Ambush

Shangguan Kang comes from the Shangguan Family, a powerful mid-level Lineage within the Heavenly Star Alliance.

Their Lineage has a long history, having worked in the Heavenly Star Alliance for generations. They not only have their own Golden Core Stage Old Ancestor, but also more than twenty Foundation Establishment Cultivator in the family.

Shangguan Kang himself is a prominent member of the younger generation of the Shangguan Family.

With exceptional talent, a smooth and tactful nature, and excellent interpersonal skills, he successfully Foundation Establishment before the age of fifty and has recently broken through to the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage. He is regarded as one of the core talents that the Lineage will cultivate within the alliance in the future.

Shangguan Kang has been extremely busy lately, to the point that he is utterly exhausted.

The reason was simple: he was fiercely competing with Nie Tianchi, an outstanding member of the Nie Family family, another Lineage within the Heavenly Star Alliance, for the newly established "lucrative" position of tax collector.

This is no small position.

Because the areas under its jurisdiction are highly lucrative.

Various crafting materials and Law Artifact are traded frequently, and the tax revenue is extremely substantial.

The resources accumulated over ten years of service are enough to support a Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Cultivator to smoothly cultivate all the way to the Peak Foundation Establishment.

More importantly, this position is seen as a crucial stepping stone to the upper echelons of the Heavenly Star Alliance's management, impacting the individual and their Lineage's long-term development within the alliance.

The appointment of such positions in the Heavenly Star Alliance follows a relatively open and transparent procedure: first, "long-term citizens" who have lived in the location for more than ten years and possess certain assets or prestige vote to form a preliminary agreement.

The final decision will be made by the relevant senior departments of the Heavenly Star Alliance after comprehensive consideration.

Under normal circumstances, barring any major errors, the city's election results are essentially the final outcome.

In order to win the favor of the many weapon refiners and shop owners in the area, Shangguan Kang has spent almost every day in the past few months visiting each household with a humble attitude and sincere words, promising various conveniences, and even using his own money to provide some resources and support to some promising weapon refiners.

In contrast, his rival Nie Tianchi came from a more illustrious background and was more Talent, but he was arrogant and disdained to "humbly" lobby around.

Hard work pays off.

Today, after leaving the shop of a Foundation Establishment Realm weapon-refining master who was quite famous in the Hundred Refinement District, Shangguan Kang finally showed a long-lost satisfied smile, tinged with fatigue.

The master just now clearly stated that he would vote for him.

Roughly estimated, over 60% of the merchants and weapon refiners with voting rights in the entire Hundred Refinement District tend to support him.

"The situation is settled." Shangguan Kang thought to himself, his steps becoming lighter.

"Nie Tianchi, Nie Tianchi, you rely on your high Talent and strong background, yet you're unwilling to even lower yourself to build good relationships with these weapon refiners. What makes you think you can compete with me?"

"This position should rightfully belong to me, Shangguan Kang."

In a good mood, he even hummed a little tune. After identifying the direction, he used his movement Movement Method to slowly and steadily move towards the Shangguan Family home of the Shangguan family in the eastern district of Heavenly Star City.

This area is near the edge of the eastern district, and pedestrians are becoming increasingly scarce. The buildings on both sides of the street are no longer shops, but rather high-walled courtyards or secluded gardens.

Just as he passed a particularly quiet side road lined with tall, Mind-Calming Wood on both sides.

A sudden change has occurred!

Buzz!

A faint yet extremely sharp whooshing sound pierced the air, and almost instantly it was right next to us!

The sound of air being torn apart was also mixed with a chilling, subtle rumble of thunder and a trembling sound as if space was being sliced apart at high speed!

Shangguan Kang was, after all, Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Cultivator, and having been in a competitive environment for many years, he was quite vigilant.

The moment the sound reached his ears, the hair on his body stood on end, and an unprecedented sense of impending death washed over him like ice water!

