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墨書 Inktalez
Nie Qiuyuan was the first to stand up and asked, "Don't rush, take your time. What happened?"
The newcomer stammered, "It's Vice Hall Master, Vice Hall Master... he has been murdered!"
I felt a bit speechless. This was the second murder I had encountered since arriving in the Tang Dynasty, and the frequency reminded me of my favorite anime, Detective Conan. Wherever Conan went, someone was bound to die in various ways; at this rate, it felt like all the people in Tokyo would be dead soon. I couldn't help but wonder if my fate would be similar.
I felt a pang of anxiety. As an unmarried woman, I had no opportunity to see the scene of the crime. Without firsthand experience and lacking a camera, what could I possibly do to help?
To my surprise, Nie Qiuyuan glanced at me and decisively said, "The situation is unclear, and we don't know if the murderer is still in the village. Liuying, stay close to me and don't wander off!"
Oh brother, you truly are my savior! So understanding! Although he probably couldn't fathom this layer of thought.
We rushed into the scene. The people from Wanzi Mountain were indeed seasoned individuals from the martial world; they quickly secured the area upon discovering it, preventing much damage.
The victim was Master Luo Guan Sheng from Zhongtong Hall, and he lay in his bedroom—specifically, on his bed.
I parted my lips slightly, feigning a look of panic as I hid behind Nie Qiuyuan. Peeking out from behind him, I cautiously observed the scene while inadvertently clutching the back of his clothing. Being so close, I could feel his body warmth where our fingers touched and caught a whiff of his fresh soap scent.
"When did you become so timid? This isn't like you at all!" Luo Dachun shot me a sideways glance with disdain. "Oh right, I forgot—you've started over!"
I had grown accustomed to his remarks and ignored him, maintaining a weak and timid demeanor that surely appeared endearing. Unfortunately, Nie Qiuyuan blocked my view from him.
Though I felt nothing in my heart, I thought it necessary to display some fear because this scene must have been quite terrifying to an ordinary person. When Han Meilan rushed in through the door, she let out a startled gasp that drew everyone's attention.
However, I could tell she was genuinely shocked. Her bird-like demeanor made me internally scoff.
Vice Hall Master Luo lay straight on his bed, dressed in his usual clothes, which were slightly disheveled. He was sprawled out in a large letter "T" shape, with a thick rope wrapped around his neck. The other end of the rope was looped over the post of the canopy above the bedside and tied to a sturdy wooden cabinet, lifting his head off the bed.
Logically, tying a rope to furniture to strangle someone seems impractical; any martial artist with strength could easily break free if the furniture toppled over. However, the furniture in Wanzi Mountain was different—rough and heavy, making it difficult to move. Vice Hall Master was indeed unfortunate.
Given Vice Hall Master's impressive martial skills, it stands to reason that his killer must have been quite strong as well, at least equal in skill. Moreover, I noticed that the murder took place in the bedroom, yet there were hardly any signs of a struggle. Could it be someone familiar?
Luo Dachun moved gracefully around the room, carefully inspecting the items on the scene while using a white handkerchief as padding (showing remarkable awareness). Suddenly, a complex expression crossed his face as he slowly stood up and took a few light steps, looking somewhat forlorn. Just as I was taken aback by this moment, Luo Dachun swiftly extended his folding fan towards Young Master Mu's chest, aiming for a vital point.
I believed Luo Dachun must possess exceptional martial arts skills because I could barely see his movements; if he aimed at me, I would surely be incapacitated. Martial arts truly seemed more formidable in ancient times! However, Young Master Mu was no slouch; he elegantly dodged the attack with a graceful movement and countered by attempting to seize Luo Dachun's wrist.
The two exchanged several blows, punctuated by sounds akin to "hey" and "ha," before they dramatically clashed palms with a loud "bang," each stepping back three paces.
It turned out that the fighting techniques described in martial arts novels were indeed real!
Young Master Mu frowned. Luo Dachun's left hand hooked onto something's tassel and lifted it high. "This was found tucked in Vice Hall Master's pillow seam, Brother Zilong. I remember this is your ornament."
Young Master Mu was taken aback. "This is indeed my item. However, after drinking with some brothers last night, it went missing, and I didn't think much of it. What does this mean?"
Luo Dachun replied sadly, "I have been getting along well with Brother Zilong these days, but I never expected it would come to this. You are indeed skilled in martial arts but have kept it hidden so well. How could such martial prowess be knocked down by our carriage?"
I felt my perception of Luo Dachun's intelligence shift. His actions indicated that he had discerned the murderer possessed great strength and skill. Furthermore, upon discovering the items at the scene, he did not alert anyone but instead caught Young Master Mu off guard, forcing him to reveal his martial abilities.
"So you suspect me of being the murderer?" Young Master Mu's expression turned cold. "Indeed, I do not know how my jade pendant ended up here. But I was struck by the carriage because my mind was elsewhere. Whether you believe me or not, I am not the murderer."
Luo Dachun was about to speak again when Nie Qiuyuan stepped forward and stopped him with a hand. "Da Chun, calm down. The jade pendant here cannot represent that the person is a murderer. There are many possibilities."
His beautiful eyes quietly gazed at the tragic scene, exuding an aura as calm and steady as autumn leaves gently falling to the ground, which naturally soothed the restless, fearful, and anxious hearts of those around him. I was astonished; this was a kind of presence I had never encountered before, conquering everything with tranquility amidst chaos.
I was indeed captivated; I had long been enchanted by him, but never had I felt such an internal shock as I did in this moment.
I could clearly sense that he must have noticed many discrepancies at this scene. There is something timeless that can only be uncovered with patience, peeling away the layers of fog without trembling fingers to find the singular truth hidden deep within.
"Anatomy of Flowers."
"The victim was likely murdered around three last night," Nie Qiuyuan said. "Investigate who else had unusual movements last night. Pay special attention to anyone who interacted with Young Master Mu during the banquet—strangers."
Indeed, if it were someone from the mountain, they would have acted long ago. While it wasn't impossible, the likelihood was low.
"Brother Nie," Han Meilan weakly interjected, "if it was a stranger, that would be terrible. Just a few days ago marked one month since the Chief was buried, and Second Mother invited an entire troupe of performers up the mountain to sing the Chief's favorite pieces. That troupe consists of dozens of people!"
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