Chapter 145: Assassination (2)
"Wang Huang." Jin Jiu turned to the man in purple robes, speaking solemnly, "If you successfully kill Wu Yuan, I will request His Majesty to grant you a reward of 30 million merits."
Only by making big promises could one motivate their subordinates to give their all.
"30 million merits?" The elderly man's eyes lit up.
They didn’t serve Great Jin out of loyalty, benefits were always the top priority. A set of immortal arts could be redeemed for 100 million merits, while a drop of Ancient Immortal Dew was worth 60,000 merits. One could only imagine how generous such a reward was.
Jin Jiu spoke in a quiet voice, "Once everything is in place, execute the plan as soon as possible. I need to make my way to Hillstride City to meet with Chen Luo."
Soon after, East King Jin Jiu departed, leaving behind the two Grandmasters.
"Are you really planning to go, Second Brother?" Grandmaster Lu Jiangyin furrowed his brow in concern.
"Big brother, this is worth 30 million merits." Wang Huang exclaimed with excitement. "Once I complete this task, I'll be one step closer to obtaining a set of immortal arts."
"Second brother, you need to calm down," Grandmaster Lu Jiangyin advised, shaking his head. "As incredible as the immortal arts are, they won't be of any use if you lose your life. The fact that you've killed Wu Yuan will eventually be revealed."
"Wu Yuan is the Cloudstride Sect's hope. Anyone who dares to extinguish that hope is declaring an everlasting feud with the Cloudstride Sect. Whoever takes on this task will become the top target of Bu Yu and Huan Jian," Grandmaster Lu Jiangyin explained. "Otherwise, why do you think no one dares to take on the mission?" He clearly understood the crux of the situation.
"In the upcoming war to conquer the Jiang Continent, we will have to face them sooner or later," Wang Huang argued. "Big Brother, surely there's no need to worry, right?"
"Humph! The Cloudstride Sect has stood strong on the Jiang Continent for hundreds of years. The means at their disposal are unfathomable. Even before we discuss anything else, if Bu Yu refuses to let you off, are you willing to risk your life fighting her to the death?" Lu Jiangyin snorted coldly. "That Jin Jiu tells us not to worry while he's stationed in Jinyang? Ha! If there's truly no danger, why doesn't he go himself?"
Wang Huang’s excitement began to wear off as his head cleared. "Big Brother, what should I do?" he asked.
"Great Jin's momentum of unifying the world is unstoppable. We seek glory, so we naturally follow the strongest. Let others gnaw on the hard bones." Lu Jiangyin began, "Jin Jiu specifically called for your participation, so you can't refuse to go."
Wang Huang nodded.
"Don't rush to attack Wu Yuan. You lead the team and take a few Savant experts with you for the assassination." Lu Jiangyin lowered his voice, "If successful, you'll simply be reaping free merits. At that time, we will make a grand show, publicizing that it was those few Savant experts who killed Wu Yuan, so as to avoid provoking the Cloudstride Sect's anger."
"If the assassination fails, don't bother about those few Savant experts, go locate Xu Hui right away," Lu Jiangyin laughed, "He is also a threat. Killing him will not drive the two old fellows of the Cloudstride Sect mad, but it is enough to satisfy Jin Jiu."
Wang Huang's eyes lit up, "Big Brother is wise."
...
After Wu Yuan swept through the disciples of the Cloud Martial Hall with his nearly invincible might during the annual competition, and then completed the second level of the Skystride Pavilion, his reputation in the Cloud Martial Hall soared to unprecedented heights. The strength he displayed, comparable to a first-rate Adept, also shocked the entire sect.
Soon there were calls to promote Wu Yuan from a Cloud Heir to a Heavens Heir. Savant experts and first-rate Adepts from the Finance Hall and even the Instruction Hall put forth their appeals, however, all were suppressed by the Hierarchs.
News of Wu Yuan's meteoric rise spread like wildfire, sending shockwaves through the various factions and setting undercurrents in motion. Yet, amid the chorus of admiration and incredulity, Wu Yuan remained unfazed. He continued his disciplined training without a hitch.
More than ten days after the conclusion of the annual competition, Wu Yuan finally made his way to the Finance Hall to meet Sect Elder Huan.
"Sect Elder, I would like to discuss two matters with you," Wu Yuan said with a smile. "Firstly, I wish to partake in a field trial."
Disciples from the Cloud Martial Hall, especially those from the senior academy, were often assigned a variety of field trials by the sect. The purpose of training disciples was not to coddle them like flowers in a greenhouse, but to strengthen them for combat and warfare. Without experiencing life-and-death situations or weathering storms, even a disciple with a strong physique and high skill level might only be able to utilize 30% - 50% of their potential.
"A field trial?" Sect Elder Huan furrowed his brow momentarily before nodding in assent. "Mm, the hierarchs have previously informed me about this. When a suitable task arises, I will notify you. After all, the regular defense and patrol duties are hardly appropriate for someone like you."
Wu Yuan nodded. Field trials encompassed more than just battles and bloodshed. For instance, becoming an instructor at a martial academy, like Huan Xinyan, was a type of field trial. Likewise, assuming the role of a civil or military official in a province or county also counted as a field trial.
"Is there anything else?" asked Sect Elder Huan.
"I intend to descend from the mountain and return home for the New Year," Wu Yuan responded.
"Descend from the mountain?" Elder Huan squinted at Wu Yuan, his voice low and grave. "Wu Yuan, ever since you completed the second level of the Skystride Pavilion, the various powers have been paying even closer attention to you. Are you aware of this?"
"I am," Wu Yuan responded nonchalantly.
