"Kneel!"
The thug didn't hold back any strength, pouring all his might into kicking Lu Ming's knee pit. This wasn't just about making Lu Ming kneel; he intended to cripple him completely. A kick like this to an ordinary person would shatter their leg!
For a mere thug to be so brazen, it showed how tyrannical the Jia family was in Modu.
Unfortunately for them, they had kicked an iron plate today. While others might be easily bullied, Lu Ming was anything but.
Seeing the thug's foot coming, Lu Ming didn't hesitate. Adhering to the principle of "I don't offend, but I will strike back if offended," Lu Ming directly kicked back.
He acted after the thug, but struck first. Lu Ming was faster and his kick landed with greater force, striking the thug's ankle before the latter could connect. With a 'crack,' the thug's leg was broken!
"Ah—!!!"
The thug let out a pig-like scream. He could never have imagined Lu Ming would be so fierce.
With one thug down, more rushed forward. As both sides squared off, ready to fight, Jia Chunming bellowed, "What are you all doing?! This is my son's mourning hall, not a place for your brawls! Disperse!"
The thugs were unhappy, but reluctantly backed off. The butler gritted his teeth and said to Jia Chunming, "Master, are we just letting this go? Your son's revenge cannot be left unavenged!"
Jia Chunming narrowed his eyes slightly, not replying. A calculating man like him would never show his thoughts on his face.
Instead, Jia Chunming offered Lu Ming a sense of security. He said to Lu Ming, "Rest assured, even though this is the Jia family's home and you've committed a grave offense against my son, we Jia family members understand and abide by the law. As long as you honestly stay here and keep vigil for my son, I will let you go after tonight and not trouble you."
Everyone was stunned. This was as good as letting Lu Ming off the hook! The butler frantically jumped, "Master, we can't let him off so easily!"
"No need to say more, my mind is made up. This is how it will be." Jia Chunming clasped his hands behind his back and strode away, seemingly resolved that as long as Lu Ming stayed to keep vigil, he would be spared. Everything appeared to be genuine.
However, Lu Ming didn't believe him! If Jia Chunming were truly so kind, he wouldn't have arranged assassins on the road. Lu Ming clearly remembered the incident with the truck driver. Furthermore, Lu Ming could clearly sense killing intent in Jia Chunming's eyes. This meant Jia Chunming's true intention was still to kill Lu Ming. He had merely said those words to temporarily pacify Lu Ming and make him lower his guard.
This old fox was a master of acting. Lu Ming chuckled inwardly, thinking, *Jia Chunming, I'll stay here for one night. I'm curious to see what tricks this old fox will pull in the end.*
With Jia Chunming's word, no one dared to trouble Lu Ming further. Everything proceeded in an orderly fashion. Until nightfall.
Naturally, no one brought Lu Ming any food. Their intention was to starve him until he was dizzy and weak, making him easier to deal with. Lu Ming harbored no complaints. He sat quietly in the mourning hall, repeatedly copying the Lotus Sutra to guide Jia Wenhao's soul. As he copied, he said, "Jia Wenhao, if you truly have a spirit in heaven, tell your father to put down his butcher's knife and stop being so foolish. You lost your life because you refused to put down your knife. Surely you don't want your father to follow in your footsteps?"
Whether it was the wind or Jia Wenhao's spirit responding, a sudden gust of wind rose in the night, rattling the doors with a clamor. The musicians, mourners, and guests had all left. The mourning hall was now exceptionally quiet, with only Lu Ming remaining.
Several more hours passed. It was deep into the night. The pale moonlight cast a desolate feeling over the courtyard. In such an atmosphere, even someone slightly timid would be too scared to move. Lu Ming glanced at the bright moon outside the window and chuckled, "They say dark nights and strong winds are for killing and arson. Today's wind is strong, but the moon is not dark at all. This kind of night is not suitable for killing. Jia Chunming, even heaven is warning you. I hope you will consider your actions."
As he spoke, he heard rustling sounds from the courtyard. They were here! Lu Ming's gaze turned sharp as he looked towards the door. He had come alone, fully prepared for this.
One minute, two minutes, three minutes... Ten minutes later, the operation officially began. The courtyard gate opened, and a group of people dressed in white mourning clothes, carrying sabers, walked in. The leader was none other than Jia Chunming! He had come to avenge Jia Wenhao! Roughly counting, there were about twenty to thirty of them. They blocked the courtyard, secured all exits, and then closed the courtyard gate. Jia Chunming, brandishing a large saber, strode into the mourning hall.
"Lu Ming," Jia Chunming called out to him. "Tonight, your blood will be used to pay homage to my son's departed soul!"
Lu Ming shook his head slightly. "Alas, Jia Chunming, why don't you understand? Are you certain you truly want to kill me?"
Jia Chunming let out a cold laugh. "What do you think? Do you think I brought so many people here tonight to celebrate your birthday? Everyone here tonight will take a stab at you. If you're still alive after that, I'll consider letting you go." This was preposterous. With twenty to thirty men, each wielding a large saber, if each person took one swing, he'd be chopped into mincemeat, not survive. What a joke!
Lu Ming asked again, "Jia Chunming, are you sure you want to do this?"
Jia Chunming slammed his saber on the ground. "Ask my blade if it's willing to spare you."
Lu Ming's eyes turned cold, and he said with great helplessness, "I've given you many chances, more than your son ever had. Jia Chunming, I truly don't wish to kill you. If you would put down your butcher's knife now and leave with your men, I will keep my promise, keep vigil for your son, and give you a way out." This was the limit of what Lu Ming could do.
Unfortunately, they refused to listen! Jia Chunming roared, "What way out?! What I want is your life, your head!" He raised his saber. "Don't worry, Lu Ming, I won't let you die too quickly. I will torture you bit by bit, knife by knife, and make you taste a life worse than death!"
Jia Chunming waved his hand. "Go, tie him to a pillar. Don't let him move around. Then we'll each take a swing, slowly, no need to rush, we must ensure he doesn't die too fast." Several underlings immediately stepped forward, preparing to tie Lu Ming up.
Helpless. Lu Ming stood up and said coldly, "When tolerance reaches its limit, there is no need to endure further. Jia Chunming, since you are so ruthless, there is no reason for me to spare you any longer."