Chapter 107 Patricide

Chapter 107: A Father's Downfall

Geng Xuelan's slap packed quite a punch, leaving Lin Juangui seeing stars.

His body was already frail; enduring on stage for that long had been his limit. Geng Xuelan had already harbored resentment after learning what Lin Juangui had done. Seeing him publicly take the blame for Mu Zhang at the press conference only fueled her anger further.

But she never expected her slap would knock Lin Juangui out cold, even causing him to cough up blood in front of so many people.

To accuse Lin Juangui of faking it would be going too far. He was now the Federation's golden goose. No matter how bold Geng Xuelan was, she had no intention of harming him; she merely wanted to vent her fury.

Yet the fact remained: before everyone's eyes, Geng Xuelan had caused Lin Juangui to cough up blood and lose consciousness. The blame for this would fall squarely on her.

In the end, Lin Juangui owed a debt of thanks to Geng Xuelan for her impulsiveness.

Not only did it help him shake off the notion that all his actions were to protect Mu Zhang, but it also added a layer of reasonableness to his act of taking the blame.

What a long-suffering, pitiable Omega, bullied by the Alpha's family like this, yet still thinking of sharing the burden of guilt.

As he fell, Lin Juangui sneered inwardly. He thought Geng Xuelan had truly grown old, unable to read the situation at all. But the blinding white light that followed erased any urge to sneer. Countless versions of "Lin Juangui" flashed before his eyes; he couldn't distinguish which was himself and which were others.

The lost memories returned in a sudden, overwhelming flood, like a kettle filled to bursting, ready to explode the next second.

He was the cicada. He was countless Lin Juanguis. He was experiencing a cycle named "Punishment."

He and Mu Zhang had met in many worlds. He was the cannon fodder stand-in Mu Zhang could casually betray. He always realized too late who his affections truly belonged to.

Do you still know what you're doing, Lin Juangui?

This was the question he most often asked himself.

Now, Lin Juangui had done all he needed to do, pulling the worldline to where it should be. The system, which had been avoiding him, finally appeared.

It called him by his codename.

"Cicada, I'm glad you've made it this far."

Lin Juangui couldn't speak, yet it felt like he could communicate with the other through thought.

"I've walked a very long way."

After all those memories returned, Lin Juangui's first feeling was exhaustion. He was originally like a cart driver pulling a heavy load, stumbling forward with his goal. Now, the cart was laden with many more memories, weighty as a thousand tons, and Lin Juangui could barely move.

Lin Juangui fell silent for a moment, gathering himself before asking, "Does this story still need me?"

"Of course," the system's reply was resolute. "Although this book has changed its style and protagonist, the story still needs an ending. You've been upgraded from cannon fodder to supporting male lead. World peace still requires your push."

"...What style and protagonist?" Lin Juangui was somewhat confused.

The system explained, "Originally, this book's theme was about broken mirrors mended, rekindling old flames, everything revolving around romance. But as the author wrote, it turned into saving the world. Yet, by the ending, the real problems this world needed to solve hadn't even been discovered. So, we took over this world and received [Lin Juangui]'s resentment. After countless restarts, [Lin Juangui] went from cannon fodder to supporting character. This book's plot rhythm became completely chaotic. That's why we called you in to salvage the situation. In case you couldn't manage it, we needed some backup plans, so..."

"So you introduced a new reincarnator, and the book turned into a rebirth, incestuous, angsty, bittersweet, push-and-pull story?"

"You're quite knowledgeable. Truly worthy of being the genius who single-handedly shattered the Chosen One's core conviction."

It sounded like praise, but Lin Juangui snorted coldly. "If you get the chance, tell this book's author for me: if you can't write it, don't. Always wanting to create something grand in the end just means achieving nothing. Why bring trouble upon yourself?"

"Indeed, the proposition of saving the world is too vague," the system agreed with Lin Juangui, as if whatever he said was right.

Lin Juangui had no desire to continue the conversation. The system quietly withdrew.

[Lin Juangui] appeared before Lin Juangui at some point, his body so transparent it was almost invisible.

