Chapter 489: The Real and Fake Grandson

Seeing that something seemed off with Qin Tuo's expression, the observant Hong Yuanzheng quickly asked.

"Mr. Qin, what is it?"

He thought that since Qin Tuo had already eliminated these Gu Insects, they should be able to rest easy.

But from the look on Qin Tuo's face, it was clear that things weren't as simple as he had imagined.

Sure enough, Qin Tuo spoke with a worried tone.

"These are nothing more than splinter bodies the Puppet Insect created to protect itself. Whether they live or die is irrelevant, because the main body isn't among them!"

Hearing Qin Tuo's words, everyone finally realized the gravity of the situation.

So the insect had created all these puppets to shield its true form. As long as the main body survived, it wouldn't matter how many of these splinter bodies died; the creature itself would not be truly defeated.

Hong Yuanzheng thought for a moment. Then, his eyes lit up, and he said hurriedly.

"That's right, Mr. Qin! I just saw one of the Puppet Insects burrow back into my grandson's body. Is that the main body you mentioned?"

Qin Tuo understood immediately. He nodded, his tone grave.

"Yes, that's the real one. If we don't destroy it, the consequences will be severe. It's even possible that the terrifying Puppet Insect will take advantage of our vulnerability and possess everyone here."

Hearing Qin Tuo's words, everyone's heart pounded with fear as they realized the dire consequences.

At this point, even Qi Wuqi no longer dared to pretend he was the expert in the room.

The situation was completely out of his control. Now, their only hope was Qin Tuo.

Hong Yuanzheng's eyes suddenly reddened. His voice was laced with urgency and shame as he spoke.

"Mr. Qin, I'm begging you, please save my grandson! I can't bear to see him controlled by that monstrous insect!"

He had been utterly distrustful of Qin Tuo before, even trying to have him thrown out. Now, he had no choice but to turn around and beg for his help.

Because of this, Hong Yuanzheng was overcome with shame.

But to save his precious grandson's life, Hong Yuanzheng couldn't worry about that now. He had to swallow his pride.

Qin Tuo didn't hold it against Hong Yuanzheng. He simply nodded to reassure him.

"As long as I'm here, I will destroy this vile creature today, no matter what it takes."

Qin Tuo said slowly, his voice firm with resolve.

Hearing Qin Tuo's words, Hong Yuanzheng felt an inexplicable sense of relief wash over him.

After he spoke, Qin Tuo took another coin from his pocket and gently placed it on the center of the unconscious Hong Kai's forehead.

This action left the others thoroughly confused, but no one dared to speak up and disturb him.

Qin Tuo then stepped forward, took hold of Hong Kai's arms, and slowly straightened them.

As everyone watched with bated breath, Qin Tuo converted all the Spiritual Power in his body into fiery energy and forced it into Hong Kai's body, attempting to expel the Puppet Insect once more.

Standing nearby, Qi Wuqi could feel the immense surge of Spiritual Power from Qin Tuo's body; it was like being hit by a wave from an ocean of fire.

The sight made his heart pound. He finally realized that Qin Tuo's power was on a level far beyond his own.

As the Spiritual Power entered his body, Hong Kai's face twisted in pain, and his entire body began to react violently.

But just then, Hong Kai's eyes suddenly shot open.

At this sight, Hong Yuanzheng's tense expression instantly transformed into one of pure ecstasy.

This was the first time his precious grandson had opened his eyes in over a year!

"Grandson... my dear grandson..."

Tears of joy streamed down Hong Yuanzheng's face.

Unable to contain his excitement, he started to rush forward to hug Hong Kai and shower him with concerned questions.

But Qin Tuo's expression tightened, and he quickly warned him.

"Elder Hong, don't be reckless! That's not your grandson!"

Hong Yuanzheng froze, his expression faltering.

'This familiar face... how could it not be my grandson? Is Mr. Qin talking nonsense?'

So Hong Yuanzheng stood rooted to the spot, his hands half-outstretched, looking uncertain.

But Qin Tuo knew exactly what was happening. Hong Kai was being manipulated, and the goal was to bait Hong Yuanzheng into intervening and stopping the procedure.

There was no way Qin Tuo would let the mastermind behind this succeed. He quickened his pace, channeling even more Spiritual Power and frantically pouring it into the boy.

At this, Hong Kai's expression contorted in even greater pain.

He shot a vicious glare at Qin Tuo before he couldn't stop himself from speaking.

"Grandpa, help me! This man is trying to burn me alive! How can you stand there and watch me die?"

The sound of his voice and his desperate, grief-stricken expression were like a knife twisting in Hong Yuanzheng's heart.

Hong Yuanzheng could no longer hold back. He cried out, his voice thick with tears.

"Mr. Qin, please! Let my grandson go! You're really going to burn him to death!"

However, Qin Tuo's expression remained cold as he said:

"I already told you, that is not your grandson. He's being controlled by the Puppet Insect. His soul hasn't even returned to his body!"

But Hong Yuanzheng paid no heed to Qin Tuo's warning.

For over a year, his heart had ached terribly for his grandson.

Now, seeing Hong Kai awake and even speaking—a familiar and cherished sight—he automatically ignored Qin Tuo's warning.

Hong Kai also quickly retorted.

"Grandpa, don't believe him! He's a bad man! Make him go away!"

His tone was fraught with anxiety, a clear sign that Qin Tuo's Spiritual Power was pushing him to his limit.

Hong Yuanzheng was beside himself with worry. He instinctively believed that since his precious grandson could speak normally, he must be completely healed.

And what Qin Tuo was doing now might actually kill Hong Kai!

At this thought, Hong Yuanzheng's expression turned ugly. He snapped, his voice full of reproach.

"Qin Tuo, get away from him right now! I won't let you harm my precious grandson!"

Hearing this, Qin Tuo sighed and shook his head to himself.

'He knows Hong Yuanzheng's judgment was clouded by concern, but there was no way he could stop now and let all his efforts go to waste.'

Seeing that Qin Tuo was ignoring him, Hong Yuanzheng whipped his head toward Kong Lianqing and snarled.

"Xiaokong, I've always treated you well! To think you'd bring someone here to harm my grandson... you're nothing but an ungrateful wretch!"

Hearing Hong Yuanzheng's tirade, Kong Lianqing's face flushed red with shame, but he didn't dare to utter a word in his own defense.