When Daoist Zhang emerged from his quarters, it was already dawn of the third day. After visiting the crime scene that night, he had secluded himself for two days and two nights. When he finally came out with dark circles under his eyes and a disheveled appearance, his first action was to find Zhan Yang…
“Captain Zhan! I’ve figured it out, I’ve figured it out!”
Daoist Zhang clutched a roll of paper covered in dense, indecipherable writings and drawings. Seeing Captain Zhan’s bewildered expression, Daoist Zhang urgently explained, “This person likely wants to change their fate—to defy heaven’s mandate. The ritual array they’ve set up is enormous, requiring seven deaths to complete. Three people have died already, so they must kill four more to fulfill the requirements.”
Captain Zhan’s brows furrowed, and Daoist Zhang continued, “The next most auspicious time will be tonight at the Hour of Zi. I’ve calculated three suitable locations, all in the East District. If you trust me, we should prepare now to prevent it while there’s still time.”
Captain Zhan’s expression changed dramatically. “Are you certain about this?!”
Daoist Zhang gave a bitter smile. “Why would I deceive you? I also want to catch this person to see if they were responsible for what happened back then!”
Captain Zhan nodded and pulled Daoist Zhang along to find Magistrate Zheng Bai Shi. Daoist Zhang protested weakly, “I’m about to faint from hunger. Please get me something to eat—those pork trotters from the other day are long gone…”
Without looking back, Captain Zhan replied, “Let’s handle the important matters first. Afterward, you can have all the pork trotters you want.”
Hearing this, Daoist Zhang immediately stopped complaining and followed Captain Zhan to the main hall, where they met Magistrate Zheng. After repeating his earlier explanation, Magistrate Zheng’s expression grew serious. “Is this truly accurate? Can you specify the exact locations?”
Daoist Zhang produced a paper with a star chart drawn on it, showing celestial bodies interconnected like an orderly web. However, neither Captain Zhan nor Magistrate Zheng could make sense of it.
Magistrate Zheng smiled wryly. “We cannot comprehend these drawings, Master Daoist…”
Realizing this, Daoist Zhang said, “In that case, quickly get me something to eat, then gather your men. We’ll depart shortly after.”
Satisfied with this response, Magistrate Zheng instructed Captain Zhan accordingly. After some consideration, he also sent someone to inform the Marquis’s mansion and dispatched another to notify Yan Chi of the matter.
After finishing his meal, Daoist Zhang headed toward the East District with the yamen runners. The East District was home to the nobility, containing either areas like Xing Le District where the aristocrats gathered, or the East Market further south. Only the outermost areas had scattered smaller residential neighborhoods.
The first location Daoist Zhang led them to was Hu Lu Lane, not far from Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion. Hu Lu Lane housed about ten households, all impressive mansions. The residences of the Left Vice Minister of Personnel and the Minister of Works were among them. Upon arrival, Magistrate Zheng smiled wryly—these were all his close friends among the court officials. How could the killer possibly attempt anything in these households?
Magistrate Zheng waved his hand. “Impossible. If any crime occurred in these noble houses, it would have to be committed by their family members. Even if the killer were among them, committing the crime in their own home would expose their identity.”
Though Daoist Zhang focused on divination rather than logic, he acknowledged the reasoning and moved on to the next location.
The next spot was Jade Street in the East Market. Daoist Zhang walked from one end to the other, then stood in the middle of the long street and declared, “This location is most suitable.” He pointed at the sky, “This spot aligns directly with the Azure Dragon House Star in the east. Using human sacrifice here could alter the star’s trajectory to change one’s fate. The effective range extends half a Li in all directions from this point.”
While Magistrate Zheng didn’t understand the references to the Azure Dragon House Star, he grasped the meaning of the half-Li radius. Looking around, he saw bustling shops, teahouses, and taverns. Though it was only noon, the streets were already crowded with visitors. Magistrate Zheng smiled bitterly—the area was considerable, and they only had one day to investigate.
Captain Zhan asked, “If we conduct an obvious investigation, wouldn’t that scare off the killer?”
Magistrate Zheng then asked Daoist Zhang, “If the killer doesn’t act tonight, would the ritual array fail?”
Daoist Zhang shook his head. “Not necessarily. If tonight’s opportunity is missed, they can continue the ritual array within seven days. So they don’t have to kill tonight. I’ve checked—if they miss tonight, the next favorable time would be three nights later. Only if they miss both opportunities would the ritual array fail.”
Magistrate Zheng considered this. “Indeed, there were only four days between the first and second victims and four days between the second and third. None exceeded seven days.”
After some thought, Magistrate Zheng instructed Captain Zhan, “Have everyone change into civilian clothes. For now, we’ll proceed quietly. When the streets empty tonight, we’ll pose as shop workers and keep watch.”
