Siege and Kill

The martial arts hall exploded before dawn.

First, Zhou Peng's body was found at the life-and-death arena, a clean cut across his neck, made with his own dagger.

Immediately after, Head Instructor Zhou Zhengyang turned himself in to the Hall Master, handing over all evidence of collusion with the enemy, including the letters Wu Ming had him write to the barbarians.

Finally, when the enforcement team stormed Wu Ming's courtyard, he was already gone.

He'd fled!

Taking the gold, silver, and valuables he'd saved over the years, along with a batch of military supplies he hadn't managed to sell, he vanished without a trace.

The Hall Master was furious.

"Investigate! Even if you have to turn Black Stone City upside down, find Wu Ming for me!"

The entire martial arts hall went into lockdown.

No disciples were allowed to leave, all instructors were subjected to scrutiny, and even the laborers were questioned three times.

But no one knew where Wu Ming had gone.

Except Li Xuan.

In the medical hall, Li Xuan had just finished changing his bandages.

The arrow wound on his chest had almost healed, leaving only a pink scar.

The fractured bone in his left shoulder had been set, and though it still ached a bit, it didn't impede his movement.

The recovery power brought by his Stamina of 2.54 was so strong it surprised even himself.

"Li Xuan."

Ying Qi pushed the door open. He wasn't wearing a mask this time, but a plain human-skin mask that made him blend into any crowd.

"Wu Ming has fled," Ying Qi stated directly.

"I know."

"Do you know where he went?" Ying Qi stared at him.

Li Xuan shook his head. "No."

"Yes, you do," Ying Qi said, pulling a map from his robes and spreading it on the table. "Wu Ming has three hideouts in the south of the city: Drunken Fragrance Tower, Fulilai Inn, and... here."

"Where will he be?" Ying Qi asked.

Li Xuan looked at the map, his mind racing.

Drunken Fragrance Tower was too conspicuous. Fulilai Inn had just been investigated. That left only the mass grave—remote, desolate, and a place no one ever went.

"The mass grave," Li Xuan said.

"Why?"

"Someone like Wu Ming wouldn't go to a crowded place," Li Xuan explained. "There are tomb chambers beneath the mass grave, warm in winter and cool in summer, perfect for hiding things. Most importantly... no one would search there."

Ying Qi looked at him for three seconds before nodding. "That's what I thought."

He rolled up the map. "The Hall Master has ordered the Shadow Guards to search the entire city. You're the last person to see Wu Ming, and the only one who got evidence from him. So... you're coming with me."

"Me?" Li Xuan frowned. "Wu Ming is at the Body Tempering fourth layer. Isn't going with you suicide?"

"That's why it's a coordinated kill," Ying Qi replied. "It's not just the two of us. The Hall Master is sending three inner court disciples, all at the Body Tempering fourth layer. Add me, plus you—that's five against one."

"What can I do?"

"What level is your Shadow Step at?" Ying Qi asked.

"The first level."

"That's enough," Ying Qi said. "Your mission isn't to fight head-on, but to infiltrate, scout, and find an opportunity. Wu Ming's cultivation went awry three days ago, injuring his meridians. His strength is at most seventy percent of its peak. This is our only chance."

Li Xuan fell silent.

He was weighing his options.

If he went, he might die.

If he didn't... would Wu Ming let him go?

He was the one who stole the list, the one who handed over the evidence. If Wu Ming found out, he'd be the first on his kill list.

"I'll go," Li Xuan said.

"Good," Ying Qi said, pulling a small cloth bag from his robes. "Inside are three 'Blood Burst Pills.' After taking one, your strength will double for the time it takes an incense stick to burn. But after the effects wear off, you'll be weak for three days. Don't use them unless absolutely necessary."

Li Xuan took the bag. "When do we leave?"

"Now."

At the back gate of the martial arts hall, three horses were waiting.

Besides Ying Qi and Li Xuan, there were three other people.

An old man with white eyebrows, his eyes sharp as an eagle's, a pair of short halberds hanging at his waist.

A middle-aged woman with a stern face, a longbow slung across her back.

Another young man—Li Xuan knew him.

Chen Feng.

"Let me introduce you," Ying Qi said. "White-Browed Eagle, Inner Court instructor, peak of Body Tempering fourth layer, skilled with the short halberd. Iron Bow Zhang, Inner Court instructor, Body Tempering fourth layer, master of a hundred paces. Chen Feng… you know him."

Li Xuan cupped his fists. "Disciple Li Xuan."

White-Browed Eagle sized him up and snorted. "You're the one who forced Wu Ming out? You've got some nerve."

