Starting from the imperial palace guards, his clones spread all over the world.

Chapter 599 He's Song Jiang's Dog
Qian Fu, nicknamed "Iron Abacus," was an extremely low-profile, even somewhat transparent, person in Yanshan Village, a place teeming with all sorts of people.

He was kind to everyone, always wearing the amiable smile typical of a businessman. He would bow and greet everyone with a respectful gesture, and no one had ever seen him argue with anyone, let alone resort to violence.

Xiao Liu stared intently at the chubby, white man slowly approaching, his brows furrowed into a knot.

"Find me?"

He let out a short, cold laugh, filled with undisguised sarcasm and wariness.

Xiao Liu was very clear about his role.

With his meager martial arts skills, only at the late ninth rank, he was the weakest and most inconspicuous member of Liang Jin's inner circle.

His value is almost entirely dependent on the name "Song Jiang".

He is like a shadow; without the light, he ceases to exist.

Qian Fu, a sixth-rank master who controls the lifeline of the mountain stronghold's finances, is extremely busy. Why would he specifically come to this desolate and godforsaken place, Xifeng, to find him?
This is absolutely absurd!
Qian Fu seemed oblivious to the chill in that sneer, instead letting out two dry laughs, his fat jiggling slightly with each laugh.

"Brother Xiao Liu, that's right, I came here to find you."

His voice was deliberately lowered, carrying a sticky, intimate quality:
"There are some things I'd like to say to you, Brother Xiao Liu, that I want to have a private chat with."

He paused, a shrewd glint in his small eyes, and emphasized his words:
"After all, there are some things that, apart from Brother Xiao Liu, no one else in the entire Yanshan can do!"

Xiao Liu remained silent.

He simply looked at Qian Fu's greasy, fat face with a mocking and scrutinizing gaze.

The mountain wind whipped up dust from the ground, whipping against the clothes of the two men, leaving only the sound of the wind and Qian Fu's heavy breathing all around.

Seeing that Xiao Liu was unmoved by his words, Qian Fu spoke up on his own. His voice was not loud, but every word was like a poisoned steel needle, precisely piercing the most vulnerable and hidden corner of Xiao Liu's heart:
"Everyone says, 'Blood Sword Lone Wolf' Xiao Liu..."

"That title is a huge exaggeration. He doesn't deserve to be called 'wolf,' at most... just a dog that barks wildly everywhere because of its master's power."

Om-!
Xiao Liu felt a surge of scalding blood rush to the top of his head!
The blood in my body seemed to freeze instantly, then boil and burn in the next second!
A terrifying killing intent suddenly shot out from his eyes, like a wounded beast whose scales had been touched!

The veins on the back of his hand, gripping the sword sheath, bulged out, and his knuckles were clenched so tightly they turned pale!
Qian Fu seemed completely oblivious to the murderous intent that had almost materialized, and even moved a little closer to meet Xiao Liu's murderous gaze.

The smile on his face carried a cruel, all-knowing pity:

"Brother Xiao Liu, don't be so quick to anger. I, Qian Fu, didn't say those words."

He shrugged, looking completely innocent.
"It's those brothers in the village, all full and idle, gossiping behind my back. They're saying..."

He mimicked the tone of those gossips, his voice sharp and sarcastic:

"That brat Xiao Liu is nothing but a piece of trash! Yet he's a damn good at abusing his power! Relying on his elder brother Song Jiang's prestige, he acts all high and mighty everywhere! Bah! Without his elder brother Song Jiang, what is he? He's not even worth as much as dog poop on the roadside! You wouldn't even want to step on him!"

Xiao Liu could no longer suppress the overwhelming rage and deep-seated shame that threatened to tear him apart!

"shut up!!!"

He suddenly let out a beast-like roar!
With a flick of his wrist, a piercing metallic clang rang out, and the iron sword at his waist was already drawn!
The cold blade drew a chilling glint in the dim light, carrying a resolute killing intent, pointing straight at Qian Fu's throat!

The tip of the sword was no more than three inches from that thick neck!
"Qian Fu!!!"

Xiao Liu's voice trembled slightly with extreme anger, each word seeming to be squeezed out from between his teeth, carrying a metallic taste:

"What the hell do you mean?! Are you looking to die?!"

Qian Fu faced the sword, which was so close and exuded an aura of death, but he showed no fear.

He didn't even retreat; he merely glanced contemptuously at the trembling sword tip, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

next second!
His movements were faster than Xiao Liu had imagined!

