Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!

Chapter 667 - 666: What Is Your Purpose

As soon as he gave the order, the talisman Fu Lu immediately left the others and pulled Big Beard, who had already been examined, aside, tearing off his clothes with a few swift moves to reveal his muscular body.

On Big Beard’s body were several scars, including knife wounds near his shoulder and upper arm, and even a scar that ran across his waist.

The most dangerous one was a sword wound near the shoulder blade on his back. From that position, either the distance weakened the arrow’s force or the angle missed causing a slight deviation. Regardless, the conclusion was that Big Beard was indeed lucky; a bit further or more precise, and his bones would have been shattered.

Zhu Yu rested briefly nearby, feeling bored, and came over to check. Seeing the scars on Big Beard, he seemed to understand why the others looked up to him — he likely fought with his brothers to carve a bloody path and escape.

Looking at Big Beard’s gaze focused on the four of them, though filled with anger, there wasn’t much in the way of ferocity, cruelty, or bandit-like aura.

This wasn’t the gaze of a typical robber, fierce enough yet possessing a sense of noble righteousness.

"Help this hero get his clothes back in order." Lu Qing gestured to the talisman Fu Lu to help Big Beard dress properly, and bowed slightly, "I apologize for any offense earlier.

It’s just that we’re genuinely seeking the whereabouts of the Lan King’s legitimate grandson, a matter of great importance, and since none of you are willing to speak easily, we must proceed cautiously.

All of you have practiced martial arts for years; these aren’t marks a common mountain bandit would have.

The scars on your body were probably left from the battles to help the Lan King’s legitimate grandson escape safely."

Big Beard’s eyes flickered slightly, but his expression remained calm: "Nonsense... What king’s grandson, what battle... We few brothers are just after wealth, and since we’re caught, do whatever you must. You may proceed, no need to tell us such strange things."

Lu Qing appeared unconcerned with his denial and continued, "You risked so much back then to escort and hide the young Lan King’s legitimate grandson out of the capital. Why? It was so that one day he could return to the capital, correct the chaos, reclaim his rightful throne, and restore Lan Country to order.

Am I right?"

Big Beard remained silent, and those behind him didn’t react, yet their eyes shone with more doubt as they looked at Lu Qing.

"You’ve been lurking here for over ten years without any action; is it because you don’t want to?

It’s likely because rectifying the chaos isn’t easy, is it?

The traitors allied with Prince Lan are treacherously cunning, adept in stealthy poisoning, challenging even back then, and probably have only entrenched their position further over these years, making it invincible.

Though your loyalty and bravery in protecting your master are commendable, you aren’t a match for them.

Never mind those insidious poisons, even the ordinary seductive fragrance or sedatives we used easily caught you off guard repeatedly.

Given your current situation, hiding deep in the mountains honing martial skills remains futile, as you lack both numbers and influence, and may not even have the chance to confront them.

We sincerely want to locate the Lan King’s legitimate grandson; the drugs we used were harmless, but what if your real enemies strike? Do you think you could still awaken safely?"

Lu Qing’s speech brought confusion to those who had been glaring at him with anger.

Lu Qing observed everything, then calmly pointed at Big Beard: "I see this hero’s age should be around the knowing destiny stage.

Lan Country is in decline, with normal folks’ villages and fortresses overtaken, turning innocent citizens into puppet drug slaves at will.

You seek expansion, but it’s exceedingly difficult.

Perhaps the Lan King’s legitimate grandson can still wait for the right moment, but what about you?

Those of you past the knowing destiny stage, and the younger ones nearing forty, how many more decades do you have for lurking and awaiting the chance?

Could you still fight in another ten, twenty years?

You lack victory now; what could you accomplish then?"

His words struck their hearts, every word addressing their most anxious and concerned facts of the past years.

"If we can’t provide you with the answers you seek, what will you do?" Big Beard paused, not admitting Lu Qing’s statement but no longer emphasizing their bandit identity, vaguely posing a question.

"It’s simple, the trap never ages. I can just detain you all and prevent anyone from leaving, which leads your fellow brothers in the village to investigate.

Then knock them out one by one, locking them together.

Those who come will be my bait; I only need to wait for your people to voluntarily bite the hook.

Once I catch most of you, those left with the Lan King’s legitimate grandson won’t be enough to protect him, and I needn’t waste words with you, but directly seek him for a face-to-face talk."

Lu Qing said this with a relaxed smile, as if he were Prince Xiaoyao inviting another distinguished gentleman for wine and pleasure.

Yet Big Beard and the others felt their teeth itching hearing it.

Lu Qing finished and observed them grinding their teeth in silence, adding, "Though I disdain such vile tactics, I have countless varieties of harmless seductive fragrances and sedatives and can guarantee every batch of your brothers will fall for them in different ways."

"You—!" Big Beard didn’t speak, but one person behind him couldn’t hold back and glared at Lu Qing fiercely, "Despicable!"

"The ones you’re dealing with are far worse; to topple them, you must first understand their ways and methods. If you’re all straightforward... I’d advise you to genuinely become mountain bandits, lest you waste years in the mountains." Lu Qing casually replied.

"You..." Big Beard hesitated for a moment and slowly asked, "Who exactly are you? What purpose do you have? What benefit does helping the Lan King’s legitimate grandson bring to you?"