Chapter 39 - Whispers in the Dark
Wang Li held the jade slip tightly, its cool surface pressing into his palm. Feng Yuling's words echoed in his mind.
"Someone from the Azure Sky Sect is planning something... and it involves you."
He activated the jade slip with a thread of spiritual energy. A soft glow pulsed before a voice drifted into his mind.
"The target is Wang Li. Ensure he does not leave the sect grounds alive. The banquet is the perfect opportunity—make it look like an accident."
His blood ran cold.
Someone wanted him dead. And they weren't being subtle about it.
A Dangerous Proposition
Mu Qingling noticed his tense expression as he returned to the banquet hall. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"Trouble," he muttered, passing her the jade slip. She listened to the message, her expression darkening.
"Damn it. I knew those Azure Sky Sect dogs were up to something," she hissed. "Who sent this?"
"I don't know," Wang Li admitted. "But whoever it is, they want me dead before the night is over."
Lin Ruoyan leaned in, her sharp eyes scanning the hall. "Then we make sure they fail."
Feng Yuling crossed her arms. "Or we can use this against them. If they think you're an easy target, why not set a trap?"
Wang Li considered her words. He didn't like being bait, but he also couldn't ignore an opportunity to turn the tables.
"What do you have in mind?" he asked.
Feng Yuling's lips curled into a small smile. "Follow my lead."
A Deadly Dance
The banquet continued, laughter and music filling the air. Wang Li returned to his seat, acting as if nothing had happened.
Then, a figure approached.
Lan Yue.
She moved gracefully, her azure robes flowing as she stopped beside him. "Brother Wang, would you care for a dance?"
The request was unexpected. He glanced at Mu Qingling, who frowned but said nothing.
He had no reason to refuse. "Of course."
As they stepped onto the pavilion's open floor, soft music played. Lan Yue's hand rested lightly on his as they moved in sync.
"You're quite the center of attention tonight," she murmured.
"I didn't ask to be," Wang Li replied.
She chuckled. "Yet here you are, standing in the middle of it all." Her fingers tightened slightly around his. "Tell me, Brother Wang... do you trust the people around you?"
He kept his expression neutral. "Shouldn't I?"
Lan Yue's smile didn't fade, but there was something in her eyes—something calculating.
"In our world, trust is a rare commodity," she whispered. "Be careful who you place your faith in."
Before he could respond, she suddenly pushed away from him.
A faint shimmer passed between them—an invisible thread of spiritual energy had been cut.
Wang Li's instincts screamed. He turned just in time—
A dagger, coated in dark qi, barely missed his throat.
The Assassins Strike
Chaos erupted. Figures cloaked in shadows descended from the rafters, their weapons gleaming under the lantern light.
Mu Qingling was the first to react. With a flick of her wrist, her sword flashed, cutting through one assassin before they could land.
Lin Ruoyan was already moving, her blade meeting another attacker's with a deafening clang.
Feng Yuling flicked her fingers, sending a wave of icy energy outward, forcing two assassins to retreat.
Wang Li didn't hesitate. He grabbed Shadowfang and lunged at the nearest enemy. Their blades clashed, but his opponent was skilled. Each strike was precise, aiming for his vital points.
These aren't ordinary assassins.
The banquet hall was in chaos. The Azure Sky Sect disciples backed away, watching the battle unfold. Some looked shocked—others... interested.
Bai Ziyan sat in his seat, sipping his wine, his expression unreadable.
Lan Yue, however, was smiling.
Did she set this up? Or is she testing me?
There was no time to think.
Wang Li parried another attack, pivoting behind his opponent. With a quick twist, he drove his dagger into their side. The assassin staggered, but before Wang Li could finish them off—
A sudden burst of energy struck him from behind.
Pain exploded in his ribs as he was sent flying into a pillar. He barely had time to recover before another figure loomed over him.
A masked man, his aura suffocating.
Golden Core stage.
This wasn't just an assassination attempt.
This was an execution.
A Desperate Gamble
The masked man raised his hand, dark energy crackling around his palm.
Wang Li barely rolled aside as the attack shattered the stone where he had been lying. He forced himself to his feet, but he knew—this was bad.
"Stay down," the masked man said, his voice cold. "You weren't meant to make it this far."
Wang Li wiped blood from his lips. "Then you should've tried harder."
The masked man lunged. Wang Li met his attack head-on, their weapons clashing in a blur of motion.
He was faster. Stronger.
But Wang Li refused to lose.
Gritting his teeth, he focused his qi, activating the Frost Moon technique Feng Yuling had taught him. Cold energy surged through his veins as his movements became sharper.
He dodged left, then right, feinting before striking low. His dagger found flesh—
But his opponent twisted, barely avoiding a fatal wound.
Still, Wang Li had drawn blood.
The masked man stepped back, pressing a hand to his wound. "Impressive."
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Then, he smirked.
And in an instant, he vanished.
A chill ran down Wang Li's spine.
The assassins retreated, disappearing into the night. The attack was over.
But the message was clear.
Someone wanted him gone.
And they would try again.