Book 15: Chapter 21

Raging Winds as Beautiful as a Hairpin

The twenty-seven-year-old a.s.sa.s.sin had all the features to be a lady killer. The hilt of his sword planted into the floor was embellished with an egg-sized s.h.i.+ny pearl, while the blade itself shone brighter than jewellery.

Why the h.e.l.l are you working as an a.s.sa.s.sin when youre already so loaded?! Do you realise its an illegal profession?! Ill report you to League of a.s.sa.s.sins! G.o.d d.a.m.n, have some respect for the profession!

I couldnt put a name to his face no matter what angle I checked; I couldnt imagine him being a part of League of a.s.sa.s.sins, either. He was skilled enough to give Red Prince a run for his money, but I couldnt fathom why he would use such an expensive sword or why he had such a cold gaze or why he suddenly tried to kill me when I didnt recognise him.

If you know whats good for you, bind your own hands, kneel down, and beg for mercy, and I might consider sparing you. Actually, I cant spare you. Ill just make it quick.

Due to how menacing his threat was, I almost thought I was the one pressed down on the table.

Brother, who are you? Why are you trying to kill me?

Hmph, I can tell you, but youll probably p.i.s.s your pants and tuck tail. Its too much of a ha.s.sle to find you.

Tell me, then.

I just explained why I wouldnt tell you! Wait, you want to run, dont you?! I almost fell for it! Youre conniving! Have you no shame, taking pride in fleeing from battle when youre a martial artist? Lets fight fair and square!

I didnt know where to start with my criticisms. What tripe was he even spitting?!

Prime Minister Li whispered to me, Are all your martial artists like this?

The random a.s.sa.s.sin who came out of nowhere just embarra.s.sed every martial artist in one go!

Brother, do you not realise that you are in your current position because you lost to me?

He had a moment of panic as it occurred to him that he was the one pinned to the table, but that was fleeting.

Let me go if youre a man. Ill show you what Im made of.

I I didnt know what to say to that; I just silently set him free.

I retreated more than ten metres as soon as he was free. I thought he was going to retrieve his sword since he flitted in its direction, only to see him zip past it and towards the stairs. Had it not been for my skills with my celestial spider silk, he wouldve had me. I dragged him back, completely immobilised him with my celestial spider silk, and left just his mouth mobile so that he could speak.

Youre shameless! Release me! Ill call for reinforcements and come fight you to the death. Youre a spineless thug.

I grabbed a piece of cloth to stuff his mouth. Even though Prime Minister Li wasnt educated in the martial arts, even he could see what I saw. The guy mustve had a screw loose.

What do you think, Prime Minister?

Prime Minister Li eyed the a.s.sa.s.sin, then shook his head. Mm, this old one truly does not know, he answered, using dipping his finger into the wine and writing Blue Prince on the table as he spoke.

Now that was a bit of a surprise, not because Prime Minister Li didnt explicate his ident.i.ty aloud, but because Blue Prince was behind it, though it didnt surprise me for long. After all, considering what Young s.h.i.+yi did, it was only reasonable for him to harbour a grudge against Mount Daluo. He wouldnt attack Mount Daluo considering His Majestys plans for Mount Daluo, but targeting someone specifically was another story. Among all famous Mount Daluo members in the capital, I was the easiest target.

I knocked out the a.s.sa.s.sin, then queried, Prime Minister, this guy is Blue Princes subordinate?

His name is Feng Qizhi, responded Prime Minister Li, smiling subtly. His nickname is Falling Phoenix, but he is also called Black Crow Falling into a Phoenix Nest. He is a descendant of Luoyangs Feng Clan. Hes considered to be talented at swordplay and one of their clans martial arts prodigies. For one reason or another, he aligned with Blue Prince. This old one has never met him, but the sword gave it away. The rumours of him behaving atypically seem to have proven themselves here.

For real

Would you happen to know why he tried to a.s.sa.s.sinate this one?

This was the third matter I was getting to. Haplessly smiling, Prime Minister Li asked, His Majesty asked you to take one of his sons on as an apprentice, but you appear reluctant, correct?

You could tell? This one is ashamed.

There is no need to be ashamed. Ignoring whether or not you would be successful, think about whether the proud Princes born into prestige would be willing to learn from a constable of Liu Shan Men.

I never even thought about that! I only thought about it from my perspective! If I walked off on the job, Id just have had to run before I got caught. If a Prince didnt want me, though, theyd send a.s.sa.s.sins after me. Blue Prince already started. Only the other Princes knew what they were going to do.

This is one matter that will have an influence on the future. Their ambitions will grow as they age. Should they have good friends and mentors, they may become a good Prince, or potentially a wise monarch. This is not a matter that should be taken lightly. This old one asks that you think about it carefully.

Prime Minister Li was right. It was important to my precious life. I didnt expect them to send any dangerous a.s.sa.s.sins, but it wouldve annoyed the life out of me! If secrets got involved, my goodness gracious me.

This one will consult you on it later. Since Prime Minister Li had been a mentor to an Emperor, I figured I could learn something from him.

Hoho, this old one cannot promise he could teach you anything worth your time. Shall we end todays conversation here? Thank you for the meal.

No, thank you for the wisdom. This one shall take this salted fish.

Hang on.

Uh, this one did not hit this a.s.sa.s.sin. He tripped on his own. Let this one explain this martial arts thing to you.

Prime Minister Li wagged his hand. No need. Though you are remarkable in academics, your martial arts skills are abysmal. This old one personally saw the a.s.sa.s.sin trip on his own.

I flicked up a thumb. Fantastic! Goodbye, Prime Minister!

Once I disappeared from the stairs, Prime Minister Li shook his head jovially. There is another remarkable man for this world now.

When he sensed someone suddenly standing beside him, Prime Minister Li nearly jumped. Can I help you?

Proprietor s.h.i.+ quietly pa.s.sed over a sheet of paper. The bill.

Clapping and laughing simultaneously, Prime Minister Li instructed, Wrap up that sword and send it together with this bill to Liu Shan Men. Ask for Vice-captain Shen. This old one promises you will receive an extra two hundred.