Chapter 95

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A dignified Lingtai Realm cultivator was actually made to spit blood from anger.

While not entirely unprecedented, it was still a rare occurrence.

Lei Yangqiu stared intently at Wang Shouzhe's back, wanting to lash out recklessly but also fearing to do so. It was because that young man had firmly grasped his Achilles' heel.

Forget it, forget it, I'll just have to endure Wang Shouzhe for now.

He was furious but could not vent his anger on the Wang family, so he could only glare fiercely at the Liu and Zhao families.

The Liu and Zhao families also had significant grievances against Lei Yangqiu. After all, their clansmen were essentially killed by his hands. More importantly, Lei Yangqiu, in his bid for self-preservation, had forced their clansmen to their deaths.

In the end, he was thoroughly humiliated and had to swallow his pride to beg the Wang family for help.

The scene was dead silent.

The Wang family members also looked at Wang Shouzhe with complex expressions. They could not have predicted that today's series of events would escalate to such a degree.

The Liu family, Zhao family, and Lei Yangqiu, the guardian of the Tianren family, were none of them easy to provoke. Yet, in Wang Shouzhe's hands, they were all subdued one by one.

Even Mang Laozu, who was a formidable fighter, dared not underestimate Wang Shouzhe. He couldn't help but ask, "Shouzhe, how should we handle the next steps?"

Upon hearing this, the Liu and Zhao families, as well as Lei Yangqiu, all looked at Wang Shouzhe, wondering if he had any more tricks up his sleeve.

One pit after another had already broken their legs.

"What can we do?" Wang Shouzhe said with a smile, "Naturally, everyone should go back to their own homes. Is Mang Laozu planning to invite them for dinner?" He joked, feeling in a good mood.

In fact, if it were up to Wang Shouzhe's nature, he would have wished to thoroughly detain the Liu and Zhao families, as well as Lei Yangqiu.

But in reality, that was impossible.

Mang Laozu was very capable, but he was not the true patriarch of the Wang family. For him to help the Wang family to this extent, Wang Shouzhe was already immensely grateful. He couldn't ask him to risk his life.

Moreover, the Great Qian had its own laws.

Wang Shouzhe's head wasn't hard enough to defy the Great Qian's laws recklessly. Private matters were one thing, but public matters were another.

Today, Wang Shouzhe was able to subdue Lei Yangqiu by leveraging the power of the Great Qian's laws.

Upon hearing this, the Liu and Zhao families' clan guards all heaved a sigh of relief for some unknown reason. They could withdraw, even though they had suffered losses and lost face, they still had to go home, didn't they?

But before they could turn to leave,

Wang Shouzhe frowned and called out, "Wait."

The Liu and Zhao families' people involuntarily trembled. Was another pit about to fall on them? Every time Wang Shouzhe said "wait" or "hold on," nothing good ever happened.

"First, although Zhao Jinda and Liu Shengze are dead, compensation for the survivors is inevitable," Wang Shouzhe said with a serious expression.

Lei Yangqiu's eyes immediately lit up, sensing an opportunity to show his worth. He stepped forward and said, "Clan Leader Wang, your words are very reasonable. I, the guardian, will oversee this matter. The total compensation will be five hundred, no, one thousand Qian gold."

Lei Yangqiu was under immense pressure. In his current situation, if Wang Shouzhe really decided to go after him, he would probably be left half-dead, and his family would not let him off easily.

Perhaps afterward, the Lei family would retaliate against Wang Shouzhe, but it would no longer be Lei Yangqiu's problem. By then, he would be finished.

Upon hearing the compensation of one thousand Qian gold, the Liu and Zhao families' clan leaders turned black with anger. This was equivalent to a year's worth of work for each of their families. But they didn't think about it: they had destroyed several families, hadn't they?

Wang Shouzhe did not comment on this and continued, "The Liu and Zhao families caused a disturbance this time, damaging many of the blue stone bricks on our square..."

"Clan Leader Wang, your words are also very reasonable," Lei Yangqiu began to fawn, "I estimate that at least several hundred blue stone bricks were broken. Let's say five hundred, and each brick is worth one Qian gold, so that's five hundred Qian gold. I will be responsible for collecting this debt, and the money must be paid now."

Five hundred Qian gold!

