Start with push-ups to gain experience

Chapter 458 The Manpower Provider, the Old House is in Turmoil
Those were very faint fingerprints, their outlines already quite blurred.

At the tip of the fingerprint, there are a few fine scratches, as thin as hair.

It looks like the mark left by someone's fingernail when they reach out to touch the wall.

The walls are finished with high-end artistic paint and a matte finish, which significantly reduces light reflection.

This makes these marks appear extremely subtle to the naked eye, almost blending into the wall surface.

Even within the "scavenger's eye" field of vision, their corresponding halos are extremely dim.

Of course, this is also partly due to the fact that too much time has passed.

Fang Cheng's eyes narrowed slightly, and he walked to the wall by the bedside and slowly extended his right index finger.

Amidst the puzzled gazes of Lin Chuqiao and the others, he concentrated and gently touched one of the brightest scratches with his fingertip.

"Traces back!"

The moment I silently recited the mantra, my fingertips touched the cold wall, and a faint energy sensation traveled up my arm and into my brain.

The next second, a silent black and white afterimage appeared out of nowhere in Fang Cheng's mind.

In the video, a semi-transparent male silhouette lies on the bed.

It was the deceased, Chen Shaoze.

He suddenly sat up, his body stiff, facing the wall as if sleepwalking.

Then, he stretched out his hands and repeatedly slid his fingertips across the wall.

The force applied in that movement was very small.

It didn't seem like a scratching out of fear, but rather like a gentle caress of something.

Chen Shaoze's figure, with an almost infatuated expression, repeatedly stroked the wall.

It was as if his unattainable yet deeply loved lover was standing there.

Just then, Fang Cheng's pupils suddenly contracted.

Suddenly, a more blurred and fainter human figure quietly emerged on the wall that had been touched.

The figure had no physical form and seemed to be composed of countless wisps of black smoke.

"It"... also stretched out its "hand" and gently touched Chen Shaoze's fingers across the wall.

"Captain, what did you find?"

A soft voice suddenly sounded at the door, pulling Fang Cheng back to reality from this eerie flashback.

Lin Chuqiao saw Fang Cheng standing motionless in front of the wall, staring intently at the wall, his expression somewhat strange.

She was worried and couldn't help but remind her.

Fang Cheng did not answer, but silently turned his head and scanned the room again.

When his gaze fell on the floor, a thought struck him, and he immediately squatted down, lightly touching each of the faded footprints with his right fingertip.

Black and white images of the police and previous investigators flashed through my mind one after another.

In the footage, they are seen moving around, taking photos and collecting evidence, conducting a routine on-site investigation.

But among these chaotic afterimages, no silhouette resembling the uncle or professor appeared.

"It seems Chen Xu'an wasn't lying..."

Fang Cheng stood up, thinking to himself.

My uncle and the others did not accept the mission through the Bridge of Helplessness.

At least, they did not enter the mansion as investigators.

But if their purpose in coming here was not on behalf of the Chen family, then why did they travel all the way to the remote Tiannan Province?

Moreover, how could they suddenly lose contact?

Fang Cheng walked to the window and pushed it open, revealing a dusty windowpane.

A gentle breeze swept over me, dispelling some of the stuffiness in the room.

Outside the window is the Chen family's neatly manicured courtyard, where sunlight casts long shadows on the lawn.

In the distance, there is a manor wall equipped with surveillance equipment, about three meters high, covered with vines.

Outside the wall is a quiet road, where occasionally a sports car drives by, its engine sound fleeting.

Fang Cheng's eyes flickered slightly as he carefully scanned the surrounding streets and mansions.

According to Chen Xu'an's description, his uncle seemed to have appeared near the Chen family manor.

If they weren't after the bounty, were they after the murderer who committed the crime?

That is, the eerie figure made of black smoke that appeared in the flashback just now?

Many thoughts flashed through Fang Cheng's mind, and he suddenly remembered what Bai Ling had relayed.

During a gathering, my uncle discussed the "Chen Family Curse Case" that occurred in Tiannan with the professor, and even specifically mentioned "that person's methods".

Perhaps... their target from the very beginning was this sorcerer hiding in the shadows?
Fang Cheng's eyes gradually sharpened, and he had already made up his mind.

He turned around, his expression returning to calm, and looked at Chen Xu'an, who stood outside the door with a puzzled look on his face:
“Mr. Chen, I have just found a crucial clue. If all goes well, we should be able to identify the murderer soon.”

Chen Xu'an was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, but a look of joy immediately appeared on his face, and he quickly asked:

"What clue?"

Fang Cheng shook his head:

"I'm sorry, but I cannot say for sure at the moment."

"That sorcerer's methods are unpredictable and mysterious. Our every word and action is likely being monitored by him."

"Once the truth is revealed, the other party will likely become alert immediately and either destroy the evidence or flee."

Seeing Chen Xu'an's brow furrow slightly, as if he had some doubts, Fang Cheng added:
"Our team's reinforcements will arrive in Cuicheng around the morning of the day after tomorrow. At that time, we will be fully manpowered and can use this clue to drag out the rat hiding in the dark in one fell swoop."

