The newcomer was none other than Shi Aotian.
From over a kilometer away, he had already heard the agitated shouts of Dongfang Qing and Xu Feng.
Because of the heavy rain, the sound was distorted and he couldn't make out exactly what they were saying, but he knew for sure it wasn't anything good.
Following the voices, he finally found this office.
Xu Feng, drawn by the sudden noise, turned his head and saw Shi Aotian standing tall in the doorway.
Seeing her chance, Dongfang Qing broke free from Xu Feng's grasp, ran over, and threw herself into Shi Aotian's arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
Grinding his teeth in hatred, Xu Feng got up from the ground, looking at Shi Aotian with a mix of shame and fury, his heart filled with the desire to tear him to pieces.
Shi Aotian calmly freed himself from Dongfang Qing's embrace and coldly walked toward Xu Feng.
Instead of retreating, Xu Feng took two steps forward, his eyes blazing with hatred.
"It's all because of you! Why is it that you get Dongfang Qing's trust? What's wrong with me, Xu Feng?!"
Unable to control himself any longer, Xu Feng shouted at Shi Aotian, the sight of his rival only fueling his anger.
"What did you do to her?" Shi Aotian asked, frowning as he advanced.
"Hah, what a joke. What I did—is it any of your business?" Xu Feng sneered, his smile full of mockery.
Before the words had even faded, Shi Aotian was already standing right in front of him, their eyes locked in a fierce glare.
Xu Feng had disliked him for a long time, and now, in the heat of his anger, he could no longer hold back. He swung a slap toward Shi Aotian's face.
Still crying, Dongfang Qing saw this and cried out, "Xu Feng, what are you doing?!"
But before the slap could even reach Shi Aotian's shoulder, his left hand shot up, gripping Xu Feng's wrist with brutal force.
Xu Feng had never expected this towering man to react so fast or possess such terrifying strength. In an instant, pain shot up his wrist as Shi Aotian's grip tightened like a vice.
Shi Aotian was done holding back. His master had taught him: anyone who harms you must pay a heavy price.
In one swift motion, his right hand seized Xu Feng by the throat and began to squeeze.
Xu Feng's eyes went wide with shock as he felt an overwhelming force crushing his windpipe. Breathing grew harder and harder, and his body began to feel weightless.
By the time he realized what was happening, he was already hoisted high above Shi Aotian's head, held aloft by a single hand at his throat.
He could no longer breathe; his vision was going black, the world spinning, and his legs kicked helplessly in midair.
"Aotian, stop! Please don't do this!" Dongfang Qing cried, running over. She tried to pry apart the iron-like fingers of his right hand and shouted urgently, "Let him go, Aotian! You'll kill him—don't do this! Calm down!"
But Shi Aotian stood as still as a statue, showing no sign of releasing his grip.
Xu Feng's face turned crimson, veins bulging from the strain.
The agony had reached its peak. His lips trembled as if he wanted to speak, but no sound came out—his voice was completely trapped in his throat.
"Please, Aotian, I'm begging you—stop!"
Helpless and desperate, Dongfang Qing collapsed onto the ground, sobbing. For the first time, she felt such deep helplessness and fear. It wasn't because of Xu Feng, but because the man she loved so deeply—Shi Aotian—had become so strange, so terrifying. His eyes brimmed with hatred and loneliness, like a death god from the depths of hell, radiating a desolate chill.
Smack! Xu Feng was thrown heavily to the ground as Shi Aotian finally released his grip. In that moment of wanting to kill Xu Feng, countless thoughts had crossed his mind. This was an office—killing someone here was not a good idea. Another reason was Dongfang Qing. Since she was begging him with all her heart, he would let Xu Feng go for now. But if there was a next time, he would personally send him to hell.
Regaining a shred of humanity, Shi Aotian helped the weeping Dongfang Qing to her feet and held her gently to comfort her. But in his arms, she only cried harder.
