Chapter 108: The Cocktail Party

“—In Greek mythology, the guardian deity of Scorpio is Hades, the god of the underworld, so this zodiac sign also symbolizes death. Many believe that within Scorpio lies the entrance to the underworld. When worshiping, followers of Hades use scorpions as the main sacrifice. It is said that this god is not only skilled in strategy but also deeply emotional. His wife, Persephone, is the daughter of Demeter, the goddess of harvest—”

“However, in ancient Egypt, the guardian deity of Scorpio was Isis, the goddess of fertility and reproduction. Her husband, Osiris, is the god of the underworld in Egyptian mythology. Interestingly, Isis is also the prototype of the Virgin Mary in the Church of Light. Her son, Horus, is the guardian deity of the pharaohs and the symbol of royal power.”

“During the Egyptian dynasties, people merged Ra, the sun god and head of the Ennead, with Horus to form Ra-Horakhty, the supreme god—”

“Since we’re talking about Scorpio, let’s also discuss death creatures. For example, the vengeful spirits, skeletons, death knights you know about. The reason I call them creatures is that they are indeed alive, but their form is more akin to elemental beings. Modern research suggests they are aggregates of death elements mixed with the concept of ‘life,’ thus creating monsters—”

“I have over a dozen secret techniques here that can use the star power of Scorpio to control death creatures across levels. A-Mo, do you want to learn? Don’t ask about the source; anyway, this isn’t a unique inheritance of our Medici family.”

When the lesson ended, Li Mochen still looked unsatisfied.

This emotion came from two sources: on one hand, the original Li Mochen was captivated and reluctant to part with the black-haired girl before him; on the other hand, Wenjian Taoran thirsted for knowledge, feeling that this girl was like a treasure trove, inexhaustible.

“I can’t give you any more lessons; the school is about to close, and my family will ask questions.”

Angela, looked at by Li Mochen’s bright, expectant eyes, blushed slightly and almost lost her composure: “Tomorrow, OK? Tomorrow we’ll talk about Aries. Aries symbolizes life, which should still be useful to you. I also brought some magic scrolls. They’re modern versions, different from what you found in the library.”

“It’s a deal!”

Li Mochen’s eyes lit up, full of anticipation.

At that moment, Angela handed him an invitation. As Li Mochen took it, a puzzled look appeared on his face: “What’s this? An invitation to a cocktail party? A housewarming party?”

“Mm, it’s at Unicorn Apartments. I bought four floors there.”

Angela smiled with narrowed eyes: “I heard you live there too, on the 39th and 40th floors, right? Then we’ll be neighbors from now on.”

Li Mochen immediately felt uneasy. He felt as if he had been hit by a heavy blow. Was this girl from the Medici family really that rich?

What made Li Mochen even more vigilant was that as their distance continued to close, he might slide into an uncontrollable abyss.

“Why suddenly move to Unicorn? And the party is set for next Friday? So soon? Can the renovation be done well? I heard newly renovated houses are toxic.”

“There’s a reason. I used to live at Louise’s place. Though she’s like a sister to me, it’s not my own home, so it’s a bit inconvenient. Unicorn is great; it’s a mid-to-high-end apartment complex with complete facilities. As for the renovation, don’t worry. They use magical energy renovation technology, which can be done in eight days and removes almost all formaldehyde.”

After explaining a few sentences, Angela looked at Li Mochen with unusually serious eyes: “You’ll come, right, A-Mo? We’re friends.”

Li Mochen’s throat went dry. He wanted to refuse but couldn’t bring himself to say it.

But a moment later, he heard the sound of police sirens coming from outside the window. Relieved, Li Mochen turned his gaze to the window and saw several police cars slowly driving into the campus.

Li Mochen exchanged a glance with Angela, both showing surprise. It was extremely rare for Linden Academy to allow police cars into the campus.

They didn’t have to wonder long; they soon learned the reason.

The body of grade advisor Richard had been discovered at a landfill at noon today.

That was originally Bloodfang’s burial ground. The police happened to conduct a raid there. Richard, who hadn’t been disposed of yet, was quickly identified.

…

Due to his recent contact with Richard, Li Mochen was also called in for questioning by the police. Then he walked out together with William, who had also given a statement. The latter looked dejected: “I can’t believe it. Richard didn’t deserve to die; he was a good man. Damn bastard, if I knew who did it, I’d beat him until even his mother wouldn’t recognize him.”

Li Mochen didn’t respond, appearing distracted. This was because he was always keeping part of his attention on Louise Linden.

The latter wouldn’t notice a small butterfly formed from dust particles on her shoulder.

“—Bruises all over, internal injuries, several broken bones. So it’s homicide, right? He was likely tortured before death? Are you sure?”

“I want to know who did it.”

“He contacted a colleague at the FBI yesterday evening to inquire about Dandy Hancock’s whereabouts? Damn it!”

“I want to know if the police and the district attorney can convict him? Not likely? Why? Isn’t there any way? He’s already seventeen; his birth certificate must be fake. There’s no way he was born in 3973.”

“So, I have to consider other means now, right?”

When Louise ended the call, she stood gloomily by the window in the teaching building corridor, staring blankly outside.

Li Mochen shook his head slightly and withdrew his attention, letting the ‘butterfly’ dissipate with the wind.

“William, I’m going home. What about you?”

“I’m going to practice.”

William smiled bitterly: “Richard was right. For me, the most important thing now is not to let Miss Linden down, and I can’t let Richard down, right?”

Li Mochen patted William on the shoulder and walked out of the school gate carrying his sword bag. His heart was filled with deep murderous intent, but he was powerless. Until Li Tailai found Hancock, all he could do was wait.

He also felt a slight regret. If he had known this would happen, he would rather waste a few days to find a way to locate Dandy Hancock.

Though the possibility was slim, it might have changed Richard’s fate.

Just as Li Mochen walked out of the school gate, he found himself surrounded again.

To his slight surprise, the ones surrounding him this time were again those black teenagers.

One of them, with a Mohawk hairstyle, whose legs he had broken before, had regained his arrogant demeanor: “Come with us, boy. We have something to talk to you about.”

Li Mochen saw the suppressed excitement and bloodlust in his eyes. He immediately understood; they must have some new backing.

Li Mochen had no reason to refuse: “Same old place, right?”

“No, we’re changing it this time!”

The Mohawk boy curled his lips: “You’ve got guts. Then follow me, you bastard!”