Leo was more determined than ever. In this world, Uncle Feng wasn't just a cranky veteran; he was a walking encyclopedia of the supernatural. As a direct descendant of the Maoshan Sect, he held the keys to spells, Daoist arts, and ancient inheritances that could turn Leo into a true powerhouse.
Of course, Lian was the perfect bridge for that.
With these thoughts swirling in his head, Leo was far too wired to sleep. Perhaps because he had officially stepped into the realm of a Cultivator, his energy levels were off the charts—he felt like he'd just downed ten shots of espresso mixed with pure adrenaline.
Since the night was young, Leo didn't let a single second go by. He spent the entire night devouring books on every subject he could find: high-level finance, photography, marksmanship guides, case-breaking manuals... and even some "extracurricular" reading like the classic Jin Ping Mei and AV production techniques.
One Billion Times!
> [Ding! Activating "One Billion Fold" Skill!]
> [You have instantly completed one billion readings of finance manuals!]
> [Financial Insight: +9,999 (Master Level Achievement!)]
> [Ding! You have instantly completed one billion readings on photography and human anatomy...]
> [Insight into XXX Knowledge: +9,999 (You have become an AV Master!)]
> [Ding! Marksmanship and Investigative Logic have reached Master Level!]
>
By the time the first rays of dawn hit his window, Leo felt ridiculously strong. He wasn't just a human anymore; he felt like he was developing in the direction of a "Homelander" figure—super-powered, hyper-intelligent, and capable of seeing through every lie. He could probably execute a "Crescent Moon Strike" with his bare hands if he wanted to.
The Police Station & The Bizarre Case
Leo was in a fantastic mood as he drove to the station. At the front desk, he was greeted by the beautiful clerk, Sue. She had a soft, oval face and spirited eyes that crinkled when she gave him a sweet, vivid smile. Today, her makeup was subtle, but the touch of bean-paste red on her lips made her look incredibly charming.
"Morning, Senior Sister. Why are you in so early?" Leo asked, leaning against the counter.
Sue, the female lead of Armed Police Woman, was Leo's senior sister and currently worked as the station's administrative clerk.
"Morning, A-Luo. Same as always—I got you a coffee," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper as she leaned in close. Leo could smell her faint, fresh fragrance. "The Commissioner is looking for you. I heard a case came up in Yau Ma Tei, and it's... weird."
She looked around to make sure no one was listening. "The report says it's drug smuggling via moving corpses. Bizarre, right? Don't tell anyone I told you."
Leo's eyes turned cold. Moving corpses? The plot of Magic Cop was finally kicking off. This meant the Nine Chrysanthemum Sect from Japan was involved. Those "Little Devils" dared to use their dark arts to smuggle drugs right under his nose? They thought they could cross the bridge without paying the toll? Not on his watch.
"Senior Sister, you're just jealous of my promotion," Leo joked, winking at her. "Tell you what: when I become a Sergeant, come join my squad. I'll turn you into the 'Overlord Flower' of the force within a year. You'll dominate all of West Kowloon."
Sue rolled her eyes, her red lips curving into a smirk. "In your dreams. I'm happy right where I am. Talk to me when you actually have the stripes on your shoulder, Junior Brother!"
She swished away with a stack of documents, leaving Leo to head toward the Commissioner's office.
Chapter 5: Breakthrough Overnight! The Walking Corpse Case!
The "Commissioner" in this context was the Station Sergeant, the veteran who actually ran the day-to-day operations of the squad. Leo belonged to CID Team One, the ace investigation unit. For the Station Sergeant to call him personally meant the Yau Ma Tei situation was a high-priority nightmare.
After a brief briefing, Leo walked out with a transfer order to assist the Yau Ma Tei precinct. He returned to his desk to finish his coffee and noticed a faint smudge of bean-paste red on the rim of the cup.
Wait... did Senior Sister use my cup? Leo chuckled. He wouldn't expose her secret, but he knew who to thank for the "indirect" kiss.
By nearly noon, Leo arrived at the Yau Ma Tei Police Station. He was met by a Probationary Inspector named Zhang Hao.
"This case happened in Sergeant Ma's jurisdiction," Zhang explained. "But since Headquarters wants a star like you on it, we're stepping back. Go to the local precinct; Ma is waiting for you."
Leo drove to the precinct and was met by a man sitting in a wheelchair. Seeing Sergeant Ma—who looked exactly like the legendary actor Wu Ma—filled Leo with a sense of nostalgia.
"Officer Leo, here's the autopsy report," Ma said, his voice grave. "The details are... unsettling. Keep it between us."
Leo scanned the file. The deceased was a woman named Chen Zhuzhu. Time of death: over seven days ago. But the police operation where she was "spotted" happened only yesterday.
A Walking Corpse, Leo thought. Classic Nine Chrysanthemum Sect necromancy.
"Sergeant Ma, you're a veteran," Leo said with a half-smile. "You've seen plenty of things science can't explain, haven't you?"
Ma smiled back knowingly. "As police, we report 'science.' Otherwise, the brass won't sign off on it. That's why you're here, Leo. Some things in the future might not seem real. Just write a good report; I have my own 'specialist' coming to handle the rest."
Leo knew that specialist was Uncle Feng. Sergeant Ma was Feng's old partner; Ma got the promotions because he knew how to write the reports, while Feng did the "dirty" supernatural work.
Ma introduced Leo to the officers on the case: Officer Lin and Officer Miu. Lin was out on a lead, and Miu was currently at the morgue.
The Morgue Encounter
At the morgue, a somber Uncle Feng stood waiting. He had been asked by the victim's grandmother to claim the body. Since Lian was still recovering at the clinic (thanks to Leo's "One Billion Fold" awakening), Uncle Feng was alone.
"Senior, I'm Sergeant 2237, Miu Ching. I'm here to assist you," a young officer said, looking at Uncle Feng's stern, square face with deep respect.
"Let's go," Uncle Feng grunted.
As they walked toward the cold storage with the forensic doctor, the sound of footsteps echoed in the corridor. Leo had just arrived, his new Cultivator senses tingling as he felt the heavy, stagnant air of the morgue—and the familiar, sharp aura of Uncle Feng.