The information was a lot to process. Li Xin thought it over and said, "It’s still a bit confusing right now. The killer might not be short but could actually be a child, or maybe this is just to mislead us. Also, what do you mean by live flaying?"

"The victim was skinned alive, so they were in extreme pain and fear, often dying from the pain or from a ruptured liver and gallbladder," said Old Tuo, his face rigid.

"That’s the requirement for traditional mask makers. Human skins taken alive are the top material for making masks. If the person is dead when you take the skin, its vitality is gone, and it tends to stiffen," said Broken Gong, absentmindedly feeling his hair, with only a few strands left.

Li Xin thought of Dalivin, who was also a mask maker but used a combination of painting techniques and spells. Unfortunately, he disappeared along with the Dragon Mother; otherwise, Li Xin could have asked him.

"I want to first take a look at all the files. Also, I need someone to assist me," Li Xin said.

"Alright, there’s not much better way at the moment. Even though it’s under our Shadow Owl’s jurisdiction, the top has also instructed the City Guard and the Knight Order to cooperate with our actions. If there’s evidence, we can investigate anywhere and arrest anyone. You start with the files; there are a lot of them," Jiang Wu said. "Meng Po is our major manager. If you need anything, just find her. I have other cases to deal with, but if you need any help on this case, just say it. Even if I can’t do it, I’ll coordinate with other departments."

Li Xin nodded. Jiang Wu and the others had presumably been investigating the case for quite some time. "When was the last victim?"

"Twelve nights ago," Tang Chendan said. "If you want to see the body, find Old Tuo."

"Alright, if new victims appear, remember to call me," Li Xin said.

"Then the meeting adjourns here. Old Tuo, you and Broken Gong go to the City Guard; they found some bodies over there. Meng Po, take Li Yinxiao to the archive room," Jiang Wu said and suddenly smiled. "I have other things to do, so I’ll leave now." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Jiang Wu looked very busy. Following him, Tang Chendan silently packed up her things and left as well. The others glanced at Li Xin and quickly left.

*

Once the others left, Meng Po smiled wryly, "Li Yinxiao, come with me."

"What about Tang Gao? Is he okay alone?" Li Xin asked.

"He’s fine. He’s sleeping in the room. Broken Gong knows a sleep-inducing spell because, due to the loss of his soul, he doesn’t understand the need to rest and requires spell assistance," Meng Po said. "But with those two materials, he has hope for recovery."

As she said this, a happy smile appeared on Meng Po’s face.

Li Xin nodded, "Eh, did we go the wrong way?"

"No, we didn’t. Actually, our Shadow Owl has another archive room." Even the experienced Meng Po blushed slightly.

Li Xin suddenly understood. No wonder everyone left so quickly. Of course, the Shadow Owl had a secret base. After all, it managed the hidden powers of the Night Patrol. How could it be inferior to the Night Patrol of the Celestial Capital? It wouldn’t make sense. Everyone had just been playing a part.

At the end of the third-floor corridor, they came to a balcony. Meng Po pressed her hands against the left wall, and as she infused it with spiritual power, the wall started to ripple like water. "Li Yinxiao, just come through."

She stepped in first and disappeared into the wall. Li Xin shook his head and followed her in.

A vast underground space came into view with many Night Patrol members busy at work.

"Li Yinxiao, please don’t mind. In the past, our Shadow Owl’s power was too great, leading to much criticism. Now, we have to act low-key. Outwardly, we seem to have declined, but a lot of power has transferred underground. The Night Patrol’s difficult and unusual cases are still our responsibility," Meng Po explained.

"The Cabinet doesn’t know?"

Meng Po nodded, "No, this is supported by the Church Court. Our Shadow Owl is the spiritual backbone of the Night Patrol, and we have made significant contributions. It can’t just collapse due to power struggles, but we still have to give some face to the Cabinet and Council. Those who remain are skilled. We now only handle particularly important cases; ’Little Flayer’ is one of them. The mistake six years ago was the Night Patrol’s greatest shame, and it has become a point of attack for politicians. We’ve been closely pursuing it, forcing the killer to commit crimes more cautiously. You’ll slowly understand. Before, everyone thought you were just here to gain experience, so they kept it from you. They have thin skin. I’m apologizing on their behalf."

Li Xin waved it off with a smile, "It’s nothing. It’s good to be cautious. I would do the same in their place."

The more Li Xin said this, the guiltier Meng Po felt. "Li Yinxiao, we Night Patrol members all climbed up from the bottom. Sometimes we’re short-sighted and biased, but that won’t happen in the future."

"Is this all the base? How big is it?"

"Three underground levels. I’ll give you the spiritual array for entry later. The top level is for our office use; the lower two levels hold prisoners and store secret items. There are no treasures, just practical consumables. Broken Gong, Snake Skin, and Old Tuo mainly handle them," Meng Po said. "Old Tuo is the top coroner among our Night Patrol members."

Meng Po handled the outside, while others worked inside. No wonder they were often unseen and suddenly appeared.

"Are there other exits?" Li Xin suddenly asked.

"Yes, we have several entry points disguised as an antique store, a general store, and such. Our Shadow Owl is located at the junction of four districts and manages the hidden events of each district. It can directly access the main thoroughfares of each district, controlled by the captain," Meng Po said.

Li Xin nodded; now that made sense. But this was the captain’s authority, and he wasn’t here to vie for power.

"By the way, do we Night Patrol members have regulatory authority over the Black Market?" Li Xin asked.

Meng Po was taken aback and smiled wryly, "We definitely don’t have that."

Li Xin realized that the Black Market was an existence on par with the Church Court, and the Night Patrol couldn’t control the Black Market.

Li Xin followed Meng Po to the archive room, which was brightly lit by Hex Lamps and not stifling at all.

"Li Yinxiao, this row contains the recent files regarding the ’Little Flayer’. There are quite a few. There’s a bell on the table; shake it three times, and I’ll know. Call me if you need anything."

"I’ll look first; you go ahead and get busy," Li Xin nodded, looking at the pile of files. He wished he’d bought a cup of coffee; going through this was a physical task.

"Oh, right, Li Yinxiao, this month’s salary is about to be distributed. Should I give it to you directly or send it to your home?" Meng Po asked.

At the mention of salary, Li Xin’s eyes moved slightly, and he nodded lightly, "Just give it to me."

Suddenly, the sight of the large stack of dossiers didn’t seem as daunting. He was a person who loved his work.