Following this clue, they unraveled the threads from past unsolved cases, collecting similar evidence.
Finally, they locked their target on a mysterious mutant organization called the "Ideal Land."
But just as he was preparing to close the net and uncover the truth—the military governnt collapsed.
As the old and new regis alternated, the country descended into turmoil.
Accompanying this was a reshuffle that affected the entire upper echelons of society.
Countless politicians and high-ranking officials fell from grace and were imprisoned.
Even the few conglorate noble families closely tied to the military governnt suffered a purge and were severely weakened during this storm.
Although the Special Search Team held a special status, they did not escape unscathed.
Due to their close ties with forr President Feng, Shi Chengyi and his operations departnt beca key targets of investigation.
All ongoing missions were forcibly suspended, their investigation rights revoked and transferred to the Intelligence Departnt.
The one who took over the "Guangwu Gate Shooting Case," this hot potato, was none other than Ling Shaofeng, who served as the Deputy Minister of the Intelligence Departnt at the ti.
Shi Chengyi still rembers the undisguised ambition and mockery in Ling Shaofeng’s eyes when he took over the case files from him.
He has a clear conscience.
Throughout the investigation process, he was following orders and conducting the case by the book, with no unsavory collusion of interests with the old governnt.
But that is the nature of political struggle, with each new emperor cos new ministers.
Clearly, the newly appointed bigwigs trusted the newcors they themselves promoted more.
Frankly, Ling Shaofeng was originally a Senior Investigator in the operations departnt.
He had an extrely strong ability and high efficiency in handling cases, repeatedly solving major cases, yet was criticized for being ruthless and willing to do whatever it took.
Shi Chengyi originally intended to keep him in check, to temper his character, but this inadvertently led to a conflict between them.
Ultimately, in a fit of anger, Ling Shaofeng used his network to transfer to the Intelligence Departnt.
This handover of assignnts only deepened the existing rift between the two.
The subsequent developnts were even more dramatic.
After taking over the case, Ling Shaofeng cracked this nationally shocking shooting case in less than half a month with decisiveness and efficiency.
Not only did he kill several of the main culprits who resisted arrest on the spot, but he also extracted crucial confessions from those captured.
All actions were personally directed by President Feng.
With the irrefutable evidence, the case was concluded without any suspense.
The new governnt took the opportunity to launch a massive propaganda campaign, taking control of public opinion, swiftly cleaning out remnants of the military governnt, quickly gaining control of the situation, and stabilizing order.
As for Ling Shaofeng, with this imnse achievent, he was exceptionally promoted to the newly established Minister of the Research Departnt.
From then on, he continued to climb the ladder, receiving successive promotions, and within just two years, he beca the head of the Special Search Team, his career path remarkably smooth.
Since then, all files related to the "Guangwu Gate Shooting Case" were classified as top secret, completely sealed, becoming an untouched political taboo.
But now...
A martial arts genius comparable to Chief Li’s own talent, his background was unexpectedly linked to this deliberately buried old case.
How could Shi Chengyi not feel his emotions surge?
Pulling his thoughts away from past mories, he furrowed his brow, falling into deep contemplation.
Should he help that young man nad Fang Cheng clear his background records and pass the review?
As the person in charge of the case back then, he knew better than anyone.
Ling Shaofeng’s so-called "solving the case" was likely nothing more than finding a few scapegoats to give the new governnt the explanation they most wanted.
And since the new governnt needed to stabilize public sentint quickly and eliminate the remnants of the previous regi, they tacitly accepted this investigation result.
In other words, it was essentially a mutually understood political performance.
The real mastermind behind the scenes might very well still be at large.
The young man’s father could very likely have been an innocent person inadvertently caught up in the storm.
Perhaps he did commit so offense, was noticed by Ling Shaofeng’s intelligence personnel, and conveniently chosen as a perfect scapegoat.
Ultimately, during the process of resisting, for so unknown reason, he chose to end his own life, perishing in the fire...
Shi Chengyi’s fingertips slowly rubbed together as he gazed out the window, his eyes flickering as he quickly weighed his options.
If he took action, it would be tantamount to openly challenging Ling Shaofeng’s authority, attempting to uncover that which even the current governnt no longer wished to touch.
The other side would undoubtedly find an excuse to label him with accusations like "attempting to overturn old cases" or "harboring relatives of a serious offender."
If he wasn’t careful, he might even drag down his old bones along with the entire Martial Artist Faction into the depths of an irredeemable abyss.
