Volume One, Chapter Four: Qin, Conan, and the Campaign

Amidst a sea of expectant gazes, Qin Zheng’s eyes grew deep and contemplative, as if the spirit of a master detective had possessed him.

He spread a bird’s-eye view map of the capital across the table, then proceeded to place thirteen case files onto the map, each corresponding to the location of the respective crime scene.

"My lords, do you see it now?"

Qin Zheng tapped the map on the table, his composure unwavering. "Thirteen cases of family extermination—while they appear shrouded in fog and riddled with doubts, if we shift our perspective, it is simply a single, large-scale 'locked-room' kidnapping case spanning five days, with the entire capital as its backdrop!"

Having spoken, he swept his gaze across the room, hoping to see shock, bewilderment, or perhaps expressions of, "This lad has an astonishing way of thinking; he truly is a talent."

Alas, he only saw two sour faces—Cui Guangyuan and Yang Fengqing—which clearly read, "You are courting death, kid."

As for Xie Qingluan, she seemed to be still lost in the wind, unable to fully regain her senses.

*You bunch of ancient academic underachievers, you simply don’t understand how to look past the phenomena to see the essence...*

Qin Zheng raised a finger, speaking with grave solemnity: "One doubt in this case is that while the killer committed thirteen exterminations in five days, the evidence confirms the killer’s true goal was merely to abduct women; the exterminations were merely a means to an end."

This time, Cui Guangyuan and Yang Fengqing nodded; this sounded like actual case analysis.

Qin Zheng raised a second finger: "The second doubt is that the killer abducts exactly twelve women each time. Could this be some sort of special ritual?"

Cui Guangyuan and Yang Fengqing nodded again. This could be utilized; by investigating the special rituals of various factions, they might identify the culprit.

Qin Zheng raised a third finger: "The third doubt is why the killer would risk committing crimes in the capital? What faction among our human race could accomplish this? Is it the demon race acting in their madness?"

Cui Guangyuan continued to nod; this was exactly what he had been thinking!

Qin Zheng raised a fourth finger: "The fourth doubt is why the killer consistently acts at night. Is it out of necessity, or is it merely a habit?"

Yang Fengqing also nodded slightly. This information could also help narrow down the killer’s identity.

At this moment, however, Qin Zheng lowered his hand, braced his palms against the table, and said with ironclad conviction: "All of these doubts are completely meaningless! We do not need to guess why the killer abducts women, why it must be twelve, nor do we need to concern ourselves with whether the killer is human or demon, or why they act at night!"

Instantly, the expressions of Cui Guangyuan and Yang Fengqing shifted, both settling into the look of, "You really are courting death, kid."

Cui Guangyuan took several heavy, ragged breaths; the face of the angry Churchill-like official grew so dark it seemed as if ink were dripping from it. Yang Fengqing’s knuckles cracked as he balled his fists, clearly tempted to beat this brat who dared to toy with him to death!

"Everything that leaves a trail must leave a mark!"

Qin Zheng’s expression turned stern, his words ringing out with authority: "We only need to grasp one point: the killer cannot appear out of thin air before the crime, nor can they vanish into thin air afterward. That is enough!"

He tapped the map, continuing: "Although the killer is active throughout the capital, when they first struck at the Jiaofangsi, how did they evade the Embroidered Uniform Guards, the Imperial Observatory, and the Five City Guards outside to sneak inside, slaughter the guards, and abduct the star courtesans? And afterward, how did they carry the women away safely?"

*Snap!*

In the Chunshan Pavilion, a sharp sound suddenly rang out—it was Cui Guangyuan subconsciously snapping the armrest of his chair.

The face of this third-rank official, usually reminiscent of an angry Churchill, finally betrayed a flicker of movement. His eyes darted back and forth as he seemed to grasp something, wearing an expression of someone who didn't quite understand why, but felt it was profound.

His expression shifted, then reverted to his former gloom. He said coldly, "Speak if you have something to say; stop playing games! This is your chance to redeem your crimes and avoid death. Do you expect me to do your work for you?"

*I am coddling you because you ancient people are ignorant; otherwise, I would have already solved the case with my junior sister from the Imperial Observatory...*

Qin Zheng muttered to himself before saying decisively: "As I said, everything that leaves a trail must leave a mark! Since the case began at the Jiaofangsi and there were no findings inside, there must be secret chambers or hidden passages in the surrounding area that the killer used to infiltrate and escape!"

