There is a question that is very clear and anyone can imagine:

Since the supernatural phenomenon of "haunted houses" exists and is widely distributed, for example, there are a total of four confirmed haunted houses in the urban area of Jinjiang City. It may not sound like a lot, but there are hundreds of cities nationwide! Including county towns, villages, and even places where ordinary people gather and live that have not been touched, the total number is quite astonishing. If we look at the whole world, this number will only become more exaggerated.

So, regardless of whether modern countries have the ability to maintain social order in the face of supernatural threats, the most important thing is how the governments of several major countries, at least those with a significant position in the international community, maintain consensus and prevent this news from spreading widely in the world public opinion.

In fact, the number of places where the "haunted house phenomenon" occurs has only shown an explosive growth trend in recent years, which can be felt by Meng Zheng... no, it should be said that it can be felt by all those who are aware of it.

Decades ago, "haunted houses" were still considered a novelty worldwide, to the extent that the relevant response groups were more inclined towards academic institutions studying the phenomenon, rather than the current situation where the supernatural response department naturally takes the same establishment as the police and other national violent institutions.

- Of course, the more important reason is the nature of the "haunted house phenomenon" itself.

As mentioned earlier, the early recorded supernatural events in history were limited to a certain area, as if it was separated from this real world and would not spread.

This distinction is actually quite strict and is one of the famous puzzles about the "haunted house phenomenon" that scholars have been unable to solve.

In short, when people open that door, they will see and experience an incredibly strange another world; but outside that door, even if children playing on the lawn in front of the door or newspaper deliverymen passing by are very close to the haunted house, as long as they do not step into that door, they will not be affected in any way.

Therefore, from a control perspective, it is only necessary to strictly enclose the places where the "haunted house phenomenon" occurs, assign special personnel to monitor, and ensure that unrelated people do not enter.

However, this does not mean that the power of haunted houses... or the "Far Realm" will not leak into the real world and will not affect the lives of normal people.

Meng Zheng knew that the possibility of this alien world eroding the real world could be broadly divided into two types.

The first type is that a small number of powerful evil spirits can temporarily break free from the shackles of the haunted house. However, evil spirits that can do this are relatively rare and can be considered special cases.

Although these guys are often big troubles that neither spiritualists nor ordinary mediums can deal with, such cases are relatively scarce.

The other possibility... is the most troublesome one.

"I have been to the bureau a few times before I came here, and the responsible people were very enthusiastic about me, and I have all the files in my hands."

Meng Zheng took out a stack of reports from his pocket and threw them on the table, smiling.

"It's the case that the detachment has been busy with recently. Anyone with a discerning eye can tell that it's not something an ordinary person can do, but rather a 'possessed person', right?"

Monsters from another world - some are "natives" of another world, and some are monsters transformed from humans after being invaded by the haunted house phenomenon, so they retain their human appearance - regardless of their appearance, people like Meng Zheng generally refer to them as "evil spirits".

Apart from the fact that evil spirits cannot be seen by ordinary people without spiritual abilities, a considerable number of evil spirits can do something very terrifying to humans:

- That is "possession".

As the name suggests, it is a state where these monsters from another dimension combine with the human body in the real world.

Most evil spirits cannot leave the range of the haunted house, but if they have the opportunity to possess a human, it becomes a different matter.

The causes and rules of possession are equally complex. Some humans become easily irrational after being possessed, while others remain relatively normal; some may even die or have a mental breakdown on the spot after being possessed... in short, there are various examples.

Of course, the ultimate fate of the possessed is the same, that is, they become unrecognizable monsters.

But depending on the individual, the time it takes to reach this final outcome can vary. Before that, the possessed can hide their "monster" identity, live together with others in their daily lives with a normal human appearance, and live a social life. Naturally, they are the most difficult type to deal with.

They possess human intelligence and have extraordinary power; being possessed by evil spirits will inevitably contaminate their minds and distort their personalities. Almost without exception, the possessed become criminals, and they are far more threatening than ordinary criminals.So, how to deal with the possessed individuals - or rather, how to expose them and remove them from normal society - became a major problem.

Of course, the possessed individuals with rationality were a minority, and even this rare type would gradually lose their normal appearance and mentality over time, eventually going berserk and losing control.

Although the outcome was predetermined, it did not mean that people like Zhou Xingjian could just sit back and watch. As guardians of order, they had the obligation to expose the possessed individuals before they were revealed. If they couldn't do that, they had to quickly capture the possessed individuals who had already committed crimes and minimize the damage they caused.

"...It seems like you haven't caught them yet. Why? Are you just watching that guy kill people? Just because the ones being killed are a bunch of scum in society?"

As soon as Meng Zheng said this, he immediately felt several sharp gazes from behind directed towards him. The members of the team stationed in this information room were all glaring at him.

But he didn't mind. His gaze remained on Zhou Xingjian. This person was the one in charge here.