The risks are clear.
But... what about the reward?
Shi Chengyi’s eyes suddenly glimred with a sharp light.
It was equally imasurable.
He was a young Martial Arts Genius who stepped into the Inner Realm Level and could influence the celestial phenona!
Such a person, once they mature, isn’t just a pawn, but an existence capable of overturning the entire chessboard.
Ling Shaofeng rose to power with the help of those projects from the Research Departnt, capable of mass-producing a batch of "super soldiers," but he could never create a Martial Arts Grandmaster capable of "Heavenly Person Communication."
As long as this young man nad Fang Cheng is strong enough, strong enough that no one can ignore him, he himself is the greatest "truth."
Moreover, the case back then was exceedingly complex, with extensive implications, and many suspects were never convicted.
Ling Shaofeng may not even rember an unremarkable scapegoat in so corner.
As long as I handle this properly, the other party won’t realize my true intentions...
By the ti he cos to his senses, it might be too late.
Because as long as Fang Cheng can join the Special Search Team and demonstrate unparalleled value, he becos the most valuable asset of the entire team.
By then, whoever dares to touch him is an enemy of the entire Special Search Team and even the future of the entire country!
So... this gamble is worth it!
Shi Chengyi took a deep breath, forcibly calming the turbulent thoughts bubbling inside him.
He slowly turned around to look at his student waiting silently, his gaze becoming sharp as an eagle’s again, and asked in a deep voice:
"Is there conclusive evidence proving his father directly took part in the shooting case?"
"No."
Wei Zheng shook his head, holding a cup of tea that had long gone cold:
"According to the case files, there are many doubts."
"The police’s conclusion only speculates that he might be connected to soone involved in the case. During the investigation, they found his actions suspicious, suspecting him as the murderer causing multiple cases in East Capital at the ti, and started pursuing him."
"But since the suspect had already ’committed suicide out of guilt,’ there is no evidence to prove the case, so it was hastily concluded, not to ntion delving deeper into whether it was related to the Guangwu Gate shooting incident."
Shi Chengyi felt slightly relieved upon hearing this.
As long as there’s no ironclad evidence, there’s room to maneuver.
With hands behind his back, he paced a few more steps in the study before suddenly stopping.
"A seventeen-year-old unsolved case, still considered suspicious, is that a big problem?"
After pondering for a mont, a trace of resolute determination flashed in his eyes:
"As long as the person is genuine, I will handle this little trouble for him!"
"Like this, I’ll personally visit the Ma Family tomorrow and have a good talk with Jianguo..."
As soon as he said this, he imdiately shook his head, directly dismissing his own idea.
"No! I’ll go right now!"
His eyes ignited with a blazing light, the whole person seed to have been rejuvenated by twenty years, regaining the decisive spirit of "Minister Shi" from back then.
Shi Chengyi quickly went to the desk, pressed the button for internal communication, his voice suddenly becoming formidable.
"Old Zhang, prepare the car, we’re going to Tianxin Village."
Hanging up the communication, he slowly turned around.
The leisurely sense of a retired old man was completely gone.
Replaced by the strategic deanor that Wei Zheng was familiar with from the training camp, reminiscent of a leader in command.
It felt like a lion that had retreated deep into the mountains, slling the scent of blood, revealing its intimidating claws once again.
"For the ti being, do not disclose this matter to anyone."
Staring at Wei Zheng, he said deliberately: "Everything will be discussed after I see him in person."
Saying so, he went to the coat rack, took his coat and put it on, his actions straightforward and decisive, clearly intending to leave imdiately.
Seeing his teacher regain a fighting spirit, Wei Zheng felt an inexplicable sense of relief and excitent.
He imdiately stood up and respectfully saluted: "Yes!"
Everything he could do, he had done.
Next, it was up to that once-in-a-century Martial Arts Genius to decide for himself.
For so reason, Wei Zheng also harbored a faint, unrealistic hope for that young man dressed in bright red underwear, as if he were a sun.
.........
In a small courtyard in Wanghu Town, a dense old locust tree provided shade.
On the stone table, the borders between Chu and Han were clear.
Fang Cheng was accompanying his grandpa in a tense battle of chess.
The old man was about to place a "cannon" piece down.
Fang Cheng suddenly felt an itch in his nose and sneezed an earth-shattering sneeze without warning.
"Achoo—"
The "soldiers" and "pawns" on the chessboard were blown off balance.
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