The Liu and Zhao families were almost driven mad. Lei Yangqiu wanted to ingratiate himself with the Wang family and secure his position as guardian, but did he have to take such a heavy toll on them? One Qian gold per blue stone brick, how was that not robbery?

Even Wang Shouzhe felt that Lei Yangqiu was being a bit too extortionate.

"What kind of look is this?" Lei Yangqiu said seriously, "These blue stone bricks are a legacy left by the Wang family's Zouxuan Laozu from over a hundred years ago. They are historical artifacts that have witnessed the transformation of our Peaceful Town from a wilderness to its current prosperity. Such historically significant items, at one Qian gold per brick, I think it's a bargain for them."

"Uh..."

Wang Shouzhe was stunned by his argument. This vast square had at least tens of thousands of blue stone bricks. At one Qian gold per brick, this blue stone square would be the Wang family's most valuable clan asset.

Well, for the sake of the money, Wang Shouzhe decided to let Lei Yangqiu off for now.

After all, watching him gradually break ties with the Liu and Zhao families was quite entertaining. As for the future, it would depend on his performance.

Although Lei Yangqiu had already lost his dignity, he was still the guardian of Peaceful Town. Under his "coercion," the Zhao and Liu families had no choice but to come up with five hundred Qian gold to compensate Wang Shouzhe.

"Clan Leader Wang, what about my situation?" Lei Yangqiu said carefully as he handed over the compensation.

Wang Shouzhe thought for a moment and then bowed seriously, saying, "The resettlement and compensation for the families of the deceased can be a consolation to their spirits. I will leave this to Guardian Lei. If you handle this well, it could be a merit."

He had reviewed the case files. Although they were called mass murders, the victims were all adult males, leaving behind a group of women and children. It wasn't out of mercy, but a warning to others, like killing a chicken to scare the monkeys.

Lei Yangqiu was taken aback and began to truly respect Wang Shouzhe. From his appearance, he seemed genuinely concerned about the women and children.

Whether it was genuine or not, even if it was an act, it would be seen as real by others.

As long as Wang Shouzhe didn't fall prematurely, the Wang family would likely rise under his leadership.

Lei Yangqiu then bowed seriously and said, "Since Clan Leader Wang has entrusted me, I will do my utmost to comfort the surviving elderly, women, and children."

He paused and then whispered, "Clan Leader Wang, you need to be careful about Zhao Bojun and Liu Zhide. Those two old men are very cunning. They won't dare to act openly, but who knows what they might do behind the scenes."

Subconsciously, Lei Yangqiu was trying to curry favor.

"Hmm?" Wang Shouzhe narrowed his eyes and smiled, "Guardian, today I treated you so harshly, and you don't bear a grudge? Or are you just pretending to make me let my guard down so you can seek revenge?"

At this point, Wang Shouzhe had noticed a pattern.

Among the high-ranking Tianren families, some Lingtai Realm cultivators seemed to lack a certain level of magnanimity.

Take the Liu and Zhao families, for example. Although their two old patriarchs were enemies of the Wang family, and Wang Shouzhe wished to kill them immediately, he had to admit that they still had the air of a family's stabilizing force.

The previous acquaintance, Zhong Xingwang, the steward of the Hundred Islands Guard Tianren family, and this Lei Yangqiu, seemed to lack the resilience and pride of a patriarch.

Upon closer reflection, this was quite normal.

For a small family, a Lingtai Realm cultivator was the foundation of the clan, bearing the life and death of the entire family. Any decision could lead to the family's destruction.

Over time, such Lingtai Realm cultivators naturally developed a strong and indomitable demeanor.

However, in the Tianren families, Lingtai Realm cultivators did not need to bear the burden of the family's survival. They were more focused on their own achievements or their status and interests within the family.

Their growth environment also required them to constantly look up to the Tianren patriarchs of their families, suppressing their individuality, which naturally prevented them from developing the grandeur and dignity of a leader.

Leaving that aside for now.

Upon hearing Wang Shouzhe's question, Lei Yangqiu immediately straightened his face and said solemnly, "To be honest, not hating you before would be a lie. But the Wang and Lei families have no real enmity. If I were to hold a grudge against Clan Leader Wang because of this, my family might not support it."

No enmity?

Wang Shouzhe's eyes narrowed. Could it be that his previous assumptions were wrong? Or was Lei Yangqiu simply unaware?

He did not answer and continued to listen to Lei Yangqiu.

