#397 - Chapter 397 The End of the Lin Family
The scene became increasingly heavy, as if even the air had solidified, creating a suffocating pressure.
The appearance of the black-robed elder cast a shadow over the entire scene, causing everyone's hearts to leap into their throats.
The confrontation between the government soldiers and the Lin family members escalated once again, with swords drawn and bows ready, on the verge of erupting.
Amidst this tense atmosphere, Lin Zhong's life force was rapidly fading.
His aged face was covered in wrinkles, as if every inch of his skin was narrating the vicissitudes of time.
His once sharp eyes were now dim and lifeless, filled only with endless regret and unwillingness.
“Heh… heh…” Lin Zhong gasped laboriously, each breath seeming to squeeze out the last of his strength from his throat.
He struggled to open his mouth, wanting to say something, but could only watch as his teeth fell out one by one,
like his shattered dreams and desperate life.
His gaze slowly shifted towards the Lin family members behind him, his eyes filled with both apology and reluctance.
He had exhausted every means, even resorting to forbidden drugs, but still failed to save the Lin family's fate.
“I’m… I’m sorry!” Lin Zhong's voice was weak and trembling, each word seeming to drain the last of his strength.
His eyes were filled with guilt and self-reproach, “Patriarch… Lin family… I… I tried my best…”
Before he could finish speaking, his body collapsed to the ground like a withered tree that had lost its support.
At that moment, all the noise seemed to freeze, leaving only the heavy sound of Lin Zhong falling to the ground.
The Lin family members all revealed expressions of shock and sorrow,
unable to believe that this strong man, who had once spared no effort for the sake of the family, had fallen before their very eyes.
The government soldiers, on the other hand, seized the opportunity to become restless, seemingly preparing to completely crush the Lin family in one fell swoop.
“Lin family sons!” Lin Xiong's voice was powerful and resounding, instantly awakening the Lin family's fighting spirit.
“Our Lin family never yields to fate! Even if we face a desperate situation today, we will fight to the death!”
Under Lin Xiong's leadership, the Lin family members roused themselves, gripping the weapons in their hands, ready to face the impending battle.
The government soldiers, however, hesitated slightly due to Lin Xiong's sudden appearance.
The black-robed elder stood quietly to the side, witnessing all of this.
He did not step forward to stop Lin Xiong's actions, as if everything was within his control.
After all, the order he received was to protect that foolish County Magistrate Liu.
This was the young lady's shield against the family, and he couldn't let him die so easily.
As for the others, sorry, but no one here is his match.
After all, he was a martial artist in the Viscera Training Realm.
In this small, remote county, what powerful figures could there be?
Looking at the sure-win situation, Old Liu was thinking absentmindedly,
when he was suddenly interrupted by a cold voice: "Looks like I've arrived just in time?"
White hair, black clothes, a sheatheless sword hanging at his waist.
Behind him followed countless burly men wearing black uniforms with red trim, and the character “Hong” embroidered on their chests.
Everyone carried a blade, their faces grim, with some showing excitement and curiosity.
Everyone knew what this meant when they came.
At the same time, they also knew that the world as it is now
is really about to descend into chaos.
Everyone was prepared to fight with their lives.
The black-robed elder's pupils constricted slightly, his gaze quickly locking onto the suddenly appearing white-haired, black-clad man, as well as the menacing force behind him.
A trace of unease flickered in his heart, but he maintained a calm and composed expression.
His strength at the Viscera Training Realm gave him confidence, but the scene before him was clearly not to be underestimated,
especially the sheathless sword, which exuded a chilling aura that made one's heart palpitate.
“Who are you, sir? Why are you interfering in this matter?” the black-robed elder asked in a deep voice, attempting to seize the initiative with his imposing manner.
The white-haired, black-clad man curled the corners of his mouth into a faint smile, his deep eyes seeming to be able to see through people's hearts. “Hongmen, Wei Zhuang.”
After a brief and forceful self-introduction, he slowly drew the strange sword from his waist, the blade glowing with a faint red light, reflecting on his stern face, adding a touch of mystery.
