Chapter Three: It Vanished Without a Trace

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The Fifth Kind Without Pop-ups

When I first heard about it, I found it rather novel. Such an unusual incident must surely be reported to the central authorities; if journalists were to get hold of it and publish it in the newspapers, it would undoubtedly cause a social uproar. Moreover, if other countries learned of this matter, they would certainly conduct secret research on it, much as they do with UFOs.

“After reporting this incident to the higher authorities, they demanded strict secrecy. Not a word must leak outside. A research team was formed immediately, and the case was treated as top-level classified. Officer Ren was appointed to oversee security and confidentiality.”

I glanced at Ren Tianxing, thinking it quite flattering that the person in charge of keeping secrets had come to disclose one to me. Ren Tianxing continued, “My first task was to investigate missing firearms across all provinces from 1974 to the present. After thorough checks, we found the whereabouts of almost all missing guns, so it’s impossible that someone deliberately placed a firearm inside the Terracotta Warrior.”

“Second, I examined the video footage of the Terracotta Warrior being split open. Technical analysis confirmed the footage had not been tampered with.”

“Third, I sent someone to visit the person who discovered this Terracotta Warrior, but when they arrived, the man was already dead.”

Ren Tianxing looked at me and went on, “Li Erdukou, forty-eight years old, a farmer with one son and one daughter. An ordinary family, no financial disputes, no enemies. Cause of death: gunshot, caliber 7.62mm, forensic analysis confirmed it was a Type 54 pistol. According to his children, he returned home, ate dinner, and went to bed. The next morning, when they went to wake him, they found he had been shot in the forehead. The police were alerted immediately. We ruled out murder due to enmity or financial dispute.”

Hearing this, my opinion of Ren Tianxing changed dramatically. To react so quickly is not something an ordinary police officer could do; besides being sharp, he was exceptionally thorough.

I analyzed carefully and said gravely, “It seems there were no external factors interfering.”

“Exactly. We found no evidence of external interference. We also analyzed the gun; each firearm has a serial number. But strangely, this was a pistol without a serial number.”

“Teams from Beijing and Shanghai were sent in: one group of twelve top archaeologists from across the country; one group of sixteen advanced scientists specializing in cutting-edge technology—six had worked on rocket development, and the other ten were also leaders in their fields. The third group consisted of twenty military weapons designers.”

Hearing this, I was amazed—the research team was no less impressive than those secretive American alien research projects. The scale and resources involved made it clear this was a first in decades.

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I couldn’t help but ask, “So, after more than a year, what conclusions have they reached?”

Old Liu sighed, “The final conclusion is—no conclusion at all!”

“What! No conclusion?” I grew angry, then noticed their eyes on me and realized I had lost my composure. I coughed awkwardly. “So many experts couldn’t solve it, and you come to me—what am I supposed to do?”

Ren Tianxing gave a bitter smile. “If it were only inconclusive, that would be a minor concern. But over the past year, seven people who worked on researching the gun have died under mysterious circumstances. Our investigation found that their deaths were exactly the same as Li Er’s. After analyzing the cases, we realized that all those who died had handled the gun personally.”

“These people were pillars of the nation; the authorities are furious. They’ve decreed the case must be solved within six months. Worst of all, just a few days ago, the gun, which was kept in a vacuum-sealed safe, vanished without a trace.” Ren Tianxing said helplessly, “With the gun gone, even our basic clues have evaporated.”

I hadn’t expected that after years apart, my friend would bring me such a thorny problem.

A mysterious pistol, a heap of enigmatic stories. I couldn’t help but smile bitterly, lamenting my poor choice of friends. Yet a plan was already forming in my mind.

“This matter is extremely tricky, Brother Liu. I don’t think I can be of much help.” I purposely feigned difficulty.

Hearing this, Old Liu grew anxious. “Changfeng, I rushed here because I know only you can help us solve this.”

“It’s just…” I put on a troubled expression, as if I were truly reluctant.

Ren Tianxing, a veteran by now, saw through my act and laughed heartily. “Brother Changfeng, if you have any requests or conditions, don’t hesitate to state them.”

I was secretly pleased at Ren Tianxing’s straightforwardness and replied, “To be honest, I’ve run into a bit of trouble recently, and I need your assistance, Mr. Ren.”

Old Liu was surprised to hear I needed help, unable to believe I couldn’t manage on my own.

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I had to explain, “Of course, I can resolve it myself; it’s just a bit tedious.”

After my explanation, Old Liu relaxed, and seeing that Ren Tianxing had no objections, I began to state my terms: “I need an international police identity. Second, I cannot guarantee I’ll uncover the whole truth, but I will do my best—so I won’t make any promises. Third, all expenses will be covered by you.”

Old Liu was momentarily stunned; the last two conditions were easy, but the first was beyond his authority. He turned to Ren Tianxing to see what he thought.

I knew that, given Old Liu’s position, none of these conditions would be difficult if he was determined. What surprised him was my request for an international police identity.

Ren Tianxing pondered a moment, then gritted his teeth, “All three conditions are acceptable, but with my influence, your international police status can only last until our cooperation ends.”

I knew I had achieved my goal; having international police status for about half a year was more than enough. I laughed heartily and said to Ren Tianxing, “Good, it’s settled then.”

Ren Tianxing pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to me. “From today, all your expenses can go on this card. We must return to Xi’an immediately, and hope you can visit the site soon.”

I accepted the card and politely invited them to stay for lunch, but they declined. As Old Liu left, he said, “See you in Xi’an.”

Ren Tianxing’s efficiency was impressive—just that morning I had parted with Old Liu, and by afternoon, a police officer came to see me, handing over a file folder said to be left by Officer Ren. After delivering it, he left.

I opened the folder. Inside was an international police badge, related documents, and, most importantly, a plane ticket to Xi’an for the day after tomorrow.

I examined the badge closely—it read, “Interpol Asia-Pacific Special Operations Group, Senior Inspector,” and included a pair of handcuffs, clearly for show. I admired his thoroughness and efficiency, no wonder he wielded such authority. I quietly analyzed his department, intending to learn more in due time, but for now, I was content to let it rest.

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