The Heavenly Artisan from earlier was of course Lin Yu in disguise.
The real "Heavenly Artisan" Chen Zhitie had already been killed by Lin Yu.
This outcome was entirely within Lin Yu's expectations.
Lin Yu knew very well that this guy had suffered far worse from "A Nian's" sabotage than himself, likely having some crucial item stolen that significantly weakened his combat ability.
Therefore, Lin Yu had absolutely no doubt about his ability to defeat Heavenly Artisan.
What he was considering was how to utilize Heavenly Artisan to gain more "benefits."
The conditions for joining the "Marauders" were simple and brutal, yet not an easy task.
Even if he could fabricate a "false identity"... Lin Yu still felt the risk was too great.
So rather than starting from scratch to join and gradually gain the "Marauders" organization's trust...
Although the risk of impersonation was significant, well...
According to Fu Luo's intelligence and Lin Yu's own investigation and observations, Heavenly Artisan was a very reclusive individual.
For such an isolated person, there weren't many who truly knew him.
The "Marauders" wasn't an organization like "Jiang'an Hall" with harmonious and deep cooperation.
While having some level of organization, it was understandable... gathering a bunch of players wanted by "Order," who would actively kill and rob in reality without survival pressure—what trust could there be among them?
Someone like Heavenly Artisan would have even less chance of having bosom friends or confidants within!
Moreover, Lin Yu had interacted with him throughout an entire dungeon and had a basic understanding of his temperament and habits.
Most importantly...
Lin Yu had complete confidence in his "acting skills" and this hastily crafted "script."
From his brief contact with "Almond" earlier, Lin Yu could confirm.
The other party hadn't noticed at all that he wasn't Heavenly Artisan!
"The 'Marauders' side is probably fine now. Next is to see if 'Order' can spot any flaws."
Lin Yu murmured as he quickly made his way back to the "crime scene," the Jiuxi Garden residential area.
Although Heavenly Artisan did have some skills, under Lin Yu's careful calculations, the actual time of death...
Was one minute after they met.
With premeditation against unpreparedness, Lin Yu didn't even need to use his pistol.
With the physical enhancement of the "Soldier" class, two strikes were enough to numb Heavenly Artisan's hands and make him drop his hammer.
But the truly fatal blow was the third attack!
Lin Yu anticipated Heavenly Artisan would mistake it for a short rod, deliberately letting him grab the [Fear Torch]...
Before twisting it open.
The scorching flames instantly burned Heavenly Artisan's hands and face.
Because Heavenly Artisan let go quickly enough, the burns were actually minor, but then...
Lin Yu activated the advanced ability of the "Doctor" class.
He used the [Syringe] item effect to instantly worsen Heavenly Artisan's burns.
Overwhelmed by excruciating pain, Heavenly Artisan was momentarily dazed, and his respiratory tract was affected by the burns, impairing his mobility.
And that moment...
Was enough for Lin Yu to kill Heavenly Artisan outright with the [Syringe] and [Fear Torch]!
As for why Fu Luo below continued to hear impacts for so long afterward...
That was intentional.
Lin Yu kept hammering and striking the surroundings, creating the illusion of intense combat, while also going through Heavenly Artisan's phone and using [False Face] to transform into Heavenly Artisan's appearance.
Through the phone, Lin Yu aimed to thoroughly understand Heavenly Artisan's "persona," and also...
To learn about the "Marauders" and prepare to send a distress signal.
After a quick scan of the phone, Lin Yu sent the distress signal, then piled up flammable materials in the room and recorded his own "roar," placing it at the stairwell entrance at maximum volume.
Next, he stripped Heavenly Artisan's clothes and collected the items he dropped.
After setting up the "audio" and igniting Heavenly Artisan's corpse with the [Fear Torch] on the flammable pile...
Lin Yu changed into Heavenly Artisan's clothes, shot himself in the shoulder...
And jumped from the third floor.
Using the "Doctor" ability to heal the gunshot wound and minor fall injuries, Lin Yu then began his performance.
The performance successfully fooled Fu Luo and the subsequently arriving "Marauders" member "Almond."
"Now my identity as 'Heavenly Artisan' is confirmed. I should be able to operate under this identity from now on!"
Thinking this, Lin Yu returned to Jiuxi Garden.
The fire caused by the [Fear Torch] had died out, leaving the entire building charred black, erasing all traces.
Lin Yu wandered downstairs and found Fu Luo still unconscious.
Lin Yu's punch earlier had been perfectly calculated—dazing without causing brain damage.
Lin Yu crouched down and shook Fu Luo.
"Hey, wake up!"
Fu Luo gradually came to under Lin Yu's shaking.
Looking up at Lin Yu's concerned face, Fu Luo apologized, "Sorry, May..."
Lin Yu quickly interjected, his expression a mix of concern and guilt, "No, it was my mistake. I underestimated him and let him escape. I couldn't catch up either!"
"And I almost got you killed!"
As Lin Yu spoke, Fu Luo rubbed his slightly aching head, "I almost died?"
Facing Fu Luo's question.
Lin Yu nodded sincerely, his expression full of remorse, "I noticed you had intracranial hematoma and severe concussion symptoms earlier. I was too busy chasing Heavenly Artisan, who was impossible to catch, and didn't notice at first."
"Luckily he ran too fast, hopping into a taxi and disappearing as soon as he left the compound. When I came back, I managed to give you emergency treatment in time."
"Any later, and it could have been dangerous!"
Lin Yu clenched his fists, eyes slightly red with emotion, "I'm sorry... Furbollo, I was too arrogant! This is all my fault!"
Fu Luo stared blankly at Lin Yu before hurriedly waving his hands.
"It's fine, buddy—you saved me in the end, didn't you?"
"And this is Heavenly Artisan's fault!"
Lin Yu shook his head, dejected, "But I let him get away. We gained nothing—you took that hit for nothing!"
Fu Luo looked at the still guilt-ridden Lin Yu and couldn't help but laugh.
"It's fine, not for nothing. At least I gained a trustworthy friend."
"Honestly, I thought you were the cold, ruthless type who only knows how to use and threaten others," Fu Luo said emotionally, "But your genuine concern just now confirmed for me... you're a good person, someone worth befriending and trusting!"
"Your earlier behavior was just a protective facade."
"This gain is far more valuable than a few thousand points in bounties."
Fu Luo patted Lin Yu's shoulder, "Besides, we might not have come away empty-handed—if 'Order' catches that guy, we might still get some 'information-providing' points."
Just as Fu Luo finished speaking, a robust voice sounded behind them.
"Indeed, we're already pursuing 'Heavenly Artisan.' Your information is extremely valuable!"
Turning around, they saw a tall man in police uniform approaching.
Lin Yu glanced at the police insignia on his shoulder and understood.
"Third-rank police superintendent, probably a veteran frontline officer who earned his rank purely through experience and capability."
Lin Yu subtly became more serious, his previously relaxed acting now flawless.
Fu Luo greeted the man warmly.
"Brother Shan, 'Order' must catch that bastard!"
"He's way too brazen!"
"Oh, and... let me introduce you. This is my friend and temporary partner, May—his class is 'Doctor'!"