461: Chapter 461 Acting Competition, The Eerie Little Building

As soon as this bold guess was made, the noisy rest area seemed to quiet down a bit.

Fang Cheng, Lin Chuqiao, and Bailing all instinctively looked not far away at the Chen Family relatives gathered together, either sorrowful or panicked.

The three looked at each other, then tacitly walked to a secluded viewing window before standing still again.

"I lean more towards the latter, and judging from the current benefits, Second Young Master Chen Xuan has the greatest suspicion."

Lin Chuqiao let out a soft sigh and continued to analyze calmly:

"The eldest grandson is seriously injured, and the youngest grandson died a tragic death. One is already the person in power over the Family industries, and the other is the Old Madam's favorite."

"Both of them are ahead of Second Young Master Chen Xuan in the inheritance ranking. After accidents happen to them, Second Young Master Chen Xuan can logically take over the supreme power of the Family."

"Also, have you noticed..."

Lin Chuqiao's gaze swept across Fang Cheng and Bailing as she continued:

"That sorcerer is extremely vicious when dealing with external investigators, seeking to kill with a single blow. The tragic state of death is like warning outsiders not to meddle in the affairs of the Chen Family."

"At the same time, the methods he used on the Chen Family members appear relatively 'mild'; either dying silently in their sleep, or accidentally falling from a building or getting into a car accident, without deliberate torture."

"Combining everything, this matter looks more like a premeditated internal purge to clear obstacles to inheritance."

"What about Third Young Master Chen Qiming? He is also very strange!"

Bailing listened from the side with wide eyes and couldn't help interjecting:

"Those eyes of his are like they have hooks; at a glance, he's no good. Just now he even wanted to flirt with Sister Xiaochu, maybe he harbors malicious intentions and has some schemes."

As she spoke, she wrinkled her nose with a look of disgust.

"I originally felt that Second Young Master Chen Xuan was very suspicious, but now, on the contrary, I feel he is refined and gentle, and a pretty good person. I hate this Third Young Master Chen even more!"

Lin Chuqiao let out an involuntary laugh and patted the back of Bailing's hand:

"Although Chen Qiming is unruly, his personality is too flamboyant and he cannot keep secrets; he doesn't look like someone who can plan such a meticulous sorcery case."

She paused and added:

"Moreover, I indirectly asked the servants, and Second Young Master Chen Xuan's relationship with the Old Madam has always been bad. The Old Madam values the capable eldest grandson more, and Second Young Master Chen Xuan's talent in Cultivate is very ordinary, so he has always been marginalized in the Family."

"Under this situation, he indeed has the motive to use sorcery to disrupt the original order of the Chen Family."

"However, the only thing that puzzles me is..."

Speaking of this, Lin Chuqiao slightly knitted her willow-like eyebrows, revealing a hint of doubt:

"Since Second Young Master Chen Xuan has already obtained the management power of the Family, and Chen Qiming has no competitiveness against him anymore, he has no need to harm people again."

"Why did he still launch a vicious attack on the Chen Family Old Madam last night? What he should target the most right now are outsiders like us who are investigators."

"Someone did target me last night."

Fang Cheng suddenly spoke, his voice not loud, but it made the two women's hearts tremble instantly.

"What?"

Hearing this, Lin Chuqiao's expression tightened, and she couldn't help taking a step forward, reaching out to gently touch Fang Cheng's arm, her eyes full of concern:

"Are you okay? Were you hurt anywhere?"

Bailing also leaned over with a very nervous face, even lightening her breathing:

"Great Master, did that sorcerer cast a sorcery spell on you?"

Fang Cheng smiled and shook his head, then briefly recounted what happened last night:

"I was originally sitting in Meditation in my room when I suddenly felt a cold Yin Qi approaching. As soon as my eyes opened, I saw a ghost shadow condensed from black smoke rushing towards me."

"This ghost shadow didn't have much attacking power, it should be some kind of evil object controlled by someone. After driving it away, I planned to follow the vine to catch the melon and follow it to find the mastermind behind the scenes."

"Unexpectedly, the opponent was very alert and soon realized they were being tracked, directly destroying that ghost shadow."

