Legend of Zhan Zhao

Chapter 51 The Reappearance of the Zhong Kui Painting

"Congratulations, brother, you've mastered your divine skill!"

A cheerful congratulatory message came from Lian Caiyun beside him. Zhan Zhao composed himself, his brows relaxed, and said, "Thank you for protecting me, sister!"

Although he wasn't in complete seclusion and was still aware of and vigilant about the outside world, he was still very grateful for this person's protection.

Having someone you can trust by your side is a reassuring thing, and sometimes it's even a crucial source of emotional comfort.

In his view, no matter how strong one is in martial arts, one does not have to go it alone. It is a great blessing to be able to make many like-minded friends.

Having used the precious medicine and comprehended its wondrous effects, Zhan Zhao was at the peak of his energy and spirit, ready to take the next step. Yet, he asked with concern, "Caiyun, why don't you go and rest for a while?"

Lian Caiyun smiled and said, "Brother, don't worry, I'm really not tired. Shall we go to the Six Doors next?"

"Ah."

Zhan Zhao nodded: "Let's return the Panlong Silk first, and then talk to Su Wuqing."

It's time for the Six Doors to make some moves.

After all, the suspect who induced Dingjue to commit the crime was Feng Buyu, the deputy head of Xuanji Hall. After interrogating him and finding out the truth, the head monk of Dizang Temple, Zen Master Chihong, immediately informed Su Wuqing.

As for the extent of the demonic winds within the Six Doors and how to resolve them, this renowned leader of the Four Great Constables must already have a clear understanding.

Of course, addressing internal problems is always the most difficult task.

For example, Zhan Zhao's desire to rectify the chaos within Buddhism remains just a thought, let alone a plan.

Even if Su Wuqing is exceptionally intelligent, he would likely encounter numerous obstacles if he wanted to target the people within the Six Doors.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing.

True cooperation requires mutual needs.

The two walked side by side, heading north from Zhuquemen Street, and arrived at the alley of the General Office once again.

But as soon as she turned in, Lian Caiyun paused slightly: "Why are there still constables guarding the door?"

Zhan Zhao also noticed that there were more than a dozen constables standing at the entrance of the alley, their hands on their swords, their expressions solemn and the atmosphere oppressive.

Last time, Yunqi Manor came to the capital to demand justice and even claimed that the Six Doors had killed people to steal secret manuals, so the constables guarded the alley entrance to prevent ordinary people from getting close. What's going on now?

The head constable also came forward; it happened to be the same man who had been guarding the place that day. He clasped his hands and said, "Greetings, Young Master Zhan... and greetings to this young lady!"

Zhan Zhao said directly, "We've come to see Detective Su."

The constable's expression changed slightly: "The seven-day period has not yet ended..."

Zhan Zhao said, "This time it's not about the seven-day agreement, but another private matter. Please inform me."

"it is good."

The constable turned and strode inside. After a while, he returned with a solemn expression and said slowly, "Please, gentlemen!"

Be careful!

Zhan Zhao sensed something was wrong from the other person's expression and sent a telepathic message as he took a step forward.

'clear! ’

Lian Caiyun nodded almost imperceptibly with her chin, then tucked her delicate hand into her sleeve.

Following the constable, the two officially entered the Six Doors headquarters.

Last night, they used their lightness skills to sneak in, but they were so focused on the lights that they found Su Wuqing directly in the torture chamber and didn't notice anything else.

Now, in broad daylight, as I formally stepped into this government office with its blue bricks and black tiles, I was greeted by a bronze xiezhi, its eyes wide open in anger, its single horn exuding majesty.

Further in is a plaza paved with bluestone, with eighteen iron weapon racks on both sides, the instruments of torture looking menacing, and iron chains hanging down to the ground.

Above the main hall's entrance hangs a gilded plaque inscribed with "Upright and Bright," beneath which three chairs are empty, and another is also vacant, clearly indicating that this is where the four renowned constables gather their members from various departments for meetings.

The reason there are three chairs is that Su Wuqing has a specially made wheelchair that he never leaves his side, so he doesn't need a normal chair.

Zhan Zhao was examining the chair, while Lian Caiyun looked somewhat uneasy.

Because the constables in the courtyard stood silently, their eyes, which swept over each time, were filled with indescribable wariness and hostility.

This hostility is even deeper than before.

That's strange!

'Is there anything more serious than someone blocking your door and shouting insults?'

Just as Lian Caiyun was secretly surprised, the two stepped across the front yard square and arrived at the actual office area of ​​the Six Doors.

The buildings here are connected in a row, including interrogation halls, recording rooms, signing rooms, storerooms, autopsy rooms, and torture chambers, etc.

Last night, the two of them met Su Wuqing in the torture chamber in the southeast corner.

It was late at night, and everyone was asleep. During the day, clerks and junior officials would be busy carrying stacks of files, shuttling back and forth.

At this time, there were not many people coming in and out; just a few scattered individuals walked by with their heads down.

