Legend of Zhan Zhao

Chapter 122 Shocking the Heavenly Being
'Isn't this Shao Bao's secluded village?'

'Wait, no, no! This could also be the Kindaichi Case Files' "The Strange Mansion Murder Case"!'

'Ah, yes, yes! This can't possibly be Shimada Soji's astrological murder magic! That's the real deal!'

Don't blame Zhan Zhao for looking at Xuan Yinzi strangely; after hearing about the case, he felt a strong sense of déjà vu.

The methods used in this case were so astonishing, combined with the original astrological setting, that it could be described as grand and magnificent, truly the pinnacle of dismemberment cases, and no one has surpassed it to this day.

The key point is that whether it's the original astrological murder mystery, the Kindaichi case's Strange Man's Village murder case, or the Hidden Village in Young Justice Bao, they all have a considerable degree of popularity.

So even those who don't pay much attention to reasoning have heard of it to some extent.

The six people left behind five corpses, and through clever piecing them together, one of them managed to escape unnoticed.

When I first saw it, I was amazed.

Now, Xuan Yinzi, after hearing Zhan Zhao's reasoning, was also amazed.

Because Zhan Zhao's explanation was too concise:
"The murderer should be the 'victim' on the first floor."

There are two key points.

"One is a large fire."

"The fire burned from bottom to top. When the discoverer reached the bottom floor, the fire had already engulfed the body, making it impossible to approach, examine the body, or discover that the separated body did not belong to one person."

"The second is the part that was taken from each body."

Zhan Zhao lined up the clay figures and cut off a portion of each one.

A six-layered skull;
Five layers of calves and feet;

The shoulders and arms are covered in four layers.

Three layers of thighs;
The second layer of the abdomen;
Finally, arrange these small pieces together.

That formed a layer of the burnt, indistinct corpse.

At the time, the guess was that it lacked breasts, because there really wouldn't be any breasts.

This body was pieced together from the remains of the five people who had gone missing earlier.

Then it was burned to the ground in a huge fire.

A true act of destroying evidence.

"It's him? It's actually him?"

Xuan Yinzi muttered to himself, his expression extremely complicated, and then subconsciously asked, "How did they manage to create that secret chamber and use those martial arts techniques?"

"There are many ways to solve the locked room problem."

Zhan Zhao said, "The simplest point is that there is a secret passage hidden inside the building. In the midst of a raging fire, the discoverer could not have carefully checked every corner, which gave the murderer the opportunity to blend in."

“If it’s not a secret passage, it can actually be set up.”

"The most crucial part is the six-layered secret chamber."

"Because that was the first murder scene the person who discovered it entered, he must have carefully checked the doors and windows to see if they were nailed shut with wooden boards and if there were no gaps."

"As for the five floors below, not to mention that the fire has already spread, their attention is probably focused on the corpses in the rooms, and they will not waste time checking whether the wooden boards nailed to the windows are secure."

Xuan Yinzi understood: "So, while these six murder scenes appear to be locked rooms, the real locked room is actually only on the sixth floor?"

Zhan Zhao nodded: "This is the most likely scenario. By using a similar setup, we can mislead the person who discovers it, thus creating an unsolvable problem."

"Moreover, the high-rise building was burned down afterwards, which destroyed the scene and prevented the investigators from discovering it."

"Same thing."

"The traces of martial arts should only confirm that the deceased on the sixth floor died from their own ultimate technique, right?"

Xuan Yinzi nodded slowly: "Not bad."

Zhan Zhao said, "Examining the corpses on the later floors simply doesn't give us that much time. We can't even get close to some of the corpses, so it's impossible to determine the specific methods used."

"I suspect that the murderer set up the locked room and the traces of the martial arts counterattack to delay the discoverer, preventing him from carefully examining the entire scene and exposing any other flaws."

"After the incident, was anyone suspected?"

Xuan Yinzi said, "That's right!"

"At the beginning of the case, the most suspicious person was a renowned figure who had used the same methods against the perpetrator..."

"However, this person was thousands of miles away at the time, and multiple people can testify that it was impossible for him to be in two places at once to commit the murder."

Even so, his disciples were also suspected, but these disciples were not skilled enough to handle such a major case, so it was eventually dropped.

Zhan Zhao's eyes flickered slightly: "To use their own methods against them?"

Does this world also have a Murong family from Gusu?

I've never heard of it when I was in Jiangnan.

Putting all that aside, Xuan Yinzi stood there lost in thought for a moment, then suddenly got up and began rummaging through boxes and cabinets.

