Storm of Gods

Chapter 44 Capturing Mondlier
With Auntie around, his legs certainly wouldn't get tired. In the luxurious carriage, "Ah Xin, Lao Luo isn't trying to take credit for your work. You're in the Order of the Church now, and your future is bright."

“Sister Casey, I understand. Uncle Luo is a typical example of someone who’s all talk and no action. Once this is over, I’ll make the arrangements.” Li Xin said with a smile.

With a clue, Casey's mood improved considerably. She rolled her eyes at Li Xin and said, "Don't just talk the talk, walk the walk."

What a bold and imaginative auntie! Is she in a hurry to pounce on Lao Luo?

"I heard you got into Black Rose. How are things going with Luo Xue? She seems cold at first glance, but once you get to know her, you'll realize that's just an act. She's a really nice person," Casey said with a smile. She hadn't expected Li Xin to get into Black Rose; it certainly wasn't because Lao Luo had pulled strings.

"President Luo Xue is a good person!" Li Xin nodded.

"Oh?" The young heiress became interested. "Good person, ah, this is interesting."

"After we were selected for the Black Rose, a vice president named Zhao Qing made things difficult for us, but President Luo Xue very firmly upheld justice for us," Li Xin described.

“She really does it,” Casey laughed. “It’s best not to mess with Zhao Qing. The Zhao family has considerable influence in Tianjing and is a prominent family in the entire Lilong. Everyone thought he would succeed as the president of Black Rose, but he stumbled. Luo Xue is really something. I’ll try to match you two up sometime.”

I don't know much about the specifics of Casey, but this matter caused quite a stir in aristocratic circles.

"No, please don't. My main focus right now is studying hard. If I have some free time, I'd like to go back to the Night Patrol and do something." Li Xin immediately and decisively refused. If the rich girl hesitated even a little, she would definitely cause trouble, which would be so embarrassing.

“Okay, I understand. You have a strong sense of pride, I don’t care.” Casey laughed. The carriage arrived at the Order of the Church very smoothly. The two parted ways, and after watching Li Xin walk away, Casey gestured for the carriage to go home.

Luo didn't want Li Xin to get involved because he didn't want him to be resented. If the user really was Mondlier, then this matter would be very troublesome. These old nobles are deeply entrenched in Tianjing. They wouldn't do anything to Luo Jin, but there would be a lot of uncertainty regarding Li Xin.

The Order and the Night Watch are two completely different worlds. Even Cassie didn't understand this back then, and now she's a veteran Night Watcher herself. Old Luo really cares about this kid; he probably sees his younger self in him.

On the other side, Luo Jin immediately contacted Archbishop Matthew. The Night Patrol wanted to move the captain of the city guard, so they definitely needed the Archbishop's support.

The chief bishop has been overwhelmed these past few days, bearing all the pressure from above. Otherwise, he would have already threatened Luo Jin with a three-day deadline to solve the case.

After hearing Luo Jin's report, Matthew finally breathed a sigh of relief. There had been significant progress. "It's highly likely. Better to arrest the wrong person than let one go. He's a prime suspect and needs to be imprisoned immediately. We don't need to do anything. Just lock him up for a few days. Without fresh blood and spiritual energy to replenish their bodies, the addicts will revert to their true forms!"

“Kurt is keeping an eye on things, so I’ll go gather the men right away. As for the city hall…”

Before Luo Jin could finish speaking, Matthew's expression hardened. "You sent Kurt to keep an eye on him?"

“Yes, we didn’t let anyone else in, for fear of alerting them.” Luo Jin said, then suddenly asked, “You mean?”

“The consuming ones are not the lickers. Their sense of psychic energy is already beyond that of ordinary people. Move out immediately. I hope I’m just overthinking it!” Matthew made a decisive decision and immediately sent the church’s trial team with Luo Jin, while he went to the city hall. The captain of the city guard was not under his jurisdiction. The political and religious authorities were separate and cooperated. Some things could be big or small. In urgent situations, one should be cautious but not too unruly.

The troops divided into two groups.

Luo Jin led six members of the trial team to the city guard. On the way, a small peregrine falcon with jet-black feathers flew down. Luo Jin immediately waved and with a whoosh, the peregrine falcon landed. This was the way the night patrolmen delivered intelligence.

"The target has left the city guard and is on his way home."

This is a message from Kurt, but Luo Jin became even more anxious upon seeing this information. At this time, what kind of home did Mondlier return to?

The group quickly headed towards Mondlier's residence, but after more than ten minutes, they saw a crowd of people and heard panicked discussions at the street corner. Luo Jin rushed over immediately, his expression changing drastically, and saw Kurt lying on the ground.

Luo Jin pushed his way in without a word. The knights in charge of guarding him were about to get angry, but when they saw his clothes, they immediately made way. The church's inquisition team behind him also immediately separated the crowd. "Now the church is in charge. You can take care of the outer perimeter."

The Knights discovered the body during their patrol and immediately secured the scene. It was clearly related to the recent widely publicized Mystery of the Fog incident. Unexpectedly, the victim this time was a Night Patrolman, and judging from his clothes, he was a captain-level Night Patrolman. This made things even more serious.

Kurt's body was turned over, shriveled up, his eyes wide open, and a rough hole in the center of his forehead, revealing the dried bone cavity. There was not a trace of blood on his body, and his psionic energy had been drained. There were no obvious signs of a struggle... There was also a shriveled hole in his heart, a penetrating wound, which should have been the fatal blow.

He knew Kurt's skills and abilities very well, yet Kurt didn't even have a chance to fight back.

Another comrade-in-arms who had fought alongside him for many years had passed away. Luo Jin controlled his emotions, placed his right hand on his chest, and silently closed Kurt's eyes with his left hand. "Are there any witnesses?"

