The wound was stained black. Mo Li touched her chin and said, "I don't know what the picture means but this is an open wound. This is the point of entry for the neurotoxin."
"But if that's the case, there are more than 100 possible toxins." Lu Xuan was worried. Could he really save the girl?
Mo Li studied the picture. There were also strange henna tattoos on Zhang Ling and Wei Lan... While Mo Li was thinking, Kang Zhi walked in. They spoke at the same time.
"I know! The toxin from the poison dart frog! They are native to Africa so it's not unusual that we haven't thought of it.. The toxin is normally used in African native rituals."
"Boss, we have just received report that there is someone selling human blood cakes in front of 22 High School. The forensics department has confirmed that the blood cakes are made from a mixture of Jiang Li and Zhao Jing's blood! They are victims from the previous case!"
What!?
Xiao Rui needed time to process these information. Mo Li frowned. During the autopsy, she did notice that there were less blood volume in Zhao Jing and Jiang Li than usual. However since their bodies had been moved and they died from drowning and falling so she didn't think too much of it.
If the 2 cases were related, then Quan Yu would be involved, but how?
"Has Qiao Qing shown any interest in African cultures before?" Xiao Rui decided to focus on the immediate case for now. After all, he wasn't the leading commander on the other case, he didn't know many details.
Mo Li shook her head. "She has not shown such interest before. However, this reminds me of a specific ritual that uses poison dart toxin. It's called Kambo. This ritual is meant for healing. The patient is placed inside a room where the shaman will recites voodoo sutras. Then the shaman will cut an open wound on the patient, slathering it with the poison dart toxin."
Mo Li gained this medical knowledge from her previous life when she went on medical relief work to Africa. Compared to science and medicine, the natives were more inclined to use witchcraft and rituals for healing.
Scientifically speaking, the Kamboo ritual uses poison to fight against poison. As backwards as it sounds, the ritual is said to have detoxification effect.
"This kind of ritual will have heavy side effects on the patient. The toxin might seep into the lymphatic system to cause symptoms like dizziness and nausea. The toxin might also seep into the nervous system, producing hallucinations. It would explain why Qiao Qing said she saw Wei Lan at the crime scene."
Xiao Rui was incredulous. He never believed in such superstitious things.
The group of people waited outside the operating theatre for Qiao Qing. After all, she was the last person who had contact with Wei Lan. Therefore, Qiao Qing was the opening to this case.
During this time, Xiao Rui received several phone calls and he shared the content with everyone present.
"Based on the receipt on Qiao Qing, she bought the milk tea herself. The owner of the milk tea stall could remember her too. He claims he has no idea about the human ashes in his drinks.
"Other than that, after interviewing a few students from 22 High School, we found out that there has been a henna legend circulating around the school. According to the legend, when you apply henna on your bodies or ingest henna, you will get divine blessing. According to the girls, this is very popular right now."
Even though that was the case, Xiao Rui didn't think Qiao Qing was the kind of girl who would buy into such legends, much less the child genius, Wei Lan.
"So there are 3 problems in this case." Xiao Rui concluded.
Mo Li observed the man. Despite his misgivings, he was a good detective.
"First, how does one explain the wound on Qiao Qing's gum? Is the black stain henna? But if it's henna, how come she got poisoned but the rest of the girls from 22 High School didn't? Plus, shouldn't henna be non-poisonous?"
"You're right, henna is India's most traditional coloring. Many brides uses henna to make temporary tattoos on their wedding days. Natural henna is not poisonous. However, what people don't know is that there is no black natural henna. Henna is colored black with chemicals. The chemicals might corrode the skin." Mo Li looked up and speculated. "Plus Qiao Qing has a strong allergic system. The chemicals might have scarred her gums. It created the point of entry for the poison dart toxin to enter her body."
Qin Xuan, Kang Zhi and the rest were impressed when they heard Mo Li's explanation.