Chapter 7: An Unexpected Discovery
Chen Xue Wen crawled through the darkness of the sewer, the foul stench clinging to his skin like a curse. He had traveled nearly two miles back before reaching a fork in the underground passage. One path led toward a nearby village, but he didn’t dare surface just yet.
Instead, he found a narrow ledge where he could barely stand and huddled there, waiting. Outside, the distant rumble of cartwheels and hurried footsteps echoed through the tunnels. The Peaceful City Law Enforcement Squad was searching every inch of the surroundings.
Time passed, minute by agonizing minute. The stench of decay filled his lungs, mixing with the damp chill that soaked through his already-wet prison uniform. The bitter cold of midwinter was merciless, and his body trembled as the wet fabric clung to him, sucking away his warmth like a leech.
But Chen Xue Wen clenched his jaw and endured. This was his only chance. If he survived, he could avenge his parents. If he was caught, it was certain death.
He would rather freeze, rather starve, than let his parents’ deaths be for nothing.
After an entire day, the noise outside finally faded. It seemed the enforcers had scoured the area and decided he had already escaped beyond their reach. Even so, he remained hidden for several more hours, pressing his body against the damp stone walls until he was sure the danger had passed.
Only in the dead of night did he dare to emerge. Crawling out of the sewer, he found himself near a dilapidated village on the outskirts of Peaceful City. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, spotting a small stream nearby. Though a thin layer of ice had formed on the surface, he didn’t hesitate. He broke through the ice and plunged in, the icy water stabbing into his skin like a thousand daggers. Gritting his teeth, he scrubbed away the filth and stink, purging the last traces of the sewer’s rot.
Once clean, he climbed out, shivering violently, and opened the bag Old Du had given him. Inside, a fresh set of clothes awaited him. He had seen them before but hadn’t dared to change while still in the sewer, fearing they’d be ruined. Now, he dressed swiftly, the dry fabric wrapping him in much-needed warmth. It felt like stepping out of death’s grip, back into the realm of the living.
He buried his prison uniform deep in the frozen earth, ensuring no trace of his escape remained.
With everything prepared, he set off toward Peaceful City, moving like a shadow through the wilderness. He dared not take the main roads—there could still be patrols—so he wove through the dense forests and hills, his breath fogging in the frigid air.
Two hours later, just before dawn, he arrived at the outskirts of the city. His heart clenched painfully at the sight of the familiar streets. This was his home. Yet, his home was no longer here. His family was gone. His life had been shattered.
Keeping to the shadows, he slipped through a side road leading into the city, avoiding major streets where he might be recognized. The first hints of morning light painted the sky as a few early risers took to the streets. Pulling a hat low over his face, he walked among them, his every step careful, his every breath measured.
From the bag, he took a handful of cash—Old Du had provided that, too—and stopped at a street vendor. He bought four steamed buns and a bowl of porridge, the first food he’d had in over thirty hours. His stomach screamed for sustenance, but he forced himself to eat slowly, as if he were just another ordinary citizen having breakfast. If he devoured the food too quickly, he would draw attention.
Then, his pulse spiked.
A group of enforcers in uniform approached from the distance. His muscles tensed instinctively, his mind screaming at him to run. But he didn’t. Running would only confirm their suspicions. Instead, he took a slow breath and lowered his gaze, continuing to eat.
The enforcers walked past him and took a seat at the table beside him. His heart pounded against his ribs as he strained to listen.
The stall owner, familiar with them, greeted the leader, Old Ge. “Early morning patrol, huh?”
Old Ge sighed, rubbing his temples. “Don’t even get me started. That fugitive from the prison is still missing, so we’re stuck on duty until he’s caught. Haven’t had a wink of sleep all night.”
The stall owner raised a brow. “I heard two of them escaped?”
“The younger one? He’s dead,” Old Ge muttered. “The old one’s still on the run. He’s a seasoned criminal—knows how to disappear.”
Chen Xue Wen’s pulse quickened. His trick had worked. He had switched clothes with Old Du’s body, then used Concentrated Sulfuric Acid to destroy the corpse’s features. The enforcers believed he was the one who had died.
It wouldn’t fool them forever, but for now, it had bought him precious time.
“Damn shame about the young one,” the vendor sighed.
A nearby customer scoffed. “Shame? That bastard deserved worse. A rapist and a murderer! If anything, they should’ve executed him sooner.”
The vendor frowned. “I heard he was a quiet, honest kid. Didn’t seem like the type.”
The man spat on the ground. “You can’t judge by appearances. There was evidence. Witnesses. What more do you need?”
The vendor sighed again. “Either way, his parents had it worse. They fought so hard for his case, even got into a car accident. Killed them both.”
The other man sneered. “Serves them right.”
Chen Xue Wen’s fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms. The rage in his chest burned hotter than ever. These people spoke of his family like they were dirt beneath their feet.
The vendor glared. “Hey, show some respect. They lost their lives.”
“Respect?” The man laughed bitterly. “You don’t know what they did, do you? That kid’s parents stole the autopsy report of the murdered girl. Tried to cover it up. And look what happened. Retribution.”
The vendor’s eyes widened. “Wait… Are you sure?”
“I should know,” the man grumbled. “That girl was my relative.”
Chen Xue Wen barely heard the rest. His mind reeled from the revelation. The autopsy report.
Old Du had guessed that his parents had discovered something dangerous—something that had cost them their lives. Now he knew what it was.
That report held the truth. And someone had killed his parents to keep it buried.
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation