Chapter 296: Sending Them Away
At these words, silence swept over everyone.
Xiong Jie coldly surveyed the crowd, his expression as dark as water.
Just moments ago, Jiang Che had messaged him, telling him to pick out a few of the most troublesome ones and send them away.
Yes, Jiang Che had said not to kill them, just send them away.
Because he wanted everyone to know that he was now together with the Lord of Dungeon 9.
His attitude was resolute and fearless, completely unafraid of the gossip and hidden threats this might bring.
He wanted these people to spread the news.
No matter what form, the news would take rolling off their tongues.
He didn’t care if it was twisted, exaggerated, or maliciously speculated upon.
He had enough courage and confidence to face everything and to bear the consequences of this relationship.
Jiang Che understood in his heart that such a decision might stir up a storm, and might bring even more trouble for himself and Ding Ning.
But he didn’t want to hide any more, didn’t want Ding Ning to be wronged any longer.
He just wanted everyone to know.
Ding Ning is his lover.
His gaze was as sharp as an eagle’s, sweeping back and forth over the crowd.
Those who’d been harboring wishful thinking involuntarily lowered their heads upon meeting his eyes, not daring to meet his gaze.
Jiang Che had made it clear: if these people had the leisure to make trouble but not to suppress their own fear, then it was better to send them away.
Both Jiang Che and Ding Ning were very clear that fear was normal.
But what happened after fear—that was not normal.
"I’ve been telling you to keep quiet and stop wasting your breath." Xiong Jie’s voice grew even colder.
Jiang Che had already given them a chance, but they didn’t cherish it, instead saying all kinds of nonsense.
Xiong Jie knew that both Jiang Che and Ding Ning had exceptional hearing, and had definitely heard all those words just now.
His gaze swept over the crowd before him, his eyes radiating an unquestionable authority. "Our Lord’s temperament is still too soft, but since he’s entrusted management to me, I’ll make the decision for everyone today."
"Those who spoke just now, you’ll leave in a moment."
Ever since Ding Ning lifted the control for him, his attitude had changed.
This time, he truly regarded Ding Ning like a younger family member to cherish and protect.
Yesterday, even though the dishes were salty, he genuinely felt that sincerity in his heart.
"Let me make the decision. If anyone wants to leave, even though we’re short on buses, you can have priority to be sent away." Xiong Jie’s voice broke the silence—his words crisp and resolute.
"Honestly, our Lord has good connections. Even though those territories said they’d stopped recruiting, I think with a word from our Lord, they’d still take you in."
"Don’t worry, none of you will be mistreated."
At these words, everyone below panicked.
They admitted that upon hearing Ding Ning was the Lord of Dungeon 9, they’d felt confusion and fear inside.
But if it meant leaving, they didn’t actually want to go.
Nowadays, all the territories are hard places; some people here, though only arriving in Jiang Che’s territory for two days, were already thoroughly impressed.
"Those who were complaining just now, get them all ready to leave." As he spoke, he gestured, and his subordinates instantly flashed forward like lightning, moving swiftly and powerfully, apprehending those people on the spot.
The crowd wasn’t that huge, but it wasn’t small either.
Xiong Jie knew that both Jiang Che and Ding Ning had outstanding hearing and had definitely heard every word just now.
He too felt uneasy inside, uncertain if this approach would displease the Lord and Madam.
But he felt that rules had to be set—just a few rotten apples could ruin the whole barrel.
His subordinates moved quickly, taking down about fifty people in a decisive sweep.
Xiong Jie looked around, waved his hand again, and announced firmly, "Take their families along too, send them together."
Jiang Che wanted these people to know: compared to fearing the Lord of Dungeon 9, there are better things to fear.
The group didn’t even have time to resist before being forced onto the bus.
Their faces were full of terror and fury, but they were powerless to do anything.
Xiong Jie turned to the ones remaining, smiled faintly, and said, "Since you’re living here, just live your life properly."
His voice was gentle, but brooked no argument. "Isn’t eating, playing games, and working satisfying enough?"
Then he shot a knife-like glance at those on the bus, whose faces still showed indignation.
"The fact that you weren’t killed shows our Lord’s kindness. As for whether you’ll go out and tell people that those from our territory can move freely in the Dark Forest—" He paused, raising his voice. "Even if others find out, what does it matter?" With that, Xiong Jie gave a hearty laugh.
The people on the bus immediately fell silent, exchanging anxious looks, panic written all over their faces, for that was exactly what they’d been thinking.
They’d thought their thoughts were well hidden, but Xiong Jie had called them out on the spot.
Just last night, the word had come down: people in the territory could travel freely through the Dark Forest.
But the official line was for everyone to keep it secret.
Said to avoid jealousy and murderous envy from people in other territories.
But now, after being expelled, their first instinct was to tell others, whether to exact revenge or to get something out of it.
The moment they were driven off, their first thought was to spread the news.
Xiong Jie could see their malice at a glance.
His sharp eyes seemed to see right through them, laying bare all their selfish, self-serving intentions.
He sighed helplessly, full of regret and exasperation.
In a big territory like this, no Lord can keep everyone completely united; only constant discipline and guidance can foster some real sense of belonging.
The ones left said nothing; thinking it over, it seemed true.
Jiang Che brought the Lord of Dungeon 9 back—why would he care if others knew his men could move unhindered in the Dark Forest?
The territory already had buses shuttling through the Dark Forest. Now, he was just extending that privilege to everyone.
So... the rule about not letting people spread news of traveling through the Dark Forest was really for their own good.
"Send them off." Xiong Jie waved his hand and, taking out his phone, started arranging to place them in a nearby territory.
It’s only fifty people; any territory could take them.
All it took was some extra benefits and those Lords would gladly accept these fifty people.
After dealing with all this, he looked at the crowd with a half-smile.
Just now, Jiang Che had messaged him—the fear had visibly lessened.
He knew it: nowadays, more than an inoffensive Lord, the thing everyone really feared was being sent away.