Assassins

As news of the beast attack spread, Miyat City plunged into panic. This was an event not seen for many years, with the last recorded incident occurring over two hundred years ago.

In that attack, eight saint-level beasts led tens of thousands of sixth-rank or higher beasts in an assault on towns near the Hengduan Mountains. The devastation was immense, leaving ruins in their wake. It ended only after the loss of seven human saint-level strong men and tens of thousands of seventh-rank or higher swordsmen and magicians.

The might of beasts was formidable, often surpassing human counterparts of the same rank. The loss of seven saint-level humans had resulted in the death of just one saint-level beast. The countless sixth-rank or higher beasts, though numerous in their deaths, paled in comparison to the human casualties.

Hence, upon hearing the news, everyone started fleeing. In the lord's mansion of Miyat City, the city lord, Evelyn, a late-stage saint-level strong person, looked worriedly at the few people below. Yehan would recognize this person as the strong man who appeared during his battle with Kres.

"Tell me what you've found out."

"My lord, this beast attack seems far more formidable than any before. We've observed at least fifteen saint-level beasts, countless others above the seventh rank."

"Fifteen?" Evelyn was shocked. Fifteen saint-level beasts, plus innumerable others above the seventh rank.

"Yes, and I suspect there are more than that."

"Why do you say that?"

"We noted that among those fifteen saint-level beasts, only three are mid-stage. Usually, mid-stage saint-level beasts lead such attacks and appear last." The man paused before adding, "So, we suspect there are more than fifteen saint-level beasts involved."

Hearing this, Evelyn's face fell, "Saint-level late-stage beasts involved?"

"Yes, from the current formation, it's certain that late-stage saint-level beasts are part of this attack."

"Miyat City is doomed," Evelyn slumped into his chair, deflated.

"My lord, we should contact the saint-level strong men from the major forces in the city. Their people are still here."

"Yes, go and inform them immediately," Evelyn suddenly stood up.

"There's no need. We are here," several figures in the attire of the Church of Light entered, looking calmly at Evelyn as if nothing was amiss.

"You?" Evelyn looked incredulously at them.

"As representatives of the God of Light, it is our duty to relieve the people of this continent from suffering," they declared piously.

Yehan, unbothered by the news of the beast attack, walked towards the western mansion with Xiaoya. Suddenly, he stopped and cautiously surveyed his surroundings.

"Stay close to me, Xiaoya," he instructed, quickening his pace. They wandered through Miyat City's streets before arriving at a deserted alley. Yehan halted and shielded Xiaoya behind him.

"Come out, you've followed us all this way," Yehan spoke sternly to the apparently empty alley, but there was no response. Moments later, three bursts of fighting energy attacked from the front. The intense energy caused a disturbance in the air. As Yehan prepared to counterattack, a presence rapidly approached from behind.

Yehan grabbed Xiaoya and pulled her aside. "Close your eyes."

"Bang!" Yehan turned into a blur, his hand transforming into a claw, striking fiercely at the attacker.

"Hmph," the assailant sneered, dodging and countering with a short dagger aimed at Yehan's claw. Yehan's face twisted into a cruel smile as his claws extended an inch, becoming razor-sharp.

"Clang!" The sounds of metal clashing rang out. The attacker was taken aback, giving Yehan the chance to get closer.

Without hesitation, Yehan's clawed hand grasped the attacker's head. With a brutal smile, he clenched his hand tightly.

"Splat!"

The attacker's head burst open, blood splattering everywhere, and he fell dead instantly.

"Bang, bang, bang!" Three more bursts of fighting energy struck Yehan, all deflected by his formidable physique.

"How is this possible?" the remaining three attackers were stunned.

Their intelligence had informed them that Yehan was a ninth-rank swordsman with quick speed and powerful sword skills, but they lacked information about his defensive capabilities, leading to their failed plan.

"The information was wrong," one of them uttered.

But Yehan was already launching an attack. The three were all ninth-rank fighters with good coordination, and Yehan seemed to be at a slight disadvantage.

"Which power do you belong to?"

"We don't belong to any," they replied.

"Hmph," not wanting to waste time, Yehan drew a long sword. "Die," he said, unleashing his full speed. The alley was filled with Yehan's figures.

After several strikes, Yehan stopped beside Xiaoya and pulled her away. "We were misinformed today. Next time it won't be just us," one of the men behind them groaned in pain before collapsing.

Yehan quickly led Xiaoya towards the western mansion, concerned that Lans and the others might also be under attack. Arriving at the newly purchased mansion, he was shocked to see the gates shattered by a powerful attack. Without a second thought, Yehan and Xiaoya hurried inside.

The once pleasant mansion was now in ruins. Deep pits and collapsed buildings littered the area, and bodies in the same attire as the attackers Yehan had encountered lay scattered. Yehan quickened his pace, increasingly alarmed.

Seeing Lans wounded and accompanied by a powerful middle-aged man, Yehan coldly asked, "You encountered them too?"

"It was the Assassins Guild," Lans panted heavily, with Sherry's veil already fallen, revealing her delicate features and simple attire, marked with dust from the recent fight.

Yehan glanced briefly at Sherry's beauty, "Assassins, are you sure?"

"Yes, only the Assassins Guild uses such short swords. They don't care for flashy moves; efficiency in killing is their priority," Lans said, holding his chest where blood still seeped out. His pale face and recent wounds indicated his exhaustion.

"I haven't heard of the Assassins Guild," Yehan remarked, somewhat puzzled. He had an inkling about Lans's identity, considering the middle-aged man beside him, still holding a blood-stained sword.

"The Assassins Guild is a secretive organization on the continent. They train talented orphans in assassination skills and work for major families and powers to handle matters those clients can't be seen dealing with themselves. Their services are expensive."

"On our way back, Xiaoya and I also encountered several attackers, but their target was not me, but Xiaoya," Yehan shared his confusion.

"Their target was also my sister," Lans said, gesturing to the dead Assassins Guild members and then at Sherry.

"Did they say anything?"

"No, Assassins Guild members would rather die than reveal any information. Since their establishment three hundred years ago, no one, except for the heads of a few major powers, knows the location of their headquarters."

"Their targets are Xiaoya and Sherry... Could it be that..." Yehan and Lans exchanged a knowing look, both having suspicions but not voicing them.

"Assassins, huh?" Yehan's lips curled into a cruel smile as a short sword appeared in his hand, spinning continuously.

"You..." Lans was surprised at the sight of Yehan's short sword.

"This was my first weapon. Later, after learning the sword, I stopped using it." Yehan looked at the short sword, then added, "If they want to play, I'll gladly join the game," a bloodthirsty glint in his eyes as he looked towards Miyat City.

"What are your plans now?"

"This place is no longer safe. If they didn't succeed this time, they'll send stronger people next. And with the beast attack on Miyat City..."

"Are you going back to your family?" Yehan asked, somewhat disappointed. He had grown to appreciate Lans's demeanor over the past two days. Unlike others who changed their attitude upon learning of Yehan's identity, Lans remained calm.

If Lans's calm was an act, Yehan felt resigned to his fate. It was rare for someone to maintain such composure upon learning of Yehan's true nature.