"Thank you for helping me fulfill this wish. Seeing Mu Zhang fall into the abyss is like a satisfying novel coming to life for me. I watched with great pleasure, and I thank you for your planning and performance."

Lin Juangui very much wanted to reach out and touch [Lin Juangui], but he seemed to be just a consciousness, unable to do such things.

"You're leaving, aren't you?"

[Lin Juangui] nodded, without any resentment or unwillingness. "Even if Mu Zhang survives, his future days can only be lived like a stinking rat in the sewers, underground. That's no different from my past life. I'm satisfied."

Lin Juangui also felt as if a weight had been lifted. "I'm glad you're satisfied."

[Lin Juangui]'s figure slowly faded into the distance. He seemed to be waving goodbye to Lin Juangui, mouthing the words "farewell." "As a glitch born from the Chosen One's perception, my birth originated from you. But I am not you. I have my own debts to repay. Perhaps in the future, I'll even have my own string of system code."

Everything Lin Juangui possessed was earned through his own efforts. [Lin Juangui] had felt anxiety, disappointment, and frustration. He couldn't understand what Lin Juangui was trying to do. If not for the system's explanation, he might never have comprehended Lin Juangui's foresight and deep planning.

Therefore, when Lin Juangui forged a new ending, this story rightfully became his.

By the time [Lin Juangui] completely vanished, Lin Juangui's heartache was unbearable.

At first, he hadn't been comfortable with [Lin Juangui]'s existence. But as he gradually understood the reasons for [Lin Juangui]'s madness and the nature of his pain, he chose acceptance.

This soul, who could suddenly appear to accompany him in his loneliest moments, had embarked on the next stage of his journey. Lin Juangui could only wish him well.

His body could no longer contain the tidal wave of grief. Lin Juangui's mouth and nose filled with blood, and he completely lost consciousness.

Now, the entire Federation knew Lin Juangui's pheromones influenced the Federation's future. His survival was now a major concern for many.

Lin Juangui was rushed to the hospital. Simultaneously, the storm of public opinion he had ignited exploded completely within the Federation.

To ensure the Federation's stability, Huo Zeshen led the fleet to surround the Federal Capital Star, prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving freely.

Those from the Liang family who wanted to flee couldn't escape.

They asked Huo Zeshen if he had forgotten who raised him. Huo Zeshen told them not to worry. "It's not yet the end of the road. Running now would only make you look guilty."

Thus, Huo Zeshen temporarily stabilized the Liang family.

They still thought Lin Juangui had gone easy on Huo Zeshen by not publicly revealing that he was also an experimental subject.

However, for Liang Xiancheng, Lin Juangui's goal would only be achieved if he stated Huo Zeshen was an experimental subject.

But that kid Lin Juangui was shrewd. After defending Mu Zhang and himself, when it came to the Liang family's affairs, he simply dumped evidence. People could interpret it however they wanted; he wouldn't offer any evaluation, slippery as an eel.

Fortunately, the Liang family still had one last card named Huo Zeshen.

But whether this card would defect to Lin Juangui's side at the last moment remained unknown.

Liang Xiancheng had to act quickly.

Thus, while Lin Juangui was unconscious, alongside the wave of putting the Liang family on trial, questions about why Huo Zeshen gained the Liang family's favor also sprouted like bamboo shoots after a rain.

Huo Zeshen paid no heed to these. Every day, besides inquiring about when Lin Juangui would wake up, he worked with Zhai Yanhe to purge the military of long-entrenched forces.

The Political Department was deeply puzzled by the military's encirclement of the Federal Capital Star, viewing it as a precursor to a coup. The Presidential Palace felt intensely insecure. This time, Zhai Yanhe didn't brush it off with vague talk. Instead, she produced a list of soldiers who had died in battle over the years due to having their mental power drained by the mechas provided by the Liang family.

The evidence Lin Juangui sent to judicial authorities and the media clearly stated that the Liang family's purpose in providing mechas to the military for free back then was to extract high-level Alpha's mental power. However, these Alphas couldn't withstand prolonged extraction and ultimately died in battle due to their mental power going berserk.

