Chapter 152: Smash that ancestral tablet to pieces!

Although the higher-ups had been investigating for two years without making any headway, and Liu Qiye had not explained everything in detail, Qin Mu could still figure it out.

The only possible explanation was that all the personnel dispatched to investigate the Yuan family's records had been assassinated!

Furthermore, those behind these acts had employed extremely vicious methods, leaving not the slightest trace, rendering any subsequent attempts at pursuit utterly useless.

As time passed, the authorities became increasingly hesitant and bound by fear, while the Yuan family, deeply entrenched like a malignant tumor, sat securely in their position, completely immovable.

"Were the personnel dispatched from the Southern Military Region to investigate the Yuan family over the past two years killed by you?" Qin Mu asked coldly.

The Japanese martial artist was momentarily stunned, but upon grasping the meaning of Qin Mu's words, he burst into a wild, arrogant laugh, his mouth stained with blood.

"Are you talking about those Chinese fools who delusionaly attempted to investigate the Yuan family?"

"Hahaha! What I love most is torturing humble Chinese ants like you, who overestimate your own strength, until you beg for death!"

"Among the ones I slaughtered, a few had families. They were still worrying about their loved ones right up until their dying moments—how pathetic! I simply hacked off all their hands and feet, leaving them to bleed and suffer in agony until they died!"

"That is the fate awaiting anyone who dares to offend the majesty of our Martial Arts Association!"

"If you want to survive, let me go immediately! Otherwise, once the wrath of the Martial Arts Association descends, you Chinese plebeians will run rivers of blood three feet deep!"

The Japanese martial artist showed not a shred of fear toward Qin Mu, believing that simply invoking the name of the Martial Arts Association would prevent Qin Mu from daring to harm him in the slightest.

If Qin Mu lacked courage, he might even obediently drop to his knees and beg for mercy, pleading for a way out!

Such was the terrifying reputation of the Martial Arts Association.

Yet Qin Mu completely ignored him, his expression not shifting by even the slightest fraction. Only an unmasked intent to kill surged within his eyes as he spoke coldly.

"You had better pray that your people from the Martial Arts Association never cross paths with me. Otherwise, for every single one I see, I shall kill every single one!"

"What?! You lowly Chinese, how dare you—"

Before the Japanese martial artist could finish his sentence, he felt his throat gripped in a deathly vice, cutting off the flow of breath entirely. Amidst boundless terror, his life was extinguished by Qin Mu's single hand.

Since Qin Mu understood the language of the three Japanese martial artists, he had naturally understood their initial insults toward China.

Coupled with the unforgivable crimes the man had confessed to, Qin Mu felt no hesitation in ending his life right then and there.

Anyone who insults our nation shall die!

Standing nearby, Zhang Jun watched the entire scene in utter astonishment.

These were three martial artists who had reached the pinnacle of Inner Strength! Having utilized some unknown drugs, they had even pushed themselves to the absolute peak of that realm!

Yet in the span of a single breath, they were treated like mere ants and dispatched by Qin Mu using just two fingers.

Wasn't this—wasn't this far too effortless?

"You owe me a favor," Qin Mu said, tossing the three corpses before Liu Qiye.

"What the hell?" Liu Qiye snapped back to reality, letting out an exclamation.

So Qin Mu had been standing by watching the fight all this time, waiting until Zhang Jun was on the brink of certain death before finally making a move.

Was he setting a trap for him all along?

Liu Qiye's expression soured instantly as he grabbed Zhang Jun and subjected him to a harsh reprimand.

"I'll settle accounts with you when we get back! To think I poured so much effort into training you, only for you to fail against this bunch and force me to owe a favor to this old thief—cough, this General Qin."

"Extra training!"

Hearing Liu Qiye's words, a bitter expression washed over Zhang Jun's face.

It was a hierarchy of pressure, and the heaviest burden had ultimately fallen entirely on his own shoulders!

"You don't need to worry about repaying this favor. Just take it back with you and deliver a message to those stubborn old fools at the top," Qin Mu said.

"What message?" Liu Qiye asked, turning serious.

Qin Mu tucked his hands back into his pockets, standing tall in the cold night air. His expression was resolute, and waves of killing intent flashed like silver blades within his eyes.

"This Yuan family,"

"I am going to execute them!"

...

After exchanging a few more words with Liu Qiye—who stated he would stay behind for a few more days to let the dust settle, avoiding an immediate return where he would undoubtedly be cursed out by his superiors—matters were settled.

There was no helping it; under orders to make Qin Mu abandon his intentions regarding the Yuan family, Liu Qiye had brought far more than just Zhang Jun.

Down the mountain, an entire fully armed troop was waiting in reserve.

Yet not only had they failed to persuade Qin Mu, but they had also been thoroughly outmaneuvered by him instead.

Qin Mu didn't dwell on it, turning around to head back to the Zhang family residence.

Zhang Wanqing was still somewhat shaken from the evening's events, but fortunately, she had Lu Shui—a figure of considerable authority in her eyes—by her side, preventing any lasting psychological trauma.

Upon his return, Qin Mu went to the kitchen to brew some calming medicine. After having Zhang Wanqing drink it, the young girl finally drifted into an uneasy sleep.

The next morning.

When Qin Mu woke up at his usual early hour, he found Elder Zhang already sitting by the front door, making a phone call with a worried look on his face.

"What's wrong?" Qin Mu walked over and asked.

"Young Master, good morning."

"It's Zhang Xun and Hongman. They haven't come back since last night, and they didn't leave me any message either," Elder Zhang said anxiously.

No matter how despicable their character might be, the two were still his grandchildren, and Elder Zhang could hardly remain indifferent to their disappearance.

"They were in a bad mood last night and went to stay at a hotel. There's no need to wait for them."

Qin Mu waved his hand, casually fabricating a reason to ease Elder Zhang's mind.

The previous night, those two had actually been willing to offer up their own sister on a silver platter just to curry favor with Young Master Xu.

Naturally, Wu Mu had taught them a harsh lesson, and they certainly wouldn't dare return to the Zhang family estate anytime now.

"Butler Zhang, do you happen to know something about my mother..." Seizing a moment of leisure, Qin Mu intended to probe Elder Zhang for more information once again.

"Young Master, please don't ask anymore. This—this old man truly cannot speak of it. To speak of it would only bring harm to you!"

"The Matriarch went to painstaking lengths to protect you. No matter what, this old man cannot say a single word that might drag you back into it!"

Elder Zhang shook his head repeatedly, sealing his lips tight with a bitter expression.

Hearing this, Qin Mu had no choice but to drop the subject for the time being.

With the conversation concluded, Qin Mu helped Elder Zhang into the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the two women who were still asleep.

He busied himself for the next half-hour or so.