In the chaotic years of the Republic of China, Qingping Town appears peaceful and tranquil, but undercurrents run deep. On nights when the moon is full, bizarre murders happen one after another. Stories of evil spirits spread through the streets, and the people live in constant fear.
Su Ran, a gifted criminal investigator who has returned from studying abroad, brings his scientific mindset and meticulous logic to his new position as a detective at the Qingping Town police station. He is convinced that every strange phenomenon in the world can be explained by science and logic. A Fu, born and raised in town, is Su Ran's close friend and assistant. He knows the town's people and affairs inside out, as well as its many local legends, and provides crucial leads for the investigation.
On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a bizarre and bloody murder takes place in an abandoned old mansion outside town. The victim's body is horrifying, and strange footprints and mysterious symbols are found at the scene. Su Ran and A Fu quickly begin investigating. When they hit a dead end, a mysterious person leaves them a clue: "Look into the mansion's past." Their inquiries reveal that the mansion once belonged to the Ye family, who fell into ruin and vanished overnight. Master Lin reacts strangely whenever the mansion is mentioned, and the villagers are just as tight-lipped, bringing the investigation to a standstill.
A Fu notices that one of Master Lin's men is acting suspiciously. After following him, he discovers that the man is trading with a mysterious merchant. Su Ran studies the symbols and finds that they are connected to an ancient ritual. He also learns of a curse on the Lin family, and that the murder victims belong to a collateral branch of the family. Just as they prepare to investigate Master Lin, A Fu suddenly disappears. Su Ran ventures into the lion's den and finds Master Lin's secret warehouse, where villagers are being held captive. After confronting Master Lin, he makes a narrow escape.
In an age of fierce clashes between science and superstition, can Su Ran untangle the clues, uncover the many mysteries behind Qingping Town, and dispel the shadows of fear? Open "Republic-Era Strange Tales: The Shadow Mystery."
