Genius, Always Prone to an Early Death

Li Yuan suddenly raised his eyes, his sharp gaze sweeping through the carriage window toward the street outside.

Shops lined the street, pedestrians brushed shoulders in a ceaseless stream, and the cries of vendors, laughter, conversation, and the clatter of carriages and horses blended into one noisy din. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Was it an illusion?

Li Yuan frowned slightly.

No. Something was wrong.

The instinct for danger honed on the battlefield in his past life was almost never wrong.

Someone had their eyes on him.

Without revealing anything, he withdrew his gaze. His expression remained calm as he casually answered Wu Yu, yet inwardly, he had already raised his guard.

It seemed this New Year holiday would not be peaceful.

Meanwhile, in a private room on the second floor of a teahouse not far from Red Sleeve House.

A window stood open by a narrow crack. A middle-aged man with sinister eyes curled his lips into a cruel smile.

"The target has appeared. He is riding in the third carriage and is heading for Red Sleeve House in the East Market," he said quietly.

There was no one else in the room, yet he seemed certain someone could hear him.

"Red Sleeve House is in a bustling district, with too many eyes and ears. It is not suitable for action. Follow the plan—wait until their gathering ends and they disperse for home before striking."

"The target this time is Li Yuan. Do not create unnecessary complications. As for the others, if they get in the way, eliminate them as well—but make sure no one is left alive."

"Shadow Kill Teams One and Two will track and monitor him. Determine when he leaves the establishment and which route he takes."

"Teams Three and Four, take positions at the designated ambush sites."

"Team Five will handle the outer perimeter, intercept any possible interference, and activate the hidden agents within the city. If necessary, create disturbances to draw the attention of the Golden Guard and the Demon Suppression Bureau patrols."

One cold, merciless order after another was passed on with his low murmur.

He raised his teacup and took a sip, then licked his lips. A ghostly gleam flickered in his eyes as he spoke in a sinister voice.

"A Level Nine genius? Heh heh, what a pity. Geniuses... are always prone to an early death. If you have someone to blame, blame your rotten luck. You blocked the Sacred Race's path and provoked someone you should never have provoked."

"Enjoy your final feast, Li Yuan... The instant you step out of Red Sleeve House will be the moment of your death."

"To die by my hand, Shadow Fiend's hand, is worth something, at least. Heh heh heh..."

The private room's window silently shut.

The street below the teahouse remained filled with carriages and people, bustling and prosperous.

No one knew that a deadly net had silently spread open, waiting for its prey to walk into it.

Inside the Heaven Suite of Red Sleeve House, exquisite delicacies covered the table, and the fragrance of fine wine filled the air.

A group of youths sat gathered together, laughing and joking to their hearts' content.

Chu Yunhe had brought imperial-bestowed Jade Nectar Wine, mellow and fragrant, while Yu Ling'er had bought many of Chang'an City's finest pastries and candied fruits, sweet enough to melt into one's heart.

As for Jin Duoduo, he threw money around lavishly, ordering delicacies from mountain and sea as though they cost nothing.

They raised cups and traded drinks, brimming with youthful spirit and high aspirations.

They spoke of the perilous moments during the assessment, dreamed of the future, and occasionally tossed in teasing jokes and complaints. The atmosphere reached a fever pitch.

With the mood so lively, Li Yuan drank quite a bit as well. Holding his cup, he returned to the window, but that sticky, clinging sensation remained like a shadow, constantly hanging over him.

Yu Ling'er walked over and smilingly raised her fruit wine toward him. "Brother Li, we truly have you to thank this time. Come, let me toast you again."

Li Yuan smiled. Among the youths of Pivot Star Class, he was a special presence. Nominally, Yu Ling'er was the class monitor, but in truth, he was the group's backbone.

This cooperation in particular had directly cemented his position as their leader.

He raised his cup and lightly clinked it against hers with a smile. Taking advantage of the chance to lean closer, Yu Ling'er suddenly lifted a brow and asked softly, "Brother Li, is something troubling you?"

