The harbor policeman flashed his badge briefly before quickly tucking it back into his pocket.
"I... killed soone?"
Chen Qi's eyes widened slightly, his mouth hanging open in confusion.
"Yes."
The harbor policeman maintained a stern tone, showing no intention of letting Chen Qi explain:
"You're suspected of killing hunters employed by Rabbit Tailor Shop in the hunting grounds for personal gain."
Rabbit, hunting grounds... Chen Qi pondered for a mont before realizing it was about that previous incident.
In Beiguo, the law stated that one couldn't harm others for monetary gain in dinsional rifts outside ergency situations.
But rifts operated on strength, and with evidence being hard to collect, this law was practically aningless.
Invoking this law required substantial witness testimony and physical evidence.
Typically, it was only used when two teams clashed and demanded compensation for casualties.
In the hunting grounds, he had indeed fought mbers of the Black Rabbit Gang.
But it was mutual combat, not a one-sided attack.
Moreover, the hunting ground rift wouldn't reopen for at least thirty days.
By then, all evidence would vanish.
aning this accusation was rely superficial suspicion.
A rather flimsy excuse.
Bad news: he was being frad for murder.
Good news: he actually did kill soone.
Just as Chen Qi prepared to speak,
the harbor policeman continued sternly:
"This is an extrely serious matter. Mishandling could land you at least twenty years in prison.
Right now, we need you to co with us to Rabbit Tailor Shop in District Three for verification."
Rabbit Tailor Shop? Twenty years?
Just pulling numbers out of thin air... Chen Qi was at a loss for words.
Even if they genuinely suspected him, shouldn't he be taken to the police station instead?
Having been wary of the Black Rabbit Gang, Chen Qi had limited his movents in Moonstone City to the harbor and comrcial district these past few days.
Gangs had strict territorial boundaries and weren't permitted to cause trouble in these areas.
Going to Rabbit Tailor Shop in District Three?
This was clearly an attempt to lure him into their territory for slaughter!
Chen Qi touched his neck, giving the uniford harbor policeman an exasperated look.
This wasn't even a fra-up—just a clumsy scam.
His case likely hadn't even been filed at the station.
This so-called "murder case" was just the Black Rabbit Gang's crude thod of drawing him into their den.
Chen Qi smiled cooperatively:
"Officer, I'll go to the police station to explain this matter."
The harbor policeman hesitated, his steady tone suddenly speeding up:
"Unnecessary. Your case doesn't warrant station involvent yet. Go to Rabbit Tailor Shop first."
He gripped his baton, considering stronger coercion thods,
but after assessing Chen Qi—noting the concealed firearm and clothing radiating supernatural energy—
and seeing his composed deanor,
the policeman quietly adjusted his beret:
"The investigation is ongoing. Soone will contact you after further progress."
With that, the harbor policeman walked away as if nothing had happened.
Backing down already?
Chen Qi crossed his arms and shook his head.
Seriously? Couldn't even co up with a decent excuse!
As the policeman left, the newsstand elder who'd been spectating approached:
"Quite the scare, young man. But don't worry—with gang influence alone, framing soone isn't that easy."
The elder gave Chen Qi a sympathetic look.
He'd seen this trick too many tis before.
Gangs exploited their numbers and legal loopholes to oppress Moonstone City's newcors, squeezing them dry.
Though aged, witnessing such bullying and false accusations still stirred his indignation.
Nearby pedestrians, now that the policeman was gone, chid in quietly:
"He's right, boss. Most harbor police are decent—they won't arrest without cause if you explain clearly."
"Yeah, picking on a young chef? Pathetic."
Chen Qi scanned his surroundings.
Where did all these people co from?
This area was usually deserted.
And they seed to be waiting specifically for him.
What was going on? What did they want?
Stepping off the boat, Chen Qi approached the newsstand elder and asked softly:
"Thanks for the warning. But why so many people here?"
Their clothing suggested they weren't fishern.
Had he gotten into more trouble?
"Huh?"
The elder looked surprised:
"Didn't Pelu tell you?"
"?"
Chen Qi looked puzzled.
The elder handed him a fresh copy of the White Pigeon Tis.
Chen Qi skimd through the headlines:
[Legendary Treasure Exists! Blackfin Crew Discovers Deep Sea Hunters' Hoard, Mobilizing Unprecedented Forces!
Flower Witch Appears in Hunting Grounds, Slaughtering All Single-handedly!
Sword Witch Sighted in Tavern, Massacring Patrons Over Waitress!
Navy Reorganized Into Three Admiral System!
Life Changes After Dinsional Tide...]
None of this concerns ... Chen Qi thought while scanning.
Even the Flower Witch article didn't ntion him.
Wait—
He flipped to the back page.
Tucked in a corner was a small headline:
Miracle Reporter Pelu's Anecdote:
[While investigating, I got so hungry I fell straight from the sky onto this shabby chef's boat.
Expected another scammy floating restaurant—but the food was AMAZING!
Guess hard work pays off!
Maybe the goddess rewards diligence.
Folks, I'll keep bringing you juicier news!]
Accompanying the text was Pelu's selfie astride a flying pigeon, posing with the tiny houseboat on the sea.
"......"
Chen Qi's eyebrow twitched.
What kind of newspaper publishes this?
Didn't White Pigeon Tis have editors?
And when did she take that photo?
Pelu, this isn't social dia!
After ntally facepalming, Chen Qi collected his thoughts.
As Moonstone City's most famous reporter—though only first-tier by conventional standards—
Pelu's fa and antics made her hugely influential.
Many adored her; just as many despised her.
In short, Pelu was a ga influencer!
aning these people weren't here to cause trouble like the policeman.
They were just custors drawn by influencer hype!
And judging by their eager expressions, they'd been waiting awhile.
I'm trending now? Chen Qi scratched his head, amazed at the crowd before him.
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