His room contained no alchemy furnace or other utensils, but rather stacks of bookshelves.

There were many books piled up haphazardly on top.

At that moment, the old Taoist priest darted to the bookshelf, took out a large bag, and with lightning speed, rummaged through the files he had treasured over the years. Finally, he solemnly handed it to him, saying, "Here! I entrust everything to you!"

I saw the luggage pushed in front of me.

Then he met the other party's expression as if they were dealing with a top-tier detective.

Zhan Zhao felt somewhat ashamed.

This time, they took a shortcut.

no way.

The case is all too familiar.

It was precisely because this "deceased" on the first floor was quite skilled that he actually used a method similar to the astrological murder magic, which was naturally seen through at a glance.

But Zhan Zhao didn't think he had really solved the case.

The core trick should indeed be this method of dismemberment.

But the truth may not be accurate, much less complete.

Since it was a third-party account, a lot of details were omitted.

Judging from Xuan Yinzi's tone, he was not the one who discovered the crime scene, but rather he was closely related to the suspected real culprit on the first floor.

Therefore, in the process of his retelling, he refined and summarized the information himself, omitting many key clues that he considered unimportant.

This is an old case.

With each layer of retelling, the original facts will inevitably be distorted to some extent. Solving the case requires the investigator to restore the original facts of the case as much as possible before uncovering the truth, which naturally makes it even more difficult.

In light of this, Zhan Zhao said directly, "Old cases are different from others. Even with these clues, I am not confident. This is not a humble statement, but the truth."

"I've been disappointed enough, I don't care about being disappointed one more time."

Xuan Yinzi didn't take it seriously, and even took out something from his pocket and handed it over: "You have nothing to do with the old case, so please accept this and use it to protect yourself."

Zhan Zhao's gaze fell upon the scroll, and he discovered five characters written on it: "Martial Arts Reincarnation Method?"

Xuan Yinzi explained: "This is a martial art that I created myself over the years. Although it originated from the 'Martial Morality Classic,' according to the rules of the sect, it can be passed on to outsiders."

The Martial Arts Classic is a secret manual of the Laozi Temple, and it certainly cannot be passed on to outsiders.

However, most sects do not prohibit their members from passing on martial arts techniques they have independently developed, even if these techniques are closely related to the sect's internal manuals.

This is actually about branching out and spreading out. Disciples learn martial arts on their own and pass them on to their families and relatives, forming their own lineage, and ensuring that the family ties remain strong.

Many martial arts sects trace their origins back to this.

As the leader of the "Seven True Martial Disciples" of Lao Jun Temple, Xuan Yinzi's skills, though not earth-shattering, were still extraordinary due to his years of experience as a grandmaster. The value of this manual is therefore self-evident.

"No."

Zhan Zhao, however, felt that he should not accept rewards without having done anything in return.

He obtained the secret manuals "Invincible Divine Mirror" and "Lotus Treasure Mirror" from Guo Huai, after uncovering the truth about the Zhong Kui painting.

How can someone take the secret manual before even starting an investigation?

It is also a burden invisibly.

What if I didn't find out myself?

Wouldn't I feel ashamed to accept such a gift?

"Don't refuse!"

Xuan Yinzi said, “You are a disciple of the Great Xiangguo Temple. Our five sects were once of one mind and fought against the Wanjue Palace together. Our friendship is far beyond that of outsiders. Even if you don’t do it for yourself, you should accept it for the sake of your sect.”

He paused for a moment, then said earnestly, "If I find a suitable disciple of Laozi Temple in the future, I will pass on the teachings. In that case, I will be indebted to you."

Xuan Yinzi has been expelled from Lao Jun Temple, but his words still reveal his deep affection for his sect.

"it is good."

Zhan Zhao was not a pedantic person.

Since the other party said so, he nodded and accepted the manual.

Seeing that the old man had accepted the files and secret manuals, Xuan Yinzi's expression was inscrutable. He murmured to himself, "The cases involving this old man have never implicated just the old man. Now that they have been entrusted to a junior, I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse. Will he regret what he did today in the future?"

"Whether it's a blessing or a curse, there's no way to avoid it; just face it head-on."

Zhan Zhao was very nonchalant: "May I ask, senior, who else can I inquire about the old news from back then?" "Those people are mostly unwilling to see outsiders. Don't go rashly to avoid conflict."

Xuan Yinzi was mainly thinking about this person who would start a fight at the slightest disagreement.

