Cheng Shi furrowed his brow, sorting through the clues he had heard. After a moment of contemplation, he ruled out the possibility that the killer was a follower of decay.
decay and prosperity are opposing Faiths, but if His followers were to kill someone in a place protected by prosperity, the body would inevitably show traces of "decay."
This would be considered a provocation of Faith, a way to glorify their Lord.
However, the bodies had no wounds, which clearly indicated the killer was creating an atmosphere of fear.
To achieve such an effect, the killer's Faith was likely corruption or Death itself.
The reason for considering the killer's Faith was not for anything else, but simply to solve the puzzle.
It's important to know that Death and prosperity are both on the Fate of Life. Although Their promoted wills are somewhat divergent, They are not opposing.
This can be seen from bloom awaits wither.
It only protects individuals within their normal lifespan, and when an individual reaches the end of their life, it allows them to die.
Because prosperity strives for the maximum prosperity of the individual, not immortality.
After all, in the Fate of Life, Death is the finale.
Based on this, Cheng Shi couldn't help but start thinking.
The Trial of Death ultimately requires sacrificing a certain offering to Him.
So this time, is it sacrificing a follower of corruption who deliberately created the killings but distorted the original Death method of the residents, or is it continuing the method of the Death follower to kill the target that He might be very interested in?
One is to catch the killer, and the other is to help the killer kill.
These two choices can be said to be diametrically opposed.
Once the wrong choice is made, it is very likely to fall into an abyss.
Just as Cheng Shi was frowning and thinking carefully, not far from him, another Player was also deep in thought with his head down.
Wei Guan obviously also knew that the clue to solving the puzzle was in the Executive Law Bureau, so he was a step ahead of Cheng Shi and had been staying there for a while.
When he saw his teammates arriving one after another, he snorted coldly and left disdainfully.
Seeing Wei Guan's departure, Cheng Shi couldn't help but chuckle.
The followers of foolishness are arrogant and never like to associate with others. His departure at this time, he didn't know if he had figured something out or if he disliked discussing a case with others.
After obtaining the relevant information, Cheng Shi left the Executive Law Bureau and casually wandered around the town for a while.
It wasn't until the sun set, the streets became increasingly deserted, and the residents' faces grew more and more panicked, that he strolled back to the inn.
At this time, the first floor of the inn was crowded with people. The other four teammates had already sat down at a wooden table, waiting for him to return.
Cheng Shi greeted everyone and took a seat among them.
His gaze inadvertently swept across the corner of the stairs and found the Ascetic Monk standing in the shadows, his eyes staring straight at them, just meeting Cheng Shi's gaze.
Cheng Shi was startled, then smiled and nodded in greeting.
The other party's face was expressionless, and his gaze did not move.
What kind of person is this, isn't he tired of standing all day?
Fang Jue saw that everyone was in place and began to preside over the overall situation.
"Let's talk about the information. I'll summarize what I saw and thought today, and everyone can fill in the gaps."
Ruler are indeed the most organized profession. All the basic information about Eternal Bloom Town was shared in an orderly manner under his meticulous arrangement, down to every single detail.
The content was so detailed, it didn't seem like something one person could have gathered in an afternoon; it was more like a report compiled by a large team after a month of background checks!
Cheng Shi was inwardly surprised and felt that Fang Jue's ability was a bit too strong.
If the managers of some fund companies had this level, he wouldn't have lost so much before the Gods descended.
They are all dogs who only take money and don't work!
After Fang Jue finished his eloquent speech, the others nodded in agreement, only Wei Guan snorted coldly and said disdainfully:
"Extremely redundant."
Fang Jue didn't mind at all, spreading his hands to indicate it was their turn.
Du Xiguang, however, spoke up for him, saying:
"Then why don't you share your brilliant insights?"
Wei Guan squinted at Du Xiguang and sneered:
"So eager to gain without effort? A brain that never thinks will only become increasingly stupid. If you want to get answers from me, first prove your worth."
"Pfft."
Cheng Shi really couldn't hold back and laughed.
His laugh attracted everyone's attention.
Seeing everyone looking at him, and Wei Guan's gaze even more disdainful, Cheng Shi quickly waved his hand and said:
"Sorry, I couldn't help it. It's the first time I've seen someone say freeloading so righteously. It's quite an eye-opener."