Further inside is the guardhouse area where constables rest, and the Six Doors headquarters' prison is also located here. This allows for immediate support should any unforeseen circumstances arise within the prison.

But now, the area outside the cell is packed with people, all of them with extremely unsightly faces.

There was no need to guess anymore. Zhou Wuxin walked out of the house and said the first thing he said: "The fifth 'Zhong Kui Picture' has appeared!"

"what?"

Even though Lian Caiyun had her suspicions, upon hearing this, she couldn't help but widen her dark eyes and exclaim, "Here? At the Six Doors headquarters in the capital?"

Zhan Zhao then asked, "Who has gone missing?"

Zhou Wuxin's eye twitched, barely suppressing his anger and unease: "My elder brother!"

"Detective Su?"

Zhan Zhao's expression became more solemn than ever before.

The last ghost captured by Zhong Kui...

Teasing Qiao Gui and causing trouble...

It was actually Su Wuqing?

'Make trouble...make trouble...'

'Does this mean that the Six Doors (a government agency) are considered ghosts because they hinder Zhong Kui from catching ghosts?'

'But given Su Wuqing's abilities, how did the other party manage to succeed?'

While Zhan Zhao was pondering, he immediately asked, "Have you compared the scrolls left at the scene with those from before? Does this rule out the possibility of a copycat crime?"

Zhou Wuxin immediately understood the meaning of "imitating the crime" and said in a deep voice, "The scroll has been sent to the Hanlin Painting Bureau to compare the painting techniques, pigments and paper to see if it is consistent with the previous four, but it is estimated that it is not a fake."

He paused, then his sharp gaze fell upon him: "You've come to see my elder brother, what brings you here?"

Lian Caiyun's eyes flickered.

Judging by the time, Su Wuqing's disappearance could only have occurred between last night's encounter with the two and this morning.

In that case, does that mean I have to admit that I met with Su Wuqing last night?

After all, it seemed that there were only the three of them at the time, and no one else was present.

Could we find another reason to avoid unnecessary trouble?

However, Zhan Zhao said almost without hesitation, "We met with Detective Su last night about a murder case at the Gu family mansion..."

He gave a general description of the case from last night, emphasizing Panlongsi's suspicion of committing the crime.

After listening, Zhou Wuxin's expression softened slightly, and he nodded, saying, "When Fourth Brother brought tea to Eldest Brother later, he did indeed hear the commotion from afar and saw Your Excellency leaving."

"Oh?"

Zhan Zhao raised an eyebrow.

'call! '

Lian Caiyun secretly rejoiced.

Fortunately, Brother Zhan didn't try to hide it; otherwise, he would have been highly suspected.

"But that doesn't mean you're not a suspect..."

Unexpectedly, Zhao Wujiu's cold and solemn voice followed: "When I entered the torture chamber, I asked my elder brother why you came here so late at night. He did not mention the case of the Gu family mansion, but his expression was solemn. Therefore, it is difficult to prove what you said."

"Eh!"

Lian Caiyun was taken aback, her face immediately darkening: "What do you mean by that? Are you trying to slander us?"

Zhao Wujiu ignored her and stared at Zhan Zhao: "You appeared before my elder brother disappeared last night! You were present when Yun Heming of Yunqi Manor disappeared! And before that, you claimed to have never left the martial world, yet you possess astonishing martial arts skills. Who knows where you were during those three disappearances?"

Even though she was excluded, Lian Caiyun was even more furious: "Don't make false accusations! I think you were just trying to settle a personal score after being defeated by Brother Zhan!"

"I, Zhao Xingyao, have always acted with integrity and uprightness. My defeat at his hands was due to inferior skills, and I have nothing to say about it. However, when it comes to cases, I always distinguish between public and private matters and will never accept such accusations!"

Zhao Wujiu coldly replied, "Of course, if you do not admit to any connection between you and 'Zhong Kui,' please accept our investigation by the Six Doors. We will clear your name once and for all!"

Seeing the argument suddenly erupt, Zhou Wuxin frowned, but after careful consideration, he could not shake off his suspicions and slowly said, "Young Master Zhan, could you stay at the Six Doors for the time being?"

"I seem to have a strange connection with your Six Doors; every time we meet, something unexpected happens. The only person I could have a good conversation with, Su Wuqing, is no longer here..."

Zhan Zhao sighed and calmly refused, saying, "I will not stay for this reason."

Zhao Wujiu's face darkened, and all the constables around him turned to look at him, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords.

Zhou Wuxin's expression turned solemn. He clasped his hands in a fist and said in a deep voice, "In that case, I have offended you. If I can prove your innocence in the future, I will definitely apologize with a bundle of thorns on my back!"

"There's no need for that. Who knows who will offend whom next!"

Zhan Zhao shook his head and chuckled, his robe sleeves fluttering even without wind: "This is the headquarters of the Six Doors. All of you, come at me together!"

(End of this chapter)