Chapter 55: The Truth Revealed

Wu Hang was not foolish. Based on the results of his previous investigations, he harbored suspicions about Lin Ling. However, out of trust, he had not delved too deeply into the matter.

Yet, after his investigative team was annihilated two days prior, his suspicions solidified into near certainty.

Xi Yue and the silver-haired girl—two powerful beings—both had definite connections to Lin Ling. The silver-haired girl had even specifically gone to the Cangyang Public Security Bureau to investigate Xi Yue’s death.

Recalling his conversation with Xi Yue in the car, she had stated: “Even after my body dies, there won’t be any special aura. It will just be an ordinary body.”

This overturned his previous assumption that the silver-haired girl had sought out Xi Yue after sensing a unique fluctuation. Lin Ling had also claimed that he and the silver-haired girl had no contact after the Ruohua Mountain incident.

So, why would the silver-haired girl still seek out Xi Yue? They had absolutely no connection, or at least, that was Xi Yue’s belief.

Thus, Wu Hang began to suspect Lin Ling had lied.

Furthermore, according to reports, the Dawang Plaza battle originated in Lin Ling’s residential complex. The earliest online videos of the giant beast fighting the elder showed the battle taking place directly below Lin Ling’s apartment building.

Additionally, the cat that leaped from the giant beast’s tail, though blurry, was clearly white.

If Wu Hang’s guess was correct, it was undoubtedly the one Lin Ling kept as a pet.

Beyond that, no one had come to question him about the incident afterward. All surveillance and records indicated he had been on duty that day, allowing him to avoid disciplinary action.

Why would someone with the ability to orchestrate such things choose to help him? If the goal was to conceal something, wouldn’t eliminating him entirely have been a more effective solution?

After analyzing all the gathered intelligence, Wu Hang’s mind had all but concluded that Lin Ling was the silver-haired girl. Only then did everything make sense.

However, even when this realization was confirmed, Wu Hang was still too shocked to speak. A significant part of his bewilderment stemmed from watching his former brother transform into a beautiful girl right before his eyes; the contrast was simply too immense, leaving him utterly stunned.

****

Since Wu Hang had essentially figured it out, Lin Ling decided to lay all cards on the table.

“You haven’t revealed my secret either, have you?”

Snapping back to reality, Wu Hang gazed at his former “brother” before him, a wry smile playing on his lips. While seeing was believing, witnessing it firsthand still felt like a dream, utterly unbelievable.

He pinched himself hard, confirming he wasn’t dreaming, then replied to Lin Ling, “Did you want them to know?”

Lin Ling propped her chin on her hand, feigning deep thought. “Not really.”

“Then there you have it,” Wu Hang said, attempting to appear displeased.

Although Wu Hang always aspired for a promotion, he had no intention of achieving it by betraying a friend. This was precisely why, even after suspecting the truth, he had not divulged it to anyone.

“Good boy!” Lin Ling chirped, flicking Wu Hang’s forehead a few more times. This made Wu Hang flush with embarrassment, unable to meet her gaze, though he maintained a disgruntled expression.

“Why are you looking down? Afraid to look at me?”

“Hmph, you conceited…”

“Hohoho o(*^＠^*)o”

Observing Wu Hang’s “indignant” little glare, Lin Ling knew he was about to throw a tantrum, likely upset that she hadn’t told him the truth sooner. ‘You scoundrel, you don’t understand anything, yet you dare blame me?’ she thought.

Nevertheless, she wasn’t going to dwell on it. Lin Ling felt incredibly relieved now that she had come clean to her brother—a truly wondrous feeling. After all, bottling things up alone had been unpleasant. Since someone already knew, perhaps she could tell a few more people in the future?

Moreover, she sensed his mood had improved slightly.

At that moment, Wu Hang seized Lin Ling’s mischievous hand, which had been repeatedly flicking his forehead. [Wu Hang: Wow, so soft.] Then, he looked at Lin Ling with a serious and earnest gaze.

Lin Ling: ??? What’s going on? This guy is suddenly so solemn; it’s unsettling!

Just as he was about to speak, Wu Hang suddenly remembered something and prepared to get up and check the door.

“It’s fine, your mom won’t hear anything,” Lin Ling reassured him, dispelling some of his worries.

Reseating himself, Wu Hang finally spoke. “So, how did you end up like this? Also, what exactly has happened on Blue Star recently?”

“That’s a rather long story,” Lin Ling teased, prolonging the suspense.

“Then make it short!”