"I didn't give up, continuing to chase into the woods in the northwest corner of the manor. As a result, the opponent was prepared in advance, setting up a snake formation there to stop me, and taking the opportunity to forcefully cut off my mental lock."

"Then, I heard exclamations coming from the mansion, thinking something happened to the two of you, so I immediately rushed back."

"Ghost shadow? Snake formation?"

Bailing widened her eyes, her face turning a bit paler, as if associating with some disgusting images.

"That should be 'Hungry Ghost Sorcery'."

Lin Chuqiao knitted her brows tightly, her expression solemn:

"Hungry Ghost Sorcery is the legendary ghost-raising technique. The sorcerer uses their own vital blood to feed the hungry ghosts, making the hungry ghosts completely under their control, and then sends them out to harm people."

"This kind of hungry ghost is generally captured from the Inner World, which is extremely heavy with Yin Qi. Once domesticated, it will establish a life-and-death connection with the sorcerer. As long as the sorcerer doesn't die, the hungry ghost will not completely dissipate, and it is very difficult to deal with using ordinary methods."

"Moreover, people possessed by the hungry ghost sorcery will instantly lose their sanity and become extremely hungry. That kind of hunger is not a normal desire to eat, but a craving for the flesh and blood of living things, and they will frantically gnaw on all living things around them."

"If they can't find food, they will even bite their own body's flesh and blood until they gnaw themselves beyond recognition and die in agony..."

As she spoke, Lin Chuqiao's gaze turned to Bailing, sweeping across her pale face:

"The chill of 'being tracked' that you felt in the living room last night was very likely that hungry ghost wandering around, looking for a new target."

"Wah!"

Hearing this, Bailing shivered all over, instinctively leaning closer to Lin Chuqiao, her voice carrying lingering fear:

"Can we quickly find this pervert? Staying in that spooky mansion of the Chen Family, I always feel a chill down my spine."

Fang Cheng then smiled slightly:

"I already have some clues about where the murderer is hiding."

Bailing's spirits perked up, and she eagerly pursued:

"Where?"

Lin Chuqiao reacted extremely quickly, immediately looking at Fang Cheng and guessing:

"You mean, near that forest last night?"

Fang Cheng nodded, looking confident:

"Now is a good opportunity. The Chen Family members are all gathered in the hospital. Whether it is Second Young Master Chen Xuan or Chen Qiming, they have to stay here to deal with relatives and handle the aftermath, unable to get away for the time being."

"We can just take the opportunity to return to the Chen Family and find conclusive evidence."

"What exactly do you plan to do?"

Lin Chuqiao didn't ask much, her eyes full of trust.

"You call Pan Wendi first. I need his ability to assist me in doing something."

Hearing Fang Cheng say this, Lin Chuqiao immediately understood, took out her phone, and dialed the number.

She walked aside, gave a few low instructions, hung up the phone quickly, walked back, and said:

"I asked Wendi to drive to the hospital entrance immediately to wait for you. What is the arrangement next?"

"In a moment, Bailing and I will pretend to need to prepare some tools for tomorrow's action, find an excuse to leave the hospital, and make a trip back to Chen Family Manor."

Fang Cheng explained his plan unhurriedly:

"I have already spread the news of finding clues about the murderer. The guy hiding in the dark definitely knows that our deadline for the Chen Family is tomorrow."

"He definitely won't be able to sit still before tonight, and will definitely be anxious to destroy the evidence and show his flaws."

Speaking of this, Fang Cheng's gaze turned to Lin Chuqiao, with a trace of unconscious concern in his eyes:

"Chuqiao, you stay in the hospital alone and keep an eye on the Chen Family members, especially the actions of those two brothers. Notify me immediately if there is a situation, okay?"

"No problem."

Lin Chuqiao smiled brightly, a trace of slyness flashing in her eyes:

"In broad daylight, and with a protective talisman on me, even if I can't beat them, can't I run away?"

"Besides, can they really snatch a maiden by force in the hospital?"

She deliberately made a joke to dilute the slightly tense atmosphere.

"Okay."

Fang Cheng looked at her relaxed appearance, set his mind at ease, and said in a firm tone:

"No matter who the murderer is, we will know soon."

Between words, he cast his gaze towards the other end of the corridor.