Iron Bow Zhang said nothing, merely nodding.

Chen Feng looked at Li Xuan, his expression complicated. "I didn't expect to meet again so soon."

"Neither did I," Li Xuan replied.

"Mount up." Ying Qi swung onto his horse. "We need to reach the mass grave before dark."

The five horses galloped out of the martial arts hall, heading straight for the west of the city.

The mass grave was twenty li west of the city, a desolate burial ground.

Legend had it that during the previous dynasty's wars, over ten thousand people were buried here. Later, the hauntings became so severe that no one dared to come near.

As the sun began to set, the five arrived at the edge of the mass grave.

It was desolate.

Withered trees leaned askew, tombstones had toppled, and wild grass grew taller than a man. The wind blew, emitting a mournful sound, like ghostly wails.

"Dismount," Ying Qi commanded. "We'll go in on foot."

The five dismounted, tethered their horses in the woods, and walked in.

The further they went, the more desolate it became.

Occasionally, white bones could be seen on the ground, it was impossible to tell if they were human or animal.

"Split up and search," White-Browed Eagle said. "Use that old locust tree as the dividing point, with four directions: southeast, northwest. If you find anything unusual, give a signal."

He pointed to a dead old locust tree in the distance.

"Li Xuan, you're with me," Ying Qi said. "You lack experience; it's too dangerous to act alone."

Li Xuan nodded.

The five separated.

Ying Qi led Li Xuan towards the south.

Along the way, Li Xuan circulated the Shadowless Steps at full power, his footfalls as light as a cat's. Ying Qi glanced at him, a flicker of approval in his eyes.

"Who taught you the Shadowless Steps?" Ying Qi suddenly asked.

"An old handyman," Li Xuan replied.

"That old man who sweeps the floor?" Ying Qi chuckled. "He was once a top-three expert among the Shadow Guards. He retired only after losing an arm."

Li Xuan was stunned.

The old handyman… was that strong?

"Why did he help me?" Li Xuan asked.

"Because he thinks highly of you," Ying Qi said. "The Shadow Guards need fresh blood, especially someone like you—talented, ruthless, and unafraid of death."

As they spoke, they arrived at a collapsed burial mound.

The mound had been dug open, and it was empty inside.

"Someone's been here," Ying Qi crouched down and touched the soil. "Fresh, no more than a day old."

He stood up and surveyed their surroundings.

"Search around; there should be an entrance nearby."

The two began searching separately.

Li Xuan walked behind a stone tablet when suddenly the ground beneath his feet gave way—

Crack!

The ground collapsed!

He fell straight down.

"Li Xuan!" Ying Qi rushed over.

But it was too late.

Li Xuan plunged into a deep pit, landing heavily on the ground.

Fortunately, his Stamina was strong enough; he was just a little dazed from the fall.

He got up and looked around.

It was a tomb chamber.

Not large, about three zhang square. Oil lamps hung on the walls, casting a dim, yellow light.

In the center of the tomb chamber, a stone table was set up.

A person sat before the table.

Wu Ming.

He was drinking.

"You're here?" Wu Ming looked up at Li Xuan and smiled, "I've been waiting for you for a long time."

Li Xuan's hair stood on end.

A trap!

This was a trap set specifically for him!

"Surprised?" Wu Ming put down his wine cup. "Ever since you stole the list, I knew you'd come. It's good that Zhou Peng, that waste, is dead. Saves me trouble."

He stood up and slowly walked towards Li Xuan.

His Body Tempering fourth layer aura was fully unleashed.

The air grew heavy.

Li Xuan felt as if he were being crushed by a mountain, struggling to breathe.

"Hand over the copy of the list, and I'll give you a quick death," Wu Ming said.

"The list has already been given to the Pavilion Master," Li Xuan replied.

"I know," Wu Ming nodded. "But what I want is... the list of Shadow Guards. The one the old handyman gave you."

Li Xuan's pupils contracted.

How did he know?

"Strange?" Wu Ming smiled. "You thought the Shadow Guards were a united front? Wrong. I have people among the Shadow Guards too."

He extended his hand. "Hand it over, and I'll leave your body intact."

Li Xuan remained silent.

"Don't wait," Wu Ming saw through his thoughts. "The opening above, I've already sealed it. Your companions should be tied up by my subordinates right now."

As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of fighting erupted from above the tomb chamber.

Clashing weapons, roars filled the air.

Ying Qi and the others were indeed being held back.

"Now," Wu Ming's gaze turned cold, "I'll ask you one last time – hand it over, or not?"

Li Xuan took a deep breath.

His hand moved towards his waist.

Three Blood Burst Pills were tucked there.