That chubby hand, which had been tucked into its sleeve, suddenly sprang out like a venomous snake that had been lurking for a long time!
The brass abacus held tightly in his hand was instantly infused with immense force, and with a sharp whistling sound that tore through the air, it slammed hard onto the spine of Xiao Liu's longsword without any fancy moves!

“Bang!!!!”

A deafening roar, like the clash of metal, suddenly exploded!

Xiao Liu felt an irresistible, overwhelming, and terrifying force surging violently into his arm along the sword!
A piercing pain shot through the tiger's mouth, instantly tearing the skin and flesh, and warm blood gushed out!

He couldn't even hold the sword!
The iron sword that had been with him for many years flew out of his hand like a withered branch struck by a giant hammer, tumbling through the air in a messy arc before crashing to the ground covered in rubble with a loud thud, kicking up a cloud of dust.

The immense force not only knocked his sword away, but also shoved him backward violently!

Xiao Liu stumbled, completely unable to steady himself, and with a muffled "thump," he fell to the ground in a disheveled state.

The gravel hurt him terribly, and a dull pain shot through his tailbone, but what hurt even more was the pride that had been shattered in an instant!

He sat on the ground, feeling a dizzying sensation as the world spun around him, his vision went black, and his ears rang.

Yes……

He was no match for Qian Fu at all!
Qian Fu is a genuine sixth-rank martial artist!
As for Xiao Liu, he was just a piece of trash struggling in the late stage of the ninth rank!
This cruel reality, like icy water, instantly extinguished all his anger, leaving only a bone-chilling cold and boundless shame.

Previously, relying on Liang Jin's backing, he had never taken Qian Fu, a "logistics manager," seriously.

Every time Qian Fu saw him, he would always bow and scrape, showing utmost respect.

Over time, he actually came to believe that he had gained some influence, and even... a ridiculous "status".

Only today, when he was defeated in one move as easily as crushing an ant, did he finally wake up from his dream!
I was suddenly jolted awake from this illusory status and position!

That fragile shell, supported by the power of others, was completely shattered.

It revealed the true self inside... weak, humble, and vulnerable!

An indescribable bitterness and despair, like cold vines, tightly wrapped around Xiao Liu's heart, almost suffocating him.

He hung his head, his disheveled hair obscuring his red-rimmed eyes and distorted expression. His voice was low and hoarse, filled with self-mockery and resentment.
"Qian Fu...did you come here specifically...just to humiliate me?"

Qian Fu looked at Xiao Liu, who was slumped on the ground, looking utterly dejected. The fake, amiable smile on his face faded, replaced by a condescending expression that held both scrutiny and allure.

He shook his head slightly, his tone carrying a peculiar "regret":
"I, Qian Fu, am in charge of the Logistics Department. I'm extremely busy. How could I be so bored as to come all this way to humiliate someone... huh?"

He paused precisely, refraining from uttering the insulting word, and instead spoke in a highly seductive tone:
"Brother Xiao, you don't need to underestimate yourself. Actually, you are quite talented."

He crouched down, leaned close to Xiao Liu, and lowered his voice even further, like a devil's whisper:

"But... you chose the wrong place, you stood on the wrong side. You've always lived in the shadow of others, and your true talent has been buried!"

"Think about it, what if... you could change your environment? A bright environment where you can stand tall, no longer have to be subservient to anyone, and truly realize your potential, Xiao Liu?"

Qian Fu's small eyes gleamed with shrewdness, like a merchant who had discovered a rough gem:

"Others may not have this opportunity, but Brother Xiao Liu... you do!"

"Those major cases that shocked the court and the public were all committed by notorious bandits like Song Jiang and Yin Leiling! They were the ringleaders, and their crimes are unforgivable!"

Qian Fu's tone was resolute:
"And you, Xiao Liu, are at best... an accomplice who was coerced and misled! That's understandable!"

"It's not too late to pull back from the brink, Brother Xiao!"

His voice was full of "sincere" admonition:

"As long as you are willing to perform meritorious service! You can even redeem yourself through meritorious service! From now on, you can clear your name and live an upright life! You will never have to live this life of hiding and running, living in constant fear, being gossiped about and called a 'criminal criminal' or a 'homeless dog' again!"

"The net of Heaven is vast, its meshes are wide, yet nothing escapes it. The imperial court is willing to give those who have strayed and repented... a way out!"

