Chapter 69: What Does It Watch All Day Long?

Upon hearing Shen He’s words, Chen Zhao nodded in agreement. The current situation within the Forest Park was unclear, and most of their efforts relied on drones to search the mountain. Moreover, in modern Daxia, with its full industrial system, drones had evolved into countless specialized forms, making it nearly impossible to conduct a manual search. Besides, if they truly resorted to manpower, and if the culprit turned out to be a powerful mutant beast capable of using tools, the risk would increase dramatically. Furthermore, this case belonged to their Southern District Bureau; they simply didn’t have enough personnel to comb the mountain. If a major incident were to occur, a whole host of officials would lose their positions.

Soon, Chen Zhao had someone deliver a walkie-talkie. It could cover the entire Forest Park, allowing Shen He to remain in contact no matter what corner he was in. Even within certain caves, the signal could penetrate stone walls. Most crucially, it featured a location-tracking function—a bona fide military model. With drones patrolling overhead, they could keep tabs on the situation in the park as best as possible. Beyond that, there was little else they could provide.

Shen He returned to his car and stowed all the items produced by his system into the black-gold ring. Then he headed to the entrance of the park. Chen Zhao reminded him, “Regardless of whether you find anything, make sure to return before sunset.” Shen He waved him off, “Don’t worry, I promise I’ll find it.” With that, he strode into the mountain.

After Shen He left, Wu Xiaoxiao asked curiously, “Master, with all this high-tech equipment, we still can’t find that mutant beast that looks like a monkey. He’s just heading in with a sword—what could he possibly find?” In her view, the bureau had deployed newly issued military drones and all sorts of advanced devices, but even so, they had come up empty-handed. Yet Shen He, carrying only a sword, was venturing into the vast Forest Park alone. If he managed to find the culprit, it would be nothing short of miraculous.

Chen Zhao replied, “Times have changed. Some people are destined to stand apart.” Hearing her master’s words, Wu Xiaoxiao nodded, half understanding.

...

Shen He entered the Forest Park and made straight for the site of the crime as instructed by Chen Zhao. The walkie-talkie occasionally crackled with Chen Zhao’s voice, guiding him. Using the device’s locator, Chen Zhao could direct him precisely from outside.

It wasn’t long before Shen He arrived at the crime scene, nestled in a concealed patch of forest partway down the mountain. The park itself was built partially around the mountain. During its construction, the entire mountain had been cleared, so there was little chance of encountering dangerous wildlife. All the paths had been carefully laid out, and surveillance systems were everywhere. Anyone hiking or wandering within the park would be clearly tracked.

But the victim had entered the mountain at dawn, taking risky shortcuts rather than the usual trails. These spots had fewer cameras, and if not for the morning influx of hikers, the body might never have been discovered.

Shen He reached the scene, ignoring the flashing red text before him, and carefully surveyed the site. According to the system’s hints, this Forest Park was also the location of a fifth-tier nest, destined to attract all kinds of high-level mutant beasts in the future. Shen He looked up—drones patrolled overhead. He pressed on, heading deeper into a hidden corner, making sure nothing could spot him. Pausing briefly, he activated the “Ancestor’s Guidance” skill.

Above his head, a plume of green smoke coalesced into a hand with an extended forefinger, pointing the way. Only Shen He could see this smoke. He followed its direction, making his way through the rugged terrain toward the back of the mountain. The route he took was almost entirely out of reach of surveillance, even the drones overhead were blocked by dense foliage. At most, thermal imaging could provide a vague outline.

After walking for an indeterminate time, Shen He came upon a grove where, not far ahead, a toppled tree lay across the ground. At the highest point of this tree sat a monkey as tall as a man, swinging its legs. Beside it was a meticulously polished staff, also the height of a person.

Shen He clicked his tongue. It really was a monkey, and judging by its build, it could easily be mistaken for a terrifying upright ape. Who knew if monkeys were simply born with a fondness for staffs, or if this one, after gaining intelligence, had watched “Journey to the West”?

As Shen He approached, stepping within thirty meters, the monkey spotted him. It sat atop the tree, scrutinizing Shen He with interest, then let out two sharp cries.

[Survival Guide: Ha! Who’s ever heard of “Great Sage Equal to Heaven”? Just a lowly stable manager, a mere peach orchard caretaker, dreaming of attending the Jade Pool banquet—what a joke!]

Shen He: “…”

This damned thing, what on earth does it spend all day watching?

[Survival Guide: Never mind my viewing habits. That monkey just taunted you, said it’d take your head as an appetizer.]

Shen He cursed inwardly. The monkey had only cried twice—how could it convey so much meaning? Did they really think his math teacher was a PE instructor?

He stepped forward, beckoning to the monkey, “Stable manager, come down and talk.” As soon as he finished speaking, the monkey leapt down with its staff in hand, spinning it expertly.

Shen He raised an eyebrow. Trouble—this monkey really had learned a thing or two.

The monkey waved its blood-stained staff, letting out another pair of cries, seemingly warning Shen He. He couldn’t understand, not at all. He thought to himself: if only treasure chests or blind boxes could produce a beast language proficiency skill someday.

[Survival Guide: That’s a very constructive suggestion. I’ll continue lodging complaints about its lack of action.]

Ignoring the Survival Guide, Shen He was about to attempt a conversation with the monkey, when it suddenly charged, swinging its staff at his head while he was caught off guard. Its speed was remarkable, nearly matching eighty percent of his own power.

Shen He cursed the monkey for its lack of honor and dodged. Drawing his alloy longsword, he countered. With a single slash, he severed the monkey’s staff and nearly slit its throat. The monkey, startled, cried out and fled deeper into the woods.

Shen He immediately gave chase. This monkey truly seemed to possess intelligence; its cunning was far greater than any mutant beast he’d encountered before, comparable to a youth in their teens. Could it be that monkeys were the greatest beneficiaries of the spiritual awakening?