Chapter 394: Extermination

The night grew thick, and insects chirped throughout the forest, adding a touch of vitality to this wilderness.

The Lin Family disciples sat around the campfire, the firelight reflecting on their weary faces.

The hardships and obstacles of the day seemed to have turned into a silent stillness in this moment of tranquility.

Lin Ziyang sat in the center of the crowd, toying with an unburnt branch in his hand, his eyes scanning the surroundings from time to time as he secretly calculated the journey ahead.

In this vast mountain forest, every step must be taken with caution; a single moment of carelessness could lead to an irredeemable disaster.

"Brother Ziyang, this fruit is really effective; I feel like I have energy again!" a young disciple said while eating, wild fruit juice residue still hanging from the corners of his mouth, his face full of satisfaction.

Lin Ziyang smiled slightly, though he was worried inside; currently, they were barely sustaining themselves by relying on the natural resources of the mountain forest, but food and water remained a major problem.

Furthermore, the dangers in the mountain forest went far beyond this; wild beasts, venomous snakes, and even unknown traps could threaten their safety at any moment.

There was also the question of whether the rest of the Lin Family had made it out and if they would meet at the designated location.

"Everyone, don't just focus on eating; we must take turns keeping watch tonight to ensure our safety." Lin Ziyang's voice was steady and powerful, instantly focusing everyone's attention on him.

A few disciples who were usually pampered flashed a hint of hesitation upon hearing this, but they were quickly encouraged by the gazes around them and nodded in agreement one after another.

Here, everyone had to learn to be strong and learn to face difficulties.

The night was deep and quiet, the campfire gradually dying out, leaving only a pile of dark red embers.

A bright moon hung high, casting silvery moonlight and draping a mysterious veil over the deep mountain forest.

The first watch was kept by Lin Ziyang and two other disciples. They held simple wooden sticks, vigilantly watching their surroundings, their ears catching every subtle sound.

In the mountain forest, the occasional low growl of a wild beast could be heard, sending a chill through one's heart.

"Brother Ziyang, do you think we can survive?" one disciple's voice trembled slightly, clearly filled with uncertainty.

Lin Ziyang took a deep breath, his gaze firm: "As long as we don't give up, we will definitely find a way. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we Lin Family disciples must face them together and overcome them together."

With Lin Ziyang's encouragement, the other two Lin Family disciples also felt more confident.

Yet they did not notice two faint black shadows flashing in the nearby jungle.

"Report, County Lieutenant, the group of Lin Family traitors has already rested."

"Shall we make our move now?"

County Lieutenant Li said indifferently: "Among the Lin Family disciples, the only one worth mentioning is Lin Ziyang. I will keep an eye on him when the time comes; leave the rest to you all."

A hint of joy flashed in the subordinate's eyes; County Lieutenant Li was truly worthy of being County Lieutenant Li.

This was handing out merit to his subordinates!

Not daring to be slow, he cupped his fists and said: "Yes, thank you, sir."

"Hmm, go."

The night was like ink, and the two black shadows darted quickly through the jungle, as if merging with the night.

They were the scouts sent by County Lieutenant Li, having followed the Lin Family disciples all the way here.

"Brothers, the merit is right before our eyes."

"Success or failure depends entirely on yourselves."

"I have given everyone the opportunity."

"If you can't seize it, you can't blame anyone else."

County Lieutenant Li's voice rang out in the darkness.

He stood in the shadow of a large tree, his gaze as sharp as a hawk's, staring intently at the Lin Family disciples' camp.

Seeing this, the subordinates secretly rejoiced.

If they could successfully capture the Lin Family traitors this time, not only would they perform a great service for the County Lieutenant, but they themselves would also receive generous rewards.

Thinking of this, they all rubbed their hands and were eager to try.

"Sir, do you need us to act immediately?" one subordinate asked in a low voice, his eyes shining with excitement.

County Lieutenant Li shook his head slightly, a cold smile curling his lips: "No rush, it won't be too late to act after they rest for a while."

"Remember, you must capture Lin Ziyang alive; I want to interrogate him personally."

Upon hearing this, the subordinates felt a shiver in their hearts and hurriedly nodded in agreement.

County Lieutenant Li always meant what he said.