Xiao Liu's heart skipped a beat when he heard this!
It felt like being gripped by an icy hand!
He finally understood Qian Fu's purpose and identity!

He struggled, enduring the physical pain and the humiliation in his heart, and slowly stood up.

His gaze was fixed on Qian Fu, filled with extreme vigilance and a hint of incredulous shock.

He remembered what Liang Jin had said: In Yanshan Village, besides the dead Ji Yan and Ding Jia, there must be government agents in secret!
So... it was the person right in front of me!
"You're a government official!"

Xiao Liu's voice was low and hoarse, carrying the coldness of someone who had seen through the truth.

This is not a question, it's almost a certainty.

Qian Fu's smile froze slightly, then miraculously returned to his slick businessman demeanor, waving his hands and chuckling awkwardly.

"Oh dear! Brother Xiao, you're joking! I, Qian Fu, am just a lowly accountant. How could I possibly have the fortune to work for the government?"

He vehemently denied it, but his eyes sharply observed Xiao Liu's reaction:
"I just... really can't bear to see such a fine young man as Brother Xiao Liu dragged down by Song Jiang and his ilk, wasting his future in vain!"

"That's why I'm taking such a huge risk to come here and persuade you to turn back from your misguided path! Please don't misunderstand my good intentions!"

Xiao Liu sneered inwardly.

A painstaking effort?
This nonsense wouldn't fool even a three-year-old!

Seeing that Qian Fu stubbornly denied his identity, he didn't bother to argue any further and went straight to the point:
"What exactly do you want from me?"

He stared into Qian Fu's eyes and spoke slowly and deliberately:
"Just tell me!"

The smile on Qian Fu's face finally vanished completely, replaced by a sinister aura that was a mixture of greed, threat, and extreme seriousness.

He moved closer to Xiao Liu, so close that they could feel each other's breath.

His voice was extremely low, like a viper flicking its tongue, each word carrying a chilling coldness:
"I heard... your elder brother Song Jiang took something from someone else."

Qian Fu's eyes were sharp as knives:

"The same...thing that doesn't belong to him, and that he should never take!"

"This thing has really angered them! The consequences... could be extremely serious!"

He emphasized his words, as if stating an undeniable fact:

"Unless your elder brother Song Jiang truly possesses three heads and six arms, this time... he is doomed! No one can save him!"

"What kind of mess is this?"

Qian Fu shook his head, feigning regret:
"If they had simply handed over the goods honestly, they could have avoided a bloodbath and saved everyone's lives! Why is Song Jiang so determined to hold on to them and drag everyone down with him?"

“I know that Song Jiang has been kind to you.”

Qian Fu abruptly changed the subject, his gaze fixed intently on Xiao Liu's eyes, carrying a seductive and persuasive quality:

"You want to repay a debt of gratitude, right? Then you should hand over the items even more! Only in this way can you save your elder brother Song Jiang's life and prevent him from being torn to pieces!"

"And you..."

As Qian Fu spoke, he exuded an extremely solemn aura, as if he were betting everything, and his voice became resolute:

"I, Qian Fu, guarantee it with my life! If this matter can be accomplished!"

"Brother Xiao, just say the word! Whatever you want!"

"If you want to be an official! The Criminal Investigation Bureau, the Six Doors, the prefectural government! Anything below the fourth rank is yours to choose from! Fine clothes and sumptuous food, a bright future awaits!"

"If you want to be a carefree and wealthy man! Ten thousand taels of silver! Thousands of acres of fertile land! A multitude of servants! I guarantee you wealth and comfort for generations to come!"

"If you desire martial arts manuals, go even further! The Six Doors' inner treasury holds Xuan-level manuals for you to peruse! Even... Earth-level manuals might be within your reach!"

Qian Fu's voice was full of allure, and the prospect he painted seemed within easy reach:
"Wealth and honor, a clean record, a smooth path in martial arts... all are within your grasp, Brother Xiao Liu!"

Hearing these conditions that would drive anyone crazy, Xiao Liu opened his mouth several times, but his throat felt like it was blocked by something, so dry that he couldn't make a sound.

His expression shifted constantly, as if he were torn between his inner turmoil and his own inner conflict.

After what felt like an eternity, Xiao Liu finally managed to lift his head, his voice hoarse, carrying a tentative and final struggle:

"Qian Fu..."

He stared at the other person:

Aren't you afraid... I'll just yell it right now?

