This was Zhao Mengsheng’s second order, and it was effectively a death sentence for Sun Da.
Soldiers consider obedience to orders their highest duty, and these were the elite of the army. In an instant, all the agitation and chaos were completely suppressed. Thunder rumbled, and dark clouds gathered. Raindrops the size of beans began to pelt down, blurring everyone’s vision, but they could not stop the soldiers’ movements. The soldiers moved with speed and precision, like well-trained machines, executing the order without a moment’s hesitation.
They hauled Sun Da up and pressed a gun against the back of his head. Sun Da struggled desperately, his eyes filled with terror and an insatiable desire to live.
"My uncle is Zhao Lichun! Do you even know who Zhao Lichun is?! If you dare touch me, I guarantee you will all go to hell!"
Hearing this name, Zhao Mengsheng took two slow steps forward. "Your uncle should be quite grateful that you’re dragging him down with you before you die."
He had originally assumed Sun Da was merely a corrupt official who bullied the common people. He hadn't expected Zhao Lichun to be involved as well. It seemed it was finally time for a shake-up in the political landscape of Handong Province. He kept these thoughts to himself, his expression remaining perfectly calm.
Sun Da looked at Zhao Mengsheng, pleading in a voice that sounded almost like weeping, "I really know I was wrong. Please, give me another chance, I beg you! I know so much about my uncle! I can tell you anything you want to know!"
Sun Da betrayed Zhao Lichun completely, thinking that such a base tactic could buy him a chance at survival. But he had severely underestimated Zhao Mengsheng. Even without his confession, Zhao Lichun was nothing more than an ant in Zhao Mengsheng’s eyes. Who would go to great lengths to deal with an ant?
Zhao Mengsheng said nothing more and stepped back. The soldiers did not hesitate; they pulled the triggers.
A crisp gunshot rang out.
Time seemed to freeze at that moment, each person’s heartbeat quickening with the sound of the shot. Silence followed, deep and hollow. Then, Sun Da’s body went limp, unable to hold itself up, and hit the ground with a heavy thud. His eyes were wide open, still unable to believe his life had slipped away, staring in unwilling disbelief.
The villagers gasped in horror, most of them unable to even bear to look. They had spent countless nights wishing for Sun Da to meet a violent end, but now that he had died right before their eyes, they found the graphic reality of the scene impossible to process.
Grandma Liang let out a cry and closed her eyes; Mother Liang gritted her teeth. Liang Song stood in front of them, shielding them from the invisible scent of blood. Even he had felt his heart skip a beat when the gunshot echoed. But in an instant, he steadied himself. Leaving such a scourge in this world would only lead to more people suffering. Eliminating him was a service to the people. He felt no fault in what Uncle Zhao had done; instead, he felt that having the courage to shoulder the world’s reproach and firmly choose the right side was a display of great character and bravery.
Zhao Mengsheng watched Liang Song’s reaction from the side. Seeing that he didn't cower, and that despite the fear in his eyes, he still stood tall to protect his family, Zhao Mengsheng gave a subtle nod, though his expression remained unreadable. He looked back at the chaotic crowd, his eyes filled with determination. Not one of these parasites would escape!
Sun Da had fallen facing Qi Tongwei. As Qi Tongwei looked at the dead man’s unclosed eyes, his blood seemed to run cold. His hands gripped the nearby railing so tightly his knuckles turned white, his eyes flashing with complex emotions—fear and shock. Sun Da was really dead? He had to remember that this man wasn't just an ordinary citizen; he was a government official! Even witnessing this with his own eyes, he couldn't believe this was happening in a modern society governed by law.
Most importantly, the old man remained as calm as a breeze, as if he were accustomed to the cycle of life and death. Nothing seemed to warrant his concern. What kind of background and power could produce such immense mental fortitude? Qi Tongwei’s petty cleverness seemed so small and ridiculous in the face of absolute power. No wonder the old man had completely ignored his schemes earlier; he must have seen through every one of his intentions.
He had been entrusted by his teacher to come here and protect Liang Song, yet upon learning of Sun Da’s backing, he had chosen to stand by and watch. Now, with the old man arriving in person, it signaled that this lopsided battle was coming to an end. As for himself, he could only wait for judgment, completely powerless to resist.
Qi Tongwei went perfectly still.
On the other side, Liu Qiang, Zhong Mao, and the others had completely lost their minds. Seeing Sun Da’s end, they scrambled frantically to escape the perimeter. But how could the soldiers let them have their way? They scurried in every direction, but they could never break through the soldiers' iron-clad encirclement. Like headless flies, they could only engage in stubborn, futile struggles.
Zhao Mengsheng looked at Liu Qiang, his voice commanding like a divine decree. "Town Mayor Liu Qiang, execute!"
The moment the words left his lips, another gunshot shattered the air. A bloody streak appeared on Liu Qiang’s forehead, and he slumped to the ground, whimpering, unable to form a complete sentence. Zhong Mao, standing next to him, was so terrified that he wet himself. His eyes rolled back, and he passed out from fright.
Zhang Chong had initially wanted to avenge Sun Da, but seeing that even Liu Qiang had not been spared, he finally realized the truth. These were soldiers guarding the country, yes, but they were also emotionless killing machines. In Zhao Mengsheng’s eyes, those who had harmed innocent people were already marked as criminals. For criminals, there was only one outcome: execution.
The scene descended into chaos once more. Moments ago, they had been fighting back, but now they were only fighting for their lives. The primal urge to survive gave every thug and hooligan an burst of energy they didn't know they possessed. They rushed outward like madmen, hoping to find safety before Zhao Mengsheng gave his next order.
But their struggles were futile. Just as Grandma Liang and Mother Liang had been powerless against the massive mechanical arm earlier, they had no room to resist before Zhao Mengsheng.
Zhao Mengsheng waved his hand again. All the soldiers raised their guns.
"Demolition crew—leave none alive!"
The words were like a god of war descending. Everyone ran even faster, but no matter how fast they ran, they could not outrun bullets. The soldiers strictly followed orders, firing their weapons without a moment's hesitation. Amidst the rolling thunder, shots rang out.
A massacre had begun.