"Hmm?"
"If you had no reaction after knowing the truth, the martial arts school would surely be destroyed. But your reactions show you are decent people. You have learned your lesson, and I don't intend to pursue this further."
As Zhao Lin was wondering, Er Zhu glanced at the constantly wailing Niu Ermang and continued speaking.
In truth, he didn't want to bother with such slander and lessons. However, considering the many ways these people could be useful in the future, he wanted to test them.
Fortunately, Zhao Lin and the others still had some conscience.
"Brother, please accept this bow from your humble subordinate!"
Zhao Lin was stunned for a moment, then seemed to realize something. He knelt on one knee and respectfully bowed to Er Zhu.
When Lin Dazhi and the others saw Zhao Lin kneel, they also respectfully knelt and bowed.
Although the Zhao family martial arts school had many powerful backers, none of them were from the martial arts world. Now, submitting to Er Zhu meant they had a stronger patron.
Recalling everything that had just happened, a hint of admiration flashed in their shocked eyes. They were truly convinced by Er Zhu!
On the other side, Old Chen surveyed Zhao Lin, his gaze finally settling on Er Zhu.
He had originally thought Er Zhu intended to destroy the Zhao family martial arts school, but he hadn't expected him to have such intentions!
Skilled, yet never bullying the weak; righteous, yet magnanimous and open-minded!
Old Chen smiled and nodded at Er Zhu, his admiration for him growing even further!
"Old Chen, I'm leaving now. There are important matters in the village."
Er Zhu remained calm. He glanced at Zhao Lin and the others before looking at Old Chen.
Zhao Lin and the others' submission was within his expectations, so he wasn't particularly surprised.
Since the matter was resolved, he naturally had to return.
The sun was already high in the sky, and Sister Mei must be extremely worried.
"I'll go with you!"
Old Chen was startled. He looked at the slowly departing figure and shouted, chasing after him.
Having finally met Er Zhu, he had the perfect opportunity to discuss new projects with him!
Watching Er Zhu and Old Chen disappear into the distance, Zhao Lin let out a sigh of relief and slowly got up.
He had only met Er Zhu once, yet he felt an overwhelming sense of security.
It was as if a drifting duckweed, which had been floating for many years, had finally found root, and a strong one at that!
"All disciples, heed my command! From this day forth, swear your allegiance to Er Zhu and do not falter!"
Old Chen looked at Er Zhu, who was now a distant speck, and commanded with a stern expression.
"Yes!"
Lin Dazhi and the others replied with solemn respect. Only Niu Ermang lay on the ground, moaning in pain.
Meanwhile, at Li Mei's home.
Li Mei stretched and was about to start cooking when she discovered Er Zhu was gone!
She touched the cold, empty spot beside her, and a flicker of panic crossed her eyes!
"Er Zhu!"
Li Mei quickly got out of bed, calling out his name while searching for him. She searched inside and outside the house several times but still couldn't find Er Zhu.
"Oh no, he didn't go looking for Zhao Lin, did he?"
Ignoring the sweat on her brow, Li Mei muttered in panic.
Suddenly, her hand brushed against a letter. As she read its contents, her face turned deathly pale!
"Uncle Liu, Er Zhu went to find Zhao Lin! He really went!"
After calling Uncle Liu, Li Mei cried with tears in her eyes, her heart filled with worry and anxiety.
She should have known Er Zhu would go. She shouldn't have fallen asleep!
The more Li Mei thought about it, the more flustered she became. She wished she could slap herself several times!
Without Er Zhu, what would she do?
Without Er Zhu, what would happen to Shiliu Village?
Thinking of all this, Li Mei was like an ant on a hot pan. She wished she could go out and find Er Zhu immediately.
But in the vast sea of people, where could she search?
"What did you say?"
On the other side, Uncle Liu, who had barely woken up, was completely jolted awake by her words. He widened his ancient eyes, his face ashen!
Er Zhu had gone to find Zhao Lin!
This was a disaster!
Shiliu Village had finally seen some progress. If Er Zhu were to be lost at this time, what would happen to the village?
If this news spread, villagers from surrounding villages would surely seize this opportunity to cause trouble in Shiliu Village, making it even poorer than before!
Thinking of this, Uncle Liu felt his blood pressure surge. His eyes were filled with panic.
"That's right, Niu Ermang!"
Just as Uncle Liu was at his wit's end, he suddenly remembered the instigator and quickly dialed Niu Ermang's phone.
However, Niu Ermang was beaten half to death by Lin Dazhi and the others. Forget his phone, he could barely breathe!
"It's over, this is a major incident!"
Uncle Liu couldn't get through to Niu Ermang's phone and assumed he was deliberately ignoring him, which made him even more frantic.
He had lived his whole life but had never been this flustered before!
Er Zhu, you must not be harmed!
Uncle Liu stumbled towards Li Mei's house, praying silently in his heart.
At this moment, Li Mei at home was also extremely panicked. She had even packed her bags, ready to go find Er Zhu!
"A Mei, what are you doing? It's so vast outside, where are you going to look?"
As Uncle Liu opened the door, he saw Li Mei with her luggage, about to leave.
"Uncle Liu, please don't blame me. Even if I have to search to the ends of the earth, I must find Er Zhu and bring him back!"
Li Mei wiped away her tears and forcefully shook off Uncle Liu's hand, stubbornly determined to leave.
She knew that she might not find Er Zhu, but even if she didn't, it was better than waiting at home!
She had already lost her husband; she couldn't lose Er Zhu!
Thinking of how powerful Zhao Lin was, Li Mei wished she were a fairy from a fantasy novel, capable of traversing vast distances in an instant!
"What's wrong? Did something happen to Er Zhu?"
Just as Li Mei was about to leave, several villagers rushed forward, looking concerned about Er Zhu. However, Li Mei knew they were just there to gather information.
If Er Zhu met with misfortune, they would unhesitatingly withdraw from all village projects!
This was also one of the reasons for her panic!
It was Er Zhu's wish to lead everyone to prosperity, and she couldn't let everything be ruined because of an uncertain outcome!
"Nothing, Er Zhu went out on some business without telling me, and I'm just a little worried."
Li Mei calmed herself down, wiped away her tears, and replied as calmly as possible.
"Forget it, it's already rumored in the village that Er Zhu went to find Zhao Lin of the Zhao family martial arts school, right?"
"That Zhao Lin is a martial arts master, and a martial arts champion of the city. Er Zhu is likely heading for certain doom, isn't he!"
The woman glanced at Li Mei dismissively. These accusatory questions were like stormy waves, churning Li Mei's emotions.
"Wuwu... I told him not to go, why is he so disobedient?"
"Er Zhu, if you die, I will never forgive you!"
Seeing that her thoughts had been exposed, Li Mei no longer hid anything. She covered her face and burst into tears.