“As for why I'm interfering, it's simply because you've touched someone Hongmen wants to protect.”
Upon seeing this, County Magistrate Liu's face changed drastically. He had not expected that his small plan would attract such a big trouble.
The dog-headed strategist who gave him the idea beside him had already collapsed to the ground in fright.
The black-robed elder secretly pondered in his heart,
Hongmen?
Never heard of it!!!
How could a small county like this support a tiger?
However, judging from the calm appearance of the newcomer and the eager team behind him, their strength should not be underestimated.
If he were to confront them head-on today, he might find it difficult to escape unscathed,
especially since his primary mission was to protect County Magistrate Liu.
Thinking of this, he slowly retracted the steps he was about to take, his eyes flickering uncertainly.
“Hehe, Wei Zhuang, is it? Perhaps there's a misunderstanding in today's matter.
We are only acting under orders and have no intention of being enemies with Hongmen.” The black-robed elder's tone softened, trying to find a way out.
Wei Zhuang sneered, tapping the tip of his sword lightly on the ground, making a crisp sound, a sign of his disdain for the black-robed elder's words.
“Misunderstanding? There is no such thing as a misunderstanding in front of me, Wei Zhuang. Today, either I take the Lin family away, or you leave your lives behind.”
The atmosphere instantly froze, the two sides facing off, swords drawn and bows ready.
The surrounding burly men were eager to move, the steel sabers in their hands reflecting the afterglow of the setting sun, appearing particularly dazzling.
Lin Xiong and the rest of the Lin family members could only look at each other at this moment,
This sudden helper,
was definitely an unexpected event.
As soon as Lin Xiong heard “Hongmen,” he knew whose work it was.
However, wasn't Hongmen also preparing to flee secretly?
What happened?
Suddenly, Lin Xiong thought of something and gritted his teeth and said: “Could it be that Wan'er sacrificed herself for the Lin family??
Foolish, foolish, wouldn't that lower her status for nothing??”
Others didn't understand why Lin Xiong was so excited all of a sudden,
but they could also see that the arrival of Hongmen was helping their side.
“Patriarch, what do we do now?” Lin Yi, who was slightly injured, took the initiative to ask.
Lin Xiong took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions. He looked at Lin Yi, his eyes revealing determination: “Lin Yi, you immediately organize the clansmen and fully move closer to Hongmen, there must be no mistakes.
Since Hongmen has intervened, there is still a chance for things to turn around.
Our Lin family can still be saved.”
Upon hearing this, Lin Yi quickly nodded, turned around, and went to arrange for the clansmen.
Wei Zhuang then took the initiative to step forward and smiled: “How have you considered it?
Will you choose to fight or let people go?”
Wei Zhuang's smile appeared particularly cold in the afterglow of the setting sun,
his eyes revealing the ruthlessness and indifference of someone about to attack.
County Magistrate Liu looked at the two sides facing off, especially noticing that Old Liu showed no signs of attacking, and immediately understood a little.
“Brother Wei Zhuang,” County Magistrate Liu slowly spoke, his voice carrying a hint of imperceptible trembling,
“It seems that today's matter is beyond our control. But please, Brother Wei Zhuang, consider the well-being of the common people and do not lightly start a war.”
Wei Zhuang raised his eyebrows slightly, seemingly not taking County Magistrate Liu's words seriously.
“Common people? County Magistrate Liu, do you know that your life is hanging by a thread at this moment? Your choice will determine the fate of countless people.”
County Magistrate Liu smiled bitterly, looking at Wei Zhuang with a firm gaze. “Brother Wei Zhuang, as a county magistrate, I should prioritize the people.
If countless lives are lost here because of me, Liu, I would rather die.”
“Heh, you are indeed a good county magistrate who cares about the people.”
Hearing the implied meaning, Wei Zhuang was too lazy to delay.
“Then please clear the way, benevolent County Magistrate.”
County Magistrate Liu gritted his teeth in his heart, but still maintained a gentle expression on his face: “Haha, no problem, no problem, someone, clear the way.”
