Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Then, Xiaoshuang took out a folded piece of paper from her small bag and spread it out on the table. "I made a discovery today. I found out that in three days, the city will host a concert themed 'Revival of Lost Ancient Instruments.' It is said that they will be recreating an ancient instrument that has long been lost. Can you guess what it is?"
The other three exchanged glances and said in unison, "Ancient Konghou?"
Xiaoshuang nodded. "That's right. The organizer is a reclusive musician named Mo Wen, who specializes in the restoration and revival of ancient instruments. He is known as the 'Contemporary Revivalist of Ancient Music.' He has been overseas for many years and has returned specifically to hold this concert."
She pointed to the paper spread out on the table. "This is the guest list for the concert that I copied from a friend at the newspaper. Look, it includes almost all the powerful figures in Spring City. If the Gui Xu Society really plans to use the Ancient Konghou to manipulate people's hearts, this would be a perfect opportunity to catch them all."
Lin Mingchang took the list recorded by Xiaoshuang. "Mo Wen... It seems I need to meet this guy."
However, before Lin Mingchang could take any action, another murder occurred involving an antique dealer. This time, the victim was one of the largest antique dealers in the south of the city, Chen Rongsheng.
The four hurried to Chen Rongsheng's home, where the scene had already been cordoned off, with several police officers guarding the entrance.
Lin Mingchang jumped out of the car and asked a few questions to the officer at the gate before signaling for the others to follow.
"The deceased is named Chen Rongsheng, fifty-seven years old, and he was a well-known antique dealer," Lin Mingchang explained as they walked. "This morning, his assistant came to open the shop and found the back door ajar. Upon entering, he discovered Mr. Chen's body in his study on the second floor."
As they stepped into the study, Shen Tong paused. The Death Qi in the room was identical to what she had seen on Han Mingshan—an undulating wave of Death Qi that flowed through the air like some eerie musical score.
Chen Rongsheng lay on the floor beside his desk, dressed in a silk robe, his body curled up. His chest and arms were covered with musical note-shaped wounds similar to those on previous victims; there was no blood at the scene as it had already congealed at the wound sites.
Fang Zigui crouched down to examine the body and took out a small porcelain vial from his pocket, pouring a little white powder over the wounds.
As soon as the powder touched the wounds, it turned deep purple.
"Just like with Han Mingshan, the killer used Xue Ning San during the murder. It seems we are undoubtedly dealing with the same perpetrator."
Shen Tong walked toward the desk, which was cluttered with ledgers and documents, alongside a cup of tea that had long gone cold.
In the center of the desk lay an open ancient book that stood out particularly; several pages had been frequently turned, curling at their edges and stained with tea.
"I found something," Shen Tong called everyone over. "This is a book about ancient instruments; judging by its binding and paper quality, it should be a mid-Qing manuscript."
Xiaoshuang leaned closer and quickly took several photos. "Sister Tong, look at this page—'Emperor's Konghou,' an imperial instrument used in Tang Dynasty court... later lost to common folk..."
Lin Mingchang took over reading from the book: "'Emperor's Konghou' produces a clear and distant sound; it is said that playing specific scores can Yoke Hearts, captivating listeners and controlling their minds... This sounds like some form of hypnosis."
"Not just hypnosis," Shen Tong said softly. "If Gui Xu Society really reconstructs this instrument... it would be harder to guard against than mere drugs or plagues; sound is intangible and can affect large groups simultaneously..."
Lin Mingchang handed the book back to Shen Tong. "It seems we can't wait any longer. Shen Tong, you and I will go meet this Mo Wen!"
Comment 0 Comment Count