Chapter 39: Faking Death Is a Valid Tactic, But I Am Waiting for You to Revive

After scouring every corner of the estate last night, the Lin Family finally identified the assassin.

It was Lin Tian—the Patriarch’s least favorite son and the family’s publicly acknowledged “good-for-nothing.”

The revelation shocked everyone.

When the guards arrived at his courtyard, they found Lin Tian lying in a pool of blood. His appearance was withered and aged, his life force utterly extinguished. His heart meridian had shattered, leaving behind a cold corpse.

Tracing the “why” and “how” became impossible. What answers could a dead man give?

Despair washed over the Lin Family. They couldn’t produce a living culprit to appease the Young Lord’s wrath. If Gu Changge decided to vent his anger, the entire clan would be wiped out.

At that moment, everyone hated Lin Tian with a burning passion.

“Dead?”

Hearing the report, Gu Changge paused slightly.

The Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell?

His immediate instinct told him it was impossible. Or rather, it wasn’t a true death, but a feigned one.

In this world, secret techniques for suspended animation were plentiful. Deceiving a group of panicked lower-realm cultivators wasn’t difficult. Coupled with Lin Tian’s remaining Luck Points, coming up with such a desperate escape plan wasn’t surprising.

After all, where could a damaged remnant soul flee without a physical vessel? The fierce astral winds of the world would scatter it into nothingness within minutes.

Furthermore, how could a Son of Providence commit suicide?

Lin Tian hated him to the bone. Would he kill himself before dragging Gu Changge down to hell? That would make him the most useless protagonist in history.

The System remained silent. No notification of death.

So, he’s still alive and kicking.

Using a secret technique to play dead? Not a bad move. But do you really think I can’t see through it?

Thoughts raced through Gu Changge’s mind, but his face remained a mask of impassive calm. He said nothing.

His silence terrified the Lin Family.

The Patriarch was drenched in cold sweat, hating himself for siring such a disaster. Just days ago, he had felt a glimmer of hope when Lin Tian showed signs of improvement. Now, that hope had turned into a nightmare that threatened to swallow the entire clan.

[Ding! Lin Tian suffers rejection from his entire clan.] [Luck Points -100.] [Destiny Points +500.]

The System prompt chimed in, causing Gu Changge to click his tongue in amusement.

Even this works?

It seems Lin Tian’s value is nearly exhausted. The only thing left to harvest is his relationship with Lin Qiuhan.

“My discipline over my son was lacking. I beg Young Master to punish me!”

“The Lin Family is terrified by Lin Tian’s treacherous attempt on Young Master’s life. We beg for punishment!”

Outside the Grand Hall, the entire Lin Family knelt in unison, their heads bowed low in fear.

Elder Ming had made Gu Changge’s background painfully clear. This was not the time for excuses or defense. Their only option was to prostrate themselves and admit guilt, regardless of their actual involvement.

“So this is the taste of absolute power…”

Standing quietly behind Gu Changge, a voice echoed in Su Qingge’s mind—a voice belonging to her second soul. It carried a tone of admiration, laced with a terrifying, sinister hunger.

Su Qingge’s expression remained calm. She ignored the voice.

Recently, memories belonging to her other soul had begun to awaken. They contained fragmented information about the Upper Realm, confusing her and driving her to research ancient texts. Ancient cultivation techniques were also surfacing in her mind.

She didn’t know why this was happening, and she hadn’t told Gu Changge. The secret of “One Body, Two Souls” was her greatest vulnerability. She didn’t know how to begin explaining it.

“Young Master,” Elder Ming said, his face filled with shame. “Please punish this Old Servant. It is difficult to uncover the true reason behind this. Lin Tian is my descendant… his actions leave me with no face to stand before you…”

He truly couldn’t explain how a useless cripple had mastered such a vicious curse. But he couldn’t suggest someone framed the Lin Family either—that sounded like shirking responsibility.

“This matter is indeed strange,” Gu Changge finally spoke, his voice flat and devoid of emotion.

“I heard Miss Qiuhan mention Lin Tian before. An ordinary youth—especially one considered a ‘good-for-nothing’—would not have the capability, nor the courage, to attempt my assassination.

“The Upper Realm possesses secret arts that can alter souls and manipulate actions. Although Lin Tian was the instrument, I am aware this likely has no relation to the Lin Family itself.”

He paused, letting the silence hang for a moment.

“Considering Elder Ming has followed me loyally for a long time… I will let this matter drop. I am not a man who cannot distinguish right from wrong, nor do I wish to pursue excessive punishment.”

Gu Changge sounded reasonable, understanding, and magnanimous.

In reality, he simply didn’t care. He knew the truth better than anyone. Lin Tian’s possession by a remnant soul had nothing to do with the clan.

However, playing the benevolent lord was necessary. It established his grace and authority, winning over the hearts of the Lin Family. It was a convenient way to make Elder Ming even more devoted to him.

It cost him nothing and gained him everything. A multi-layered win.

“Thank you, Young Master, for your immense grace!”

“Young Master is truly wise and just!”

Relief washed over the crowd like a tidal wave. They were moved to tears, grateful that the sword hanging over their necks had been sheathed.

Of course, some astute members guessed that Gu Changge’s casual attitude stemmed from indifference—he was simply too high above them to care about the transgressions of ants.

“Thank you, Young Master.” Elder Ming wiped the sweat from his brow, deeply touched. As a servant, receiving such face from his master was a supreme honor.

Lin Qiuhan, however, was stunned.

Young Master Gu specifically mentioned me… Was he trying to help me?

Her face flushed, and her thoughts began to wander into romantic territory. The grief over Lin Tian’s death faded into the background, overshadowed by the warmth of Gu Changge’s “favor.”

“Young Master, rest assured. We will investigate this thoroughly and provide a satisfactory explanation,” the Patriarch promised, his voice trembling with relief.

The questions remained: How did Lin Tian die? Why did he target Gu Changge? How did a cripple gain such power?

Gu Changge nodded slightly and waved his hand, dismissing them.

“Leave the body,” he ordered casually. “Do not bury or cremate him yet. I wish to see the investigation results first.”

If you burn him, he really will die. If you bury him, you’re just helping him escape.

Gu Changge wasn’t about to let Lin Tian off the hook that easily. He was waiting for the “corpse” to wake up.

But Gu Changge had not yet drained all of his Providence, so he obviously wouldn’t let him off so cheaply.