We have once again deciphered the communication records on Skynet and discovered that this person always logs into Skynet using simulated soul imprints, making it impossible to locate his exact login position—we can only confirm that he is somewhere within Tianlin City.

At the crime scene, we collected various traces left by the murderer, including scent and soul fluctuations. So far, the killer appears to be both cunning and cautious; the traces left behind are all very faint, making it extremely difficult to determine the killer’s true identity from them.

The Tang sword used by the killer was forged from millennium cold iron and is not produced in this city. The shape of this sword is longer than an ordinary Tang sword, closer to the ancient Tang swords. Judging from the way the killer held the sword and the method of exerting force, he was not using traditional Tang sword techniques. However, his swordsmanship was fierce and ruthless—he is clearly a master of the blade.

Because the killer is proficient in Skynet spells, we suspect he bypassed Skynet surveillance and ordered the weapon from abroad. The standardized Ryukaze-type Jade Scale Sword from the East he wields is the most obvious evidence.

However, whether it’s the Tang sword or the magical artifacts, all have been specially modified and far surpass standard artifacts of the same type in performance. We checked all the shops and individuals in the city who modify magical artifacts, but no one recognized these items.

Investigations into the sword, magical artifacts, clothing, and physical features have all yielded nothing.

In the entire case, the killer first lured six victims to the remote Guanyun Peak under the pretense of a sword duel, then took them down one by one during the duel. During the killings, the murderer was calm and ruthless, striking with deadly precision. In the end, he also robbed the victims of a batch of valuables. Judging from his style, he is accustomed to this kind of bloody combat. Yet, from his manner, he is neither a soldier nor a law enforcer.

He may be a professional assassin. More likely, his abilities were honed in the Phantom Demon Realm. We consulted some veteran experts in the Phantom Demon Realm in Tianlin City, but in the northeast region of the Phantom Demon Realm, no one has heard of such a person. However, further investigation is still needed.

It can be inferred that this was a meticulously planned murder. As for whether the killer was after the victims’ valuables or driven by vengeance, since the victims’ backgrounds are all very complicated, it’s hard to make an accurate judgment for now.”

When Yvonne Harris reached this point, he lowered his head in some embarrassment. All the elites had been mobilized and every method used, yet there was still no substantial progress—this was truly humiliating.

Sitting in the front row, Ryan Bolton did not get angry; the lack of progress was within his expectations. With Ryan Bolton’s one hundred and fifty years of experience and third-level Golden Core cultivation, although the loss of his only son made him grieve and rage, it could not make him lose his basic reason and judgment.

Among Eric Bolton’s group, besides William Smith, there was actually a hidden fifth-level Qi practitioner. This made Ryan Bolton uneasy. If the matter of excavating ancient ruins were exposed, it would not just be the death of one son at stake.

Moreover, several antiques excavated from the ancient ruins preserved by Eric Bolton had also gone missing. No matter what, those items must be found. There could very well be some earth-shattering secret hidden within them.

“At all costs, the killer must be found.” After saying this coldly, Eric Bolton got up and left.

Yvonne Harris saluted Ryan Bolton’s back and said, “I will complete the mission.” Although Yvonne Harris spoke resolutely, he felt no confidence in his heart. Yvonne Harris picked up a list of major suspects and said to the others in the conference room, “You have seven days to thoroughly investigate everyone on this list. I don’t need to spell out the consequences of failure!”

On the last page of the five-thousand-name suspect list distributed, Brian Grant’s name stood out.

In order not to miss a single suspect, Yvonne Harris cast as wide a net as possible. As John Carter’s friend and a genius in divine script, Brian Grant had both motive and ability to commit the crime.

Chapter 9 Suspect

“Brian Grant, male, eighteen years old, third-level Qi practitioner, orphan. Graduate of Yulin High School’s senior year, admitted to Yuqing Jingyang University in the national college entrance exam in June, possesses extremely high talent in divine script, optimistic and cheerful personality, unrestrained and informal, has long earned tuition by repairing low-level magical artifacts for others in the black market. He is a close friend of John Carter, who was killed after attacking Eric Bolton. Therefore, he is listed as a suspect.”

Linda Parker glanced at Brian Grant’s brief profile and complained, “Has Deputy Harris gone mad? Even someone like this is on the suspect list…” Although Linda Parker’s looks were average, she had a voluptuous figure, fair skin, and was full of youthful energy. Even as she complained, there was a certain charm between her brows.

George Miller agreed, “Yeah, he’s just a student—how could he possibly pull off such a shocking crime? Still, we should question him and make a record, just to be thorough.”

Following the address on the file, Linda Parker and George Miller arrived at the building where Brian Grant lived. Looking up at the soaring Mingguang Building, Linda Parker said enviously, “This kid’s pretty well-off, being able to rent a place here.”

George Miller explained, “Mingguang Building is owned by the Ciyun Association. For orphans, the elderly, and the disabled, they always charge only minimal fees. With Brian Grant’s orphan status, it doesn’t cost much for him to live here.”

As they spoke, the two had already flown by sword to the balcony outside Brian Grant’s home on the thirty-sixth floor. The deep blue glass door was not only secured with a sturdy spiritual lock, but also allowed only one-way visibility.