Chapter Sixty-Nine: Pursuit and Assassination

“Master, the assassins we dispatched have all been wiped out. Not a single one succeeded!” Clad in black, Lin stood at the doorway, reporting to Ji Muyu. He and his brother Lie were the only ones granted the privilege of not having to kneel. As he finished, a glint of ruthless determination flashed through Lin’s eyes.

Ji Muyu stood by his desk. The windows were tightly shut, leaving the study cloaked in gloom. He was enveloped in darkness.

“Send out another group. If they fail as well, you’ll personally lead a team to complete this mission! I trust that if you take action, you won’t fail. Then, go out and find Yin Su. Tell her to accelerate the search for Shang Lian! For some reason, the Lingyu Pavilion has also started searching for Shang Lian with great fanfare—it seems our information has been stolen!”

Ji Muyu was growing weary. The problems were mounting, each one aimed directly at him. Now even Xue’er had been drawn in—something he had never wanted. He did not wish for Xue’er to be entangled in these matters.

After a moment of silence, Ji Muyu folded his hands behind his back and turned around, continuing, “Tell Yin Su to be extra vigilant. I’ll assign others to search for Shang Lian as well. Also, it appears the Liyin Sect is actually Silver Yao’s power, and she has already formed an alliance with Lingyu Pavilion. You must closely monitor their movements.”

As his deep voice faded, Ji Muyu felt no surprise at the cooperation between the two. After all, he was their common enemy, was he not? Moreover, past intelligence hinted at a complicated entanglement between Ji Xuanyu and Silver Yao. The threat posed by their alliance was not to be underestimated.

“Yes, your subordinate obeys!” Lin clasped his fists and bowed his head before quickly retreating—he had to hurry and inform Yin Su.

When the study returned to silence, Ji Muyu tapped the desk three times. A masked man appeared at his side. “Master.”

Ji Muyu showed no sign of surprise, clearly used to such things. He slowly turned to face the masked man and spoke in a measured tone, “Lie, when you saved Xue’er back then, was Yi Shang truly the only way to fully restore her?”

The masked man was none other than Lin’s twin brother, Lie. Lie was not only a martial arts master, but also a brilliant physician—not to mention his skills with poison. The toxin in Yin Su’s blood was his doing. When Wan Youxue survived after taking the Blood Sunflower, it was also his achievement.

Lie spoke with icy detachment, his voice almost mechanical, “Only Yi Shang.”

Hearing such a certain answer, the sliver of hope in Ji Muyu’s heart vanished. If there were any other way, he could avoid seeking Shang Lian and thus sidestep a direct conflict with Silver Yao and the others. But none of this could be avoided—what must come would come.

He lowered his head, deep in thought. Lie stood motionless, waiting in silence.

After an unknown stretch of time, Ji Muyu finally looked up, his gaze resolute as if he had made a great decision. “Lie, I believe if you take action, you will surely find Shang Lian.”

Lie did not reply immediately; he was well aware of the challenges regarding Shang Lian.

“An eighty percent chance,” Lie finally said after considering.

“That’s sufficient. After you leave, have Yin Su secretly assist you. I believe that will make success certain,” Ji Muyu declared with conviction.

“Yes, your subordinate obeys.”

…

In the early morning, Muye and Aishuo packed their belongings, preparing to seek out the Poison Sovereign and the Medicine Slave, both of whom had long since withdrawn from the martial world.

The Medicine Slave had once been hailed as the Medicine King, but before her retirement, she renounced the title, declaring herself nothing more than a humble medicine slave. This earned her even greater respect throughout the martial world.

The Poison Sovereign rarely appeared in the world. It was said that those seeking his aid would receive a poison of their choice from his hands, but whether their plot succeeded was none of his concern.

There was no time to waste. They strove to enhance their own strength, determined to deliver a significant surprise—and formidable power—to their brother in the duel three months hence. Now that they knew who had been secretly protecting them, they could pursue their goals with peace of mind.

Li Yue was eager to see their true face.

Seated by the window, watching Muye and Aishuo depart, Li Yue smiled knowingly. It seemed he would soon be able to return. He wondered how his master and brother were faring—he’d have to notify Yin Rou when the time came, as this was good news! The task of secret protection was nearly complete.

At the post station, Muye and Aishuo stood side by side, negotiating with the innkeeper.

As soon as they struck a deal, the innkeeper grinned, reaching for the silver Muye offered and calling for an attendant to bring their horses. Suddenly, an arrow whistled through the air and buried itself in the innkeeper’s forehead. His eyes widened in disbelief at something behind Muye and Aishuo before he toppled to the ground.

Hearing the commotion, others rushed in and, seeing the innkeeper’s corpse staring sightlessly, quickly mounted their horses and fled. Muye and Aishuo exchanged glances, surveyed their surroundings, and, sensing the threat, tossed down the silver and leapt onto their horses, galloping away.

A group of men in black appeared seemingly out of nowhere, pursuing closely.

Dressed in the garb of a wandering martial artist, Li Yue observed the departing pair, then scanned the area for hiding places. He surmised Yin Rou must be nearby. Swiftly drawing his flexible sword, he moved to confront the black-clad pursuers, blocking the way between the two groups.

The leader of the black-clad men signaled with his eyes, and his subordinates responded.

“Kill!” The single, emotionless command sent several black-clad men hurtling toward Li Yue, while others tried to slip past him in pursuit of Muye and Aishuo.

