CHAPTER 100: CHAPTER 95: LEI YANGQIU COMPLETELY SUPPRESSED (SEEKING VOTES) _2

Wang Shouzhe pondered for a moment, then seriously cupped his hands and said, "The settlement and compensation for the families of the deceased can be considered a solace to their spirits in heaven. I’ll trouble Lei Guardian Envoy with this task. If it’s done well, it might not be a small achievement."

He reviewed the case files. Even though they were called extermination cases, the victims were all adult men, leaving a pile of women and children. It wasn’t due to the benevolence of the perpetrators; they deliberately left a tragic group of widows and orphans as a warning.

Lei Yangqiu was taken aback, and for once, Wang Shouzhe truly caught his attention. It seemed he genuinely cared about those women and children.

Regardless of whether he was genuine or not, even if it was fake, if he could consistently act in such a manner, others would perceive it as genuine.

As long as Wang Shouzhe did not fall midway, the Wang Family was likely to rise under his leadership.

Immediately, Lei Yangqiu solemnly cupped his hands and said, "Since Clan Leader Wang has entrusted me, I will do my best to comfort those surviving old and weak women and children."

He paused for a moment and then whispered, "Clan Leader Wang, be cautious of Zhao Bojun and Liu Zhide; those two old ones are full of tricks. They won’t dare act openly, but in private, who knows."

Instinctively, Lei Yangqiu tried to do a favor.

"Oh?" Wang Shouzhe squinted and smiled, "Lord Guardian Envoy, after what I did to you today, do you not hold a grudge against me? Or are you pretending to lower my guard to retaliate at any time?"

Up to this point, Wang Shouzhe saw through some patterns.

Among these noble Celestial Human Families, some Spirit Platform Realm cultivators seemed to lack the imposing bearing.

Take the Liu and Zhao Clans, for instance. Even though those two ancestors were enemies of the Wang Family, Wang Shouzhe wished to kill them immediately. However, he had to admit, those two ancestors indeed possessed some gravitas as stabilizing presences for their families.

The Celestial Guard family of Hundred Islands’ Steward Zhong Xingwang and this Lei Yangqiu both seemed to lack the indomitable resilience and pride of ancestral figures.

Upon careful thought, this was not surprising at all.

Cultivators of the Spirit Platform Realm in small noble families are the foundation of their lineage, shouldering the life and death of their entire clan and allowing no room for error. Any decision might bring the family to ruin.

Over time, these Spirit Platform cultivators naturally develop a strong mindset and a self-centered aura.

However, Spirit Platform cultivators in Celestial Human families do not bear the burden of their family’s survival; they focus more on personal achievements or family status and interests.

In their growth environment, they must continually look up to the Celestial Human Ancestors of their family. Such restraint naturally doesn’t breed an aura of dominion.

Let’s set aside idle talk for now.

Upon hearing Wang Shouzhe’s accusation, Lei Yangqiu’s expression turned solemn and he said seriously, "Honestly, saying I don’t hold a grudge is false. However, the Wang and Lei Families have no inherent animosity. If I bear a grudge against Clan Leader Wang because of this, my family might not support it."

No animosity?

Wang Shouzhe squinted his eyes slightly, wondering if his previous assumptions were incorrect, or if Lei Yangqiu was unaware?

Immediately, he said nothing and continued to listen to Lei Yangqiu.

"Additionally, I, Lei Yangqiu, truly have my own shortcomings, but those behind-the-scenes instructions to loose cultivators to kill civilians are genuinely unrelated to me," Lei Yangqiu said, "I, a Garrison Commander from a dignified Celestial Human family with a promising future, would not participate in such heinous acts. The Liu and Zhao families wouldn’t involve me, would they?"

Wang Shouzhe remained expressionless, contemplating Lei Yangqiu’s words.

"Our Lei Family has adhered to our family rules for nearly a thousand years," Lei Yangqiu quickly added when he saw Wang Shouzhe’s slight relaxation, "Of course, during my garrison here, I did have intentions to draw in the Liu and Zhao Families to expand our influence in Ping’an Town, which aligns with our strategic family objectives."

