Chapter 136: The Assassin Organization
Chapter 136: The Assassin Organization
Hong Xiu Tian Xiang laughed, “Envoy, no need for anger. Cheng Lingyu and Caiyun both carry secrets we need. No point burning bridges with them. Letting him go today helps build trust between us. Next meeting, gaining his confidence will be easier.”
The golden-robed man’s face relaxed slightly. “What else?”
“Cheng Lingyu resists my power of seduction. I noticed this when we first met in Yunyang City, but never got closer. Tonight’s tests revealed faint magical aura around him—maybe similar soul-confusing arts, though I’m unsure. When he invaded my mind, I used the Ghost Eyes mark to study his energy.”
“And?”
“He practices wicked heart-deluding techniques of unknown origin. His aura feels dangerous too.”
The golden-robed man nodded. “The primal energy he left on you matters. Extract it properly—we’ll track him later.”
“Already handled, Envoy.”
“You did well tonight, though leaking secrets was careless. Remember this next time. Lou Ri City’s disciple recruitment begins soon. I’ll go disguised. Join them—infiltrate the city.”
Hong Xiu Tian Xiang tilted her head. “Envoy came just for this?”
“Other matters exist, none of your concern. What of Huoyun City’s legendary Strange Flame?”
“Mere myth. No sightings confirmed.”
The golden-robed man frowned. “Clean up here. I leave now.” With a wave, the barrier disappeared, and he vanished.
Hong Xiu Tian Xiang stretched lazily, not bothering with the hole Cheng Lingyu left. She plucked her zither instead, its melody tinged with sorrow.
On the tower, Cheng Lingyu stared at the glowing sphere in his palm, showing Hong Xiu Tian Xiang’s entire conversation with the golden-robed man—images and sounds flawless.
No triumph colored his face, only bitter disappointment. When leaving, he’d genuinely feared for her safety, their earlier intimacy leaving lingering attachment. Now, knowing her schemes cut deep.
……
Dawn brought strange tremors through Huoyun City, drawing cultivators’ gazes.
Cheng Lingyu brightened. “Senior Sister succeeded?” He soared into the air, rushing to the inn.
Soon Caiyun entered with Lan Xiaozhu, her bearing transformed—ethereal light clinging to her.
“We did it!” Lan Xiaozhu chirped, bouncing to Cheng Lingyu.
Overjoyed, Cheng Lingyu swept Senior Sister Caiyun into his arms, spinning thrice before setting her down.
Caiyun glowed with vitality. Cheng Lingyu gaped, impulsively kissing her cheek.
Blushing, Caiyun pushed him back. “Your situation?”
His smile died. A stiff nod answered—mood soured.
Caiyun pressed for details, and Cheng Lingyu hesitated awkwardly, feeling it improper to speak openly in Lan Xiaozhu’s presence.
“Go ahead. Xiaozhu already knows.”
“What? She… she…”
Cheng Lingyu flushed with shame, but Lan Xiaozhu stepped forward to grasp his hand. “Caiyun’s intentions are good. I understand and support her. Tell us what happened.”
After a pause, Cheng Lingyu summarized the events and produced the memory orb for them to view.
Caiyun remained calm after watching. “Share your thoughts. Do you feel betrayed?”
“You already know the answer,” Cheng Lingyu muttered bitterly.
“Now you see that sharing a bed doesn’t guarantee affection, just as true feelings don’t require physical intimacy.”
Lan Xiaozhu sighed. “Such illusions are common. One moment brings blissful confidence, the next reveals cruel truths.”
Cheng Lingyu’s chest tightened uncomfortably. The memory of Hong Xiu Tian Xiang’s beauty and their passionate encounters had captivated his youthful heart, making detachment difficult.
Now those memories soured into disappointment tinged with sorrow.
Caiyun glared. “Must you mope over trivial heartache? How will you face Hong Xiu Tian Xiang next time?”
“I’ll tear off her mask and drive her away!”
“Fool! Can’t losses teach you cunning?”
Caiyun’s displeasure hung heavy.
Confused, Cheng Lingyu protested, “Is my resolve wrong?”
Lan Xiaozhu gently advised, “Pretend ignorance. Keep engaging her while feigning gratitude.”
Understanding dawned. “Senior Sister wants me to use Hong Xiu Tian Xiang as whetstone? To hone myself through deception?”
“Obviously,” Caiyun snapped. “The world shifts like sand. I prepare you with worldly methods, hoping you’ll never need them – but you must learn.”
“Life’s transformations hinge on subtle moments,” Lan Xiaozhu added. “Emotional vulnerabilities are hardest to guard.”
Moved, Cheng Lingyu embraced Caiyun’s waist, meeting her gaze solemnly. “I’ll never shame you, Senior Sister.”
Caiyun caressed his cheek with a tender smile. “Growth demands sacrifice. My guidance ends here – your path is yours to walk. Let’s depart.”
At dawn, they left Huoyun City westward.
En route, Cheng Lingyu asked about Ghost Eyes.
“Third among the empire’s assassin organizations, yet shrouded in mystery,” Caiyun explained. “If Hong Xiu Tian Xiang belongs to them, her motives transcend surface judgments.”
“Assassin groups in Tianyang Empire? Can’t the strong act freely here?”
Lan Xiaozhu chuckled. “The truly powerful are few. Wealthy cowards hire blades to eliminate rivals.”
“Why don’t assassins simply seize what they want?”
“Clever question,” Caiyun approved. “But consider this – the rich and powerful shelter under major sects like Heavenly Palace. Those sects thrive on patrons’ gold. Robbing patrons would starve their protectors.”
“Thus, dirty work requires deniable tools – like assassins,” Lan Xiaozhu concluded.
Cheng Lingyu nodded. “I oversimplified.”
Their journey intersected with numerous cultivators – young and old, male and female – all converging on Xiyun Divine Mountain. Some rode sword glares, others piloted flying magical artifacts across skies dappled with speeding treasures.
Noticing these, Cheng Lingyu recalled his hidden low-grade spirit artifact, Cloud Boat, among other treasure artifacts.
“This distance warrants a flying vessel. We could train while traveling.”
“Agreed, but only treasure artifacts,” Caiyun stipulated.
Cheng Lingyu summoned a Sky Boat treasure artifact. Activated, it swelled into a massive void-crossing ship.
With Lan Xiaozhu steering, they raced toward Xiyun Divine Mountain at double standard flight speed, overtaking many envious travelers.
Cheng Lingyu immersed himself in mastering skills: Seven Shadow Splits, Thousand Strikes, Thunder Palm, Di Xuan Yin – each growing deadlier with his rising cultivation level.
Currently, he focused on Skywing Escape, the Heavenly Palace’s signature technique acquired from holy son Mo Wuxie.