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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, there will be a concert in the city themed 'Revival of Lost Ancient Instruments.' It is said that they will be recreating an ancient instrument that has been lost for a long time. Can you guess what it is?"
The other three exchanged glances and spoke in unison, "Ancient Konghou?"
Xiaoshuang nodded. "That's right. The organizer is a reclusive musician named Mo Wen, who specializes in the restoration and recreation of ancient instruments. He is known as the 'Contemporary Revivalist of Ancient Music.' He has been overseas for many years and is returning specifically to hold this concert."
She pointed to the paper 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 influential figures in Spring City. If the Gui Xu Society really intends to use the Ancient Konghou to manipulate people's hearts, this is an excellent opportunity to catch them all."
Lin Mingchang took the list from Xiaoshuang. "Mo Wen... It looks like I need to meet this guy."
However, before Lin Mingchang could take any action, another antique dealer was found dead. 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 by 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. When he went inside, he discovered Mr. Chen's body in his study on the second floor."
As they stepped into the study, Shen Tong paused for a moment. The Death Qi in the room was identical to what she had seen on Han Mingshan — that rhythmic wave-like Death Qi flowed through the air like some eerie musical score.
Chen Rongsheng lay sprawled beside his desk in a silk robe, his body curled up with numerous note-shaped wounds on his chest and arms, similar to those on previous victims. There were no bloodstains at the scene; any blood had already congealed around the wounds.
Fang Zigui crouched down to examine the body and pulled out a small porcelain bottle from his pocket, sprinkling a bit of white powder onto the wounds. The moment the powder touched them, it turned deep purple.
"Just like with Han Mingshan, the killer used Xue Ning San during the murder. It seems we are dealing with the same perpetrator without a doubt."
Shen Tong approached the desk, which was cluttered with ledgers and documents, alongside a cup of tea that had gone cold. In the center of the desk lay an open ancient book that stood out prominently; several pages had been flipped through frequently, 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 snapped a few photos. "Sister Tongtong, look at this page — 'Emperor's Konghou,' an imperial instrument used in Tang dynasty courts... later it fell into common use..."
Lin Mingchang took over reading from the book: "'Emperor's Konghou' has a clear and distant tone; it is said that playing specific scores can create a Yoke of Hearts effect, entrancing listeners and controlling their minds... This sounds like some sort of hypnosis."
"Not just hypnosis," Shen Tong said softly. "If Gui Xu Society really has rebuilt this instrument... it would be harder to guard against than mere drugs or plagues; sound is intangible and can simultaneously affect large groups of people..."
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!"
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