He didn't even have time to think, let alone make any effective defensive or evasive moves. He relied entirely on a life-saving item bestowed upon him by his Lineage's Golden Core Ancestor —an ancient jade Jade Pendant engraved with the words "Shangguan" that he wore close to his body. The pendant activated on its own the moment he sensed a fatal threat!

"Crack!" The Jade Pendant shattered.

A solid, milky-white oval-shaped light shield suddenly expanded from the Jade Pendant pendant, completely protecting Shangguan Kang within it!

The light shield swirled and emitted a solid and heavy defensive aura, reaching an instantaneous strength approaching that of a top-grade defensive Law Artifact!

Almost at the same instant the light mask was formed!

Clang--!!!

A deafening explosion, as if metal had been torn apart by a tremendous force, rang out less than three feet in front of Shangguan Kang!

The violent shockwave caused the leaves of the Mind-Calming Wood on both sides to fall in a flurry.

Shangguan Kang felt a turquoise and silver-white light flashing wildly before his eyes. An indescribable force slammed into the light barrier, causing his Qi and Blood to surge, his ears to ring, and him to involuntarily take half a step back.

As the light dimmed, he was horrified to see that a Longsword with a dark blue blade crackling with blinding silver arcs of electricity was firmly embedded in the surface of the milky white light shield!

At the tip of the sword, a point of extremely refined sharpness and lightning power was frantically eroding the light shield, emitting a teeth-grinding "sizzling" sound.

The light shield fluctuated violently, and countless fine cracks spread rapidly like a spider web from the point of contact with the sword tip, and it looked like it was about to collapse!

So close!

If it weren't for the Jade Pendant automatically protecting its owner, his head would probably have already been pierced by this lightning-fast flying sword carrying the power of Thunder!

The one who made the move was, of course Su Bai, who had been lying in wait for a long time.

[Lightning Sword Resonance] is his self-created killing move that combines speed and instantaneous explosive power to the extreme.

Using his Natal Spirit Sword "Soaring Dragon" as a vessel, he integrates the power of Thunder he has just mastered, striving for a one-hit kill, making him especially suitable for sneak attacks.

Combined with the ultimate enhancement of his spiritual Sword Phantasm by the Spirit Sword he had condensed in the Foundation Establishment Early Stage, the power of this sword strike was indeed enough to threaten or even instantly kill most Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Cultivator who lacked Top Grade protective measures.

How could a scion like Shangguan Kang, whom his Lineage had heavily cultivated, not possess any trump cards to protect himself?

This was exactly what Su Bai had anticipated.

His plan was to force out or deplete the opponent's strongest automatic defense with the first strike, followed by the real kill!

"Sword Phantasm Natal Sword Qi, Slash!"

Su Bai did not appear; he remained hidden in the shadow of a building in the distance, yet his control was precise and effortless.

The Soaring Dragon Sword nailed to the light shield suddenly shone brightly at the tip, and a wisp of light, as thin as a hair but with a strange semi-transparent texture and seemingly dark gold patterns flowing inside, quietly emerged from the tip of the sword!

This wisp of energy, though seemingly weak, contains the core destructive power of Su Bai's Sword Phantasm, the essence of his Sword Dao Cultivation!

"This is... the Sword Phantasm Natal Sword Qi?! You... you are Sword Cultivator who has condensed Sword Phantasm!"

Shangguan Kang's pupils contracted to their maximum, and all color drained from his face.

Sword Cultivator who can cultivate Sword Phantasm possesses almost invincible offensive power among those of the same level!

What alarmed him even more was the opponent's style of concealing their movements, fleeing immediately if their attack failed, and their signature Pale Mask and black robe...

"The Assassin of the Azure Fish Hall!"

He finally screamed, his voice distorted with fear.

He had heard of this mysterious organization, but he never imagined that he would become its target!

"Bye now."

Su Bai's indifferent voice rang out.

That Natal Sword Qi gently touched the milky-white light shield that was already covered with cracks.

There was no loud noise, no violent explosion.

There was a soft "pop" sound, like a bubble bursting.