There, the door of the lounge was pulled open.

Second Young Master Chen Xuan and Chen Qiming walked out one after the other. The two didn't know what they were whispering about, and were walking towards them.

Half an hour later, in the tree-lined wealthy district.

A black extended Lincoln was driving smoothly on a road with sparse traffic.

Driving was Pan Wendi.

His appearance today was very different from the past. He had changed into a stiff and straight driver's uniform, wore white gloves on his hands, and even kept his sitting posture deliberately very upright.

The rigorous attire couldn't hide the fatigue between his eyebrows, and he couldn't help letting out a big yawn.

Through the rearview mirror, Pan Wendi could see Fang Cheng and Second Young Master Chen Xuan sitting in the back row.

Fang Cheng's posture was as usual, his gaze occasionally sweeping past the tree shadows outside the window, revealing not much emotion.

Second Young Master Chen Xuan had a solemn face, deep eyes, and said nothing.

"Driver, pay attention."

Fang Cheng's voice came faintly.

"Rest assured, boss, guaranteed to complete the mission!"

Pan Wendi immediately straightened his body, made an OK gesture towards Fang Cheng, and then lowered his voice to explain a few sentences:

"Don't get me wrong, I didn't go out fooling around. Last night I mainly watched some documentaries on sorcery, wanting to preview my homework in advance to help my cousin and you."

"As a result, that thing was even more scary than a horror movie, causing me not to sleep well all night, with my mind full of bugs and skulls..."

Second Young Master Chen Xuan in the back row had a tight face and showed no reaction to his words.

He simply cast his gaze out the window, and that heavy mood at the time of Family crisis was undoubtedly revealed in his eyes.

Seeing this, Pan Wendi didn't say much anymore and continued to Focus on driving.

Ahead, the magnificent gates of the Chen Family Manor were already visible from afar.

He immediately perked up and pressed the horn twice lightly.

In the guard booth beside the gate, a security guard hurried out, reached out to block, and wanted to step forward to question.

When he saw clearly that the person sitting in the car was Second Young Master Chen Xuan, he quickly jogged all the way over and respectfully bowed in greeting:

"Second Young Master, you're back?"

Second Young Master Chen Xuan did not answer, just raised his eyes to look at him, with an indifferent gaze, and raised his chin towards the gate.

"Open the door."

"Yes, yes!"

The guard immediately understood and didn't dare to ask more.

Although he was puzzled in his heart why the Second Young Master came back riding in a strange Lincoln car, he still turned around immediately and notified the central control room via walkie-talkie to open the door.

Screech——

The heavy carved iron gates slowly slid open to both sides.

The vehicle drove in smoothly until it completely left the guard's sight.

The heavy expression on the face of Second Young Master Chen Xuan, who had been tight-faced in the back row, instantly collapsed.

Then, he playfully blinked at Fang Cheng, lowered his voice, and said in a completely different crisp female voice:

"How is it? Was my acting okay?"

"Cut!"

Before Fang Cheng could answer, Pan Wendi, who was driving, turned his head and exaggeratedly gave a thumbs up:

"Perfect! Bailing, with your acting skills, it would be a waste of talent not to win an Oscar!"

"Do you know, that look just now, that aura, was simply Second Young Master Chen Xuan himself."

"Of course!"

Bailing proudly rubbed her somewhat stiff cheeks, recovering her lively nature.

She was born with the superpower to change her appearance and voice, and after the professor's development and training,

this ability had reached the point of being indistinguishable from the real thing, making her an indispensable camouflage master in the team.

"I'm telling you brother, this feeling is too thrilling!"

Pan Wendi rubbed his hands in excitement and kept muttering:

"Just like shooting a spy movie, is it my turn to show off my skills next?"

"Just drive your car well."

Fang Cheng interrupted him and instructed in a calm tone: "This play has only just begun."

Parking the car in the garage, the three walked into the Chen Family mansion.

The servants met along the way, seeing "Second Young Master Chen Xuan" return, all bowed and greeted one after another.

Bailing entered the role again, looking straight ahead, nodding slightly, managing the alienation and majesty of the head of the Family just right.