He paused, a slight smile curving his lips.

"Then, let the murderer pay the price for the bloodshed he committed."

Fang Cheng spoke with great confidence, as if the sorcerer who had left the Chen family helpless was already his for the taking.

"Reinforcements? Are they Big Hammer and Monkey?"

Nightingale instinctively asked, "Aren't they...?"

He was interrupted halfway through his sentence by a soft cough from Lin Chuqiao.

Bai Ling turned to look at her and saw Lin Chuqiao winking at her, and instantly realized what was going on.

"Oh! Sister Chu, so you secretly made those phone calls at noon today because you were planning to invite them to Tiannan Province as well?"

She quickly corrected herself, her voice carrying a perfectly timed hint of surprise.

"Ah."

Lin Chuqiao nodded with a smile, naturally taking over the conversation:
"The three of us are all inclined towards mental perception abilities. To deal with this kind of enemy who has mastered strange and evil magic, relying on that alone is not enough. We also need strong physical strength to take on the task."

"I'll just say it!"

The lark immediately nodded in agreement, her face beaming with joy:
"We've got far too few people for this operation. If we had Big Hammer and Monkey, we could have twisted their heads off and used them as footballs, no matter what kind of sorcerer or iron-headed master they were!"

Although she didn't share the same telepathic connection with Fang Cheng as Lin Chuqiao, she was still incredibly intelligent.

After understanding the two men's intentions, he immediately put on a flawless performance.

Fang Cheng remained calm, neither commenting on nor denying the seamless teamwork of his two companions, and instead spoke to Chen Xu'an:
“Mr. Chen, if it’s convenient, we would like to stay at your residence tonight.”

"Firstly, it will help us familiarize ourselves with the environment, and secondly, it will make it easier for us to make arrangements in advance and prepare for the operation two days later."

Chen Xu'an pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement:

“No problem. Now that you have found the key clue, I will fully cooperate until your reinforcements arrive.”

"As for the three of you's food and lodging, I will have the butler make proper arrangements."

After examining the crime scene, the group returned to the downstairs living room.

Chen Xu'an chatted with Fang Cheng and the others for a while longer.

The discussion mainly revolved around the circumstances of the victims before their deaths, as well as whether the Chen family had recently made enemies.

However, this exchange yielded no new and valuable clues.

"Mr. Bai."

Chen Xu'an pushed up his glasses, his expression slightly hesitant:
"Excuse my bluntness, but how confident are you that you can find the murderer and quell the Chen family's crisis?"

He paused, then looked apologetic and explained:

"It's not that I doubt the abilities of the three of you, but my previous experiences have made me hesitant to have high expectations anymore."

"I can't say 100%."

Fang Cheng smiled calmly, his tone steady:

"But at least 90% of the time, all your family needs to do is remain vigilant as always and wait for good news."

Looking into his calm and confident eyes, Chen Xu'an's doubts lessened, and he finally nodded.

Afterwards, Butler Li respectfully led Fang Cheng and the others to the guest room area on the second floor and arranged rooms for them.

Before long, the sun began to set, and the sky gradually darkened. The banquet prepared by the Chen family for their guests was quite lavish, with tables laden with delicacies from land and sea.

But after hearing that bloody and horrific description, especially recalling the victim whose internal organs were cooked while drinking soup, it's hard not to feel psychologically uncomfortable.

Lin Chuqiao and Bailing both had little appetite, and put down their chopsticks after only a few bites.

Fang Cheng, however, remained calm and had a good appetite, as if he was completely unaffected by the incident.

He ate voraciously, and almost all the fish and meat on the table were cleared out by him.

After dinner, night had completely enveloped the hillside estate.

Fang Cheng returned to his room, did not turn on the light, but simply pulled back the heavy curtains.

Wherever he is, he prefers to be in the dark, as it makes him feel more comfortable.

After all, for monsters that are different from ordinary people, darkness is the best disguise.

And within this mansion, there may very well be another monster accustomed to the darkness lurking.

Perhaps at this moment, the other party is hiding in some corner, silently watching these uninvited guests with a pair of cold eyes.

Fang Cheng gazed at the view outside the window.

Under the cover of night, the Chen Family Manor sheds its daytime extravagance and appears exceptionally tranquil.

The distant mountain ranges were dark and shadowy, like lurking dragons and snakes.

This affluent area is already sparsely populated, and at night it is even more silent.

Only a few scattered lights flickered in the darkness, like will-o'-the-wisps.

Lin Chuqiao and Bailing were placed in the next room.

Fang Cheng had previously instructed them to call him immediately if anything happened.

It was still early, and he was not sleepy at all.

After gazing out the window for a moment, he turned and sat cross-legged on the carpet in the center of the room to begin his meditation.

He closed his eyes gently, and his breathing gradually became long and deep.

I don't know how much time passed, but just as my mind was immersed in the inner world.

"Boom, boom."