In fact, Meng Zheng was well aware that Zhou Xingjian was not a medium, but just an ordinary spiritualist. In terms of combat power in dealing with supernatural events, he was not even comparable to his team members.

But precisely because of this, Meng Zheng valued this unremarkable old policeman even more.

Zhou Xingjian, who was not a medium, being the leader of the environmental investigation team and the special operations team, was indeed an exception. Although there was a shortage of local manpower, his position was undoubtedly related to his rich experience and background...

"You said you're here to help?"

Zhou Xingjian's expression didn't change.

"Yes." Meng Zheng nodded, "Although I estimate that I won't stay here for long, maybe I'll be transferred in a few years, but precisely because of that, I want to perform well."

Zhou Xingjian didn't say anything.

He also knew very well that with the other party's strength and background, after returning to the country, he was destined to be a leader or above, or be transferred to a more important organization. He wouldn't just be a consultant for a local department.

However, when it came to recruiting external talents, the higher-ups were always cautious because a slight carelessness could lead to bigger problems. That's why they needed actual work experience as support.

"In other words, at least during the time you're still in this city, you will listen to me. Can I assume that?"

"...From a position perspective, I am a consultant, not strictly speaking your superior," Meng Zheng smiled and spread his hands.

"But if there is a need for someone to stand out as the one and only, you are the leader. You have the final say on matters here, and I promise to obey orders."

"Alright." The old policeman nodded, "Now that you know, I need you to do something."

"No problem, I will do it." Meng Zheng readily agreed, "I just have a suggestion. The problem of manpower shortage needs to be solved. We can consider recruiting civilians, and it would be even better if they have official backgrounds. By the way..."

Meng Zheng suddenly remembered something and said.

"For example, the female police officer we just met seems suitable. She has a capable temperament and seems to have keen observation skills. Even if she may not have the qualification of a 'medium', the possibility of becoming a 'general spiritualist' is still high. We can send her to a haunted house to test her..."

Seeing that the old policeman's expression wasn't too good, he coughed and immediately changed his words.

"...Ahem, if you think the risk is too great, I can help. We can have a few mediums from the team try it."

Zhou Xingjian remained silent for a moment before answering.

"Officer Li is indeed suitable for working here. She has the ability and the desire for knowledge in this field."

"So, did you not tell her?"

"The relevant personnel transfers were stopped half a month ago." Zhou Xingjian answered, "For now, I just want to smoothly get through this year."

"...Can you tell me the reason?"

Meng Zheng's eyes flashed as he asked calmly.

Zhou Xingjian didn't hide it either. After all, some news couldn't be confirmed until the official documents were issued, so no one mentioned it. But anyone working in this field would inevitably know.

"In the past, when I selected people, it was either arranged by superiors, like you, directly sending the files to me, or it was based on observation with the help of other department heads, completing the talent selection and personnel transfers. I believe you understand the tricks involved."

Meng Zheng nodded.

In simple terms, the selection of personnel for the investigation team and action team, which dealt with supernatural events including haunted house phenomena and possessed individuals, had its own set of mechanisms, and the entire process was not made public.

Although they were civil servants backed by the state here and had a more secure job than ordinary departments due to the nature of their work, they still had to keep a low profile and not let the public know about it - or more accurately, they could guess, but they couldn't give the answer.

This relatively ambiguous approach could ensure internal stability to the greatest extent, but it was only a temporary measure and could change at any time.

"Things may change after this year."

Zhou Xingjian gave a brief answer.

"...I see." Meng Zheng sighed."I think it's indeed time to get back on track. When I was in the United States, I heard that the Pentagon had opened a new department. The positions were not yet filled, but the signs were already hung up, and they even opened a research department to a small portion of the carefully selected public. And..."

He paused in his speech.

"This year is indeed a bit unusual. Wherever I go, I can feel the signs of unrest among the people."

"You're right."

"That's why I want to help. As the saying goes, a new official must set three fires... Of course, I'm here to work under you, Zhou. Feel free to give me orders."

Meng Zheng repeated his flattering words. This time, Zhou Xingjian understood his meaning.

"Alright, since you're so enthusiastic, you can participate before the official start of the haunted house case. Consider it an internship. However, we've actually made considerable progress on this case."

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Zhou Xingjian picked up the stack of files, pulled out one, and handed it to him.

"This is a report of a break-in at a high school at night, just a couple of days ago."

"...Is this the work of that serial killer?"

"Most likely." Zhou Xingjian nodded, "Although we don't know why he suddenly made this move, he indeed slipped up under our watch."

"So, do we have a target?"

"Yes, we've already identified a few suspects."

Meng Zheng laughed heartily.

"It seems that everyone is working quite efficiently."

"So, do you understand why your colleagues are upset?"

"I apologize, I apologize." Meng Zheng raised his hands in a gesture of apology, smiling broadly. He looked at his temporary colleagues and said, "Since we already have a target, I'll go take a look later... Don't worry, I won't alert the snake in the grass. I have experience."