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As night fell, Li Ye, Yan Yuchen, and Zhiruo were reviewing records inside the Base and discovered the following documents:
Deceased: Liu Cheng
Identity: A wealthy businessman from Qingyang City
Cause of Death: A two-foot-long Soul Guiding Nail was driven into his head, with a twisted expression on his face, suggesting he had endured immense pain.
Commonality: He had frequented the local brothel known as the Azure Flower Pavilion.
Deceased: Wang Li
Identity: The wife of a vendor from Qingyang City
Cause of Death: Her body was covered in traces of spiritual power talismans, with a Soul Guiding Nail piercing her heart.
Commonality: She had worked at the Azure Flower Pavilion during her lifetime.
Deceased: Zhang Tao
Identity: A young scholar from Qingyang City
Cause of Death: He was hung on the city wall, with a Soul Guiding Nail driven into his head, his expression one of agony.
Commonality: He had visited the Azure Flower Pavilion multiple times during his life.
Victim: Chen Ying
Identity: A restaurant boss in Qingyang City
Cause of Death: Hands nailed to the wall, body covered in traces of spiritual energy talismans
Commonality: Also a frequent visitor of the Azure Flower Pavilion
Li Ye discovered these commonalities among the victims and said solemnly, "It seems we need to pay a visit to the Azure Flower Pavilion to investigate."
He turned to Wang Meng and asked, "Why didn't you investigate the Azure Flower Pavilion earlier, given such obvious commonalities?"
Wang Meng appeared somewhat embarrassed and explained, "The forces behind the Azure Flower Pavilion are significant and involve some powerful figures. Our Bat Gang has always been cautious about taking action. Moreover, with the Yamen not taking any action, we lack sufficient resources and manpower for a thorough investigation."
Li Ye nodded, pondered for a moment, and decided to split up. He told Yan Yuchen and Zhiruo, "You stay at the Bat Gang, protected by Shadow Reaper and Low-Level Zombie, to ensure safety."
Yan Yuchen was somewhat reluctant but understood the urgency of the situation and could only nod in agreement. "Be careful."
Li Ye turned to Wang Meng and said, "Let's go to the Azure Flower Pavilion to gather clues. Specter, provide support from the shadows."
Wang Meng and Li Ye nodded, gathered their necessary equipment, and quickly left the Bat Gang's base, heading towards the Azure Flower Pavilion. Specter vanished into the darkness like a ghost, silently following behind.
The night was deep, and the Azure Flower Pavilion was brightly lit, with red lanterns hanging high to welcome every guest. Li Ye and Wang Meng cautiously approached, observing their surroundings. They waited in the shadows for an opportunity to enter the Azure Flower Pavilion and investigate further.
As Li Ye and Wang Meng approached the Azure Flower Pavilion, Specter had already infiltrated it, swiftly searching for clues. Her movements were as light as the wind, making almost no sound. She darted between various rooms, collecting any potentially useful information.
Li Ye and Wang Meng found a secluded alley and quietly climbed over the wall into the back courtyard of the Azure Flower Pavilion. They whispered to each other, deciding to split up to avoid drawing any attention.
Li Ye walked along a path inside the Azure Flower Pavilion, where bursts of laughter and music filled the air. The life within the pavilion seemed completely disconnected from the horrors outside. He quickly passed through several rooms and eventually discovered a hidden switch behind a rockery in a courtyard. Gently touching it, a secret door next to the Goldfish Pond slowly opened, leading underground.
Upon entering the secret door, he found a hidden chamber. The room was filled with various ritual items, and ancient talisman patterns hung on the walls. Upon closer inspection, he realized these talismans were identical to the markings found on the deceased.
At that moment, Wang Meng also entered the chamber after Li Ye. They exchanged glances, further convinced that the Azure Flower Pavilion was definitely connected to these death incidents. Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from afar, prompting them to quickly exit the chamber as Li Ye hurriedly closed the secret door.
Specter's figure appeared before them like a ghost; she couldn't speak but conveyed through her thoughts to Li Ye: "There are several people patrolling outside; you need to be careful."
Li Ye nodded and signaled for Wang Meng to continue searching with him. With Specter's help, they avoided the patrolling Guardians and climbed over the wall out of the backyard.
