Chapter 188 - 8: Brothel, Drinking, Case Investigation

Chapter 188: Chapter 8: Brothel, Drinking, Case Investigation

"How is it?" Cong Bo asked softly.

Chen Ye stood up and slowly shook his head.

"I can’t see anything."

There wasn’t a single trace of supernatural power on the body. It was almost *too* clean.

Hearing this, the glimmer of light in Cong Bo’s eyes dimmed once more.

’If even someone as capable as Chen Ye can’t find any clues, is this case really going to go cold?’

Listening from the side, Chief Clerk Qian was overwhelmed, tears streaming down his old face as he nearly burst into sobs.

"However..." Chen Ye’s tone shifted. "While I can’t find anything on the body, I could go take a look at the Drunken Spring Building."

Cong Bo’s head snapped up, hope rekindling in his eyes.

"Brother, you’re willing to take the case?"

Chen Ye nodded, his expression calm.

"I’m not busy anyway. Consider it a way to stretch my legs."

Of course, he wasn’t actually idle.

For one, he had developed a keen interest in this bizarre case.

For another, Cong Bo had helped him out of a jam back at the Fengman Building. A favor like that had to be repaid.

Besides, Cong Bo had also said that if he could truly uncover something, a generous commission would be offered.

Cultivation, after all, was expensive. Putting other things aside, the sheer amount of meat required daily was a significant expense.

Moreover, Chen Ye was a Bounty Swordsman by Profession, so he had even less reason to refuse.

"That’s great!" Cong Bo exclaimed, grabbing Chen Ye’s hand in his excitement.

"Don’t you worry, my friend. I’ll make sure you get the highest commission for this."

Chen Ye smiled. "Don’t get ahead of yourself. Let’s be clear: I can’t guarantee success. If I don’t find anything, don’t hold it against me."

"What are you talking about? Am I that kind of person? Just go investigate freely. It’ll be great if you succeed, but if not, I’ll just chalk it up to fate." Cong Bo’s words were frank and open.

Chen Ye nodded.

"Right, is there any help I can provide? Manpower, weapons—just say the word if you need anything."

Chen Ye thought for a moment, then shook his head.

"Not for now."

"The men from the Demon Slayer Department are too conspicuous. You’d just tip them off. It’s more convenient for me to act alone."

Cong Bo heard this and thought it made perfect sense.

He mulled it over for a moment before pulling a jet-black wooden token from his robes and handing it to Chen Ye.

The token was slightly heavy in his hand. The front was carved with a ferocious beast’s head, and the back bore the character for "Slay." A faint Evil Qi swirled around it.

"This is the waist token for our Demon Slayer Department’s external personnel," Cong Bo explained.

"It doesn’t grant any real authority, but showing it at a critical moment can at least prove your Identity and save you from some unnecessary trouble."

Chen Ye weighed the token in his hand. He didn’t refuse and put it away directly.

’This thing is basically an officially certified temp ID. It’ll save me a lot of trouble while getting around Yu Huo County in the future.’

And so, the matter was settled.

Chen Ye bid farewell to Cong Bo and the still-grieving Chief Clerk Qian, then left the residence alone.

He didn’t return to his inn but walked directly toward the west side of the city.

Since he was investigating a case, he naturally had to start from the source.

He was going to the Drunken Spring Building to see for himself what was really going on.

...

「Night fell, and the lanterns were lit.」

The street in the west of Yu Huo County Town was the most prosperous and bustling area in the entire county.

And the Drunken Spring Building was undoubtedly the most dazzling pearl on this street.

It was a three-story building with flying eaves, upturned roof corners, and intricately carved beams and painted rafters. Two rows of large red lanterns hung by the entrance, illuminating half the street in a bright glow.

The sound of string and bamboo instruments drifted ceaselessly from within, mixed with the flirtatious laughter of women and the teasing of men. Just standing at the entrance, one could smell the thick aroma of cosmetics and alcohol.

By the doorway, several gorgeously dressed women leaned against the frame, beckoning to passersby to solicit their business.

"Well now, this gentleman looks unfamiliar. Is this your first time at our Drunken Spring Building?"

"Come on in and have some fun! We’ve got several lovely new girls!"

Dressed in common cloth, a long saber at his waist and a neutral expression on his face, Chen Ye strode toward the main entrance.

His appearance was a stark contrast to the lecherous-grinning pleasure-seekers around him.

A sharp-eyed Pimp immediately came forward to greet him, a practiced smile plastered on his face.

"Sir, are you here to drink and listen to music, or for..."

The Pimp looked Chen Ye up and down, his eyes filled with a probing curiosity.

Chen Ye didn’t speak. He simply took out a small piece of broken silver from his robes and tossed it over.

"Find me a quiet spot. A pot of good wine and a few side dishes."

His voice was not loud, but it was calm, carrying a natural air of authority.

The Pimp caught the silver and weighed it in his palm. The smile on his face instantly became much more sincere.

"Right away! This way, sir!"

The Pimp bowed and scraped as he led the way, guiding Chen Ye up to the second floor.

The second floor was quieter than the first, mostly consisting of partitioned booths.

Chen Ye chose a seat by the window. It offered an excellent view, allowing him to take in the entire second-floor hall.

Soon, the wine and dishes were served.

Chen Ye poured himself a cup of wine. He sipped it slowly, discreetly observing his surroundings.

He pushed his senses to their absolute limit, but the result was exactly as Cong Bo had described.

The Drunken Spring Building was a clamorous din, filled with all sorts of desires and emotions, yet there wasn’t the slightest trace of Yin Qi, Demon Qi, or any other anomalous Energy fluctuations.

Whether it was the bewitchingly beautiful women or the waiters and Pimps scurrying about, they were all perfectly ordinary mortals.