“None of the hostages are from Luo City; only two are from Nanjiang City. Most of them are from the north. However, the news about my return had only been reported. So, I’d like to know how you knew I was here? And who persuaded you to come here to force my hand? You are a large group, and you’re gathering at the army base entrance to cause trouble. Maybe there are spies among you? Or maybe the kidnappers are among you? They brought you here to make things difficult for me so that I would be forced to accept their terms. The ultimate beneficiaries will be them.’

After saying that, Lu Xingzhi walked up and pulled Jiang Yao behind him. His tall body blocked everyone’s gaze from Jiang Yao.

“The country punishes spies severely. Once they are discovered, they will be executed immediately!” Lu Xingzhi’s words were powerful and pierced through everyone’s eardrums. “Now, none of you are allowed to leave. We will begin to examine and verify the information. If we discover that you are not related to any of the hostages, you will be treated as spies. You will be sent to a military court and executed immediately!”

After saying that, Lu Xingzhi gestured for the soldiers guarding the entrance to open the gate. He acted as if he would lead his soldiers to control everyone outside.

However, when Lu Xingzhi’s hand touched the gate, there was a commotion. Even though the night was dark, one could still see many people trying their best to push the people who were blocking their way and escape.

Lu Xingzhi gestured for his people not to go out. He stood there listening to the commotion. The children were pushed to the ground, and they cried loudly. Some people were trampled and scolded loudly. However, when everyone returned to their senses in just a few minutes, less than half of the initial crowd remained.

The remaining people looked left and right and immediately understood they had been used. Those who had escaped were the kidnappers’ subordinates. Even if they were not subordinates, they still worked for them.

“I did not expect there would still be so many scourges left in society.” Zhou Junmin clicked his tongue.

“Everyone, the country does not treat the lives of your loved ones as a joke. Everyone is working hard to save them. Therefore, I hope that you can maintain your rationality and calmness in the future. You must not be used by others again.” The chief stepped forward promptly and said, “We will conduct an audit now. After the audit has confirmed that there are no other problems, the army will arrange for a car to send you to the downtown area. If there are any doubts in the audit, they will be sent to the police station for verification. If they are confirmed to be spies, they will be sent to the military court.”

Those words were nothing more than an attempt to coax those commoners who did not know the law. However, it was indeed useful. A few people ran away when they saw the chief bringing people out..