Hai Chi Ridge, First Ridge, Lu Dongjun’s mansion.
All the Supports were on high alert as the entire mansion was under siege.
The Clan-Exterminating Mosquitoes, previously eradicated at First Ridge, had returned.
Not only had they returned, but they were also immune to Lu Dongjun’s poison.
Lu Dongjun frantically scattered rice mixed with the poison everywhere, but it was utterly ineffective.
First Ridge was caught completely off guard. Its people, believing they would never see the Clan-Exterminating Mosquitoes again, had taken no precautions. Consequently, their hard-earned food supplies were wiped out in an instant.
First Ridge, having just escaped hardship, once again plunged into a desperate situation.
The reverence they once held for Lu Dongjun had now transformed into an equal measure of hatred.
The forces besieging Lu Dongjun’s mansion consisted mainly of various Gangs, with ordinary citizens also participating.
It would have been difficult to breach Lu Dongjun’s mansion relying solely on these people, as Lu Dongjun had invested considerable effort into its defenses.
However, the major families had also extended their reach into the fray.
He Haisheng, a cigarette dangling from his lips, stood among the crowd beside Han Yaomen, the Head of the Qingyun Society.
Both men had their faces obscured by Spiritual Objects, making them unrecognizable to ordinary people.
Watching the escalating chorus of curses and insults directed at Lu Dongjun’s mansion, Han Yaomen sneered, "A few days ago, I came with a gift and waited at his door for half an hour, just hoping for a meeting, but he refused to see me. In a while, I’ll have my men tear down his gate and let all these people in. Then we’ll see if he deigns to meet them or not."
He Haisheng glanced at Han Yaomen. "Brother Han, surely you didn’t come all this way in person just to humiliate Lu Dongjun?"
Han Yaomen smirked. "He definitely won’t be saving any face today. As for whether he keeps his life, that will depend on what Third Master He has to say."
"My word alone isn’t enough," He Haisheng said, looking around. "There are many people who want to have their say today."
Master Ma Chunting of the Ma Family was present. Young Master Chu Huaijun of the Chu Family was present. Zhang Xiuling, Leader of the Hundred Flowers Gate, was also present.
Other prominent families had also sent many representatives.
They were all waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
Although they held the advantage in numbers and combat strength, no one wanted to be the first to charge.
No one was willing to confront Lu Dongjun directly. Regardless of his incompetence in other matters, he was an expert in combat.
Old Master Lu Maoxian of the Lu Family once said that among all Lu Family members, the most formidable fighter was his second son, Lu Dongjun.
Even Lu Dongliang himself had admitted that in a straightforward arena duel, he might not be Lu Dongjun’s match.
This wasn’t just due to the advantages of being a Martial Cultivator; it was also one of Lu Dongjun’s few innate talents.
In a pure confrontation, devoid of schemes or tricks, Lu Dongjun’s combat prowess and adaptability far surpassed those of an ordinary person.
Unfortunately for Lu Dongjun, his opponents always targeted him through cunning and underhanded schemes.
Han Yaomen continued to observe the movements of the other families and Gangs. He was surprised to note that two groups hadn’t sent representatives. "The Three Heroes Gang hasn’t shown up, nor has anyone from Monkey Qiu," he remarked. "I heard the Three Heroes Gang doesn’t want to get involved in this mess. But Monkey Qiu? Doesn’t he want revenge on Lu Dongjun?"
He Haisheng shook his head. "Monkey Qiu’s intentions are hard to fathom. I’m starting to wonder if the Lu Family will eventually bear the Qiu surname."
「...」
Inside the mansion, Lu Dongjun was drenched in sweat.
A Support, his face covered in wounds, rushed in and exclaimed, "Master, we’ve searched all over First Ridge but haven’t found Mr. Wan!"
"Not found?" Lu Dongjun’s cheek twitched. "If you haven’t found him, why are you reporting to me?"
"Master, we can’t hold out much longer."
"Where can’t we hold out?"
"We can’t hold out anywhere! Master, there are experts lurking outside; several of our brothers have already been killed."
Lu Dongjun was meticulous in choosing his personal Supports; they not only possessed high cultivation levels but were also vastly experienced.
Lu Dongjun pinched the bridge of his nose and sank onto the sofa in the living room.
Three days ago, on this very sofa, Lu Dongjun had berated Young Master Chu Huaijun to his face, and Chu Huaijun hadn’t dared to utter a sound.
The very next day, in this same living room, Lu Dongjun had kicked Ma Junjiang, and Ma Junjiang hadn’t dared to make a peep.
Another Support approached Lu Dongjun. "Master, the reporters are here. Would you like to see them?"
Lu Dongjun waved his hand dismissively. "No."
The Support turned to leave.
Lu Dongjun called him back.
"Let the reporters in. I have something to say."
Soon after, a reporter entered. A photographer first snapped several pictures of Lu Dongjun.
Another photographer, holding a Shadow Play Machine, was recording from the side.
The reporter asked, "Mr. Lu, what is the reason for the alarming resurgence of the Clan-Exterminating Mosquitoes? Is your medicine incapable of completely eradicating them, or was the initial dosage insufficient?"
"The dosage was insufficient," Lu Dongjun replied calmly, "but the most fundamental reason is the cost. The cost of the agent is too high, and I’ve been facing difficulties with funding. Furthermore, the major families have recently developed some grievances against me and have been secretly employing underhanded tactics to hinder my efforts, leaving me financially constrained."
The reporter looked at Lu Dongjun in surprise. "Mr. Lu, are you implying you’re short on money?"
Lu Dongjun nodded. "Indeed, it is a matter of funds. However, there’s no need for anyone to worry. I, Lu Dongjun, am still here, and I am not going anywhere."