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483: Chapter 418: Secret Investigation, Contacting the Military Inspectorate

Zhao Tieshan's promise did not put Lin Zhou at ease.

Although the Military Law Department has great authority, Chen Tianchou is the Vice Commander of the Expeditionary Force headquarters, a General, with a Divine Rank of LV4000.

Zhao Tieshan is only a Lieutenant General, so he is constrained everywhere when investigating.

Moreover, the Military Law Department is, after all, within the Expeditionary Force system; if Chen Tianchou notices, he can intervene at any time.

Lin Zhou needs an investigative force independent of the Expeditionary Force system.

He thought of the Military Inspection Department—that is an inspection agency directly under the Human Race High Command, not under the jurisdiction of the Expeditionary Force, and has the authority to investigate officers of any Rank, including Generals.

The Director of the Inspection Department is Lin Zhou's senior from Xinghai University, and Qin Qing's cousin, Qin Zheng.

The Qin Family has significant influence after the reconstruction of the New Universe; Qin Zheng became the Deputy Director of the Inspection Department at a young age, relying not on his Family, but on his impartial style of handling cases.

Lin Zhou decided to contact Qin Zheng through Qin Qing.

"Qin Qing, is your cousin currently in the Inspection Department?" Lin Zhou found Qin Qing and got straight to the point.

Qin Qing was stunned for a moment. "Qin Zheng? He is a Deputy Director at the Inspection Department. Why are you looking for him?"

"To investigate Chen Tianchou. The Military Law Department doesn't have enough authority, but the Inspection Department does."

Qin Qing was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I will contact him. But Qin Zheng is a man who recognizes no relatives. He won't help just because we are relatives; he needs evidence."

"I have it."

That evening, Qin Qing contacted Qin Zheng via an encrypted channel.

Qin Zheng's projection appeared on the communicator—in his early thirties, with a cold and stern face, eyes like blades, wearing a black inspection uniform, with two gold stars on his epaulets.

[Qin Zheng · Personal Data]

- Divine Rank: LV750 (Mid-Tier Divine Power Advanced)

- Divine Title: [Justice]

- Talent: Can see through all lies

- Position: Deputy Director of the Military Inspection Department

- Personality: Impartial, recognizes no relatives

"Qin Qing, what is it?" Qin Zheng's voice was emotionless.

"Cousin, Lin Zhou needs your help." Qin Qing stepped aside, letting Lin Zhou appear in the projection.

Lin Zhou briefly explained the situation—Karon was contaminated by the Void Sect, attacked the supply line, and has been killed; Seventh War Zone Chief of Staff Zhou Mingyuan suppressed the report; investigation discovered that Expeditionary Force headquarters Vice Commander Chen Tianchou might be colluding with Karon, and might even be contaminated himself.

Qin Zheng listened, then was silent for a moment. "Where is the evidence?"

Lin Zhou transmitted the organized copies of evidence—patrol time comparisons, Divine Power growth curves, Void energy fluctuation records, Karon's seclusion schedule, Zhou Mingyuan's encrypted phone records, and the subordinate relationship between Chen Tianchou and Karon.

Qin Zheng browsed quickly, his brows furrowed. "This evidence can prove Karon has issues, and can prove Zhou Mingyuan suppressed the report, but it cannot directly prove Chen Tianchou is colluding with the Void Sect. His recommendation of Karon to the Seventh War Zone can be explained as a normal cadre recommendation. His communications with Karon can be explained as normal superior-subordinate communication. To investigate Chen Tianchou, we need harder evidence."

"What evidence?"

"Chen Tianchou's communication records, Divine Power Cultivate data, and his itinerary for the last three years. If we can find evidence of his direct contact with the Void Sect, the Inspection Department can open a case."

Lin Zhou was silent. These data only exist in the Expeditionary Force headquarters central communication node and personnel archives. Zhao Tieshan can retrieve a portion, but Zhao Tieshan does not have the authority for Chen Tianchou's encrypted communication records and Divine Power Cultivate data.

"How long will it take?"

"If you can get the data, I can open a case within three days." Qin Zheng paused. "But Lin Zhou, you need to think clearly. Investigating a General—if you fail, your military career is over."

"I know."

"Good. I will send you a special envoy to assist you in the investigation. He will arrive at the Seventh War Zone tomorrow."

Qin Zheng's projection disappeared.

The next day at noon, a small black shuttle landed on the tarmac of the Seventh War Zone fortress.

