Local Assassins in Kingdom of Chen? . . .
Many of the assassins harbored reservations regarding the situation due to Feng Monarch's casual demeanor.
In that very moment, Yin Yucheng, previously engrossed in his duel with Liu Changjun, abruptly left the battle. Liu Changjun posed a formidable challenge. Yin Yucheng held the upper hand, but it would take time to subdue his opponent. The appearance of Feng Zhiling had given rise to the notion that he might meet his end at any moment. Liu Changjun possessed martial skills and coveted dan beads, but in comparison to the bountiful reward offered for Feng Zhiling's head, those were mere trifles.
After a brief contemplation, Yin Yucheng executed a potent strike, compelling Liu Changjun to retreat, and swiftly approached Feng Monarch. With a cold, piercing gaze, he inquired, "What do you wish to ask?"
Cha Eun Xiao remained unperturbed and calmly responded, "I have a simple question. I'm merely curious to know how many of the assassins present here hail from the Kingdom of Chen."
The query took everyone by surprise. They hadn't anticipated Feng Monarch to pose such a question in the midst of this dire situation.
Numerous individuals averted their gaze, while those who recognized each other's origins exchanged furtive glances.
Were there citizens of the Kingdom of Chen among them?
Undoubtedly!
As this crisis unfolded, local assassins had swiftly congregated. Seasoned individuals were well-acquainted with the local terrain, and this was their advantage.
"Regardless of whether you choose to admit it or not, I am aware of your presence. I am both perplexed and disheartened. While people from the Kingdom of Tianyu and the Kingdom of Lanfeng may wish to end my life, those from outside the Kingdom of Chen have their motives. That is understandable, given our adversarial positions. It is only natural to eliminate foreign support. However, I fail to comprehend why assassins from the Kingdom of Chen harbor such intentions. I am baffled," Cha Eun Xiao spoke slowly. "The Kingdom of Chen currently finds itself in a precarious situation, besieged from all sides by enemies. The kingdom stands as precariously as a stack of eggs. Millions of citizens are fighting valiantly on the frontlines to safeguard our homeland. What have you, as citizens of the Kingdom of Chen, done in return?"
"We, Ling-Bao Hall, are businessmen, yet we recognize our duty as citizens. We held a contentious auction, offending factions worldwide, and devoted our utmost efforts... We raised seventy billion for our nation! We alleviated the financial crisis! Ling-Bao Hall has made an extraordinary contribution to the Kingdom of Chen!"
"That seventy billion has brought us to our current dire straits. We are teetering on the brink of collapse, and it could occur at any moment."
His stern voice reverberated through the darkened sky. "Whether you are assassins or common folk, as citizens of the Kingdom of Chen, should you not be contributing to your nation? However, you have contributed nothing, and instead, you have come here to seek my head, a man who has just bestowed seventy billion upon this country. Is that not disheartening?"
Cha Eun Xiao cast a cold gaze over the masked assassins. "Ling-Bao Hall donated seventy billion to the military, to those who are making sacrifices to protect your homes... And here you are, endeavoring to take my life for that ill-gotten wealth!"
"I have no intention of imparting great moral principles. I won't. I simply wish to know how many among this assemblage are ungrateful."
With a sneer, Cha Eun Xiao surveyed the multitude of assassins with cold eyes. "Is there anyone bold enough to reveal themselves? Step forward and make yourselves known."
"Even if I am destined to perish, I wish to ascertain whether it will be at the hands of my own compatriots or the blades of my adversaries!"
The sudden silence that ensued was palpably awkward, leaving them at an impasse.
Ning Biluo and Zhao Pingtian ceased their skirmish as well, gravitating towards Cha Eun Xiao. While the battles hadn't been protracted, they had expended a significant amount of their energy. A momentary ceasefire afforded them a chance to recuperate.
Cha Eun Xiao halted their approach. "Stay back. Let me take a look at the... heroes of our kingdom."
In truth, most of the assassins did not hail from the Kingdom of Chen. Only a minority of them were native to the land. Intentionally or not, they had become divided into two distinct groups.
The majority of the individuals clad in black masks cast disdainful glances at those who were citizens of the Kingdom of Chen. Having fought alongside each other for a considerable duration, they had acquired some knowledge about one another. They could distinguish between the local assassins and those who were not.
While a few remained oblivious to this distinction due to their relative weakness and lack of qualification, some of the more renowned assassins were well-informed.
Local assassins and outsiders had inadvertently formed two separate factions.
Many assassins appeared ashamed, initially, but as they turned their gaze toward Feng Monarch, their expressions grew more malevolent. Evidently, the lure of immense wealth outweighed their sense of honor. They had betrayed their own nation, yet this fact no longer seemed to trouble them. With the Kingdom of Chen besieged from all sides, its imminent downfall was perceived as inevitable. The kingdom was on the brink of becoming a historical footnote, and the assassins sought practical gains in the present.
Meanwhile, the chaos raged on, with fires and plumes of smoke intensifying. The cacophony of battle resounded from all directions.
"While you attempt to end my life, assassins and covert agents from other nations are infiltrating Chen-Xing City," Cha Eun Xiao stated with a chilling composure. "While you commit murder here in pursuit of the bounty on my head..."
He paused, delivering his next words with a cold and measured tone. "Are you even deserving of the title 'human beings'?"
One of the masked men sneered at Cha Eun Xiao, his voice dripping with contempt. "Feng Monarch, do not attempt to deceive us with your words. Regardless of what you say, today, you meet your end!"
As he concluded his sentence, another figure within the crowd let out a sigh and suddenly leaped into the sky. Transforming into a dark streak of lightning, he vanished without a trace.