Jiang Heng, upon hearing the case had made progress, immediately joined the steward who was handling the case for their sect and sought out Huo Gaofei.
"When Young Master Mi died, the torn piece of fabric he was clutching has been traced back to its source," they reported.
"It's a high-grade fabric known as 'Soft Cloud Cloth,' produced by the RuYi Fabric Workshop in Distant Moon City. It's soft, durable, and has a delicate texture, favored by many aristocrats."
"Many people purchase this fabric, and even the RuYi Fabric Workshop can't pinpoint the exact owner of this cloth, so we temporarily abandoned this lead."
"But later, when other leads didn't yield any progress, we decided to continue digging into this clue."
"We started an in-depth investigation into the RuYi Fabric Workshop and discovered that it's a subsidiary industry of the Heaven Sword Sect. All the disciples of the Heaven Sword Sect wear uniforms made by them."
At this point, Huo Gaofei's expression became extremely serious.
"We immediately thought that since the murderer is a Innate Realm expert, which is extremely rare among the common populace, it's not uncommon in top sects like the Heaven Sword Sect."
"If the murderer is indeed from the Heaven Sword Sect, it's normal for the RuYi Fabric Workshop not to disclose the owner of the fabric."
"So, this time, we used coercion and inducement on one of the workers at the RuYi Fabric Workshop privately, and finally, we had a breakthrough."
"This small piece of torn fabric is indeed from the Heaven Sword Sect!"
Jiang Heng and his companion were shaken.
The Heaven Sword Sect, another top-tier sect, was on par with the Grand Luo Sect in terms of overall strength, both being formidable entities within the entire Heavenly Yuan Empire.
If the murderer was from the Heaven Sword Sect, without more concrete evidence, they couldn't do anything about it.
Huo Gaofei continued:
"The uniform style for core disciples of the Heaven Sword Sect is blue with golden borders."
"And the cultivation level of core disciples aligns perfectly with our speculation regarding the murderer."
"But based solely on this torn piece of fabric, it's impossible to take action against a core disciple. It's as if someone used such evidence to demand one of your core disciples from your sect; it wouldn't be possible."
"Moreover, we can only locate it to a core disciple at this point, and we can't pinpoint which one it is. We also can't request the Heaven Sword Sect's cooperation in the investigation."
Just when Jiang Heng and his companion thought the investigation had reached its limit, Huo Gaofei continued:
"Today, there's been a new development in the case."
"The body of Madam Wan, who narrowly escaped the annihilation of her family, was found ten miles away from the Heaven Sword Sect in the nearby town of Silver Leaves. According to the coroner's estimate, her time of death was on the same day as the massacre."
"All of this indicates one thing."
"Previously, Madam Wan left Chuanjiang City to visit the Heaven Sword Sect, and on her way back, she was killed by a core disciple of the Heaven Sword Sect, leading to the annihilation of the Wan Family."
"So, the critical breakthrough in the case hinges on Madam Wan. What was her connection with the Heaven Sword Sect? Why did she go to the Heaven Sword Sect?"
"After investigating Madam Wan's information, we made a shocking discovery."
"Her brother is none other than a core disciple of the Heaven Sword Sect, and he's currently the Chief Core Disciple—Wu Mingxuan!"
Jiang Heng was filled with shock.
"Are you saying that Wu Mingxuan killed her sister and wiped out her sister's family?"
Huo Gaofei sighed softly.
"Mr. Jiang, based on the current evidence and deductions, it seems that Wu Mingxuan is indeed the culprit."
"You may find this hard to believe, but I've been a constable for many years, and I've seen cases of fathers fighting sons and brothers killing each other. Some individuals, devoid of humanity, can do anything for their own interests."
"I have no doubt about this."
The steward on the side spoke sternly: "Since we now have a clear inference, what we need to do is immediately approach the Heaven Sword Sect and demand punishment for Wu Mingxuan."
"Being the Chief Disciple doesn't change anything. Killing a disciple of our Grand Luo Sect demands a life in return!"
"Otherwise, we'll report to the Holy Land and request sanctions!"
Huo Gaofei shook his head.
