Old Master Tang’s eyes snapped open in surprise, his previously grim expression suddenly alight with inexplicable excitement, his hands trembling with agitation. In eyes that flashed with sharp clarity, a look of profound relief shone through—the old Marquis Tang, who had held his composure for half a lifetime, finally let out an oath, shaking his silvery beard: “Damn it all! There really is a connection, perhaps even the real culprit!”

“Goddammit! I never thought that brat Tang Yuan would pull off such a major service this time! Who said a blind cat couldn’t catch a dead mouse?! I must reward him handsomely when I get back!” The thought immediately brought a flush of awkwardness to the old man’s face. He glanced left and right like a thief—er, Tang Yuan’s mother, I can’t curse like that. That’s my own daughter-in-law...

Since the North City Gang reacted in this manner, it must be connected to the theft from the Tang family. Otherwise, why would the mere North City Gang dare to shoot arrows at the family of an Imperial Marquis and Minister of Revenue, a first-rate clan in the entire Tianxiang Kingdom? This was nothing short of courting death and inviting clan annihilation—like a cat licking a tiger’s muzzle.

As one after another of the emerging North City Gang members were knocked down, bound tightly, and tossed over, Old Master Tang coughed a few times, stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his eyes like sharp raptor’s, his face like still water, his beard flowing freely. He stood unmoving, embodying the very picture of a righteous man eradicating evil for the populace, a picture of false piety.

“Thump!” A North City Gang member was sent flying. Before he even landed, a rope snaked around his waist, quickly wrapping several times. When he hit the ground, he was already trussed up like a massive zongzi. A crushing punch landed squarely in front of him—crack, crack, crack went his teeth as they fell out. Before he could even utter a scream, a foul-smelling wad of cloth was stuffed into his mouth. He was then tossed upwards, soaring several feet as if riding the clouds, the entire maneuver flowing with liquid smoothness. When he finally dropped with a thud, he realized he was surrounded by familiar faces...

“Thump!” Another one!

“Thump!”…….

Over two hundred and forty Tang family experts advanced slowly, moving from the perimeter inward, leaving no gap, missing nothing.

Qin Hu, the leader of the North City Gang, was besieged by three Gold-rank Profound Experts. He darted left and right but couldn't break through, his face etched with despair. Not far off, a single Earth-rank expert watched him calmly, hands clasped behind his back. Trapped—unable to break out or retreat—he didn't even have the chance to take his own life. If the three weren't intent on capturing him alive, he would already be in the Yellow Springs. Chief Qin was on the verge of madness!

The surroundings were gradually cleared, and one by one, the Tang family masters converged towards the center. Another contingent sprang into the main compound with swift whooshes, beginning a carpet search so meticulous it was akin to demolishing the house. Not a single corner was overlooked. Even areas where secret passages might or might not exist were dug up three feet deep, examining the soil color.

Before long, a cheer erupted from within: “We found them!” Old Master Tang’s expression brightened as he strode forward. He saw several Tang estate masters each dragging a person out—it was Qin Hu’s son, Qin Xiaobao, along with several brightly adorned women. Qin Hu had hidden them in the gang’s most secret vault, intending that if his men couldn't escape alive, perhaps his son might be lucky enough to be spared. He hadn’t counted on the Tang family being so adept at raiding; the vault was nearly ten feet below ground, and its exit exceedingly well-concealed, yet they had still unearthed it.

Seeing his son dragged out, Qin Hu lost all hope and completely surrendered the courage to resist. He was already struggling just to fend off the three Gold-rank experts; if not for their intention to capture him alive, he would have been subdued long ago! Now, with his fighting spirit shattered, his attacks became utterly disorganized. The three experts pressed forward simultaneously. With two dull slaps, Qin Hu collapsed like a pile of wet mud. His body’s senses were still operating normally, but the control over his very being—the authority over his life and death—was no longer his own.

Total victory!

Old Master Tang slowly approached Qin Hu, looking down at the gang leader’s dejected face. He waved a hand, and those around him wisely stepped back, leaving a large, clear space in the center.