Extracting mental energy was merely the first step; the real focus of the research was how to convert it into life force.

Thus, Liang Xiancheng personally spearheaded multiple experimental projects, establishing research sites on remote, uninhabited planets while simultaneously ramping up the development of new mechas.

His fear of death and longing for life had reached a pathological degree. He wanted to see the Liang family regain its former glory, and for that glory to be achieved through his own efforts—how utterly satisfying that would be.

Liang Xiancheng needed this sense of accomplishment to resist the ravages of time.

When his actions over the years were fully exposed to the public, most people would only see him as utterly unhinged.

This wasn't for the good of the Federation's citizens; it was about satisfying his selfish desires at the cost of countless lives.

Several commercial buildings in which the Liang family held shares were surrounded by protesters, and their family home was spray-painted with all sorts of curses and venomous graffiti.

Given the current situation, the downfall of the Liang family was inevitable. But what was Huo Zeshen's stance?

The reason the Political Department had been slow to act was that the troops surrounding the Federation capital belonged to Huo Zeshen. If Huo Zeshen insisted on leaving a way out for the Liang family, who could stop him?

Regarding this, Di Yanhe told those in the Political Department not to indulge in wishful thinking. "I know the Liang family has given many of you considerable benefits over the years, and Huo Zeshen has maintained good relations with them. But I, Di Yanhe, am the one giving the orders now. If Huo Zeshen wants to extricate himself from the Liang family's downfall, he has to listen to me. Understand?"

Ultimately, the military was still under Di Yanhe's command. If Huo Zeshen disobeyed military orders, she had many ways to make things difficult for him.

In other words, Huo Zeshen was being dragged down by the Liang family, which was why he had taken no further action after concluding Liang Jiaming's case.

Those turncoats realized the Liang family was beyond saving. At such a time, cutting their losses was the best strategy, so they quickly switched sides and joined the frenzy of condemning the Liang family.

When a tree falls, the monkeys scatter. All the Liang descendants had recently returned to the family home, waiting for Liang Xiancheng to make a decision.

They spoke over each other, asking Liang Xiancheng what they should do next.

Liang Xiancheng had aged completely; his eyes no longer held their former spark. The life force Ultimate could convert for him was inherently limited.

Liang Yu remained seated on a sofa at a distance neither too close nor too far from Liang Xiancheng. As Liang Xiancheng's youngest son, his performance over the past few years had been mediocre, as if he were running on low battery, with few standout performances.

The Liang descendants all knew Liang Yu was in poor health and had been waiting for him to pass away.

But Liang Yu had stubbornly persisted until now.

However, the issue of succession was no longer important. With the Liang family on the brink of collapse, what was left for Liang Yu? The most crucial matter now was survival.

"Huo Zeshen's men have secured all the ports on the Federation capital star that allow departure. He also said it's not the right time. Great-grandfather, what should we do?"

Everyone present was anxious. They were used to following Liang Xiancheng's orders, and without him speaking up, they felt lost.

Liang Xiancheng suddenly turned to Liang Yu, who had been silent all along. "Yu'er, don't you have any thoughts?"

If Liang Xiancheng were to pass away in the future, Liang Yu would become the head of the family.

But Liang Yu always seemed detached, as if it were none of his concern. He glanced at the younger generations, some even older than him, who were watching him nervously, awaiting his response.

As the only one of his generation who had stayed by Liang Xiancheng's side without committing any major misdeeds, although many wished for his death, his position was still secure.

"……"

Everyone turned to look at Liang Xiancheng, their eyes flickering with different emotions.

A chill ran down Liang Xiancheng's spine. He frowned, about to assume his usual stern yet benevolent elder demeanor, when he heard Liang Yu speak again: "Over the years, you've involved so many people in those experimental projects. You can't just have us take the fall when things go wrong while you reap all the benefits."

Unbeknownst to him, Liang Xiancheng's actions had completely shattered his image as the perfect elder.

Having those Liang family members he had ordered to take the fall was nothing unusual. In the past, they might have believed it was for the family's good—as long as the Liang family stood, they would always have a chance to recover.