The sturdy light shield generated by the precious Jade Pendant pendant, strong enough to withstand a full-force attack from Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator, shattered like paper before this wisp of Natal Sword Qi that condensed the ultimate sharpness of Sword Dao, turning into countless specks of light and dissipating.

The moment the light shield shattered, the lightning coiled around the Soaring Dragon Sword blazed brightly once more!

The sword, like a dragon breaking free from its restraints, emitted a clear and resonant cry, transforming into a streak of azure-gold death light that circled around Shangguan Kang's neck and gently turned.

All the expressions on Shangguan Kang's face froze instantly.

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but no sound came out.

The next moment, a head, with an expression of disbelief, separated from the body and rolled to the ground.

The headless corpse swayed for a moment, then collapsed to the ground with a thud. Blood gushed from its neck like a fountain, staining the Bluestone Slab Road red.

The attack lasted only a few breaths from start to finish.

A member of a Lineage with a distinguished background and a Foundation Establishment Middle Stage was already beheaded.

At this moment, a few pedestrians or nearby residents who had been startled by the explosion were peeking over in the distance, and several low-level Qi Refining Cultivator stood further away, their faces filled with surprise and doubt.

Su Bai didn't stop.

A hundred feet away, he flashed and appeared beside the corpse.

He didn't even look at the rolling head. With a flick of his sleeve, a burst of blazing flames roared out, instantly engulfing Shangguan Kang's corpse, head, clothes, and even the obviously valuable Storage Bag at his waist!

Sizzle sizzle sizzle--!

The flames were extremely hot and possessed a strange purifying power.

In the blink of an eye, only a small clump of charred ashes remained on the spot, with no bones or metal ornaments left behind, having been completely incinerated.

Everything that could potentially reveal their identity or leave clues for tracking was completely wiped out.

According to the rules of the Azure Fish Hall, Assassin only need to ensure that the target dies within the mission's timeframe.

No physical proof is required; the hall has its own discreet channels for verification.

Once verified, the Mission Reward will be automatically credited to the Assassin's identity jade pendant, which can be collected at any time on Azure Fish Island.

Therefore, Su Bai had no need to risk taking the target's Storage Bag.

There might be tracking marks or Curse left by the Shangguan Family inside; coveting this "extra income" could bring endless trouble.

The rewards for completing the mission were already enough for Su Bai; taking his Storage Bag, especially if it contained some hidden treasure, would be a net loss.

After doing all this, Su Bai didn't stop. He took out the leather bag containing "Shadow Dust," uncorked it, and evenly sprinkled the nearly colorless fine powder on the places where he had stood along his path and at the site of the cremated corpse.

The powder drifted in the wind, merging with the air and ashes, quickly erasing any remaining Spiritual Power fluctuations from him.

Then, he moved again, disappearing into the intricate streets and alleys in a few leaps, leaving behind only the stunned onlookers who had not yet fully realized what had happened, and the pile of charred ashes on the ground that was quickly blown away by the wind.

After a short while, we arrived at Heavenly Star City, a small street famous for selling various kinds of Spirit Wine and Spirit Cuisine.

Su Bai emerged from the back alley of an inconspicuous Tavern, his signature black robe and Pale Mask nowhere to be seen.

He changed into an ordinary blue robe, with "Lu Jiu" city entry Token hanging at his waist. His expression was calm, and his eyes were indifferent, as if he were just an ordinary Cultivator had just had a few drinks and was preparing to go home.

"The assassination was carried out relatively cleanly and efficiently."

As Su Bai walked with the sparse crowd, he reviewed the situation in his mind.

"Only a few Qi Refining Stage Cultivator saw me from afar, and I was always wearing the Azure Fish Mask and the hall's standard black robe."

"Even if the Shangguan Family was furious afterward and used methods to search the Soul Search of those people, they still wouldn't be able to recognize my true identity."

"But..."

He frowned slightly. "The characteristics of the Soaring Dragon Sword, as well as the unique sword style of [Lightning Sword Resonance] which combines lightning, have probably already been memorized by someone with a keen eye."

