The Mystery

In fact, Su Mo was just asking casually. He was not seeking an answer but wanted to understand more about his future colleague.

After a casual chat, he realized that Song Juntian was truly knowledgeable with profound understanding in astronomy, geography, history, customs and psychology.

The two chatted for a whole afternoon, discussing topics ranging from psychology, science, Hua Country's history to Xikang's gossip.

Both were lazybones who definitely would not cook. Their meals came from takeouts.

After taking the last bite, Song Juntian patted his belly and laughed:

"Sister Zhao said you were in the army. Want to train?"

Su Mo asked in surprise: "You know martial arts too?"

Song Juntian grinned: "A little bit, just a little bit."

"Let's go, we'll practice outside."

Su Mo did want to give it a try. After fighting with Xie Kun last time, he realized his own shortcomings. His martial arts skill was still lacking.

Practicing alone had limited effects. Having a formidable sparring partner would be great.

The two went out to an open space and prepared to start.

After over ten minutes, Song Juntian in clean daoist robes stood arrogantly, smiling.

"Brother Su, you have good fighting awareness and intelligence, just lacking some skills."

Su Mo sat on the floor, truly shocked. He did not expect Song Juntian's martial arts to be so great. He dared to guarantee even the top soldiers in the army might not be his match.

Su Mo stood up and looked seriously at Song Juntian: "What did you do previously?"

Song Juntian laughed loudly: "A farmer."

"Don't kid me. Tell me seriously, were you also in the army before?"

Song Juntian smiled wryly and shook his head: "Really a farmer. Ha, no one believes when I tell the truth."

That night lying in bed, Su Mo felt somewhat uneasy:

"My new colleague is full of secrets and I can't see through him at all.

But he doesn't seem to be from the authorities, I can be quite sure of this. I understand how the officials train their people.

His followers? Impossible.

If he's one of the followers, there is no reason they could find out my true identity. Also, if he's really from them, the leader wouldn't need to play games with me. Song Juntian could have just captured me directly and I probably couldn't escape.

So it's just a coincidence?

No matter if it's a coincidence, I'll still keep an eye on this guy.

But I'll need to prepare my questions for the leader, can't keep him waiting too long or I'll seem weak."

Meanwhile, just ten meters away in another dorm, Song Juntian was sitting cross-legged meditating with his upper body naked.

He had a peaceful expression, breathing steadily, motionless, seemingly integrated with the world.

After some time, he slowly opened his eyes with a smile, mumbling:

"Didn't expect to run into another mysterious colleague after hiding here. Just wonder what kind of person this Su Mo really is.

Oh well, it doesn't matter. As long as he doesn't disturb my peaceful life."

Early next morning while Su Mo was washing up, he saw Song Juntian under a tree practicing tai chi. His moves clearly showed he practiced regularly.

With his back facing Su Mo, Song Juntian somehow knew Su Mo was there and said:

"Want to join? I'll teach you."

A few minutes later, bare-chested Su Mo joined the tai chi session. But the simple tai chi proved extremely difficult for Su Mo to learn. This was not tai chi at all but tai chi boxing!

In this manner, one week passed. Su Mo confirmed Song Juntian's arrival was a coincidence.

This colleague looked young but had a calm temperament and open personality quite unlike someone in his twenties or thirties.

Also, Song Juntian's knowledge was shockingly profound. There didn't seem anything he didn't know. Whenever a topic came up, he would give a modest smile saying "a little bit, just a little bit".

Song Juntian's arrival also benefited Su Mo by helping him exercise and learn combat skills.

Song Juntian knew many styles - military boxing, muay thai, tai chi boxing, free combat. Su Mo even suspected he was highly skilled with firearms too but couldn't ask directly.

Every morning Su Mo would follow Song Juntian to practice tai chi boxing. After dinner they would spar.

The two had a tacit understanding not to talk about each other's personal matters, as if they made an agreement.

Also, they kept an appropriate distance as men, basically respecting each other's space and time except when necessary interactions.

On the eighth day after Song Juntian's arrival, that Monday, Su Mo went out after work as he had serious business to handle.

He wouldn't livestream trials this time but simply handle a case and kill some people.

The main purpose was to give questions to the leader. Killings were secondary. So his targets were randomly chosen among the rampant local bullies in Xikang City.

In every place there were people relying on connections acting atrociously above the law.

They wouldn't commit major crimes, just endless petty offenses. Also with connections they would quickly get off after short detentions and continue their atrocities.

Such people brought immense harm to society yet were hard to deal with - the new generation "mafia".

After getting files from the archives, Su Mo drove straight to a residential area, parking nearby.

Then with his backpack he walked several kilometers on foot and arrived at the target estate.

By the time he reached his destination the sky had darkened, perfect timing.

Su Mo climbed over the fence on side of the estate. Most areas could be trespassed except high-end estates with very high walls.

As usual he sabotaged the external surveillance cameras of the building before entering via the stairs.

The target hadn't returned so no one was home, but no problem. Su Mo took out a thin iron wire and fumbled with the door lock for a bit before the door opened.

He gently pushed the door and looked left and right before entering the room.

Lock picking was basic skill for a criminal. Other than electronic or high-tech locks, most were not difficult to open at all.

After entering the room Su Mo changed into his executioner outfit and quietly waited for the target to return.