closed his eyes and lazily leaned back against the rear seat.
Seeing this, the driver didn't dare disturb Ye Feng 's sleep. He couldn't help but wonder what his grandma living to a hundred had to do with chatting, but since the customer didn't want to talk, he could only drive honestly.
He didn't know how much time had passed.
"Sir, sir... we've arrived."
Ye Feng rubbed his eyes.
After paying, he reached out and opened the door.
The taxi quickly turned around and disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"Hey, kid, over here!"
A few hundred meters away, at the entrance of a dilapidated factory building.
A middle-aged uncle wearing a blue-and-white striped shirt and a Star Radiance cap waved and called out to Ye Feng .
Ye Feng quickly ran over. Since he wanted to do a good job, he couldn't make a bad impression on his first meeting with his superior.
As he approached quickly, he could see more clearly.
A man leaned against the factory door, a pipe in his mouth, white smoke drifting in the wind.
His appearance wasn't handsome. He had stubble and looked like he hadn't cleaned up in a long time. He appeared sleazy yet carried a sense of righteousness—a somewhat incongruous combination that most people would find hard to possess simultaneously.
"Old Man , have you seen anyone else here?"
Ye Feng asked politely.
Thinking to himself, this person looked quite old and probably wasn't his superior.
"Old Man ?"
Yang Yong couldn't hold it in anymore, veins bulging on his forehead.
"I'm your Captain Yang , not some Old Man !"
Yang Yong took a deep breath and said.
Huh?
Ye Feng was dumbfounded. He'd just joined the Security Team and already offended the captain?
He was stunned for a second.
"Sorry, Captain! I'm Ye Feng , reporting as ordered."
Ye Feng stood in front of the middle-aged man and gave a proper salute. This wasn't difficult for him—his memories contained information about this, and using it felt completely natural.
Seeing Ye Feng become so polite after recognizing him, the middle-aged man waved his hand, indicating it wasn't necessary.
He reached out and patted Ye Feng , his eyes scanning up and down. Only after a long while did he speak.
"Ye Feng , let me formally introduce myself. I'm the Security Officer of JA District, Yang Yong ."
"I know you're new to the Security Team and will naturally have many things you're not used to, but those aren't important. After investigating a few more cases, you'll get the hang of it."
"Have you tried having Faith in the Deities of the Pantheon? If you don't have true vision, investigating cases will be very difficult."
As he spoke, without waiting for Ye Feng 's answer, he continued.
"Forget it, we'll talk about that later. Follow me and work hard, and you'll have clubs and young models every day."
Yang Yong gave a sleazy smile, showing none of a leader's airs.
After speaking, he didn't wait for Ye Feng 's response.
He waved his hand and turned to open the door of the dilapidated factory.
"Captain Yang really has it tough, still sticking to his post at such an old age..."
Ye Feng muttered softly.
"Kid, don't think I can't hear you. Hurry up and follow!"
He hadn't expected Yang Yong 's introduction to be so brief. Ye Feng quickly followed. For his own safety, the most important thing was to stay right behind the big shot, never leaving his side.
Yellow tape was tied to the dilapidated door. Yang Yong reached out, pulled it, and casually threw the tape on the ground.
With a light push, the door made a creaking sound. As the sound continued, the door slowly opened.
"Follow me."
"I received a notification from a subordinate unit that a serious incident occurred here. It's suspected that an Evil Cult performed a Sacrifice here. After you come in, don't touch anything at the scene. If you find anything suspicious, call me immediately."
Yang Yong 's expression was grave as he cautiously entered the factory.
Ye Feng followed behind, taking two steps and looking back, to guard against someone attacking from behind.
Above the factory door were written several large characters.
Rose Elf Garment Factory, but because it had been abandoned for so long, the original color had faded, and the name could only barely be distinguished.
A very faint White Mist filled the factory, giving it a somewhat eerie feel.
"Kid, come over here. React quickly—the culprit might still be here!"
Hearing Captain Yang call him, Ye Feng quickly obeyed and walked over.
A strange smell wafted over.
"Ugh... bleh, pah, pah pah pah..."
Ye Feng covered his mouth, unable to hold it in any longer. He squatted in the corner and vomited.
A sour smell spread out.
The factory was too foul. Food and drink were piled beside the Altar, along with a burning bonfire and unknown rotting meat, all fermenting together in a smell that was unbearable.
"Everyone's like this the first time. No need to hold it in. I've seen much worse environments."
