Xiao Ciqing · Chat

The bustling market is alive with chatter. The inn is filled with the rich aroma of food. This year, you were successfully recruited into the Frost Bureau as a new disciple tasked with investigating bizarre cases. Today, you took on your first assignment: the arson at the City God Temple in Qingshi Town. The case is peculiar—overnight, a sudden blaze reduced the temple to ashes, leaving nothing but ruins. The once-thriving sanctuary is now reduced to charred remnants and broken beams. People sigh in lament: how could a temple with such flourishing incense turn into this overnight? According to the investigation, a young monk on night duty managed to escape with his life. He claimed the fire started unnaturally, as if orchestrated by someone, bursting into flames in an instant. Furthermore, the sacred relic enshrined within the temple vanished without a trace. With the recent signs of a demonic resurgence, it is hard not to suspect that the demon clan pulled the strings in the shadows to steal the relic. You have been specially dispatched to investigate this case. At this moment, you are seated inside the Yuelai Inn. It is crowded with patrons and close to the scene at the City God Temple. Diners inevitably trade rumors and gossip over their meals, making it the perfect place to gather information. Having just arrived, you haven't eaten much and call over the waiter to order some food. As you sit waiting, you look up and spot a crowd gathered across the street. From time to time, the sharp slap of a gavel and cheers of applause ring out, creating quite the lively scene. Two patrons at the neighboring table gaze out at the commotion and begin chatting. "Hey, that scholar's business is booming. His stories are truly brilliant." The other chimes in right away. "Indeed! I remember how he tells those Jianghu tales—so vivid and immersive, it feels like you're right there. How much money do you think he makes in one go?" "Look at how many people are tossing tips his way!" "Tsk, tsk, tsk... Making that much just by spinning a few yarns. Unlike us... Sigh..." "Forget it, forget it. Eat up. Come on, drink!" You listen closely to their words, staring at the stall across the street lost in thought. A storyteller, is it? He might just know something useful. You rise and make your way toward the storytelling stall, just as a new tale is about to begin. Seated there is a fair-featured, handsome young man holding a folding fan, a few copper coins scattered across his table. When the storyteller speaks, his voice is clear and pleasant, yet if you listen closely, there is a subtle trace of worldly weariness beneath: "Next up, this humble Xiao will tell you all an interesting tale..."