My Idol! . . .
The scene was nothing short of overpowering, and it left the assassins in a state of awe and disbelief.
Liu Changjun, brimming with enthusiasm, could not contain his excitement as he addressed Ning Biluo, "My Lord..."
Although spoken softly, his words were infused with fervor.
After turning a corner, they disappeared from sight, leaving everyone profoundly affected by those two simple words: "My Lord."
The implications of "My Lord" were not lost on the onlookers. It was a term typically used within the royal court to address higher authorities. In this instance, the man they had attempted to assassinate, claiming to be an official of the Kingdom of Chen, had inadvertently revealed a significant truth.
Their realization was unsettling. There was an immensely powerful cultivator within the Kingdom of Chen's royal court. The knowledge weighed heavily on their minds. The prospect of facing this enigmatic figure in a confrontation with the royal house left them feeling helpless.
Each of them understood their chances of survival were slim in such an encounter.
Their hands were damp and cold as their anxiety deepened. The terrifying person they had encountered loomed large in their thoughts.
Meanwhile, on the opposing side, someone had been observing the entire spectacle. It was the mastermind behind the intricate plan, Cha Eun Xiao.
Despite his strenuous efforts to incite the Sunlight Sect and the Boundless Lake Sect to engage in conflict, Cha Eun Xiao had become increasingly anxious about the mission's success. Unnecessarily, he had decided to intervene. Upon his arrival, he was greeted with the captivating performance orchestrated by Ning Biluo.
The unexpected display left Cha Eun Xiao in a state of shock. He watched the unfolding drama with a mixture of amazement and delight.
In his mind, he marveled at Ning Biluo's incredible presence and the way in which he had sent shockwaves through the group of assassins.
"What in the world...?" Cha Eun Xiao thought, his heart racing. "Ning, you're truly remarkable! Your mere presence has sent those assassins reeling. This is nothing short of 'a small knife stops all'—overwhelming, invincible, and unassailable."
However, Cha Eun Xiao was grappling with a sense of frustration. He had clearly instructed Liu Changjun to sow discord among the factions in the region. Instead, what he had witnessed was an astounding display of power and domination by Ning Biluo. He couldn't help but feel a sense of bewilderment and exasperation.
"Where is the discord I wanted?" Cha Eun Xiao pondered, his disappointment palpable. "What's going on?"
His vexation was evident, and he couldn't fathom how the plan had veered so far off course.
As he entered the scene, Cha Eun Xiao overheard Liu Changjun's enthusiastic exclamations about the events that had transpired. Liu Changjun, despite the grievous injuries he had sustained, couldn't contain his amazement and excitement.
His voice quivered with emotion, and his eyes gleamed with fervor. The recent encounter had marked a pivotal moment in his life. It had provided him with firsthand insight into the qualities that defined a formidable cultivator.
In Liu Changjun's perspective, a true cultivator should be characterized by vitality and a commanding presence. His admiration for Ning Biluo had soared to new heights, and the previously intimidating figure had now become his idol.
In Liu Changjun's heart, Cha Eun Xiao had always been his top choice, but after this encounter, he found himself elevating Ning Biluo to the top position. As far as Liu Changjun was concerned, in this moment, Ning Biluo had outshone Cha Eun Xiao.
Ning Biluo maintained his composure as he tended to Liu Changjun's wounds. It had been an eventful mission for Liu Changjun—simple in its objective, yet it had culminated in a relentless pursuit by a multitude of assassins. Although fortunate to escape with no life-threatening injuries, he bore the marks of various projectiles, from darts and flying needles to knives and caltrops.
In Liu Changjun's case, luck had been a double-edged sword, granting him survival but subjecting him to painful wounds.
Liu Changjun's adventure had, in some respects, brought him closer to understanding the complexities of the world he inhabited.
As Cha Eun Xiao stepped into the room, he was immediately greeted by the words of Liu Changjun. He couldn't help but let out a sigh of exasperation.
"Oi, listen, I'm baffled here," Cha Eun Xiao remarked, his tone filled with bewilderment. "You've completely derailed the mission. We had a meticulously planned strategy, but now you've managed to turn things in the opposite direction. What's there to be happy about? I just don't get it."
The two assassins present in the room were taken aback by Cha Eun Xiao's unexpected entrance and his scolding. While Liu Changjun appeared to be reveling in his admiration for Ning Biluo, there was an underlying layer of self-satisfaction. On the other hand, Ning Biluo, despite his attempts to mask it, was secretly enjoying the admiration being showered upon him. The sudden interruption jolted them back to reality.
Cha Eun Xiao continued, rubbing his forehead in frustration. "Come on, my friends. We can do better than this. Where is the discord I instructed you to create? Where is the chaos? Where is the disruption?"
The two assassins, who had momentarily forgotten the purpose of their mission, now bowed their heads in shame.
With a heavy sigh, Cha Eun Xiao offered some grudging praise. "You've failed, and instead of accomplishing your mission, one of you was busy singing praises, while the other basked in the glory. Isn't that a bit too convenient for you?"
This chastisement left both of them blushing with embarrassment.
Cha Eun Xiao let out another sigh, a hint of disappointment etched on his face. He had already devised a series of follow-up plans, one leading to the next. Now, it was evident that these plans were in jeopardy due to Ning Biluo's unexpected appearance.
Ning Biluo, the preeminent No. 1 Assassin, had made his presence known in the capital. It had thrown a wrench into Cha Eun Xiao's carefully laid plans. The only lingering uncertainty in Cha Eun Xiao's mind was whether any of the assassins had recognized Ning Biluo. Even a single recognition could spell trouble for them.
He contemplated their predicament with a mixture of resignation and exasperation. "Forget it. Let's head to Ling-Bao Hall."
Faced with the turn of events, Cha Eun Xiao made the decision promptly. With their initial plans in disarray, returning to Ling-Bao Hall seemed to be the most logical course of action.
As he contemplated the situation, Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but reflect, "I had intended to involve the House of the Chaotic Storms in this upheaval. Opportunities arise from greater disturbances, or so they say.".