But now, with the Liang family mired in negative publicity and even those who had once benefited from them turning to spit on the family, a comeback seemed impossible. Was there still a need to sacrifice everything to protect the family at such a time?

Liang Yu had clearly provided everyone present with a path to survival.

To avoid being pushed out by Liang Xiancheng to bear the blame, they had to make Liang Xiancheng take responsibility himself, or...

The moment malice gathered, Liang Xiancheng sensed danger. He never expected Liang Yu to turn the knife against him, and these youngsters were willing to disregard ethics and morality just to save themselves.

"You... all of you..."

Silence fell everywhere, as if a tense silent play were unfolding.

Liang Yu took the flowers he had ordered earlier from his subordinate and walked to a secluded corner of the mountain behind the Liang family estate. Here, many people surnamed Liang, and some not, were buried.

Liang Yu's mother was also buried here.

He was a sickly Alpha who had never accomplished anything significant in his life. Even by surviving to the end, he wasn't the child Liang Xiancheng valued most.

But none of that mattered anymore. Liang Yu had completed his spiritual patricide many years ago. Today, without shedding a single drop of Liang Xiancheng's blood, he had brought an end to Liang Xiancheng's sinful life. An indescribable sense of pleasure filled his heart.

Death is an inevitable path for everyone. No matter how much one fears it, no matter what one does to avoid it, retribution would find them, every last bit of it.

"Mom, once I finish handling matters during this period, I'll take you away from here."

The police soon arrived at the Liang residence. The Liang family members had painstakingly staged the scene, claiming the old man had taken his own life. It wasn't until the family's old butler submitted surveillance footage to the police that everyone was taken away.

The life of the Liang family's leader was thus brought to an end by his own descendants. After the case was exposed, the Liang family's reputation sank even lower.

Many said that the fruit reflects the tree; Liang Xiancheng's death was too lenient a punishment. But the fact that those who killed the mastermind were his own grandsons carried an absurdity reminiscent of a dark joke.

However, Liang Xiancheng's death was not the end of these events.

The Liang family members knew they were powerless to turn the tide. Perhaps some "clever" individual had thought of a new way to break the deadlock, as they declared that the Liang family had never done anything to betray the Federation.

"Even Huo Zeshen is our Liang family's most perfect experimental subject. Think of how many wars he has won for the Federation! You all owe your safe lives to our Liang family!"

Meanwhile, an account on the Star Network claiming to be a "survivor of the Youlan Star disaster" became unusually active. Regarding why Huo Zeshen was so highly regarded by the Liang family, the answer provided catered to the tastes of audiences who loved conspiracy theories.

"See? Even if the Liang family falls, Huo Zeshen, as their experimental subject, will undoubtedly spare no effort to fulfill Liang Xiancheng's wishes."

While the Federation was in chaos, Lin Juangui slept for three full days.

In the preceding period, he had mentally rehearsed the press conference many times, even dreaming about it constantly.

When he opened his eyes, Lin Juangui's gaze remained ethereal. He frowned, bearing the weight of those memories, and only relaxed slightly after sorting through many things.

With a global perspective, Lin Juangui should theoretically be less burdened now, content to be a mascot in the future. But he knew that he and Mu Zhang needed a resolution.

This resolution was destined to be heavy. With memories of the past, Lin Juangui could no longer use any lies to deceive Mu Zhang or himself.

He did not love Mu Zhang, or perhaps he once did, but Lin Juangui had long since let go, let alone harbored any obsessions.

When Lin Juangui turned his head again, he saw Huo Zeshen sleeping with his head resting on the hospital bed.

The man's back of his head was exposed, his dark hair looking soft and fluffy. Finally, a hint of a smile appeared on Lin Juangui's face as he reached out to gently stroke Huo Zeshen's head.

It turns out he had walked so many paths with Lin Juangui.

Huo Zeshen noticed the stirring and lifted his head. In his drowsy state, his eyes met Lin Juangui's, and a surge of joy burst forth before tears slowly welled up. "Xiao Juan, I'm sorry, it's all my fault."

Lin Juangui was confused. "What's wrong with you?"

"I know everything now. Professor Shen told me that your health got so weak because of a fall."

