The figure in black approached slowly, each step exuding a chilling sense of oppression, as if a demon from the darkness was gradually swallowing the light.
Su Mu's expression was grave as he carefully laid Mei Yi down on the ground, his movements gentle as if afraid to disturb her slumber.
Then, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the silver needle he had carried with him at all times, gripping it tightly in his hand.
He was acutely aware that the situation he faced tonight was extremely perilous, with life and death hanging in the balance.
However, in order to uncover the truth hidden behind it all and to give an account to the innocent lives lost, he had no way out; he could only risk everything and fight with all his might.
"Who are you? Why are you so insane, insisting on Murder and Silence?" Su Mu's eyes widened in fury, his voice booming like thunder in the air, filled with anger and questioning.
Yet, the figures in black were like emotionless machines, ignoring Su Mu's inquiries completely.
They remained silent, coldly brandishing their gleaming blades as they lunged at Su Mu like hungry wolves.
Su Mu's figure flickered as he nimbly dodged the fierce attacks of the black-clad assailants.
At the same time, the silver needle in his hand shot out like lightning, accurately striking several of the attackers.
A few muffled groans echoed as those hit by the needles collapsed to the ground.
However, there were simply too many enemies pouring in relentlessly.
Despite Su Mu's exceptional skills, as time passed, he began to feel increasingly overwhelmed.
Sweat trickled down his forehead, soaking his clothes, and his breathing grew more rapid.
At that critical moment, a clear and melodious whistle suddenly echoed from outside the temple.
Upon hearing this signal, the originally aggressive figures in black instantly halted their attack and, without hesitation, turned to flee into the depths of the night, disappearing without a trace in the blink of an eye.
Seeing this, Su Mu wanted to immediately chase after them and capture the culprits, but he restrained his impulse and stopped. At this moment, it was more important to return to Mei Yi's side and check on her injuries.
When he reached Mei Yi again, his heart plummeted—he saw that the arrow deeply embedded in her body was coated with a deadly poison, and she had already lost all signs of life, clearly having succumbed to her injuries.
Looking at Mei Yi's lifeless face felt like a thousand blades piercing his heart; he was overwhelmed with grief.
Tears uncontrollably streamed down his cheeks, falling onto the cold ground.
However, he knew he could not dwell in sorrow; he had to uncover the truth quickly and avenge Mei Yi.
Gently, he lifted Mei Yi's lifeless body as if cradling the most precious treasure in the world. He walked with utmost caution, fearful of disturbing Mei Yi's eternal slumber. Finally, he laid her down beside the statue in the Little Temple and carefully arranged her clothing so that she appeared to be peacefully asleep.
After doing all this, Su Mu took a deep breath to steady himself and began to search meticulously within the dilapidated Little Temple.
He overlooked no corner, examining every inch of the walls, floor, and those old decorations. Time passed second by second, but he never abandoned his quest for clues.
His perseverance paid off; after a thorough search, Su Mu finally discovered a hint at the base of the statue.
He keenly sensed that there seemed to be a hidden mechanism there and gently pressed down on a protruding stone block.
With a soft click, the base of the statue slowly shifted aside, revealing a concealed compartment.
In the hidden compartment lay a yellowed booklet and a crystal-clear jade pendant.
Su Mu eagerly picked up the booklet and opened the cover, revealing it filled with densely packed text.
As he delved deeper into the reading, astonishing secrets gradually unfolded before him.
It turned out that the Master of Zhuang from Jingming Villa was actually the leader of a mysterious organization!
This organization had been secretly engaged in the heinous act of smuggling prohibited drugs.
Even more shocking was that the Current Wife of the Liu Family Head was also one of the partners in this organization!
The cause of the Liu Family Head's ex-wife's death was far from what it seemed on the surface.
In reality, she had inadvertently discovered this earth-shattering secret and had met a tragic end through Murder and Silence.
Su Mu tightly grasped the jade pendant in his hand, feeling its coolness seeping into him.
This pendant was identical to the one he had seen at the Liu Family Head's home, though slightly different in color.
At that moment, he suddenly realized that these two pendants must be the key to unlocking all the secrets of Jingming Villa!
As dawn gradually broke, faint morning light filtered through the clouds and bathed the earth, as if draping the world in a sheer veil.
With the booklet and jade pendant firmly in hand, Su Mu stepped out of the tranquil Little Temple with determination.