“Captain Luo, we sensed the thick fog while patrolling nearby and rushed over immediately, but it was too late. Captain Kurt is dead, and there are many onlookers,” a member of the Knights said.

People around were also talking about it. The recent murder case in the fog had caused quite a stir. Because the media coverage was controlled, although it was being spread, there was no panic. Mysterious incidents have always happened, but the Night Patrolmen always handle them well; it's just a matter of time.

But now, with the captain of the Night Watch dead in broad daylight in the city, panic has spread among the crowd. "Protect the scene and don't let anyone near!" One member of the Inquisition team was left to guard the scene, another was sent to inform the Archbishop, and the rest of the team rushed toward Mondlier's residence.

It hasn't been long since the incident, so he might not go home, but we must take control of Mondlier's house first. Mondlier is the prime suspect right now. The only concern is whether he might run away!
If he runs away, he'll be wanted throughout the city; if he doesn't, he'll do everything in his power to expose the other party's true colors.

Thinking of this, Luo Jin disregarded the fact that it was broad daylight and increased his speed, speeding through the city. The four members of the trial team behind him immediately followed. The addicts had become so unscrupulous, which was a slap in the face to the Church. The influence of the Moon Goddess Church was already declining in the Council of the Church. If it also declined in the hearts of the people, it would be a major blow to the Tianjing Church.

Viscount Mondlier's manor was located in the inner city, and Luo Jin and his group arrived without hindrance, only to be stopped by guards at the manor gate.

"I am Luo Jin, captain of the night patrol. I have important business to discuss with Viscount Mondlier."

The guard chuckled. "There are plenty of people who want to see our Viscount. Do you have an appointment?"

"No, it's urgent..."

"What's with all the fuss? The master is receiving distinguished guests today. If you don't have an invitation, then go back." The guards showed no respect to the night patrolmen. They belonged to different systems, and they looked down on the night patrolmen. If it weren't for the four people behind them wearing church inquisition uniforms, they would have kicked them out on the spot.

Luo Jin didn't waste any time. He suddenly made a move, knocking out the two guards, and led his team inside. Judging from their tone, Mondlier was at home.

A party is currently being held at the manor, with melodious music, laughter, flowers, and delicious food. Everything outside seems to have nothing to do with this place.

Luo Jin spotted Mondlier in the crowd. He took a deep breath. If Mondlier ran away, that would be fine. But if he didn't, the other party would probably be emboldened. However, the die was cast.

This was a gathering of nobles, and there were several sexy ladies dressed in gorgeous gowns. When they saw the fierce-looking night patrolman, their expressions changed slightly. Mondlier also frowned, but his noble manners prevented him from making a move.

"Isn't this Captain Luo Jin? What brings you so rudely into my manor?" Mondlier said calmly.

“Mondlier, the Night Watchers have discovered a crucial clue during their investigation of the Mystery of the Fog case, and we need your cooperation,” Luo Jin said.

Mondlier stared at Luo Jin in disbelief. "Luo Jin, watch your words! You are slandering a nobleman, a high-ranking knight who guards Tianjing. Do you know what price you will pay for defaming my honor?"

"Luo Jin, what are you doing, barging in so rudely and spouting such nonsense? Who gave you the audacity?" Another nobleman who had been talking to Mondlier at the beginning walked over, his voice soft but intimidating.

Earl Zhao Xun, who wields immense influence in Tianjing, is also a member of the Upper Council of Lilong.

“Councilor Zhao, as I just said, we’ve uncovered a major lead related to Mondlier, and just now, our night patrol captain was brutally murdered while tracking him. Are you trying to stop our investigation?” The other party had considerable power, but Luo Jin wasn’t afraid; if anything went wrong, the chief bishop would take the blame.

Luo Jin was able to secure his position as captain because of the support of the chief bishop and because he was all alone. He was neither afraid of death nor interested in promotion or wealth, so no one could do anything about him.

"Viscount Mondlier has been talking to me all afternoon, how could he be a Mist Killer?"

"You mean he's been with you since noon?" Luo Jin asked. "Please confirm that!"

Zhao Xun knew this was not the case, of course. Judging from Luo Jin's confident expression, he knew that the other party had evidence.

“I returned from the team at noon and have been discussing state affairs with the Earl ever since. I know nothing else. You can leave now,” Mondlier said calmly. “Since you’re investigating the case, I won’t pursue it further.”

Luo Jin looked at Mondlier expressionlessly, "You need to come back to the church with me for investigation."

"Luo Jin!" Mondlier roared, "Don't push your luck! Your behavior has seriously tarnished the dignity of a nobleman."

"Luo Jin, investigating a nobleman requires permission from the city hall and solid evidence. Do you have it?" Zhao Xun asked calmly.

“The evidence is in hand, and the city hall’s permission will arrive soon. My task is to ensure that the prime suspect does not flee.” Luo Jin put on a ruthless, zombie-like face. He would dare to mess with anyone, not just a viscount, but even an earl. However, there was still one crucial step to take before confirming the murderer.

Having worked as a night watchman for a long time, Luo Jin knew very well that he could not be blind until the truth was fully revealed at the very last step, but Mondlil's strong suspicion was conclusive.

"You barged in without permission or solid evidence?" Zhao Xun frowned.

“My Lord, the Fog Killer has murdered twelve people, including children, night watchmen, and innocent civilians. We have been hunting him day and night, and now we have made a major discovery. What do you think I should do?” Luo Jin replied, “Of course, if you are willing to vouch for me, I can follow your arrangements.”

Luo Jin said in a lukewarm tone.

(End of this chapter)