As soon as they walked into the hall, the housekeeper Li Tiansheng hurried up to greet them with a trace of surprise on his face:

"Second Young Master, why did you come back so soon? The Old Madam she..."

"Grandma's condition is temporarily stable."

Bailing interrupted him in a deep voice, her tone steady:

"I suddenly remembered that when Grandma had the accident last night, some details might have been overlooked."

"Now I'm bringing Mr. Bai back to carefully investigate Grandma's room again. You go get the key to the master bedroom on the third floor."

Li Tiansheng was slightly startled, a trace of doubt flashing in his eyes.

But facing the unquestionable gaze of the "Second Young Master", he still immediately bowed and replied:

"Yes, I'll go get it right away."

Moments later, Li Tiansheng returned with a bunch of keys.

Bailing took them from his hand, weighed them, and then instructed:

"Also, have the kitchen prepare some light breakfast. Later I will pack it and take it to the hospital."

Her words were crisp and her deportment proper. She had completely entered the role of Second Young Master Chen Xuan and actually began to actively assign tasks to this old housekeeper.

Li Tiansheng did not dare to neglect, and hurriedly turned around to handle it.

Until the housekeeper's figure disappeared into the inner hall, Bailing let out a long sigh of relief, made a funny face at Fang Cheng, and stuck out her tongue:

"Whew... scared me to death, this housekeeper Li's eyes are too venomous, I almost couldn't hold it together."

"Not bad, you've already done a great job."

Fang Cheng smiled slightly and encouraged her with a sentence.

The three then came to the third floor and used the key to open Madam Chen Li's room.

A smell of blood mixed with medicine rushed over their faces.

On the carpet, the dried bloodstains presented dark brown marks.

The bed sheets and quilts were extremely messy, and the corners were still stained with a few drops of dark red blood, and a section had fallen onto the floor.

One can imagine how chaotic the scene was last night.

Fang Cheng didn't care about these, walked directly to the bedside, squatted down, stretched out his finger, and gently tapped on a clear crease on the blood-stained carpet.

"Trace Back!"

A section of black and white afterimage instantly flashed in his mind.

Fang Cheng "saw" Madam Chen Li rolling in pain on the bed, as if being pierced through the body by invisible needles.

Eventually rolling off the bed, she fell heavily onto the floor, making a dull thud.

And during her struggle, on the wall at the head of the bed, that fuzzy figure composed of black smoke flashed by once again.

"Great Master, did you discover anything?"

Fang Cheng shook his head and said in a deep voice:

"Just like last time, I only saw a figure, but it was too blurry to see the appearance clearly."

Then he stood up, his gaze swept across the room, and he continuously tried the flashback ability a few times, including perceiving those bloodstains.

But none of them discovered any other valuable clues.

"Then should we go to Second Young Master Chen Xuan and Chen Qiming's rooms to see what good things they hid?"

Bailing shook the bunch of spare keys belonging to the housekeeper in her hand, blinking slyly.

"No need, even if there is something wrong with them, they won't hide important things in their own rooms."

Fang Cheng directly vetoed it and instead said: "Time is short, let's hurry to that forest."

The three quickly went downstairs and left the main residence.

Fang Cheng led Bailing and Pan Wendi, familiarly passing through the flowerbeds in the hinterland of the manor, and soon arrived at the small woods in the northwest corner.

In the woods, hundreds of snake corpses broken in two were scattered all over the ground, and the strong smell of blood and fishy stench mixed together, making one nauseous.

Chen Family Manor is very large, and those servants obviously haven't discovered the abnormal situation here yet.

"Ew..."

As soon as Bailing stepped into the woods, she couldn't help covering her mouth, her stomach churning violently.

Fang Cheng's expression didn't change, and he directly stepped forward, walking over the snake corpses.

Pan Wendi also forced back his discomfort and quickly followed.

"Hey! You guys slow down, wait for me!"

Bailing tiptoed, carefully weaving through the gaps of the snake corpses all over the ground.

That delicate look was simply a completely different person compared to when she used the appearance of Second Young Master Chen Xuan to present herself.

Fortunately, there were no servants around, otherwise this play would probably have given away its cover on the spot.

After the three crossed the woods, a lonely four-story small building appeared before their eyes.

(End of Chapter)