"If we start analyzing from the anomalies, this case still has many unsolved mysteries."

"The foremost is the issue of the primary death scene."

"The site investigation report shows that the signs of vegetation around the corpse do not match with natural falls."

"Captain, if the primary scene isn't here, does it mean the deceased was transported here, and then the perpetrator meticulously created this suicide disguise?"

Suddenly, Wan blurted out.

Jiang An looked at him approvingly, "A very good thought."

"Although we couldn't find a complete rope, the few strands of cloth left on the branches speak volumes."

He turned to the head of the evidence division, "Mr. Zhang, remember to send these cloth strips to the Micro Substance Research Institute for component analysis during the next site reinvestigation."

"We need to test not only the material but also conduct trace element analysis to see if we can deduce the rope's origin and usage marks."

Mr Li thoughtfully stroked his chin, "This suggestion is very valuable."

"Specialized rope might point to specific industries, like mountaineering gear or industrial ropes."

"Confirming the material characteristics could narrow the scope of the investigation."

Jiang An continued, "Based on existing evidence, I tend to think the place where the corpse was found on the mountainside is likely the secondary scene."

"The killer made at least three layers of disguise: First, deliberately concealing the deceased's identity information, clearing all personal belongings."

"Second, using special ropes to hang the body, intricately laid out as a suicide disguise."

"Third..." He enlarged the close-up photo of the skull, "This linear fracture in the occipital area is highly suspicious, edges neat, force point focused, more like resulting from an external blow."

At this point, he suddenly turned to Mr Li.

"By the way, which forensic doctor was in charge of the autopsy last time? How are his professional qualifications?"

Wang Yang from the criminal investigation team immediately replied, "It was Forensic Doctor Zhou, who has been working at the Forensic Center in Chuan City for more than twenty years and participated in solving major cases like the '3/12 Serial Murder Case,' definitely top-notch skills."

Mr Li added, "Mr. Zhou's experience is unquestionable, but after all, he's getting older, and some subtle damage might be overlooked."

"If Mr. Jiang has doubts, we can re-examine the skeletal remains."

"Let's do it."

Jiang An said, "For a skeletonized body, the nature of fractures is crucial in determining the cause of death."

"We need a systematic examination of the entire skeleton, especially the ribs and long bones of the limbs, to check for defensive injuries or restraint marks."

"All these can help us reconstruct the real scene at the time of the crime."

Chen Biao, who had been silent, couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Jiang, can we determine the cause of death based solely on fracture characteristics?"

"Isn't that a bit too arbitrary?"

"Good question."

Jiang An picked up the skull model on the table, "Different types of fractures can reflect different injury tools and forces."

"The characteristics of the fractures are important bases for the subsequent analysis."

Upon hearing this, Chen Biao silently gave a thumbs up.

Mr Li suddenly sighed heavily, "Even though we've identified the facial features of the deceased through craniofacial reconstruction technology, his identity information has no connection with the crime scene."

"This case is probably more complicated than we imagined."

Wang Yang closed the case file, his voice slightly trembling, "I'm increasingly realizing the initial thought that this was a simple suicide case was too naive."

"Finding the skull now makes the case even more confusing, as if... as if we've just lifted the first layer of the puzzle."

At this moment, the sky outside gradually darkened, clouds pressing low, as if a storm was brewing.

Jiang An walked to the window and said softly, "No matter how many labyrinths the killer sets, the truth will always be there, like this mountain, waiting for us to discover."

Mr Li glanced at the clock and rubbed his reddening eyes, "Regarding tomorrow's work deployments, do you have any constructive suggestions?"

At this moment, although Jiang An participated in the case as an externally hired criminal investigation expert, he had completely integrated into the team.

Everyone turned their expectant eyes to him.

"Mr Li,"

Jiang An cleared his hoarse throat, "I have some immature thoughts on the direction of this serial murder case investigation."

He paused for a moment, "First, I suggest immediately conducting a second thorough examination of the deceased's skeletal remains."

"Particularly paying attention to examining those easily overlooked minor fracture marks, such as the hyoid and nasal bones."

"Using 3D reconstruction technology to restore the damage formation mechanism is crucial for determining the crime tool and perpetrator characteristics."

"Secondly, I suggest expanding the investigation radius from the crime scene to 5 kilometers around."

"Focus on screening three categories of individuals: first, those with a history of violent crimes, especially those jailed due to emotional or economic disputes."

"Second, itinerant populations whose household registration or permanent residence overlaps with the deceased's hometown."

"Third, individuals whose job specifics require frequent travel between two places, like long-distance drivers, couriers, etc."

"Lastly," Jiang An's voice suddenly turned grave, "we must quickly reconstruct the deceased's life trajectory."

Wang Yang and Chen Biao both showed expressions of sudden enlightenment.

Mr Li nodded thoughtfully, "Mr. Jiang's suggestions are very professional and comprehensive."

He glanced around the group, his voice suddenly rising a few notches.

Mr Li looked at his watch, its surface gleaming coldly under the light, "It's now 4:20 AM."

"Everyone, take advantage of this time to rest. Gather at 8:30 AM tomorrow morning, giving everyone an extra half hour to adjust."

Finally, he turned his sharp gaze towards Wang Yang.

"Divide the criminal investigation team into three special groups: the first group, please have Mr. Jiang lead, cooperating with Forensic Doctor Zhou for re-examination of the bones."

"Mr. Zhou was involved in the initial post-mortem, most familiar with the bones' original state."

"Pay special attention to the tiny fracture points mentioned by Expert Jiang; if necessary, apply for the use of micro-CT scanning."

"The second group led by Mr. Wang will be responsible for the surrounding site investigation, which should be as meticulous as combing through hair."

"Besides the three categories of key individuals mentioned by Mr. Jiang, pay special attention to those recently resigning, moving, or displaying abnormal behavior; create a complete activity log for every suspicious individual."

Finally, Mr Li's gaze fell on Chen Biao, "Mr. Chen, take the third group to the deceased's hometown tomorrow."

"Investigate the deceased's social network, check economic exchanges, and communication records."

"Pay particular attention to whether the deceased had any enmities before death, and..."

He gave a meaningful pause, "whether there are any Chuan City contacts."

"Yes!"

Chen Biao snapped to attention, saluting crisply, the training boot making a sharp sound on the floor.

"I plan to take two officers familiar with the local dialect, conducting visits under the guise of a population census to avoid alerting the suspects."

After some arrangements, Mr Li specifically walked over to Jiang An, patting his shoulder.

"Captain Jiang, Comrade Wang Junjie, Comrade Zhang Yean, we truly owe it to you today."

His voice was filled with sincere gratitude, "Your presence saved us from a lot of detours."

"From you, I felt the strong case-solving capability of criminal investigation in Jiangcheng."

"On behalf of Chuan City's criminal investigation, thank you for your support. Please share your guidance generously."

Jiang An quickly waved his hand, a modest smile on his face, "Mr Li, you're too kind."

"Criminal investigation is a family everywhere!"

"What matters in criminal investigation work is team collaboration; we merely offered some professional perspectives."

Then, Jiang An turned to look out at the pitch-black night sky, his tone suddenly becoming firm.

"I believe, as long as we grasp the main thread of time-space trajectory, we can soon tear through the perpetrator's disguise."

In this sleepless night, everyone was aware that tomorrow awaited a tough battle against time.