Biochemical Martial Arts: Supreme Heavenly Venerate

Vice Commander Sun Shicheng couldn't help but admire what he heard.

Witnessing the acting skills of these two men, they were truly lamenting with every word, so sincere and heartfelt that anyone unaware would probably believe they'd been wronged.

Although the two men were his trusted subordinates, standing from an objective and fair stance and considering things rationally, the judgment based on facts was that this arson had definitely been committed by them.

Sun Shicheng thought this was their only viable strategy, to muddy the waters of this clear-cut case of arson so that the King of Han could find an opportunity to get involved.

His Highness, the King of Han, was deeply favored by the Emperor, so saving their lives shouldn't be a problem.

The second Divine Envoy also wouldn't let his people fall without a contingency plan; even if irritated, he would still give them a hand.

As for Sun Shicheng, he was already formulating his words, thinking about how he should speak up for these two men.

It was at this moment that Luo Tianman, the warden of the twentieth prison, entered from outside.

He bowed with clasped hands towards 'Lin Hao' above, "My lord, the examination of the scene has been completed. It's confirmed that the fire was set intentionally using highly flammable oil, ignited by no less than fifty explosive charms. Had it not been for the timely intervention of the Ice Blood Demon, the entire archives tower would have been burnt down instantly. Moreover, due to the sweeping high-temperature flames, I couldn't find any useful clues at the scene."

'Lin Rui' hmmed, and with an expressionless face, asked, "Tianman, these two stated that when they entered the archives tower, nearly half of the documents and records on the third floor were already gone, and a large amount of oil had already been poured. Did you find any clues?"

Luo Tianman frowned, lost in thought, "Speaking of which, there did seem to be a little less ash on the third floor of the archives tower, which puzzled me. However, when the Ice Blood Demon made a move, a cold wind blew, so it might have been blown away by the wind."

Xie Yong and Pan Dongfan, upon hearing Luo Tianman's words, were overwhelmed with emotion and nearly in tears.

Someone else had clearly set the fire; they were the ones framed!

No matter how they tried to explain, no one believed them.

Only now, at last, was there a clue somewhat in their favor.

"So, their words might not be without merit?"

Lin Rui frowned tightly, contemplative, "Xie Yong, Pan Dongfan, apart from this, do you have any other clues? Did you see anyone else in the tower?"

Xie Yong had not seen anyone at the time, but as if grasping a lifeline, he said loudly, "My lord, when we entered, we did see several dark figures jumping out from the other side of the window!"

Pan Dongfan's eyes also lit up, instantly understanding Xie Yong's intent: to muddy the case and do their utmost to reduce the suspicion on them both.

He declared loudly, "My lord, I saw them too. At first, we didn't understand what was happening, and by the time we reacted, it was already too late."

Pan Dongfan thought to himself that those scoundrels would've needed more than one person to move so many books in such a short amount of time.

His gaze swept sharply across the people present, "My lord, I may not have seen those people's faces clearly, but I can confirm they were definitely inside the government office at the time, and those books and documents must be hidden somewhere within the office."

To his knowledge, there were many people working night shifts in the yamen at the time, as nearly everyone in the Office of the Inspectorate was busy with the case concerning the Luo Family Estate.

The Commander along with three Vice Commanders, as well as numerous wardens, were all within the yamen.

Pan Dongfan's gaze first lingered on the Commander 'Lin Hao' for a moment.

He immediately ruled out the suspicion against the Commander.

If it were his trap, wouldn't they have been killed without a chance to speak? Would that not have been simpler and more convenient?

Moreover, though this person had always been targeting them since his appointment, Lin Hao's methods were direct and legitimate, using his power to pressure them. He had no need for such underhanded tactics, nor any reason to do so.

And since the two had 'seen' a group of men in black, it could not have been Commander Lin.

At the time of the incident, everyone saw the Commander rushing out from the main hall.

Pan Dongfan seriously suspected that it could be the Deputy Commander Tan Xiangsheng or perhaps Deputy Commander Xing Hai—who had previously handled several cases and had recently been censured and impeached by the Imperial Censor, giving him some motive.

Upon hearing this, Tan Xiangsheng's anger could not be contained, thinking, how dare these two try to splatter him with their filth? This is utterly preposterous!

Grinding his teeth in secret, Tan Xiangsheng thought that if this case fell into his hands, he would surely deal with these two ruthlessly!

Deputy Commander Xing Hai slightly frowned, pondering whether parts of the documents in the archive had indeed been stolen. What was the purpose of the thief?

A friend of Xing Hai's from the Heavenly Demon had specially cautioned him to guard this dossier carefully. Anyone wanting access must undoubtedly be from the Heavenly Demon.

Lin Rui furrowed his brow, a hint of hesitation on his face, "Your words are quite absurd, yet we cannot dismiss the possibility. Gentlemen, for the sake of caution, we must investigate thoroughly. Deputy Tan, you are to select personnel to search every room inside and outside of the Assassination Bureau, including everyone from top to bottom—even I am not exempt. We must sort this out quickly!"

"Deputy Xing, you are to record everyone present at the bureau at the time, and what business they had there. For instance, I received a warning from the Supervisor of the Rack Storehouse and stayed to be on guard, yet an incident still occurred! If the words of Xie Yong and Pan Dongfan are true, then I am also a suspect."

Lin Rui paused, his gaze turning dark, "Also, thoroughly investigate anyone in the bureau skilled in Illusion Technique. These people can deceive the heavens and cross the sea; their skills must be exceptionally advanced."

The people listening all inwardly groaned, feeling that Commander Lin's methods were too meticulous, bordering on pedantic.

The statements of Xie Yong and Pan Dongfan were blatantly full of holes, yet Commander Lin insisted on a detailed investigation into the Assassination Bureau based on that slight possibility.

Although his impartiality and integrity were admirable, the issue was that everyone was busy with the major Heavenly Demon case at the Luo family estate. How much time would this search delay?
Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire

Lin Rui continued, "Given the magnitude of today's Rack Storehouse arson case, involving two Supervisors, even I and everyone present are suspects. I dare not make decisions alone and wish to report the case to His Majesty for the Divine Envoy to judge. What do you all think?"

At that moment, Lin Rui felt the official seal at his waist suddenly growing hot.

The contact was from his mentor Luo Wangshu, with only a brief message, "Two quarters of an hour ago, the scandal between Prince Han and Concubine Hui was exposed. The Emperor was furious and has ordered the beheading of all servants and attendants of Prince Han and Concubine Hui. Little Hao, be cautious in your words and actions, lest you be caught in the tailwind of his storm."

Lin Rui realized his subordinates were also very well-informed.

Soon after, the three Deputy Commanders and twenty Supervisors in attendance all felt a slight disturbance from their badges and official seals.

The news they received was almost the same. They all turned their heads, looking at Xie Yong and Pan Dongfan in the center of the hall with eyes full of pity.

They knew these two were doomed!

It would have been better if the case had not been escalated to the heavens, but now that it would be reported, the fate of these two would only be more miserable.