He knew very well that since stepping into the Little Temple, he had been drawn into a deep, intricate conspiracy with no end in sight.
However, in the face of unknown fears and dangers, Su Mu felt no fear in his heart.
For deep within him burned a fierce flame—an unwavering belief: justice would triumph over evil!
With this steadfast conviction, Su Mu resolutely decided to continue down this thorny path of investigation.
He aimed to uncover the hidden secrets behind Jingming Villa, to ensure that this evil organization received the punishment it deserved, bringing solace to Mei Yi's restless spirit.
Yet, this road was destined to be fraught with challenges; ahead lay unforeseen hardships and life-and-death trials.
After a long journey, Su Mu finally returned to the familiar medical clinic.
As soon as he entered, he wasted no time resting and eagerly took out a small booklet, sitting at the table to study it intently.
This booklet was like a key, detailing the internal layout of Jingming Villa and the patterns of the organization's daily activities.
As he delved deeper into the reading, mysterious puzzles gradually unfolded before him.
Suddenly, a passage caught Su Mu's attention. The booklet mentioned a special herb called Youming Grass, which was said to be a core item in Jingming Villa's smuggling operations.
According to the records, Youming Grass possessed extremely powerful hallucinogenic effects, capable of easily manipulating a person's mind.
But what was concerning was that prolonged use of this herb could cause immeasurable harm to the human body. At this thought, Su Mu couldn't help but furrow his brow, feeling the urgency of the situation.
If the illegal activities of Jingming Villa are not stopped soon, who knows how many innocent people will suffer as a result.
Su Mu was acutely aware of the urgency of the situation; there was no time to waste. He had to act swiftly!
After careful consideration, he resolved that his first stop should be the Liu Family Head's residence, as it was highly likely that a jade pendant identical to the one in his possession was hidden there.
Without delay, Su Mu hurried to the front of the Liu Family Head's home.
Once he arrived, he took a moment to compose himself before stepping through the gates.
Using his expertise in medicine as an excuse, he successfully requested an audience with the Liu Family Head.
The two exchanged polite pleasantries, engaging in lively conversation.
As the atmosphere began to ease, Su Mu seized the opportunity to casually mention the mysterious jade pendant.
Upon hearing this, the Liu Family Head let out a deep sigh, his face clouded with sorrow. "Ah... that jade pendant was left behind by my late wife. Since she passed away, I have treasured it like a gem. Every time I see it, I am reminded of all the moments we shared together, and it comforts my longing heart."
After saying this, the Liu Family Head sighed again, his eyes filled with deep affection for his deceased wife.
Hearing this, Su Mu's heart skipped a beat. He quickly pressed on, "If that is the case, may I have the honor of seeing this relic that carries such profound emotions between you and your wife? Perhaps it could provide some clues that would help in treating your illness."
At first, the Liu Family Head appeared hesitant, seemingly torn.
After all, this was a precious relic of his deceased wife, and it would be inappropriate to show it to others so easily.
However, under the sincere and determined gaze of Su Mu, the Liu Family Head pondered for a moment and was ultimately moved by his earnestness. He nodded in agreement.
He slowly rose and walked to a wooden box placed in the corner, which looked quite old and was locked. Taking out a small, delicate key from his pocket, he carefully inserted it into the lock and turned it gently. With a soft click, the lock opened.
Then, the Liu Family Head slowly lifted the lid of the wooden box and took out a jade pendant, handing it to Su Mu with great solemnity.
Su Mu received the pendant and examined it closely. He found that apart from the difference in color, its shape, size, and patterns were completely identical to the one he held.
He brought the two jade pendants together, and a miracle occurred! The two pieces fit perfectly together, forming a complete circular pendant with a mysterious pattern emerging in the center, resembling a map.
Su Mu's heart surged with joy; he knew he was getting closer to the truth.
Calmly separating the pendants, he returned one to the Liu Family Head and then stood up to take his leave.
After leaving the Liu Family Head's home, Su Mu hurried to Jingming Villa. According to the records in the booklet and the map on the pendant, he found the secret entrance to the villa—a cave hidden behind a waterfall.
Upon entering the cave, Su Mu discovered a hidden world within; a winding passage led deep into the villa.
Torches lit both sides of the passage, illuminating it brightly. Su Mu advanced cautiously, knowing that greater dangers awaited him ahead…
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