If Huo Zeshen hadn't acted all mysterious back then, Lin Juangui wouldn't have slipped and taken such a bad fall.

Huo Zeshen was filled with regret and hated himself for it. He had held back for so long, not wanting to lose composure in front of others, but seeing Lin Juangui awake, he couldn't hold it in any longer.

Lin Juangui gently patted Huo Zeshen's shoulder, his voice soft. "I was the one who chose to come to you, and it was my own carelessness. It has nothing to do with you. Don't blame yourself, okay?"

Tears streaked Huo Zeshen's face. Lin Juangui reached out and wiped them away bit by bit. "When you were little, you were such a cool, stoic kid. How come you cry more and more as you grow up?"

Huo Zeshen looked up in a daze. He blinked hard, squeezing out the tears, and stared into Lin Juangui's eyes.

"You... remember everything now?"

Compared to the amnesiac Lin Juangui from before, the current Lin Juangui had a steadier, more resolute gaze, which made Huo Zeshen feel increasingly distant.

It seemed like no matter how hard he tried, he could never catch up to Lin Juangui. Even if Lin Juangui was willing to slow down and wait for him, Huo Zeshen still couldn't reach him.

Huo Zeshen grabbed Lin Juangui's hand and broke down crying even more uncontrollably.

Lin Juangui smiled helplessly. He said to Huo Zeshen, "Hold me while you cry. It was me who forgot you, making you suffer so much hurt all these years. I'll make it up to you slowly from now on, okay?"

Huo Zeshen was good at grasping the key point: Lin Juangui was willing to have a future with him.

While holding Lin Juangui to calm his emotions, Huo Zeshen had already started fantasizing about their happy life together after Lin Juangui divorced Mu Zhang.

Huo Zeshen soon stopped crying and remembered that Lin Juangui was the patient now. He got up to pour a glass of warm water for Lin Juangui.

Lin Juangui took a small sip and asked Huo Zeshen, "Did I sleep for a long time?"

Huo Zeshen shook his head. "Not long, just three days."

Actually, when Huo Zeshen first saw Lin Juangui faint during the live broadcast, his heart almost stopped. But remembering Lin Juangui's instructions, he forcefully suppressed the urge to go find him and proceeded with the original plan to surround the Federal Capital Star.

But Lin Juangui knew that a lot could happen in three days.

He lowered his head in thought for a moment before saying to Huo Zeshen, "I need to compare notes with my colleagues."

"You can just ask me whatever you want to know." Huo Zeshen was just as informed as Lin Juangui's subordinates.

Lin Juangui couldn't help but make a small joke. "Having a Federal General report work to me? Isn't that too much of an honor?"

Huo Zeshen sniffled, leaned in, and kissed Lin Juangui's cheek. "Brother."

Huo Zeshen hadn't called Lin Juangui that in a long time. He had wanted to prove he had grown up, so he had started using a nickname instead.

Calling Lin Juangui "brother" at a time like this was clearly an act of acting cute.

Only in front of Lin Juangui could Huo Zeshen so freely display his vulnerability. "I promised to give you the Federation. Isn't it normal to report to you?"

After Huo Zeshen finished recounting everything that had happened during Lin Juangui's days of unconsciousness, Lin Juangui asked him, "You haven't expressed any public opinions, have you?"

"No. Besides coming here to be with you these past few days, I've been commanding the fleet to capture those trying to leave the Federal Capital Star."

Lin Juangui nodded. His strategic and commanding demeanor made Huo Zeshen somewhat mesmerized. "Now is a good time for a reshuffle in the Federal political scene. I know Zhai Yanhe has been helping you, but at this stage, taking even a single step back means death. We must seize the time to launch an offensive; we can't wait a moment."

Huo Zeshen deeply agreed. "I think so too, but besides the internal Federation, there are many potential threats."

"Don't worry, I'll handle them." Lin Juangui knew Huo Zeshen was referring to Tianguang.

Surrounding the Federal Capital Star was actually a way to protect its people. If they really received orders to attack the Federal Capital Star, no one would escape.