The cabin door opened, and a middle-aged man wearing a black inspection uniform stepped out; he was tall, with a square face and eyes like a hawk. There were two silver stars on his epaulets—a Colonel of the Inspection Department.

[Special Envoy · Iron Face]

- Name: Iron Face (Codename)

- Rank: Colonel

- Divine Rank: LV750 (Mid-Tier Divine Power Advanced)

- Divine Title: [Justice]

- Talent: Can see through all lies

- Resume: Chief Investigator of the Inspection Department, has investigated three corruption cases at the General level, with no failures

Iron Face walked up to Lin Zhou and extended his hand. "Brigadier General Lin Zhou, I am a special envoy from the Inspection Department, codename Iron Face. Director Qin Zheng sent me to assist you in investigating the Chen Tianchou case."

Lin Zhou shook his hand. "Colonel Iron Face, welcome."

Iron Face had no extra pleasantries and got straight to the point. "Director Qin Zheng gave me copies of your evidence. It is not enough. Chen Tianchou is a General; to move against him, we need ironclad evidence. I need you to help me access Chen Tianchou's Divine Power Cultivate records and encrypted communication logs. Do you have a way?"

"Yes. Lieutenant General Zhao Tieshan of the Military Law Department will help. But he can only retrieve non-encrypted data. Encrypted data requires the highest authority of the central communication node."

"Highest authority is only possessed by the Commander-in-Chief and the Vice Commander."

Lin Zhou was silent. The Commander-in-Chief is the supreme commander and cannot possibly investigate his own deputy. This path is blocked.

"Is there any other way?" Iron Face asked.

Lin Zhou thought for a moment. "Chen Tianchou's Divine Power Cultivate records are in the headquarters' personnel archives. Several Lieutenant Generals have authority over the personnel archives. Zhao Tieshan can retrieve them."

"Then retrieve the Divine Power Cultivate records first. If his Divine Power growth is abnormal, it can prove he may have absorbed Void energy."

"Good."

Lin Zhou contacted Zhao Tieshan and asked him to retrieve Chen Tianchou's Divine Power Cultivate records. Zhao Tieshan hesitated for a moment but finally agreed. Three days later, an encrypted file was sent to Lin Zhou's terminal.

[Chen Tianchou · Divine Power Cultivate Records (Recent Three Years)]

- Three years ago: LV3500

- Two years ago: LV3600 (Annual increase of 100 Ranks, normal)

- One year ago: LV3800 (Annual increase of 200 Ranks, abnormal)

- Half a year ago: LV4000 (Six-month increase of 200 Ranks, abnormal)

- Current: LV4000

- Note: Seven "seclusion Cultivate" in the last year, seven days each time

- Seclusion time: Highly overlaps with Karon's seclusion time and Void Sect action times

Lin Zhou handed the data to Iron Face. Iron Face finished reading all the records, his brows furrowed even tighter.

"An annual increase of 200 Ranks is not normal. But the court might not accept it as evidence. Because some gifted gods can indeed raise their Rank significantly in a short period. We need more direct evidence."

"For example?"

"For example, if there are traces of Void energy mixed in his Divine Power fluctuations. If we can detect Void energy in his Divine Rank, we can prove he has been contaminated."

"How to detect it?"

"We need the Fire of Civilization." Iron Face looked at Lin Zhou. "Director Qin Zheng said that your Fire of Civilization can detect Void contamination."

"I can. But I need to get close to Chen Tianchou himself."

Iron Face was silent for a moment. "To get close to Chen Tianchou, we need a reason. I will give you a reason—a routine inspection by the Inspection Department. Every year, the Inspection Department conducts a round of Divine Rank health checks on high-level headquarters personnel. This year, Chen Tianchou's check hasn't been done yet. I can arrange for you to participate as an 'examining doctor'."

"Will it work?"

"It will. But your Fire of Civilization detection needs to be done without being discovered. If Chen Tianchou notices, he will turn hostile on the spot."

"The Fire of Civilization is very covert and will not be discovered."

"Good. Three days later, high-level headquarters Divine Rank health check. You will come with me."

Three days later, Lin Zhou, wearing a white doctor's coat and a mask, stood in the headquarters' physical examination center.

His undercover identity was "Special Expert of the Civilization Research Institute," responsible for using new equipment to detect Divine Rank health. The equipment was specially made by Li Mo; the shell was a standard physical examination instrument, but inside it was equipped with a Fire of Civilization detector.

