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Cultivation of Secrets

In "Cultivation of Secrets," the tranquil harmony of Pinecrest Village, a unique blend of ancient Xianxia traditions and modern technology, is shattered by a chilling murder during the festive Christmas season. The victim, Mike, a notorious village bully, is found lifeless under the twinkling festive lights, setting off a complex investigation that delves deep into the hidden facets of the village and its inhabitants. Elder Lin, a respected figure skilled in both cultivation arts and technological matters, leads the investigation. He navigates a labyrinth of secrets and motives, uncovering the intricate lives of the villagers who are potential suspects. Each character possesses a unique combination of cultivation abilities and technological expertise, casting a web of suspicion over the village. Benny, the tech prodigy; Beth, an aficionado of true crime novels; Becca, a victim of Mike’s bullying; Ray, with her level-headed composure; Fredde, the quiet optimist; Donni, the laid-back observer; Justine, a creative fan-fiction writer; and Mich, a devoted admirer of Justine, all emerge as complex characters with potential motives for the crime. As Elder Lin delves into the investigation, he encounters a series of cryptic clues, anonymous threats, and conflicting alibis, each pointing to different suspects. The story weaves through the perspectives and backstories of these characters, exploring themes of unrequited love, jealousy, revenge, and the human capacity for both good and evil. Set against the backdrop of a world where cultivation arts mesh with cutting-edge technology, "Cultivation of Secrets" is a tale of mystery and suspense. The narrative unfolds in a series of chapters that deepen the intrigue, with each character revealing unexpected depths and secrets.

BenzaFisher · Fantasi
Peringkat tidak cukup
10 Chs

Mich's Mysterious Motives

With the puzzle growing more intricate, Elder Lin turned his attention to Mich, whose open admiration for Justine had always been a subject of village gossip. Mich, often seen as a simple admirer, might hold more depth in his role in this intricate web.

Mich's dwelling was modest, with hints of his fascination for Justine scattered throughout — copies of her fan-fiction, posters from her readings, and even sketches that seemed inspired by her stories. His world seemed to orbit around her creativity.

Mich greeted Elder Lin with a mixture of respect and nervousness. "Elder Lin, this is an unexpected honour. How can I help?"

"I'm here about Mike's murder," Elder Lin said, observing Mich's reaction. "Your feelings for Justine are well known. Did your admiration ever bring you into conflict with Mike?"

Mich's expression shifted uncomfortably. "Mike... he used to mock me for it. Said I was living in a fantasy world. But I never confronted him. I prefer to avoid conflict."

Elder Lin noted the sincerity in his voice. "Did you see anything during the festival that could help us? Any interactions involving Mike that seemed out of the ordinary?"

Mich thought for a moment, his gaze distant. "I try to stay away from Mike's negative energy. But I did see him arguing with someone in a hood. I couldn't see who it was, but it looked intense."

"Interesting," Elder Lin mused. "And your relationship with Justine, did Mike ever interfere in that?"

"No, he didn't care enough to do that," Mich replied, a hint of sadness in his voice. "I just admired her from afar. That's all it ever was."

Mich's role in the unfolding drama added another layer of complexity. His unrequited love for Justine and passive demeanour painted a picture of a man caught between his idealized world and the harsh realities of village life. His observations, though limited, provided another piece in the ever-growing jigsaw puzzle of Mike's murder. The village, once a harmonious blend of cultivation and technology, now seemed like a stage where each resident played a part in a much darker tale.