Borrowing an Identity

Hearing Qin Gou’s words, the pale and sickly Third Young Master’s face twisted with rage. His usually refined demeanor vanished as he roared, “You bastard! How dare you mock me! Get over here so I can smash your filthy mouth!”

Qin Gou, knowing the young master’s fragile and sensitive nature, remained calm. He closed the door behind him and approached with a warm smile, revealing his true appearance. “Third Young Master, you’re mistaken. I have no intention of joking with you.”

“Who… who are you?” The young master’s expression turned to shock. He had never seen anyone infiltrate the heavily guarded Marshal’s estate so easily, let alone have the audacity to do so. He was so stunned that he forgot to call for help.

“You don’t need to know who I am. Just know that meeting me will be a turning point in your life. You can think of me as a benefactor sent to save you,” Qin Gou said, retrieving a small transparent bottle filled with a green liquid from his spatial ring. Shaking it lightly, he added, “Surely, you don’t believe that congenital defects are incurable? You’re mistaken. The cultivation world is vast, and what’s considered an incurable condition here in the Tian Kun Dynasty is merely a minor ailment elsewhere.”

“Is that true?” A flicker of hope appeared in the young master’s eyes. He immediately asked, “What is that in your hand?”

“This is diluted Meridian Restoration Elixir. The undiluted version is a rare treasure capable of completely curing congenital defects. While this diluted version won’t provide a permanent cure, it can temporarily restore your ability to walk,” Qin Gou explained patiently. “Of course, words alone won’t convince you. Let me show you a miracle.”

The young master’s eyes filled with doubt and hesitation. “I won’t drink it. I don’t trust you. For all I know, you could be an assassin sent to kill me.”

“You’re mistaken again. This elixir isn’t meant to be drunk,” Qin Gou said with a smile. Suddenly, he lunged forward and pressed the Dizzying Handkerchief over the young master’s nose and mouth, rendering him unconscious.

While he could have knocked the young master out with a punch, the handkerchief ensured a deeper and more reliable unconscious state, perfect for what Qin Gou needed to do next.

Using his spiritual energy as a blade, Qin Gou carefully made incisions on the young master’s legs…

—

An incense stick’s time later, Qin Gou wiped the Dizzying Handkerchief across the young master’s forehead, waking him up. The young master jolted awake, his face pale with terror. “What… what are you doing to me? Guards—”

He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes widening in disbelief as he looked down at his legs. The limbs that had been lifeless since birth had just moved.

For a moment, he was speechless, his eyes wide and his throat tight. His entire body trembled with emotion, his shock and joy overwhelming him.

Qin Gou, pleased with the reaction, smiled and said, “I’ve already applied the diluted Meridian Restoration Elixir. Why don’t you try getting out of bed and walking?”

Tears welled up in the young master’s eyes as he nodded vigorously. Using his hands for support, he slowly slid off the bed. The moment his feet touched the ground, he collapsed, but instead of anger, he let out a loud, tearful laugh.

“You’ve never stood upright before. It’ll take some time to adjust,” Qin Gou said calmly.

“I know!” the young master exclaimed, his voice trembling with excitement. “How long will the effects last?”

“Ten days. The diluted elixir will allow you to live like a normal person for ten days. After that, the effects will wear off, and you’ll return to your previous state,” Qin Gou said, his smile turning devilish. “Of course, if you had the undiluted elixir, you could be cured permanently.”

The young master’s eyes burned with desire. “Tell me, what do you want from me? I know there’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

“My request is simple. For you, it’s a minor inconvenience. I need to borrow your identity for a few days. I’ll take your place as the Third Young Master of the Marshal’s household,” Qin Gou said without hesitation.

The young master’s face filled with uncertainty. “What’s your goal? Why do you want to do this?”

“It’s a long story, and you don’t need to know the details. But I can promise you this: my actions won’t bring harm to you or your family. My target isn’t anyone within the Marshal’s household,” Qin Gou reassured him.

“But you’ll still be using my identity. How can you guarantee that trouble won’t follow me back here?” the young master asked, his voice filled with doubt.

Qin Gou spread his hands. “Think about it. If you’re kidnapped and mistreated, isn’t that entirely believable? After all, you’re a powerless cripple. Who would blame a victim like you? No one would hold it against you or your family.”

The young master’s lips twitched. “That’s harsh… but I like it,” he said, his eyes gleaming. “Who would’ve thought that my pitiful status could actually be useful for once? Tell me what you need me to do. And about the elixir…”

“I’ll swear an oath before the heavens that you’ll receive the undiluted elixir once this is over,” Qin Gou said, his tone firm. “Now, tell me everything about yourself—your personality, your relationships, your enemies, your loved ones, your bond with your parents. I need to know every detail. I can’t afford to slip up.”

“And don’t try to lie to me. I have ways of finding out. Let’s keep this partnership smooth, shall we?”

—

The Next Morning

A gentle and attentive maid, her face radiant, helped Qin Gou wash up.

Frowning slightly, Qin Gou said, “Xiang’er, my foot…”

“Yes, Third Young Master? What’s wrong?” the maid asked softly.

Under her astonished gaze, Qin Gou’s right toe twitched slightly. Then, with a sudden motion, he lifted his right leg into the air.

Clang!

The maid dropped the silver basin she was holding, her eyes wide with shock. A moment later, she let out an ecstatic scream that echoed throughout the Marshal’s estate.

“The heavens have blessed us! The gods have finally opened their eyes!”