Chapter 90: Caught!

Dim light filtered through the cracks, gradually illuminating the basement. Outside, the sudden assault launched by the so-called “traitors” continued relentlessly, even with the bombs detonating under Liang Jing’s control. Last night had left many houses in the small village riddled with holes, while burning wood sent thick black smoke into the sky. Tu’s youngest brother, trembling with fear, was forced out to quietly whisper “secrets” he swore not to reveal.

Though daylight had come, danger still loomed. The brightness allowed them to swiftly eliminate the uprising traitors, but each traitor, even if unable to detonate their bomb, was willing to take two lives with them. Many, despite being mortally shot, didn’t utter a sound or show fear—instead, they fought back fiercely, unleashing deadly attacks and detonating explosives until their last breath.

Liang Jing had long exhausted the bombs seized from Lü Fengsheng’s group; the remaining explosives were obtained from military personnel. While Liang Jing harbored a faint hope in facing them, the military’s repeated interventions had made clear they were out for his life. He, too, felt a burning resentment, though he refrained from killing the soldiers he had “robbed.”

“Let’s spread out. Don’t stand so close. Listen, Old Dog, if you come any closer, I won’t hold back!” a burly man shouted at a middle-aged, slightly overweight man with a pale face beside him. Fear gripped him—he dreaded a sudden attack from those nearby and trusted no one. Though the middle-aged man usually flattered him, their relationship once forged over a shared woman, drinks, meat, and even joint acts of violence, he remained wary. The previous night, he had witnessed too many sudden betrayals—friendly words one moment, murderous strikes the next.

“Da Zhuang! I’m scared. I can’t handle if they attack me out of the blue,” the pale man stammered, his legs trembling uncontrollably.

“Old Dog, let’s finish this mission quickly. Only when that damned Liang Jing is dead can we live well. Otherwise, there’s no good end for us. Damn it… I should never have followed that damn Tu Turtle. Now we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. He’s pushing us into the fire with no regard for our lives,” the burly man grumbled.

Tu’s men were in the bleakest predicament. Once arrogant and commanding, their “profession” had turned tragic. They dared not flee like other factions because no one would accept them; outside forces would see to their deaths. They had made countless enemies. Yet, staying under Tu’s command was no better—he no longer trusted them, treating them like dogs. With constant outbreaks of violence outside, the only safety they felt was staying put, keeping others at bay. However, Tu relentlessly forced them out on missions, and with his notorious reputation threatening them, they dared not resist. Though they had never truly tasted a life worse than death, they had witnessed it many times under Tu’s brutal example.

Faced with such grim fates, Tu’s subordinates had no choice but to obey his orders, hoping this mission might spare their lives. And if they succeeded in killing the demon Liang Jing, better days would surely return.

…

“How’s the situation?” Outside the hall, people maintained distance, armed with live ammunition. Heavy machine guns were set up in overlapping positions, guarding every approach. Inside, seven or eight men sat with grim expressions. A special forces soldier entered, prompting Tu Guiwu, one of the leaders, to rise anxiously and ask.

Gong Zhengwei, seated opposite Tu Guiwu, observed his composure with doubt. Was provoking Liang Jing the right move? But considering the influence of the Tu family in N City, he quickly dismissed such worries. He had never regarded Liang Jing highly. Despite Liang’s strength, he was no match for their power. Moreover, they had deployed two modified weapons this time. Once the matter was resolved, Liang Jing would surely be dead and gone—there was no need for further fuss.

Gong’s disdain for Liang Jing was clear. Liang was ruthless with others but spared Gong’s own soldiers, revealing a certain restraint. Yet Gong felt a burning anger at Liang daring to strike his troops. Each explosion felt like a slap in the face—these bombs belonged to the military!

His feelings were conflicted.

“Report! All personnel are in position, awaiting the target’s appearance. Once confirmed, commence encirclement and deliver a devastating strike on command.”

“Good! Excellent! Everyone, rest assured. This man beside me was Liang Jing’s roommate and colleague. They once had a good relationship but fell out when Liang Jing chased him. He knows Liang well. Now, we wait for good news. Don’t worry, losses will soon be compensated. Upon returning to N City, I will personally make amends and ensure everyone is satisfied.”

Tu Guiwu, having endured a night of relentless torment by Liang Jing’s tactics with heavy casualties among his men, was filled with fear and unrest. Hearing that everything was proceeding according to plan, he envisioned Liang Jing caught in his inescapable net, begging on his knees. His mood lifted as he pointed to Jing Hui nearby, urging everyone to relax and lavishly promising rewards to win loyalty.

“Good!”

“Lord Tu is wise and powerful. How could Liang Jing be a match for him!”

“Exactly! That clown Liang Jing isn’t worthy to oppose Lord Tu. He hides in the shadows. If he shows himself, he will surely die without a grave.”

…

Hearing Tu Guiwu’s confident words and promises, other faction leaders—who had worn grim faces after a night of fear and seeing their men desert—brightened considerably, loudly flattering and praising him.

Tu Guiwu felt a rising tide of confidence and pride. The crushing blows dealt by Liang Jing overnight seemed to fade away. This was the feeling of recognition. His face grew more assured and spirited.

After a while—

“Report! The target has not appeared! We have lost eight men.”

Half an hour later—

“It’s alright, it’s just the beginning. Let’s wait a bit longer,” Tu Guiwu said, noticing doubt creeping onto the faces around him.

“Report! The target has not appeared! We have lost seventeen men.”

One hour later—

“Report! The target has not appeared! We have lost thirty-one men.”

…

Two hours later—

“Report! The target has not appeared! We have lost seventy-three men.”

…

With each report, the explosions outside continued relentlessly, shaking those inside the hall to their core. Their expressions darkened completely. Even Tu Guiwu’s mind went blank. How was this possible? How could it be?

Liang Jing had not appeared. The messengers spreading the word were being killed one after another, and the explosions rang out endlessly. The five or six faction leaders inside the hall could no longer sit still. They had sent all their remaining loyal men to assist in killing Liang Jing—these were their core forces, their brothers in arms, their closest allies. Now, risking their lives for an uncertain outcome, they had to reconsider their own futures.

If all these men died, they would be left alone. Even if Liang Jing was killed, they would be finished. Their hard-won power would vanish, and their foundation destroyed.

For a moment, the atmosphere grew heavy and oppressive. Regret filled everyone’s hearts. Liang Jing was truly a devil not to be underestimated.

“Report! We have captured him!…”

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Recommended game: “General of Gods.” For those bored, give it a try.