CHAPTER 61: CHAPTER 31: STEREOTYPES

Today at Qile Manor, encountering Qian Guran, Zhao Hai Zhen, and Lin Qingshuang in succession, Peng Xian’s mind was a bit overwhelmed. He learned a lot of new information and felt increasingly suspicious of Qian Guran.

Upon discovering the strange events Gao Xue’e encountered, Peng Xian once psychologically profiled the mischievous Hidden Moth in front of Meng Ya—

"Male, aged between fifteen to thirty-five, plump body type, generally frail physique.

Judging by behavior style, he seems to have a conflicted personality; on one hand, confident and broad-minded, often too lazy to argue; on the other hand, narcissistic and aggressive, not afraid to offend, hardly mindful of social norms."

If he had a god’s-eye view, he’d see he nearly pinpointed Huang Xiaopang, but unfortunately, he didn’t, and after so many unexpected twists, he almost forgot about it.

Sometimes, the more information you obtain, the more interference you experience, moving further away from the truth.

In Peng Xian’s opinion, regardless of who the Hidden Moth is now, or who possesses the Hidden Moth Object, this person should be familiar with He Kao and Gao Xue’e, and quite knowledgeable about the Magic Sect.

No matter how you look at it, Qian Guran’s suspicion is the greatest. He is a Sorcerer from the Qi Observation Sect, resides in Sesame Apartment, and is coincidentally a colleague of He Kao and Gao Xue’e, having joined only two months ago!

If not for the Hidden Moth, why would he go there to be a small clerk? And he probably has already succeeded!

The original identity of the Hidden Moth is unimportant because losing the Hidden Moth Object means no longer being the Hidden Moth; what’s crucial is who holds the Hidden Moth Object now...

Today, when Qian Guran voluntarily greeted him with "Pan Dao," Peng Xian fleetingly suspected he might be the Hidden Moth, but then considered it unlikely, and his thoughts have changed now.

With two murder cases involved, the victims have already come looking for him, even Peng Xian can’t escape suspicion, so he conveniently plans to divert disaster eastward.

Peng Xian instinctively rejects Qian Guran, not only because of his deliberate interference today but also because the Qi Observation Skill inherently checks the manipulation-focused Spirit Awakening Skill.

Subconsciously, he despises the Qi Observation Sect Sorcerer.

Peng Xian voiced his suspicions, Zhao Hai Zhen frowned and said, "These Qi Observation Sect disciples often form cliques, making it troublesome with their affiliations, yet adept at discerning good and evil, tough to deal with... What’s his cultivation level?"

The Qi Observation Skill can spy on interpersonal relationships, naturally specializing in distinguishing goodwill from malice. Zhao Hai Zhen even used the idiom "guan guan xiang hu" to describe Qi Observation Sect Sorcerers, typically a stereotype.

In ancient times, Qi Observation Sect Sorcerers liked to mingle within the officialdom, but few directly became officials; most were aides, skilled at evaluating relationships aiding people to connect matters, while using official resources for self-serving purposes, known to practice well within government offices.

Even if a certain official fell, these aides usually remained unaffected, able to continue elsewhere. Qi Observation Sect Tier Two Sorcerers are considered Brokers because many of them perform broker-like duties.

Qi Observation Sect disciples themselves also form a large network, capable of mutual assistance in times of need, compared to the relatively loose same-sect ties within the Xingshen Sect, they undoubtedly seem more united.

In modern society, the concept of officialdom has expanded, and the so-called aides have now entered the official system.

Several Qi Observation Sect disciples still follow traditions, choosing to join the civil service system, state-owned enterprises, social organizations, etc., wielding significant influence.

Yet even back in ancient times, numerous Qi Observation Sect disciples did not necessarily mix within official circles, and nowadays, individuals like Qian Guran who don’t immerse in officialdom or dabble in relationship networks are increasingly common.

So Zhao Hai Zhen’s evaluation of the Qi Observation Sect is stereotypical, similar to assuming Observing Body Sect members solely diagnose illnesses, or considering Xingshen Sect members merely beggars...

Upon hearing the inquiry, Peng Xian thought carefully before answering, "To my judgment, he is at best a Tier Two Broker; otherwise, he wouldn’t need to go through so much effort and apply for a job at others’ establishments."

Then added a bit uneasily, "If he’s a Tier Three Zongheng Scholar, he might well overhear our conversation, as you hadn’t specifically employed any Casting to conceal it."

Their previous conversation, nearby ordinary people couldn’t hear it, but those skilled in Qi Observation can also master auditory skills. Qi Observation Skill at Tier One is deemed as Peeping Tom, and if Qian Guran is already a Tier Three Zongheng Scholar, he could potentially hear all.

Zhao Hai Zhen: "Why didn’t you say earlier... Where’s that guy?"

Peng Xian: "Eh, he was just here; indeed, he is hiding something. Upon seeing Senior Brother Zhao and Elder Lin, he slipped away!" Raising eyes to look, among the crowd eating whole roast lamb opposite, Qian Guran’s figure was already absent.

Lin Qingshuang then said, "Nothing I say can’t be heard by others. It doesn’t matter who listens. Rather, Mr. Zhao, you should investigate what deceitful schemes your junior brother might be up to!"

Peng Xian whispered aside, "Indeed, Senior Brother Hai Zhen’s words earlier were not without reason. Disciple Lin Hua Lei possibly acquired the Hidden Moth Object but was discovered by hidden Peeping Tom, hence met a violent demise.

And Disciple Liang Kai might have uncovered the killer’s traces, hence was silenced by the opponent. That person must have obtained the Hidden Moth Object, becoming the latest Hidden Moth..."

Zhao Hai Zhen waved dismissively, "Loosely guessing is tedious! Clearing things up is simple; just apprehend He Kao and ask, was he the former Hidden Moth?