“Where is that thing?” Old Master Tang’s voice was low, his eyes piercing Qin Hu’s like arrows. He cut straight to the chase, refusing to give Qin Hu any chance to deny it!

This question was easily designed to plant a specific illusion in Qin Hu’s mind: I already know you stole the Profound Pill! I have undeniable proof! It’s only a matter of whether you cooperate or not. If Qin Hu was involved, hearing such a direct accusation while a captive made the probability of a breakdown over ninety percent!

Indeed, Qin Hu stammered, his eyes showing absolute despair! Old Master Tang, closely monitoring every flicker of reaction, felt a surge of ecstasy; the heavy burden on his heart suddenly lifted.

He truly is the main culprit! Tang Yuan, that grandson, finally did something useful—something incredibly useful! He’s got potential! Wait, wasn’t it that profligate Jun Mo Xie from the Jun family who gave the hint for this whole affair? Old Master Tang felt a surge of emotion: Perhaps a gathering of wastrels isn't entirely a bad thing; at critical moments, they can still be useful. Just look at myself back in the day—everyone called me a wastrel, didn’t they? And yet, here I am now...

Ahem. Realizing he had drifted off, Old Master Tang refocused. He had already secretly decided: whether the Profound Pill was recovered or not, the Tang family owed Jun Mo Xie a massive favor this time! It seemed he needed to cultivate a closer relationship with the Jun family going forward...

“I… I don’t know anything about a Profound Pill, Old Master Tang. Why are you suddenly treating us like this? I…” Qin Hu answered nervously, his gaze flickering, still clinging to the hope of denial.

“You really don’t know how to speak grandly, young man. Did I ever mention that thing was a Profound Pill?! Heh heh… It’s fine if you don’t know; I’ll make sure you know soon enough.” Old Master Tang smiled kindly, beckoned with his hand, and a Tang estate master stepped forward carrying Qin Xiaobao, who looked like a rag doll. He was unceremoniously thrown onto the ground before the master stepped back.

“Qin Hu, I hear this is your only son. Regardless of what the North City Gang has done, as long as you tell me what you know, I guarantee your son will be unharmed. I will protect this last ember of your Qin family lineage from harm.” Old Master Tang Wanli smiled gently, his demeanor exceedingly amiable. “Of course, if you absolutely cannot recall anything, I believe you will very quickly witness what happens to your son. However, in that case, I doubt anyone present will leave happy. You understand what I mean, don't you?!”

“Father, save me…” Qin Xiaobao wailed miserably. For this quintessential spoiled rich kid, the past year had been an absolute disaster. He’d finally spotted a beauty on the street, barely managed a few suggestive words, only to be seized and have his dantian punctured, his profound energy crippled. Just as he finally recovered enough to move freely, he was thrown into a basin of snot at a restaurant, beaten up and had his leg broken for uttering a few angry words. Now, crying for his mother and father while recovering at home, this calamity struck. Dragged out with a broken leg, thrown onto the ground, Qin Xiaobao was already suffering excruciating pain from fear and shock—he wished for death.

Old Master Tang slowly extended his hand, his dry palm gently stroking Qin Xiaobao’s neck, much like soothing a frightened puppy. Yet, absolutely no one would doubt that if Qin Hu’s answer displeased Old Master Tang even slightly, that dry hand would instantly transform into the decree of the King of Hell demanding his soul.

Qin Hu sighed resignedly and lowered his head. “You win.” Old Master Tang smiled with satisfaction. “Qin Hu, you truly live up to your title as a gang leader. You understand how to assess the situation; well done!”

The sharp sarcasm stung Qin Hu’s ears, turning his face bright red. This profound humiliation made his expression unbearably grim. He mumbled a few times before finally forcing out the words: “I presume Old Marquis also understands that I was largely acting under orders in this matter. Otherwise, even if I possessed the courage of ten thousand bears, how would I dare steal from the Tang residence? Wouldn’t that be suicide? Even if I intended to, I lack the ability. But, when a sharp blade is at one’s throat, we… truly have no choice.”

“Continue,” Old Master Tang said, his gaze flickering.