Chapter 96: Liang Jing’s Tirade

"Did I provoke you?"
"Are you really determined to oppose me?"
"Have you thought this through?"

Cold glints flashed in Liang Jing’s eyes. His voice, muffled by his helmet, was unnervingly calm, yet it carried clearly to Political Commissar Gong and the surrounding crowd. Beneath that composure lay a simmering, suppressed rage. Liang Jing had always harbored a sliver of hesitation and hope regarding the military and the government that these people represented. He had come here today to make a final decision, but their repeated targeting, their attempts on his life, and their hostility had pushed him to his limit. He had never liked them; in fact, he detested them. Commissar Gong’s threats against his family and friends were the final spark that ignited his fury.

Seeing Liang Jing’s confrontational stance, the likes of Tu Gui and Wu Jinghui beamed. This was exactly what they wanted—a fight. If they didn't crush him now, they knew they would never have a moment’s peace.

"What is that attitude, Liang Jing?"
"How dare you speak to Commissar Gong like that? He represents the nation and its people! He only took an interest in your abilities so you could contribute to the country. Do not be so arrogant and ungrateful!"
"You actually dare to threaten the Commissar? Do you not realize your own situation? Are you trying to die?"

Commissar Gong’s expression shifted upon hearing the questions. He realized his previous threat might have been excessive, but the flicker of self-awareness was immediately drowned out by rage. Spurred on by the voices of Tu Gui and others, he felt a burning humiliation. This Liang Jing was actually threatening him—in front of all these people! He had only wanted to use the man’s talent; did Liang Jing think he was the center of the universe? That the world couldn't turn without him?

Unforgivable! It was utterly unforgivable!

"Liang Jing, you heinous monster! You kill the innocent without remorse, ignoring the interests of the people and the nation that nurtured you and paved your way to success. Do you have no shame? I will give you one last chance. Otherwise, prepare to be ruined and see your entire family erased!"

Listening to Commissar Gong’s righteous, impassioned, and high-minded rhetoric—representing justice, representing the people, and using every available label to pass judgment—Liang Jing laughed. He was practically being accused of crimes against humanity! Unfortunately, hidden behind his helmet, no one could see it. He smiled, his eyes turning colder. He understood once again: believe it or not, the hypocrisy was absolute.

"I’ll submit to you now."

Liang Jing began walking along the road toward the Commissar, his eyes deep and chilling. He was truly, thoroughly enraged. This act of being a whore while demanding a memorial arch—the pretense of righteousness while doing the filthiest deeds—made him sick to his stomach. And now that they were targeting him personally, he felt the suffocating weight of their injustice. If he lacked the power to resist, the consequences would be tragic. It would be like that saying: if you can't resist the rape, you might as well enjoy it.

But Liang Jing was never one to compromise.

He had made his decision. No more hoping, no more hesitation, no more holding back. If he wanted to do something, he would do it—as long as he didn't harm the innocent and kept his own conscience clear.

As Liang Jing approached, his eyes cold as ice, Commissar Gong suddenly recalled how dangerous this man was. Though Liang Jing spoke of submission, the feeling he projected was not that of a subordinate, but of an ancient, primordial beast rushing toward him with an inferno of rage. Even though Liang Jing’s steps were measured and calm, showing no overt aggression, the atmosphere grew heavy and suffocating.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, Commissar Gong’s eyes met Liang Jing’s. He seemed to glimpse something in that gaze—a terrifying truth—and let out a shrill cry. He stumbled backward, trembling, and had it not been for Gao Yaotai catching him, he would have collapsed in a disgraceful heap.

"I’m submitting to you. Do you dare accept?"
"You waste of space. I don't know how you ever became a regimental commissar."
"What do you mean by killing the innocent? How many evil deeds have you and that turtle Tu committed? How many families have been destroyed? How many people have suffered because of you? Why didn't you 'manage' yourselves?"
"You did nothing of the sort. You used the people's money to feed yourselves while acting as accomplices to evil! You dare judge others? Bah! Clean up your own act first. I believe heaven itself will judge you parasites. Don't give me that 'we were just following orders' excuse. Do you really not know what you're doing? Or have you found a convenient excuse to ignore it, pretending your hands aren't stained with sin? Or have you truly stopped being human, becoming nothing more than tools to execute orders?"
"I feel pity for you people. You are nothing but pawns in someone else’s game of interests."
"You want to judge me? Come! I will deal with whoever opposes me, and I will kill whoever tries to kill me! It’s that simple."

For some reason, the usually taciturn and cold Liang Jing erupted. It was as if he were venting—venting against the unfairness he had suffered, against the government, and against the state of the world. Once he finished, he felt a sudden sense of relief and exhilaration. He ignored the others—some blank-faced, some shamed, some furious, some malicious—all of whom were ready to strike.

"Insolent! Liang Jing, you are seeking death! Open fire! Kill this demonic monster! A murderer who kills without blinking will only bring ruin to the future of humanity!"

Finally snapping out of the bombardment of Liang Jing’s words, the Commissar’s righteous mask vanished, replaced by a twisted, livid expression. His face cycled through shades of red, white, blue, and black—a kaleidoscope of pure fury—as he roared.

*Swish!*
*Click! Click-clack! Click-clack-clack!*

Almost reflexively, everyone surrounding him leveled their weapons at Liang Jing, ready to fire. The twin 25mm autocannons shifted their dark, gaping muzzles toward him.

"You had better think this through! Whoever wants to kill me must be prepared to be hunted and killed by me in return!"

At that moment, Liang Jing’s calm voice cut through the air. His cold, deep eyes swept across the crowd. People felt a chill wherever his gaze touched. They shuddered involuntarily; Liang Jing had claimed too many lives. His bloodlust was overwhelming. Perhaps no one else alive had taken as many lives as he had.

His calm words paralyzed them. For a moment, they forgot to fire. It was as if Liang Jing’s gaze had marked them, shattering their confidence in their weapons and their formation. They feared that if they fired, Liang Jing would return from the dead to exact his vengeance. They were crushed by his presence—or perhaps, they were simply terrified.

Truth be told, Liang Jing had never truly feared the Commissar’s power. He had only been concerned about the meaning behind the group he represented—the nation, the people, the state. It was a psychological pressure, not a fear of their strength. But now, having cast aside all those concerns, Liang Jing felt like his true self. His mind was clear, unburdened. Was this what they called "mental clarity"?

He understood now. He had broken through a shackle. All his previous worries were false and useless. As long as he did not harm the innocent and remained true to his own heart, he could do as he pleased. He felt like someone who had finally crossed a threshold—like a virgin losing his innocence, or a man starting his first job after being paralyzed by anxiety. Once you do it, you realize it was nothing at all.

It really was nothing. You just need a standard: treat those who are good to you with kindness, and if anyone tries to harm you or cause you trouble, it doesn't matter who they are...

Don't look for trouble, but if someone provokes you, strike back ten times, a hundred times harder.