Assassins Arrive

Carrying Feng Ning on his back, Feng Wuchen returned to their small courtyard, his face pale. Yue Qingyin placed her palm against his back, infusing him with a strand of spiritual energy.

"Taking down two Qi Condensation experts wasn't as effortless as it looked, was it?" she remarked.

Feng Wuchen took a deep breath, choosing not to address her question. "Now that this matter is settled, why haven't you left yet?"

His coldness caused Yue Qingyin to frown slightly. She was used to being admired for her beauty and talent, with suitors lining up from Qingchen Sect to Luofeng City. This was the first time she had met a man utterly indifferent to her charms.

Did he not like women?

"Now that you've severed ties with the Feng family, what's your next move?"

"On the fifteenth of next month, I'll be at Qingchen Sect," Feng Wuchen replied.

Yue Qingyin's eyes widened. Could he read her mind?

"How will you get there? Though Luofeng City and Qingchen Sect are both in Cangzhou's Chen Kingdom, they're separated by thousands of miles, north to south. Ordinary carriages would take an entire month, while Qingchen Sect's flying boat would only need seven days."

Feng Wuchen wasn't foolish. He caught her meaning: she was inviting him to ride the Qingchen Sect's flying boat. But he understood a vital principle: debts of gold are easy to repay, but debts of kindness are not. As mere acquaintances, he preferred not to owe favors.

"Thank you for your kindness, Miss Yue, but there's plenty of time before Qingchen Sect's recruitment day. Ordinary transport will suffice."

Yue Qingyin glanced at him meaningfully but did not press further. "Suit yourself… But remember, this place is surrounded by mountains and lacks long-distance routes. Even regular carriages must travel to Heishui City on the other side of the mountains. Be careful. I'll wait for you at Qingchen Sect."

After she left, Feng Ning, who had been staring at the door, hesitantly called, "Brother…"

Feng Wuchen turned, sipping tea. "What is it?"

"Does that sister like you?" she asked softly.

"Pfft…" Feng Wuchen nearly spat out his tea. "Cough… Why would you say that?"

Feng Ning blinked her innocent eyes. "The books say people act differently around the ones they like. Sister Yue is cold to everyone but behaves differently around you."

"Different how? She's always had that look like everyone owes her money. And when she helped me practice swordsmanship, she certainly wasn't holding back."

"Hmph… She just is different! And actually, brother, your attitude toward her is even worse."

"Really?" Feng Wuchen was surprised.

Feng Ning nodded earnestly. "Yes!"

Seeing her seriousness, Feng Wuchen smiled, ruffling her hair. "You're too young to understand. Now, hurry and pack your things! We're leaving Luofeng City tomorrow."

"Okay!"

…

That night, in the Lin Manor.

In Lin Cang's study, two servants knelt on one knee.

"Is everything arranged?" Lin Cang inquired.

"Yes," one servant confirmed. "Your letter has been sent and will reach Qingchen Sect's eldest lady in half a month at most."

The other servant added, "We've also secured an agreement with Bloodclothes Tower: a bounty of one million gold coins to ensure that boy never reaches Qingchen Sect!"

"Good!" Lin Cang's old eyes were filled with murderous intent as the servants left.

"That brat killed my son! I won't rest until he's dead! Even if I can't kill him, I refuse to believe Bloodclothes Tower can't do the job!"

But as his voice echoed, an intense killing intent enveloped him.

"It seems I've come too late," a voice coldly remarked.

"What?!"

Lin Cang spun around, only to see a gleaming sword flash before him. He used all his strength to dodge, but at such close range, escaping a sword cultivator was impossible.

Slash!

Lin Cang's head rolled to the ground, eyes wide open, filled with unwillingness even in death.

"Sigh… I knew that old dog wouldn't give up easily. But it seems I arrived just a bit too late. Looks like this journey won't be peaceful," the voice muttered.

…

At dawn, Feng Wuchen set off with Feng Ning, leaving Luofeng City behind. As Yue Qingyin had mentioned, the city was surrounded by mountains, and the routes were difficult to traverse. To reach Heishui City and take a carriage to Qingchen Sect, they had to pass through treacherous mountain paths.

The mountain trail proved even more arduous than expected, especially since Feng Wuchen was carrying Feng Ning. By sunset, they had only covered two-thirds of the journey to Heishui City.

Opting not to travel at night, Feng Wuchen knew that the mountains were home to dangerous beasts, especially after dark. He pitched a tent, lit a campfire, and hunted a gray wolf to satisfy their hunger before urging Feng Ning to rest.

"Brother, aren't you going to sleep?" Feng Ning asked.

"If I sleep, who will protect my little Ning?"

"Then I won't sleep either. I'll stay up with you!"

She left the tent and sat beside him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Brother, tell me more about our parents… Why did they leave us?"

Feng Wuchen sighed. "Perhaps they had reasons they couldn't explain. But don't worry, Ning'er. Someday, I'll find the truth for you. I promise!"

Before long, Feng Ning fell asleep leaning against him. Gently, Feng Wuchen tucked her back into the tent, then sat in meditation to guard the camp.

Over time, his recent battles had helped him gain new insights into the madman's sword techniques.

A sudden gust of wind carried a chilling killing intent, snapping his eyes open.

Whoosh!

The moment the sound reached him, several black-tipped arrows were already upon him.

Clang!

Feng Wuchen swiftly drew his Burning Sun Sword, deflecting the incoming arrows with ease.

"Hmph!"

With a cold snort, he launched himself toward the origin of the attack.

"Impressive—you noticed my position," a voice sneered as a man dressed in black drew a poisoned dagger, the blade gleaming darkly in the moonlight.

"An Innate realm cultivator worth a million gold? Looks like I'll be rich! And with that storage artifact you're carrying too…" The assassin's eyes gleamed with greed as he lunged forward.

But as his dagger thrust out, his grin froze.

Feng Wuchen's form disappeared.

"How…"

"Too slow."

Feng Wuchen's voice came from behind, his sword aura freezing the air. The assassin felt as though he'd fallen into an icy abyss.

"Sword intent! You're a sword cultivator!"

"Too late."

Slash!

In the moonlight, a fountain of blood arced gracefully before the assassin's lifeless body hit the ground.

A single strike to the throat.