I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, So I’ll Max Out My Defense

The third-in-command must have wanted them to leave a positive impression on everyone, what an effort indeed!

“Third-in-command, please speak freely. Should there be anything amiss with us, we will certainly correct it wholeheartedly!”

“Exactly, listening to the third-in-command’s teachings is an honor for us. Should there be any impropriety in our actions, just point it out!”

“Absolutely right, recognizing one’s mistakes and correcting them is my greatest asset. As long as it’s pointed out by the third-in-command, my clan will surely take it as an ancestral command!”

Atop the high platform, a group of Family Heads said with smiling faces, all pretending to understand.

Master Rong felt somewhat speechless within, she had already made her stance as explicit as possible—did these parasites still not realize the gravity of the situation?

Were they too deep in character, believing that she, like the many Family Heads, must surely be a villainous character?

Unfortunately, contrary to their wishes, today these parasites would receive the punishment they deserved!

“Very well, since that’s the case, I will briefly discuss my interactions with the various families these past days.”

Master Rong reversed her wrist, took out a piece of paper, unfolded it, and began to read aloud, sentence by sentence, in front of the many cultivators: “I’ve kept records of all recent transactions with other clans, and today I will read them to you one by one. After listening, I believe you will make your own judgments.”

“Yesterday, Patriarch Situ offered ten million top-grade Spirit Stones, indicating that he had persuaded the clans to initiate a rebellion and only wished to be granted a decent fiefdom once it was successful.”

“Two days ago, Elder Su brought one million top-grade Spirit Stones, seeking information regarding the aftermath of the masked person incident, and determining the attitude of the common folk.”

“Three days ago, Patriarch Situ, accompanied by more than ten Family Heads, jointly presented ten million top-grade Spirit Stones asking me to ensure Young Master Situ’s safety.”

“Four days ago, Young Master Wang unintentionally killed people in a certain village, and his Family Head visited with one million Spirit Stones, pleading for mercy on his behalf.”

“Five days ago…”

Master Rong continued down the list, reading from the paper’s recorded words.

With each sentence she read, the faces of the Family Heads on the high platform grew paler, and by the time Master Rong finished the last line, the Family Heads were ashen-faced.

Here she was, exposing all the shameless deals of the clans in front of all the people, in broad daylight.

They were doomed.

Within Aolai Country, there would no longer be any place for them.

“Situ, what is the meaning of this?”

“Didn’t you say that the third-in-command’s actions were meant to clear our names?”

“Could it be that this act is also a way to whitewash?”

“Have you truly come to an agreement with the third-in-command, or were you deceiving us with your earlier words?”

The Family Heads were completely panicked; their dark history being unveiled without omission had no doubt pushed their clans to the precipice, standing in opposition to the common people.

“I…”

Patriarch Situ was also confused and could only stare blankly at the crowd below.

“I have finished reading.”

“What I want to say is that during these times, there seem to be rumors within Aolai Country that I’m at odds with the Great Family Head, and even gossip that my rebellious nature has emerged, with plans to establish my own domain and dominate Aolai Country alone.”

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“These rumors are nothing but unfounded, yet I never expected someone to actually use them to make a big fuss, even attempting to use me as a pawn to overthrow the current Aolai Country—it’s simply a fool’s dream. Everything written on that note earlier, I have agreed to, without exception.”

“Only by doing so can my eldest sister and I root out all the hidden traitors in Aolai Country and completely eradicate them!”

“Now they are above us. My fellow citizens, what do you think we should do?”

Master Rong slowly said, her voice not loud, but it accurately drifted into the ears of every cultivator present.

The shock brought by this news was incomparable, and the hearts of the people listening boiled with excitement. Today was truly a day of shock after shock. No one expected that the third family head was orchestrating such a scheme.

Indeed, a deep and calculating plot.

They had certainly heard some unsettling rumors before, and had noticed that there seemed to be some stiffness in the relationship between the third family head and the great family head, with continuous disagreements. Little did they think that all of this was just an act.

What angered them even more was that these family heads, who looked so honorable on the surface, were actually engaging in such dirty dealings behind the scenes, and with the third family head as their backer, they had become obviously more reckless.

“A blood debt must be paid in blood. My wife and daughters have suffered terribly, and these scum must taste the same suffering!”

“Kill them, kill them, we must kill them! Without ridding ourselves of these scholarly scum, how can Aolai Country have a bright future or a beautiful tomorrow?”

The cultivators were enraged.

“You’re right, I’ve long been displeased with these fellows. Each and every one of them must have thought Aolai Country’s split was a joke, fueling the flames and stooping to no evil to exert pressure on the great family head, disgracing the face of our Aolai Country. Such families do not deserve to stay in Aolai Country, they should be expelled from the Eastern Sea!”

The three low-key major family clans suddenly spoke up—they were waiting for this moment, having endured in silence for so long, just to lure out more big fish. Today was finally the day they could hold their heads high and take a breath.

The family clan disciples were completely stunned.

They didn’t understand what was happening at all. Hadn’t they already reached an understanding with the third family head? How had they suddenly become outcasts?

“Didn’t our elders say everything was settled? With this situation, are we being sold out?”

“This isn’t just being sold out—this is damn fishing law enforcement!”

Pretend to be causing independence to force family heads to take sides, and then eliminate any treacherous family heads—the third family head was damn fishing!

And these family clans had indeed taken the bait hook, line, and sinker.

“The third family head misspoke earlier. What was said was completely fabricated. It was nothing but empty talk!”

“Exactly. We family heads have served Aolai Country diligently for decades, contributing so much. How could we possibly harbor thoughts of rebellion? We ask the third family head to investigate thoroughly before passing judgment.”

“Indeed, indeed…”

Elder Su and others had darkened faces. They didn’t expect Master Rong to pull this move at the last minute—it was totally unexpected.

It was all an act from start to finish, fishing for the whole duration, and they stupidly rushed into the trap. It was sheer foolishness.

“A soul search will reveal the truth. Let Young Master Situ come here. We’ll know the facts once a search is done. If there’s even half a lie in my earlier words, I will take my life right here and now!”

Master Rong said nonchalantly, her voice carrying a chill that could be felt from afar.

With a simple gesture, Situ Guixiong, who was shivering from fear among the crowd below, was instantly pulled into her hand.

“Father, save me!”

At this moment, Situ Guixiong was terrified, fully aware that everything was just a setup. The third family head’s aim was to draw out the big fish lurking in the shadows.

Feeling the icy touch from those delicate jade hands, he felt his Primordial Spirit crumbling.