Chapter 413: The Dog Trainer Appears (2/2)

”Breathe, you’re poisoned,” came Song Xingchen’s solemn order.

Stunned, I did as he asked and a cool, refreshing sensation immediately soothed my head. Only then did I realize the abnormality of my mood swings. Song Xingchen pulled me behind him, the Tang Sword at his waist slightly unsheathed. ”There’s Mind Shrouding Incense in his pocket!”

I had come across it in books. It was a colorless, odorless spice that could volatilize on its own. Inhalation would increase the heartbeat and make one emotional to the extent of losing their senses and judgment.

The Dog Trainer took out a small smoking bamboo tube from his pocket and smiled, ”The martial Song really deserves their reputation.” Then, he covered the bamboo tube.

Song Xingchen swiftly pulled out his sword. ”I admire your courage. But I hope your skills are equally as good.”

”You can't kill me because I have hostages!” the Dog Trainer shook his finger.

”I don't believe it!” I cried.

He slowly counted, ”One, two, three...”

Suddenly, my cell phone rang, not a phone call but a notification from QQ video. Upon connecting the video call, I saw Dali sleeping as a leather glove covered hand held a knife a few centimeters away from his neck.

Then the video turned to Bingxin who was sleeping as well. Taken from the window, the video showed a red dot on Bingxin's forehead.

The video switched to someone else once more. It was Sun Tiger sitting at his desk, smoking while sipping on hot tea as he perused some files in his hand. He was completely oblivious to the red dot on his forehead.

I gasped at the unfathomability of the man. He had everything arranged beforehand because he was certain I would show up at the scene.

”Do you know why the righteous can't defeat us?” He scoffed, “It’s because you have too many weaknesses. In fact, you can kill me right now. After all, it’s worth my while to exchange three lives for mine.”

”Are you threatening me with my friends’ lives?” I clenched my fists. “But let me warn you, their lives can only be used as collateral once! If they die, I will destroy you by any means necessary.”

”You misunderstand,” he smiled sinisterly. “I'm not some low criminal. I have my own style. I’ve also said that I admire you very much. I hope you can join us on your own free will.”

”I’ve already said it’s impossible,” I snapped.

”Song Yang, why don't you do something for me?” blurted the Dog Trainer.

I frowned as I listened to him continue, ”I have a client on hand, who’s bound to stir up trouble every seven days without fail. I am tired of wiping his ass! Last night, he went out to have fun again. Now there’s a body lying in Mount Treasure Park. I want you to destroy the evidence before the police get there so my client is protected from accusations.”

”Why should I agree to that?!” I fumed.

”Because if you refuse, one of your three friends will die. And if you complete the task, they will live. You’ll receive a big reward as well. I'll give it to you one day. On top of that, I’ve prepared a car and a driver for your convenience. The tools you need are in the car. There’s also this...”

The Dog Trainer walked up to me and stuffed a hotel room card into my hand. ”Don't let me down, Great Detective Song!” he grinned, patting my shoulder.

Listening to his footsteps fade away in the distance, my heart was like a ball of tangled yarn. Yet my only option was to turn around and leave the neighborhood.

From behind me came Song Xingchen’s voice, ”You mustn’t agree! Do you know what this means?”