Chapter 344: Two Assassins
Two Assassins . . .
The person who had provided them with the map must have known that this was the central hub of the Kingdom of Lanfeng's intelligence network, which was why they had entrusted this valuable information to the network. It would then be disseminated to all the spies working for the Kingdom of Lanfeng.
Given the individual's remarkable skill in crafting the map, it was logical to assume that they also possessed knowledge of Cha's real identities. However, a sense of unease lingered among the Kingdom of Lanfeng's operatives.
"Who is this individual? While they didn't display any hostility towards us this time and even assisted us, it's still disconcerting to have someone who knows our secrets so intimately," they pondered.
Acknowledging that they wouldn't find answers through mere speculation, they chose to believe that this individual was not their adversary, at least for the time being.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the story, Ning Biluo trailed Cha Eun Xiao to a clandestine liaison office. Cha Eun Xiao used some clandestine method to summon Liu Changjun.
Upon laying eyes on Ning Biluo, Liu Changjun's normally impassive visage turned bright red, a reaction that even his typically stoic demeanor couldn't conceal.
Such was the allure of this assassin who was considered an idol among their ilk. In their world, Ning Biluo was a universally revered figure, earning the title of the No. 1 Assassin in the Land of Han-Yang, a position that remained unassailable for decades. He was the indisputable No. 1.
Liu Changjun harbored a question that had been quietly gnawing at him, a query directed at Ning Biluo concerning the existence of an assassination association under his leadership.
"Why would Ning Biluo choose to establish an assassination association?" he wondered. "Wouldn't it be more advantageous for him to remain a lone assassin? It's acceptable if he prefers leading a team, but his team's performance leaves much to be desired. It tarnishes his reputation."
Ning Biluo regarded Liu Changjun with a keen, discerning gaze. It was evident that Liu Changjun held the potential to occupy a far loftier position in the ranks of assassins. His inner strength, cultivation level, and overall vitality exceeded that of many of his peers.
In the world's ranking of assassins, Liu Changjun claimed the ninth spot, firmly establishing himself among the ten most formidable assassins globally. This was a significant feat and a testament to his prowess. However, Ning Biluo couldn't help but recall that Liu Changjun's actual ranking, not long ago, had hovered around the thirtieth position. To an assassin, their ranking was predicated on their ability to eliminate others and protect themselves. A proficient assassin invariably concealed a secret technique, a final, concealed maneuver in case of unforeseen circumstances. The more widely renowned an assassin, the more difficult it became for them to safeguard this ultimate technique. As such, the top ten rankings bore little significance; they were mere compilations of known deeds carried out by assassins in the public eye, void of any real intrinsic meaning.
In truth, the most formidable assassins operated in the shadows, maintaining an astonishing level of strength that remained concealed from the world's gaze. While they might lack notoriety, their abilities were unparalleled. Most crucially, their identities remained a shrouded secret, hidden from all who sought to unmask their true personas. This enigmatic veil of obscurity was what made such assassins genuinely fearsome.
Ning Biluo did not presume to contend that he was insufficiently powerful to merit the title of the world's No. 1 Assassin, but he was acutely aware that the designation was superficial. It held no true bearing on an assassin's capabilities. The top ten assassins may possess certain skills, but these individuals did not necessarily possess the immense power attributed to them.
Hence, Ning Biluo had harbored a lingering skepticism toward assassins such as Liu Changjun. This notion was reinforced when they initially crossed paths. At that time, Liu Changjun had been on a mission to assassinate Cha Eun Xiao, leaving Ning Biluo with the impression that he was of a significantly lower caliber.
However, their second encounter had left Ning Biluo genuinely surprised. In their latest meeting, he observed that Liu Changjun appeared to have defied all expectations, defying the stereotypes about him. He was no longer the cold-blooded assassin who had previously crossed Ning Biluo's path. Instead, he exuded an aura of normalcy.
The most astonishing transformation, however, was how Liu Changjun seemed to have concealed his spiritual power. It was as though he had sheathed his energy like a sword, allowing it to remain concealed, but ready to be unsheathed at a moment's notice. Ning Biluo, a perceptive individual, recognized that Liu Changjun's capacity to conceal this hidden power derived from his extensive cultivation.
This encounter marked the second time their paths had crossed, but it had shattered the preconceived notions Ning Biluo had formed about Liu Changjun. The transformation he witnessed left him awestruck, prompting him to contemplate how such a remarkable evolution could occur within the span of a few short months, during which Liu Changjun had been shadowing Cha Eun Xiao.
"Could it be that by following Cha Eun Xiao, he made astonishing strides in such a brief period?" wondered Ning Biluo, his thoughts deeply perplexed by the incredible change he had witnessed in Liu Changjun.
Ning Biluo's expression bore the weight of complex emotions as he laid eyes on Liu Changjun. Gazing upon Cha Eun Xiao, his eyes betrayed a trace of curiosity.
"This transformation in Liu Changjun's abilities could only have been possible with Cha Eun Xiao's assistance," he deduced. "There is no other plausible explanation. How could a young lord from a general's household propel a top-ranking assassin to such heightened levels in cultivation and spiritual strength so swiftly? By now, Liu Changjun likely stands among the world's top ten assassins."
"Liu Changjun, I can perceive that your strength has considerably advanced in recent times," Ning Biluo commented, his tone measured.
Liu Changjun reciprocated with a respectful smile, saying, "I'm honored."
Respectfully addressing assassins in such a manner was standard practice across the world, as long as they weren't adversaries, due to Ning Biluo's prestigious standing. This honor was richly deserved, but Liu Changjun chose not to divulge the secret behind his swift transformation, not even to Ning Biluo, without Cha Eun Xiao's consent.
Ning Biluo gave an appreciative nod, expressing his satisfaction with Liu Changjun's response. He possessed a well-earned reputation that extended beyond being the leader of an elite assassin organization.
Cha Eun Xiao then made a suggestion. "Ning, it is within your reach to enhance your abilities."
Ning Biluo sensed the weariness in Cha Eun Xiao's tone and fatigue in his eyes, to which he responded softly, "But...I can't."
Cha Eun Xiao nodded in understanding. He recognized the intricacies and constraints of Ning Biluo's situation.
Liu Changjun seized the opportunity to pose a thought-provoking question. "Master Ning, there is a matter that perplexes me. Would you be willing to enlighten me?"
Ning Biluo's countenance grew serious, and a shadow of concern crossed his face. Nonetheless, he allowed Liu Changjun to proceed with his inquiry.
"Given your formidable abilities, you possess the potential to dominate the world. Beneath this sky, with the exception of a few legendary figures, you have the power to eliminate anyone you wish, even a monarch," Liu Changjun began respectfully. "Yet, you lead an assassination organization, which brings you not glory, but apprehension. It binds your hands and exposes you to perilous situations. This, in truth, is perplexing.".
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