"Hmm... Okay, thank you, nephew..."
Jiang Shicheng's eyes suddenly widened in disbelief. "What did you say? Send them away?"
He looked at Orion, shocked. "Nephew Lu, are you sure? They are all friends of both your uncle and me! Even in terms of seniority, you should show them respect!"
As he spoke, Jiang Shicheng tried to regain his authoritative demeanor, adopting the tone of an elder giving a lesson.
Orion, however, merely smiled coldly. "Really? Well, Uncle Jiang, I do want to send them away. If they're my enemies, they must be prepared for the consequences. If someone dares to attack me, they shouldn't be surprised if they face the same fate!"
Orion's tone was tinged with malice, and his smile didn't reach his eyes. He was clearly not in the mood for any lessons.
Seeing Orion's lack of concern, Jiang Shicheng forced a smile and his tone weakened. "Uh, Nephew Lu Shi, please, don't joke around. They are your uncle's friends. We should let them go immediately. I'll make sure they remember your kindness and repay you in the future!"
Orion's impatience grew, his expression showing a hint of annoyance. "Enough with the moral high ground. People have wronged me, and you expect me to forgive them just because you say so?"
Turning to Xu Chu, he ordered, "Xu Chu, take care of this. Make sure Uncle Jiang's friends leave quickly."
Xu Chu, grinning, approached the two Half-Saints with grim determination. He was relieved to finally have a chance to act.
Jiang Shicheng and the two Half-Saints were stunned as Xu Chu swiftly dealt with them. The two Half-Saints, enraged and confused, cursed Jiang Shicheng bitterly.
"Jiang Shicheng, you fool! You've betrayed us!"
"You're finished, Jiang Shicheng! We won't forget this!"
Orion, amused by their curses, remarked, "See, Uncle Jiang? They don't appreciate your mercy. They're scolding you even as they face their end."
Xu Chu, following Orion's command, eliminated the two Half-Saints with a single strike.
Jiang Shicheng's face turned pale, and he nearly choked with frustration. The little brat had ignored his plea and shown him no respect.
Feeling the sting of betrayal and humiliation, Jiang Shicheng realized he was now the one begging for mercy.
Orion, pretending to be innocent, said, "Don't worry, Uncle Jiang. Even though you've attacked my men, I'll overlook it this time since you are my uncle."
Jiang Shicheng, seeing the coldness in Orion's gaze, felt a chill run down his spine. He knew that if he pushed his luck, he might be the next to die.
In that moment, Jiang Shicheng understood that his position had shifted drastically. He was now at Orion's mercy, realizing the young man was far more ruthless than he had anticipated.
Orion, focused on his strategic objectives, addressed his army. "Advance into the city! Anyone who resists will be killed on the spot!"
With the city walls breached and no high-level combatants to oppose them, Orion's forces entered Beiyang City with ease. The conquest of the city was now a certainty.
As Orion approached Jiang Shicheng, accompanied by Li Sandao, he remained cautious. He instructed Li Sandao to stay vigilant, aware of the potential dangers from Jiang Shicheng.
Orion asked Jiang Shicheng, "How many defenders are left in Beiyang City?"
Jiang Shicheng, still reeling from the shock of Li Sandao's presence—a true Martial Saint—stammered in fear. The appearance of a Martial Saint, alongside Orion's six Half-Saints, was overwhelming.
The realization hit Jiang Shicheng hard. A Martial Saint was an incredibly rare figure, far surpassing the Semi-Saints in power. The presence of such a figure with Orion made Jiang Shicheng wonder if Orion had become a saint or was affiliated with a holy land.
He was left in disbelief, realizing the gravity of the situation he was in.