[Divine Rank Health Detector · Disguised Version]

- Appearance: Standard physical examination instrument

- Core: Fire of Civilization detector

- Function: Detects Divine Rank integrity, contamination level, and residual Void energy

- Concealment: High

The first examinee was Zhao Tieshan.

Lin Zhou placed the detector on his Divine Core, and the Fire of Civilization seeped into his Divine Core.

A few seconds later, the instrument displayed—Divine Core integrity 98%, no contamination.

Zhao Tieshan nodded slightly at him and walked out of the examination room.

The second, third... they were all Lieutenant Generals and Major Generals from headquarters.

When the seventh examinee walked in, Lin Zhou's heart rate accelerated.

Chen Tianchou, Deputy Commander of the Expeditionary Force headquarters, General.

He looked to be in his sixties, with graying hair, a dignified face, and the oppressive aura of someone who had long held a high position.

He wore his General's uniform, with three gold stars on his shoulder straps, a sword at his waist, and a steady gait.

[ Chen Tianchou · Data ]

- Divine Core Rank: LV4000

- Divine Core Integrity: Unknown

- Contamination Level: Unknown

- Status: Unknown

"You are that expert from the Civilization Research Institute?" Chen Tianchou's voice was low.

"Yes." Lin Zhou lowered his head, not daring to meet his gaze.

"Begin."

Lin Zhou placed the detector on Chen Tianchou's chest, and the Fire of Civilization seeped in from his fingertips.

As the flames entered Chen Tianchou's Divine Core, Lin Zhou felt it—dark red, writhing, vein-like energy from the Void, coiled around his Divine Core.

The contamination level was about 30%.

The Divine Core integrity was 85%, 10% lower than normal.

[ Chen Tianchou · Test Results ]

- Divine Core Integrity: 85% (Normal value is above 95%)

- Void Energy Contamination: 30%

- Contamination Location: Perimeter of the Divine Core

- Status: Contaminated, not yet fully corrupted.

Lin Zhou withdrew the Fire of Civilization and recorded the data on the detector.

Chen Tianchou looked at him, his eyes burning like torches.

"Are there any problems?"

"None. Divine Core integrity is 98%, completely normal." Lin Zhou fabricated a number.

Chen Tianchou nodded and walked out of the examination room.

Iron Face was waiting for him outside the door.

"How was it?"

"30% contamination." Lin Zhou whispered, "But there is no direct evidence proving he is colluding with the Void Sect. Void energy contamination could also be caused by him coming into contact with the Void during battle."

"But he is a rear-echelon commander; he rarely goes to the front line. Where would he get the chance to come into contact with the Void?"

"Therefore, he must have a problem."

Iron Face was silent for a moment.

"Is this evidence enough to open a case?"

"Enough. But to get an arrest warrant approved by High Command, we need more."

"What?"

"Evidence of his direct contact with the Void Sect. For example, encrypted communication logs."

Lin Zhou thought for a moment.

"Zhao Tieshan can retrieve the logs from the central communication node. Although only the Commander-in-Chief and the Deputy Commander have the highest authority, backups of the logs are also in the Military Law Department."

"Is Zhao Tieshan willing to take the risk?"

"I'll ask."

That night, Lin Zhou contacted Zhao Tieshan and asked him to retrieve Chen Tianchou's encrypted communication logs from the past year.

Zhao Tieshan hesitated for a long time, but eventually agreed.

This time, it took him three days to extract all of Chen Tianchou's encrypted communication records from the Military Law Department's backup server.

[ Chen Tianchou · Encrypted Communication Records (Past Year) ]

- Total: 36 times

- Counterparty: Unknown (Encrypted)

- Of which, communications with Karon: 12 times

- Communications with another unknown number: 24 times

- Origin of unknown number: Edge of the Old Universe (Void Sect stronghold)

Lin Zhou handed the data to Iron Face.

Iron Face looked at the records, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"He has direct contact with the Void Sect. This evidence is enough to open a case."

"Then, the arrest?"

"It requires approval from High Command. Tomorrow, I will return to headquarters to submit the report. You wait here for news."

Iron Face returned to headquarters early the next morning.

Lin Zhou waited at the fortress for three days.

On the evening of the third day, Iron Face's projection appeared on the communicator.

"Lin Zhou, High Command has approved it. Arrest Chen Tianchou."

Lin Zhou breathed a sigh of relief.

"But, they need you to make the arrest."

"Why?"

"High Command is worried that if they send someone else, Chen Tianchou will resist. Only your Fire of Civilization can suppress his Void energy."