Xu Feng, spared from death, was kneeling on the floor, clutching his neck with both hands, coughing violently and gasping for air.
With Shi Aotian's support, Dongfang Qing left the office. Only Xu Feng remained, glaring after them with venom in his eyes, swearing in his heart: One day, I'll make sure you die a horrible death.
And the "you" in his heart referred to Shi Aotian.
Shi Aotian helped Dongfang Qing back to her rented apartment. Perhaps she was simply too exhausted; once her taut nerves relaxed, she soon drifted into a deep sleep.
Shi Aotian didn't disturb her. Closing the door behind him, he stepped back into the street. Night had begun to fall, and the rain had stopped. He wandered aimlessly down the road, his mood far from good. Back then, he had indeed wanted to kill Xu Feng—and he still believed the man deserved to die.
In Shi Aotian's heart, Dongfang Qing was like an elder sister. If anyone dared harbor ill intent toward her, he would crush them without hesitation.
Meanwhile, the police had not relaxed their investigation into the recent string of murders. Although there were no leads, Captain Meng Yiping of the criminal investigation team had not lost hope. The whole team was working tirelessly under pressure from superiors and public opinion, hoping to find even the slightest clue.
Having spent all his time in the morgue, Meng Yiping had already made up his mind—he would get to the bottom of this case.
"Sister Tang, any new discoveries?"
Meng Yiping repeated the question yet again, his patience wearing thin. He hadn't rested in two days and nights, and his bloodshot eyes betrayed his exhaustion.
Forensic examiner Sister Tang sighed and shook her head. "Still the same. I've just confirmed the killer is the same person. The modus operandi is identical to the previous cases. It's clear he remains extremely calm while killing, but his methods are viciously cruel."
"What kind of deep grudge could there be, for him to drain the victims' blood like this?" Meng Yiping lit a cigarette in frustration.
"No smoking in here," Sister Tang shot him a look and said bluntly, "If you want to smoke, go outside. This is the morgue."
Looking sheepish, Meng Yiping stubbed out the cigarette. He continued to examine the body, waiting for her verdict.
"I don't know what the grudge is," Sister Tang continued, "but I can tell you this—the killer is a professional, possibly a contract assassin. He's left virtually no clues. The victim had already been dead for more than two hours before being found opposite the city government building. That means the location may not have been the primary crime scene—he likely moved the body there. Also, the scene had been specially treated. This is not something an ordinary person could pull off. I'm convinced the killer is no small-time player."
She removed her examination gloves and added, "I'm going to eat. If you want to stay here, then please shut the door when you leave."
Meng Yiping, who had already been staying there for hours, had actually wanted to leave for quite a while. Making him sit alone with these corpses was worse than sending him out for a meal.
"Wait for me, I'll come with you. I'm hungry too." Meng Yiping straightened his chest and strode out.
After leaving the morgue, they headed straight to the office, where the policewoman Xia Ji had already prepared takeout, waiting for them.
"Captain Meng, Sister Tang, did you find anything?" Xia Ji asked, sipping her water.
"We can combine the cases for investigation. Tonight, we'll hold a meeting, report to Director Wu, and request a joint investigation. Xia Ji, after lunch, you go write the report." Meng Yiping slouched lazily in his chair.
"Got it," Xia Ji readily agreed.
"Xia Ji, any updates from Old Qian?" Sister Tang asked as she began eating.
"No, nothing found. The footprints are too messy, no leads at the moment," Xia Ji replied, waving her hand.
"Alright, enough talking—call everyone to eat. This case is really giving me a headache," Meng Yiping called out.
Meanwhile, in the police bureau of another city, they had found a clue from the news they had been waiting for. These sensational murders had already become known across the nation.
The bureau chief immediately convened an emergency meeting.
"What do you think about the recent murder cases in Z City, G Province?" Deputy Director Qu Mingzhi tapped the table.
"This reminds me of another case—a case we still haven't solved," said Criminal Investigation Captain Yang Zihua, spinning the pen in his hand.
