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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 · ファンタジー
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10 Chs

Ray's Reservations

Elder Lin's next focus was on Ray, known for her level-headedness and reserved nature. He hoped her perspective might shed light on any overlooked details or interactions during the festival that could be crucial to the investigation.

Ray's home was a serene space, reflecting her calm demeanour. The interior was minimalistic, with subtle hints of her cultivation practices - a blend of ancient scrolls and modern gadgets, each serving a purpose in her disciplined life.

As Elder Lin arrived, Ray greeted him with a composed, yet somewhat distant air. "Elder Lin, this is a troubling time for our village."

"Indeed, it is, Ray," Elder Lin acknowledged. "I need to understand everyone's movements and interactions during the festival. Anything you noticed could be important."

Ray thought for a moment, her expression contemplative. "I prefer to observe rather than participate in large gatherings. From what I saw, Mike was his usual self, domineering and abrasive. He had a few heated exchanges, but nothing that seemed out of the ordinary for him."

Elder Lin probed further. "Did you notice anyone unusual or any peculiar behaviour?"

"Not particularly," Ray replied. "But, Elder Lin, in our world of cultivation and technology, appearances can be misleading. People have the ability to mask their true intentions, both through cultivation skills and technological means."

Her words struck a chord with Elder Lin. "You believe someone might have used such skills to commit this crime?"

"It's a possibility we cannot ignore," Ray said. "In our village, where the old and new worlds intertwine, anyone could harbour secrets beyond what the eye sees."

Ray's insights added a new dimension to the investigation. Her reminder of the dual nature of their world - where ancient cultivation arts meshed with cutting-edge technology - opened up myriad possibilities. The murderer could be anyone, hiding behind a façade of normalcy or using their skills to deceive. The investigation was becoming a complex web of possibilities, with each thread leading Elder Lin deeper into the labyrinth of secrets that Pinecrest Village had become.