Chapter 1976 Fallen (2)
?Zhu Tianlong's gaze fixated on the USB drive, a deep furrow etching his brow. His mind raced, searching for a response.
Following a silent cue from the old man, a nearby officer swiftly connected the drive to a computer and initiated playback.
Zhu Ding's voice soon filled the room, his words dripping with malice.
"…Your daughter is about to enter primary school, right? Don't let her down, understand?… Don't worry. As long as you kill Yun Lintian and his team, I will let your family go."
A collective frown creased the officials' faces. The blatant threat, particularly by proxy, left them utterly bewildered.
"The target of this threat," Li Zong clarified, "was Chi Yuan, a former special forces captain."
The officer promptly switched to the following file, Chi Yuan's profile materializing on the screen.
"To maintain a facade of innocence, Zhu Ding orchestrated this elaborate scheme," Li Zong explained. "Needless to say, Chi Yuan and his family were silenced shortly after the failed attempt."
A video flickered to life, brutally depicting the murders of Chi Yuan's wife and daughter. The air in the room grew thick with a suffocating silence. The sheer cruelty of the act left them speechless.
Their gazes toward Zhu Tianlong transformed dramatically. All respect had vanished, replaced by a cold, unwavering disapproval.
Zhu Tianlong's face contorted into a mask of thunderous gloom. He drew in a shaky breath and attempted a defense. "Surely, the capabilities of modern technology are well-known. It wouldn't be difficult to fabricate such evidence."
His feeble attempt at denial fell on deaf ears. The room was filled with icy stares. Even those who initially harbored some sympathy for Zhu Tianlong now viewed him with utter disdain.
Desperation etched itself onto Zhu Tianlong's face. His mind churned, grappling to comprehend how Li Zong had unearthed such damning evidence. Clearly, he had grievously underestimated the old man.
Driven by the news of Yun Lintian's demise, Li Zong spared no effort to amass evidence. Fortunately, he found them.
He had harbored the intention of taking this secret to his grave. However, Zhu Tianlong's actions today had inadvertently provided the perfect opportunity to expose it.
Li Zong remained silent, conveying his accusatory stance with a pointed glance towards the officer. The officer, understanding his cue, adeptly switched to the next file.
A new video appeared on the screen, depicting Zhu Ding conversing with Ross in a secure location.
"These are the very remnants of the Hell Church responsible for the subsequent attack on Yun Lintian in Hangzhou," Li Zong declared, his gaze turning icy as he addressed Zhu Tianlong. "Do you still intend to deny your involvement?"
Zhu Tianlong's lips trembled visibly. He yearned to formulate a defense, but the weight of shame rendered him speechless.
"My investigation has yielded a plethora of evidence," Li Zong continued. "Financial transactions between Zhu Ding, Zhu Wuxing, and not only the Hell Church but also various terrorist organizations across the globe have all been meticulously documented."
The officer swiftly opened all the relevant files, displaying them in a comprehensive layout on the screen.
A mere glance at the incriminating evidence left no room for doubt. The sheer volume of proof solidified the undeniable fact that Zhu Ding and his father had conspired with hostile forces to endanger the nation.
Even the old man found himself surprised by these revelations. Initially, he believed Zhu Ding's sole motive was a personal conflict with Yun Lintian, leading him to exploit the Hell Church for an elimination attempt.
This unearthed information painted a far more sinister picture.
His gaze sharpened as he focused on Zhu Tianlong. "Do you wish to make a statement?"
Zhu Tianlong appeared aged by two decades in a mere instant. He slumped heavily in his chair, his voice a mere tremor as he spoke. "The blame falls entirely upon me. I am prepared to face any consequences alone. I implore you to spare my family."
"The gravity of the situation appears to have escaped you," the stern old official interjected. "This constitutes a blatant act of treason. Do you understand?"
Zhu Tianlong squeezed his eyes shut in anguish. A torrent of questions swirled within his mind. Even at this moment, he grappled to comprehend his descent into such disgrace.
"Take him away and wait for trial," the old man instructed calmly.
Soldiers stationed nearby promptly stepped forward and ushered Zhu Tianlong from the room.
The old man surveyed the remaining officials. "The remainder of this matter falls under your purview. Address the current situation with utmost efficiency and transparency."
"Yes, sir!" the officials responded in unison before departing.
Once alone with Li Zong, the old man inquired gently, "Are you now able to speak freely?"
Li Zong gestured towards the officer. "Please bring a tea set and hot water."
The officer retrieved the requested items and swiftly returned.
"You're dismissed," Li Zong said.
The officer received an affirmative nod from the old man. With a slight bow, he exited the room.
"Don't tell me you come here to have tea with me?" the old man teased playfully.
Li Zong offered a cryptic smile. "Patience is key, sir."
He carefully opened the teabag gifted by Yun Lintian and meticulously added a pinch of the dried leaves to the kettle. The aroma soon filled the air.
The old man inhaled deeply, a peculiar sensation washing over him. He felt a lightness course through his body, almost as if it were an illusion.
Li Zong poured him a cup of tea. "Please," he offered.
The old man eyed Li Zong with suspicion before taking a tentative sip. Instantly, his eyes widened in shock. At his advanced age, he could acutely perceive any changes in his physical well-being. This tea demonstrably improved his health.
"Tell me," the old man demanded, placing the cup down. "Is this the source of your youthful rejuvenation?"
Li Zong confirmed with a smile, "Indeed, sir. Though I promised him to keep it secret, the nation's well-being must come first."
He held the conviction that Yun Lintian would comprehend his decision. After all, the old man was the nation's most vital figure, and his longevity served the greater good.
A realization dawned on the old man. "Yun Lintian?" he inquired.
"Your discernment remains unparalleled, sir," Li Zong acknowledged with another smile.
"His return from death confounds me," the old man admitted.
Li Zong posed a thought-provoking question, "Do you believe in immortality, sir?"
"Immortality?" The old man was startled.
"It's like this..." Li Zong began to explain.
The conversation in the room was destined to remain hidden forever…
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