Myth Beyond Heaven

Zhu Tianlong let out a self-deprecating laugh. "Ha…Isn't it obvious whether this is a 'worth it' situation? Look at me here."

"Originally, none of you would have survived. You should be grateful you can even sit and talk with me here," Li Zong said with a faint smile.

"I know. Thanks to the old man's consideration," Zhu Tianlong sighed. He was aware that if he were an ordinary criminal, he would be dead by now. It seemed the old man still acknowledged his past contributions.

"No, it has nothing to do with the leader," Li Zong shook his head. "This person doesn't want you to die because he wants you to suffer for the rest of your life."

During this period, Li Zong had already figured out Yun Lintian's true intention. Yun Lintian clearly used the Hell Church to torment Zhu Tianlong.

"Who?" Zhu Tianlong was bewildered.

"Yun Lintian," Li Zong didn't hide anything.

"Impossible!" Zhu Tianlong refused to believe it. Although Yun Lintian was capable, he was alone. Even if he could survive the bomb, it was unimaginable that he could force him to this point.

"This is precisely why you've ended up like this," Li Zong smiled. "You've consistently underestimated his abilities."

Zhu Tianlong stared at Li Zong for a while before asking, "Ding'er... Did he do it?"

"Even now, you still blame others instead of taking responsibility for your grandson's actions?" Li Zong shook his head, genuine disappointment flickering across his face.

"Perhaps Little Qin didn't explain clearly," Li Zong continued. "Zhu Ding will never walk again. While he survived the assassination attempt, the poison he ingested is too potent. His future is grim."

"What?!" Zhu Tianlong shot up abruptly, his eyes wide with horror. "I want to see him now! Take me to him!"

"Have you forgotten your current situation?" Li Zong asked calmly. "Don't worry, you'll have an opportunity to see him soon. Now, tell me everything you know about the Hell Church."

Zhu Tianlong clenched his fists so tightly, his nails dug into his flesh. After a moment, he forced himself to calm down and said in a deep voice, "I will tell you everything. However, you must guarantee my family's safety."

"I'm listening," Li Zong smiled.

***

**

*

An hour later, Li Zong exited the room and addressed the guards. "Escort him to a safe house. He is permitted to contact his family."

"Yes, sir," the guards responded promptly and entered the room to prepare Zhu Tianlong for relocation.

Li Zong turned to his remaining guards. "Let's return."

Once settled in the car, Ren Jie approached with a tablet. "Sir, take a look at this."

Li Zong glanced at the screen, where news blared across the display. A group of the world's leading tycoons, spearheaded by Bartholomew Thorne III, had made a shocking move - a historic donation of one hundred trillion dollars to orphanages around the globe.

"Is this source credible?" Li Zong inquired in doubt.

"I've already verified it, sir. All orphanages within our country received a significant sum of money today, no less than three hundred billion." Ren Jie swiped the screen to display the transaction records. "The donation appears to be from the Heavenly Church."

"The Heavenly Church?" Li Zong's initial surprise quickly morphed into understanding. "They're likely the masterminds behind the Hell Church."

Taken aback, Ren Jie exclaimed, "Really, sir?"

Li Zong, with Yun Lintian's figure in mind, let out a sudden burst of laughter.

Ren Jie's confusion only deepened. "Sir?"

Li Zong laughed for a while before saying, "Assign someone to closely monitor the money. We can't have any dimwits absconding with it."

"Yes, sir," Ren Jie noted down the instruction. "And what about the Hell Church agents? How shall we proceed?"

Li Zong smiled again. "We don't need to take any action. Inform our people stationed near the Zhu family to remain vigilant. This mission doesn't require unnecessary sacrifices. Someone else will inevitably deal with them for us."

Ren Jie was momentarily speechless, the situation suddenly shrouded in mystery.

Li Zong gazed out at the thriving cityscape and murmured, "The world will change from here on..."

***

Inside the Hangzhou hospital, Zhu Ding stirred awake after hours of unconsciousness. A dull ache throbbed in his chest, and his throat felt parched.

"Water…" he croaked with difficulty.

An officer guarding Zhu Ding walked over and offered him a cup of water.

"Thank you," Zhu Ding rasped after taking a sip.

He scanned the room, his gaze landing on the several officers present. "Who are you guys?"

"Mr. Zhu, my name is Jin Kong. We're here to ensure your safety," the officer who provided the water explained.

"Protect me? From what?" Zhu Ding struggled to grasp his situation.

"From Hell Church operatives," Jin Kong replied calmly. "You were recently targeted in an assassination attempt and narrowly escaped with your life."

"The Hell Church..." Zhu Ding muttered, his mind whirring back to life. "No!"

He attempted to rise, only to discover his legs wouldn't obey. The memory of Lei Hao's humiliation flickered back into his mind.

"My legs!" Zhu Ding cried out, his eyes darting down to his limbs encased in splints. "Where are the doctors? Get them in here! I need to know the extent of my injuries!"

"Unfortunately, calling them in right now isn't possible," Jin Kong stated calmly. "However, I can inform you about your legs. Mr. Zhu, you will never walk again."

Zhu Ding reeled back in shock. "No... This can't be true... You're lying!"

Jin Kong remained silent, his expression unreadable.

The silence stretched, and Zhu Ding's face hardened with growing suspicion. "I see it now! You're working with that Yun Lintian scum, aren't you?! Where are my men? What have you done to them?!"

"Mr. Zhu, listen carefully," Jin Kong said, his voice steady. He produced a warrant. "You are under arrest for treason. In other words, you are a prisoner. Your team has already been apprehended."

Zhu Ding stared blankly at the warrant, his world crumbling around him.

"No... This isn't happening..." he whispered, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes. "Right... My father..." He latched onto this hope. "Can I contact my father? I have the right to do that, don't I? Call him now!"

"I'm afraid not, Mr. Zhu," Jin Kong replied with a hint of regret. "Your father has also been arrested."

The last ember of hope within Zhu Ding flickered and died.

"Ha... Hahaha! So this is how it ends! Hahaha!" A chilling laugh erupted from Zhu Ding, his sanity teetering on the edge...