The Return of the God Level Assassin

1193 YUNYUE VS FENGHUANG (XXVIII)

LACKING a complete understanding of Sherlock Holmes lore and realizing it was more practical to act than to waste time chasing an answer that might never come to him, Luo Yan simply sent a message on their team channel.

Noctis: [The old man saw through my act and started talking about a woman I apparently reminded him of. He spoke about her with this strange mix of admiration and awe. Does someone like that exist in Sherlock Holmes' life?]

He didn't have to wait long before Shen Ji Yun sent a response. YUN: [There is. It's Irene Adler. She's one of the few people who ever outsmarted Sherlock Holmes. He calls her "The Woman" because of how much he respects her. In his life, she's less of a love interest and more of a figure he deeply admires for her wit, charm, and intelligence.] Luo Yan raised an eyebrow as he read the message. If he remembered correctly, Irene Adler was likely the character Rachel McAdams had played in that Sherlock Holmes movie.

White Marsh: [So, does this mean we've finally found our Sherlock Holmes?]

Noctis: [Let me probe further to be completely sure.]

He closed the team channel and focused on keeping up his clueless act. His eyes stayed wide with confusion, his brows slightly furrowed, as if he couldn't quite follow what the old man was saying. He tilted his head a little, like someone trying to understand but failing, and nervously fidgeted with the hem of his dress. Every now and then, he glanced away, as if unsure whether to ask a question or stay quiet. His face showed just the right mix of puzzlement and nervousness, like someone completely lost in the conversation.

"I—I'm sorry, sir, but I don't understand what you mean," he added, his voice trembling slightly for good measure.

"I'm sure you don't," the old man replied, his tone dripping with a calm yet pointed condescension, as if he could see right through Luo Yan's performance. "Now, perhaps you can explain why you and that train attendant conspired to bring me here. Spare me any further falsehoods; I've neither the time nor the patience for such games. If you insist on lying again, I will simply take my leave and allow you to continue whatever charade you're playing. Do I make myself clear, young lady?"

Luo Yan blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Well, that went well. He studied the old man carefully, knowing full well that if he stuck to his act, the man would likely follow through on his threat and leave. But had he gathered enough to confirm that this was truly Sherlock Holmes? Not even close. He needed something more—something clear—that would remove any doubt.

Although things had more or less headed in the right direction, he had completely lost control of the conversation, making it harder to observe the other's reactions as planned. Still, what the old man had revealed through his words and actions should be enough. Luo Yan just needed to trust his instincts and have faith in the conclusion he was about to draw.

But first, he had one question left to ask, and the old man's answer would be the key to confirming his conclusion.

Good thing he had someone deeply familiar with Sherlock Holmes to rely on.

He once again opened their team channel. Noctis: [Brother Ji Yun, if this old man really is Sherlock Holmes, what question should I ask to confirm it?]

Shen Ji Yun responded almost immediately. YUN: [Ask him about his favorite violin piece. The answer to that isn't common knowledge, even among casual fans. Only a true Sherlockian would know it. Or Sherlock Holmes himself.]

Luo Yan read the message. If not for the current situation, he would have already teased Shen Ji Yun. Why was he only finding out now that his boyfriend was a true Sherlock Holmes fanboy?

He pushed that thought aside and then lifted his head to look directly at the old man. This time, he dropped the act entirely. He knew it would cost him points, but if their guess was right, the loss would be more than worth it.

"I'll answer your question, sir, but only if you agree to answer mine truthfully," he said calmly.

The old man raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Very well. A truth for a truth. What is your question, young lady?"

"What is your favorite piece to play on the violin?" Luo Yan asked.

The old man paused, his fingers lightly tapping the top of his cane. A small, almost imperceptible smile played on his lips before he replied, "The Barcarolle from The Tales of Hoffmann. Its melody is exquisite—haunting yet serene. A piece that clears the mind and sharpens the senses. Why do you ask?"

Luo Yan's eyes widened slightly at the answer, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He glanced at the new message from Shen Ji Yun that had just appeared in front of him. YUN: [If he said Barcarolle from The Tales of Hoffmann, then there's no doubt. He's Sherlock Holmes.] Okay. That settled it. There was no room for doubt anymore. Every clue, every subtle hint, and now this definitive answer pointed to one irrefutable conclusion: this old man was Sherlock Holmes. The way he spoke, the sharpness in his eyes, and now the precise knowledge of something so intimately tied to the famous detective—it all lined up perfectly.

Luo Yan stood up gracefully and offered a delicate curtsy. "It's an honor to finally meet the legendary detective."

The old man's lips curved into a faint smile, his eyes glinting with quiet amusement. He rested his hands on his cane, tilting his head slightly as if studying Luo Yan with renewed curiosity. There was no shock, only a calm, knowing interest, as though he found the situation mildly entertaining.

Luo Yan didn't mind and continued, "The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Holmes."

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