Chapter 011: The Nancheng Case (Part Four)

“Don’t keep me in suspense—just spit it out!” Han Junshan feigned anger.

“At the scene!” Li Rui stood up. “I’ve always believed that the crime scene holds the key to solving the case. I request to go there immediately.”

Han Junshan nodded. “Alright, no time to waste. You’re to set off right away!”

It was late October, and the temperature in Na City had dropped considerably. Yet as they approached the cellar entrance, a wave of warm, humid stench hit them, causing the seasoned detectives who had seen countless crime scenes to retch uncontrollably.

“Gentlemen, although we’ve removed all the victims’ bodies, the smell inside the cellar...” said one of the officers at the scene, pinching his nose.

“When we first opened the cellar, shining our flashlights inside, we saw the densely stacked bodies, a sight that sent chills down our spines.”

Li Rui nodded. “Thank you for your hard work. Where are the bodies now?”

“All at the city forensic center.”

“Good.”

“The temperature inside the cellar was much higher than outside. Except for a few bodies on top, the rest were severely decomposed—some crumbled at the slightest touch. The stench was so strong it could be smelled several streets away.”

If it were just a foul odor, they could manage. But this was the toxic stench of human decomposition. The sealed cellar was a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, posing serious health risks to those handling the case.

“What about the traces at the scene?” Li Rui asked.

“Traces?” The officer hesitated. “We... at the time...”

“Clothing on the bodies, handcuffs, shackles, ropes, and the way they were bound—all crucial evidence. You should have documented these before moving the bodies,” Li Rui said sternly.

“Conditions were urgent, we…”

“Enough, Li Rui. Don’t blame them. The situation was extraordinary, and rapid removal of the bodies was necessary. The toxic gases and stench in the cellar were suffocating. Officers had to wear oxygen tanks, and when they ran out of breath, they took a quick puff. After more than twenty days working there, the officers became walking ‘gas canisters,’ their stench so strong that passersby avoided them from afar. Eventually, they had to be isolated in a hotel for rest and meals,” Wen Rou gently explained. “Let’s enter and inspect again; maybe there are still some clues.”

Hearing this, Li Rui's attitude softened. “Sorry for my earlier tone, but...”

“Alright, alright, hurry up. Don’t want to become a walking ‘gas canister’ yourself!” Wen Rou pulled him along and urged him down into the cellar.

Despite wearing masks, the fetid stench inside was overwhelming.

“The traces have been severely damaged,” Wen Rou squatted, scrutinizing the scene.

“All the footprints here were left while moving the bodies. Given the cellar’s size and the volume of corpses stacked, the suspect likely didn’t enter to hide the bodies personally but simply dumped them inside.”

“This cellar is over six meters deep. Even a strong person would find it hard to get out, so it’sI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.