"Secondly, I, Lei Yangqiu, am not a good person, but the幕后指使散修杀害平民的事真的与我无关," Lei Yangqiu said, "I am a guardian from a prestigious Tianren family with a bright future. How could I possibly be involved in such heinous acts? The Liu and Zhao families wouldn't involve me either."

Wang Shouzhe remained expressionless, pondering Lei Yangqiu's words.

"Our Lei family has a history of nearly a thousand years and has its own clan rules," Lei Yangqiu added, seeing that Wang Shouzhe seemed to be wavering, "Of course, during my tenure as guardian, I have also tried to court the Liu and Zhao families to expand our influence in Peaceful Town, which is a strategic goal of the family."

"And I admit that I have accepted favors from the Liu and Zhao families privately. But I can swear by the name of my family that I have not been involved in such evil deeds," Lei Yangqiu quickly clarified.

Wang Shouzhe pondered for a moment and believed him to some extent, but still sneered, "But your tolerance and turning a blind eye have made the Liu and Zhao families more rampant."

"You are right about that," Lei Yangqiu admitted frankly, "But I do not admit to knowing about it. To be honest, when I saw the evidence today, I was also surprised. First, Clan Leader Wang put me on the spot, clearly using me to kill with a borrowed knife. Second, courting the Liu and Zhao families is a strategic direction for our Lei family. So, I had the intention to cover up and oppose Clan Leader Wang."

"Of course, in my heart, I didn't think the death of some civilians was a big deal..." Lei Yangqiu said cautiously, suddenly noticing Wang Shouzhe's displeasure and quickly added, "But after Clan Leader Wang's stern reprimand, I have realized the error in my thinking."

"Today's reprimand from Clan Leader Wang, although it made me furious and want to kill you, after calming down, I realized it might not be without reason," Lei Yangqiu said seriously, "If I can truly act as Clan Leader Wang suggested, I might achieve something. Then, the old patriarchs in my family might look at me differently."

"Of course, there is one more important point," Lei Yangqiu said earnestly, "Our Lei family's goal is to have influence in Peaceful Town, but we don't have to be tied to the Liu and Zhao families. We can also court the Wang family. After today, I am convinced that with the abilities of Zhao Bojun and Liu Zhide, they are no match for Clan Leader Wang."

To convince Wang Shouzhe to let him off, Lei Yangqiu was really trying his best.

"An alliance with the Lei family?" Wang Shouzhe frowned and thought for a moment.

Lei Yangqiu was about to say that this wasn't an alliance but a surrender, but he quickly swallowed his words. He had already realized that Wang Shouzhe was not the type to be content with a subordinate position.

"Let's put this aside for now," Wang Shouzhe said after some thought, "Guardian Lei, don't think you are out of the woods yet. I will send people to investigate you. If you are indeed just misguided and not guilty of major crimes, today's matter will be dropped."

"If you have committed unforgivable sins, I may not have the authority to judge you, but I advise you to pack your bags and leave immediately."

Wang Shouzhe's gaze was fixed on Lei Yangqiu.

Lei Yangqiu was so unnerved by his stare that he felt a chill down his spine and quickly said, "Minor offenses, yes, and some corruption, but no major crimes. I will make amends for these in the future."

"Alright, your words don't count. Go and take care of the aftermath for the orphans first," Wang Shouzhe waved his hand, slightly impatient, "Are you waiting for the Wang family to offer you a meal?"

"Of course not, Clan Leader Wang, I will take my leave now," Lei Yangqiu's face tightened, and he immediately left obediently.

Only after walking a considerable distance did Lei Yangqiu truly relax, feeling like he had passed a test.

At that moment, his back was drenched in sweat. Wang Shouzhe, no, Clan Leader Wang, was terrifying. With such ease, he could manipulate him with words, controlling his life and death, making him feel powerless to resist.

He found it strange and unsettling, falling into deep thought.

At that moment, he genuinely felt a mix of awe and gratitude for Wang Shouzhe, while harboring deep resentment towards the Liu and Zhao families.

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Wang Shouzhe watched Lei Yangqiu's departing back, also falling into deep thought.

What was Lei Yangqiu's state called? He had seen it before on a certain app.

Hmm, Stockholm Syndrome? It was quite similar.

Both involved being completely controlled and unable to resist, and after receiving a small favor, feeling grateful and even reverent towards the controller.

Heh, this was getting interesting.

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