The person made into a scarecrow was none other than Qiao Da, the one responsible for shooting Shi Hengxiao!
Everyone had guessed that Qiao Da wouldn't have a good end. After all, shooting the Moon Saint Envoy of the White Lotus Sect was a major incident that couldn't be easily overlooked.
However, no one had expected the situation to be this dire, to the point of turning a living person into a scarecrow.
It was horrifying and chilling.
And the most crucial point: the scarecrow was delivered to the Jiang family's doorstep!
What did this imply?
Jiang Xueyi gasped, "We're doomed! The White Lotus Sect is coming for us. By sending this scarecrow, they're telling us they won't let this go. Qiao Da is dead, and we, the Jiang family, are next!"
A chill spread through everyone in the Jiang family.
Xu Qin exploded in anger, pointing at Lu Ming and cursing, "This is all your damn fault! If it weren't for you, how could our Jiang family suddenly be in such a disaster? Without you, Mengxin would have successfully joined the White Lotus Sect and become an honored upper-tier disciple! You scoundrel, you've ruined our Jiang family."
As she spoke, she picked up a brick from the ground and swung it towards Lu Ming's head.
"No, Mom!"
Jiang Mengxin immediately grabbed Xu Qin's wrist to stop her impulsive act. At the same time, she yelled at Lu Ming, "You go to my sister's place first, quickly."
With the scene in such chaos, Lu Ming staying would only worsen the situation.
Reluctantly, he had to leave.
Lu Ming sighed and, amidst Xu Qin's continuous curses, departed the Jiang residence.
Huang Bin and Liu Ling exchanged glances and shook their heads, both feeling that Lu Ming deserved better. To possess such strength yet endure silently in such a family was truly his burden.
Meanwhile.
Inside a black car not far away.
Peng Ying, the Star Saint Envoy, watched the events unfold at the Jiang family's home, laughing uncontrollably. She covered her mouth and chuckled, "Oh my, oh my, the Jiang family truly can't keep their cool. I haven't even done anything yet, and just by sending them a scarecrow, they're fighting amongst themselves."
Her deputy, He Honghui, said, "Star Saint Envoy, the Lu Ming who was just chased away is the one who publicly humiliated the Moon Saint Envoy and slapped him three times. This person disregards the White Lotus Sect, and the superiors have specifically ordered his execution!"
"It's him, is it?" Peng Ying yawned. "He slapped Shi Hengxiao three times for me, so in a way, he's my benefactor. Fine, I'll grant him a quick end. Arrange for someone to drug him and eliminate him discreetly, without any pain."
"Your subordinate understands."
Upon receiving the order, He Honghui began assigning tasks to his subordinates.
An assassination operation targeting Lu Ming was underway.
...
Forty minutes later.
Lu Ming appeared in Jiang Lan's office, sitting dejectedly on the sofa, feeling rather unhappy.
Jiang Lan smiled and said, "My mom's temper is just like that. You're not meeting her for the first time, so you should be used to it by now. Regardless, Shi Hengxiao is dead, my sister didn't join the White Lotus Sect, and my mom's Life Talisman is dispelled. It's a happy ending for everyone, so you should be glad. Don't look so glum, cheer up."
Could he cheer up?
Lu Ming shrugged, "Your Jiang family is truly difficult to deal with."
"Hahahaha." Jiang Lan laughed a few times and continued, "However, we can't be too happy either. Although the Moon Saint Envoy is dead, you've offended the entire White Lotus Sect. From what I know of them, they will definitely send people after you to kill you."
She paused and added, "Take that scarecrow, for instance. If I'm not mistaken, it's Peng Ying's doing. She's a psychological sadist who enjoys such things. Lu Ming, you need to be careful lately. Peng Ying is different from the other two Saint Envoys. She's ruthless in achieving her goals. If she wants to kill you, she'll do anything despicable and disgusting!"
As they were speaking, there was a knock on the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Who is it?" Jiang Lan asked.
"General Manager Jiang, it's me, Xiaomin." The person at the door was Jiang Lan's personal secretary, who specialized in handling all sorts of tricky situations for her.
"Come in."
With a creak, the door opened, and Xiaomin entered with two bowls of hot soup.
Jiang Lan blinked in surprise, "Xiaomin, what are you doing?"
Xiaomin smiled and said, "Um... General Manager Jiang, didn't you ask me to get something for Mr. Lu to drink?"
Jiang Lan chuckled, "I asked you to pour him a glass of water, or maybe make him a coffee. What is this you've made, broth?"
"You guessed right, it's broth," Xiaomin said. "This soup is extremely nutritious. I thought Mr. Lu must be troubled by the White Lotus Sect lately and needs something good to replenish his strength, so I specially made these two bowls of broth. General Manager Jiang, you and Mr. Lu each get a bowl."
Jiang Lan was left speechless, neither knowing whether to laugh or cry.
It was the first time she'd seen someone offer broth as a drink. Such a secretary was indeed hard to find.
"Alright, put the soup down and you can leave now."
"Yes, alright."
Xiaomin placed the two bowls of soup down and turned to leave the office.
Jiang Lan looked at Lu Ming and said, "I'm sorry, my secretary just likes to take initiative. I wanted to make you a coffee, but she brought two bowls of broth. I don't know what to say. Here... are you going to drink it or not?"
Lu Ming smiled, "Broth is extremely nutritious, why wouldn't I drink it?"
He then walked over, picked up a bowl of broth, and started drinking. "Mmm, it tastes really good."
"Really? Let me try too."
Jiang Lan picked up the other bowl of broth and drank it, giving a thumbs-up. "It's indeed good, tastes wonderful. It seems Xiaomin put in a lot of effort."
As soon as she finished speaking, Jiang Lan felt dizzy.
Something was wrong.
The soup had a problem!
Just as Jiang Lan realized something was amiss, she saw Lu Ming had already fainted, lying sprawled on the floor.
The words "White Lotus Sect!" immediately popped into Jiang Lan's mind.
It must be the White Lotus Sect's doing.
She tried to reach for her phone to call for help, but it was too late. The drug took effect quickly. Within seconds, Jiang Lan's body felt weak, and her mind went blank.
With a clang, Jiang Lan collapsed onto the floor, lying next to Lu Ming.
Both of them had fallen unconscious.
Afterward.
The office door opened again, and Secretary Xiaomin walked in.
She closed the door behind her, locked it, and then took out a dagger from her clothing. Staring at the unconscious Lu Ming on the floor, she said coldly, "I'm sorry, Mr. Lu. You brought this upon yourself. Who else could you have offended but the White Lotus Sect? Your fate can only be one thing—death!"
Saying this, Xiaomin crouched down, aimed the dagger at Lu Ming's neck, and ended the man who had caused such a storm throughout the city with a single stab!