“Hmph…” Handsome Scholar let out a cold laugh, expressing his sense of intellectual superiority.

Blackridge Expert said, “If none of you answer all the questions correctly, then all three of you will be killed, and I’ll go pick the next batch of targets. After all, there’s no shortage of handsome men in this world—the last thing we lack are pretty boys. Of course, if more than two of you answer everything correctly, I’ll still only choose one. In short, out of the three of you, only one can live.”

Handsome Scholar bent down and said, “Sir, I passed the county-level exam at sixteen. If not for my offense, I would have already passed the provincial exam this year. So whatever questions you have, please ask away.”

“Very well, the first question…” Blackridge Expert was just about to ask the first question.

Unexpectedly, Gavin Clark interrupted him and turned to Manly Gentleman, saying, “Brother, may I ask your name and what crime you committed?”

The others were stunned, looking at Gavin Clark as if he were crazy. At a time like this, when life and death are being decided, you actually interrupt Lord Blackridge to make friends? You really have a death wish.

Manly Gentleman said, “My name is Brian Wood. I seduced my general’s daughter, so I was caught.”

Gavin Clark then turned to Handsome Scholar and asked, “And you, brother?”

Handsome Scholar said, “I am Liam Grant, because I fell in love with a woman I shouldn’t have.”

Blackridge Expert sneered, “After you pledged yourself to the magistrate Ning’s daughter, you then seduced his concubine as well. Is that love too?”

Handsome Scholar said, “Of course. Little Die and her mother are so alike. It’s only natural that I fell in love with both of them.”

Gavin Clark looked at Handsome Scholar with admiration and said, “Brother Grant, you are truly a role model for our generation. I’ve long admired you!”

Liam Grant said, “And you? What’s your name, and what crime did you commit?”

Gavin Clark said, “No wonder I feel such a connection with you two. Turns out we’re all kindred spirits. My name is Gavin Clark. My crime is falling in love with over a hundred women I shouldn’t have—and they’re all rich.”

As soon as he said this, Brian Wood and Liam Grant’s eyes immediately blazed with fury, exchanging a glance: Let’s kill this Gavin Clark.

To be honest, Brian Wood and Liam Grant didn’t take Gavin Clark seriously at all. One was a military scholar, a talented and powerful young officer; the other, a prodigy who passed the county exam at sixteen. As for Gavin Clark, he was born a beggar, a cockroach from the sewers—how could he compare to them?

Blackridge Expert said, “First question: What do you think attracts the Lord of Lie Feng City, Jing Zhongyue, to you?”

Manly Gentleman replied confidently, “My martial skills. I can fight for her across the land, and protect her family and estate.”

Blackridge Expert nodded and said, “Your martial arts are indeed impressive. To capture you, dozens of warriors from Hanshui City died. That’s why we had to seal your meridians with silver needles.”

Then, Blackridge Expert asked, “Liam Grant, what about you?”

Handsome Scholar said, “I rely on my intelligence. The no-man’s land is wild and chaotic, and the female demon of Lie Feng City definitely needs a strategist like me.”

Blackridge Expert said, “Your intelligence is indeed remarkable. If not for you, you’d still be the chief advisor at the magistrate’s office.”

Then Blackridge Expert turned his gaze to Gavin Clark and said, “And you? What do you rely on to attract and conquer the female demon?”

Gavin Clark thought for a while, then answered seriously, “Of course, it’s my unparalleled good looks—and some unspeakably despicable tricks.”

At these words, the whole place fell silent. Everyone present stared at him, eyes wide and unblinking, as if looking at an idiot.

Is this guy sure he’s sane? Is living really that unbearable? He’s just begging to die.

Blackridge Expert said, “Second question: Who is the person you care about most, the one you can’t let go of?”

At this question, Brian Wood and Liam Grant’s eyes narrowed, immediately understanding the hidden meaning.

If they successfully infiltrate Lie Feng City, what will keep them loyal? Of course, their families would be used as hostages. The deeper their feelings for their loved ones, the more Blackridge can trust them, and the higher their chances of survival.

Brian Wood’s eyes instantly reddened, and he said with a trembling voice, “Sir, my own death is nothing. But I still have parents at home. They poured their hearts and souls into raising me, every meal and every sip hard-earned. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss them. My death doesn’t matter, but I can’t care for my poor parents in their old age. I hate it, I hate it so much! Right now, I’d rather they completely forget their unfilial son, so they wouldn’t have to weep for me every night till dawn. Father, mother, your son has failed you!”

With that, Brian Wood dropped to his knees, facing the direction of his parents, wailing and kowtowing until his forehead bled.

Liam Grant cursed inwardly, Brian Wood, you look so upright and fierce, but you’re quite the actor. Now that you’ve said all that about your parents, what am I supposed to do?

Blackridge Expert asked, “Liam Grant, what about you? Who is the person you care about most, the one you can’t let go of?”