"Everything that leaves a trail must leave a mark... This summary is truly insightful."

Yang Fengqing of the Embroidered Uniform Guards chewed on these words, feeling as if he had been struck by a bolt of enlightenment. They had been lacking a point of entry, and this statement was like a thunderclap, directly exposing the case’s greatest flaw—and their best breakthrough.

He took a deep look at Qin Zheng and slowly loosened his fists, suppressing the urge to give the boy a sound thrashing. This brat had opened his eyes to a new world; he truly had some skill—it was just a pity he was so detestable!

"Men, gather the brothers!"

Yang Fengqing rose to leave, shouting as he walked: "Centered on the Jiaofangsi, search indefinitely outward for secret chambers and hidden passages! If you see a lake, drain it; if you see a house, tear it down; if you see a grave, dig it up! Do not leave a single detail overlooked!"

Cui Guangyuan also hurried to his feet, his expression vibrant, as if the withered wood had met spring. He said with renewed vigor: "Quick, mobilize the men! There is a major case to be solved within the Jiaofangsi!"

He cast a glance at Qin Zheng and, without another word, rushed out of the Jiaofangsi.

*Hey, hey, hey! What about the credit for me, Qin-Conan? Give me some recognition!*

In the blink of an eye, only Qin Zheng and Xie Qingluan remained in the Chunshan Pavilion.

Xie Qingluan looked at Qin Zheng, her lips moving as if she had endless questions, but she said nothing. Qin Zheng had no time for her; he immediately hurried to catch up with Yang Fengqing, pleading eagerly, "My lord, what about me?"

"You go and check as well, and verify the truth of your own words!"

Yang Fengqing’s face was as cold as water, his demeanor unyielding. "If you find something, you shall take the primary credit for solving the case. If you do not, then for your dereliction of duty, jailbreak, delaying the investigation, and deceiving a court official, you will be punished for all crimes combined!"

As he spoke, he moved with the wind, calling for his Embroidered Uniform Guards and storming off.

Qin Zheng stood stunned. *Delaying the investigation? Deceiving a court official? If the case isn't solved, you're going to pin the blame on me? You really are no ordinary hunting dog of the Embroidered Uniform Guards—you are utterly shameless! The key is that I am a theorist! This is a matter of life and death, and you are being so reckless!*

Resigned, Qin Zheng relied on the memories of his predecessor—the academic underachiever—and made his way to the open balcony on the second floor of the Jiaofangsi.

Leaning against the railing, he looked out at the lawn the size of a soccer field outside. It was the dusk of midsummer, and the vibrant green of the lawn was tinged with the golden afterglow of the setting sun, shimmering brilliantly. A cool breeze blew, causing the tender grass to bow and carrying a crisp, refreshing scent—a scene full of vitality.

Already, a dozen Embroidered Uniform Guards were on the lawn, tapping the ground with their scabbards, sensing for anomalies and searching for clues.

Qin Zheng also stared at the lawn, but a green shadow flashed beside him; Xie Qingluan had moved with light, fluttering steps to stand before him.

Xie Qingluan’s delicate brows furrowed slightly as she looked at him with an odd expression, asking suspiciously, "For all these years, you would rather be mocked than reveal your true self?"

Qin Zheng avoided her gaze, speaking with the confidence of an honor student: "Knowledge is not meant for showing off; why should I feel the need to prove anything to others?"

He stepped past Xie Qingluan, continuing to stare at the lawn and considering various possibilities.

Xie Qingluan’s face tightened, a mix of shame and indignation rising within her. "Then, back at the academy... were you deliberately humiliating me?"

The girl recalled the humiliation of being held down and spanked all those years ago. She stepped forward, her delicate fists clenched and her small alchemy furnace spinning rapidly, ready to strike.

*Sister, you've been in a daze for so long, and this is the petty thing you're thinking about?*

Qin Zheng craned his neck to scan the lawn, when suddenly his breath hitched. Leaning against the railing, he looked up, tilted his head to the sky, and let out a hoarse, jubilant, beast-like roar: "The secret chamber is here!"