Chapter 36: The Acting Group Leader

Chapter 36: The Acting Group Leader

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation

“Gao Ming emerged from behind Yan Hua with a look of determination etched on his face. He addressed the director with a solemn tone, ‘Director, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, the state of Team One is extremely critical. We are now down to just one new member, with all our experienced core team members either missing or unaccounted for. To put it bluntly, our team is in a state of crisis.'”The initial posting of this chapter occurred via N0v3l.B11n.

Director Chen Yuntian gave a small nod, his expression somber. He had a growing suspicion that Gao Ming was preparing to resign from the Bureau. The recent events had been harrowing – team members disappearing or meeting their end within a mere 48 hours – a situation that could push anyone to their limits.

Gao Ming continued with a resigned gesture, “The situation with recruitment is bleak as well. Our logistics staff informed us that there’s a lack of interest in joining Team One. Even the two candidates we had in mind have been lured away by other divisions. As it stands, it’s just Zhu Miao Miao and myself left to hold the fort.”

Director Chen Yuntian, understanding the gravity of the situation, responded thoughtfully, “This turn of events is beyond what I had foreseen. While I respect whatever decision you make, I do hope you’ll weigh your options carefully.” He was particularly concerned about Gao Ming’s decision, considering him a key investigator, especially since the mysterious disappearance of Bai Xiao.

Gao Ming replied with sincerity, “I have given this a lot of thought. Our colleagues faced these bizarre and unexplained incidents with courage, never showing fear or backing down. Now, when our Lishan Investigation Bureau is facing its darkest hour, I am ready to shoulder the major responsibilities for Investigation Team One.”

As Director Chen Yuntian listened, his expression slowly shifted from concern to admiration. He patted Gao Ming on the arm, commending him, “Your ability to confront challenges head-on is truly admirable!”

Gao Ming then suggested, “Since we are struggling to find new recruits, I will take the initiative to personally invite some members. I have a few trusted individuals in mind.” He gestured towards Yan Hua and Wan Qiu, who were standing nearby. “Director, I assure you, we will uphold the Bureau’s trust and standards.”

Director Chen Yuntian observed Yan Hua and Wan Qiu, noting their contrasting personalities. Gao Ming confidently added, “Having been a psychological counselor at Henshan High-Security Prison, I have a deep understanding of people. I can vouch for these two – they are reliable. Should anything go awry, I will take full responsibility.”

“The bar for junior investigators isn’t set very high, and these two are just about qualified. However, it’s important that they are fully briefed on the potential risks and dangers they may encounter,” cautioned the Director.

“I’m fully aware of that,” Gao Ming assured him. “I’ll train them to be top-notch investigators.” With a casual air, he then added, “And until we have a new team leader, I’ll take charge of Team One.”

After carefully considering the situation, Director Chen Yuntian gave a nod of approval. He saw no reason to object. “Alright, Gao Ming, I appoint you as the acting leader of Team One. Your responsibilities will include overseeing personnel training and managing night duties. However, field missions will still be primarily handled by other groups.”

This rapid ascent in the Bureau was remarkable for Gao Ming. Having joined less than two days ago, he had swiftly risen from a deputy leader to the acting leader of the team. His new position, although temporary, was significant. If the team members he personally recruited were all criminals, his authority within the team would be unchallenged.

The upscale Eastern District rarely witnessed such horrors, but the Sishui Street apartment had a notorious past. Years ago, it was the scene of a shocking crime that rocked Hanhai – eight members of two families were brutally murdered, leaving no survivors.

The perpetrator of this heinous act committed suicide within the house following the massacre. Locals whispered that the building was cursed, heavily imbued with negative energy, and possibly built over a gateway to the spirit world.

As Gao Ming zoomed in on a photograph of the infamous murder house, studying the case in detail, Wan Qiu approached him, pointing to the computer screen with a murmured warning, “They’re all watching you.”

The photograph showed an empty scene, but Wan Qiu’s claim was unsettling. “What do you see?” Gao Ming asked, intrigued yet skeptical.

“Those eight victims, they’re watching you. I see old people, children... their lips smeared with blood. They’re all staring at you,” Wan Qiu explained, then drifted away.

Looking back at the photo, Gao Ming felt an eerie shiver run down his spine, an unnerving sensation as if unseen eyes were indeed fixed upon him.

Reflecting on the details – the meaty odor, the family massacre, blood-stained lips, and the abnormal rate of corpse decay – Gao Ming speculated, “Could this be the work of ‘Flesh Immortal’?”

The concept of Flesh Immortal wasn’t something Gao Ming had invented. He had stumbled upon it in an old book he had picked up from a street vendor. The book outlined a gruesome ritual for worshipping flesh, a concept so macabre that it had left a lasting impression on him.

The term “Flesh Immortal” was merely a euphemism. In reality, what this ritual produced was far from anything divine.

Although Gao Ming understood how to ‘play’ this game and knew the rituals involved in worshipping flesh, he was resolute in not pursuing such a path. Some things leave an indelible mark once delved into, a haunting presence that never fades.

“We need to find and stop whoever is feeding these horrific narratives. Such a person is not just dangerous but utterly devoid of morality and humanity.”

A grave crisis loomed. As these strange incidents became more frequent, more people would inevitably be drawn into them.

Some, having survived these encounters, might join the Bureau, dedicating themselves to protecting others. But there would be those seduced by the shadow world, who would transform into beings more terrifying than any ghost.