"Not long ago, our city had a case with the exact same modus operandi," Detective Xiao Wang said, already understanding what they were getting at.
"Exactly. Let's keep it short—the killer's methods are strikingly similar. I believe it's the same person. Yang Zihua, get in touch with the Z City police in G Province. Go there, investigate, and see if we can merge the cases," Deputy Director Qu ordered sternly.
This was the same city where Shi Aotian had met Bai Xue. Back then, just after returning from Shennongjia, he had mercilessly killed three thugs who were about to assault the nurse Bai Xue. To this day, the local police had never solved the case. While they were still troubled over it, the shocking news from Z City, G Province, gave them a glimmer of hope in solving it.
Inside the Black List organization's office, Assistant Zhou, dressed in a suit, had already been waiting for his young master.
The young master, fresh from a shower and towel-drying his messy hair, asked, "Assistant Zhou, what's the situation?"
"Young Master, all we know is that Mo Junyan's killer is named Shi Aotian. There's no record of his past, and that girl doesn't know his background either. I think this man is very suspicious," Zhou replied respectfully.
"Heh…" The young master tossed aside the wet towel and chuckled. "Don't you think it's interesting? I'm not afraid to use him—on the contrary, I feel quite at ease. I have a feeling he's no ordinary man. I'm very interested in him."
"Young Master, this isn't according to the rules. The Black List was personally founded by the Old Master—it's not something to play around with," Assistant Zhou said nervously.
The moment the young master heard the words "Old Master," his expression turned cold, exuding a dangerous killing intent. He stared icily at Zhou and roared, "Right now, I'm the one in charge here. What I say goes! Don't use that old man to pressure me—I don't want to hear the words 'Old Master' again. Otherwise, I'll kill you with my own hands."
Assistant Zhou was so frightened that his scalp tingled, and he had no choice but to agree nervously.
In truth, this young master had always harbored resentment toward his father.
Even though his father now treated him with great care, the resentment buried in his heart had been accumulating since the day he first understood the world.
Now, his father had handed over the management of the Black List to him, while disappearing without a trace.
"Say no more. I trust this man named Shi Aotian. Assistant Zhou, with his skills, we can skip any training. The fact that the police still haven't traced anything back to him speaks for his ability."
The young master's tone calmed slightly.
For Assistant Zhou, his loyalty to the Black List was absolute.
When he was eight years old, his parents died in a car accident, and the old master adopted him from an orphanage, even taking him in as a godson.
Although his status in the family was not equal to that of the old master's biological children, his gratitude drove him to obey any order without question.
It was only natural for the old master to assign him to serve at the young master's side—no matter what, he would never betray the old master or the Black List.
Clearing his throat, Assistant Zhou said,
"Mo Junyan has already accepted the job. I expect they'll act within this week."
"Oh? So soon?" The young master lit a cigar while seated on the sofa.
"Right now, every police force in the country is hunting this assassin. She's daring to take a contract in the middle of the storm—that's real skill and nerve."
As he said this, a wicked smile appeared on his face. Blowing a smoke ring, he continued,
"Assistant Zhou, whatever they need, give it to them. This time I want to see their little performance.
Also, the seventh position on the Black List is still empty. That's not ideal. I want to play a new game. Once this man named Shi Aotian finishes the job, I'll tell you what to do next."
"Yes, young master. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave." Assistant Zhou nodded.
The young master waved a hand to dismiss him.
When Shi Aotian returned home after wandering around outside, it was already past eight in the evening.
He stepped inside and didn't see Dongfang Qing anywhere, but there was a note left on the table.
He picked it up and read:
Aotian, don't go running around when you get home. I went to visit Gu Caini. Wait for me to come back for dinner. Also, thank you for what you did today.
After reading it, Shi Aotian set the note down, turned on the TV, and aimlessly pressed through the channels.
The one thing he wanted most was for Mo Junyan to quickly find out who had killed his entire family. Revenge was his greatest motivation and deepest wish.
