Chapter 105 – The Flower-Picking Thief (Part 5)
“I originally wanted to give you a quick end, but I didn’t expect you to be so eager to head to hell.” Jiang Pengji tugged at his collar, effortlessly lifting him up. Her expression was cold as she said, “Since that’s the case, I’ll just grant your wish.”
The man was in so much pain that his face was a mix of green and red, barely able to comprehend what Jiang Pengji had said. His limbs were numb and wouldn’t listen to his commands.
“However, I’m the type who enjoys squeezing out every last bit of value from people. Since you still have a bit of use, I’ll allow you to live a little longer.” After speaking, a glint of ruthlessness flickered in Jiang Pengji’s eyes for a moment before it vanished as if it had never been there.
<Host V>: As a responsible streamer, I believe it’s not just about boring daily lives; we also need to educate the audience on some common knowledge, like… how to make a stubborn, dead duck talk.
Hey, young boy, have you ever heard of torture?
Jiang Pengji’s words sparked a flicker of curiosity in some timid viewers. Even though they were scared out of their wits and covering their eyes, they couldn’t help but peek between their fingers to catch a glimpse of what was to come.
Torture, in the Federation’s dictionary, is far from an ordinary interrogation process. When knowledgeable people mention it, they often shudder.
Almost every Federation warrior understands the essence of torture, and as the leader of the legion, Jiang Pengji surely must possess this skill.
<Host V>: Of course, I don’t recommend using it in real life, as it could lead to serious consequences.
<Host V>: If one day you find yourself using this method in practice, don’t blame me for it.
With that, Jiang Pengji put on a relatively clean cloth on her hands and used the man as a “teaching tool,” demonstrating to the live audience what true professional torture looks like. Outwardly, it seemed far less bloody than the so-called top ten cruel punishments; yet in essence, it was more vicious than those crude methods, capable not only of breaking the body but easily shattering the spirit.
Even genetically trained warriors struggle to endure the full set of Federal torture techniques, let alone a rogue from an ancient age with a weak disposition.
Jiang Pengji only needed to show a bit of her skill for him to reach a point of no return, his consciousness already slipping into confusion.
She took out a flint, setting the fabric on fire as an orange-red glow illuminated half her face. “What’s your name?”
“Lin Shenggou.”
The man’s eyes were vacant, the wig he had in his mouth finally removed, but a steady stream of murky drool flowed from the corner of his mouth, dripping onto his torso and trickling down his neck into the collarbone—a scene that would definitely drive a cleanliness freak mad.
Jiang Pengji narrowed her eyes. “You’re not a local, where are you from?”
“Cangzhou, Meng County…”
The man tilted his head, his limbs twitching occasionally, yet his response to Jiang Pengji was crystal clear.
“Cangzhou, Meng County, huh?”
Jiang Pengji furrowed her brows, recalling what she had learned about this place from Liu Lanting’s memories.
The territory of Dongqing is divided into six states and twenty-one counties, and Cangzhou is one of the more prosperous states. Due to the northern trade route, it maintains close ties with the northern frontier, attracting many merchants to do business, which puts Cangzhou’s economy at the forefront of Dongqing.
As for Meng County, it is the largest and wealthiest county within Cangzhou.
“Besides you, how many accomplices do you have, what are their names, and what do they look like? Where are they now?”
Jiang Pengji asked her last question.
This meant that the twitchy-eyed man before her was already at the end of his life.
The man answered each question, and Jiang Pengji’s expression became extremely cold, as if she could freeze the air around her.
“Good answers. This time, I’ll give you a quick end.”
Easily ending his life, Jiang Pengji habitually cleaned up the crime scene and then casually stood up to leave the alley.
A figure in a blue robe stood at the alley’s entrance, clothes fluttering slightly in the night breeze, and the chilly moonlight spilled down, outlining their graceful silhouette.
Seeing Feng Jin, Jiang Pengji felt no surprise.
She stepped forward and, before Feng Jin could speak, she smiled and struck with another barbed comment.
“If you’re weak, stop trying to show off against the wind.”
Feng Jin: “…”
“Be careful, you might have a headache the next day. Don’t come blaming me later.”
Feng Jin took a deep breath, lest he accidentally get himself worked up.
Places like this narrow alley are prone to trouble—especially in Langlang Lane, where a couple of small-time thugs and freelance rogues from Hejian County likely gather. These folks don’t consider consequences; they act solely based on mood.
If Jiang Pengji provoked them, they wouldn’t hold back.
However, thinking of Jiang Pengji’s martial prowess, his concerns shifted; as long as she didn’t actively seek out trouble, everything would be fine.
Jiang Pengji sized him up. “Why are you out here? The room is warm and fragrant, definitely better than this cold wind outside.”
“I just wanted to get some fresh air, but I unexpectedly ran into the two maids who served you earlier. I felt something was off, so I asked a few questions. Never thought you would be so bold, wandering about in a place like this. If something were to happen to you…”
Feng Jin paused, the usual gentleness on his face replaced with a hint of seriousness and concern, his gaze filled with reproach.
The person before him wasn’t just a man; she was a genuine woman.
If a man were to be bullied, he’d just say it was the price of charm to console himself. However, if something happened to a woman in a place like this, her reputation would be ruined.
Jiang Pengji let out a cold laugh. “Something happening? As long as no one messes with me, it’ll be fine…”
Feng Jin furrowed his brow, suddenly leaning a little closer, his expression sinking. “What did you just do?”
“If you have the guts, go ahead and take a look.”
He hesitated for a moment, lit a fire stick, and stepped into the deeper alley. After a while, he stumbled back out, looking unsteady.
“You did that?”
“He deserved to die. If he hadn’t, who knows how many people he’d end up forcing to death.” Jiang Pengji said nonchalantly, “Hua Yu, accompany me to a place. Once you see who’s there, you’ll understand whether that person deserves to die… or you could choose not to come and directly report me to the authorities?”
Feng Jin pressed his lips together; even though the aristocracy held political power and influenced the entire Dongqing state, it didn’t mean that sons of noble families could kill without consequence.
Ignoring the lives of others, treating life as nothing, what difference was he to the pests loathed and hated by the common folk?
Yet, he didn’t voice these thoughts because, deep down, Feng Jin was still inclined to appreciate Jiang Pengji.
If she could present conclusive evidence, he might even overlook the whole affair.
“Where are we going?” Feng Jin followed, asking, “You need to present a compelling reason; I won’t cover for you.”
The sound of wooden clogs hitting the ground echoed sharply in his ears, as if separating this dim alley from the lavish world outside.
“To my current mentor’s residence, Wei Yuan, the official.”
