This bold speculation quieted the bustling rest area somewhat. Newest update provıded by NovelHub(.)net
Fang Cheng, Lin Chuqiao, and Bai Ling instinctively looked towards the Chen family relatives gathered not far away, some in grief, some in panic.
The three exchanged glances, then tacitly moved to a secluded viewpoint window where they stood once more.
"I lean more towards the latter, and judging by the current beneficiaries, Second Young Master Chen Xu’an is the most suspicious."
Lin Chuqiao exhaled lightly, continuing her calm analysis:
"The eldest grandson is severely injured, and the youngest is tragically dead. One was already the head of the family’s business, and the other was most beloved by the old matriarch."
"Both were ahead of Chen Xu’an in the line of succession. After their mishaps, Chen Xu’an naturally could take over the family power."
"Also, have you noticed..."
Lin Chuqiao’s gaze swept over Fang Cheng and Bai Ling as she continued:
"That Black Magic Master dealt with outsiders in a very ruthless manner, with a clear intent to kill, as if warning others not to meddle in the Chen Family’s affairs."
"At the same time, the methods used on the Chen Family members appeared relatively ’mild’, either dying silently in their sleep or having accidents like falling off a building or a car crash, without deliberate torture."
"Altogether, this looks more like a premeditated internal cleansing, clearing obstacles in the line of succession."
"And what about Third Young Master Chen, Qiming? He seems strange too!"
Bai Ling couldn’t help but interject, her eyes wide:
"His eyes appear hooked, clearly up to no good; he even tried to flirt with Sister Xiao Chu earlier, perhaps harboring ulterior motives."
She wrinkled her nose in disdain.
"I initially thought Second Young Master was very suspicious, but now I find him more refined and not a bad person at all. I dis Third Young Master even more now!"
Lin Chuqiao laughed softly, patting her hand:
"Although Qiming is mischievous, he is too flamboyant and unable to keep secrets, unlike someone capable of orchestrating such a meticulous Black Magic case."
She paused and added:
"Moreover, I subtly inquired with the servants. Chen Xu’an has always had a poor relationship with the old matriarch, who values the capable eldest grandson more. Xu’an’s Talent in Cultivation is mediocre, so he’s been marginalized within the family."
"In such a situation, he indeed has the motive to use Black Magic to disrupt the Chen Family’s order."
"The only thing that confuses me is..."
Here, Lin Chuqiao’s eyebrows knitted together, showing a hint of confusion:
"Since Chen Xu’an already gained control of family affairs, and Qiming poses no competition, there’s no need for him to harm anyone further."
"Why then did he attempt to harm the old matriarch last night? He should be targeting us, the outside investigators, instead."
"Someone indeed tried to harm me last night."
Fang Cheng suddenly spoke, his voice low, yet sending a jolt to the two women’s hearts.
Lin Chuqiao, hearing this, tensed and stepped forward, gently touching Fang Cheng’s arm with concern in her eyes:
"Are you alright? Did you get hurt anywhere?"
Bai Ling also drew closer, her eyes filled with tension, softening her breath:
"Master, did the Black Magic Master cast a spell on you?"
Fang Cheng smiled and shook his head, then briefly recounted the events of last night:
"I was originally in my room doing Sitting Meditation when suddenly I sensed a cold aura approaching. As soon as I opened my eyes, I saw a ghost shadow formed by black smoke lunging at me."
"This ghost shadow wasn’t very powerful, presumably a kind of evil object controlled by someone. After being driven away, I planned to trace it back to its controller."
"However, the other party was very alert, quickly destroying the ghost shadow upon realizing they were being followed."
"I didn’t give up and continued to chase into the woods at the northwest corner of the manor, but they were prepared, setting up a snake formation to block me and forcibly breaking my Spirit lock."
"Then, I heard an exclamation from the main house, thinking you two might be in trouble, I immediately rushed back."
"Ghost shadow? Snake formation?"
Bai Ling’s eyes widened, her face turned pale, seemingly imagining some disgusting scenes.
"That should be the ’Hungry Ghost Curse.’"
Lin Chuqiao’s brows knitted tightly, her expression grave:
"The Hungry Ghost Curse is the legendary Ghost Nurturing Skill. The Black Magic Master would feed the Hungry Ghost with his own blood, making it fully controlled, then send it to harm people."
"These Hungry Ghosts are generally captured from the Yin-heavy Inner World. Once tamed, they establish a life-and-death link with the Black Magic Master. As long as the master lives, the Hungry Ghost won’t dissipate completely, making it tough to deal with using ordinary means."
"And those possessed by the Hungry Ghost would instantly lose their minds, suffering from extreme hunger, not just wanting food but craving living creatures’ flesh, gnawing at everything alive around them."
"If no ’food’ is found, they would even start biting their own flesh until they tear themselves apart, dying painfully..."
While speaking, her gaze shifted to Bai Ling, sweeping over her pallid face:
"The chill you felt at the stairway last night, like being followed, was likely the Hungry Ghost wandering around, searching for its next target."
Bai Ling shuddered, instinctively leaning closer to Lin Chuqiao, her voice tinged with fear:
"Can we hurry up and find this pervert? Staying in the eerie Chen Family’s mansion, I continuously feel a chill down my spine."