Understanding, Captain Zhan then asked Daoist Zhang, “Master Daoist, where is the third location?”
Daoist Zhang pointed further east, “That way—”
After walking for nearly half an hour, they arrived at a secluded residential area. Though still in the east, it was far from the main imperial road. Unlike the organized box-like streets of Xing Le District, this area had scattered neighborhoods with modest, simple dwellings belonging to moderately wealthy families.
Daoist Zhang indicated the residential area before them. “This should be it. If we consider all of Lin’an City as a star chart, this location corresponds to the Azure Dragon Heart Star…”
Magistrate Zheng looked to Captain Zhan, “Go make some inquiries to see what you can learn about this area.”
As Captain Zhan left with two junior runners, Magistrate Zheng turned to Daoist Zhang. “May I ask, Master Daoist, what does the killer hope to achieve by changing their fate? Are they seeking wealth? Aspiring to rise in status?”
Daoist Zhang shook his head. “This ritual array requiring seven deaths is the most extreme kind. If they seek wealth, they desire the ultimate riches. If they seek longevity, they wish to live for a hundred years. If they aim to save someone, they want to rescue a person from certain death. In any case, defying heaven’s mandate means completely altering someone’s destiny.”
Magistrate Zheng’s brow twitched at these words, and he lowered his voice, “The ultimate riches?”
Noting Magistrate Zheng’s tone, Daoist Zhang understood his implications but paused before responding, “It depends on who the killer is…”
Seeing Daoist Zhang’s discretion, Magistrate Zheng’s respect for him grew. Ordinary cases were one thing, but if the killer sought ultimate riches, what did that mean? This went beyond mere career advancement. As a third-rank court official, Magistrate Zheng couldn’t help connecting this to court politics. Since the founding of Emperor Tai Zong of the Great Zhou Dynasty, there have been strict laws forbidding court officials and royal clan members from engaging in witchcraft. While the Moon Worship Sect’s practices weren’t exactly witchcraft, using human sacrifice to defy heaven’s mandate was just as terrifying, if not more so.
These thoughts made Magistrate Zheng’s palms grow cold with sweat. Was this more than a simple murder case? Could it be connected to the court, or even the Crown Prince or Prince Cheng?
The Crown Prince already held his position, so could it be Prince Cheng?!
As cold sweat beaded on Magistrate Zheng’s forehead, Daoist Zhang observed him for a moment before saying, “The matter isn’t as serious as Magistrate Zheng imagines. Whoever does this harms others and themselves. If they seek wealth, gaining it will shorten their lifespan. If they seek longevity, they may live long but miserably. As for saving someone from death, even if successful, that person’s remaining life won’t be pleasant. All things have their natural order—changing fate through such heinous means always comes at a price. The noble officials at court who desire wealth and power want the kind that pleases them. This matter likely involves that official from the Five Bureaus.”
Magistrate Zheng’s eyes widened. “How dare you speak of such things?!”
Daoist Zhang smiled. “I merely noticed Magistrate Zheng’s anxiety and wanted to ease your mind.”
Magistrate Zheng stared at Daoist Zhang, unsure whether to be angry or relieved. He snorted, “Never speak of such things again. If others heard this, I couldn’t protect your head!”
Daoist Zhang shrank his neck. As a mere wine-and-meat Daoist, he knew better than to meddle in court affairs. He grinned sheepishly, “Very well, I shall never speak of this again!”
Soon, Captain Zhan emerged from the alley. “Sir, there are over twenty households here. Most compounds are single-courtyard, some double-courtyard and two properties are vacant.”
Magistrate Zheng frowned. “With so many people, how can we know who the killer’s target is? Plus, they might bring their victim here, just like with Wu Qian and Zhao Jia Xu.”
Captain Zhan nodded. “And the target must be someone who has violated their sect’s doctrine.”
Among so many people, who could be the sinner they sought?
Magistrate Zheng narrowed his eyes. “It’s not appropriate to conduct an obvious investigation now. Follow our earlier plan—have everyone change into civilian clothes. Station people here, at the East Market, and leave two men at Hu Lu Lane just in case.”
After surveying the surroundings, Captain Zhan said, “I believe this is the most likely location for the crime.”
Magistrate Zheng shared this opinion. The area was secluded, with intersecting paths providing convenient access and escape routes. He nodded, “Station more men here then.”
After another thorough inspection of the area, Captain Zhan returned to the yamen with Magistrate Zheng and the others.
When they returned, Princess Qin Wan had already arrived. She had been doing needlework with Qin Shuang when she received the news about Daoist Zhang’s breakthrough. She hurried to the yamen, but finding Magistrate Zheng’s group already gone, she waited patiently.