"I'll hand it over," he said.

"Smart," Wu Ming nodded.

Li Xuan reached into his chest and pulled out a scroll of parchment – a copy of the Shadow Guard list.

He walked forward two steps.

Wu Ming also took a step forward.

The distance between them was ten feet.

Seven feet.

Three feet...

Just as Wu Ming reached out to take the parchment--

Li Xuan moved!

He didn't use the Blood Burst Pills.

He used Shadow Step!

With full power, he became like a shadow, instantly circling behind Wu Ming!

At the same time, his short blade was drawn!

Blade Breaking Saber Technique · Wind Breaking Style!

The blade light flashed like lightning, stabbing directly at Wu Ming's back!

It was so fast that Wu Ming didn't even have time to react!

The tip of the blade struck Wu Ming's back, but it made a sound like metal clashing against metal.

Wu Ming's back clothes tore open, revealing underneath... a layer of iron armor!

"Soft armor?" Li Xuan's expression changed.

"Naive," Wu Ming turned around and threw a punch.

Li Xuan couldn't dodge this punch at all.

He could only block with his saber.

The short saber bent under the punch, and Li Xuan was sent flying backward, crashing into the wall.

He spat out a mouthful of blood.

Another rib was broken.

"Is that all you've got?" Wu Ming shook his head. "I thought you'd give me a surprise."

He walked over and stepped on Li Xuan's chest.

Crack.

Another rib broke.

Li Xuan's vision went black from the pain.

But he didn't give up.

His hand reached for his waist again.

This time, he pulled out a Blood Burst Pill.

He swallowed it!

The pill went down his throat, turning into a scorching hot current that instantly surged through his entire body.

His strength surged!

[Strength: 1.34 → 2.68]

His Stamina increased as well!

[Stamina: 2.54 → 3.05]

He had broken through the threshold of the Body Tempering fourth layer!

Li Xuan felt his body filled with power, as if it would explode.

He shoved Wu Ming's foot away and flipped himself up.

"Oh?" Wu Ming raised an eyebrow. "A Blood Burst Pill? Interesting."

He got into a fighting stance. "Come on, let me see how many moves you can last."

Li Xuan didn't waste words.

He picked up the bent saber from the ground.

Shadow Step, again!

This time, his speed was twice as fast as before!

Wu Ming's eyes narrowed.

He hadn't expected Li Xuan's speed to increase so much after taking the Blood Burst Pill.

But he wasn't flustered.

The Body Tempering fourth layer held an absolute advantage over the Body Tempering third layer.

Even if Li Xuan had temporarily broken through to the fourth layer, it was an artificial boost that wouldn't last long.

"Break!"

Wu Ming threw out a punch, his fist wind roaring like a tiger.

Li Xuan didn't dodge or evade, throwing out a punch of his own!

A head-on collision!

Their fists met, and waves of energy exploded outwards!

The walls of the tomb trembled.

Li Xuan retreated three steps.

Wu Ming... also took one step back.

"Good!" Excitement flashed in Wu Ming's eyes. "Now you're talking!"

He stopped holding back and attacked with full force.

His fists rained down like a storm, each one heavy as a thousand pounds.

Li Xuan gritted his teeth and endured.

He used Shadow Step to its limit, weaving and dodging within the confined tomb, occasionally counter-attacking with his saber.

But Wu Ming's defense was too strong.

He wore protective soft armor, his boxing techniques were exquisite, and his experience was profound.

Li Xuan couldn't find any openings.

Moreover, the effects of the Blood Burst Pill were rapidly fading.

He could feel his strength ebbing away.

At most, half an incense stick's time remained.

After half an incense stick, he would fall into weakness, at the mercy of others.

He had to end this quickly!

Li Xuan's eyes hardened.

I'll risk it!

He abandoned his defense, taking a punch from Wu Ming head-on, while simultaneously thrusting his short saber at Wu Ming's throat.

Trading injury for life!

Wu Ming hadn't expected him to be so ruthless and hastily retreated.

But the blade's edge still grazed his neck.

Leaving a bloody gash.

Not deep, but it was bleeding.

"You..." Wu Ming touched his neck, his expression changing. "You're asking for death!"

He was completely enraged.

His fist technique changed, becoming even more ferocious.

Li Xuan could only desperately hold on.

He took three more punches.

His left arm fractured, his right leg was kicked, making him unstable.

But he was still persisting.

Finally--

A massive sound came from above the tomb chamber.

BOOM!

A large hole was smashed in the ceiling.

Ying Qi leaped down, covered in blood, but his eyes were sharp.

"Wu Ming, die!"