A knock suddenly sounded, gently reaching my ears.

Fang Cheng opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing in them, and then got up to open the door.

Standing outside the door were Lin Chuqiao, who looked somewhat embarrassed, and Bailing, who looked still shaken.

"Um... excuse me, I bothered you."

Lin Chuqiao pointed somewhat helplessly to the lark beside her:

"This girl said she was scared and didn't dare to sleep alone, so she insisted on coming to find you."

"Not at all!"

Bai Ling immediately retorted, but her pale cheeks and the way she gripped Lin Chuqiao's arm tightly betrayed her stubbornness:

"I just... have some questions I'd like to ask you, sir..."

She stammered for a long time, as if organizing her thoughts, or perhaps reliving some terrifying event.

"Tell me, what's the matter?"

Fang Cheng's gaze fell calmly on her.

Upon seeing Fang Cheng in person, Bai Ling seemed to have finally found her pillar of support, and immediately spoke rapidly:

"I was so hungry just now that I couldn't resist going downstairs to the kitchen to find something to eat."

"As a result, the entire first floor was pitch black, and there wasn't even a servant in sight."

"I called out a few times but no one answered, so I was about to turn around and go back upstairs to sleep, but... but in the living room, I felt... someone was watching me from behind!"

As she said this, her voice trembled slightly:
"The feeling was very strange. To be precise, it wasn't something I could see with my eyes, but... it was a cool sensation on the back of my neck, like a cold wind blowing against my skin."

"But when I turned around suddenly, there was nothing behind me; the entire living room was empty!"

"Didn't you see the Chen family members?"

Fang Cheng's gaze passed over her and swept towards the dimly lit and quiet entrance to the corridor.

"No, I didn't see anything or hear anything."

Lark shook her head vigorously:
"But that feeling was so real, so scary. I'm not a coward, there really was something following me."

"Could it be that sorcerer playing tricks? Boss, I'm too scared to be alone in my room..."

After saying this, she looked at Fang Cheng pitifully.

Seeing her still-shaken expression, and then at Lin Chuqiao's "I had no choice" look, Fang Cheng stepped aside to let her through the door.

"Come in, everyone."

"How can this be so embarrassing..."

Lin Chuqiao was polite with her words, but her actions betrayed her true feelings as she pulled Bailing inside.

The only single bed in the room was clearly not enough for three people to rest in.

"You sleep in the beds."

Fang Cheng pointed to the bed and said to the two of them, "I'll just meditate."

Upon hearing this, Bailing unceremoniously plopped down on the edge of the bed, patted her chest, and let out a long sigh of relief.

Lin Chuqiao hesitated for a moment, but finally sat down next to her.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the room became somewhat awkward.

In the darkness, the breathing of the three people could be clearly heard.

"Hey, boss."

After regaining her senses, Bai Ling asked curiously:

"You said during the day that you were 90% sure, is that true? That... thing, is it really that easy to deal with?"

"Lark..."

Lin Chuqiao gently stopped her.

But her gaze also fell upon Fang Cheng.

In the darkness, a clear hint of worry lingered in those bright eyes.

Fang Cheng smiled and asked in return:
"Don't you believe me?"

Upon hearing those familiar words, Bailing's eyes lit up instantly, her tense face relaxed immediately, and she nodded vigorously.

Lin Chuqiao's lips curled into a beautiful smile.

In the faint moonlight filtering through the window, it resembled a flower branch quietly blooming in the night.

She nodded slightly and didn't continue the conversation.

The unspoken understanding between the two speaks volumes.

Lin Chuqiao and Bailing quickly lay down on the bed fully clothed.

Perhaps she was truly exhausted, or perhaps Fang Cheng's presence provided her with a strong sense of security.

Before long, the sound of their even breathing could be heard.

Fang Cheng sat down cross-legged in the center of the room again, closed his eyes, and sank his mind into his sea of ​​consciousness.

A blazing, magnificent sun rose slowly in his vision.

A faint golden light seeped from beneath his skin, enveloping his entire body.

He carefully controlled the power; the flames were scorching but did not radiate outwards, so they did not ignite his clothes or burn the carpet beneath him.

In the dark room, he was like a golden statue emitting a faint glow.

As Fang Cheng's visualization deepened, his perception seemed to extend outward silently, following the golden light.

The soft rustling of the wind through the curtains, the distant chirping of night insects, and the smell of dust in the air.

Even the steady heartbeats of the two girls in the room...

Everything was clearly reflected in his mind.

As night deepened, the fog gradually appeared.

The entire Chen family mansion resembled a sleeping giant, lying prostrate on the dark mountainside.

The oppressive and gloomy atmosphere that was concealed by luxury during the day is now released without reservation.

The wind whistled through the treetops in the courtyard, making a mournful sound, like a woman weeping.

In the corridor, motion-activated wall lights flickered on and off, casting stretches and shifts of light and shadow on the empty floor, like struggling ghosts.

It seemed as if something invisible to ordinary people was drifting silently.

(End of this chapter)