"My elder brother and the chieftain are in that wooden hut atop the peak! With their hearing, they can get there in an instant!"

"At that time...you will surely die!"

Upon hearing this, Qian Fu's signature kind smile instantly reappeared, even brighter than before.

What he was most worried about was Xiao Liu suddenly calling for help without any regard for the consequences!
That would render all his previous efforts futile, leaving him no choice but to kill him!
But the fact that Xiao Liu asked that question means... he's tempted!
Xiao Liu is weighing the pros and cons!
"Since I dared to climb this desolate western peak alone to find you..."

Qian Fu straightened his back, his face showing calmness and confidence:
"They had long since disregarded life and death!"

"To show you the right path, Brother Xiao, and to prevent more innocent brothers from dying in vain... what does it matter if I, Qian Fu, risk my life?!"

His tone was impassioned, like that of a righteous man who was going to his death.

Xiao Liu fell silent again.

The mountain wind howled and swirled between the two, stirring up withered leaves and dust from the ground.

Time seemed to freeze.

Xiao Liu lowered his head, looking at the wound on his tiger's mouth, where the blood had congealed into a dark red color.

Finally, he suddenly raised his head.

Those eyes, which were originally filled with struggle and pain, now burned with a strange light.

It was a mixture of extreme longing, a desperate gamble, and... a kind of resolute expectation.

He licked his chapped lips, his voice trembling slightly, yet asking with unusual clarity:
"what should I do?"

…………

The summit of West Peak.

Inside the wooden house.

The howling wind outside sounded like countless vengeful ghosts, raging against the walls of the simple wooden house, making a creaking sound that made your teeth ache.

Inside, the light was dim.

The three sat around a rough wooden table, the air so heavy it seemed you could wring water out of it.

Liang Jin casually picked up the thick stack of intelligence files bound with leather rope on the table and flipped through a few pages.

The paper made a soft "rustling" sound as it rubbed together, which was particularly clear in the dead silence.

Then, as if throwing away trash, he casually tossed the file back onto the table with a dull thud, raising a few specks of dust.

He leaned forward slightly, his hands crossed on the table, the dim light casting an uneven glow on half of his face.

His gaze, like a solid icicle, pierced through the flickering light and shadow, fixing firmly on the faces of Yin Leiling and Bai Yi across the table, a half-smile playing on his lips:

"You two have come to me with these death warrants, could it be that you are..."

He paused deliberately, his gaze sweeping over the two suddenly tense faces, before uttering that jarring word, clearly and deliberately:
"Trying to...run away?"

Yin Leiling's thick eyebrows instantly stood on end, and the veins on his forehead throbbed. A surge of anger from being humiliated rose up, and he almost slammed his fist on the table!

Bai Yi's embarrassment instantly turned into anger, and he snapped his folding fan shut.

It's clearly a strategic shift!
It's about preserving strength!
It was a brilliant decision to sacrifice a pawn to save the rook!

How did it become such a despicable and cowardly act of "escape" in Song Jiang's mouth?!

Bai Yiqiang suppressed his anger, took a deep breath, and tried to make his voice sound calm and rational:
“Hero Song, you must be well aware of the current situation facing the mountain stronghold.”

He pointed to the files on the table, his fingertips turning slightly white:

"Supplies are running out, a massive army is pressing in, and experts are gathering! The disparity in strength between us and the enemy is as vast as an insurmountable chasm!"

"At this critical juncture of life and death, the best option is to lead the elite members of the stronghold to evacuate before the government troops can surround them! Preserve the seeds of survival for the future!"

He stared intently at Liang Jin, trying to find a trace of agreement in the other's face:
"We have come here today in the hope that you, Hero Song, will prioritize the greater good, understand our predicament, and... assist us in stabilizing morale and overcoming this difficult time together!"

As for the meticulously planned and interconnected "openly repairing the plank road while secretly crossing the Chencang pass" evacuation route and specific plan?
That was their last trump card and the key to controlling the overall situation, so naturally they couldn't reveal a single thing to Liang Jin.

As Bai Yi finished speaking, both he and Yin Leiling held their breath, their eyes fixed on Liang Jin.

They were confident that Liang Jin would agree. He's a smart man!

This is the only option that benefits everyone!

He had absolutely no reason to refuse!

Once he agrees, lacking a complete evacuation plan, he will ultimately have no choice but to obey their leadership and arrangements and be incorporated into their system!
Just as the two were secretly delighted, as if they could already see Liang Jin bowing his head and compromising—

Liang Jin laughed.