As a teacher, it was only natural for Dongfang Qing to care for her students.
Because of her visit, the Long family had warmly welcomed her.
Gu Caini was no longer in any real danger, and her recovery was going well.
The doctor had advised her to rest and recuperate after the shock.
After confirming the situation, Dongfang Qing said her goodbyes and left.
On her way home, Dongfang Qing kept replaying the events of the day in her mind.
She had never imagined Xu Feng would act so recklessly.
Even more unexpected was Shi Aotian—in that instant when he had his hand around Xu Feng's throat, she felt as if her lover had become a complete stranger.
That look in his eyes was someone else entirely—terrifying and unsettling.
Having grown up in a primeval forest under the teachings of his master, Shi Aotian had developed a primal, beast-like ferocity in such a harsh environment.
Once provoked, he was like an enraged tiger, with only one purpose—to eliminate his opponent.
Though his master had repeatedly told him to control himself, that primal impulse was still buried deep within him.
In the forest, the law of survival of the fittest never changed—only by constantly fighting wild beasts to the death could one stay alive.
Back then, when he defeated a whole pack of wolves, Shi Aotian had understood this truth more deeply than ever.
Back at her place, Dongfang Qing was unusually quiet. She wanted to ask Shi Aotian about his past, but every time she recalled the look in his eyes when he tried to kill Xu Feng, she swallowed the words. A thought had even begun to creep into her mind—could all the recent murders be the work of the man she loved so deeply standing before her? She was confused. Ever since Shi Aotian appeared, killings had occurred one after another. This mysterious man possessed immense power—something she had witnessed with her own eyes years ago during their expedition in Shennongjia. She didn't want to think further along these lines, because in her heart, she wished her suspicion was wrong.
Neither of them spoke when they met, and since it was already late, Dongfang Qing, her mind in turmoil, returned to her faculty dormitory. As for Xu Feng, Dongfang Qing didn't want to lose him as a friend—after all, they had been classmates for four years, and their acquaintance was a kind of fate. But that didn't mean she would fall for him. The moment Shi Aotian rescued her from the sheer cliff at Fengjingya years ago, she had fallen deeply in love with this wild man. Perhaps it was all destined.
Unable to sleep the entire night, Dongfang Qing thought long and hard. By morning, having made up her mind, she took the initiative to call Xu Feng.
Still half-asleep, Xu Feng was roused by the ringing of his phone. After what had happened yesterday, he had met with Zhou Jun for drinks, pouring out his grievances. Fueled by alcohol, he had sworn that he would not rest until Shi Aotian was utterly ruined.
Groggily, he glanced at the caller ID and suddenly woke up completely—It's Dongfang Qing. A mix of joy and worry surged within him. He was happy because she rarely called him first, but worried about whether she might be calling to confront him about yesterday's events.
After a brief hesitation, he picked up the call. "Hello?"
"Xu Feng, I have something I want to talk to you about in person. Can you come out for a bit?" Dongfang Qing's voice came from the other end.
"Y-yes, I can." Xu Feng was taken aback, clearly flattered and even stammering.
"Wait for me downstairs. I want to talk to you. That's all for now." Dongfang Qing hung up.
Xu Feng didn't know whether to feel happy or anxious. To him, Dongfang Qing's request was something he could never refuse. He quickly got out of bed, freshened up, and hurried toward her dorm building.
Dongfang Qing was already waiting downstairs for him.
"Walk with me," she said calmly.
Hearing this, Xu Feng was overjoyed and nodded eagerly. The two walked off side by side.
After a moment of silence, Xu Feng gathered his courage and said, "Xiao Qing, about yesterday—it was my fault. I was just… confused for a moment—"
"Don't say it. I've already forgotten about it." Dongfang Qing cut him off, unwilling to bring up the matter again.
Xu Feng, embarrassed, said no more and simply continued walking aimlessly alongside her.