Hearing the voice, Yang Yong didn't seem surprised. Without turning his head, he spoke as if it were routine.
It would have been better if Yang Yong hadn't said anything. As soon as he did, Ye Feng was reminded of the disgusting smell and couldn't help but vomit again.
Actually, he had already prepared himself mentally. Since it was investigating a major case, it was generally related to human lives.
But he hadn't expected that although this criminal wasn't exactly cruel, he was indescribably perverted.
What came into view was a tall ritual Altar. On the platform was a white statue, and around the Altar were various mysterious items.
A young girl was tied to a chair in a kneeling posture. Her white Lolita dress was stained with blood. There was no blood on the ground. She seemed to still have a breath left, her chest rising and falling slightly, with a faint White Mist emanating from her body.
Ye An frowned. What was this White Mist ?
Although he had already prepared himself mentally that the crime scene would be terrifying, he hadn't expected that even if it wasn't a homicide, it could make him, an ordinary office worker, so unable to adapt.
The Evil Cult ritual atmosphere here was too strong, leaving one with no sense of security.
"The injured person is approximately 16 years old, female. There are no external wounds on her body. The current location should be the primary crime scene. No signs of the kidnapper were seen, so it should be a targeted kidnapping."
Yang Yong , who was rummaging there, showed panic on his face. His body trembled, and his hand quietly put something away.
Ye Feng looked at the Lolita girl tied up in front of him and immediately stepped forward to rescue her.
"Don't touch her. For cases like this, just hand it over to the police below to handle. Let's go."
Golden light emanated from Yang Yong 's eyes. After a long while, he solemnly stated his conclusion.
Ye Feng paused, somewhat unable to hold back.
This Captain Yang was a bit unreliable. Seeing such a beautiful girl tied up in front of him, he actually wanted to leave. Was he even a man!
And what did he mean by an ordinary case? Although this was his first time seeing a crime scene, he could tell that this was clearly an Evil Cult Sacrifice, and it was very likely that the Sacrifice wasn't even over yet.
"Captain, the possibility of an Evil Cult committing this crime is very high. The layout here is full of Evil God ritual atmosphere. How could it be an ordinary kidnapping!"
Ye Feng couldn't help but retort.
"You're new, so it's normal not to understand. I have twenty-four years of investigative experience. I won't be wrong. You just need to follow orders."
Yang Yong 's mouth twitched. This newbie really didn't know how to behave, always contradicting him. It looked like he couldn't bring him along for clubs and young models anymore.
"Captain! This is a human life!"
No matter how you looked at it, it was just a simple effort to save this innocent passerby. It was a good deal, wasn't it?
"Alright... I'm the captain. Follow orders!"
With that, Yang Yong waved his hand and stood up to walk out.
"I think she might die in this state..."
Hearing Ye Feng 's words, a trace of reluctance flashed in Yang Yong 's eyes, but he still shook his head.
Ye Feng was extremely speechless inside.
Just saving one injured person—what could possibly happen? The documents clearly recorded that Cultists were like rats in the sewer. The two of them had come to investigate the case; the Evil Cult members had probably already fled at the first sign of trouble!
What kind of Cultist would dare be so brazen as to lay hands on Captain Yang of the Church of Justice?
This was the territory of the Church of Justice. He had thoroughly studied the Church of Justice's scriptures!
Ye Feng carefully pondered this matter.
"Ye Feng , I told you to follow orders. The water here runs very deep!"
Yang Yong looked around impatiently, anxiety showing on his serious face.
"Security Team Management Regulations Article 14: All Security Team members have the absolute responsibility and obligation to ensure the safety of residents within their jurisdiction."
"Punishment Regulations Article 1: When the life and property safety of residents within the jurisdiction is in danger, proper measures shall be taken to protect the legitimate interests of the public."
Ye Feng glanced back at Security Officer Yang Yong and loudly recited the Pantheon management and punishment regulations.
Ye Feng couldn't think of anything in all of Lingyao City more terrifying than the God of Justice .
After finishing the recitation, he didn't respond to the anxious Yang Yong in the distance. He walked straight to the Altar, intending to untie the girl.
"Heh heh heh heh... Security Officer Yang , since he doesn't want to leave, then let him stay too. You can go."
A voice came from beneath the Altar.
"Click click"
A door opened from the high Altar, and a man wearing a white robe and a strange mask slowly walked out from inside!
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