The smile was faint, carrying a knowing and composed air.

“Since I joined the bandit group, I have not accomplished anything.”

He spoke slowly, his voice as calm as a still well:
"Whenever I recall the heroic figure of the chieftain leading his men to a great victory against the government troops, I feel quite... envious."

His tone abruptly shifted, becoming resolute and decisive, like the clang of metal on metal:
"Therefore, Song Jiang is willing to stay!"

His gaze swept over Yin Leiling and Bai Yi's faces, which froze instantly in disbelief, and he clearly stated his decision:

"Lead the troops to resist the government soldiers and buy time for the chieftain to retreat!"

what? !

These words were like a thunderclap from a clear sky, exploding loudly in the ears of Yin Leiling and Bai Yi!

Liang Jin... actually refused to leave?

Not only did he not leave, he wanted to stay... "to lead the people in resisting the government troops"?!

To "buy them time"?!

This is simply the most ridiculous thing in the world!

That's utter nonsense!

Bai Yi couldn't sit still any longer and stood up abruptly.

His face was ashen as he pointed at the intelligence files on the table, which they regarded as death warrants. His voice rose slightly with extreme shock and confusion:
"Song Yingxiong! You...you didn't read this intelligence properly?! Do you know what this means?!"

Liang Jin remained seated, even leaning back slightly, his posture relaxed.

He picked up the cup of tea on the table, which had long since gone cold, took a small sip, and then said leisurely:

"Of course I've seen it."

He put down his teacup, tapped his finger lightly on the table, and spoke in a tone as calm as if he were discussing the weather:
"Isn't it just that our supplies are running out and we can't last more than half a month?"

"Isn't it just that there are over ten thousand government troops, and dark clouds looming over the city?"

"Isn't it just that there's a famous constable like Qin Feng in charge, plus experts from the Pingcheng Prince's Mansion, that unfathomable white-faced official, and a group of Jianghu people who have sided with the government?"

With each word he spoke, Yin Leiling and Bai Yi's expressions grew increasingly grim.

He actually... knew everything!
Bai Yi was completely dumbfounded!
Since he understands so thoroughly that staying means certain death, why would he refuse this only way out?!

Song Jiang is a serious criminal of the imperial court!
Every single one of the crimes he committed was a heinous crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of his family!
The imperial court would never accept his surrender!

If he stays, he will only face death!
Unless... he's lost his mind!

Or... does he have something else to rely on?
But that's impossible!
Yin Leiling's face was so dark it could drip water. He slammed his hand on the table, the heavy wooden table groaning in pain and shaking violently.
"Song Jiang!"

He called him by his first name, his voice like muffled thunder, filled with barely suppressed rage:
"Now is not the time for emotional arguments or to show off! Nor is it the time for jokes!"

He stared intently at Liang Jin, his eyes filled with incomprehension and a kind of anger at being fooled:
"If you continue down this stubborn path, those who stay behind will only face death!"

"You're dragging countless unsuspecting brothers down with you! You'll kill them all!!!"

Liang Jin slammed his hand down on the table!

An invisible, overwhelming force suddenly pressed down!

The wooden table that had been buzzing and almost falling apart after being slapped by Yin Leiling instantly became as if it had been crushed by Mount Tai, and remained completely still!

He raised his head, meeting Yin Leiling's furious gaze without flinching:

"On the contrary!"

"Your choices will truly kill all our brothers!"

boom--!
An invisible shockwave seemed to explode at the point where their eyes met!

The air inside the room seemed to ignite instantly!

A tense, oppressive, and fiercely competitive clash of wills!
Bai Yi stood to the side, feeling as if he could hardly breathe, and fine beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead.

He tried to speak up and persuade them, but found himself unable to utter a single word under the pressure of these two powerful auras!
He knew that any words would be futile at this moment!

A suffocating silence enveloped the cabin, broken only by the even more piercing howl of the wind outside, like a battle horn.

half an hour.

Yin Leiling managed to squeeze out a few words through gritted teeth, his voice low and hoarse, filled with extreme confusion and a hint of something he himself didn't even realize... inquiry:
"I really don't understand!"

He stared intently into Liang Jin's unfathomable eyes:
"Where do you get your confidence from?"

"Do you really think that Qin Feng, one of the Four Great Constables renowned throughout the land and at the third-rank level... would be defeated by you?"