“Your fight is with me. If you think you can kill the Ghost Doctor and the Poison Enchantress, you clearly overestimate yourselves!” As the black-clad assassins raced forward with lightness skill, a woman’s voice suddenly echoed overhead—her words brazen and bold. Looking up, they saw a woman in a pale blue dress descending gracefully, blocking their path.

The squad leader glanced around, confirmed the woman was blocking their way, and ordered, “Kill!”

Yin Rou had long since grown accustomed to such overwhelming odds. That was how she had spent the last fortnight—why should she fear now? Her eyes cold, she gripped her flexible sword in her right hand.

She leapt into the midst of the black-clad men. Amidst the clash of blades, many fell. Blood spattered the ground, but Yin Rou always evaded it—her clothes remained spotless.

Li Yue was equally ruthless, his strikes swift and deadly. Under his sword, more men fell clutching their wounded throats, collapsing in unwilling defeat.

Catching up with Yin Rou, Li Yue called out anxiously, “Are you all right?”

“What could possibly happen?” Yin Rou’s gaze was icy, her tone scornful.

This attitude and expression reminded Li Yue of his master’s words: Once Yin Rou starts killing, she becomes a different person—such style, truly impressive!

Li Yue did not quite understand his master’s admiration for her, but watching Yin Rou now, he felt an inexplicable heaviness in his heart.

The assassins were quickly dealt with, but both of them knew—the true enemy was yet to appear.

“Li Yue, there’s no need for you to hide any longer. Ride after the Ghost Doctor and the Poison Enchantress; stay by their side and protect them. The next wave of assassins will be far more formidable.” The chill in Yin Rou’s eyes faded, and her tone softened.

Li Yue considered the suggestion—it was sensible, but…

“And you?”

“Me? I’ll continue to protect them from the shadows. Now that we’ve eliminated this group, my presence can remain undisclosed for now. The master instructed me to avoid revealing my identity at all costs,” Yin Rou replied matter-of-factly.

“If that’s the master’s wish, I’ll obey. Take care of yourself,” Li Yue said hesitantly, then mounted a horse and rode after Muye and Aishuo.

To conserve his strength, Yin Rou also found a good horse, mounted up, and after watching Li Yue’s party depart, took a small side path into the forest.

…

The latest group of assassins failed once more. Lin could sense his master’s fury, yet he had to admire Ji Muyu’s foresight—he had said, If the last squad fails, you’ll go and finish the mission yourself.

“Master, please calm your anger. I will leave at once and personally see this mission through. I will not disappoint you!” Lin knelt, for he was in charge of hunting down the Ghost Doctor and Poison Enchantress.

“Go. I hope you bring me good news.” Ji Muyu waved a hand, his back to Lin.

“Yes!”

…

“Ghost Doctor! Poison Enchantress!” Li Yue called out to the two figures not far ahead.

Muye and Aishuo exchanged wary glances—who was this man?

“Who are you?” On guard, they reined in their horses and turned to face the approaching figure.

“Li Yue.” He did not hesitate; since he was to protect them openly, there was no need to conceal his identity.

Li Yue? Muye immediately recalled the name mentioned in the letter last night—he must be the one Silver Yao had arranged to protect him and Aishuo.

“You’re the one Silver Yao sent?” Aishuo, never one for overthinking, asked directly, seeking a quick answer.

Seeing her question, Li Yue simply nodded.

“Li Yue, thank you for protecting us these past two weeks,” Muye said, clasping his fists in gratitude.

“No need—I am merely following orders,” Li Yue replied, shaking his head.

“We’re heading to Medicine King Valley and Poison Sovereign Peak. Will you continue to follow us?” Aishuo eyed Li Yue, finding his wooden expression and constant talk of orders rather dull.

“Yes. I’ve already dealt with the last batch of assassins, but I suspect more will come soon. Once we reach Medicine King Valley or Poison Sovereign Peak, however, they may not dare act, fearing the reputation of Medicine Slave and Poison Sovereign,” Li Yue answered, uncharacteristically verbose.

Muye nodded in agreement. Aishuo had no objections either, so the three set out together for Medicine King Valley and Poison Sovereign Peak.

…

When Lin and his men arrived at the post station, they found only a pile of black-clad corpses. Without hesitation or a word about disposing of the bodies, he led his men in pursuit toward Medicine King Valley and Poison Sovereign Peak.

Hidden along the road, Yin Rou soon spotted the black-clad figures. She did not act immediately, however, recognizing the formidable skill of their leader and his subordinates—far superior to those who had come before. She could not afford recklessness; only a surprise attack would suffice.

Lin remained unaware that a pair of eyes were fixed intently on his back. Had he noticed, he might have avoided some needless loss.

Within the Liyin Sect—

“What?! Ji Muyu has dispatched a general?!” Silver Yao’s raised voice echoed through the quiet halls.

The messenger who had brought the news dared not speak further, stealing a glance at his agitated mistress. With the sect master absent, no one dared approach her—she was not nearly as easy to deal with as the master himself.

Seeing the messenger kneeling in silence, Silver Yao said nothing more.

“Tell Li Suo that I’m going to assist Yin Rou. With Yin Rou’s temperament, she’ll shoulder all the danger herself!” Silver Yao sighed with a hint of resignation.

In the next instant, she had vanished from the room.