Convinced! . . . .
The assembled assassins represented the upper echelons of their nefarious trade, their expertise in the art of killing unsurpassed by any. Ning Biluo's sword strike was the epitome of murderous intent, and Boundless Saint had been struck in his vital areas. Survival seemed impossible; yet, there he stood, breathing and conversing. He inquired, "Why? Why am I still alive, Ning Biluo? That was, undoubtedly, the most potent strike of your life, wasn't it? I am certain... but..."
Ning Biluo's response was chillingly composed, "Our deep-seated enmity leaves no room for mercy. I unleashed my very best, as you well know!"
Despite the profuse bleeding, Boundless Saint remained standing. Approximately ten percent of his blood was already lost, yet he exhibited remarkable vitality. Was this a brief, lucid interval prior to the final descent into death's embrace? Not quite!
After a moment, Boundless Saint appeared to sense something, trembling as he muttered, "Ning Biluo... What... What is this? I disapprove of you for that sword strike... It's unfair... How could you become the King of Assassins?"
A wave of astonishment rippled through the onlookers. What had just transpired? Ning Biluo's strike had been pure and swift, and even Boundless Saint had lauded its potency. Why, then, did he seem to backtrack so swiftly?
Ning Biluo responded with a cold laugh, "Whether you despise me or not is inconsequential; that's your prerogative. Fair or not, that's your judgment to make. My strike was delivered with all my might. Your blood spilt serves as atonement. You mean nothing to me from this point forward."
Boundless Saint's eyes gleamed, and he commented, "Blood spilt in atonement! Well said! A single sword strike ends it all!"
With those words, he gripped the sword embedded in his body and withdrew it. As the blade was extracted, blood flowed even more profusely. The sword itself was now bathed in his life essence. The extent of his injuries and blood loss should have been fatal, and Boundless Saint had turned into a man drenched in crimson.
"One sword strike ends it all," Ning Biluo stated dispassionately. "From this moment, your life or death is your own concern. You are free to lead the life you deserve. Despise me or not, from now on, you and I are even. You may live your joyful life, and I will embrace my solitary existence. That is the end."
Boundless Saint's complexion paled, an inevitable outcome of his extensive blood loss. He chuckled and remarked, "Very well... I remain unequal to you. It seems I'll never surpass you. This sword strike... I shall never forget it. Perhaps, one day, I will seek retribution."
The golden label assassins, both taken aback and pleased, recognized that although Boundless Saint had suffered severe blood loss, death was not imminent. They weren't certain how Ning Biluo had achieved this, but they had no doubt he would spare their leader.
Yet, they couldn't help but consider, "This doesn't bode well. What a dreadful sword strike! It merely injured him and failed to kill him. Ning Biluo seemed oddly lenient. Why would he speak of future revenge? Not the wisest course of action."
Cha Eun Xiao's eyes gleamed with newfound understanding, a sense of reassurance taking hold as he regarded Ning Biluo.
Among the assembled individuals, Cha Eun Xiao alone possessed a comprehensive understanding of the unfolding events. His insights surpassed even those of Boundless Saint and Ning Biluo, providing him with a unique perspective on the matter.
Ning Biluo, he observed, had clearly reached a considerable level of mastery in the martial art that Cha Eun Xiao had imparted to him. His proficiency was undeniable, and the results spoke for themselves. Ning Biluo's swordsmanship was nothing short of formidable, characterized by its ferocity, speed, and precision. The culmination of this technique was evident in the sword strike that had transpired.
Cha Eun Xiao recognized that achieving both speed and ferocity was a manageable feat; however, true concentration required the harmonious synchronization of internal energy and swordsmanship. It necessitated the adept management of one's cultivation method, combined with the utilization of the purest spiritual energy. The resulting sword strike was a testament to its potency—swift, accurate, and fierce, with concealed spiritual energy that remained perfectly contained within the blade.
Ning Biluo had initiated this strike not only for his own brothers but also for Boundless Saint's brethren. Cha Eun Xiao comprehended the complexity of Boundless Saint's predicament, the burden of a longstanding feud that demanded resolution. Blood had to be shed to cleanse the accumulated enmity and grudges of years past.
When Ning Biluo thrust his sword, it pierced through Boundless Saint's body. Though the impact caused profuse bleeding, it did not inflict serious harm to internal organs. Ning Biluo had deliberately designed the strike to maximize blood loss without causing fatal injury. Boundless Saint was, after all, a Sky Origin Stage cultivator, resilient enough to withstand the loss of blood for a limited time. Given a few days to recover, he would return to full strength. His injuries were far from life-threatening.
Boundless Saint, a seasoned assassin, recognized the true implications of the sword strike. His initial surprise at its potency gave way to an expectation of his impending demise. Yet, to his astonishment, he remained standing and full of vigor. Confused by this turn of events, he employed his martial arts expertise to probe his own condition. In doing so, he finally comprehended the underlying motive behind Ning Biluo's actions. What initially appeared to be an act of clemency, sparing his life, had a deeper meaning. The declaration that "the blood had ended it all" was a testament to Ning Biluo's benevolence and a commitment to closure.
Boundless Saint's pledge to seek vengeance in the future was, in essence, a declaration of intent to repay the favor. The cycle of indebtedness had been set in motion.
Cha Eun Xiao had not only observed the unfolding events but also understood their intricate dynamics. The others present possessed only partial knowledge of the truth.