Chapter 568: Lin Yuan, let's live together

Yin Yirou's hand, just about to exert force, suddenly stalled.

She was startled by Mu Lingxue's stern tone and tense expression.

The doubt that had just risen in Yin Yirou's heart was instantly replaced by fear, and she instinctively pulled her hand back.

Yin Yirou clenched the corner of her clothes, her eyes darting anxiously toward Mu Lingxue: "How... how...?"

Mu Lingxue had no time to explain; her gaze locked firmly on the direction where the black shadow had just flashed.

Mu Lingxue's fingertips swiftly pressed the car door lock button.

With a few soft clicks, all four doors locked instantly.

After doing all that, Mu Lingxue finally relaxed a little.

Yet she still dared not let down her guard, coldly telling Yin Yirou: "Don't make a sound, stay in the car and don't move! Outside, there might be someone..."

The word 'person' hadn't even landed.

A black shadow suddenly appeared outside the driver's side window like a ghost!

That black shadow was tall and bulky, its features indiscernible, only a pair of eyes glowing with cold light could be vaguely seen.

Before Mu Lingxue could react further, the black shadow raised a fist as big as a sandpot and slammed it hard against the car window!

Clatter!!

A sharp, piercing crack rang out as the tempered glass instantly spiderwebbed with cracks!

Tiny glass shards splashed inside, landing on Mu Lingxue's arm and leaving several shallow bloody marks.

Yin Yirou screamed in fright, her body jerking toward the inner side of the passenger seat, her face turning ashen as paper.

Mu Lingxue's pupils contracted sharply!

At the moment of life and death, Mu Lingxue hesitated not at all, almost instinctively raising her hand to press down Yin Yirou's head and push her down.

At the same time, Mu Lingxue's other hand swiftly drew her sidearm from her waist, aimed the barrel at the black shadow outside the window, and decisively pulled the trigger!

Bang bang bang……! Three consecutive gunshots shattered the garage's silence!

The bullets whistled with a sharp, piercing sound as they shot toward the black shadow.

The black-clad figure outside the car obviously hadn't expected Mu Lingxue to react so quickly; startled by the sudden gunfire, it instinctively jerked back.

His movement was astonishingly fast, like a ghost flashing, consecutively dodging the first two bullets.

But the third bullet still grazed his shoulder.

The black shadow grunted, and bright red blood instantly seeped from its body, dripping onto the garage's cold floor.

The wounded black shadow dared not linger; a flicker of fear crossed its eyes as it turned and sprinted into the darkness deep within the garage.

The black shadow's movements remained swift; it soon vanished into the mottled light and shadow, leaving only a sporadic trail of blood drops that bore witness to its presence.

Mu Lingxue's hand holding the gun still trembled slightly; she did not rashly exit the car to pursue, but kept her eyes fixed on the direction where the black shadow had disappeared……

Only after confirming that the opponent had completely vanished did she slowly lower her gun.

Inside the car, Yin Yirou continued to tremble uncontrollably; the scene just now was too thrilling, almost making her suffocate.

"It's fine, he got away." Mu Lingxue took a deep breath, suppressing her racing heart.

She turned her head to comfort Yin Yirou.

But Mu Lingxue's heart was extremely heavy!

That black shadow, she could almost certainly confirm……was a remnant of the Thunder Tiger Sect.

Being able to dodge hot-weapon bullets at close range, this ability is far beyond ordinary; it's definitely not something a common thug could do!

After experiencing this terrifying assault, Yin Yirou's residence is obviously no longer safe.

That night, Mu Lingxue hesitated not at all, immediately started the car, and hastily took the still-shaken Yin Yirou away from the residential complex.

To ensure absolute safety, she directly took Yin Yirou to her own home for temporary stay.

Here the security measures are more complete, and they also allow her to provide better personal protection.

……

Early the next morning.

Regarding last night's failed assault by remnants of the Thunder Tiger Sect, the specially formed task force of the City Public Security Bureau urgently convened a meeting.

Lin Yuan was also invited over, specifically to attend the meeting.

At the meeting, technical personnel announced the results of last night's investigation.

According to DNA comparison of blood traces extracted from the scene, as well as analysis of the black shadow's movement characteristics captured by surveillance, the suspect's gene sequence shows a high correlation with that of Thunder Tiger Sect members in Changnan City, and the exhibited jumping ability, speed, and other physical test data all match the traits of ancient martial cultivators.

After the technical personnel finished speaking, a low murmur of discussion rose in the meeting room.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was oppressive, and the task force members' faces were grave.

After intense discussion……

Everyone agreed that the Thunder Tiger Sect case had a major oversight.

The previous conclusion that 'all members killed each other to death' was completely overturned.

We must reopen the case and thoroughly root out the hidden remnants of the Thunder Tiger Sect.

Lin Yuan sat in the corner, his fingertips lightly tapping the tabletop, his suspicion thoroughly confirmed.

The Thunder Tiger Sect indeed still exists!

Mu Lingxue sat beside the chief seat, her face grave as she added: 'Considering both attacks targeted Yin Yirou, the Thunder Tiger Sect remnants' objective is clear; most likely it's her. Next, we must prioritize ensuring Yin Yirou's safety.'

These words made Lin Yuan's brows knit tightly, his heart filled with confusion.

Lin Yuan lifted his gaze to Mu Lingxue and spoke in a low voice: 'It's understandable that the Thunder Tiger Sect would come after me. In the last Stone Cavity Village case, I repeatedly sabotaged their plans, so bearing a deadly grudge against them is only natural. But Yin Yirou……she's merely the forensic doctor in charge of autopsies, having never directly clashed with Thunder Tiger Sect members; why would they fixate on her?'