“It’s a bit complicated.”

“Then simplify it!”

“I don’t really feel like telling it anymore.”

Wu Hang: …

After a moment of silence, Wu Hang decisively raised his hand and delivered a swift chop to Lin Ling’s head. Whenever Lin Ling began to act mischievous or reckless, Wu Hang had always used this move against her, even though things were now vastly different. Moreover, if Lin Ling weren’t currently in the form of a beautiful girl, Wu Hang would have, by old habit, pounced on her and given her a thorough lecture.

“Ow! That’s too much!” Lin Ling complained.

“Then hurry up and tell me! Stop dragging your feet!”

“Alright, alright… what’s the rush?”

Seeing Wu Hang’s serious expression, Lin Ling decided to stop playing games. She straightened her posture, and a vast surge of spiritual energy instantly erupted from her body, filling the entire room. Then, under Wu Hang’s astonished gaze, the silver-white spiritual energy began to form a series of dynamic images.

To help Wu Hang comprehend these incredible events, Lin Ling chose to display a portion of her memories, coupled with her explanation.

“First, we must begin with what transpired on Ruohua Mountain that day.”

As Lin Ling finished speaking, the surrounding spiritual energy gradually coalesced into a scene of Ruohua Mountain’s peak.

…

…

****

After a period of narration and explanation, Lin Ling recounted the general situation of the Origin Star Universe, as well as the matters concerning the Mother Goddess, the Battle Sovereign, and Xi Yue, to Wu Hang.

As Lin Ling spoke, Wu Hang’s eyes widened in astonishment, nearly bulging from their sockets. He stood there, frozen like a block of wood.

It wasn’t until Lin Ling dispelled the memory projection that Wu Hang finally snapped back to his senses.

“This is truly… truly… truly unbelievable,” Wu Hang exclaimed, his words coming from the depths of his being as he recalled everything he had just witnessed.

“Indeed, life is just that dramatic!” Lin Ling agreed.

“Is there anything I can do to help you?”

Although Wu Hang knew deep down that he had no place in what Lin Ling was doing, and that their respective circumstances were no longer on the same level, he still inexplicably asked the question.

Lin Ling fell silent upon hearing this, a little conflicted about how to respond. It was undeniable that everyone harbored some selfishness, and Lin Ling was no exception.

After acquiring the thirteen Star Origins, Lin Ling’s initial thought was to bestow them upon her friends or family. If they could absorb a Star Origin and reach the Saint rank, their lifespans would be significantly extended. Unfortunately, none of Lin Ling’s family or friends possessed compatibility with the Star Origins, which had deeply disappointed her at the time.

As for Wu Hang, Lin Ling had, of course, secretly tested him long ago, but the results were still unsatisfactory.

Though it felt somewhat cruel, for Lin Ling in her current state, those without power could not truly assist her. But how could she tell Wu Hang? Lin Ling worried that a blunt truth would damage their friendship. Sometimes, being too considerate of others’ feelings could also lead to many problems.

Should she lie to him? Was it truly right to deceive him again? Besides, a lie would likely be exposed quickly, especially since she had accidentally revealed quite a bit of her past just now.

When a lie is exposed, the damage to friendship can be even more severe. [Lin Ling: The previous one doesn’t count.]

Seeing Lin Ling’s silence, Wu Hang already understood the answer. To spare her further dilemma, Wu Hang promptly spoke. “Never mind. Just find me if you need anything. I still have games to play, and I’m too lazy to help you anyway.”

Just then, Lin Ling’s expression brightened with a sudden realization. She had it!

There was indeed something Wu Hang could do…

It would serve as a precaution, just in case.

Subsequently, Lin Ling opened her spiritual energy space, and a simple, unadorned ruby necklace appeared in her hand. She then tossed it to Wu Hang.

“What is this?” Wu Hang asked curiously.

“One of only three supreme treasures in the entire Origin Star Universe,” Lin Ling stated solemnly.

Watching Lin Ling’s hair begin to glow with silver light and her golden eyes gradually brighten, an unprecedented pressure seemed to weigh on Wu Hang’s shoulders, making it difficult for him to breathe. He was absolutely certain that Lin Ling was serious now; this was not her usual half-joking demeanor.

In the next instant, a silver-white magic array appeared before Wu Hang without warning.

“However, to use this treasure, you need to sign a soul contract with me.”

“A soul contract?”

“It means entrusting your soul to me.”

For Wu Hang in his current situation, giving him a belief might be a good option.