Threat

The Ren family's mansion wasn't in the city center, but rather a grand estate near the northern suburbs. It stood alone, with no other houses around, its vast grounds occupying nearly half a street.

In the center of the main hall, an old man in a Tang suit sat in a wide armchair, his hands resting on a cane. Though he appeared frail, his posture was upright, exuding an aura that made everyone seated to his left and right lower their heads. Upon closer inspection, their legs trembled faintly.

"Ah!"

"Ah!!"

"Grandpa, I was wrong!!"

Ren Xu, who had been arrogant at noon, was now hanging from the ceiling, being whipped by someone.

The whip seemed specially made, with spikes on it. The person wielding it was strong, each swing creating afterimages as it lashed Ren Xu, making him spin like a top.

"Wrong? You know you're wrong?"

The old man snorted, "You just know you've been caught, that's what's wrong. There's no absolute right or wrong in doing things, only doing them well or poorly! Look at the pathetic methods you used!"

He looked at the middle-aged man wielding the whip. "You teach well! A magic treasure worth ten million, and you wanted to buy it for four million? If you couldn't buy it, you resort to force? Is the Ren family so short on money?"

Crack!!

At his words, the middle-aged man's whipping speed increased.

The old man continued, "Where did you get the nerve to act so recklessly? You seem clever and smart usually, why are you so foolish about this? Do you think you're the only one with family and background? What about the other side? That's the Pest Control Bureau!"

Like an old lion, the old man roared, "The Pest Control Bureau is backed by Heaven! If we truly fought, we'd be dead with a single finger! Do you understand?!"

"Yes, Grandpa, I know I was wrong. I'll reflect."

Ren Xu, whipped until he was barely breathing, his blood flowing like water, dripped onto the floor, forming a pool beneath him.

The old man waved his hand, and the middle-aged man finally stopped. He looked at Ren Xu with a hint of pain in his eyes but didn't dare do anything more.

"Of course, we're not afraid of trouble. We admit our mistakes and accept punishment. If we're not wrong, no one can touch us. At most, you asked a question, and they refused to sell. The rest has nothing to do with you. In the future, be more humble when you do things. There's always someone better. As a student, you're not qualified to look down on anyone."

The old man sighed helplessly, "Don't blame Grandpa for being heartless. If I don't teach you properly, you'll cause a great mistake later. Even if you don't mention the Ren family, others will be implicated. That's all. Take him back to rest. After the summer vacation, send him abroad to study. Don't let him stay in the country."

"Dad..."

This made the middle-aged man finally unable to hold back, "Isn't this making a mountain out of a molehill?"

As soon as he spoke, another middle-aged man, who bore a strong resemblance to the old man, hurried over. "Dad, Sun Shun from the Pest Control Bureau is here."

The old man paused, his gaze towards Ren Xu growing colder. "They've come to our doorstep. Is this still making a mountain out of a molehill? Keep him hanging. Let them see our attitude. We've invited him over."

The man nodded and went out again. Before long, he returned with Sun Shun.

"Section Chief Sun."

The old man forced a smile and shakily prepared to rise. "You should have informed us beforehand so we could prepare a welcome ceremony. Otherwise, it seems impolite."

"Old Master Ren, please don't be so formal. You are a senior."

Sun Shun quickly approached and pressed down on the old man's hand, stopping his attempt to stand. He then scanned the surroundings, his gaze falling on the bloodied Ren Xu hanging to the side.

"This is...?"

"A junior in the family made a mistake and is being taught a lesson."

The old man chuckled, "You know, the bigger the family, the more important it is to understand the rules. I'm teaching him while I'm still around, otherwise, when I'm gone, there will truly be no one to manage things."

"Indeed, the bigger the family, the more they need to understand rules. As the saying goes, a great family cannot be destroyed from the outside; only when there are internal problems can it be slowly worn down. Teaching rules is a good thing."

Sun Shun said with a smile, though his words carried a subtle meaning. "However, Old Master Ren, your spirit and energy are much better than mine. You will surely live a long life!"

"Then I'll take Section Chief Sun's good wishes!"

The old man smiled insincerely, letting out a couple of hearty laughs. He then turned to the others, "Without rules, why haven't you served tea to our guest?"

"Section Chief Sun, please take the main seat."

"No, no, no, I'm just here to deliver something and say a few words. There's no need for such trouble."

Sun Shun waved his hands repeatedly. Then, he took a long, black cloth bag from his pocket and opened it, revealing a test tube filled with a black liquid resembling sesame paste. Upon closer inspection, one could see moving granular particles and black threads.

"Director Pan sent this. I don't know what it is, but he insisted it be delivered to you."

Sun Shun placed the test tube on the table and said with a smile, "He also sent two messages. Director Pan fondly remembers the 'contributions' Old Master Ren made to Ningjiang in his youth. When he sent me, he mentioned that he was considering a position change, offering Old Master Ren the role of Director of the Pest Control Bureau."

He emphasized the word "contributions" heavily.

At these words, the expressions of everyone present changed drastically. However, the old man maintained his smile, as if he had just received high praise. He said, "Director Pan thinks too highly of me. How could this old man be worthy? I struggle to even eat now, relying on external means to cling to life. However, if there is any need, don't just think of me, this old man. My entire family can be at your disposal. Please rest assured, Director Pan."

"It's good that the old gentleman has this spirit. Director Pan will surely understand. Alright, I won't disturb your family lessons."

He emphasized the last few words heavily before turning to leave.

"Oh, right."

Just as he reached the entrance of the hall, Sun Shun turned back and said with a smile, "There's been a strict crackdown recently. If there are any non-compliant areas, they should be rectified promptly. It's all to cooperate with the work."

With that, he quickly departed without any hesitation.

Bang!

Only after Sun Shun's figure disappeared did a loud explosion echo through the hall.

The chair the old man sat on and the tea table beside him suddenly exploded. The splintered wood flew like darts, piercing the surrounding pillars and floor, embedding themselves deeply.

The old man stood up then, his eyes practically glowing. With his beard and hair bristling, he no longer looked like the frail elder from moments before.

He reached out and caught the test tube falling from the air. After a glance, he sneered, "You think this thing can scare me? Pan Zhengyang's methods aren't exactly sophisticated."

"Dad, this is..."

"A little trinket from the Locust God Cult, hmph. They're even resorting to framing others now, see? They come to my door with threats using any excuse. If they don't rein it in, they'll be wiped out sooner or later!"

With a casual flick of his wrist, the test tube and its contents instantly melted, tinged with a splash of blood, and splattered onto the ground as a single drop of blood.

"It's a shame, this old man is truly old now. My spirit isn't what it used to be, and I can still endure this."

He shook his head and smiled, then picked up his cane again, transforming back into a normal old man. His movements were slow, but his steps were light as he walked towards the back. "Let it be. Let them investigate. We'll endure whatever losses come."

"The county matters shouldn't stop. I have my own ways. That Sun Shun was right. Great families can't be killed from the outside. As long as there are no internal issues, Ningjiang will ultimately still be surnamed Ren!"