"And yet, you still intend to leave the mountain?" Sect Elder Huan frowned.
Wu Yuan shook his head. "Sect Elder, I have already reached the level of a first-rate Adept. I can protect myself. Even if I were to become a Savant expert, a Grandmaster could still end my life. Should I never venture beyond the mountain?"
Sect Elder Huan found himself unable to argue.
"Sect Elder, rest assured. Cloudhill Province is relatively safe. Even among Savant experts, few would dare to attempt assassinations in the eastern region of the city," Wu Yuan reassured him. "Furthermore, when I leave the mountain, I will employ Transfiguration to avoid drawing attention. Few are aware of my ability."
"Sect Elder, I will be away for no more than five days. After spending time with my family, I will promptly return to the mountain," Wu Yuan chuckled.
"Very well, be careful then," Sect Elder Huan could only nod.
After bidding farewell to Sect Elder Huan, Wu Yuan walked along the main road.
Assassination? Wu Yuan shook his head, a wry smile on his lips. If there is no attempt on my life, so be it. But if there is, it’ll save me some effort.
The crimson mist Wu Yuan acquired during the previous battle at Cloud River had nearly been depleted over the past six months. He needed to replenish it.
Wu Yuan stayed on Cloudhill for two more days. Then, on the eve of the new year, he altered his appearance with Transfiguration and quietly headed down the mountain.
...
As Wu Yuan entered Cloudhill City, he took a leisurely stroll through the streets. The throngs of people bustling through the streets and alleys stirred various emotions within Wu Yuan, who had long grown accustomed to the tranquility of the mountain.
The scent of fireworks. As Wu Yuan walked at a slow pace through the crowded streets, his eyes taking in the sights and sounds of the busy vendors, haggling buyers, and pedestrians, a smile crept onto his face.
Crowds are a sign of peace, and the hustle and bustle is the realm of humanity.
Wu Yuan had traversed the vast mountains and rivers of the Jiang Continent. He had traveled through Yuanhu Province, crossed the Southcloud Province under the rule of the Baijiang Kingdom, and even witnessed the chaotic and merciless Dalong Province.
Comparatively speaking, for the common folk, the rule of the Cloudstride Sect isn't half bad. Wu Yuan had seen both the light and the shadows that lurked beneath the surface.
Cultivating on the mountain, consuming and refining qi, led to detachment from the world and allowed one to truly understand the sentiment 'the world is vast, and I am but a fleeting moment'. Meanwhile, occasionally visiting the city and immersing oneself in its sights pulled one's spirit back to humanity!
While wandering and sightseeing, he bought many gifts for his mother and sister along the way. Then after undoing Transfiguration, Wu Yuan regained his normal appearance and entered the Wu Mansion through a side door.
News of the young master's return quickly spread throughout the mansion, however, strict orders were given to keep it secret. Therefore, even the neighboring households remained oblivious to Wu Yuan's return.
As he spent time with his mother and sister, night fell.
Seated in silence on the second floor of the eastern building, Wu Yuan allowed his Soul Force to expand in all directions, feeding him a wealth of information. Within a 100-meter radius, everything was under the surveillance of Wu Yuan's Soul Force, capturing the actions of his family, clansmen, and numerous servants.
Soul Force truly is amazing, is this the ability that qi refiners wield?
Each time he activated his Soul Force, he was struck by its mystical nature. Qi refiners were in a league of their own compared to martial artists.
Sect Elder Zhang and Hall Master Gu are really dedicated.
Around 100 meters away on either side of the Wu Mansion, two figures stood guard, nearly invisible in the darkness of the night. However, Wu Yuan could detect their presence through his Soul Force, their vital aura glowing like bright flames. Both were Savant experts that Wu Yuan had met before.
One was Sect Elder Zhang Changsheng of the Military Hall, ranked 34th on the Jiang Continent Human Rankings. The other was Gu Wang, the hall master of the Inspection Hall, ranked fourth on the Jiang Continent Human Rankings and currently the closest person to becoming a Grandmaster in the Cloudstride Sect.
It seemed that after Sect Elder Huan had granted Wu Yuan permission to leave the mountain, he promptly reported the matter to The Rain Hierarch, who ordered two Savant experts to secretly follow and protect Wu Yuan. In truth, Wu Yuan had already sensed their presence during his descent from the mountain.
To have two Savant experts stationed here on such a festive occasion. Wu Yuan couldn't help but feel a tinge of guilt. However, there was no way for him to explain that their presence was unnecessary.
...
In the blink of an eye, three days went by and the new year arrived.
Apart from his daily cultivation, Wu Yuan spent precious time with his family, celebrating the new year with merriment. Snow began to fall once more, gently drifting through the air like willow catkins as the temperature fell.
As night descended, households closed their doors and the streets quieted down, with only occasional patrol squads passing by.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Through the veil of darkness, a group of figures braved the biting wind and heavy snow. Skillfully maneuvering between buildings, they glided noiselessly along the deserted streets, heading for the eastern district of the city. Finally, they entered an empty room.
"We are three li from the Wu Mansion." Wang Huang's burly figure was wrapped in black robes, only his eyes visible. "Our sources indicate that Wu Yuan has returned to his mansion. At present, he should be residing on the second story of the eastern wing."
"Is everything clear?" Wang Huang scanned the three shadowy figures.
"Yes!" The three figures nodded in unison.
"Go! Kill Wu Yuan!" Wang Huang commanded with a wave of his hand.
The three men, already cloaked in their night gear, quietly opened the window and drifted out, swiftly making their way toward the Wu Mansion.
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