Because the two shared an unspoken understanding about this matter, Ling Jun immediately knew who "he" referred to.
Flower Prince's expression suddenly twisted. A realization of "just as I thought" dawned on him. His jaw muscles bulged as he said, word by word:
"Was it because my mother discovered the truth that he was a fallen one?"
Given the fact that Star Lord had joined the forces of evil, that was the only reason Ling Jun could think of.
Zhang Yuanqing shook his head.
"With Star Lord's cunning, and given your mother's rank at the time, it would have been impossible for her to discover that he was a fallen one. Besides, Star Lord isn't a fallen one. His beliefs simply differ from those of the lawful faction."
Ling Jun froze, grinding his molars. "Then why did he kill my mother?!"
The misfortunes of his childhood, the character flaws caused by growing up without a mother's love—all of it had been caused by his biological father. If it had been because his mother discovered Star Lord's identity as a fallen one, Ling Jun could have accepted it. At least there would have been cause and effect.
What he could not accept was that all his suffering had been inflicted by his biological father for no reason at all, on a whim.
"This is a point I haven't figured out either." Zhang Yuanqing's voice was low. "You've always cared deeply about your mother's death and wanted to know the truth. That's why I had to tell you before my final battle with Star Lord."
In case there was no opportunity afterward.
Solar Origin had affected his mindset and personality, leaving him without the flexible moral boundaries he once possessed. Yet his emotions remained; they had merely become more restrained.
Ling Jun's