Even if! Even if you manage to defeat Qin Feng by sheer luck...

Yin Leiling's voice suddenly rose, carrying an almost absurd questioning tone:

"What if another third-rank expert emerges from among the officers and soldiers? Can you still fight two against one?!"

"do not forget……"

He suddenly remembered something, and a hint of mockery flashed in his eyes:
"The wooden girl who protected you is long gone! No one can help you now!"

He desperately wanted to know! What gave Liang Jin the audacity to stay? What made him so arrogant?

Yin Leiling would absolutely not stay to help him!
What makes him think he can withstand the entire government's encirclement and suppression?!

Liang Jin looked at Yin Leiling's face, which was contorted with extreme confusion, and suddenly laughed.

The smile was faint, yet it carried a sense of absolute certainty that he was in control of everything.

"You feel……"

He spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but it struck Yin Bai and the other man's hearts like a heavy hammer:
"Would the government... send... a second-rank expert for our small Yanshan stronghold?"

Upon hearing this, Yin Leiling was first taken aback, then, as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world, he couldn't help but let out a short, sarcastic laugh:

"Ah!"

Bai Yi shook his head helplessly, a look of "he really went crazy" on his face.

He then explained in an almost scientific, yet superior tone:
"There's absolutely no need for that!"

“The government must have spies planted within our stronghold, and they know the details of our stronghold perfectly!”

"In the entire Yanshan stronghold, the only ones who can be considered top-tier fighters are you, Hero Song, and the stronghold chief, both of you are third-rank!"

"As for the government troops, as long as they can steadily outnumber us by one point in terms of the number of third-rank martial artists, victory is already assured!"

"Why bother mobilizing troops and alarming such pillars of the nation?"

He patted the thick stack of files on the table, emphasizing his words, attempting to shatter Liang Jin's delusions with cold reality:
"Qin Feng is an open secret. He is one of the Four Great Constables who have dominated the martial arts world for decades! His martial arts skills are unfathomable. There are only a handful of third-rank martial artists in the world who can reliably defeat him!"

"In addition, the Pingcheng Prince's Mansion, as a key force in this siege, must have had a third-rank official accompanying them! The mysterious and enigmatic pale-faced official mentioned in the intelligence report is also very likely... another third-rank official sent by the imperial court!"

"Three Rank 3 experts! That's enough to create an overwhelming advantage! They're more than 70% confident they can deal with us!"

"If you add to that the more than ten thousand elite government troops, the powerful guards of the Prince's mansion, and those scoundrels of the martial arts world..."

Bai Yi's voice carried a cruel certainty:

"Then, the chance of success is 99%! We have no way out!"

He leaned forward, his gaze piercing Liang Jin like a needle, carrying a final, questioning tone:

"Hero Song! Under these circumstances, do you think the imperial court still needs to send out such a high-ranking, regionally-controlled second-rank Grandmaster?"

"The Great Qian Dynasty is currently engaged in a fierce battle with the Black Dragon Kingdom in the northern border. Second-rank experts are the backbone of the nation and its most important assets! How can we act rashly?"

Liang Jin listened quietly to Bai Yi's clear and logical analysis, the calm smile on his face never fading.

Only after Bai Yi finished speaking did he nod slightly, as if praising the other party's analytical ability.

He stopped talking and reached for the rough pottery teapot on the table.

He picked up the teapot and slowly poured clear, slightly yellow tea into the two empty cups in front of Yin Leiling and Bai Yi.

Yin Leiling and Bai Yi exchanged bewildered glances, their minds filled with doubt.

What exactly is Song Jiang up to?

One moment they were talking about a second-rank master, the next they were pouring tea?

Liang Jin steadily pushed two steaming cups of tea onto the table in front of the two of them.

He looked at their surprised and uncertain faces, and his smile deepened:
"Not even those of the second rank, but among those of the third rank..."

His voice was calm, yet it carried an absolute confidence that looked down upon the world:

"No one... is my match."

These words struck like a thunderclap, booming once again!

Before the two could recover from this shocking and outrageous statement...

Liang Jin continued, his tone carrying a strange, almost condescending tone:
"Therefore, I can offer you both a good suggestion."

He pointed to the two steaming cups of tea in front of them:
"You two, don't even think about abandoning the village and running away."

"Why don't you... stay?"

"Follow my instructions and orders."

