Chapter 39: Mu Ningxue

Just having arrived at the airport, Qin Chen didn't head straight to the auction; it was scheduled for tomorrow. It was already evening, so he found a five-star hotel online to stay for the night before heading to the auction house. However, on his way to the hotel, he was captivated by an extraordinarily beautiful woman.

This young lady was a stunning beauty with a figure that was both slender and curvaceous, exuding an icy aura that made her seem like an unattainable snow mountain. Her presence was mesmerizing yet unapproachable, an indescribable allure that made people long to be close but kept them at a distance.

Dressed in a light blue dress that perfectly accentuated her graceful figure, her developing bosom was captivating, and her long, slender legs were enchanting. Her exquisite and ethereal beauty seemed like it belonged to the heavens, rarely seen on earth. Her long, flowing white hair complemented her icy demeanor perfectly, making her resemble a snow elf from a celestial mountain, unmatched in her frosty allure.

As she walked down the street, almost every man couldn't help but turn to look at her. Despite her youthful and somewhat immature appearance, even a green apple could attract countless admirers of all ages.

«Mu Ningxue!»

At the sight of this figure, the name immediately popped into his mind. Although he had never seen Mu Ningxue before, he knew the name well and was deeply impressed by it. Thus, he instantly recognized her upon seeing her.

Mu Ningxue was accustomed to the countless admiring gazes around her and paid them no mind, her expression cold and her eyes indifferent, walking her path like an ice goddess. Whether it was envy or admiration, it had nothing to do with her, so why should she care?

However, while ignoring these gazes, she also overlooked those with malicious intent. Often, she was unaware of being followed or watched. Observing from a distance, Qin Chen noticed a suspicious figure trailing her, hidden well in her blind spot, so she had no idea of his presence.

As an observer, Qin Chen quickly realized someone was stalking Mu Ningxue, but he didn't alert her. With the bustling crowd, it was impossible to act. The capital city had always had excellent security, and no one dared to make a move on the streets.

Unaware, Mu Ningxue walked to a dark alleyway cornered by towering buildings. These high-rises formed wide, shadowy paths rarely walked by people. She preferred this quiet, less-traveled route leading to the Imperial Academy.

A shadow silently and swiftly approached Mu Ningxue from behind, using the shadow magic of Shadow Evasion, blending seamlessly into the darkness, making no sound—the perfect method for assassination.

As he neared her, the shadowy figure suddenly emerged behind Mu Ningxue, wielding a pitch-black dagger exuding darkness and poison, aiming straight for the back of her head.

«Wind Trail — Swift Movement»

In that instant, Mu Ningxue's heart raced, sensing impending danger. Her vigilance peaked as she instinctively connected the Wind Element Star Track, seven green stars quickly forming beneath her feet. Without wind, a gust swept beneath her, propelling her forward at incredible speed.

«Swish!»

At the last moment, the dagger missed her as she suddenly accelerated. The blade sliced through her silver hair, easily severing the strands, which fell to the ground. Upon closer inspection, the fallen hair turned black and, under the poison's influence, melted into foul water, corroding the ground with holes.

After escaping the danger zone, Mu Ningxue turned and coldly stared at the would-be assassin, a small, black-clad figure about 1.6 meters tall, wearing a ghost mask that hid his face, leaving only a pair of murderous eyes visible.

«Who sent you to kill me?»

Mu Ningxue asked coldly, still shaken by the near-death experience. Had she been a moment slower, she would be dead.

Looking at the assassin's build, she knew she didn't recognize him. He was merely a tool, someone using him to kill her.

«Dead people don't need to know so much.»

The assassin's raspy voice came from beneath the mask, equipped with a voice changer. Clearly, he was a cautious killer. As he spoke, he skillfully connected the Shadow Element Star Map, dark stars rapidly forming a mysterious nail-shaped constellation behind him. As the constellation neared completion, the surrounding area was shrouded in darkness. When it was fully formed, two thick shadow nails appeared and quickly vanished, blending into the darkness like hidden vipers ready to strike.

«Shadow Spike — Twin Nails»

Mu Ningxue immediately recognized the mid-tier second-level Shadow Element spell. She couldn't believe someone would go to such lengths, sending a mid-tier second-level Shadow Mage to kill her, a supposed beginner mage. What a grand gesture!

Simultaneously, the assassin used Shadow Evasion, merging into the darkness. Facing the now-empty scene, Mu Ningxue felt a chill in her heart. In this dark environment, the Shadow Mage had the upper hand.

Her ice magic was ineffective against a Shadow Mage hidden in darkness, not to mention the looming shadow spikes. If she were pinned by them, escaping would be impossible, leading to her death. Her only chance was to unleash all her power the moment the Shadow Mage attacked.

«Ice Crystal Bow»

Inwardly, Mu Ningxue summoned her ultimate weapon, the Ice Crystal Bow. Though it tormented her day and night, it was her lifeline in critical moments. She despised it but had no choice but to rely on it—a true paradox.

In the next instant, a shadow spike emerged from behind, aiming for her shadow. Simultaneously, the assassin appeared beside her, his lethal dagger targeting her heart.

Facing mortal danger, Mu Ningxue summoned her Ice Crystal Bow. The assassin felt an extreme cold from her, a bone-chilling freeze that halted him momentarily. In life-and-death situations, even a moment's hesitation could decide fate!

(End of Chapter)