To complete his mission, Yi Yang had crouched on the ancient pine for an entire night.
The morning dew had soaked the shoulders and back of his outer robe, but he remained motionless, his breathing long and fine as silk. The Concealed Breath Formless Art suppressed his presence to the utmost.
Deep inside the cave beneath the massive rock, seven zhang below him, his target breathed evenly and steadily.
Although nothing had changed, Yi Yang still decided to wait a little longer.
Patience was the one thing he never lacked. Forty-four years as a woodcutter had taught him that precious quality.
At last, the distant light of dawn entered Yi Yang's sight.
Thin mist rose from the valley floor, wrapping the entire valley in a veil of gray-white gauze.
Just as the first ray of sunlight was about to pierce the mist and fall upon the massive rock, movement finally came from the cave that had lain silent all night.
There was a faint rustling, followed by the dull sound of knees pressing against the ground as someone rose.
A little later, a figure emerged from the cave.
He wore close-fitting martial attire that allowed easy movement. His frame was thin, but his complexion looked reasonably healthy.
The man hunched over, clutching something as he busied himself in the clearing before the cave entrance.
Yi Yang's pupils contracted slightly when his target appeared. He extended his Inner Energy perception to its fullest, locking firmly onto the figure ahead.
The man bent at the waist, working with both arms extended, leaving his back completely exposed. The task in his hands occupied all his attention.
He was utterly unguarded.
The moment has come.
Having reached that judgment, Yi Yang did not hesitate. He pushed off with his toes and instantly left the