His demand to capture Lin Ziyang alive clearly involved deeper intentions.

At this time, in the Lin Family disciples' camp, except for the three on watch, everyone else had fallen into a deep sleep.

Lin Ziyang sat by the campfire, his gaze like a torch, remaining vigilant at all times.

He felt a faint sense of unease in his heart, but he could not name the specific reason.

"Could it be that I am overthinking it?" Lin Ziyang muttered to himself, trying to dispel the gloom in his heart.

Just then, a subtle sound suddenly reached his ears.

"Who's there?" Lin Ziyang stood up abruptly, his gaze like lightning as he scanned the surroundings.

At the same time, the other two disciples on watch were also startled awake, and they all picked up their weapons, standing in battle formation.

"Oh no, the government troops have caught up!" Lin Ziyang's heart sank, and he immediately realized the critical situation.

He quickly issued a warning to the other Lin Family disciples while directing the disciples on watch to prepare for battle.

However, it was already too late. With a burst of rapid footsteps, dozens of government constables swarmed in from all directions, surrounding the Lin Family disciples.

County Lieutenant Li's figure also emerged from the darkness, his face devoid of any expression.

"Take them!" County Lieutenant Li's voice echoed in the night sky, carrying an unquestionable ruthlessness.

Faced with the sudden turn of events, although the Lin Family disciples were in a state of chaos,

they gradually restored order under Lin Ziyang's calm command.

They stood back-to-back, forming a circle.

Some were panicked, while others wore fierce expressions.

Some people's bodies were trembling, their bodies following instructions, but their mouths were still cursing.

"Everyone, don't panic, stay calm!" Lin Ziyang's voice rang out among the crowd, like a needle to calm the sea, stabilizing everyone's minds.

If the formation were to be broken at this moment, there would truly be no chance of victory.

The government constables pressed in step by step, the blades and spears in their hands flashing with cold light, the atmosphere tense to the extreme.

County Lieutenant Li stood to the side, coldly watching all of this, as if everything were under his control.

"Lin Ziyang, you are the only one in the Lin Family who stands out; shall I come and exchange a few moves with you?" County Lieutenant Li's voice echoed in the night sky.

Upon hearing this, Lin Ziyang sneered: "County Lieutenant Li, you people from the government are merely afraid that the news will leak out."

"The Red Lotus Sect army will arrive at Qingxi County soon."

"How long can such news be kept hidden?"

"If you are greedy for wealth and status, you could have just stayed in the county town; why come to block the path of survival for my Lin Family?"

County Lieutenant Li's face darkened, and he shouted angrily: "Audacious! Get them, seize them!"

Following County Lieutenant Li's order, the government constables surged forward like a tide.

The Lin Family disciples fought back with all their might; for a time, there were flashes of blades and shadows of swords, and the sounds of killing shook the heavens.

However, these wealthy young masters, pampered in their daily lives,

whose Martial Dao realms were obtained through medicinal drugs,

could perhaps bully Ordinary people,

but how could they withstand the Imperial Court constables who had advanced step by step with solid, down-to-earth effort?

Under the fierce offensive of the government constables,

"Puchi!"

A fine head of one Lin Family disciple soared into the sky.

The scene of the body being separated from the head with blood splattering everywhere directly terrified the majority of the Lin Family disciples.

And the situation thereafter became increasingly chaotic.

A look of determination flashed in Lin Ziyang's eyes.

At this moment, only by fighting to the death would it be possible to break through the encirclement.

"Everyone listen to me, we will scatter and break through; let as many as possible get away!" Lin Ziyang's voice rang out among the crowd.

The remaining Lin Family disciples heard this and nodded in agreement one after another.

This was the only chance for survival at present.

Thus, under Lin Ziyang's suggestion, the Lin Family disciples began to scatter and break through.

Relying on their familiarity with the terrain and led by Lin Ziyang, whose Blood Qi erupted and whose palms were burning with fire,

they charged left and right within the encirclement of the government constables, searching for an opportunity to escape.

But how could it be that easy?

Under the secret instructions of County Lieutenant Li, the Lin Family disciples were killed on the spot one by one.

Only Lin Ziyang remained, a trapped beast fighting to the end.