Chosen One, how did I end up as the villain?

downhill road

After a brief exchange of jokes, the three of them fell into their own thoughts again, their heavy footsteps echoing clearly in the desolate mountain forest.

Things seem to have come full circle.

"That strategist is too cunning. What should we do now?"

Feng Yunming looked worried. The two most important clues were useless, and now he was completely clueless.

"Uncle Feng, don't worry, let's sort things out again. There may still be some things we've missed."

Qin Huaiyu raised his head and began a brainstorming session.

"According to Kukai, the man attacked him, stole the yellow silk and the monk's robe, and then used them in the cave, simply to divert our attention."

But this can only be achieved if he knows we will find the cave.

Shen Wan'er's narrow eyes widened in surprise, and she said:

"This shows that he was always aware of our arrangements, including the disguise of the Sun family father and daughter."

Well, the young lady does have a brain when she's not impulsive.

Qin Huaiyu gave her an appreciative look and said:

"That's right. It's very likely that he deliberately lured us to the cave yesterday to divert attention and get us to investigate the Hidden Spirit Temple."

"That's despicable, trying to frame someone else."

"Could it be that guy was watching from the shadows the whole time?"

As Feng Yunming spoke, he looked around cautiously.

"Very likely, but also possible..."

Qin Huaiyu hesitated for a moment before speaking, then frowned and said:

"Based on the information we have now, all the female corpses have ligature marks on their bodies, which are confirmed to be caused by hemp rope. This kind of thing is too common, making it difficult to determine who it is."

Kukai said that he noticed the white lining and the footprints on the wall, and that these two points were very important.

Upon hearing this, Feng Yunming lowered his head and pondered for a moment before analyzing:

"A white undershirt is usually worn when sleeping, which means that the master should be at home during the day. There is a teahouse on one side of the alley of Dongshi Street. It is too high and there are too many people, so it would attract too much attention."

Based on this, the only place with the marks could be a residential house, and I remember that place was Chen Gousheng's house, where only a young couple lived. They made a living by setting up a stall in the East Market and were basically not at home during the day.

If that's the case, then the secret master not only knows the surroundings, but also likely knows the couple's comings and goings times. And to know such details, could he be a neighbor?

"It should be!"

As Qin Huaiyu spoke, he summarized all the information: a neighbor who was home during the day, was very familiar with the East Market, and knew all their arrangements... Could it be...?

His eyes lit up as he carefully recalled the entire incident...

"Uncle Feng, the scope is too broad, it's impossible to be sure. Besides, it's also possible that the guy planned this all along and scouted the place beforehand."

"No, Kukai's descent from the mountain was accidental. How could that secret master have known he was going to the alley and even scouted the place beforehand?"

After Qin Huaiyu finished speaking, a wry smile appeared on his face, and he said:

"After going through such a long and winding road, I never expected it to be him!"

"Do you know who it is?"

Upon hearing this, the two looked surprised and immediately asked in unison.

"Let's go, you'll see when you get there."

...........

东市

It was early morning, the sun was high in the sky, and the streets were bustling with people. The sounds of vendors calling out their wares rose and fell from the stalls. Young men and women of all kinds strolled along, exchanging glances with each other, creating a lively and bustling scene.

At the corner of the street, Sun Gengtou's house was also bustling with noise.

A powerful and thought-provoking educational message emanated from inside the house.

Perhaps the struggles were too intense, or the interactions too frequent, but there were always voices expressing their unbearable burden.

Like waves, rising and falling, it seems to have reached its peak at a certain moment.

As we reached the end, everything calmed down and finally quieted down.

"Stop it, that's enough!"

Sun Fu also changed his usual kind and honest image at this time.

His eyes kept darting around the beauty on the bed, and his hands were constantly groping around, making him look like a complete lewd pervert.

"Hehe, that feels good, you've got the goods!"

"Shh, keep your voice down, it wouldn't be good if others heard!"

"Don't worry, no one will come!"

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Someone's there!"

The two of them tensed up and quickly got up to tidy up.

Outside

"Nephew, isn't this Sun Gengtou's house? What are we doing here?"

Feng Yunming frowned, his face full of confusion.

Shen Wan'er's beautiful eyes were also filled with doubt. She had just sent the girl back in the morning, and now he was here again. Could it be that Huaiyu really had feelings for that girl...?

Thinking of this, she felt inexplicably uncomfortable.

Qin Huaiyu, oblivious to the two of them, smiled and said:

"Some things just need to be figured out!"

Soon, the courtyard gate was opened.

Sun Fu paused when he saw the newcomer, a look of surprise appearing on his ruddy face, before forcing a smile.

"Mayor, Young Master Qin, Miss Shen, what brings you here!"

This body odor...

Qin Huaiyu's lips curled into a smile. "What, aren't you going to invite us to your house?"

"Of course not..."

Sun Fu hurriedly bowed and invited him.

Seeing this, Qin Huaiyu went inside, and the other two, seeing this, helplessly followed.

"Miss Sun Shu should be awake by now!"

"She's awake! She's awake!"

Just then, footsteps sounded inside the house, and Sun Shu, dressed in a white gauze dress, came out.

Her skin was still so fair, but a blush appeared on her cheeks, and the hair on her forehead was a little damp, as if it had been wet with sweat.

"This humble woman greets the three of you."

Qin Huaiyu returned a polite smile, "You're too kind, young lady. I really need to thank you for your help this time, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to find the real perpetrator."

He emphasized the last four words.

Upon hearing this, the father and daughter's expressions changed drastically, but they quickly regained their smiles.

"Young master, you flatter us. It is our honor to be able to help you all and eliminate this scourge for the town."

"Oh, so the young lady really has no recollection of what happened last night?"

Sun Shu nodded. "I only remember walking on the street when I suddenly felt a little dizzy. When I woke up, I was already at home."

"That's a real pity, we missed a great show."

Qin Huaiyu turned his head slightly to look at Sun Fu and said:

"Uncle Sun didn't see you last night; I forgot to ask if your patrol went smoothly?"

"Smooth sailing, smooth sailing, a peaceful night," Sun Fu quickly replied.

Old man, you're quite the show-off. Let's see who's better, you or me.

Qin Huaiyu's face immediately turned cold. "Really smoothly? Didn't you encounter anything?"

Upon hearing this, Sun Fu's eyes suddenly lit up, and he said:

"What does Young Master Qin mean?"

"Hmph, do I even need to tell you? You must have had a tough time following us all night!"

Upon hearing this, everyone present was stunned, including Sun Fu and the woman, their faces filled with astonishment.

"Young Master Qin, I don't understand what you're saying. I was on night watch last night, you all know that, and the residents of the town should have heard the gong. You can go and ask them if you don't believe me!"

Sun Fu quickly realized what was happening and hurriedly explained.

"Huaiyu, are you mistaken? We heard the gong too."

Shen Wan'er frowned slightly and stepped forward to speak.

Qin Huaiyu shook his head and said:

"That's right, but that was the second watch of the night. We hadn't even left the city yet. The third or fourth watch... if I remember correctly, we came back at the fourth watch. Did you hear the gong?"

.................