The key point is that even though these older folks are many years older than the others, there aren't necessarily many who can keep the other person in check.

Naturally, they dared not let him come to their door rashly.

However, he still recommended someone: "There is someone you could contact."

"Who?"

"Grand Eunuch Guo Huai!"

Xuan Yinzi explained, "This person is extremely loyal to the current Empress Dowager. When the former Crown Prince died, he was also extremely grieved. The Imperial City Guard searched the palace again and again, but in order to ensure a smooth transition of the throne, they had to put it down."

"If you want to reopen the case, you can ask him for clues from back then. He should be able to tell you and will also assist you in the investigation."

Zhan Zhao nodded slightly.

Xuan Yinzi was unaware of the process of creating the "Zhong Kui Picture," but he knew it all too well. That's why, when he parted ways with Jie Wen, he warned that Guo Huai might come looking for him.

But what he initially thought was the Empress Dowager's decree, upon hearing Xuan Yinzi's words, made Guo Huai himself feel a strong urge to investigate further.

Could it be that the death of the former crown prince was not due to illness, but rather that there was something else going on?

"it is good."

Zhan Zhao asked, "Is there anything else you need to tell me, senior?"

"Gone."

Xuan Yinzi slowly shook his head: "All the old Daoist's gains over the years are in the dossier. Of course, if you have any questions after reading it, you can come and ask me again."

Zhan Zhao asked in surprise, "Senior, are you planning to wait here in Tianxiang Tower?"

Xuan Yinzi said, "Otherwise what?"

Zhan Zhao thought to himself, "If you are a Grandmaster at the Heavenly Immortal level, then it's fine to keep you here. But since you're not particularly strong and the matter is so important, don't try to show off."

Of course, he couldn't say that out loud, but he said gently, "Swords have no eyes, senior, you might as well step aside for a moment."

Xuan Yinzi keenly sensed this and was somewhat annoyed, but ultimately accepted the suggestion: "This old Taoist won't stay at Tianxiang Tower, right?"

He had previously been somewhat resigned to his fate, but now hope had taken root in his heart, and he knew he couldn't stay any longer: "I won't leave the capital. If there's anything important, I'll come to the Great Xiangguo Temple to find you."

"it is good."

Zhan Zhao nodded, clasped his hands in greeting, and then said, "This junior has one more question."

"You said."

Zhan Zhao asked, "In the case you just described, who exactly was the 'victim' on the first floor?"

Xuan Yinzi's expression trembled. After a moment of silence, he slowly said, "He was the youngest of our 'Seven True Martial Talents,' and he was the most mischievous back then. His all sorts of strange ideas made his fellow disciples both laugh and cry..."

"Junior Brother is lazy and doesn't like practicing swordsmanship. He always says that with six senior brothers around, he can just pretend to be one and make a name for himself in the martial arts world..."

"Actually, the most chivalrous one is also the junior brother. He is willing to give everything for what he believes is right!"

After muttering to himself for a while, Xuan Yinzi's tone gradually became hesitant, but ultimately, remembering that the person in front of him was a Celestial-level expert in solving cases, he did not hide anything: "I hope you will keep this a secret and not tell anyone else about my junior brother's secular name..."

"Her name is Bai Xiaofeng."

……

Zhan Zhao, carrying a bag filled with files, slowly walked down from Tianxiang Tower.

This trip was fruitful.

On his return journey, he thought he could at most obtain clues about the three old cases mentioned by Luo Shijun, and he would not fight an unprepared battle.

In the end, the real prize actually went to the world's number one thief.

Bai Xiaofeng was actually one of the "Seven True Warriors" of Lao Jun Temple?

Even if this doesn't mean that Bai Xiaofeng, who has been running rampant in the martial arts world and stealing treasures all these years, is the same junior brother from Lao Jun Temple.

However, there is likely a close connection between the two.

With this thought in mind, Zhan Zhao's goal became clear.

Instead of returning to Daxiangguo Temple, let's go to Pang's residence first.

Autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Not long ago, the person who resembled Bai Xiaofeng said that the world's number one thief does not kill people, and that Ding Chen was not killed by him, but that a night-blooming jasmine was inserted into his heart after his death.

Then he should also find out what the real cause of Dingchen's death was.

After entering the inner city, they arrived at the outer courtyard of the Pang residence, where they saw Pang Xu standing in a daze under the eaves.

"Second son?"

Zhan Zhao stepped forward.

"Grandmaster!!"

