As they made their move, I vaguely noticed that the man before me was wearing a dark gray cloak. His hair was like spikes, standing up in tufts and dyed red.
His forehead was tattooed, and he clutched a dagger. His height and build were very similar to the killer we suspected before. It seemed this was the perpetrator of the live-streamed murder, the one collaborating with Du Qitai.
Although we found him, we ran into this situation. Dazed, I was carried upstairs by the men in black robes, and the others were treated the same as me.
We were placed in the corridor on the second floor, seated in chairs, and tied up. We had initially been unconscious, but after being brought up, several men in black robes tied something to us, which instantly jolted us awake.
It felt like a strong electric current coursed through our bodies, incredibly uncomfortable, as if millions of black ants were gnawing at us.
Even though our nerves were initially numb, they were all stimulated into activity.
We opened our eyes and were about to struggle when we saw a fellow surrounded by numerous men in black robes, sitting in an executive chair, crossing his legs, and smoking a cigar. He said to us, "You're awake! I am the criminal you're trying to apprehend, Kong Xingchang. Aren't you surprised that I dared to show myself voluntarily?"
"Kong Xingchang! Stop this. Don't think that colluding with the organization will let you escape legal punishment. They will soon be arrested by us police, just like you!"
"Oh? Detective He, how did you so quickly realize I'm not part of the organization but rather exploiting them?"
"It's not you exploiting them; they are exploiting you, and you're still foolishly thinking you're so capable!"
At this point, several nearby men in black robes cursed, "Don't spout nonsense. Kong Xingchang is a talent, highly valued by our organization. Naturally, we will nurture such individuals!"
"Haha, you detestable criminals, you trashy Polaris!" Liu Yuning deliberately cursed.
"Hmph, all you have is a silver tongue. What time is it, and you still dare to be so arrogant? Fine! Now I'll show you how to conduct a death live stream!" The man in the executive chair stood up, spat out his cigar, and a laptop instantly appeared in his hand. He again crossed his legs and sat down, madly typing on the keyboard.
Soon, countless cameras shone like stage lights, capturing all of us.
"See this, my loyal viewers? This is the legendary special task force of the Fuming City police. But now, they've all been captured by us!"
This guy really seemed intent on live-streaming our current state. I saw a large screen hanging behind Kong Xingchang, displaying numerous comments and bullet messages from netizens.
"Look at our Fallen Leaves, they've captured several policemen. Am I seeing things? Is this an act?"
"Yeah, but it doesn't look like an act. Our Fallen Leaves are great, have they ever fooled us?"
"This is too exciting! I'm going to immediately tip you a villa. Fallen Leaves, please check your notifications!"
So this guy's online alias was Fallen Leaves. He even chose such a name. Yet, the netizens were watching this live stream with great enthusiasm, as if they had been brainwashed by Kong Xingchang.
If I hadn't witnessed it firsthand, I would never have believed such people existed in this world. "Kong Xingchang, stop broadcasting your boring show. Only those with mental issues would enjoy watching this!"
"Is that so? But look at the audience's reaction, they're all tipping!"
"The ones tipping you are people of similar taste, aren't they? There must be a secret entrance to this kind of live stream room; ordinary people can't access it, otherwise, the cyber police would have caught you long ago."
This wasn't just my speculation; it was the truth. Although Kong Xingchang didn't say anything, I could tell from his expression that I had hit the mark.
"Hmph, no matter what others think, as long as my loyal fans continue to support me, I will dedicate myself to the great cause of live broadcasting!"
I burst into laughter and spat on the ground. "Pah! You think this illegal act is a great cause? Then why are the police trying to arrest you?"
"That's because you police don't understand our greatness. We are not committing crimes; we are saving the world!"
"You're crazy, another victim blinded by the organization!" Liu Yuning sneered, playing along with me to provoke Kong Xingchang.
Angered, the man suddenly stood up and pointed at us, cursing, "You can bark all you want. I won't waste my breath with you. People like you, who sow discord, slander, deceive with glib tongues, and argue with honeyed words, should be cast into the Tongue-Pulling Hell!"
In his eyes, we had become people who sowed discord and slandered others? I was speechless. However, the surrounding environment suggested that this guy definitely had the ability to kill us.
He took out another cigar, placed it in his mouth, then took out a lighter and leisurely lit his cigar. "Alright, the first layer of hellish punishment officially begins!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the chairs behind us made a creaking sound. Large silver pincers descended from above our heads. Their edges were stained with blood, dripping onto our faces.
If you hadn't personally experienced such a terrifying scene, you could never imagine the feeling of a pair of pincers, about to be inserted into your mouth to pull out your tongue, moving back and forth before you.
The pincers continuously emitted a mechanical grinding sound, like an iron drill burrowing into your soul. Our pupils contracted, our bodies trembled, and our teeth ached.
As the iron pincers slowly approached, I felt my inner world about to collapse.
"Hahaha, damn cops! I used to think you were so brave, but when faced with danger, you're just cowards. You're just spineless cowards wearing police uniforms. Now I, the Punisher of Hell, am here to purge your sins! Pull out your tongues!"
As if commanded, the pincers stretched towards our mouths. These machines appeared to be meticulously crafted with superior technology. Kong Xingchang was undoubtedly a mechanical genius.
But we probably had no chance of arresting him anymore.
Just as the pincers were about to reach my mouth, I could even smell the scent of approaching death...