Chapter 651: Send You Home

The people of the Eight Great Families were as if they had fallen from the clouds into hell; they originally thought that as long as they captured Gu Jiu Ling they could get something from Xiao Yin, but unexpectedly they were burned to death by that black-robed monster of the Duan family.

For a moment, some people could not restrain themselves and began to whisper complaints.

Also too careless!

They really haven't seen the world, don't know how to handle things gently, and actually burned someone to death?

Who doesn't know that Xiao Yin is a madman……

With a clatter, the folding fan pinched in the black-robed person's hand suddenly fell to the ground; this time, looking at those gossiping, it was as if looking at a dead person.

Come! Seize these people and chop them!

At the black-robed person's order, the several juniors from other families who were discussing right and wrong were immediately pressed to the ground by the rushing Duan family dark guards, and the sword fell.

Their terrified expressions were forever frozen at that moment; they didn't even have a chance to beg for mercy, and were just slit at the throat.

Originally the passage was narrow; now it was filled with a strong smell of blood, making one feel nauseous.

The remaining people of the Eight Great Families stared dumbfounded, unbelievably fixated on this mysterious figure of the Duan family.

Such ruthlessness is rarely seen in the world!

They were just about to say something when, unexpectedly, more and more footsteps came from outside, and more Duan family guards surged into the passage.

The people of the Eight Great Families immediately fell silent; in this narrow passage, they were no match for the Duan family at all.

At this moment, a hint of regret crossed everyone's face; if they had known this would happen, they shouldn't have been greedy for wealth at the beginning.

It would be better to let go of those estates early; even if we become commoners, it's better than being slaughtered here. Fine Book Network

This time they are nothing but fish on the chopping board, completely at the mercy of others.

The black-robed person coldly glanced around, then gave a light laugh.

You all actually came here together; we should even more share the same boat and overcome difficulties together.

This road leads out of the city; if you want to survive, you must listen to me. Whoever has second thoughts, let them keep their second thoughts and stay here forever.

This…… this……

Around them, low murmurs immediately spread, but they no longer dared to say anything.

The black-robed person then gave a cold sneer and glanced at the panicked crowd before them.

Even in a state of war, each one still wore fine clothes and adorned themselves with gold and silver.

Having grown accustomed to a life of luxury, it is not so easy to change.

The black-robed person felt a cold sneer in their heart, somewhat uneasy.

When Southern Qi was first founded, the Eight Great Families banded together for mutual support, gradually grew powerful, and came to control the entire Southern Qi's Imperial Court.

Unexpectedly, those later generations were all wine sacks and rice bags, unable to hold up, which is why they were forced into this situation by Xiao Yin.

The Eight Great Families are no longer what they once were in their glorious days.

His eyes turned slightly cold as he said slowly, 'Since you all want to flee with me, these jewels and ornaments all over you probably can't be taken out; for now, let the Duan family keep them safe!'

Come! the black-robed person gestured, and a group of Duan family guards armed with swords and blades came over from all sides; those people were dissatisfied but dared not say anything further.

Seeing the Duan family's shameless behavior of looting, even their personal belongings were not spared.

But now we are the meat on the chopping block and they the knife; having entered this secret passage, where is there any reason to escape?

At that moment, the clothing of those noble members of the Eight Great Families was stripped clean, leaving only their inner garments barely covering their bodies.

They dared to be angry but not to speak, and could only follow timidly behind the Duan family people, heading deeper into the secret passage.

There was really no alternative; the map of this secret passage was in the hands of that black-robed monster of the Duan family, and if they wanted to survive they had to follow the Duan family.

The black-robed person had their confidant take the map and lead those people forward into the depths of the secret passage first.

The Duan family guards brought up the rear, and the Eight Great Families couldn't help but secretly resent being used as cannon fodder to clear the way.

If there really is any problem ahead, the ones who will die are this batch of unlucky folks.

Yet they had no means to resist at all, and had to grit their teeth and move forward.

Rather than being caught by Xiao Yin, skinned, stuffed with grass, and tortured to death, it's better to gain some chance of survival in this secret passage.

If by chance they really escape Yingzhou, although the Eight Great Families have raised troops in Yingzhou, they still have their own properties throughout Southern Qi.

Although this time they brought most of their assets to Yingzhou, and all of it was taken by that bastard of the Duan family.

But there are still some meager funds elsewhere; as long as they can escape, they can take that money and hide in a place unknown to anyone.

Wait twenty or thirty years, after the news dies down, they can still become wealthy landowners; why not?

These nobles of the Eight Great Families were scheming in their hearts; as they walked farther and farther in this pitch-black secret passage, their steps gradually grew lighter.

Seeing a glimmer of light ahead, the people of the Eight Great Families instantly became happy.

Great, I never thought we would really make it out!

Yes, yes, as long as we can escape and ascend to heaven, we still have hope.

What you're saying up front, no need to be so wordy; hurry up and take a few steps.

The people of the Eight Great Families pushed and shoved forward toward that sliver of light, their mood also becoming excited and bright.

They had already walked for nearly an hour; such a distance, let alone leaving Yingzhou City, is enough to go out two Yingzhou Cities' distance.

The nobles of the Eight Great Families had already reached the cave mouth; just a few more steps and they would be out of the cave. Once out, they would be free—let Xiao Yin and the Duan family go to hell.

Even the leaders could see faint green tree shadows outside the cave mouth.

Quick! Walk faster! This way, quick! Several people excitedly took a few big steps forward, about to exit the cave, when suddenly their steps stopped there.

The people behind also saw the outside scene, and their steps quickened a bit.

Unexpectedly, the people in front suddenly stopped, and those behind crashed straight into them; in an instant the cave mouth descended into chaos.

Shouts of curses, cries of pain from being stepped on, and bewildered questions echoed throughout the cave mouth.

The entire space even emitted a buzzing din, with chaotic sounds filling it.

Why aren't you walking? Hurry up and walk!

This damned place, I don't want to stay even a moment.

This young master I, this time out, I must go to the Red Fragrance Courtyard to bathe and change, then find a few young ladies to massage this young master's legs—this journey has worn this young master out.

The noise from behind surged in waves, making the few people who had halted and stood ahead even more uneasy.

They stared in disbelief at the cave entrance as a person slowly approached.

Anyone who has stayed in Shang Jing would never mistake him—he is the current Prime Minister, Gu Kang, known as Gu Yanwang.

At this moment he wore an indigo‑blue brocade robe embroidered with bamboo patterns, making him look rather refined and dignified like a scholar.

But his gaze toward the Eight Great Families was so cold it made people's hearts tremble.

They had just killed someone's sister in the cave, and now Gu Kang was waiting at the entrance; even the dullest person could now see what had happened—they realized they had probably been set up.

The leaders, trembling, wanted to rush out to apologize to Gu Kang and beg for his forgiveness.

But just after taking a few steps, before the words of apology could leave their mouths, Gu Kang curled his lip in a sneer, coldly looking at them and slowly saying, 'Gentlemen, you've endured this ordeal; I will now send you home.'

Suddenly a violent explosion rang from the cave mouth, countless rocks rained down, the entrance collapsed and was instantly sealed tight.

Then, throughout the secret passage, a thick liquid began to seep out from somewhere, smelling of fire oil, and the people inside the passage instantly erupted in an uproar.