A breakthrough, to the Spiritualist level!
Leo stood up from the stone, sensing that his physical capacity seemed to have expanded by more than twice. The spiritual power that had once filled him didn’t feel as abundant anymore.
At the same time, Leo’s mind was flooded with more content from the Nine Heavens Star Chart, this time related to alchemy.
Alchemy… Traditional Chinese medicine… What if they were combined?
A new idea emerged in Leo’s mind.
Yet, he couldn’t put it into practice at the moment. Alchemy required a special tool, an alchemical furnace.
To produce advanced spiritual pills, a spiritual-weapon-level alchemical furnace was essential!
However, such items were rare and hard to come by, much like the Purple Radiance dagger Leo had acquired during the gemstone festival.
Leaving Heaven’s Extreme Stone, Leo found the driver and departed from Clouddream Mountain.
…
Police Department, Criminal Investigation Division’s office.
“Madame, we have the transcripts from the bank manager, staff, and witnesses. Take a look,” Criminal Investigator Lesley Yonng handed a transcript to Madame Godwin.
As Madame Godwin perused the transcript, she inquired, “How did the surveillance review go?”
“We could only retrieve footage up to when the robbers entered the bank. Once inside, they promptly disabled the cameras. The only camera still functional was inside the service window, only capturing images of the robbers handling the money,” Lesley Yonng replied.
Within the transcript was a color-printed photo, frozen at the moment the bank manager, Mr. Newman and Leo reached the entrance of the lobby, just as the robbers began firing their guns.
Madame Godwin’s gaze lingered on Leo for a few extra seconds before she continued reading the transcript. “What about the results of the fingerprint analysis?”
“Victor is arranging a comparison. We’re also awaiting forensic conclusions. We should have results soon,” Lesley Yonng responded.
Just as Lesley Yonng spoke, a young officer entered the room.
“Madame, we have a significant discovery!” Victor Dodd’s expression was one of excitement.
Madame Godwin set down the transcript, noticing him holding a sealed envelope.
“Madame, guess what this is?” Victor Dodd placed the envelope on Madame Godwin’s desk.
Observing the silver needles within the envelope, Madame Godwin’s brows furrowed. “These appear to be silver acupuncture needles. What’s going on?”
“These silver needles were extracted from the bodies of the robbers. After removal, the robbers regained movement. Strange, isn’t it?” Victor Dodd exclaimed, astonished.
Lesley Yonng chimed in, “Is this some kind of acupoint manipulation, like in legends?”
“Are you reading too many martial arts novels? Victor, what did the forensics team conclude?” Madame Godwin wasn’t easily swayed by the idea of immobilizing someone with a couple of touches or needles.
“According to the forensic experts, the silver needles inserted into the robbers’ bodies interrupted the connection between their nerves and limbs, rendering them immobile,” Victor Dodd explained.
“That’s incredible! But isn’t it far-fetched to believe someone could insert silver needles into the robbers’ bodies, especially considering they were armed with guns? It sounds like something out of a fantasy,” Lesley Yonng expressed incredulity.
Madame Godwin, however, had a thought. “Who says inserting silver needles into the robbers’ bodies requires close contact?”
Lesley Yonng caught on immediately. “Madame means… throwing needles! Could there really be martial arts experts among us?”
“Furthermore, the forensic experts believe that using a tiny silver needle to interrupt nerve signals suggests a profound knowledge of human meridians and acupoints of that mysterious person. That person could be highly skilled in traditional Chinese medicine,” Victor Dodd added.
“What about the fingerprint analysis?” Madame Godwin inquired.
“After comparing fingerprints, we have confirmed that the person who subdued the robbers this time is the same one who did so previously. We’ve narrowed our focus to this person.” Victor Dodd opened a folder he had with him.
The folder contained detailed information, with a photo attached. Seeing the photo, Madame Godwin quickly retrieved the photo from the transcript, and upon comparison, they were indeed the same person!
Madame Godwin took the information and studied it closely.
Victor Dodd continued, “Madame, this person is named Leo Bloomer. His parents mysteriously disappeared when he was six. He was raised by his grandmother. After graduating from university, he returned to Langstel. He married into the Henley family to help his grandmother’s medical expenses.”
Victor Dodd provided a brief introduction.
“Leo Bloomer… Oh, I remember now. You’re talking about the man who married the CEO of Sophia Cosmetics four years ago!” Lesley Yonng suddenly recalled.
Victor Dodd nodded.
“Ah, that wedding four years ago made the headlines. It was the lead story in the entertainment section of the Urban Daily! A man who married into wealth, a freeloader, possessing the ability to immobilize people with flying needles. It’s like something out of a fantasy!” Lesley Yonng remembered the news vividly, finding it hard to believe, “A reverse Cinderella story!”
“That’s enough gossip. Don’t report this about him yet,” Madame Godwin slapped the table.
“Madame, now that we’ve identified him, shouldn’t we bring him in for questioning?” Victor Dodd probed.
“Why arrest him? He hasn’t committed any crimes. If he truly subdued the robbers with silver needles, he’s acted as a Good Samaritan!” Madame Godwin’s eyes narrowed with authority.
“You’re absolutely right, Madame,” Victor Dodd quickly responded. Then he suggested, “Madame, maybe you should treat us to a meal?”
“Why?” Madame Godwin asked.
“In the past month, you’ve handled two major armed bank robbery cases flawlessly. The Chief has been singing your praises non-stop. You might be in line for a commendation this year. That’s why…” Victor Dodd trailed off.
Madame Godwin tapped the folder containing Leo’s information. “Comrades, what do you mean by ‘handled flawlessly’? I merely led you to apprehend the robbers. It was him who subdued them.”
“No need to treat us if you don’t want to…” Victor Dodd muttered under his breath.
“What did you say?” Madame Godwin gave him a sidelong glance.
Victor Dodd quickly laughed it off. “Nothing. I mean, Madame, your point is entirely valid.”
Madame Godwin, known as the “Blossoming Flower of the Police Force,” held the title for first place in the annual police combat competition. Victor Dodd knew her strength well and wouldn’t dare provoke this formidable figure.
Due to Madame Godwin’s formidable reputation, she had never had a serious relationship. Many secretly admired her, but none dared openly pursue her.
Madame Godwin had once declared that anyone wanting to court her must defeat her in combat. Otherwise, all bets were off!
Madame Godwin rose from her chair. “Let’s go. Call other colleagues to come with us.”
“I knew Madame would treat us the best. Dearest Madame, I want to eat sushi…” Victor Dodd playfully shook Madame Godwin’s arm.
Madame Godwin brushed him off, uttering, “Sorry, I’m completely immune to apple-polishing.”