"Lu Tianxing, it’s you."
Zhao Quan, clutching his palm pierced by chopsticks as if feeling no pain, stared coldly at Lu Tianxing. He certainly remembered Lu Tianxing—the man who, one month ago, had broken his son’s leg and forced him to admit defeat.
Lu Tianxing glanced at Zhao Quan and let out a cold laugh, remaining silent like a bodyguard, and stood again by Rose’s side.
Rose gave Lu Tianxing an approving look and said indifferently, "Zhao Quan, I told you, you can’t touch me now that I am here. Out of respect for you being the helmsman of the Zhao Family’s power, I offer you a dignified way to die: by your own hand. I will leave your body intact. Otherwise, I assure you that not a single person from the Zhao lineage will see tomorrow’s sun alive."
Before she finished speaking, Rose’s eyes blazed like lightning, striking fear into Zhao Quan while a chilling aura emanated from her entire being. In this moment, Rose’s dominant presence as the leader of the Rose Society was on full display.
Zhao Quan became furiously angry and was about to erupt when Zhuge Ling by his side put a hand on his shoulder. Zhuge Ling’s gaze swept over Rose and finally settled on Zhao Long, "Uncle Long, this is the help you’ve brought in? This is how you protect the Zhao family’s legacy you’ve upheld for decades? You’re handing over our excellent foundation to others. Everyone, do not be deceived by Zhao Long; he has already become a dog for Huangfu Meigui. I suppose you all are quite familiar with Huangfu Meigui—a woman who can take over her own father’s forces. Do you think once she gains control over the Zhao family, it will be any better for you? Don’t forget, eliminating internal dissenters is a common practice for anyone newly in power."
Hearing Zhuge Ling’s words, everyone’s expressions changed slightly. They were not unfamiliar with what had happened in Modu not long ago. Just recently, the Rose Society had annihilated the Sky Alliance, becoming the undisputed ruler of the Underworld. If things were indeed as Zhuge Ling described, once Zhao Long submitted to Rose, she would not hesitate to turn her weapons on them once she seized control of the Zhao family’s power.
The reason they disliked Zhao Quan was precisely because Zhao Quan wanted to take control of the power that they held, relegating them all back to farming at home.
Seeing everyone’s gaze fixed on him, Zhao Long’s expression remained unchanged, and he spoke calmly, "Zhuge Ling, your mouth is quite powerful, but unfortunately, it cannot stop the Huang Family’s actions. Let me tell everyone the truth, last night was just an appetizer. If you don’t recognize what’s good for you, what follows will be a devastating attack from the Huang Family. Do you think you can withstand the Huang Family and the crushing might of the Rose Society? If so, why shouldn’t I seek refuge under Miss Rose? Under her, the Zhao family will at least survive, and besides, how do you know that the Rose Society will eliminate its dissenters?"
"Exactly, Uncle Long is right. I won’t eliminate dissenting voices. Even after taking control of the Zhao family’s power, I won’t interfere with your affairs. All you need to do is pay tribute to me each year. I won’t get involved in your power struggles; you are free to fight among yourselves. However, no matter who loses or wins, you must submit to me," Rose said, her gaze sweeping indifferently over those present.
Rose continued in a detached tone, "Of course, if anyone here thinks Zhuge Ling makes sense, you can choose to leave now, but from then on, we will be enemies. The Rose Society has only one way of dealing with enemies—death without mercy."
Her cold voice echoed in the meeting room, and a heavy oppressive atmosphere pervaded the air.
All faces flickered with uncertainty, pondering the truth behind Rose’s words.
Lu Tianxing stood behind Rose, utterly still, his fingers toying with a silver chopstick. Today, he was Rose’s bodyguard; it was Rose who spoke, not him.
Rose’s gaze swept over the surroundings as she continued, "I can make it clear to you that the Huang Family has already become one of my allies. If you submit, I guarantee you a lifetime of glory and wealth. In the future, I might even make you the Overlords of Xiangjiang. Of course, if you choose to oppose me, I don’t mind, but remember, if that’s the case, don’t blame me for being ruthless. The Peng Family’s fate will be yours."
"What? The Peng Family was wiped out by the Rose Society; no wonder the Huang Family didn’t interfere with Peng’s power. It turns out the Huang Family had already formed an alliance with the Rose Society."
These words from Rose instantly changed everyone’s expression. Had it been only the Huang Family, they might have fought back, but now, with the Rose Society also against them, they were utterly powerless.
Especially when they heard Rose’s last statement, everyone trembled, their looks towards Rose changing. They had never imagined that the recent shocking annihilation of the Peng Family in Xiangjiang was done by this woman, whose heart was incredibly cruel.
A green bamboo snake’s mouth, a wasp’s tail stinger; neither is as lethal as a woman’s heart.
This saying involuntarily flashed through everyone’s minds, making breathing somewhat difficult. Rose’s words had made it clear: submit or die, with no second option.
"I hope you think carefully before you speak. I have already said that as long as you submit to me, I will not interfere in your battles for power. In other words, if you are capable, you can eliminate all other powers and rule alone; I don’t mind. However, whoever becomes the boss must pay tribute to me yearly, and I will grant them a Ghost Face Badge, which represents my recognition of your status. If you face a life-threatening crisis, you can call on me for help, and I will immediately send someone to assist you through the difficult times. However, you must pay a significant price. Similarly, if I need to use your power, you must not refuse, or else, don’t blame me for being ruthless. I can make you rise, and I can just as easily destroy you." Rose seemed to know the concerns in everyone’s minds and spoke bluntly.
Upon hearing Rose’s words, the expressions of everyone present changed. Her statement struck like a thunderclap in their minds, stirring up a massive tumult.
Wasn’t their reluctance to submit to Zhao Quan because they feared being left with nothing after submitting to him?
Now, Rose was letting them contend, which meant that as long as they were strong enough, they could completely absorb others’ powers, becoming a major force, rather than being suppressed by Zhao Quan every time they grew stronger, forcing them to retract and never daring to expand their influence.
Now, Rose’s words effectively broke their shackles, allowing them to develop their power without any restrictions, uncontrollable by anyone. How could this not excite and astonish them?
Rose watched the changing expressions of everyone around her, a smile curling at the corners of her mouth. She wasn’t afraid of their ambitions; she feared those without any. A person with ambition was much easier to control.
The fifth update is complete; seek support, ask for monthly tickets!!!