"When?"

"Tomorrow at dawn. We will lay an ambush at his residence. You are responsible for the direct arrest."

"Okay."

Early the next morning, Lin Zhou brought Wang Meng, Qin Qing, Su Yueyao, and the Dragon Vein Golden Scale, arriving at headquarters via the teleportation array.

Iron Face had already set up a perimeter around Chen Tianchou's residence.

Over a dozen elites from the Inspectorate, wearing black uniforms, held standard-issue Divine Artifacts and rule-binding Talismans.

[ Arrest · Deployment ]

- Target: Chen Tianchou (General, LV4000, 30% contamination)

- Location: Headquarters Advanced Officer Residential Area

- Time: 4:00 AM (Chen Tianchou's usual cultivation time)

- Arrest Team: Iron Face (Main Attacker), Lin Zhou (Suppression), Wang Meng, Qin Qing (Support)

- Backup: Dragon Vein Golden Scale, Su Yueyao's Moon Brilliance

"Move."

Iron Face kicked open Chen Tianchou's door.

Inside, Chen Tianchou was sitting cross-legged, cultivating.

Sensing someone had broken in, he opened his eyes abruptly, and a dark red light flickered in his pupils—not the gold of Divine Power, but the dark red of the Void.

"Chen Tianchou, you are suspected of colluding with the Void Sect, contaminating your Divine Core, and betraying the Human Race. High Command has authorized your arrest." Iron Face displayed the arrest warrant.

Chen Tianchou was silent for a moment, then laughed.

"You finally found out."

He did not resist.

He put away his Divine Power, stood up, and held out his hands.

"Cuff me."

Iron Face paused for a moment, then stepped forward and placed the rule-binding chains on his wrists.

"You knew we would come?" Lin Zhou asked.

Chen Tianchou looked at him.

"Your detector is not an ordinary instrument. That flame inside is the Fire of Civilization, right? You discovered my contamination that day."

"Yes."

"Then why didn't you expose me on the spot?"

"Not enough evidence."

Chen Tianchou smiled bitterly.

"You are more cautious than your teacher. Years ago, when I was giving a speech at Xinghai University, your teacher asked me: 'General, there is red in your eyes.' I lied to him and said it was an old injury. He believed it. You didn't."

"So, you were contaminated long ago?"

"Three years ago. During a mission deep into the edge of the Void, I was eroded by Void energy. After I returned, people from the Void Sect found me and said they could help me suppress the contamination. The price was doing things for them."

"You did it?"

"I did." Chen Tianchou lowered his head.

"I helped them divert the patrol from Karon's defense zone, giving them the opportunity to attack the supply lines. I helped Karon hide his contamination and recommended him to be the Deputy Commander of the Seventh War Zone. I helped them delay the Military Law Department's investigation into the Void Sect."

"Why?"

"Because I was afraid of death." Chen Tianchou's voice choked up.

"I was afraid of my Divine Core collapsing, afraid of my divine fire extinguishing, and afraid of people knowing I was contaminated. The Void Sect said as long as I listened to them, they could stop my contamination from spreading. I believed them."

Iron Face shook his head.

"You were deceived. Void contamination only spreads. The Void Sect has no way to suppress it at all."

"I know. But by then, I had no turning back."

Iron Face escorted Chen Tianchou out of the room.

Lin Zhou watched his back, silent for a long time.

"Captain, how will he be dealt with?" Qin Qing asked.

"A military tribunal trial. At best, life imprisonment; at worst, the death penalty."

"Will he die?"

"Possibly."

Lin Zhou turned and walked out of Chen Tianchou's residence.

On the horizon, the sun of the New Universe was rising.

The golden sunlight illuminated the headquarters building, and also illuminated Chen Tianchou's hunched back.

"Captain, what are you thinking about?" Su Yueyao walked over.

"I was thinking, if one day I were also contaminated, what would I do."

"You won't."

"Why?"

"Because you have the Fire of Civilization. The Fire of Civilization will not go out."

Lin Zhou held her hand.

"Perhaps."

He walked toward the teleportation array.

"Let's go, back to the fortress. The business with the Void Sect isn't over yet."

"Who else?"

"Chen Tianchou is only one of them. There may be others behind him."

"Who else?"

Lin Zhou looked at the gradually rising sun.

"I don't know. But we will find them eventually."

He stepped into the teleportation array, and silver-white light enveloped him.

The Fire of Civilization burned, illuminating the path ahead, as well as the enemies hidden in the shadows.

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