Get Lost Female Protagonist! I Choose the Villainess! - Chapter 79:
Chapter 79: How Did You Give Birth to Such a Foolish Son?:
With another heavy thud, Li Junting was once again thrown to the ground, his face swollen and bruised beyond recognition. He was now completely beaten, both physically and in spirit.
“Ling Kong! I’ll fight you till the end!” Li Junting roared, driven by rage and humiliation. His body was in agony, but he couldn’t hold back his fury. Like a crazed animal, he charged at Ling Kong one final time.
This time, Ling Kong decided to finish it. With a swift motion, his fist struck Li Junting squarely in the chest. The impact sent Li Junting crashing to the ground, unconscious.
Ling Kong dusted off his hands, signaling that the matter was settled.
From the beginning, Ling Kong hadn’t wanted to deal with petty characters like Li Junting. But they had forced his hand with their arrogance and ignorance.
Throughout the entire ordeal, no one dared to utter a word. The Li family remained silent because the person they faced was none other than the prince himself. The commoners, on the other hand, were too oppressed to even consider speaking up—but truth be told, many found satisfaction in seeing the Li family humbled.
Li Junting, like his father Li Duoxiong, had oppressed the people of Black Rain City, indulging in tyranny without consequence. Although Li Junting’s misdeeds were fewer, he had still ruined lives, forcing his will upon innocent girls and terrorizing their families. His actions were a reflection of the corruption within the entire City Lord’s Mansion.
Xia Yuran stood to the side, silent and lost in thought. She couldn’t tell whether everything that had unfolded was her fault or not. She simply stared at Ling Kong, feeling a whirlwind of emotions she couldn’t fully comprehend.
Jiang Ruoxi, meanwhile, remained quiet as well. She had never intended to get involved with Xia Yuran and Li Junting. They had sought their own downfall.
“City Lord Li, when a father fails to discipline his son, it falls upon others to do so.” Ling Kong said, his tone icy. “You should take responsibility.”
Li Duoxiong immediately bowed his head. “Yes, Your Highness. You are absolutely right. It is my fault as a father.”
Though Ling Kong appeared to be just a young man, his demeanor and strength were far beyond his years. He had already shown combat abilities rivaling those of the Profound Spirit Realm, making his future potential immeasurable.
“Your faults as a father are evident,” Ling Kong continued, his voice cold. “But your failings as a city lord are even more grave.”
Li Duoxiong’s heart sank. The prince’s words carried a clear implication. Ling Kong was aware of more than just his son’s behavior.
“City Lord Li, tell me about Black Rain City,” Ling Kong demanded.
Li Duoxiong forced a smile and bowed lower. “Your Highness, Black Rain City thrives under my governance. The people are content, and we, in the City Lord’s Mansion, serve them with care and devotion. Peace and prosperity abound.”
Ling Kong’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Is that so? Truly a paradise.”
The people watching from the shadows silently cursed Li Duoxiong’s blatant lies. They knew the truth—the City Lord’s Mansion ruled with an iron fist, and their lives were far from peaceful.
Ling Kong gestured for the restaurant owner to come forward. “You. How much do I owe you for the damage done here?”
The restaurant owner trembled and stammered, “Y-Your Highness… I wouldn’t dare accept compensation…”
Li Duoxiong quickly interjected, “The City Lord’s Mansion will cover any costs. Consider it done.”
“Such generosity from a city lord who claims to care for his people,” Ling Kong said sarcastically.
The people watching knew better. They hoped Ling Kong would see through Li Duoxiong’s facade. They prayed for justice, even as fear held their tongues.
“The rules of Black Rain City… all of them are dictated by the City Lord’s Mansion, correct?” Ling Kong’s gaze hardened. “The people have no freedom at all, isn’t that right?”
A wave of hope rippled through the crowd. The prince understood their plight! Black Rain City was a prison, and they were trapped under the City Lord’s thumb.
“Your Highness, every rule we set is in accordance with imperial law,” Li Duoxiong insisted, his voice shaky.
“Is it?” Ling Kong asked coldly. “Then explain why a meal priced at 50 spirit stones was raised to 10 million spirit stones at your son’s whim?”
Li Duoxiong glared at his unconscious son, fury burning in his eyes. How could he have raised such a fool?
“Your Highness, this was a grave mistake on my son’s part. I assure you, he will be punished.”
Ling Kong ignored him, turning to the people. “Tell me, what is Black Rain City really like under this man’s rule? I want the truth.”
The people stirred but remained silent, paralyzed by fear of retribution. Ling Kong saw their fear, felt the weight of the city’s oppressive rule.
“If no one will speak,” Ling Kong said, “then I’ll turn to someone who will. Zhang Yuding, you’ve been here for some time. Tell me what you’ve seen.”
Li Duoxiong’s eyes widened, silently pleading with Zhang Yuding. But Zhang Yuding’s next words shattered any hope of escape.
“Your Highness, everything Li Duoxiong said is a lie!” Zhang Yuding declared. “The City Lord’s Mansion has committed countless atrocities. They rule through fear, oppress the people, and claim power that doesn’t belong to them. The evidence is all here. I have gathered it myself. Today, it is in your hands.”
Li Duoxiong’s world crumbled. This was no simple inquiry. It was judgment day.