Han Bingxue! . . .
Cha Eun Xiao nodded in agreement. He observed the dire state of Shadowless Assassin, who had been severely wounded and depleted of his energy. The dan beads that Cha Eun Xiao had administered had provided a considerable boost, considering Shadowless Assassin's robust cultivation foundation. However, to achieve a full recovery, the onus rested on Shadowless Assassin's own efforts.
Despite being only halfway restored, Shadowless Assassin remained a formidable presence. He rose to his feet and cast a chilling smile at the unconscious Bu Tianfei. His sinister grin sent shivers down Cha Eun Xiao's spine.
Cha Eun Xiao's only reaction was a resigned sigh. [As expected, you have a penchant for revenge. Bu Tianfei is in for a terrible ordeal.]
However, Shadowless Assassin's actions took an unexpected turn. Without any preamble, he drew his sword and drove it through Bu Tianfei's heart, instantly ending his life, free from any pain or suffering.
This unexpected development left Cha Eun Xiao intrigued. He inquired, "Why?"
In response, Shadowless Assassin revealed a cryptic smile and explained, "I detest this man, but I deemed it unworthy of my time to torment him. Killing him was the simpler and more fitting choice."
Cha Eun Xiao offered a knowing smile. "Well, this doesn't quite align with your usual methods."
Shadowless Assassin locked eyes with Cha Eun Xiao and remarked, "It appears you know me quite well. You anticipate my actions and even foresee my next move. Yet, you have not disclosed your name. You once claimed it was an inopportune moment to ask, but what about now? The question remains the same: Who are you?"
Cha Eun Xiao responded with a gentle smile. "Indeed, I am familiar with you. As a formidable cultivator, you should not have found yourself in such dire straits."
He tried to divert the conversation.
Understanding Cha Eun Xiao's intention, Shadowless Assassin chose not to press the matter further. He grunted and shared the details of the events leading up to his predicament. Cha Eun Xiao finally uncovered the truth.
Han Bingxue had roamed within the territory of the three factions while adopting the guise of Shadowless Assassin. Whenever an opportunity arose, he would infiltrate the factions and execute members covertly.
His formidable cultivation and stealthy approach ensured his successful escapades. In his latest endeavor, he anticipated the presence of three Saint Sunlight Sect members embarking on a covert mission. He seized the chance to execute a daring attack, eliminating one of them. However, upon concluding the skirmish, he realized he had fallen into a carefully laid trap. Saint Sunlight Sect had ensnared him, with over twenty Level Nine Dao Origin Stage cultivators forming a formidable perimeter.
It became apparent that it was an ambush orchestrated by Saint Sunlight Sect, making it seem like an opportunity for Shadowless Assassin.
Cornered and wounded, Shadowless Assassin fought tenaciously to escape the enemy's encirclement, inflicting damage even as he fled. The Saint Sunlight Sect had rallied more and more disciples for the hunt, resulting in a legion of thousands pursuing him.
After a grueling battle, Shadowless Assassin became fatigued, and Saint Sunlight Sect continued their relentless pursuit. Shadowless Assassin emerged from a rigorous encounter, only to be confronted by Bu Tianfei. Realizing that the assassin was too feeble to defend himself, Bu Tianfei sought to claim the victory for himself, driving away his comrades and personally confronting the weakened assassin. Had Cha Eun Xiao not serendipitously intervened, Bu Tianfei might have succeeded in his plan.
Grateful for Cha Eun Xiao's timely intervention, Shadowless Assassin confessed, "If not for you, I may have been delivered to Saint Sunlight Sect or met my end at that scoundrel's hands. Regardless of your identity, I am immensely thankful. I extend my gratitude to you."
Cha Eun Xiao remained silent for a moment, and then he addressed the situation in hushed tones. "The three factions wield formidable power. While you may succeed in eliminating some of their members on your own, it won't inflict a significant blow. Despite your current safety, sooner or later, they will capture you."
He continued, "They possess vast resources and immense strength, making it a simple matter for them to subdue you."
"Why not take some time to recuperate given your injuries?" Cha Eun Xiao suggested. "Perhaps, in the near future, a more opportune moment will arise for you to reemerge."
However, Han Bingxue interjected, his tone flat, "I understand. I'm aware that my fate is sealed. I acknowledge that I lack the strength to dismantle the three factions."
He paused for a moment, and then he added resolutely, "But that won't stop me. I will continue to eliminate as many of their members as I can, until my last breath."
Cha Eun Xiao sighed, disappointed by Han Bingxue's stubborn resolve. "So, you still wish to head out and confront them? Are you trying to kill or be killed?" He shook his head, disheartened.
This headstrong figure was none other than the notorious Isolated Sword, Han Bingxue. He was better known as Frost Sword within the realm.
Yet, Cha Eun Xiao refrained from revealing his true identity. If he disclosed that he was the Xiao Monarch, Han Bingxue would undoubtedly plunge headlong into the chaos of the world, disrupting the order until it was unrecognizable.
Even acting solo, Han Bingxue had already sown chaos. If he had the backing of an influential figure, his actions would be even more extreme.
Cha Eun Xiao was well-acquainted with Han Bingxue's character. Although he often projected an icy and aloof demeanor, the reality was that he could be a talkative individual. He chose not to converse with most people simply because he disliked them.