Death Notice Book 7: Chapter 32: Different Paths

Qin Lun had two purposes for killing Uvogin, planting explosives inside his body, and not notifying Dalzollene and the others.

One was to continue collecting information on the abilities of the Troupe members, to decide on the next target to eliminate.

The second was to anger the Troupe, forcing them to kill Dalzollene and his team. He also wanted Kurapika to fall into deep self-blame, to abandon any wishful thinking, and to carry out his plans with the goal of killing Troupe members, not capturing them.

After a long silence, Kurapika lowered his hand. The blood-red color in his eyes slowly faded. He turned and looked calmly at Qin Lun. “I admit I made a mistake. However, I still have some questions I want to ask you. I hope you answer me honestly!”

“Ask away. I will tell you everything I know!” Qin Lun nodded.

Kurapika pointed at the surveillance video and asked, “Have you been setting up a plan ever since you learned about the Phantom Troupe?”

“Yes. Precautionary measures!” Qin Lun smiled slightly and nodded in acknowledgment.

“What about Baise then? That explosive doll shouldn’t have been Baise, right?” Kurapika said flatly.

“She is still alive. I replaced her with this doll before the auction started!” Qin Lun confessed. “However, after the auction, I made her leave Yorknew City and forced her not to notify you.”

“His heartbeat is very steady. He probably isn’t lying.” The news that Baise was still alive made Melody somewhat happy.

“One last question. Did you kidnap Miss Neon? Where is she now?” Kurapika also breathed a sigh of relief, but his gaze at Qin Lun remained extremely sharp. “I contacted the hotel earlier. Arissa told us that after the auction explosion, a masked person kidnapped Miss Neon!”

“That has nothing to do with me. It might have been the Phantom Troupe’s doing!” Qin Lun lied without changing his expression.

“Impossible! At that time, the Phantom Troupe absolutely could not have known about Miss Neon’s existence. Others could just pay to book a divination; they wouldn’t need to resort to kidnapping.” Kurapika stared at Qin Lun suspiciously.

“Melody…” Qin Lun stopped answering and smiled as he turned to look at Melody.

“Kurapika, I didn’t detect any signs of lying.” Melody hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly vouched for Qin Lun.

“Sorry, Qin Lun! Besides you, I can’t think of anyone else who would do this!” Kurapika sighed in frustration.

“It’s fine!” Qin Lun shook his head, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

Back in Handan Heavy Penalty Prison, even the most modern lie detector machines and the most skilled psychologists couldn’t test Qin Lun’s mental state. Just by listening to his heartbeat, how could Melody tell if the young man was lying? If he wanted to, he could fabricate the most scientifically accurate lie detection report anytime, anywhere.

Neon Nostrade was a very crucial person. Qin Lun would not let the Phantom Troupe get her, nor would he let the Hunter side, especially Kurapika, have any further contact with her.

During the conflict with the Troupe, Neon could only belong to Qin Lun alone. As for Kurapika, he just needed to focus on avenging his clansmen and completing his destined mission.

Actually, Qin Lun had also considered using a Flesh Golem to replicate Neon. Perhaps he could set another fatal trap for the Troupe. Unfortunately, although he still had some Flesh Golems in stock, the golem had to be controlled using Perception. If the distance was too great, it wouldn’t work.

“Alright, Kurapika, I’ve answered all your questions. Now, isn’t it your turn to answer some of mine?” Qin Lun asked with a smile.

“Go ahead, but I don’t guarantee I’ll answer,” Kurapika said flatly. The boy had clearly regained his composure.

“If we manage to capture more Troupe members next, what will you do?” Qin Lun sat on the sofa, propped his elbow on his knee, and looked seriously at the boy. “Kill them? Or proceed as before, just restricting their freedom?”

“Is this question that important to you?” Kurapika frowned slightly.

“Of course. If you never have the resolve to kill, I really have no interest in continuing to help you!” Qin Lun smiled and spread his hands. “Although I’m very interested in fighting the Troupe, I don’t want to cooperate with a partner who holds back.”

“I never asked for your help… Wait!” Kurapika put a finger to his lips. “You saying that means you believe you can definitely help me? With your Nen Ability? No, probably not… You obtained information about them, maybe even the location of their hideout?”

“Is that it, Qin Lun!” Kurapika’s eyes lit up as he looked questioningly at Qin Lun.

“Yes, just by chance!” A flicker of appreciation passed through Qin Lun’s eyes. To deduce the hidden meaning from just a few words, Kurapika possessed considerable intelligence.

“Where are they? Tell me!” Kurapika’s face twisted as he looked at Qin Lun. His eyes once again emitted an angry red glow.

“You haven’t answered my question yet.” Qin Lun remained unmoved, smiling.

“Kurapika!” Melody worriedly grabbed the boy’s arm.