"No! Currently, the only thing that can be considered clear evidence is that piece of torn fabric, and that can't be used as a basis for conviction because it could have been deliberately left by someone else."
"As for the line involving Madam Wan, it's more of an inference and can't be used as evidence."
"In the end, the status of core disciples is too high, and it's impossible to easily bring them down."
Suddenly, Jiang Heng spoke:
"What about the motive?"
"If Wu Mingxuan heartlessly killed his sister and came all this way to annihilate our sect, there must be a deep and vested interest involved. There might be some clues worth exploring here."
Huo Gaofei replied: "I've already instructed people to investigate in that direction, but we currently have no leads. Plus, the Wan Family's estate was completely burned down, so any clues may have been destroyed."
Jiang Heng wasn't discouraged; instead, he took a deep breath.
"If using our intellect won't solve this, then we'll have to rely on force!"
"The Chief Core Disciple of the Heaven Sword Sect? He's just in the Innate Realm. I will personally crush his skull!"
In this world, it's not that you can't kill; it's just that you can't assassinate or murder without disrupting order, especially not ordinary people.
But if it's a face-to-face battle, it's allowed by the rules.
Ordinary people have their own order.
Warriors have their own order.
After saying this, Jiang Heng turned and left, returning to the mining area to continue his cultivation.
Another week passed.
Jiang Heng had already consumed all 600 Qi and Blood Pills he purchased, and his potential points had accumulated to an unprecedented 6 million!
His physical cultivation had advanced by five levels, reaching the Tenth Level of the Divine Power Realm.
The secret technique, "Golden Body Technique," had also upgraded again, reaching the Third Heavenly Grade after a long time.
Under this series of upgrades, his potential points rapidly decreased, leaving him with only 503,000 points.
At the same time, his strength surged once again!
With both his physical body and True Qi cultivation at the peak of the Second Realm of Martial Arts, even practicing the same martial arts as others at the same realm, he could be considered invincible.
Not to mention that he possessed two peak Earth-grade physical martial arts and a Triple Heavenly Grade physical secret technique, far surpassing anyone at the same realm.
At this moment, he had absolute confidence that within the True Qi Realm, he was invincible!
Even among Innate Realm cultivators, most would likely not be his match.
As for the specific limits, they could only be verified through actual combat.
"Wu Mingxuan of the Heaven Sword Sect, your time of death is not far off!" Jiang Heng sneered.
It wasn't exactly hatred; it was more of a sense of guilt. Mi Wenjie had died because of him, and he couldn't help but feel responsible. Seeking revenge within his capabilities was only right.
Not long after, two guards arranged by the sect, led by the mine owner, arrived at Jiang Heng's small courtyard.
After a brief exchange, Jiang Heng's guard duty was formally concluded.
When he returned to the sect, it was approaching evening.
He went to the residence area of the Eighth Peak Elder and reported on his mission to Elder Wen.
"Jiang nephew, you have truly lived up to expectations. With the cultivation of the Physical Realm, you not only led the investigation but also killed and captured the mastermind. You are indeed a remarkable talent!"
"By the way, I heard that your cultivation has reached the True Qi Realm, is that correct?"
In the meeting room, Elder Wen smiled warmly.
"Yes, I have reached the True Qi Realm in my cultivation."
Jiang Heng calmly replied.
"You have been practicing martial arts all along, but you don't have a decent weapon. This time, hearing about your breakthrough to the True Qi Realm, I specially prepared a pair of gauntlets for you."
Elder Wen took out a pair of black gauntlets with a metallic sheen from a prepared box.
The gauntlets appeared to be made entirely of metal, with a structure resembling chainmail, allowing them to flex while maintaining incredible strength.
"These are top-grade treasures, and I acquired them at great cost. I hope they will shine brightly in your hands."
Jiang Heng politely smiled but shook his head.
"Thank you very much, Elder Wen, but I dare not accept such a generous gift."
A frozen expression appeared on Elder Wen's face.
"Since it's getting late, Elder Wen, please rest early. I won't disturb you any longer. Goodbye!"
Jiang Heng gave a slight bow and then turned to leave.
Behind him, Elder Wen's expression gradually turned indifferent.