Inside the room, besides the photos of the first three victims, there were several others—people Officer Sun suspected to be the killer's next targets.
But as they waited, neither the two officers sent to retrieve the rental contract nor the landlord returned. Repeated calls went unanswered. Sensing something was wrong, Officer Sun immediately led a team to investigate.
They found the two officers' bodies in a nearby parking lot. The landlord was discovered dead at home, his house ransacked. This time, the killer didn't use his "mysterious" heart-extraction technique. The officers had their throats slit from behind, and the landlord had been stabbed to death.
This meant one thing: the North River Blade was panicking. He was trying to cover his tracks. My grandfather's deduction had been correct!
But even though they had gotten so close, Officer Sun couldn't help but feel regret. When my grandfather arrived at the scene, he ordered everyone out and sealed the room. An hour later, he let them back in.
When the door opened, the room was thick with smoke, carrying the scent of Chinese herbs. The previously spotless floor was now covered in bloody footprints, and a crimson handprint stained the wall.
With footprints and handprints, the police finally had something tangible—clues to analyze: the killer's height and weight, his fingerprints and palm prints, even the kind of shoes he wore and his physical movements.
Officer Sun mobilized all available forces, working around the clock. Finally, security footage from a shopping mall captured the suspect's silhouette. Though the man wore a cap, concealing his face, a woman walking beside him was clearly visible. Their body language suggested intimacy.
Investigators tracked down the woman—an employee at a textile factory, likely the killer's girlfriend or wife.
But when the police arrived at her home, they found her murdered in the same gruesome fashion as the earlier victims.
The North River Blade had killed his own lover—to eliminate all loose ends.
…
…
Twice, my grandfather cornered the killer. And twice, the police failed to capture him. It was a battle fought in the shadows—a contest with no clear victor.
But one thing became clear through this struggle: the North River Blade was no god. He had weaknesses. He had fears. He could be defeated.
The task force was reignited with determination.
Then, one by one, the task force members started dying.
Five officers were killed in total, each one with their heart removed while still alive.
At that critical moment, my grandfather suddenly announced his withdrawal from the case. Officer Sun, furious and heartbroken, confronted him. They had a heated argument.
Without my grandfather's help, the investigation collapsed. The case became a cold file—an unsolved mystery.
When Officer Sun finished recounting the story, the ashtray before him was overflowing. That's when I remembered something chilling.
Ten years ago, on one silent night… the North River Blade visited my grandfather.
I was only seven years old then, but I clearly remember a man arriving late at night. Curious, I peered out the window and asked Grandpa who it was. Normally gentle, he snapped at me—telling me to get back to bed.
That man stayed for two hours. I never found out what they talked about.
Now, ten years later, the North River Blade had returned. But why?
Why did he kill my grandfather?
Was he the same man from before—or the son who inherited his blade?
This case was like a fog-shrouded maze, impossible to see through.
I asked Officer Sun, "That fat guy who died last night—was he Zhang Bao? The one who escaped ten years ago?"
Officer Sun nodded. "Yes. It was him."
"I think I understand now," I said. "The North River Blade has once again delivered a riddle... and left it for my grandfather to solve."
"Oh?" Officer Sun raised an eyebrow. "Then tell me, do you think your grandfather figured out how the killer removes hearts without leaving a trace?"
I shook my head. "I don't know."
Officer Sun let out a sigh and placed a large hand on my shoulder.
"Xiao Yang, your grandfather's death... I hold some responsibility for it. If I hadn't asked him to return to the field back then, he'd never have gotten involved with the North River Blade. Now that he's gone, I want you to focus on your studies and try to move on. I promise you—one day, I'll bring that killer to justice."
"Officer Sun, I have a request." I stood up.
"Go ahead."
"If North River Blade strikes again, promise me… you'll tell me. I want to catch him with my own hands."
Officer Sun hesitated. "But…"
"My grandfather forced him into a corner twice. That proves our family's techniques are his nemesis. My grandfather taught me everything he knew. That's why—I have to be the one to end this."
Officer Sun stared at me. "You don't trust the police?"
I didn't reply.
Then suddenly, he laughed heartily. "Kid, you've got your grandfather's stubborn streak, that's for sure. Fine. If he ever resurfaces—I'll call you."
I clenched my teeth, silently making a vow in my heart:
North River Blade—next time we meet, I'll make you pay.