When a difficult problem has multiple solutions, people often tend to seek the simplest one.
Little do they know, in the process of discerning which solution is the simplest, they have often invisibly increased the difficulty of the problem.
Tarot couldn't be found, leaving only Fang Jue and Mercsius as the two remaining solutions.
In terms of difficulty, Mercsius is naturally easier than Fang Jue.
Since Fang Jue was identified as the murderer, currently, whether it's the Executive Law Bureau or the Grand Tribunal, their surveillance of him must be the strictest.
It's almost impossible to see him.
But Mercsius is different; even if his whereabouts are uncertain, as long as a crucial excuse is found, there's still a chance.
Moreover, Cheng Shi already had an excuse; as long as this excuse was appropriately elaborated upon or exaggerated...
Following a normal person's line of thinking, they would likely try to see Mercsius first.
But Cheng Shi was no ordinary person.
He gave up the idea of actively going to see the two individuals mentioned above, changed his thinking, and decided to let others come find him instead.
As for why he could make them come find him.
That would naturally be...
When Fear Arrives
Cheng Shi walked into an alley, and in the shadows, took out the demigod artifact from his embrace.
The enchanting red light was still so eye-catching, the aura of Death and corruption flowed at the blade's tip, so thick it was horrifying.
The matter was actually very simple: if people still died in the Town while the 'true culprit' was apprehended, then it would indicate that the apprehended 'true culprit' was not necessarily the real one, and at least one more murderer was still at large.
Therefore, now he only needed to find a lucky individual, which could, to a certain extent, clear Fang Jue of suspicion and also ignite Mercsius's 'passion' for continuing the hunt.
However, this lucky individual, who should it be?
Cheng Shi, carrying the sharp weapon, aimlessly wandered the streets of the Town for a day, still unable to select a suitable target.
It wasn't until the moon was high in the sky that He returned to the area outside the inn and saw the group of 'Troubadour' Ados's cronies at the inn entrance.
They were just about to head out and move on to other places.
Cheng Shi smiled knowingly.
See? Didn't they just come?
He quickly caught up with these few people, quietly listening to their sighs from behind.
'After the murderer was caught, the nights have become quiet, how boring.'
'I miss the days when Ados was around. Although the stories He told were scary, at least they were interesting.'
'I think you don't miss Ados, but rather His money.'
'Hahaha, same thing, same thing. Ah, with no big news to talk about, drinking feels less flavorful.'
'...'
These drunks who enjoyed watching the excitement and weren't afraid of things getting bigger didn't care at all if people died; all they cared about was whether they could find some fun and drink and chat freely with others.
If other people were present, they would inevitably scoff at them a couple of times.
But Cheng Shi wouldn't; He would only silently praise them in His heart:
'See? What a great group of target customers, it even makes one put away the desire to kill.'
He pulled His hood tighter, covering His head, then quickened His steps, overtook the crowd, stopped in front of them, and turned back.
The few drunks were startled by Cheng Shi suddenly stopping in front of them. They stopped in confusion and asked one after another:
'Hey, what are you doing? Don't block the way.'
'Go away, I don't have money. Go ask Ados, He has money.'
'Who are you? What are you doing?'
Cheng Shi's face, hidden in the shadow of the hood, chuckled, and He extended His hand from the sleeve of His robe.
Something was tightly clenched in His hand, not very clear under the dim moonlight.
The few people weren't annoyed by Cheng Shi's Silence; on the contrary, they found His behavior quite interesting.
'What is this? What are you trying to sell?'
'Want to spar with us? Do you think you alone can take down five of us?'
'Hey buddy, open your hand and let's see what's inside. If it's something good, I don't mind spending a little money to buy it.'
I was waiting for you to say that!
Cheng Shi's mouth curved upwards, and He said mysteriously:
'Naturally, it's a good thing. I am an alchemist, and this is a medicine I've newly researched. I've named it 'Drunken Life, Dream Death'.
Just taking one pill will immediately put you into a 'dream Death' state. From the outside, you'll look exactly like you're truly dead; even your heart will stop beating.'
'Even the Judges of the Grand Tribunal cannot distinguish between true and false.'
'But!'
'It's different from Death, because in the 'dream Death' state, your five senses won't disappear. You can hear the sounds around you, feel others' touch, and even, if you can 'die with your eyes open', you can see everything your unclosed eyes can see.'
'The effect lasts for 24 hours, and no external stimulation will break this state.'
'Create a Death and then feel others' panic.'
'How about it? Want a pill?'
As soon as He finished speaking, He heard the breathing of the people in front of Him suddenly become heavy.
Heartbeats pounding like drums played an exciting movement in the Quiet night!
They were tempted!
Too damn tempted!
For a group of drunks who sought fun every day, this was simply a tailor-made miracle drug!
Indeed, it was tailor-made.
Cheng Shi had just made it up.
Offering to Nothingness once again produced the 'offering'.
Originally, there were just a few jelly beans in Cheng Shi's palm, but the moment these few drinkers' eyes were burning and their breaths were hot, the essence of the jelly beans underwent an earth-shattering change.
'Drunken Life, Dream Death', was refined.
'How much!?'
'How many do you have?'
'Did you come by yourself?'
?
Brother, your thoughts are very dangerous.
Even if I came alone, what do you want?
Zero-dollar purchase?
Sorry, I've disappointed you. I was planning to sell it for zero yuan anyway.
'Oh, if you are interested and willing to cooperate with me for drug testing, these pills can be given to you for free.'
'Free?'
'Really?'
'Give them all away??'
The eyes of the few big men, who almost wanted to openly rob Him, clearly dissipated a lot. Their gazes became fervent.
'Of course.' Cheng Shi opened His palm, revealing the five pills within.
Not too many, not too few, one for each person.
The moment the drunks saw the pills, they didn't hesitate to snatch them into their hands and swallowed them in one gulp each.
Praise prosperity, being able to experience Death for a day in this Town that never dies is undoubtedly the greatest fun.
'How long until it takes effect?'
'Takes effect immediately.'
As soon as He finished speaking, the five strong men fell down one after another.
'Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang.'
The night returned to Quiet.
Their hearts stopped beating, and their body temperature also began to drop rapidly, like corpses.
Cheng Shi smiled, kicked the drunkard by His feet, and dragged them towards a nearby alley.
By the time they woke up tomorrow, the Town would have another piece of explosive news sufficient to cause greater panic.
After doing all this, Cheng Shi strode back to the inn.
As for all traces of His presence on the street, they were never erased by Him from beginning to end.
Lying on the bed in the room, Cheng Shi stared at the ceiling, thinking silently:
'Come on, Mercsius, let's see how quickly you can find me.'
The Third Night.
Another sleepless night.
Inside the inn, only Cheng Shi remained as a Player.
...