Chapter 286: Gunning for Victory

A white off-road vehicle pulled up to the entrance of an abandoned factory in Horington's western countryside. Jared emerged, radiating a dangerous aura.

"He's here!" Leyton exclaimed, his excitement warring with apprehension. He turned to Tyrion. "Jared is very strong, Mr. Whitaker. Are you sure your guards can defeat him?"

The guards overheard, their expressions turning grim. One smashed his fist into a nearby cement block, sending shards flying and revealing the steel framework within. Leyton was speechless.

Tyrion scoffed. "These men are masters of internal energy. They can kill an ox with a single punch. Do you think they'll struggle with a mere human?"

"O-Of course not!" Leyton stammered, nodding eagerly.

"And if they fail," Tyrion continued, producing a handgun, "there's always me!" He loaded the weapon before Leyton, adding, "Jared might be strong, but he can't dodge a bullet."

"Haha, Jared's dead meat!" Leyton boomed. "No one's saving him now!" The gun seemingly eased his anxiety; Jared's fists were no match for a bullet.

Josephine, eavesdropping, panicked at the sight of the gun. I can't let Jared risk his life for me! she thought. God, I can't watch him die! How can I warn him? She was trapped.

Jared approached the factory. His spiritual energy, extending ten meters, allowed him to sense everything around him. He saw two powerfully built guards at the entrance, clearly skilled fighters. Leyton sat nearby, legs crossed, staring at Jared with undisguised contempt. Jared was, in Leyton's eyes, a condemned man.

"You actually showed up alone?" Leyton jeered, rising. "Impressed by your foolish bravery!"

"Where's Josephine?" Jared asked calmly.

Josephine recognized his voice. "Jared! Run! They have a gun!" she yelled, banging frantically on the door.

Jared heard her muffled cries from inside and rushed towards the sound. The bodyguards immediately intercepted him.

Tyrion opened the door and roughly shoved Josephine out, gun still in hand. Her hair was matted, her face grimy; she looked abused. Seeing Jared, she screamed, "Leave me! They won't kill me! Save yourself!"

"Shut up!" Tyrion roared, silencing her with a harsh slap.

Jared's aura intensified, causing Tyrion to flinch. Quickly, Tyrion pressed the gun to Josephine's head. "One more step, and she's dead!" Fear flickered in his eyes.

Leyton, however, wasn't finished. "Don't even think about leaving alive," he mocked. "You think you're untouchable because you know Tommy Lewis and Walter Grange? You dare intimidate me? Well, none of them can save you now!" His past meekness towards Jared fueled his current rage. He advanced, hand raised to strike.

The extraneous website promotion has been removed. The narrative is now more concise and grammatically correct.