Chapter 274: I’ll Go With You
Beside them, Xu Zhigang stepped forward to explain:
"Chief Inspector Huo, Elder Mr. Ouyang is correct. If Qin Tuo hadn’t stopped those bewitching Hong Kong merchants, the entire west side of the city would have likely fallen into severe pollution."
A look of lingering fear appeared on Xu Zhigang’s face as he spoke.
If Qin Tuo hadn’t shown up in time, he was afraid he would have become the greatest culprit in the history of Ming City.
Ouyang Tianqi remained silent, his attitude making it clear that Xu Zhigang was telling the whole truth.
Nearby, Ouyang Feifei was already too shocked to speak, her mouth hanging slightly open, her mind a chaotic mess.
In her experience, she had never witnessed such a thing. ’Can one person really save hundreds of thousands of lives all by himself?’
Seeing Qin Tuo’s completely calm expression, Huo Jianqiang was filled with intense doubt.
’I never would have imagined Qin Tuo held such a pivotal position in Ming City!’
’It seems it’s not just these bigwigs who are willing to die to protect Qin Tuo. The common folk of Ming City probably wouldn’t let him face this danger alone either.’
This put Huo Jianqiang in a tight spot.
He couldn’t help but reveal the truth of the situation.
"Teacher, you all don’t understand. It’s not that I’m intentionally targeting Qin Tuo. The Liao Family has made its move!"
"Oh? The Liao Family has made its move?"
Ouyang Tianqi was visibly surprised.
The expressions of Xu Zhigang and the others nearby also shifted slightly. Clearly, they were all aware of the Liao Family’s power.
In truth, everyone had already guessed that with the Jiang Family annihilated, the Liao Family would never let the matter rest.
As expected, Huo Jianqiang had been pressured into this by the Liao Family.
Seeing everyone’s reactions, Huo Jianqiang gave a bitter smile and continued,
"The Liao Family Patriarch, Liao Feiying, has said that if I can’t bring Qin Tuo back within three days, they will handle things their own way. The entire Provincial City will likely be thrown into chaos, and when that happens, Ming City won’t be able to stay out of it!"
At these words, everyone’s expression became troubled.
If anyone else had said it, everyone present would have simply scoffed.
But this was Liao Feiying. Everyone had to carefully consider the weight of his words.
The entire private room fell into a deathly silence. No one knew how to handle the situation.
Huo Jianqiang had been completely frank, especially in front of his mentor, Ouyang Tianqi.
Now, how the matter would be handled depended entirely on Qin Tuo’s own decision.
As all eyes fell upon him, Qin Tuo spoke.
"Don’t worry. I’ll go with you to the Provincial City."
When Qin Tuo made his decision, everyone’s expressions were a mixture of reactions.
Huo Jianqiang and Ouyang Feifei both breathed a sigh of relief.
They didn’t want things to completely fall apart unless absolutely necessary. Qin Tuo willingly going to the Provincial City was the best possible outcome for them.
On the faces of Xu Zhigang, Ouyang Tianqi, and the others, however, was a look of deep concern.
Chen Man Ni shot to her feet and said coldly,
"No! Qin Tuo, don’t be impulsive! If you go with them to the Provincial City, you might never come back!"
Hearing this, Ouyang Tianqi also quickly chimed in,
"Mr. Qin, you may not know this, but the Liao Family is known as a century-old family in Celestial South Province. Their power is immense. Even the Jiang Family only achieved their former status with the Liao Family’s backing. If you deliver yourself to their doorstep, the consequences will be unimaginable."
Ouyang Tianqi knew full well that Qin Tuo was very powerful.
But he knew even better that the Liao Family Patriarch, Liao Feiying, was a terrifying, Grandmaster-level figure. Even Ouyang Tianqi himself had not dared to provoke Liao Feiying during his time in power.
He urged Qin Tuo again and again to think twice before acting.
The other powerful figures present also began to plead with him one by one.
After all, Qin Tuo was a great benefactor to all of Ming City, and no one wanted to see him come to harm.
Listening to all this, Huo Jianqiang’s expression became very awkward. He opened his mouth to speak but didn’t know what to say.
Seeing everyone’s deeply worried expressions, Qin Tuo’s heart warmed.
Then, he said with a dismissive air,
"Everyone, please, rest assured. I’ve already destroyed one Jiang Family. I don’t mind wiping out the Liao Family while I’m at it!"
His words were filled with such incredible, overbearing confidence that everyone was utterly stunned.
After his initial surprise, Huo Jianqiang, who was standing nearby, couldn’t help but snort coldly.
"Qin Tuo, you are far too arrogant. No one in this world dares to speak like that."
He felt nothing but disdain. ’Qin Tuo is just too conceited.’
Huo Jianqiang figured that Qin Tuo probably didn’t even understand what a behemoth the Liao Family was or the terrifying power they wielded.
After hearing about Qin Tuo’s past deeds, he had actually started to feel some admiration for him.
But now, all he felt was revulsion.
Qin Tuo replied nonchalantly,
"If you don’t believe me, then just wait and see."
He had already made up his mind. ’Since the Liao Family has gotten involved, I might as well go on a killing spree and resolve this whole mess once and for all.’
’Anyone who dares stand in my way will be mercilessly destroyed.’ This was the source of Qin Tuo’s immense confidence.
Huo Jianqiang despised Qin Tuo’s arrogant attitude. He snorted coldly and said,
"Since you’ve agreed, cut the crap. We’ll leave for the Provincial City tomorrow!"
Hearing this, Chen Man Ni grew frantic and couldn’t stop herself from pleading with him again.
"Qin Tuo, please don’t listen to him! Don’t go to the Provincial City! You won’t be able to fight the Liao Family there! You can still put up a fight here in Ming City, but what will you do once you’re on their turf?"
Qin Tuo patted Chen Man Ni’s head reassuringly.
"Don’t be afraid, Manni. Besides, I’ve already given my word. I can’t go back on it now, can I?"
"No, Qin Tuo! I’m begging you!"
Chen Man Ni’s voice had grown hoarse, and her heart was burning with anxiety.
Seeing that Qin Tuo hadn’t changed his mind, Chen Man Ni turned to Ouyang Feifei with a pleading look.
Ouyang Feifei was currently tasked with watching Qin Tuo at all times to prevent him from backing out and trying to escape.
So, Chen Man Ni was hoping Ouyang Feifei would go easy on him and let him off the hook.
Ouyang Feifei’s expression was conflicted as she wrestled with an intense internal dilemma.
The banquet concluded, and everyone rose to leave, one by one.
Before they left, Ouyang Tianqi, Xu Zhigang, and the others couldn’t help but give Qin Tuo one last, long look, their eyes filled with deep regret.