Chapter 313: Bonds of Affection

Emerging from the factory parking lot, the security room, having already received notification, hurriedly assembled personnel, forming a human wall at the entrance. But against the high-pressure water cannon truck that didn’t slow its speed, those suited men didn’t have the guts to hold their ground. Before the vehicle even got close, they scattered to both sides, allowing the truck to smash through the iron gate and speed away.

"Done!"

Sitting in the passenger seat, Ling Chen glanced at the rearview mirror, a pale face revealing a hint of joy at the smooth escape. They could successfully escape this time thanks to Qiu Yong and others. Had it not been for their respective special abilities, they might still be struggling inside the secret base.

After the lights went out, relying on the youth's sharp hearing, everyone huddled shoulder to shoulder, following his lead and sneaking past the group of security personnel in the dark. They were all martial arts practitioners, who found controlling their footsteps to be a simple task. Additionally, those security personnel weren’t experts. Once they successfully got behind the security staff, Xia Yue stealthily got on the vehicle, taking care of the personnel on board. Meanwhile, Ling Chen sneaked into the security room and opened the main gate.

Through this cooperation, Ling Chen truly witnessed the prowess of the eight peculiar individuals. Each possessed their own unique skills—truly strange people within the Martial Arts realm.

"Third brother, third brother..."

At this moment, an anxious voice from Xia Yue came from the trunk.

The driver, Qiu Yong, quickly pulled over to the side of the road, then got out and went around to the rear of the vehicle, with Ling Chen closely following. Pulling open the door, Ling Chen’s expression changed slightly upon seeing a middle-aged man lying in Xia Yue’s arms, black blood flowing from his mouth, his pale face contorted, his body convulsing violently.

"Ling Chen, don’t you know medicine? Quickly, take a look!" the one-armed man called out urgently upon seeing him.

Ling Chen nodded, stepping quickly into the compartment, and placed his hand on the other man’s pulse. Everyone’s gaze was fixed on him, waiting for his diagnosis. After a while, Ling Chen sighed softly and shook his head at the others.

"His bodily functions have already collapsed," he said, turning to look at Qiu Yong. "Elder Qiu, his life can’t be saved. However, you can help reduce his suffering."

"How do I help?"

"He won’t die right away, but this state will continue for an hour or two. During this time, he will constantly endure the pain and torment from his body. So, the best solution is to release him from his suffering as soon as possible."

Xia Yue’s gaze turned cold as she spoke sharply, "You want to kill him?"

Ling Chen nodded. "I know you can’t accept it, but this is the best way to handle it. Knowing that he’s sure to die, do you have the heart to watch him suffer?"

"I..." Xia Yue fell silent for a moment, then defiantly said, "No. I don’t agree."

"Elder Qiu, what do you think?"

Qiu Yong looked at the middle-aged man convulsing, a flicker of reluctance in his eyes. After hesitating for a moment, he shook his head and said gravely, "I can’t bring myself to do it."

As he spoke, the middle-aged man lying in Xia Yue’s arms suddenly lifted his hand, firmly grasping the one-armed man’s arm, and with a hoarse voice, as if mustering all his strength, uttered with great difficulty, "Kill... kill... me... please..."

"Third brother!"

The one-armed man cried out, his eyes red, a grown man now unable to hold back his tears.

It’s not that men don’t shed tears, only that the grievous moment had yet to come.

The tense atmosphere immediately spread throughout the van, everyone bowed their heads, secretly wiping away tears, and the little boy cried out loud, his expression full of sorrow.

"Ling Chen."

"Elder Qiu, what is it?"

Qiu Yong clenched his fists tightly, struggling to suppress his emotions, and spoke word for word, "I need a favor; help us siblings out."

Ling Chen was startled, then quickly understood and exclaimed in surprise, "You want me to..."

"Just consider it as us begging you."

Facing the pleading look in Qiu Yong’s eyes, Ling Chen hesitated for a moment, sighed silently, and nodded gently.

"Thanks! Everyone else, get off." As soon as he finished speaking, Qiu Yong turned and walked to the back of the vehicle.

The others looked at each other, somewhat bewildered. Finally, the one-armed man was the first to rise, patted Ling Chen’s shoulder, and said in a low voice, "Please grant him a quick end. Thank you!"

Seeing the one-armed man get off the vehicle, the others no longer hesitated and stepped off one after another. Xia Yue, unable to let go, caressed the middle-aged man’s cheek with tears already brimming in her eyes.

"Third brother, if there’s a next life, let’s be siblings again."

Watching everyone leave, Ling Chen squatted in the carriage, looking directly at the middle-aged man in front of him, and murmured to himself, "Don’t blame me for being heartless; I just don’t want you to suffer anymore."

The middle-aged man seemed to hear his words, his eyelids trembling slightly as if responding to him.

"Go in peace." With that, Ling Chen’s hand moved to his neck.

The middle-aged man slowly closed his eyes, his lips slightly curled up in a smile of relief, and his twitching body gradually became calm.

...

The car door opened, and those waiting outside immediately focused their gaze on Ling Chen.

Ling Chen’s expression was serene; he said nothing but gave a slight nod. Seeing his gesture, Xia Yue could no longer contain herself and threw herself into the arms of the one-armed man, weeping loudly.

Ling Chen stood quietly to the side, not disturbing the others immersed in grief. He could feel the sincere emotions among these people, heartfelt and genuine.

It’s rare in life to find true friends, rare to have brothers.

Having so many genuine siblings by your side throughout life—even death would leave no regrets.

Ling Chen reflected to himself, feeling a twinge of envy.

"Ling Chen, thank you for your help. We, the eight strange people, owe you a favor." After saying this, Qiu Yong handed over a piece of paper. "If you ever need anything, you can contact me with this number. Whatever trouble you face, we siblings will definitely help you with all our might."

Ling Chen’s eyes brightened. These people were each skilled in their own way, and he had long thought of making connections with them. With such a rare opportunity, he naturally wouldn’t miss it.

"Elder Qiu, please don’t say that; as long as you don’t hold this against me, that’s enough."

"Not at all. We are preparing to send our third brother back to his hometown for burial. Take care of yourself, and we’ll get in touch later."

"Safe travels."

After Qiu Yong and the others drove away, Ling Chen stood alone on the roadside, patiently waiting. About half an hour later, a Land Rover drove down the road and stopped at the curb. The window rolled down, and Zhong Wei poked his head out from the driver’s seat, waving his hand. "Get in!"

Ling Chen nodded and quickly got into the passenger seat. When he parted ways with Qiu Yong, he had borrowed his phone to call Zhong Wei to come and pick him up.

"Where have you been these past few days? Couldn’t reach you by phone, couldn’t find you. The chairman and the others were almost out of their minds."

"Ran into a bit of trouble. How about at home, everything okay?"

"Not too great, something’s happened."