"And I’ll admit, privately, I’ve accepted offerings from Liu and Zhao Families. But I can swear under the name of my family that I have not participated in such evildoings," Lei Yangqiu hurriedly clarified.

Wang Shouzhe pondered for a moment, somewhat believing him, but still coldly sneered, "But your indulgence and turning a blind eye have made the Liu and Zhao Clans more rampant."

"That’s true," Lei Yangqiu admitted straightforwardly, "but I don’t admit knowing about it. To be honest, I was also a bit surprised when I saw the evidence today. But first, Clan Leader Wang put me on the spot, clearly using me to stir trouble. Second, bringing in the Liu and Zhao Families was a strategic direction for our Lei Family. Instinctively, I wanted to shelter them and oppose Clan Leader Wang."

"Of course, in my heart, I didn’t think the deaths of some civilians were a big deal..." Lei Yangqiu cautiously said, abruptly pausing when he saw Wang Shouzhe’s displeasure and hastily adding, "This point has been corrected after Clan Leader Wang’s reprimand. I now understand the error in my thinking."

"Although Clan Leader Wang’s rebuke embarrassed and infuriated me, making me want to kill you, in retrospect, it wasn’t without merit," Lei Yangqiu earnestly stated. "If I can do what Clan Leader Wang suggested, maybe I can make some achievements. Then, the family Ancestor might have a different opinion of me."

"And another important point," Lei Yangqiu said with great seriousness, "While our Lei Family aims to have influence in Ping’an Town, it doesn’t mean we have to hang on the Liu and Zhao ropes; drawing in the Wang Family works just the same. After today, I’m convinced that, with the abilities of Zhao Bojun and Liu Zhide, they are likely no match for Clan Leader Wang."

Lei Yangqiu went all out, aiming to persuade Wang Shouzhe to let him off.

"An alliance with the Lei Family?" Wang Shouzhe furrowed his brows, pondering deeply.

Lei Yangqiu was about to say this wasn’t an alliance but allegiance. However, he swiftly swallowed his words, realizing Wang Shouzhe likely wasn’t someone who would willingly remain under others.

"Let’s put this matter on hold for now." Wang Shouzhe deliberated before saying, "Lord Guardian Envoy, don’t think you’re out of the woods yet. I’ll send someone to investigate you. If it turns out that you’re merely confused but not evil, today’s matter will be forgotten."

"However, if you’ve committed unforgivable crimes, although I lack the authority to judge you, I suggest you’d better pack up and leave immediately."

Wang Shouzhe’s gaze fixed intently on Lei Yangqiu.

Lei Yangqiu was so startled by his glare that he felt a chill and hurriedly said, "Minor offenses, small corruption and bribery, yes, but no major crimes. These will be rectified in due course."

"Fine, but saying it yourself doesn’t count. Go handle the aftermath for the orphans first." Wang Shouzhe waved his hand, showing a hint of impatience, "Or is Lord Guardian Envoy waiting for the Wang Family to host you for dinner?"

"Of course not, Clan Leader Wang, I’ll take my leave now." Lei Yangqiu tightened his expression and retreated honestly.

It wasn’t until he had walked a fair distance that Lei Yangqiu finally breathed a sigh of relief, feeling as if he had passed a test.

By then, his back was already dripping with sweat. Wang Shouzhe, no, Clan Leader Wang, was terrifying. That ability to effortlessly manipulate life and death through mere words, playing him in the palm of his hand, made him feel utterly powerless to resist.

He himself found something odd and unsettling, getting lost in thought.

At this moment, he felt profound respect for Wang Shouzhe while simultaneously filled with gratitude for being spared.

And simultaneously, he felt deep hatred towards the Liu Zhao Clans that had duped him so terribly.

...

Watching Lei Yangqiu’s departing figure, Wang Shouzhe also couldn’t help but fall into contemplation.

What’s this state of Lei Yangqiu called again? He had seen it on some app before.

Hmm, Stockholm syndrome? It’s pretty similar.

All about having one’s life and death in other’s hands, powerless to resist, receiving a favor, and feeling grateful, even reverent, and subservient to the controller.

Hehe~ now this is getting interesting.

...