Although I don’t know what happened, one thing is certain: the demon exorcist really did escape. Perhaps his body is special, with different acupuncture points than normal people, which might have allowed him to escape. This content belongs to Novᴇl_Fire(.)net
Now, it truly feels like "trying to fetch water with a bamboo basket," all for nothing. Ye Shikai recalled the words spoken by the demon exorcist during the interrogation. Perhaps, at that time, he had already planned it, and what everyone didn’t expect was that he even had an accomplice.
It was the person who drove the small car and threw the incendiary bomb. According to the police, although the incendiary bomb didn’t directly detonate the escort vehicle, the vehicle naturally couldn’t withstand burning for a period and was ignited when help arrived.
With this incident, Song Tian is probably under the most pressure. Having just captured him, to have him escape reflects badly on the police. Now that the situation has been reported, the pressure has also started to mount, but what Ye Shikai cares about isn’t the pressure or the urgency. The priority is to recapture the demon exorcist.
"Mr. Song, I will surely capture him again," Ye Shikai firmly stated.
"Um, then I’ll leave it to you," Song Tian solemnly nodded.
"This time, the National Security Bureau also shares responsibility, and I have already applied with Director Jin to continue participating in the recapture," Tianjing added.
"Director Song, we have already identified the owner of the small car," a police officer handed over a report. "However, the car owner had just reported the vehicle as stolen a few hours ago."
"There are no criminal records for the car owner nor any bad credit records. The car and its license documents are all complete and in order."
"It seems that the criminal’s accomplice made a spur-of-the-moment decision to steal a civilian’s car for the crime after the demon exorcist was captured," Ye Shikai said, his expression grave. With this, the lead about the car also went cold.
"Now we can only start with the investigation," Ye Shikai sighed helplessly. Since the incident occurred at a street corner, the transport vehicle burnt to its frame had to be towed away before dawn to prevent traffic blockage. On the other hand, it’s also not good for public opinion, as a police transport vehicle being burnt in Yanjing, a major city, definitely counts as explosive news.
"It seems we need to hurry," the perimeter police put up a cordon, and Ye Shikai, wearing gloves, entered the scene to carefully search for clues.
"Initial judgment, the flames ignited the fuel tank leading to the explosion, burning for about twenty minutes," Ye Shikai murmured. On the ground, there were some bloodstains left by injured officers. Ye Shikai carefully inspected the scene, which yielded no useful clues.
..........................................
"Hey, you haven’t returned yet?" Early in the morning, Su Qingyu’s "Good morning call" came through.
"Uh, busy all night," Ye Shikai climbed up from the police station’s desk, having practically pulled an all-nighter until about six or seven in the morning.
"Then be sure to rest."
"Uh, I know," Ye Shikai also did not want Su Qingyu to worry so much, but on the other hand, if the demon exorcist wanted to retaliate, it was very likely he would target Su Qingyu. Even if not killing her, he could use her safety to coerce Ye Shikai into leaving the special task force. This time, Ailina was directly responsible for Su Qingyu’s personal safety. Also, there were Hidden Guards of the Netherworld Palace discreetly placed outside her home and office, making it not so easy for the demon exorcist to make a move.
"By the way, you also take care," Ye Shikai hesitated for a moment but still felt it appropriate to remind her.
"Back to work," at this moment, Zhang Ting placed a stack of documents on the desk. She hadn’t slept all night, her eyes were slightly swollen, and dark circles were evident.
"By the way, has the demon exorcist posted any new messages online?" Ye Shikai asked.
"No, cyber police have been monitoring all night, and last night’s incident hasn’t been leaked online," Zhang Ting answered, which made Ye Shikai more worried. Since the demon exorcist had escaped, why hadn’t he quickly made a post using what he believed to be his strongest weapon—"public opinion attack"—to retaliate against the police? Imagine, if he posted about his escape from police custody, it would bring shame to the entire Yanjing police force, and public opinion would certainly envelop them. Moreover, that part of "stubborn youths" who never change would believe even more strongly in the demon exorcist as the real Messenger of God, thinking that even if he got arrested by the police, he would soon be free again.
Better a short pain than a long one; the demon exorcist’s silence only made Ye Shikai even more apprehensive.
Ye Shikai took out his phone, looking at that phone number, his heart tangled immensely. After three minutes of hesitation, he gritted his teeth and pressed the call button.
Dial tone, dial tone, dial tone, listening to the "dial tone" sounds from the phone, Ye Shikai’s heart reached an extreme point.
"Demon Exorcist," a glimpse of sharp light flashed in Ye Shikai’s eyes, the call...went through.
"Haha, the air of freedom is indeed wonderful, last night’s incident must have caused you some trouble."
"It seems you’re quite pleased with yourself now," Ye Shikai restrained his inner rage and spoke in as calm a tone as possible.
"Escaping from police custody is not something to be proud of, Mr. Ye. My mission is not yet complete, and I think, the rivalry between you and me must continue."
"Alright then, let’s set a venue, PK."
"Haha, Mr. Ye, oh no, I should say, Lord Netherworld King, I’m not a three-year-old child. You have many experts under your command in Netherworld Palace, and I’m not foolish enough to directly confront you," the demon exorcist suddenly laughed.
"Aren’t you the one who claims to be God’s Messenger? Does this messenger engage in sneaky, underhanded deeds, afraid of the light?" Ye Shikai tried to provoke the demon exorcist.
"Trying to provoke me doesn’t work, Mr. Ye. I’ve given you many chances before, it seems you didn’t seize them."
"What, are you planning to take action against me? I’m not your so-called ’demon,’ am I?" Ye Shikai calmly responded. The demon exorcist, wanting to maintain his hypocritical façade and keep the image of the Messenger of God, definitely cannot kill just anyone. For instance, if he killed a genuinely good person triggering public outrage, then online opinion would shatter his "mask."
"Of course not, I’m here to eradicate demons. That Chen Lianfang and the string of others—I will eradicate them one by one."
"Give it a try if you dare. I caught you once, I can do it a second time," Ye Shikai said icily.
"Heh, but speaking of which, Mr. Ye, you indeed have some capable people under you. That hacker who posted in my name, he’s one of yours, isn’t he?" The demon exorcist’s voice suddenly paused. "Since I can’t make posts, it seems I need to change my approach now."