When Pang Xu saw him, it was like seeing a relative. Even though they had only known each other for less than two days, he was almost in tears: "You're finally back! What a disaster!"

Zhan Zhao said, "Speak slowly, what's wrong?"

"When Father returned from his official duties and learned about Uncle's situation, his expression changed drastically. He rushed out, but then suddenly turned back, locked himself in his study, and refused to see anyone!"

Pang Xu said with a mournful face, "This is the first time I've ever seen Father look so terrible. I've caused a huge disaster, what should I do?"

In fact, it was Pang Lingyi's idea to send Pang Xu to the Pang residence. Later, Pang Xu followed her instructions and exposed his uncle Luo Shijun's hypocritical and ugly face.

But Pang Xu clearly didn't want his younger sister to take responsibility; instead, he believed he had caused a huge disaster.

Of course, this was not their fault. It was just that Luo Shijun chose to die, and in turn, he deeply hated Pang Ji, who had always helped him, and even wanted to drag his closest relatives down with him.

"This is absolutely not your fault."

Zhan Zhao spoke calmly, using the soothing effect of the Six Hearts Clarity Technique: "Exposing Luo Shijun's true colors is a great relief to the Pang family. It's not too late to investigate now. If he is allowed to continue to hide, he will cause a great disaster in the future."

Pang Xu was still uneasy: "But...but Father..."

Zhan Zhao said, "Second Young Master, rest assured. Your father did not rush out, so he has not lost his composure."

Pang Ji was clearly panicked at first and wanted to go out and make arrangements to mitigate the negative impact.

But then he realized what was happening, locked himself in his study, and forced himself to calm down.

There's a saying that goes, "Some things don't weigh much until they're weighed, but once they're on the scale, they weigh a ton."

What about those who have already been weighed?
You can take it off, or you can pretend you don't see it.

Indeed, burying one's head in the sand is also a method.

The more they move up and down the ladder, the more inextricably they become involved.

It is better to be still than to move.

"Besides, this humble monk is here."

Zhan Zhao continued, "This humble monk was deeply involved in this case. If the palace comes to question me, I will tell you the truth and not let your family suffer an injustice."

Pang Xu was truly moved this time.

Born into a powerful family, he had seen too many instances of people abandoning their families when the tree falls and everyone pushing the wall when it collapses.

In normal times, they are surrounded by admirers, but once trouble strikes, they are immediately deserted and avoided like the plague. This is perfectly normal in this circle.

This eminent monk from Daxiangguo Temple, who could have easily remained uninvolved, was actually willing to help, which is truly commendable.

However, Pang Xu blinked when Zhan Zhao mentioned the questioning in the palace.

After all, this eminent monk might hold a high position within the Xiangguo Temple, but in front of royalty and nobility, he probably wouldn't have much influence...

Regardless, Pang Xu sincerely said, "With the master here, I feel at ease. It's getting late, let me arrange the guest rooms!"

Zhan Zhao, however, was not there to ask for lodging. He got down to business: "Last night, your father had a room cleared out specifically to house Dingchen's body. Could you take me there?"

"Of course! Please, Master!"

Pang Xu immediately led the way.

However, before they even reached the house where the body was kept, Zhan Zhao paused and said to Pang Xu, "Second Young Master, why don't you go to the inner quarters first? Your sister must be worried about the troubles in the Pang family. Ask her if she's alright."

"it is good!"

Pang Xu was indeed worried about his younger sister's condition.

She was always gentle and weak. Knowing that her uncle was truly such a heartless person and had now caused unrest in the Pang family, she was heartbroken and hurriedly headed towards the inner courtyard.

After he left, Zhan Zhao walked step by step toward the morgue and finally pushed open the door to go inside.

There was a person standing in the room that should have been empty.

He was thin, with a slightly hunched back, and his weathered face was crisscrossed with wrinkles, his cheeks were slightly sunken, his cheekbones were prominent, and his skin was dark and rough.

If it weren't for the tattered cassock he was wearing, this man would look exactly like an old farmer from the fields.

At this moment, the old farmer-like monk stood before the corpse, muttering to himself and sighing:
"Dingchen, Dingchen, how many times have I told you that you are poisoned? Otherwise, you would not be able to get close to the flower garden at all. Why won't you believe me?"

"You stole the evening glory flower, and this humble monk is chasing after you. I'm not only here to get the flower back, but also to give you the antidote!"

"Alas! This humble monk failed to catch up, only adding to the karma of killing. What a sin! What a sin!"

(End of this chapter)