The moon rose above the branches, and Luojing once again became an endless sea of lights.
Above the uneven ranks of buildings, Han Jingchuan, dressed in night-black clothing with his saber in hand, moved swiftly and silently through the shadows along the rooftops.
Hundred-Household Commander Lu Qian and two followers, dressed the same way, followed beside him as he said quietly:
"We need to hurry. Xie Jinhuan's old injuries haven't healed. I just saw him go to the Peony Room to recuperate, and he even gave his weapon to his lover. He's definitely not on his guard, and no one will disturb that room..."
Han Jingchuan very much wanted to follow Lord Li's instructions, but this opportunity was simply too perfect. Looking toward the five-story Golden Tower in the distance, he solemnly instructed them as he moved:
"Assassinate him quietly if possible. Don't cause a commotion. If we can't kill him in three moves, retreat immediately. Don't get caught up in the fight, and above all, don't expose our identities..."
"Yes."
"Lu Qian, cover our tracks..."
"Rest assured, Lord Han. Once it's done, I'll release blood baleful intent and ghostly qi. Wang Chuan and the others are patrolling nearby. They'll come take over the case immediately, and you can hurry over in time..."
While they were speaking, Han Jingchuan, who was leading the way, seemed to catch something flickering across a distant rooftop out of the corner of his eye...
?
Han Jingchuan immediately raised a hand and crouched low, observing the distance. He found nothing unusual, however, and after some thought, continued creeping forward...
Meanwhile, half a li away.
Xie Jinhuan picked up a straw rain cape in an eastern alley and a bamboo hat in a western alley. Before he had covered half a street, he had become