264: Chapter 264 The Case

Chen Ran pinched the corner of the scroll with his fingers, his gaze lingering for a moment on the figure in green robes outlined by just a few sparse strokes.

The ink on the scroll had not yet completely dried; it was clearly a fresh copy.

The person in the painting held a long saber, robes fluttering in the wind. Although it was only a back view, it exuded a fierce Saber Intent that seemed capable of slicing through the heavens.

Lin Wan picked up the celadon teacup from the desk and took a gentle sip, moistening her parched throat.

"It's not much of a case; it was sent over by the Demon-Slaying Squad." Lin Wan set down the teacup and rubbed her temples.

"The Demon-Slaying Squad?" Chen Ran raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance.

"Mm." Lin Wan nodded slightly, her voice as clear and cold as a spring.

"It is said that while they were hunting demons in the mountains outside the city, they encountered an extremely troublesome ancient demon species. At a critical moment, a mysterious Saber Master of the Innate Realm stepped in to save them.

This portrait was drawn from memory and sent to Six Doors, hoping we could help investigate."

Upon hearing this, Chen Ran let his gaze fall back onto the scroll, a faint, imperceptible glimmer flashing deep in his eyes.

He pondered inwardly.

Originally, he had planned to leverage the Lin family's deeply rooted connections in the capital to secretly dispose of this precious ancient demon core in exchange for some urgently needed resources to Cultivate.

After all, with his current cultivation level, relying solely on hard work was far from enough to improve quickly; he needed to supplement it with a large amount of Heaven And Earth Treasure.

But it seemed that this idea would have to be shelved for now.

Since the Demon-Slaying Squad had already sent the portrait to Six Doors, it meant they attached great importance to this "mysterious Saber Master."

If he were to rashly take out the Phantom Soul Mirage's demon core now, it would be tantamount to confessing without being asked, directly exposing his identity to everyone's eyes.

"It seems this demon core will have to stay in my hands for now, and I'll make plans later." Chen Ran thought to himself, though he revealed nothing on his face.

He placed the scroll back on the desk and was just about to say something when he heard Lin Wan suddenly chuckle.

"It's strange, come to think of it." Lin Wan turned her head slightly, her cold, clear eyes darting between Chen Ran and the portrait, a faint curve appearing on her lips.

"Just now, looking at this portrait, I kept feeling that the back view of the person in the painting bears a certain resemblance to you."

As soon as these words were spoken, Chen Ran's fingers pinching the scroll paused slightly, and his heart skipped a beat for no reason.

But his expression remained calm, and not a single ripple appeared in his eyes.

"Oh?" Chen Ran turned around, meeting Lin Wan's gaze, a gentle smile appearing on his lips. "Where is it similar?"

Lin Wan stood up and walked slowly to stand before Chen Ran.

The two were extremely close, and Chen Ran could even clearly smell the faint, lingering fragrance on her, like an orchid in an empty valley—cool, elegant, and refreshing.

Lin Wan extended her slender, fair fingers, pointed at the aloof back view on the scroll, then looked at Chen Ran, studying him seriously for a moment.

"Naturally, one cannot tell from the features," she said softly, her voice like pearls falling on a jade plate—crisp and melodious. "But that temperament is extremely similar."

"Temperament?" Chen Ran laughed in spite of himself.

"Indeed." Lin Wan nodded slightly, a strange light flashing in her beautiful eyes.

Upon hearing this, Chen Ran felt a sense of trepidation inwardly.

He knew well that a woman's intuition was often terrifyingly accurate, especially for a Six Doors divine catcher like Lin Wan, who was meticulous and sharp-sighted.

If he continued to dwell on this topic, it was hard to guarantee she wouldn't spot some flaw.

Therefore, he went with the flow and said half-jokingly, "Thinking so highly of me really makes me feel flattered."

"If I were truly a Saber Master of the Innate Realm, that would be wonderful." Chen Ran sighed softly, his tone carrying a touch of longing.

Lin Wan was slightly taken aback and asked subconsciously, "Why?"

Chen Ran took a step forward, closing the distance between them.

He lowered his head slightly, looking into Lin Wan's clear, water-like eyes, his voice low: "If I were an Innate Saber Master, I could walk sideways in this capital, and no one would ever dare to look down on me again.

At that time, I would certainly prepare a ten-mile dowry and marry you properly, shocking the entire capital, and bring you home in a grand and glorious ceremony."

He said these words with a mix of truth and falsehood.

Upon hearing this, Lin Wan's breath hitched suddenly.

Two captivating flushes of red instantly flew across her usually cold and frosty, stunningly beautiful face, like the magnificent sunset glow on the horizon, spreading all the way to her crystalline earlobes.

"You... what nonsense are you spouting..."

Lin Wan hurriedly averted her gaze, not daring to look into Chen Ran's deep eyes.

Her voice was as thin as a mosquito's, carrying a hint of irrepressible shyness and coquettishness, and even the slender fingers holding the teacup were slightly white.

That usually swift and decisive Six Doors divine catcher was now like an ordinary young girl who had just awakened to love, at a complete loss.

Chen Ran watched her shy demeanor, the smile in his eyes deepening. He casually pulled the beautiful woman before him into his arms, while his right hand quietly flipped the scroll over to its back side.

After a good while, Lin Wan finally managed to calm her emotions, the blush on her cheeks gradually fading, and she returned to her usual coldness.

Only, in those beautiful eyes, a trace of shimmering moisture still remained, and she dared not meet Chen Ran's gaze.

Chen Ran knew when to stop and quietly changed the subject.

"By the way, how is the investigation into Cao Yong's case going?" Chen Ran walked to a chair on the side, sat down, and picked up the teacup to fiddle with it, his tone returning to its usual calm and indifference.

Mentioning serious business, Lin Wan's expression also became solemn.

She returned to sit behind the desk, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, and said in a low voice:

"That assassination case has had a huge impact. We originally thought it was just an ordinary vendetta, but it turned out the victims were actually elites under Cao Yong."

"Oh?" Chen Ran took a sip of tea and asked calmly, "And what about Cao Yong himself? Having suffered such a big loss, surely he hasn't made any moves?"

"That is precisely what I find strange." Lin Wan shook her head, a trace of confusion flashing in her eyes.

"Logically, Cao Yong is a man who seeks revenge for the smallest grievance and is narrow-minded. Now that his lair has been raided and he has lost so many trusted subordinates, he should be absolutely furious, perhaps even shifting his rage onto us at Six Doors, accusing us of failing to protect the capital."

"But he hasn't?" Chen Ran asked, following her train of thought.

"Correct." Lin Wan nodded, her expression grave.

"Not only did he not target Six Doors, but he even proactively sent people to pass a message, stating that he would fully cooperate with our investigation into the case.

He even opened up the remaining intelligence network under his command to us."

Upon hearing this, a flash of deep thought crossed Chen Ran's eyes.

This old fox Cao Yong is truly not simple.

This is not out of true magnanimity, but because he has sensed a real threat.

However, this is actually a good thing for him.

Chen Ran was not afraid of Cao Yong getting angry; rather, he feared the other party would swallow his pride, let the matter slide, and keep hiding in the capital without going out.

That would make it hard for him to act, as he wouldn't have a suitable opportunity.

"In that case, it's simple."

Chen Ran whispered inwardly, having already made his judgment. He set down the teacup and spoke calmly.

"It seems he is truly enraged and wants to thoroughly investigate this matter."