Li Yuan tensed slightly. He believed he had concealed it well, yet Yu Ling'er had still seen through him.

This girl appeared lively, cheerful, and carefree, but she was actually meticulous and perceptive. Recommending her as class monitor back then had indeed been the right choice.

"It is nothing. I merely thought of some personal matters. It is no concern. Do not let me spoil everyone's enjoyment."

He smiled faintly and took a small sip of wine.

Yu Ling'er blinked. Her intuition told her Li Yuan was not speaking the truth, but it was not appropriate to press him further, so she could only nod.

"If something really happens, Brother Li, remember to tell us. We are good partners, after all."

"Certainly."

Li Yuan nodded, warmth stirring in his heart.

Such sincere friendship between classmates was especially precious in a world filled with deception and scheming.

After three rounds of wine and five flavors of dishes, the banquet gradually neared its end. Everyone wore faint flushes of intoxication on their faces, still reluctant for it to end.

Just then, the private room door was gently pushed open. A slender figure in crimson leaned against the doorway, a smile on her beautiful face.

Who else could it be but Liu Hongyan?

"Instructor Liu?" everyone exclaimed, hastily rising to their feet.

Liu Hongyan waved a hand, signaling for them to sit. Her phoenix eyes swept over the table littered with cups and plates, and her red lips curved slightly.

"It seems you ate well. I happened to be passing by and heard you were celebrating here, so I came up to take a look."

"This meal... put it on my tab."

"Huh?" Everyone froze, then erupted into cheers.

"Instructor Liu, long live!"

"Instructor is the best!"

"Thank you, Instructor Liu!"

A trace of amusement flashed through Liu Hongyan's eyes before her expression turned serious. "During the New Year holiday, do not neglect your cultivation, and do not cause trouble. Once school resumes, I will be testing you."

The moment they heard there would be a test, everyone's faces fell at once, making Liu Hongyan's smile deepen.

"All right. Be careful on your way home later." With that, she gave Li Yuan a meaningful glance before turning and leaving.

With that little interruption, their dwindling spirits were stirred up again, and they made merry for quite some time. Only when the night outside the window had grown deep did they finally sway to their feet and prepare to leave.

Outside Red Sleeve House, more than a dozen boys and girls stood with arms around each other's shoulders, unwillingly bidding one another farewell.

"Brother Li, the New Year is almost here. If things at your home are inconvenient... why not come spend the holiday at mine? My parents would certainly welcome you with open arms."

Wu Yu had an arm around Li Yuan's shoulder as he extended the warm invitation.

Moved, Li Yuan patted the back of Wu Yu's hand. "Brother Wu, I appreciate your kindness. However, I still have some personal matters to handle. Once they are settled, if I have time, I will come and impose on your hospitality."

"Then it is settled." Wu Yu felt somewhat disappointed. From the bottom of his heart, he regarded Li Yuan as an elder brother.

"Li Yuan, farewell." Chu Yunhe casually clasped his hands in salute.

Shen Lian held his blade and nodded to Li Yuan in parting before turning and striding away.

Before long, everyone had gone their separate ways. Only Li Yuan remained alone outside Red Sleeve House.

He steadied himself and looked toward the crowded street. As if still unwilling to leave, he began wandering about without any particular destination.

With his hands tucked into his sleeves, Li Yuan walked and paused. Before long, he left the bustling East Market behind. The pedestrians around him gradually grew fewer, and most hurried along, clearly rushing home.

Several figures trailed faintly behind him, neither too fast nor too slow, patiently following him all the while.

"Boss, he is heading farther and farther into secluded areas. Should we make our move?"

One Shadow Kill licked his lips, unable to restrain himself any longer.

"No rush. Follow him first. Watch for whether anyone from the academy is accompanying him."

Shadow Fiend stood with his hands behind his back. He had the feeling things were going too smoothly. No matter what, caution came first.

"Ghost Domain, reveal yourselves!"

He activated his investigative talent, shrouding an area several dozen zhang around Li Yuan.

Within the Ghost Domain, nothing could remain hidden. Any expert would be exposed beyond doubt.