But Mr He was unconvinced. That was his turf. How could something like this happen on his turf?
Something kept niggling at him though.
"Humph. That punk."
Mr He didn't say anything. He led his men away and headed straight for the prison.
Meanwhile, Luo Heng was imprisoned in a prison cell in the Disciplinary Hall.
The typical Sinner wasn't locked up in this prison. These cells had not seen many prisoners for many years.
Luo Heng was their first prisoner in many years. © 2024.
Armored guards carrying long swords lined the corridors of the prison.
Tension hung heavily in the air and threatened to suffocate Luo Heng.
He had fallen from his pedestal into the lowest depths of hell and transformed from a prodigy and the object of adoration and admiration to a mere prisoner. He might become the Inner Court disciple to serve the longest sentence as a Sinner.
He was waiting for Zhang Heng to save him.
He had been carrying out Zhang Heng's orders. Zhang Heng couldn't leave him in the lurch.
DA DA DA!
The sound of footsteps pounding on the floors echoed in the cells. It was the patrol. Luo Heng had gotten used to the sight of patrolling guards.
The prison was heavily guarded. Only those of certain status could enter the prison.
Mr He was a harsh disciplinarian. Luo Heng knew that Zhang Heng was the only one who could save him now.
A shadow appeared above him. He looked up and saw a guard staring at him.
"You've disappointed me." said the muffled voice under the helmet. Luo Heng's heart skipped a beat. It was Zhang Heng.
Luo Heng knew that he would come for him!
"Mr Zha..."
"Silence!" Zhang Heng lowered his voice.
"Keep your voice down."
Luo Heng shut his mouth instantly. He dared not say a word. Instead, he gave Zhang Heng a pleading look.
"How is your family doing?" Zhang Heng brought up Luo Heng's family without any warning. "Your parents had high hopes for you. You were the pride of your village. You managed to get into Qingshan Sect, becoming a Portico disciple at such a young age. I'm proud of what you've achieved."
Blood had fled Luo Heng's face. He was deathly pale.
His lips trembled as he looked at Zhang
Heng. Unease began to stir inside him.
"Everything will be ruined if you are marked a Sinner. That is precisely why you cannot become one," said Zhang Heng. "You have to protect your parents' reputation.
Someone has to ensure that they live out the final years of their lives in peace. You wouldn't let them suffer humiliation and mockery up to the final moments of their lives, would you?"
Luo Heng didn't say a word. The tremors coursing through his body intensified.
"Luo Heng, I watched you grow up and turn into a young man. You have no one but yourself to blame for your current situation."
Zhang Heng was adamant that this
had nothing to do with him. This was all Luo Heng's fault. It had been such a simple job but he had failed because of his stupidity.
Zhang Heng pulled a small bottle out of his pocket and threw it before Luo Heng.
"Make your choice."
He couldn't be bothered to say another word. He turned and walked away, disappearing into the distance within moments.
Luo Heng stared at the bottle on the ground. His hand trembled as he reached for it. His eyes were bloodshot.
He had to die...
What other choice did he have?
He had to choose between his death and his parents' death. None of his family members were going to escape if he didn't kill himself. Zhang Heng was a monster.
He had never expected Zhang Heng to be so merciless. He wouldn't even spare his life.
Meanwhile, Mr He was making his way to the prison in a hurry.
"Did anyone enter the prison?" He asked the guard at the gates. The latter was one of his most trusted men.
"No."
He had been guarding the prison all this way and keeping everyone out.
The guard's reply set Mr He's mind at ease.
"I was right. He was just being paranoid. Humph."
Mr He strode into the prison. He had to find a chance to bring Jiang Ning down a notch. The young punk's arrogance was insufferable.
He headed for Luo Heng's cell. Alarm flashed across his eyes before he arrived at the cell.
SWOOSH!
With his abilities, there was no way he could have missed the signs. He couldn't hear anyone breathing in Luo Heng's cell.
He rushed towards the cell and was greeted by the sight of a prone Luo Heng lying on the ground. His mouth, nostrils, eyes and ears were stained with blood. He was dead. His blood had gone cold.