Forensic Doctor: Finding the Way Back to the Mystery of Ancient Realms

Chapter 88: Clay Doll Mystery, Exploration in the Dark Night

The thin moonlight shines through the high windows into every corner of the abandoned warehouse, adding a bit of chill to this gloomy place. Xu Youran and Situ Han, dressed in casual clothes and holding oil lamps, stepped into this space forgotten by time.

Xu Youran (whispering, looking around sharply): "This warehouse is filled with a stale and oppressive atmosphere that seems to devour one's soul."

She walked slowly forward, the light of the oil lamp illuminating those heart-pounding clay figures. Each clay figure told of unknown pain with a twisted posture, and its eyes were empty, yet seemed to contain endless resentment.

Situ Han (squatting down and carefully examining the details of the clay figurines): "Look at these craftsmanship, they are rough yet delicate, and are definitely not something that ordinary people can do. Moreover, I noticed that there seems to be a trace of unusual fragrance left on them."

He took out a small cloth bag and gently collected a little dust on the surface of the clay figure, preparing to take it back for further analysis.

Zhang Wei (a young detective from the S City police, following closely behind): "Captain, these clay figures are really creepy. Tell me, why did the murderer do this?"

Situ Han (with deep eyes): "There are motives and purposes behind every case. What we need to do now is to find the key that connects all the clues."

The next morning, Xu Youran and Situ Han arrived at the home of one of the victims. It was a simple but cozy courtyard, and the old locust tree in the courtyard witnessed the vicissitudes of time.

Aunt Li, a family member of the victim (with tears in her eyes, tightly holding a yellowed handkerchief): "My poor child, he was so kind on weekdays, how could he suffer such a disaster?"

Xu Youran (gently holding Aunt Li's hand, trying to comfort her): "Aunt Li, we will definitely find out the truth and seek justice for your child. However, before that, we need to know some information. Do you know if he has come into contact with any special people or things recently?"

Aunt Li (thought for a moment): "He has indeed developed a strong interest in clay sculpture recently. He often goes to the market to buy some materials and tinkers with them. He also said that he wanted to make a clay figure that could 'come alive', but I thought it was just childish talk and didn't take it too seriously."

Situ Han (sharply grasping the key information): "A 'living' clay figure? That's very interesting. Can you describe his expression and tone at that time in detail?"

Aunt Li (trying to recall): "He was very excited at the time, with a strange light flashing in his eyes, as if he was attracted by something mysterious."

Based on the information provided by Aunt Li, Xu Youran and Situ Han decided to go to the market to find the clay material dealer who had contact with the victim. The market was bustling with people and all kinds of stalls, but their goal was very clear.

In front of an inconspicuous clay sculpture material shop, they met the old owner Zhao Bo.

Uncle Zhao (his eyes flickered, obviously wary of the two's intentions): "What do you want to buy? The clay sculpture materials I have here are all top quality."

Situ Han (smiling, speaking calmly but with unquestionable power): "Uncle Zhao, we are not here to buy anything. We are police detectives investigating a case related to clay sculptures. We heard that you often sell to a young craftsman here, and we want to know if there is anything unusual about him."

Uncle Zhao (after hesitating for a moment, finally spoke): "That young man is indeed a thoughtful person. He always asked me some strange questions, such as how to make the clay figures look more like real people, how to make them move and so on. I felt that something was wrong with him at the time, but I didn't think much about it."

Xu Youran (sharply aware of the hidden meaning in Uncle Zhao's words): "Uncle Zhao, what else do you know? Please tell us. This is crucial to the case."

Zhao Bo (sighs): "Well, I remember that he once mentioned a place called 'Shadow Workshop', saying that he learned a lot of secrets about clay sculpture there. But I have never heard of this place, and I don't know if he made it up."

The name "Dark Shadow House" was like a flash of lightning that cut through the fog, giving Xu Youran and Situ Han new hope. They immediately returned to the police station and mobilized all resources to try to find the trace of this mysterious organization.

After a hard investigation, they finally discovered that "Shadow Square" was not a real place name, but the code name of a secret organization. This organization, in the name of teaching ancient clay sculpture skills, was actually secretly engaged in evil rituals and unspeakable activities.

On a dark and windy night, Xu Youran and Situ Han were lurking in a dense forest outside S City. Their target was a secret base of the "Shadow Shop".

Inside the stronghold, candlelight flickered, and a group of people in black robes sat in the center, chanting ancient and strange spells in a low voice. In front of them, there were lifelike yet ominous clay figures, which seemed to be endowed with some kind of life, quietly watching everything.

Situ Han (lowering his voice, speaking to Xu Youran beside him): "It seems that we have found the real source. Each clay figurine here is similar to the ones in the warehouse, but more refined and more evil."

Xu Youran (with a firm gaze, holding the weapon tightly in his hand): "We must be careful and not let them be aware of our presence."

The two approached silently, using the terrain as cover, and gradually approached the core area. Just as they were about to take further action, a man in a black robe suddenly stood up, as if he had sensed something.

The leader of the black-robed people (his voice was deep and powerful, echoing throughout the space): "There are outsiders invading, everyone be alert!"

Following his order, the men in black robes quickly took action, drawing out their hidden weapons and surrounding the entire stronghold.

Situ Han (quickly analyzing the situation and nodding to Xu Youran): "It looks like we have no choice but to confront them head-on. Remember, our goal is to find evidence of this organization's crimes and the truth behind why they are manipulating all of this."

Xu Youran (nodded, with a look of determination in her eyes): "Understood, let's go!"