This question also struck a chord with everyone present.

The meeting room instantly fell silent.

Nobody could give a reasonable explanation.

After all, Yin Yirou's identity is too ordinary; she neither holds core secrets nor directly threatens the interests of the Thunder Tiger Sect.

So why would the Thunder Tiger Sect target a female forensic doctor like Yin Yirou??

After a lengthy discussion, everyone could only temporarily set aside this question.

The Major Crimes Unit decided that ensuring Yin Yirou's safety would be the top priority.

In the meeting room of the city bureau's special task force, smoke lingered.

The atmosphere was heavy to the extreme.

The projection screen cycled through images of bloodstains from the garage attack scene, shattered car windows, and a trail of blood droplets extending into the darkness.

Every detail proclaimed the arrogance of the remnants of the Thunder Tiger Sect.

"Both attacks precisely targeted Forensic Doctor Yin, showing the opponent's clear objective." The head of the Major Crimes Unit, Huo Gang, was the first to break the silence.

Huo Gang said in a solemn tone, "My opinion is to immediately assign two elite officers to provide 24/7 personal protection for Forensic Doctor Yin, and deploy patrol police around her residence to form a protective net."

As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Yuan slowly shook his head.

Lin Yuan tapped his fingertip lightly on the tabletop and spoke firmly, "It's useless."

Everyone's gaze in the meeting room focused on him.

Huo Gang furrowed his brows: "Xiao Lin, what do you mean?"

"The opponent is an ancient martial artist." Lin Yuan lifted his gaze, sweeping over everyone, "During the last garage attack, he could dodge bullets at close range—this speed and reaction far exceed human limits. Deploying ordinary police would pose no obstacle to them at all, and might even put officers in danger."

His words silenced the meeting room instantly.

Everyone exchanged glances, accepting this explanation.

After all, the earlier investigation report had already confirmed that the suspect's physical condition differed from that of an ordinary person.

Conventional protective measures are indeed ineffective.

"So I have decided to personally protect Yin Yirou." Lin Yuan stood up, his tone solemn, "Only by personally watching over her can I ensure her safety."

Mu Lingxue sat aside, watching Lin Yuan's determined gaze, and did not object.

She knew Lin Yuan's abilities and also understood how troublesome ancient martial artists can be.

With Lin Yuan personally protecting her, Yin Yirou's safety is indeed more assured.

Mu Lingxue immediately nodded in agreement: "I agree with Lin Yuan's proposal; the police will fully cooperate and provide external support."

As for Yin Yirou, she gazed at Lin Yuan with complex, beautiful eyes.

At this moment, her heart held gratitude and various indescribable complicated feelings.

In the end, the police agreed to Lin Yuan's proposal.

Let Lin Yuan protect Yin Yirou.

The police even specially prepared a safe house refuge application for Yin Yirou.

The special task force worked with extreme efficiency, arranging a secret safe house for her that same afternoon.

This safe house is located in an old, dilapidated residential area near a large mall in the Xi Hu district.

It is on the first floor to allow quick evacuation in case of emergencies.

Although the safe house residential area appears run-down and chaotic, plainclothes sentries are posted at every entrance, making it highly concealed.

Upon entering the safe house, Yin Yirou finally let her mind relax completely.

The interior underwent comprehensive safety renovations:

The anti-theft door is a specially reinforced model, with a thick door panel and a complex lock core; the windows are fitted with bulletproof glass and also equipped with an invisible protective barrier;

Both the living room and bedroom have emergency alarm buttons directly linked to the city bureau's command center;

In the corners are placed simple defensive equipment and emergency supplies, every detail exuding steadiness.

Yin Yirou packed a simple suitcase and moved in.

She is an outsider; her parents are back home, and she has no other relatives or friends in Hangcheng.

She had been living alone before. Now living in the safe house, she has less freedom but feels more at ease.

From that day on, Lin Yuan took full responsibility for picking up and dropping off Yin Yirou for work.

Each morning, he arrives at the safe house gate half an hour early to wait; seeing Yin Yirou come out, they then go together to the Forensic Center.

In the evening, no matter how busy he is, Lin Yuan appears promptly at the Forensic Center's entrance to escort Yin Yirou safely back to the safe house.

Each time, he only leaves after confirming she has entered, locked the door, and activated all the safety devices inside.

But this arrangement is especially inconvenient for Lin Yuan.

His own residence is far from both the safe house and the Forensic Center, spanning most of Hangcheng.

Just the daily round‑trip commute takes over two hours.

Sometimes, when sudden matters arise, after just finishing work at his company, he must rush nonstop to pick up Yin Yirou.

Lin Yuan often doesn't even have time to eat a hot meal.

After just a few days, Lin Yuan became visibly exhausted.

……

That evening, Lin Yuan escorted Yin Yirou to the safe house gate.

He had just turned to leave when Yin Yirou called out to him: "Lin Yuan, wait a moment."

Lin Yuan stopped, turned, and looked at her quizzically: "What's wrong?"

Yin Yirou stood at the doorway, her fingertips lightly gripping the hem of her clothes, her eyes tinged with a hint of guilt: "These past days…… you've really gone through a lot. I see you running back and forth every day; it's terribly inconvenient."

"It's fine; ensuring your safety is the most important." Lin Yuan gave a small smile.

His tone was light, trying to conceal his fatigue.

"But I feel uneasy about it." Yin Yirou bit her lip, fell silent for a few seconds, as if making a great resolution.

Yin Yirou lifted her head to look at Lin Yuan and said clearly: "How about…… you also move in? The safe house has two rooms, enough for both of us. That way you wouldn't have to commute back and forth, you could protect me more promptly, and I would feel more at ease living there."