Volume Seven: Phantom of River City Chapter One: Arrival in River City

Not long after returning to the station, Chief Jia came looking for them that morning. “Phoenix, you’re being sent out on a special assignment.”

“A special assignment? What’s going on?” Yaoguang asked.

“There’s been a gruesome murder and dismemberment in Jiang City. The local police have been investigating for several days, but aside from a mutilated corpse, they haven’t found any leads. In other words, it doesn’t look like something an ordinary person could have done.” Chief Jia continued, “The Jiang City Public Security Bureau has sent a formal request for assistance, asking specifically for the Heavenly Sword Special Investigation Team.”

“Do you have the case file?” Yaoguang inquired.

“Yes, here you go.” Chief Jia handed her a folder.

Yaoguang opened it and skimmed the contents. “Oh my, such clean cuts. This report says the victim’s head and arms are missing. The incisions are neat, the organs have been washed, and even the victim’s clothes were laundered. The killer must have an obsession with cleanliness.” She looked over the materials thoughtfully. “This case won’t be easy. Usually, killers like this suffer from severe personality disorders or dissociative states. The fact that he washed the organs and clothes shows a certain ritualistic quality to his actions—he’s meticulous in handling the corpse. What’s more, he remained calm and clear-headed during the crime. Typically, adrenaline surges during a murder, leaving the perpetrator acting on impulse, unable to think straight. Only after the act do they calm down enough to reflect, but then fear can cause them to make mistakes and leave clues. But in this case, the killer was methodical both during and after the killing. Either he has nerves of steel, or…”

Yaoguang paused, her gaze lingering on the file.

“Or what?” Chief Jia prompted.

“Or the killer is actually enjoying the process—as if he’s not committing murder, but creating a work of art,” Yaoguang replied.

“A work of art? Murder as art?” Chief Jia echoed, glancing at the file.

“Yes. But enough speculation. We should head to Jiang City at once. They haven’t had a case this brutal in over a decade, so the local authorities must be at their wit’s end. Let’s not keep them waiting. I just hope word of the dismemberment hasn’t spread to the public—cases like this can easily cause panic. What concerns me most is that the killer might strike again, and that would be disastrous,” Yaoguang said.

“Alright, I’ll arrange for a car,” Chief Jia offered, visibly relieved she had agreed.

“No need. I’ll drive myself. Please notify the Jiang City police and have them prepare for our arrival,” Yaoguang replied, dialing her phone. Then she turned back. “Yun, Kun, pack your things—we leave in thirty minutes. Meet downstairs. We’re heading to Jiang City. I’ve already notified Tianyou and Xuanchen; Yitian will drive over to pick us up.”

“Understood,” the two responded in unison.

Half an hour later, Yitian pulled up in a motorhome outside the Heavenly Sword office. Yaoguang greeted Chief Jia before climbing aboard.

“Using a motorhome for a police operation—now that’s extravagant,” the captain of the detective squad muttered as he watched the vehicle pull away.

“If you have the skills, you can do it too. They’ll crack a major case in less than a week, while it would take you half a month. That’s the difference. Learn from them,” Chief Jia remarked, glancing at the captain.

“Yes, sir!” The captain snapped to attention with a salute.

Four hours later, Yaoguang’s team arrived outside the Jiang City Public Security Bureau.

Waiting to receive them were Director Wang Jingquan and Captain Li Zhitao of the Jiang City police.

“Director Wang, I’m Phoenix, special consultant to the Heavenly Sword Special Investigation Unit from Ye City Public Security Bureau. This is our team leader, Xie Xuanchen, deputy leader Chu Tianyou, and team members Jiang Yun and Huo Mingkun. We’re here under orders to assist Jiang City,” Yaoguang introduced herself upon stepping out of the vehicle.

“Welcome, welcome! We’ve been anxiously awaiting your arrival,” Director Wang said warmly. “This is Captain Li Zhitao of the detective squad, who’s in charge of the murder case. We haven’t had such a violent crime in over a decade, and, with the body found in the bustling People's Square, the impact has been enormous. We’ve been searching for leads for a long time with no success—it was our only option to call for your help. I never expected to receive your reply within an hour of submitting the request. We’re truly grateful.”

“You’re too kind. It’s our duty. Director Wang, could you brief us on the case?” Yaoguang responded with a smile.

“Of course. Captain Li is in charge—he’ll fill you in on the details,” Director Wang replied.

“Thank you, Captain Li. I look forward to working with you and hope we’ll solve this case soon,” Yaoguang said, gesturing for him to lead the way.

“Is that really Heavenly Sword? Driving a motorhome to investigate a case—how impressive,” someone whispered gossipy nearby.

“Shh, keep your voice down. Officer Phoenix is a living legend,” came another hushed reply.

Yaoguang couldn’t help but find it amusing—they must have heard tales of who she was a decade ago…