Outside the courtyard, footsteps grew louder. In addition to Lin Qiuhan, other figures were approaching.
Lin Tian's face was pale, and his body trembled slightly. His heart sank deeper with each passing moment. What should he do now? Rush out? Or surrender?
However, his condition was far from good. His essence had been severely damaged, causing intense backlash. His steps were unsteady, and fleeing was out of the question.
In this moment, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of despair. It was like when he had tried to ascend to the higher realms and suddenly encountered a spatial rift. The hopelessness and helplessness from that time returned, threatening to consume him again.
Is tonight truly the end? He thought wildly. I can't accept this! I've only just returned to life! I haven't even reached my peak yet. How can I fall again?
Inside, Lin Tian's heart screamed in agony.
Then, as though the heavens themselves had heard his cry, a glimmer of hope flashed in his mind. Feign death!
Yes! That was it!
In order to make his death appear convincing, Lin Tian decided to go to greater lengths. He severed his own heart pulse, using a secret technique to protect his remaining soul, hiding it deep in his consciousness. Unless someone wielded shocking abilities, no one would be able to see through this technique.
After all, Lin Tian's original soul had already been taken over, and now only a shell remained. Once his heart pulse was severed, his vitality would be extinguished. This secret technique's strength lay in the fact that three days later, the spell would break, and he would automatically revive, repairing his damaged heart pulse.
By then, even if the Lin family discovered his true condition, he could use memory loss as an excuse to cover it up.
Lin Tian quickly pieced everything together. Without hesitation, he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his eyes rolled back, and his body trembled as he collapsed to the floor.
Bang!
At that exact moment, the courtyard door was pushed open.
"Xiao Tian, what's wrong?" Lin Qiuhan's voice rang out in panic. "Lin Tian…!"
The sight before them caused Lin Qiuhan and the others to be instantly shocked.
The Next Day
Dawn's light barely filtered through.
Gu Changge opened his eyes, disturbed by the commotion outside the hall.
After consuming a vast amount of otherworldly demons and a portion of Lin Tian's life essence the previous night, his soul power had grown significantly. That portion of life essence belonged to Lin Tian, originally at the level of a Divine King, and contained a fair amount of longevity energy.
After absorbing it, Gu Changge slept soundly. Unlike other cultivators, who had to remain conscious and meditate at all times, Gu Changge could afford to rest without worry. His rapid progress allowed him to breakthrough with ease, so why endure unnecessary hardships?
"Young master, there are many people outside waiting for you."
Su Qingge was already dressed, her hair smooth and flowing. Her delicate face gleamed, and she called to Gu Changge, her eyes filled with curiosity and confusion as she glanced toward the outside.
"What happened last night? What went on?"
Gu Changge didn't answer her directly. She wasn't fully aware of the events. Why else would the entire Lin family, including Elder Ming, be so anxious and awaiting him?
"It seems they've captured someone," Gu Changge stretched lazily and spoke casually.
Su Qingge looked puzzled. "Who is it?"
"Naturally, the one who tried to kill me last night."
Gu Changge's tone was light, unfazed. With the Lin family's lockdown, Lin Tian had no hope of escaping. Gu Changge was certain of that.
"I can't believe such a thing happened last night, and I didn't feel a thing." Su Qingge was stunned. She hadn't even noticed, her deep sleep unaffected by the turmoil.
"Perhaps you were sleeping like a pig?" Gu Changge teased lightly, heading out the door.
Su Qingge huffed, then, with some curiosity, asked, "Could it be that the one who tried to kill you was that Lin Tian?"
"How did you guess?" Gu Changge raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.
Su Qingge explained, "From the conversation between you and Miss Lin Qiuhan, I could sense that Lin Tian, that so-called useless boy, had something off about him."
Gu Changge chuckled. "You're quite sharp. I didn't spoil you for nothing."
Su Qingge still had questions, though. "But why would Lin Tian do this? Why would he try to kill you?"
"Sometimes, ignorance and jealousy can be fatal," Gu Changge replied, as if the answer was simple.
Soon, they reached the hall's entrance. Before them, a sea of Lin family members stood, nervous and apprehensive.
"Young master, I failed in my duty. Please punish me," Elder Ming stepped forward, looking guilty, preparing to kneel in apology.
"Have they found the person?" Gu Changge asked, his voice calm, his magical energy surging as he supported Elder Ming. His face remained inscrutable, masking any hint of emotion.
He was asking the question already knowing the answer. After all, the problem wasn't with Elder Ming. No one from the Lin family could have expected the so-called "useless" Lin Tian to do something so audacious.
But Gu Changge played along, feigning ignorance. Let the Lin family unearth Lin Tian's true identity—it would be far more interesting this way.
"Young master, the person has been found, but…" Elder Ming hesitated, his face growing even more apologetic.
The Lin family members stood frozen, not daring to make a sound. The family head, drenched in cold sweat, trembled, his legs unsteady. If Gu Changge became angry, the consequences would be catastrophic for them all, not just for the head but for the entire Lin family.
Lin Qiuhan, too, looked pale, still recovering from last night's shock.
"Oh? What happened to him?" Gu Changge asked with interest. He was curious about what Lin Tian might do next. Escape? Or perhaps try to explain himself or pretend he knew nothing?
"Last night…" Elder Ming began to explain, his voice filled with self-blame and guilt.
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