"When operating within Heavenly Star City in the future, especially when using the identity of ' Lu Jiu,' you must not easily use your Natal Spirit Sword or signature Sword Dao Divine Ability, at least for the time being. Otherwise, it will be very easy to link ' Hai Jiu ' with ' Lu Jiu,' attracting the attention of the Shangguan Family and even the Heavenly Star Alliance."

Fortunately, when the identity "Lu Jiu" was registered, it was noted that he had "some knowledge of Thunder Method".

"This is a perfect opportunity to find several powerful Lightning Attribute Law Technique, both to enhance our strength and to provide cover for our daily work. It makes perfect sense."

Su Bai quickly adjusted his subsequent plans.

As he was pondering, he keenly sensed a series of rapid and orderly whooshing sounds coming from the direction of Shangguan Kang's ambush point in the distance, and several powerful Spiritual Sense, like searchlights, roughly swept across that area.

"That was a quick reaction."

Su Bai's heart skipped a beat. "The Shangguan Family members were murdered in broad daylight within the city. Even the Golden Core Ancestor of the Shangguan Family must have been alerted. This place is not safe to linger."

Without further delay, he took a deep breath, concealing his aura even more thoroughly. His face revealed the expression of an ordinary Cultivator who was slightly curious about the commotion in the distance but did not want to join in. He kept his direction unchanged but subtly quickened his pace, heading towards the cultivation academy he rented.

Before long, Su Bai had returned to the relatively secluded training ground area.

Seeing the wall of his small courtyard in the distance, he felt a little more at ease.

"Fellow Daoist is back!"

A clear, slightly timid female voice came from the neighboring yard.

Su Bai turned his head to look.

In the cultivation courtyard on the left, which was about the same size as his, three female cultivators who looked quite young and whose cultivation level was in the Mid Qi Refining Stage were gathered in the courtyard.

The ground in front of them had just been turned over, and a sapling about a foot tall with a somewhat peculiar shape had been planted.

The one who spoke just now was one of the youngest-looking girls, with a round face.

Su Bai remembered that these three female cultivators shared the courtyard next door and seemed to be fellow Senior Sister or friends.

He had no interest in it; he simply nodded slightly in the direction of the sound, expressionless, as a basic neighborly courtesy, as a greeting.

Then he pushed open his own courtyard gate, slipped inside, and activated the protective and soundproofing arrays of the gate and the Quiet Chamber, shutting out all outside prying eyes.

"Wow, this Fellow Daoist seems so aloof, he doesn't say a word."

The round-faced girl stuck out her tongue and whispered to her two Senior Sister.

The eldest female cultivator, who was the most powerful among the three and appeared to be at the Qi Refining Layer Six, looked at Su Bai's tightly closed courtyard gate with a hint of caution in her eyes and whispered, "Don't talk nonsense. I just tried to sense him, and I couldn't see through his abilities at all."

"His Spiritual Power fluctuations are calm and restrained, far surpassing those of Qi Refining Stage; he is at least a senior cultivator at the late stage of Weapon Forging."

"Being able to rent this entire courtyard on his own shows that he has considerable financial backing in Heavenly Star City."

"We should be more careful and respectful when greeting each other in the future, and avoid disturbing others without reason, and certainly not be impolite."

Another female cultivator clicked her tongue slightly, "No wonder... he doesn't seem to be much older than us."

"Let's continue planting our Spirit Fruit. The stall owner said that if we take good care of Spirit Fruit, they'll blossom and bear fruit in five years. Then we sisters will have good fruit to eat!" another female cultivator chimed in.

Back in the house Su Bai, Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator, possessed Divine Sense and was forced to overhear the conversation of his three sisters.

Out of curiosity, Weiwei scanned the spirit tree with her Divine Sense, but she couldn't identify any specific information about it.

He then regained his composure, took out the alchemy furnace, the medicinal materials for the Essence Pill, and the Essence Pill formula that the merchant had given to Su Bai as a gift because Su Bai had purchased so many medicinal materials.