The one giving the orders was clearly Lin Juangui, but after Lin Juangui helped Mu Zhang confess, someone might act impulsively and do something wrong.

Huo Zeshen didn't dare gamble on that probability. After requesting instructions from Zhai Yanhe, he quickly received approval to dispatch the fleet to maintain order as much as possible.

When discussing official matters, Lin Juangui's expression was always very serious. The more serious he was, the more Huo Zeshen felt as if there was a light shining on Lin Juangui's face.

So beautiful, so vivid.

I really want to nuzzle against him.

Huo Zeshen's gaze was as direct as it could be. Lin Juangui couldn't help but reach out and turn his face aside. "Why do you always look at me with that kind of expression?"

"Because I have no other way to express my love for you... I admire you, I worship you, and I believe everything you say is right. I wonder when I can become like you, but then I think, with you here, I don't need to be in such a hurry."

Lin Juangui lowered his head with a light laugh. He could accept others' praise calmly, but when Huo Zeshen praised him like this, it made his heart leap with joy.

"You'll do even better than me."

Although world peace seemed distant to Lin Juangui, if he could personally contribute to this great cause, he was willing to participate.

Not for fame, nor for profit, but because the position he was in destined him to bear this responsibility.

This was something the cicada of the past could not do.

That cicada watched everything in the world with cold eyes, looking down on all things from a lofty stance. It wasn't until he became part of the cycle of reincarnation, enduring endless pain that tormented his body and mind, that he finally understood what responsibility meant. Time and again, he severed past causes and corrected his attitude.

Now it was Huo Zeshen's turn to face the challenges thrown at him by fate. Lin Juangui would accompany him through this hurdle.

After Lin Juangui woke up, Huo Zeshen's mood lightened considerably. He couldn't stay long and reluctantly bid farewell to Lin Juangui before leaving.

Qu Yang arrived soon after. Lin Juangui glanced at her. His tone didn't sound reproachful, but he asked, "Did you take him to see Professor Shen?"

"He... was in a state that seemed like he was going to go crazy. I was afraid he might do something irreversible, so I asked Professor Shen to temporarily calm him down to avoid disrupting your plans."

Lin Juangui understood. In emergencies, one must act according to the circumstances. Qu Yang had a good sense of the situation; she had grown a lot over the years by Lin Juangui's side.

Shen Yun didn't say much, but just that one reason was enough to make Huo Zeshen feel immensely guilty. After all, he didn't know who was around when Lin Juangui fell and thought mentioning it wouldn't cause any trouble.

Lin Juangui sighed. What a strange twist of fate.

Sometimes, many things might not go exactly as Lin Juangui wanted. It wasn't that Lin Juangui was unwilling to accept such changes; he was just worried that this would make Huo Zeshen even more inseparable from him.

Lin Juangui didn't give himself much time for reflection. He asked Qu Yang to help him with the discharge procedures. "Then call Zheng Shi to the house. I want to see him."

Regarding what happened at the previous press conference and why Mu Zhang suddenly confessed, Zheng Shi must know the reason.

Returning home discreetly through the hospital's back door, Lin Juangui saw the weary-looking Zheng Shi as soon as he arrived.

He asked how Mu Zhang was doing. Zheng Shi smiled bitterly. "Do you still care about how Sir is doing?"

"I care, and I need to explain to him in person why I did this. Do you intend to get in my way?"

Zheng Shi shook his head, clearly disheartened by the sense that the situation was beyond saving. "Sir said there’s no need to resist any further. Tianguang is already yours, and without your orders, no one can act in your stead. He also insisted on meeting you."

It seemed Mu Zhang and Lin Juangui were still on the same wavelength.

"In that case, help me arrange a time."

Mu Zhang had already been detained. The days had been hard on him, but he made sure to make himself presentable every day—just in case Lin Juangui woke up and wanted to see him.

So Mu Zhang was always prepared.

When he saw Lin Juangui’s gaunt cheeks, Mu Zhang was filled with concern. Before he could speak, large tears fell from Lin Juangui’s eyes.

Mu Zhang was stunned for a moment, then smiled with relief.

"That's good... you're crying for me."