Action! . . .
As the gravity of the situation loomed over them, both Ning Biluo and Cha Eun Xiao grappled with an overwhelming sense of pessimism. In the face of such daunting adversity, Cha Eun Xiao lacked the confidence to navigate through it, while Ning Biluo couldn't be certain of a brighter future.
Aware that they were essentially marching toward their demise, Ning Biluo resigned himself to the task at hand. In this dire scenario, he had nothing left to fear or second-guess. It was his sole option, and it not only held the promise of resolving the predicament concerning his people but also represented a way to repay the debt he owed to Cha Eun Xiao.
Resolute in his decision, Ning Biluo nodded and stated, "Fine. This may well be my final battle in this lifetime. I'll accept some financial assistance from you, Cha Eun Xiao. I already owe you a great deal, so adding to that debt doesn't make much difference. However, I want to make one thing clear. If we manage to survive, I'll return the money for sure."
Cha Eun Xiao replied with a hint of ambiguity, "You do have a strong personality. Very well, as you wish."
With the matter seemingly resolved, Liu Changjun, sensing the tension had dissipated, posed a question, "So, Boss, how much are you willing to pay Master Ning?"
Cha Eun Xiao hesitated briefly before proposing, "How much, you ask? Would one billion taels suffice?"
The proposal left Liu Changjun and Ning Biluo flabbergasted. They were two renowned assassins who had witnessed countless extraordinary events, but the offer stunned them. Twenty thousand taels per month equated to approximately three million per year and thirty million over a decade. One billion taels would suffice to cover their expenses for three hundred years. However, the individuals they were supporting were not expected to live that long.
Observing the astonished expressions on their faces, Cha Eun Xiao sensed that he might have underestimated the required amount. He believed that one billion was merely the cost of two or three supreme dan beads. If it was insufficient, he could easily provide more. With a casual tone, he continued, "Well, how about two billion? Would that be adequate?"
He mentioned two billion as casually as if he were discussing twenty taels. Liu Changjun, having recently participated in the auction, was accustomed to hearing such astronomical figures. In contrast, Ning Biluo had never encountered or even heard of such a colossal sum, leaving him utterly stunned.
Cha Eun Xiao observed Ning Biluo's astonished reaction and considered whether the sum was still insufficient. Uncertain of what might be an appropriate amount, he assured, "Ning, I know you are a forthright man. Name your price. I won't refuse."
However, Ning Biluo hastily waved his hands and replied, "No, no, no... You're offering far too much. I'll never require two billion, not even one billion. That's truly excessive." He understood the situation and wished to disavow any notion of such extravagant wealth.
Ning Biluo had led a life entrenched in the shadows as an assassin. For a substantial part of his existence, he had reigned as the king of assassins, a position that should have granted him access to significant wealth. However, in the grand scheme of the world's true magnates, he was but a humble pauper.
Cha Eun Xiao's casual mention of one or two billion taels had left him flabbergasted. Cha Eun Xiao's readiness to allow Ning Biluo to dictate the price further compounded the astonishment.
Now, as he found himself in a room with a heap of currency, Ning Biluo meticulously counted the notes. He was confronted with an entirely different paradigm of wealth. He had now become the archetype of an affluent individual, the very essence of opulence itself.
With a pile of notes amounting to one million taels in his hands, Cha Eun Xiao conveyed his sentiments with a mixture of jest and earnestness. "Frankly, you've been rather sluggish in this matter. Consider that you're a legend in the world of assassins. Do you wish for me to lose respect for you? You declared yourself that you would repay the debt should we survive. Don't be indecisive. Show some backbone."
Before Ning Biluo could decline, Cha Eun Xiao had made his stance perfectly clear.
Ning Biluo stood with the notes in hand, his mouth agape and his mind racing to process the situation. He was momentarily speechless.
Meanwhile, Liu Changjun was barely containing his amusement. Observing the legendary assassin, Ning Biluo, reduced to such a comical spectacle was a historic moment for him. As a witness to this unforeseen turn of events, Liu Changjun couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.
Ning Biluo opted to remain silent, accepting the money and storing it in his spatial ring without uttering a word. He had no words to describe this situation, especially since the spatial ring itself was also a gift from Cha Eun Xiao. Silence was the best response to this unusual and somewhat embarrassing circumstance.
Words were not needed; actions spoke louder in this instance. He kept this debt in mind, well aware that it needed to be repaid.
Cha Eun Xiao's one or two billion tael offer was utterly extravagant. Even the bounty on Cha Eun Xiao's head, a reward for his death, hadn't exceeded half a billion. This was a fortune that dwarfed any assassination contract; even the collective earnings of all assassins on a mission wouldn't reach the one or two billion tael mark.
Cha Eun Xiao's intent was clear—he genuinely wished to assist. In Ning Biluo's mind, the principle of reciprocity had been invoked: a favor offered should be repaid with interest, resulting in a cascade of future exchanges.
"What's our next step? With Master Ning joining us, we've got a considerable boost in strength," Liu Changjun exclaimed. His excitement was palpable, and his confidence had soared. The inclusion of Ning Biluo had a profound impact on him.
[The king of assassins!
A legend in the world of assassins!]
"I need the two of you to provide me with information about those assassins and the superior cultivators from different sects. Tell me about their personalities, martial arts, and their modus operandi," Cha Eun Xiao requested.
Sitting together, Liu Changjun took the lead, providing detailed descriptions of each individual he knew. Ning Biluo sat beside them, attentively listening and occasionally adding valuable insights.
Drawing from their extensive knowledge of the world of assassins, the two of them excelled in delivering comprehensive information. The foundation of their training and experience as assassins enabled them to provide a nuanced understanding of their peers.
By the time they had finished, it was already late into the night.
Cha Eun Xiao rose to his feet.
"We need to create a disruption. Stir up chaos and seize opportunities in the midst of the turmoil. So, better sooner than later. We should act now," he declared with an enigmatic smile.
Zuo Wuji had shared numerous plans with Cha Eun Xiao, any of which would suffice for their current situation.
The two assassins inquired in unison, "What's our exact plan?"
"We'll plant bribes on certain individuals, capitalize on the confusion, and sow discord among the public," Cha Eun Xiao explained, his smile brimming with cunning.
"Uh…" The two assassins were somewhat perplexed.
"We should…" Cha Eun Xiao lowered his voice and began outlining the plan, delivering the details with an air of excitement.
"..." Ning Biluo and Liu Changjun were left momentarily speechless.
The sheer audacity and guile of Cha Eun Xiao's plan reached an extraordinary level, bordering on the insane. It had the potential to raise hairs on the back of one's neck. That description seemed fitting indeed!.