At his advanced age, Memphis John knew exactly what should and shouldn’t be done. He also understood that living a life worth respecting required a backbone, correct values, and a proper outlook on life.
If the John family surrendered to this organization, they would inevitably fall into an inescapable abyss. Perhaps they would even become a family scorned for generations. Memphis John would rather risk annihilation now than allow his family to be branded as criminals in the future.
With this thought, his heart felt much clearer. Yet, there was still one thing he needed to do.
“When you come to kill my family, could you at least spare those who have nothing to do with us?” He gestured to the company executives standing behind him, his tone sincere and heavy.
Hearing this, the elderly men behind him-most of whom were balding and around the same age as Memphis John-looked at each other. The fear on their faces gradually softened. These men, all seasoned veterans, held key positions in the John family business.
Finally, one of them, a man in his sixties wearing glasses and a suit, stepped forward. His expression was righteous, as if he’d made a monumental decision.
“Mr. John,” he began, “you don’t need to worry about us. I’ve thought it through! I will stand with the John family, live or die! If you let me leave now, perhaps I could survive, but I would live the rest of my days in regret.”
“We all know the kind of person you are, Mr. John. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today! Twenty years ago, I brought my family to the city, desperate and destitute. We couldn’t even afford food or clothing. But you didn’t look down on me for being from a rural area. You gave me a chance to work in your company. Step by step, you helped me rise to where I am today. I owe my identity and status in Vernon entirely to you, Mr. John.”
“Your kindness is something I will never forget.”
After finishing, he clasped his hands and bowed deeply in gratitude.
“Even now, you’re thinking about not implicating us. I truly admire you! I admit, I am afraid of death, but this time, I choose to face it head-on.”
“That’s right, Mr. John deserves our respect! Years ago, my business partner betrayed me, and I was forced to flee to Vernon, where I knew no one. My life was in pieces, and I nearly gave up. But it was Mr. John who turned my life around.”
“I am also willing to live or die with the John family!”
“We are all willing to stand by the John family, live or die!”
The people behind Memphis John grew resolute and determined. Though they had no means of fighting, their collective resolve deeply inspired the younger members of the John family.
This was a matter of life and death. A single wrong step could lead to extermination.
But Memphis John’s charisma had moved everyone. Seeing so many people standing by him, Memphis John felt a warmth in his heart. Clenching his fists, he declared firmly, “I am grateful for your trust! If the John family survives this calamity, I will repay you all generously.”
“To live and die with Mr. John is our honor!”
The atmosphere turned heartfelt. In this moment of life and death, seeing his influence on others, Memphis John felt that even if he were to die, it would be worth it. At least the John family would be remembered.
“Enough with the nonsense. Aren’t you tired of talking so much? Do you really think I agreed to let you leave?” The leader of the four men sneered, his laughter echoing through the room.
To him, these self-righteous old men were laughable.
“Your lives are in our hands. Without our permission, you’re acting as if you could actually escape. Isn’t that ridiculous?”
Memphis John glared at the man, his gaze resolute. “If you’re going to kill me, then do it!”
“Mr. John!” Suddenly, the elderly man who had spoken earlier stepped forward, puffing out his chest. Facing the leader, he declared, “If you want to kill Mr. John, you’ll have to get through me first!”
The leader frowned. In a flash, he disappeared, moving faster than anyone could see.
When he reappeared, the elderly man was gone.
“You-” Memphis John began, but before he could finish, a figure flew out from behind the leader, propelled by a whirlwind.
The man soared high into the air before crashing heavily to the ground.
With a resounding thud, the corpse landed at Memphis John’s feet. Startled, Memphis John instinctively took half a step back. What lay before him was horrifying.
The man’s body was mangled beyond recognition. His clothes and flesh were shredded as if thousands of blades had sliced through him.
Even though everyone had prepared themselves for death, the gruesome sight sent shivers down their spines.
“Kim! Kim!” Memphis John cried out, calling the man’s name twice. But it was futile; the man was already dead, blood still seeping from his body. The scene was utterly terrifying.
The leader laughed coldly, seeing the horrified expressions of those around him. “Just a piece of trash, daring to challenge me.”
“Let this be a lesson to all of you. This is what happens when you defy me!”
“You’ve gone too far!” Memphis John roared in anger.
“Too far?” The leader laughed mockingly. “This is just the beginning. Now, it’s your turn!”
“Since you’re the head of this family, I’ll kill you first. Then, one by one, I’ll kill every member of your family.”
The leader advanced toward Memphis John, step by step.
As he walked, he muttered, “Your time is up, Memphis John. Your descendants will watch helplessly as you die before their eyes. They will be plunged into darkness and endless fear.”
“Prepare to face death.”
With those words, the leader stomped his foot. Behind him, a whirlwind erupted, and the courtyard of the John family estate turned into a scene of chaos, like the end of the world.
The leader, like an unstoppable force, charged toward Memphis John. If he made contact, Memphis John would undoubtedly be killed.
At this critical moment, a clear voice rang out.
“Stop!”