His words were clearly mocking Wei Guan, but Wei Guan didn't react. Instead, the others looked at Cheng Shi with much more friendly eyes.
Indeed, people are friendly because of idiots.
As long as you stay away from idiots, everyone can get along harmoniously.
Du Xiguang also smiled. Whether he really wanted to prove himself or didn't want to wait for Wei Guan's response, he directly stated his thoughts.
Like Cheng Shi's idea, it was nothing more than choosing one of two paths.
It was a very ordinary way to solve the puzzle, but also the most secure way.
Cheng Shi kept nodding in agreement. The two looked at each other and immediately felt a sense of camaraderie.
It's hilarious. I never thought I would one day stand on the same side as a Memory follower.
Yun Ni did not add any other details. She only shared what she saw during the autopsy.
"The Executive Law Bureau doesn't have anything like a morgue. The bodies of the four deceased were placed in the archives. I examined them from head to toe and indeed found no wounds.
Rather than murder, this is more like casting a curse."
"An underground curse?" Cheng Shi asked in surprise.
Yun Ni gave him a side glance and nodded irritably:
"Yes, this method of killing usually comes from underground. It's probably corruption spreading fear. Creating fear and drawing shivers is also a form of desire's sinking."
Yun Ni's guess was decisive, but it had some merit.
However, each Player had their own judgment, and this kind of overly subjective guess was difficult to get everyone's common approval.
Next, it was Cheng Shi's turn. Cheng Shi did not hide anything. He briefly described the findings that others had not mentioned, and then, carefully considering the various clues, he thought about where the key to breaking the situation lay.
Fang Jue looked at Cheng Shi thoughtfully and joked:
"You really don't seem like His follower."
Cheng Shi knew what he meant, that he was acting too "Orderly."
However, Cheng Shi suddenly smiled and replied playfully to Fang Jue:
"Don't you think that getting close to Order, for me, is also a form of Chaos?"
Fang Jue was somewhat amused by these words, but the look in his eyes hidden beneath his smile clearly became serious.
Indeed.
Making a chaos follower no longer chaotic, in its essence, is an even deeper form of chaos.
Originally, Fang Jue felt that Cheng Shi was not worth paying too much attention to.
But now, a hint of killing intent actually rose in his heart.
Discovering an opposing believer with profound Divinity comprehension is not good news.
Cheng Shi didn't know what Fang Jue was thinking. After stating his opinion, he threw the topic to Wei Guan.
This follower of foolishness, who had a look of "I'm not targeting anyone, I'm saying everyone here is trash," had been listening all night and still hadn't offered a single brilliant insight.
This was truly annoying.
"Okay, the foolish Players have contributed their ideas. Now it's time for the smart Player to comment."
Wei Guan sneered and turned to leave.
As he walked, he loudly mocked:
"Your thoughts are worthless and not worthy of knowing the answer."
This remark even angered the good-tempered Fang Jue. He slammed the table and stood up, saying sternly:
"Leaving here means you will give up your cooperation with us."
Fang Jue's voice unconsciously incorporated some of the Singer's skill effects, which had a very deterrent effect.
Many people in the inn heard it and turned to look.
But Wei Guan didn't slow down at all. The direction he was heading was not the room on the second floor, but the main door of the inn.
"You don't even qualify for the word 'cooperation' with me. My Time is limited, and I'm not here to alleviate poverty."
With that, he pushed open the door of the inn.
And just at that moment, the inn's doorman grabbed the corner of his clothes and reminded him fearfully:
"This distinguished guest, even if you had an argument with your companions, I still want to remind you:
The night is not safe now.
The Executive Law Bureau has already announced a curfew recommendation.
Staying in the inn is the best choice, please be cautious!"
Wei Guan sneered and mocked:
"Cowardice and foolishness have always gone hand in hand.
I already know the answer, so I naturally won't be afraid of any so-called killer.
Moreover, his methods, in my eyes, are equally foolish."
With that, he swept away the doorman's hand and walked straight out.
The moment the door was slammed shut, a surprisingly unified low curse sounded from the Players' table.
"Idiot."
...