Kurapika calmed down again. He turned away and replied coldly, “Fine, don’t tell me. Although I want to capture the Phantom Troupe, I will absolutely not accept being used by others.”

Wasn’t Dalzollene and the others dying enough? It’s a pity the most important one is still alive! Qin Lun glanced at Melody beside Kurapika, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Forget it. Uvogin is already dead. At least the Main Quest met the most basic completion condition. Even though the Troupe got the auction items, they lost a member. They definitely won’t let it go easily. They will surely go on a killing spree next. Instead of forcing Kurapika to cooperate, it’s better to wait for him to come to me.

Thinking this, Qin Lun stood up. He took a phone from his pocket and tossed it to Kurapika. “My number is in here. If you figure it out, give me a call!”

“You… where are you going?” Although Kurapika had doubts about Qin Lun, seeing the young man leave made him feel a bit guilty.

In Kurapika’s view, although Qin Lun was ruthless and would stop at nothing, he had, after all, helped them many times. He had mercilessly refused to join forces with him. If Qin Lun ended up dead at the hands of the Troupe, that was clearly not his original intention.

This kindness is really endearing. What a pity… Qin Lun’s eyes flashed. He waved at the two of them.

“Don’t worry about me. After killing Uvogin, the Mafia’s task for me has basically met the minimum conditions. However, Dalzollene is now in the Troupe’s hands. Both your identity and mine are exposed. I need to find a place to hide.”

“Exposed? Captain Dalzollene is still alive? How do you know that?” Kurapika suddenly widened his eyes. His figure flashed, blocking Qin Lun’s path.

Oh no, it seems I slipped up! Qin Lun inwardly grimaced, but his face remained unchanged. “Captain Dalzollene had surveillance set up in the basement early on. Didn’t you notice?”

Qin Lun took another memory card from his pocket and tossed it to Kurapika. A hint of cunning appeared in his eyes as he turned and asked, “This is a copy of the surveillance footage. Melody, I’m not lying, right?”

“Hmm…” Melody hesitated for a moment, then honestly replied, “Well… at least I didn’t hear anything suspicious.”

Qin Lun smiled slightly, stepped around Kurapika, and headed for the door.

“Wait!” Kurapika turned and grabbed Qin Lun’s arm. “Even if you won’t participate in this anymore, at least tell us the Troupe’s hideout. Let us go rescue Captain Dalzollene.”

“I refuse! Whether Dalzollene lives or dies has nothing to do with me. But if you get captured again, the Nen Ability I showed during our spar will be exposed.” Qin Lun expressionlessly pulled his hand back. “Unless you’re willing to be like me, to stop at nothing with the goal of killing Troupe members, I will not join forces with you again.”

“That bastard…” Watching Qin Lun leave the room, Kurapika angrily punched the wall.

“Kurapika, even without his help, we’ll find a way!” Melody walked to the boy’s side and comforted him softly.

After leaving the hotel room, Qin Lun slowly strolled along the street, his gaze flickering as he sank into thought.

From the Troupe members he had encountered, they were all very proud and had strong self-esteem. Seeing Uvogin die right before their eyes, without even seeing the enemy’s shadow… They definitely wouldn’t be willing to just retreat.

So, they only have two choices left. One is to investigate secretly, using the Nostrade Family to find me and Kurapika. But now Neon is in my hands, and the boy has Melody with her keen hearing beside him. That path is doomed to fail.

Then they only have one last option left: cause a huge disturbance in Yorknew City until they lure out Kurapika. The Mafia lost face last night, and now they’ve hired an assassin group. They naturally won’t cancel the auction.

The stage for both sides will still revolve around the auction. Like this, it will inevitably involve a large number of innocent people. On one hand, you just refused to join me in killing Troupe members. On the other hand, this will result in a large number of innocent deaths.

Kurapika, how long can you hold onto that kindness of yours! It’s really something to look forward to! Qin Lun looked at the rising sun on the horizon and revealed a meaningful smile.

“Beep beep beep!”

“Hmm? This is Yin’s number!” Qin Lun raised an eyebrow and immediately answered the call. “Yin, is Neon okay?”

“Hey, kid, shouldn’t you ask about our situation first?” Yin on the other end of the phone sounded very displeased.

“Sorry, sorry. I just believe that with your alertness, you probably didn’t run into any trouble!” Qin Lun replied cheerfully. “You didn’t have any problems, right?”

“Haha, big problems!” Yin chuckled wryly.

“I didn’t notice it the first time we met, but now, being alone with this girl, I realize how difficult she is to deal with. It’s strange how the bodyguards of the Nostrade Family could stand her! If Liza and I weren’t both reconnaissance-type Nen Ability users, she probably would have escaped several times by now.”

“Oh, keep an eye on her. I’m coming right over. Where are you…”