Chapter 108: The Investigation Begins (Please Vote for Monthly Tickets)

Some tasks must be handed over to the Military Intelligence Investigation Department. Based on his observations, Tian Liqun was a man of extreme caution. The fact that he discovered his hideout had been compromised and, despite losing two vital tokens—the jade magatama and the family crest seal—was able to abandon the location the very next day without a hint of hesitation, proved just how prudent he was.

Dealing with an experienced spy required a professional operative like Shao Wenguang to ensure success. It was just like the previous tracking operation against "Snow Wolf"; had they not brought in Shao as reinforcements from Wei Liangbi, the subsequent surveillance would very likely have been detected by the target. At that time, Shao had pointed out various flaws in the surveillance, including those of Ning Zhiheng himself, which had proven to be an invaluable lesson for them all.

The situation now was nearly identical. Finding Tian Liqun was easy, but maintaining constant, shadow-like surveillance on a trained operative required Shao Wenguang’s expertise.

Ning returned to the Military Intelligence Investigation Department and headed to Wei Liangbi’s office, but it was empty. He did not go directly to find Shao; Shao was Wei’s right-hand man, and calling upon him required Wei’s authorization. Ning had no choice but to return to his own office and wait patiently. Half an hour later, he heard the door to Wei’s office open.

He immediately rose and headed to Wei’s office, knocking before entering. Wei didn't even look up; he knew it was Ning, as Ning was the only one who could enter his office so freely.

"What brings you here? Lately, you've either been boxing or shooting, and the cases coming from the Intelligence Section have dwindled. Are you out of work?" Wei placed a document folder on his desk. "Do you want me to find you something to do?"

Ning looked at the folder and asked, implying something, "Oh? Is there a new mission?"

Wei nodded. He sat back in his chair, pointed at the folder, and said helplessly, "The Bureau Chief has ordered an increase in the purging of corrupt elements and dissidents within the military. A large-scale elimination is coming. The Action Section is responsible for the main execution, so we’re going to be very busy for a while."

Ning was slightly surprised. While investigating military corruption was theoretically part of the Bureau's duties, in practice, they rarely touched it, as corruption within the Nationalist army was universal. If they truly pursued it, there would be too many people to arrest and execute. Given the complex web of interests and relationships in the military, such actions would challenge various power factions, leading to unpredictable consequences. Even the Generalissimo struggled with this, so why would the Bureau Chief, a man of such shrewdness, take on such a thankless task?

"Are we really going through with it?" Ning asked, frowning. "How many people are we talking about? The army is full of such people. Is it even possible to catch them all?"

Wei pulled the folder closer, took out a stack of documents, and said, "It’s not really about corruption; it’s about purging dissidents. Some people backed the wrong horse, and using 'corruption' as a pretext makes it sound more legitimate, that’s all."

Ning nodded. He stepped forward and asked, "Brother, can our Third Action Team be excused from this mission?"

Wei was surprised. He looked up at Ning, pointed at the papers, and asked, "Excused? Why? You aren't afraid of offending people, are you? These are all people who stood on the wrong side. If we don't kill them, someone else will! You’ve always been decisive and ruthless. There must be a reason for this."

Ning curled his lip dismissively. "Killing is just killing. Isn't that what a soldier's gun is for? I just have no interest in these internal power struggles."

Wei caught the hidden meaning. He looked at Ning with a knowing smile and said, "Just say it. Have you set your sights on a new target?"

Ning grinned and boasted, "My peripheral informants found a lead a few days ago. After several days of tracking, I’ve identified a suspicious individual, and he is now under strict surveillance."

Wei’s brows arched, a flicker of excitement appearing. Another lead! He wondered what kind of surprise his junior brother would bring him this time.

"Your informants again! Zhiheng, I truly envy you. You have such a capable force under your command. Tell me, what do you need?"

"Although we have the target under surveillance, he is highly alert, and my men are a bit of a mixed bag. I want to bring in Shao Wenguang to assist, just like last time. Also, I need to commit my entire Third Action Team to cracking this case, so I’d like you to assign the purge mission to the other two teams."

"No problem! If an opportunity presents itself, we certainly can't let it slip. Don't worry, I fully support you! I'll assign the purge mission elsewhere. Your team can focus entirely on this case. I’ll arrange for Shao; he has nothing important on his plate right now besides inspection work." Wei agreed readily.

How could routine purge work compare to the appeal of cracking a major espionage case? The former was thankless, while the latter brought credit, promotions, and rewards. He knew exactly what to choose.

He picked up the phone and summoned Shao Wenguang. Shao arrived quickly, greeted Ning with a smile, and then looked at Wei for instructions.

"I’ve called you here because, just like last time, Zhiheng has a new target. He has requested your assistance, and you are to support him fully. Shao, you did a great job last time. If you hit a home run again, your long-standing Captain rank might finally see a promotion," Wei said.

"Another target! Excellent! I’ve been bored to death lately," Shao said, his spirits instantly lifted. He readily agreed, eager for the chance to advance to a field-grade officer rank. Turning to Ning, he said, "Zhiheng, don't worry! I follow orders. I'm all yours!"

Ning nodded happily, and he and Shao left Wei’s office.

Back at his office, Ning briefed Shi Hong and the others. "Everyone, keep the team disciplined and on standby. Shao, take ten men to monitor Tian Liqun. If anything happens, act as the situation dictates. Sun Jiacheng and I will take ten men to investigate the murder of the thieves on Beihua Street. I believe there should be some leads by now."

"Hong, you and Shucheng stay on duty. The office cannot be left empty; I may call for reinforcements at any time. Understood?"

"Understood!" they replied in unison.

With tasks assigned, they moved out. Ning and Sun arrived at the police sub-station, where Liu Datong was waiting. To avoid attracting attention, they were all in plain clothes. Ning went straight to the point: "Take us to see the bodies of the two thieves."

Liu led them to the morgue. He had the duty officer pull out the two bodies, which were already showing signs of decay and emitting a foul odor. Ning and Sun put on gloves, covered their noses, and examined the bodies carefully before stepping out.

Ning tossed his gloves aside and asked for the autopsy report. He scanned it quickly. "Multiple fractures? The cause of death was throat slitting, leading to fatal blood loss?"

"Yes," Liu replied. "The victims had numerous wounds on their skin, and there were even signs of burns."

Ning nodded. "Wounds on the skin and multiple broken bones suggest they were tortured for information before the killer finally slit their throats to silence them."

Sun Jiacheng added, "Captain, I checked the victims' joints. The fractures show signs of bruising, as if someone snapped them by hand. This person is an expert in martial arts!"

"By hand?" Ning looked at Sun. "Someone with that much strength? Their hand-to-hand combat skills must be exceptional."

Sun shook his head. "It’s not just about brute strength. It’s joint manipulation. If you know the angle and the force, breaking a joint isn't difficult. This person has definitely trained in martial arts or grappling techniques. It’s not something achieved by strength alone."

Ning didn't know much about martial arts, but he understood Sun's point. It was highly likely that this was the work of someone from the underworld—a gang member or a hired thug. Either way, they were dealing with someone dangerous.