A Big Catch Indeed

Chang'an City, in a secluded alley at the edge of the Western Market.

Most of the buildings here were freight depots and warehouses. There were few pedestrians by day, and by night, it was utterly silent.

One of them bore the sign Zhang's Southern and Northern Goods, yet a dim oil lamp was lit in its rear courtyard.

Several wooden crates covered with oilcloth were piled in the yard, giving off a foul mingled smell of medicinal herbs, furs, and ore.

A weather-beaten middle-aged man dressed as a shop hand entered, carrying a hooded lantern and moving with light, swift steps.

He looked around, and after confirming that no one had followed him, headed straight for an inconspicuous side room in the corner and knocked on the door in a measured rhythm.

The door silently opened a crack, revealing an old face creased with wrinkles. The elder glanced at the middle-aged man, stepped aside to let him in, then swiftly shut the door.

The side room was sparsely furnished, with only a table, a chair, and a bed. Account books and shipping manifests lay spread across the table, making it look no different from the accounting room of an ordinary freight depot.

But upon closer inspection, the symbols and numbers on those manifests were strange in every regard.

"How was it? Has all the cargo been stored?" The elder returned to his seat behind the table, his voice hoarse.

"Twelve crates of mountain goods, brought in through different city gates in three batches. They have all been placed at the designated locations. Nothing can go wrong."

The middle-aged man reported in a low voice, his sallow face utterly expressionless.

"They sent word from that side. They asked about the quality of the new goods here and when they could inspect them."

The elder took a thin booklet from his robes and pushed it before the middle-aged man.

"All the information is in here. Li Yuan, fourteen years old, son of Li Chongwen, the former Vice Minister of Revenue. He is currently a student in the Pivot Star Class at Divine Martial Academy."

"At the Spirit Awakening Ceremony, he awakened a mutated talent. Its assessed grade was Level Nine."

"Level Nine!"

The middle-aged man's pupils abruptly contracted. He took the booklet and rapidly flipped through it. It recorded Li Yuan's background, his performance at the academy, and even certain details of his daily life.

"A big catch indeed... No wonder the higher-ups went to such lengths, even mobilizing our entire Shadow Kill squad to enter the capital."

"The target is clear," the elder said, tapping the table. "But he is also difficult to handle. Since enrolling, apart from that previous trip to Divine Martial Pass with his team, he has never set foot outside the academy."

"Experts are stationed within the academy, and its defenses are tight. Our people cannot get close at all."

"His only blood relative, Li Chongwen, is currently in Dali Temple Prison, under heavy guard. Moreover, the target appears to have a poor relationship with his father. Using him as a hostage will likely prove ineffective."

"As for the Wang Family, the target has clearly distanced himself from them as well. People are already making contact with the Wang Family, so it would not be convenient for us to startle the grass."

"So there is currently no opportunity to strike?" The middle-aged man frowned deeply.

The elder slowly shook his head. "Opportunities are always created by people. This boy cannot possibly hide in the academy forever like a turtle in its shell."

"The year-end holiday is approaching, and the academy will have its annual break. When that time comes, he will have to come out—whether to return to his residence, visit friends, or attend to private matters. That will be our opportunity."

"For now, we must keep every entrance and exit of the academy under close watch, grasp every possible sign of him leaving, and determine his routines, relationships, and so on within the academy."

"Furthermore, every hidden line in Chang'an City must be mobilized to gather all intelligence related to this boy and seek out possible openings."

A cold, sinister gleam flashed in the middle-aged man's eyes. "If there is no opportunity, we will create one. If all else fails, we can stir up some trouble inside the academy..."

"Be careful. Do not expose ourselves prematurely. The master's order is to stop at nothing, but if we startle the grass and alert the snake, putting the target on guard or drawing the Demon Suppression Bureau and the academy into a thunderous purge, the losses will outweigh the gains," the elder warned gravely.

"I understand." The middle-aged man carefully put away the booklet, a cruel smile appearing on his face. "The blood of a Level Nine genius... I imagine it tastes exquisite."

