He Is Good . . .
While the world might have remained oblivious to the intentions of these three individuals, they harbored a shrewd suspicion.
Yin Yucheng had most likely set his sights on the twenty-seven assassins who had absconded with their newfound wealth. The notion of encountering Yin Yucheng again in the future was bleak at best.
Of this, they had little doubt.
Yin Yucheng's prowess exceeded that of the twenty-seven assassins combined. Although they were all formidable cultivators, and some among them may have concealed their true capabilities, they paled in comparison to the fifth-ranked assassin in the world. The prospect of his endeavor to eliminate them was child's play.
Each of those assassins carried one hundred million in their pockets. Yin Yucheng could secure all of the money or merely part of it, yet the latter would suffice for him to exit the assassin's world and embark on a life of boundless luxury.
With discretion and anonymity, he could lead a serene existence, wealth beyond measure.
He would forever vanish from the martial world, leaving it behind.
Boundless Saint's gaze remained fixed on Monarch Feng, and a tinge of trepidation crept into his eyes. [This man possesses a formidable intellect.]
"Saint, Monarch Feng is a force to be reckoned with," a golden-label assassin from Boundless Lake murmured quietly, ensuring only Boundless Saint could hear him. The individuals of Boundless Lake had been engaged with Ning Biluo. Had they not, their combined might would have sufficed to vanquish the Ling-Bao Hall assassins. Yet, their involvement would have precipitated a dire turn of events—similar to the fate that had befallen the twenty-seven assassins. Although Boundless Saint held the second-highest assassin rank, he lacked the intimidating presence that characterized Ning Biluo. He would have struggled to extricate his comrades from this relentless pursuit, which explained the fear coursing through him and his followers.
[We were fortunate not to claim any lives.]
Monarch Feng was more than formidable; he was terrifying.
Boundless Saint concurred, his voice hushed as he confided, "He is more than just formidable. He is terrifying. He used money to mount a counteroffensive, a strategy both straightforward and effective. Those who accepted the money openly revealed themselves before all present… and are now doomed. We are familiar with one another, and these individuals will inevitably be hunted down, one after another. Yin Yucheng was the first; there will be a second, a third…"
"This Monarch Feng has exacted revenge while simultaneously neutralizing our strike force."
The golden-label assassin nodded in agreement.
Boundless Saint's eyes gleamed with determination. "Instruct our associates to track down Yin Yucheng. Regardless of how much he acquires, I want him to relinquish every last tael. He may not secure all of the funds from those twenty-seven individuals, but he could feasibly obtain the lion's share, approximately seventy percent."
"Understood. I shall convey your orders."
"I concede that our chances of securing the six billion are slim, but I have faith in Yin Yucheng. While the six billion may elude our grasp, we can still amass a significant fortune. Not a bad outcome, by any measure. It's simple, isn't it?" Boundless Saint mused.
...
The scenario had evolved dramatically, altering the calculus entirely.
The assassins who had vacated the premises were riddled with perplexing sentiments.
[We came here with the intent to kill him. How did we end up in his employ?]
[We initially acted out of avarice, but something doesn't feel quite right now. What has become of our dignity as assassins? Our standing?]
Yet, when they met the icy, blade-like gaze of Monarch Feng, their thoughts shifted.
[Perhaps our dignity and position are inconsequential. To be employed by this man is vastly preferable to being executed by him!]
The alluring six billion bounty came laden with overwhelming risks.
Cha Eun Xiao gazed upwards, a smile curling on his lips. "Money is a wondrous thing," he mused. "I have neglected it for far too long. My wealth has grown tiresome, the numbers a ceaseless bore. Yet, I've had an epiphany. Money possesses the power to sway ghosts, deities, and men."
"Money can coerce a ghost into grinding a mill, or conversely, turn the mill into a grinder of ghosts. When deployed for a specific purpose, it proves even more potent." His tone remained mild as he continued, "Hence, I've resolved to delve deeper into the realm of money and explore its limitless possibilities!"
Cha Eun Xiao remained composed as he addressed the assembly. His hands rested casually behind his back, and his voice retained a measured calmness.
"Assassination is a unique profession, one where lives are extinguished for monetary gain," he stated. "I've always harbored a genuine curiosity about the hardships that assassins endure. If any of you can secure your livelihoods or fulfill your aspirations through alternative means, there would be no need to traverse the perilous path of an assassin, risking lives and lurking in the shadows."
"I've consistently communicated this sentiment from the outset," he continued. "While I comprehend your motivations, I've made it clear that I will retaliate against any threat to my well-being. The evidence of this retribution lies in the twenty-seven lifeless bodies that now grace our presence. They serve as a stark testament to my resolve."
Cha Eun Xiao pointed toward the line of severed heads, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Perhaps my actions today were somewhat rushed, but rest assured, should there be a next time, the swiftness of this demise will constitute a luxury. It will be a lavish hope, indeed, to seek such a swift end."
"The process is straightforward," he went on, "I could raise the bounty, instructing all to deliver them to me alive. I could then engage a skilled executioner to orchestrate their demise. The annihilation of their entire lineage or their death by a thousand cuts would be a mere formality. I could ensure their families beg for death for decades. I am being forthright, for I have the means to do so. My wealth allows me to indulge in this sinister endeavor. Should any of you doubt my capabilities, I am more than willing to put your skepticism to the test."
The assassins were left in stunned silence.
No one dared to dispute his words, for they were keenly aware of his vast wealth and the potential consequences of challenging it.
The tides had turned, and Monarch Feng, once in a precarious position, now controlled the narrative. The threat of becoming an enemy to the world had dissipated, and he reigned supreme.
However, Cha Eun Xiao understood that the House of the Chaotic Storms might not readily release its grip on him. He remained wary of Master Bai, who had been keeping a watchful eye on his movements. The next moment could usher in yet another unforeseen assault, upending the balance of power.
With his mental faculties fully engaged, he had even harnessed the capabilities of the enigmatic Egg within his spatial realm, prepared for any contingency. If matters spiraled out of his control, he would not hesitate to unleash the formidable power of Brother Egg, a force capable of vanquishing a Tao Origin Stage cultivator, and he was confident it could handle the current situation.
...
Amidst the billowing clouds, Ling Wuxie observed Cha Eun Xiao with genuine admiration in his eyes. He lauded the man, acknowledging his impressive maneuvering. "Bravo!"