Lin Xiaotian's smile didn't diminish in the slightest; instead, it grew more pronounced. "We're all adults, please don't say such childish things. It only makes me want to mock you."
"The item is already with me. You want me to return it? On what grounds?"
"I've already told you, if I'm angered, the consequences will be severe."
"I gave you a chance, but you were useless."
Just as Song Hui was about to erupt in furious roars, Lin Xiaotian's jade flute suddenly shot out from his hand.
The jade flute struck Song Hui's face with a sharp crack.
Song Hui felt an immense pain bloom across his face. Instinctively, he reached up to touch it. The piercing agony made him gasp for air. It was then he realized Lin Xiaotian had torn his skin open.
Rage flickered across his face, contorting his features. The movement of his facial muscles pulled at the wound, causing him to cry out in pain, his eyes reddening.
His gaze was filled with an intense, venomous hatred.
"Lin Xiaotian, do you really think that by taking this jade flute, I'm powerless against those蛊虫 (gǔchóng)?"
"I was prepared long ago. If anything happens to me today, all the employees at your company will surely die."
"Those蛊虫 are connected to my 본명蛊虫 (běnmìng gǔchóng). If anything happens to me, they won't be spared."
As his voice fell, Lin Xiaotian's finger shot forward, grabbing the small insect on Song Hui's shoulder.
His smile widened. "You're talking about this thing?"
"This little fellow is indeed quite cute, to the point where you've refined it into your 본명蛊虫. However, there's something you might not have seen before."
"I don't mind showing you something new today."
With that, he produced a small jade bottle. Upon opening it, the蛊虫 seemed to encounter its natural predator. It stopped moving its wings and fell to the ground, trembling.
The fact that it reacted this way before the bottle was even fully opened sent a tremor through Song Hui's heart. A possibility flashed through his mind.
"What is that thing?"
Lin Xiaotian chuckled. "I think you've already guessed, but you're afraid to believe it."
"But it's alright, you'll know what it is soon enough."
He opened the lid of the small jade bottle, and a small, jade-white beetle flew out. It circled Lin Xiaotian joyfully before suddenly pouncing down, pinning Song Hui's 본명蛊虫 to the ground.
Without hesitation, it began to devour it.
A 蛊王 (gǔwáng) naturally feeds on蛊虫. Even the fiercest蛊虫 would not dare to move in the presence of a true 蛊王, as if suppressed by a primal bloodline.
As his 본명蛊虫 was consumed, Song Hui's facial muscles twitched. His eyes were filled with extreme terror.
"You... How could you possibly have a 蛊王?"
His voice trembled with disbelief, his heart a tempest. He understood his situation all too well. Even if his 본명蛊虫 was gone, the other蛊虫 he had released would remain inert.
Because a 蛊王 had appeared in this building, all the蛊虫 were likely trembling, afraid to move.
This natural bloodline suppression could not be overcome by mere strength.
Lin Xiaotian's smile grew more pronounced. "I told you long ago, I get angry, and the consequences are severe."
"Now, have you thought about how you want to die?"
Hearing this, Song Hui finally reacted. His eyes were wide with fear.
He stumbled backward, his face growing paler. The death of his 본명蛊虫 had dealt a significant blow to his spirit.
His steps were unsteady, his internal energy in disarray. Even an ordinary person could easily subdue him now.
Such an injury would take at least ten days to half a month to recover, and he was currently facing Lin Xiaotian.
Lin Xiaotian asked with a half-smile, "It seems you haven't thought of it. But that's fine. I already told you, angering me will bring you no good."
"I don't care who is behind you, nor how powerful your family is. In my eyes, you bug-players are nothing."
Song Hui offered no rebuttal.
He knew in his heart that no matter how powerful a蛊虫 was, it was a joke before a 蛊王.
"Please, give me a chance. I promise I'll never appear before you again. I'll also relay the message back, telling everyone in our Song family to avoid you at all costs. This will save you a lot of trouble."
"Then our Song family won't bother you, and you won't..."
Before he could finish, Lin Xiaotian kicked him directly in the face.
The intense pain sent Song Hui flying backward. He landed on the ground, blood gushing from his mouth as several teeth were knocked down his throat by the kick.
The fear in his eyes intensified. "I'm telling the truth. When I return, I won't harbor any thoughts of revenge. Even our family head, upon hearing this, will surely back down."
"We who play with蛊虫 understand the immense deterrence of a true 蛊王."
"Without the assistance of蛊虫, our Song family is like a tiger that has lost its claws, a flock of sheep waiting to be slaughtered."
"Please, give me another chance. I truly know I was wrong."
As he spoke, Song Hui hesitated for a moment before kneeling on the ground. In that moment, he chose life over his dignity.
Lin Xiaotian sneered, "Where did that arrogant attitude of yours go? I preferred you when you were defiant."
"Also, let me tell you something. My words are like water poured out. If I said I'd make you suffer the utmost pain in this world, I will not go back on my word."
"However, I can give you a chance to return directly to the Song family."
"But whether you can speak again after that will depend on your own willpower."
"Don't worry, you won't die. This can be considered a parting gift from me to your Song family."
With that, he produced silver needles and plunged them into Song Hui.