The two discussed a few more details in low voices before the middle-aged man quietly departed. In the darkness of night, that secluded freight depot returned to silence.

Divine Martial Academy, in the small bamboo grove behind Bamboo Listening Lodge.

Night had fallen, and stars dotted the sky.

Two figures rapidly crossed paths in the clearing, the dense sounds of fists and kicks colliding ringing out from time to time.

After several months of high-intensity training, both Li Yuan and Wu Yu had changed greatly. The youthful immaturity had long vanished from Wu Yu's face, replaced by a measure of steadfast resolve.

His fist techniques were steady, his footwork solid, and his blood and qi surged powerfully throughout his body. There were even faint signs of currents of air naturally circulating with his fist wind. He had clearly reached the peak of Body Forging and touched the threshold of the Essence Drawing Realm.

Li Yuan's changes were even more pronounced. His figure remained lean, but his muscles were smooth and defined, brimming with explosive power.

His movements were concise and fierce. As his fists and legs moved, a condensed pale golden current naturally flowed around them, lending each strike strength far beyond what its surface suggested.

This was precisely the sign of having stabilized the Essence Drawing Realm.

His understanding of the Hundred-Forged Basic Fist Manual was also exceptionally deep. He had long since committed all thirty-two forms to memory and could blend them into actual combat. The seemingly simple moves, when used in his hands, often produced unexpected victories.

The two traded blows, fighting to their hearts' content.

Wu Yu's defense made it difficult for Li Yuan to claim a swift victory, while Li Yuan's strange and tricky attacks placed enormous pressure on Wu Yu. They were the finest whetstones for one another.

"Brother Li, watch out!"

Wu Yu shouted lowly. His blood and qi churned as he threw a punch like a heavy hammer, carrying the faint sound of wind and thunder.

Li Yuan's gaze sharpened. Rather than dodging, he drove out his right fist as well. Pale golden currents gathered over its edge—he intended to meet it head-on.

Their fists were just about to collide.

"Stop."

A clear, cool voice rang out. At the same time, a gentle force appeared between them, softly deflecting the two incoming punches.

The two withdrew their fists and stepped back, turning toward the voice. Liu Hongyan, dressed in a crimson martial outfit, was standing at the edge of the bamboo grove at some unknown point. Moonlight fell over her beautiful, alluring face, adding an even colder air to her.

"Instructor Liu." The two hurriedly bowed.

Liu Hongyan's gaze swept over them, and she nodded slightly. "Not bad. You have both improved quickly."

"Wu Yu, you are only one step away from Essence Drawing. Calm your mind and reflect over the next few days, and it should come as naturally as water flowing into a channel."

"Li Yuan, your realm has fully stabilized. Your true qi is condensed, far surpassing that of an ordinary person newly entered into Essence Drawing. It seems you have practiced that basic fist manual well."

"Thank you for your guidance, Instructor." The two spoke in unison.

Liu Hongyan looked at Li Yuan. "The dean wishes to see you. Go to Literary Splendor Court now."

The dean wanted to see him? Li Yuan's heart stirred slightly. "Yes."

"I'll go too. I have something to discuss with the dean," Wu Yu hurriedly said.

Liu Hongyan gave him an indifferent glance. "The dean summoned only Li Yuan."

Wu Yu awkwardly scratched his head. Li Yuan nodded at him to indicate that it was fine, then followed Liu Hongyan out of the small bamboo grove.

They crossed the academy beneath the night sky and arrived outside the study at Literary Splendor Court. Liu Hongyan gestured for Li Yuan to enter on his own, then turned and left.

Li Yuan straightened his clothes and gently knocked on the door.

"Come in." Su Wenyuan's warm voice came from within.

Li Yuan pushed the door open and entered.

The study was brightly lit. Su Wenyuan sat behind his desk. To Li Yuan's mild surprise, there was another person in the room.

The man appeared to be around forty, with a stern face and an upright posture. Yet his gaze upon Li Yuan carried a hint of scrutiny.

"Student Li Yuan greets the dean and this esteemed sir."

Li Yuan bowed, while quietly guessing at the man's identity.