Li Ye said to Wang Meng, "It seems there are many secrets hidden in this Azure Flower Pavilion; we need to confront them directly."
Wang Meng nodded in agreement. The two arrived at the main entrance of the Azure Flower Pavilion, where a welcoming girl pulled them inside. The Madam came out with a flattering smile and greeted them, saying, "Oh! What fragrant breeze has brought Bat Gang's Vice Leader to our Azure Flower Pavilion?"
Wang Meng, being familiar with the underworld, was well-acquainted with places like brothels. He replied to the Madam, "I brought my little brother here for some fun; quickly bring your best girls for us."
The Madam smiled even more brightly and responded eagerly, "Of course, Your Highness! Please wait a moment!" She led them into a private room, and shortly after, she brought in several beautifully adorned girls.
Wang Meng laughed heartily and pointed at two of the prettiest girls, saying, "These two will do!"
Madam smiled again, waving her hand for the girls to come forward and serve. Li Ye and Wang Meng sat down, each accompanied by a girl. Li Ye had something on his mind but tried to act casual as he chatted with the girl beside him.
"Miss, your Azure Flower Pavilion is truly lively," Li Ye said with a smile, handing her a cup of wine.
The girl accepted the drink and giggled, "You flatter us, sir. The Azure Flower Pavilion has always been the most bustling place in Qingyang City."
Li Ye took the opportunity to ask, "I've heard there have been quite a few strange happenings in the city lately. Any rumors around here?"
The girl covered her mouth and laughed, "You really love gossip, don't you? Yes, it's true that things have been unsettling in the city recently. I've heard that many people have died in terrible ways. Some say it's the work of a Soul Devourer."
Li Ye feigned surprise, "Soul Devourer? That sounds frightening. Aren't you girls afraid?"
She shook her head and sighed, "Of course we're scared, but we have our gentlemen to protect us, so we haven't faced any trouble. However, I've heard that those who died had all visited us before. It's truly chilling."
Li Ye frowned slightly and continued to inquire, "Were there any particular traits about those who died?"
The girl whispered, "I've heard from my sisters that they were all regulars, wealthy people. As for us, we can only leave it to fate."
Li Ye quietly noted this information, feeling increasingly that the Azure Flower Pavilion was unusual. He contemplated further probing.
"Miss, do you know who the boss behind the Azure Flower Pavilion is?" Li Ye asked casually.
The girl's expression changed slightly; after hesitating for a moment, she whispered, "Sir, I can't say much about that. But I've heard it's someone very influential."
Li Ye noticed that she was unwilling to say more, so he stopped pressing her and smiled, "Then let's not talk about that. Come, let's have a drink."
The girl sighed in relief and accompanied Li Ye for a few drinks. At that moment, Wang Meng finished his casual conversation and signaled to Li Ye that it was time to leave. Li Ye nodded and stood up to bid farewell.
As the two stepped out of the Azure Flower Pavilion, Wang Meng quietly asked, "Did you find out anything?"
Li Ye replied in a low voice, "All these deceased were regulars at the Azure Flower Pavilion, and it seems there's a big figure behind the scenes pulling the strings. I think we need to investigate further."
Wang Meng nodded in agreement, "So what should we do now?"
Li Ye pondered for a moment and said, "Let's go back and meet up with Yan Yuchen and Zhiruo to discuss our next course of action. We need to dig deeper."
Specter silently followed behind them, ensuring their safety. The group returned to the Bat Gang's Base and detailed the situation they had just encountered to Yan Yuchen and Zhiruo.
After listening, Yan Yuchen frowned and said, "It seems there really is something fishy going on behind the Azure Flower Pavilion. We need to be cautious."
Zhiruo also nodded in agreement, "We can't act rashly; we need to plan carefully."
Li Ye spoke seriously, "Specter, Shadow Reaper, you two along with the Low-Level Zombies should enhance security and make sure no one is eavesdropping."
Everyone nodded and began formulating their next plan. The night in Qingyang City grew increasingly deep, fraught with danger. The clouds churned in the midnight sky, as if a storm was brewing over Qingyang City!
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