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Netherworld Investigator

Spectral Detective: In the Realm of the Dead, The Underworld Detective, 猎罪者, 阴间神探

Native Language Chinese

AuthorNinth Daoist, 道门老九

TypeWeb Novel (CN)

Original Ch.: 836

Translated Ch.: 525

Rank: #1000

Last Update: February 3, 2026

Original Pub.: Hotread

English Pub.: Wuxiaworld

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Netherworld Investigator is a popular novel that blends Action, Mystery, Supernatural and more. Written by the author Ninth Daoist. 525 chapters have been translated, and translation of other chapters is in progress.

Synopsis

Beneath the peaceful façade of the modern world, an undercurrent of shocking crimes roils in the underbelly of society.
Follow Song Yang, the last Traditional Coroner of China, as he navigates through this underworld of violence and debauchery, and uses seemingly common everyday objects like an umbrella, squid ink, and magnets to hunt down serial killers, s*xual predators, real-life vampires, necrophiles, and others who prey upon the innocents and hide behind the fog of supernatural mystery.
There is no mystery too enigmatic for Song Yang to solve, and there is no depth too deep for him to venture into to uncover the truth!

Action Mystery Supernatural

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Editor's Note

💡 Imagine Sherlock Holmes as a traditional Chinese coroner. Song Yang doesn't need high-tech labs; he uses magnets, umbrellas, and ancient forensics to hunt down modern serial killers. It’s a dark, gritty investigation novel that blurs the line between medical science and the supernatural. If you can handle a bit of "face-slapping" and rigid tropes, the gruesome cases and historical detective work are genuinely fascinating.

Experience Curve

Ch. 1–150 (The Traditional Awakening): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – The Peak Hook. The introduction of ancient forensic techniques is fresh and addictive. The first few cases (serial killers, necrophiles) are dark, detailed, and perfectly paced.

Ch. 151–500 (The Supernatural Shift): ⭐⭐⭐ – The Transition. The story shifts from grounded detective work to heavy supernatural elements (ghosts, spirits, and witchcraft). This is where some readers drop, as the "logic" starts to rely on mystical artifacts.

Ch. 501–836 (The Legacy War): ⭐⭐⭐ – The Conclusion. The overarching plot regarding the "Dagger Society" and Song Yang's family legacy takes center stage. While some arcs feel repetitive, the ending provides full closure for the dedicated reader.

WebNovelDB Review

7 /10

A uniquely macabre forensic thriller that shines brightest in its investigations, despite relying on familiar character tropes.

The Good: Forensic Ingenuity. The "Knowledge Porn" regarding traditional Chinese forensics (TUD) is the highlight. Seeing the MC solve a crime using common objects like squid ink or a paper umbrella provides a satisfying "Aha!" moment every time.

The Bad: Robotic Side Characters. The side characters often exist purely to be "idiots" for the MC to correct. The "Best Friend" character is frequently used as a punching bag or a source of forced comedy, which can break the dark immersion.

For Fans Of: My House of Horrors (for the creepy vibes), Genius Detective, and CSI enthusiasts who want an Eastern mystical twist.

Not For You If: You hate "face-slapping" tropes where every professional cop is incompetent, or if you want a purely scientific detective story without ghosts.

WebNovelDB Team

Key Information

Main Characters: Song Yang: The last descendant of a legendary family of coroners, blending deductive logic with ancient mysticism.

Power System: Traditional Forensics (TUD): Not magic, but "hidden science"—using ancient recipes, physical tools, and spiritual chants to reveal clues invisible to modern tech.

Themes: Justice vs. Cruelty, Ancient Heritage in a Modern World, and the Macabre Reality of Human Depravity.

Similar To: Genius Detective, Plague Doctor

Reading Progress

Not Started Chapters: 0 Rating: -

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