He held twin sabers and charged straight at Wu Ming.

Wu Ming had no choice but to turn and face him.

Opportunity!

A cold glint flashed in Li Xuan's eyes.

He used all his strength, executing Shadow Step to get behind Wu Ming.

He raised his short saber high.

It wasn't Wind Breaking Style.

It was the second form of the Blade Breaking Saber Technique--Stream Breaking!

He hadn't mastered this form at all; forcibly using it could sever his meridians.

But he couldn't care about that now!

"Slash--!"

Li Xuan roared, bringing his saber down.

On the blade, his vital energy and blood burned, emitting a bloody light.

Wu Ming sensed something was wrong and tried to turn.

But Ying Qi held him tightly.

Squelch!

The blade fell.

It entered from Wu Ming's left shoulder and exited from his right rib.

Cut in two!

Wu Ming's movements froze.

He looked down at his split body, his eyes filled with disbelief.

"How... could this..."

He opened his mouth, blood pouring out.

His body split in half, and he was dead!

Li Xuan also collapsed.

The Blood Burst Pill's effects wore off, and a wave of weakness washed over him.

He lay on the ground, unable to even move a finger.

Ying Qi walked over and examined Wu Ming's corpse.

He breathed a sigh of relief after confirming he was completely dead.

He looked at Li Xuan, his eyes complex.

"You killed him," Ying Qi said.

Li Xuan didn't speak.

He didn't even have the strength to speak.

"Rest well." Ying Qi took out a bottle of medicine from his embrace, poured out two pills, and stuffed them into Li Xuan's mouth. "This is a 'Spring Return Pill,' it can alleviate the side effects of the Blood Burst Pill."

As the pills entered his abdomen, they transformed into a cool stream of energy, nourishing his damaged meridians.

Li Xuan finally felt a little better.

He opened his status panel.

[Potential: 0.82 → 1.27]

Killing a Body Tempering fourth layer cultivator yielded 0.45 potential.

Adding the previous 0.82, it totaled 1.27.

He was rich.

"How are things upstairs?" Li Xuan asked.

"Everything's settled," Ying Qi said. "Wu Ming's subordinates, six of them, all killed. White-Browed Eagle sustained some injuries, Iron Bow Zhang is fine. Chen Feng... he killed two."

Li Xuan nodded.

"The list?" Ying Qi asked.

"It's in my embrace," Li Xuan said. "The Shadow Guard list, the one Wu Ming wanted."

Ying Qi reached out and took the parchment from his embrace.

He opened it, took one look, and his expression changed drastically.

"This list... where did you get it?"

"The old handyman gave it to me," Li Xuan said. "He said if I encountered mortal danger, I should give this list to the sect master."

Ying Qi was silent for a long time.

"This list is even more important than Wu Ming's," he said, putting away the parchment. "It records... the numbers, real identities, and family information of all Shadow Guards in the martial arts school."

He looked at Li Xuan. "If this list were leaked, the entire Shadow Guard system would collapse. If Wu Ming got it, he could control the entire martial arts school."

Li Xuan understood.

The old handyman giving him something so important was a gamble.

A gamble that he would survive.

"I won the gamble," Li Xuan said.

"Yes, you won," Ying Qi nodded. "From today onwards, you are an official member of the Shadow Guards. Your number... is seventy-nine."

He searched Wu Ming's corpse and found a token, then threw it to Li Xuan.

The token was made of black iron, with "Shadow" engraved on the front and the number seventy-nine on the back.

"Drip blood to recognize your master," Ying Qi said.

Li Xuan bit his finger and dripped blood.

The token glowed slightly before returning to normal.

"From now on, this token is your proof of identity," Ying Qi said. "With it, you can go to Shadow Guard outposts to exchange for resources, take on missions, and gather intelligence."

Li Xuan gripped the token tightly.

Finally.

He finally had a place in this world.

Even if it was just as a Shadow Guard, at least... he was no longer a handyman to be slaughtered at will.

"Let's go," Ying Qi helped him up. "It's time to go back."

The two of them walked out of the tomb.

Outside, it was already dark.

White-Browed Eagle, Iron Bow Zhang, and Chen Feng stood there, with six corpses beside them.

"It's settled?" White-Browed Eagle asked.

"It's settled," Ying Qi nodded.

"This kid killed him?" Iron Bow Zhang looked at Li Xuan.

"Mm."

"Not bad," the Iron Bow Zhang said, offering rare praise. "You've got guts."

Chen Feng walked over and clapped Li Xuan on the shoulder. "Are you alright?"

"Can't kill me," Li Xuan replied.

"That's good then," Chen Feng smiled. "I'll buy you a drink when we get back."