Magistrate Zheng invited Princess Qin Wan to the main hall and relayed Daoist Zhang’s findings and their arrangements. She looked at Daoist Zhang with surprise, not expecting him to be so helpful.
“Master Daoist truly possesses remarkable abilities. Without you, the yamen wouldn’t know where the crime might occur.”
Daoist Zhang grinned. “I’m glad to help. If we catch the killer tonight, that would be best!”
Noting the westering sun, Princess Qin Wan asked, “Are the yamen runners enough? Should we request help from the Nine Cities Patrol?”
Magistrate Zheng considered briefly. “That wouldn’t work. At the Hour of Zi, there aren’t many people on the streets. Too many of our men might alert the killer.”
Princess Qin Wan saw the logic and, realizing she couldn’t help tonight, prepared to leave after a few more words. Just then, a runner entered. “Sir, the Court of Judicial Review sent over a case file.”
Magistrate Zheng stood immediately. “What did the messenger say?”
The runner replied quickly, “They said they found what you requested—it was mixed in with other documents.”
Magistrate Zheng opened the file and after a brief look, turned to Princess Qin Wan. “Princess, please look—six years ago, similar ashes were found near the body buried in snow. They also noted cinnabar drawings on the victim’s clothes, though no rubbings were made.”
Princess Qin Wan examined the file. Indeed, though briefly noted, this detail proved the case from six years ago was also a ritual sacrifice. She frowned. “This detail was recorded so subtly that few would have known unless they were the runners or coroner who handled the body. With similar cases appearing now, it’s unlikely to be a copycat. Sir, this must be the same killer from six years ago!”
Magistrate Zheng agreed but, noticing Daoist Zhang nearby, said carefully, “I think so too, but we’ll need to catch and question the killer to know the truth.”
Princess Qin Wan smiled. “Of course. Sir, please be careful tonight—you and Captain Zhan. I’ll take my leave now.”
Magistrate Zheng escorted her to her carriage before returning to the yamen.
In the carriage, Bai Ying remarked, “I didn’t expect Daoist Zhang to be so capable.”
Princess Qin Wan nodded while leaning against the carriage wall, her heart heavy. She had sensed Daoist Zhang’s extraordinary abilities when they first met, noting his strange gaze. She had hoped it meant nothing, but now seeing his usefulness in the case, she felt uneasy despite wanting the case solved. Could his abilities extend to discerning her true background?
As night fell, the yamen runners departed in civilian clothes. Six men were stationed at Hu Lu Lane, ten at the East Market, and sixteen went with Captain Zhan to the secluded area. All wore common cotton robes. In the residential area, they split into small groups and hid in corners. They watched as lights in the homes went out one by one, but nothing stirred in the darkness.
The East Market remained busy into the night, only quieting near the Hour of Zi. Even then, some taverns and teahouses still hosted late-night revelers, making it risky for the killer to act there. They would likely choose a more secluded location.
Captain Zhan hid at an alley corner with a clear view of the intersection and the two vacant compounds nearby. By his reasoning, these empty properties were likely targets. As the night deepened, the early summer air grew cool. Only stray cats with glowing eyes moved through the darkness, creating an eerie atmosphere.
A young runner pressed close to Captain Zhan. Since seeing Wu Qian’s flayed body, he hadn’t slept well for half a month. Now, hiding in the dark alley, those horrific images returned, making him want to clutch Captain Zhan’s arm—
Captain Zhan pulled his arm away. “What are you doing?!”
Tong Yu wore a miserable expression. “Boss, I’m… I’m scared…”
Captain Zhan’s eyebrows shot up and he aimed a kick, which Tong Yu nimbly dodged, whimpering, “Boss, it’s almost the Hour of Zi, but there’s no movement. Could the killer have already struck?”
Captain Zhan frowned. “Impossible. We’ve been watching—haven’t seen even a ghost.”
Tong Yu shuddered. “Ghost… what if… what if the killer is…”
A cold glare from Captain Zhan silenced him. He huddled against the wall clutching his sword, looking up at the starless, moonless sky and muttering to himself…
Captain Zhan ignored his muttering and kept watching the alley. But after a long time with no movement, well past the Hour of Zi, he wondered if Tong Yu might be right.
Growing uneasy, Captain Zhan emerged from hiding. Seeing this, the others followed. He led a quick patrol, finding only more cat shadows!
Where was the killer? Had they silently slipped into some house unnoticed?!
As Captain Zhan’s heart tightened with worry, suddenly hoofbeats thundered down the main road. Everyone tensed, but it was a yamen runner!
The messenger shouted, “Captain! There’s a fire in the East Market!”