He paused slightly, his voice as firm as a rock:
"I, Song Jiang, can guarantee—"

"I will lead the two of you, and the entire Yanshan stronghold..."

"We have achieved victory in this resistance against the government troops!"

Outside, the gale lashed the wooden house even more violently, making a deafening roar like that of a giant beast, as if it wanted to tear this small piece of land atop the lonely peak to shreds.

Inside the room, the tea in front of Yin Leiling and Bai Yi was still steaming, emitting a slightly astringent aroma.

As long as they are willing to pick up this cup of tea and drink this cup of "submission" water, it will be considered that they have accepted Liang Jin's shocking proposal.

however……

In Yin Leiling and Bai Yi's eyes, this was hardly a suggestion.
This is clearly the delusional ramblings of a madman!
That's utterly arrogant and insane talk!

It is a blatant insult and mockery of their intelligence and dignity!

The two men's gazes toward Liang Jin had completely changed from shock and confusion to looking at him as an incurable, utterly insane man!

"Bang——!!!"

Yin Leiling could no longer bear it, and he slammed his hand hard on the table again!

The entire heavy wooden table bounced violently!

"Wow!"

The two rough earthenware cups, filled with tea, were jolted and jumped violently!
The scalding hot tea spilled out, flowing freely across the rough tabletop.

"Ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!!!"

Yin Leiling suddenly stood up, his burly body trembling slightly from extreme anger!
He pointed at Liang Jin and roared angrily:
"Song Jiang! You are far too arrogant! So arrogant that you are courting death!"

He stared intently at Liang Jin's chillingly calm face, enunciating each word as if it were a curse:

Arrogance... comes at a price!

"I, Yin Leiling... am waiting to see you regret it! I'm waiting to see you... die a horrible death!!!"

As the roar subsided, Yin Leiling refused to stay a second longer.

He turned around abruptly, filled with violent rage and a deep sense of humiliation, and slammed the wooden door open with a loud bang, rushing into the raging wind outside without looking back!

The figure was instantly swallowed up by the sandstorm!
As Bai Yi watched this scene, he felt a deep sense of powerlessness and absurdity wash over him.

He originally thought it would be easy to persuade Liang Jinhui, but he never expected that the other party would be so arrogant!
They actually dared to dream of fighting against the entire imperial court's encirclement and suppression forces on their own!

It was this arrogant and ignorant attitude that completely ruined this negotiation that was crucial to the survival of the counterfeit!

His grip on the folding fan tightened, then finally gave way to a long, heavy sigh.

"Song Yingxiong... your decision will ultimately... harm both yourself and others!"

He glanced at Liang Jin one last time, his expression complex.

"I'll give you one last piece of advice: think it over carefully before nightfall! If you change your mind, you can come to us anytime."

"Otherwise... at the last minute, you will definitely... regret it!"

Liang Jin's calm smile remained unchanged.

He didn't even look at Bai Yi, but instead picked up the teapot and refilled his empty cup with tea.

Then, he steadily picked up the teacup and brought it to his lips.

His voice, transmitted clearly through the rising steam, reached Bai Yi's ears with a strange echo:

"I also have a piece of advice for you."

He paused slightly, his gaze seemingly piercing through the walls of the wooden house, directed towards the impending blood-red storm below the mountain:
"If the officers and soldiers arrive faster than expected, then why are you in such a hurry to leave tonight?"

"Then, it will truly be... too late to regret."

Upon hearing this almost curse-like "advice," Bai Yi shook his head helplessly, his face filled with utter disappointment.

Hopeless!

He fell silent, then with a "whoosh," unfolded his folding fan, as if trying to dispel the oppressive atmosphere and absurdity in the room with this feeble gesture.

He then turned and strode away, his figure quickly disappearing into the howling sandstorm at the doorway.

The heavy wooden door swayed back and forth in the wind a few times, creaking and groaning, before finally closing slowly, isolating the inside from the outside.

Inside, silence returned.

Only Liang Jin remained.

On the table, the two cups of tea he had personally poured for Yin Leiling and Bai Yi remained untouched, like two pools of frozen, stagnant water.

Liang Jin smiled slightly, as if he had already foreseen this outcome.

He picked up his steaming cup of tea, brought it to his lips, gently blew on it to cool it, and then...

Drink it all in one gulp.

The warm tea flowed down my throat, bringing a slightly astringent aftertaste.

Outside, the wind howled mournfully, like the wailing of ghosts.

(End of this chapter)