The five of them mounted their horses and rushed back to the martial arts school that night.

On the road, Li Xuan leaned against his horse, looking at the token in his hand, then at the 1.27 potential points on his status panel.

He wondered how he should use these potential points.

His Stamina was already 3.05, which was enough for now.

His Strength was 2.68, but it would drop back after the Blood Burst Pill's effects wore off, leaving him with only 1.34.

Agility was still his weakness, only 0.57.

Both the Shadow Step and the Blade Breaking Saber Technique needed improvement.

And most importantly—his Cultivation Method.

He was still practicing a fragmented Body Tempering technique, with only 3.1% completeness.

If only he could obtain a complete Cultivation Method...

Li Xuan closed his eyes.

Back at the martial arts school, he would first tend to his injuries.

Then, he would become stronger.

The martial arts school, the headmaster's study.

Ying Qi placed two lists on the desk.

One was evidence of Wu Ming's treason.

The other was a list of Shadow Guards.

The headmaster read them, falling silent for a long time.

"Wu Ming is dead?" he asked.

"He is," Ying Qi replied. "Li Xuan killed him."

"Li Xuan..." the headmaster murmured the name. "Is that the kid who rose from the servant ranks?"

"Yes."

"How old is he?"

"Seventeen."

"Seventeen years old, killing someone at the Body Tempering fourth layer," the headmaster chuckled. "Interesting."

He stood up and walked to the window, gazing out at the night.

"Ying Qi, what do you think... how far can he go?"

"I don't know," Ying Qi said. "But he's special. Ruthless, decisive, and fearless of death."

"Then cultivate him well," the headmaster turned around. "The Shadow Guards need people like him. Also... for that Shadow Guard list, compile a new one. Burn the old one."

"Yes."

Ying Qi withdrew from the study.

The headmaster picked up Wu Ming's list and read it again.

Colluding with the enemy... privately selling military supplies... Black Wind Stronghold...

His eyes grew cold.

"It seems some people think I'm old and can no longer wield my blade."

He threw the list into the brazier.

Flames surged, and the paper turned to ash.

"Issue an order," the headmaster said to the outside of the door. "In three days, the Martial Arts Competition will proceed as scheduled. All disciples must participate."

"Yes!" a guard outside responded.

The headmaster sat down, his fingers tapping on the table.

"Li Xuan... let me see just how much substance you have."

Outer disciple living quarters.

Li Xuan lay on the bed, his body wrapped in bandages.

The side effects of the Blood Burst Pill were worse than he had imagined; he could barely get out of bed.

But the potential points on his status panel gave him hope.

27 points.

All added to Agility!

[Agility: 0.57→1.84]

A hot current surged through his legs, his meridians being reshaped.

He could feel his speed increasing.

Even though he couldn't move right now, once his injuries healed...

The power of Shadow Step would at least triple.

The door was pushed open.

Zhang He entered carrying a bowl of medicine.

"Li Xuan, time for your medicine." He handed over the bowl.

Li Xuan took it and drank it down in one gulp.

It was so bitter it made his face contort.

"The Pavilion Master has ordered that the grand competition will proceed as scheduled in three days," Zhang He said. "I heard that... inner court disciples will also be participating this time."

Inner court disciples?

Li Xuan's eyes flickered.

Inner court disciples were at least at the Body Tempering fourth layer, with some strong ones even at the Body Tempering sixth layer.

Even though he had killed Wu Ming now, that was thanks to the Blood Burst Pill and luck.

Facing an inner court disciple directly, he had no chance of winning.

"Also," Zhang He lowered his voice, "I heard... the Hall Master wants to select three people from this grand competition to participate in the 'Northern Territory Trial'."

"Northern Territory Trial?"

"Yes." Zhang He nodded. "It's said that the barbarians in the Northern Territory have been restless lately, and the border conflicts are intensifying. All the major martial arts academies need to send people to support them. It's both a trial and... a golden opportunity. Those who return alive will receive generous rewards and might even be noticed by a sect."

A sect.

Li Xuan's heart pounded.

Above the martial arts academies, there were sects.

That was a place where true powerhouses gathered.

If he could enter a sect...

"I understand," Li Xuan said. "Zhang He, do me a favor."

"Go ahead."

"Go to the logistics hall and help me exchange for three bottles of Vitality Pills and five portions of Body Tempering Powder. The Contribution Points... use my token."

Li Xuan handed over his Shadow Guard token.

Zhang He took it, his eyes widening. "This... this is..."

"Don't ask," Li Xuan said. "Go quickly and come back quickly."

"Understood!" Zhang He turned and ran.