The shadow falling from the sky was, of course, Ron.
Just moments ago, when Ron had intentionally exposed a flaw to lure his opponent into an assassination attempt, but it failed, he realized that the first plan had already failed.
So he immediately switched to Plan B, searching for a favorable location.
After a thorough search, he found a suitable spot. A dead-end alley, wide enough for him to swing his sword freely, about twenty to thirty meters long, surrounded by high walls on three sides.
Not only was the terrain ideal, but it was also deserted, making it a perfect place for both killing and being killed.
He quickly turned into the alley and, using his precise control of the sword, thrust it into the wall over four meters high.
Then he leaped up, grabbed the hilt, and positioned himself on the sword, using the cover of darkness to wait silently for what was once his hunter, now his prey, to arrive.
Ron's confidence in using this hiding technique and evading detection was thanks to his mentor at the academy.
The swordsmanship taught at Warrior's Grove Academy, though focused solely on sword techniques and not on supernatural powers, did not mean that the instructors lacked extraordinary abilities.
In fact, every instructor at the academy had awakened Qi Force and was a genuine supernatural being.
Each had their own strengths and specialties, and Ron's swordsmanship instructor was a master of controlling rhythm and body movements.
From the beginning of his training with this instructor, Ron was told that no matter what martial skill you practice, the first thing you must learn is not the various techniques but to master your body's rhythm and adapt the skill to your body.
To control your body, you first need to learn how to breathe.
Only by deeply understanding, skillfully mastering, and flexibly adjusting your breath, and eventually completely controlling it, can you lay a solid foundation for learning martial skills.
At the time, many classmates did not take it seriously, thinking who doesn't know how to breathe?
But Ron found the instructor's advice very reasonable and studied it diligently, achieving some success.
Not only did he maintain steady breathing during combat, but his ability to conceal his presence was also exceptional. He had even learned to control his heart rate through his breathing.
He had mastered maintaining the minimum required heartbeat to enter a state akin to a suspended animation, which the instructors referred to as "turtle breath."
In this state, even many powerful instructors could not perceive his presence.
He believed that even if the assassin was incredibly skilled, they would not surpass his mentor!
Thus, he had absolute confidence in evading the assassin's detection.
Sure enough, the assassin, fearing the loss of the target, closely followed, completely unaware of Ron overhead.
When Ron saw the assassin enter the attack range, he immediately dropped down, using the momentum to pull out Champion's Glory and executed a descending slash.
Although this move involved many actions, it happened in an instant and was extremely swift. Without prior preparation, it would be impossible to evade.
A direct hit would have cleaved the opponent in two.
As a highly alert assassin, Leodo sensed something was wrong when the sword fell and immediately reacted by rolling to avoid the attack.
However, because the sword was incredibly fast and his reaction was slightly delayed, he did not completely dodge. The sword tip cut a ten-centimeter wound on his back.
Leodo immediately felt an intense, burning pain in his back.
Fortunately, he did not lose all ability to resist. A card suddenly appeared in his hand and he shot it toward Ron.
At that moment, Ron, surprised that the opponent had managed to evade the deadly strike, noticed a strange object flying through the darkness and, without needing to guess, knew it was the assassin's card weapon.
Without a moment to lose, Ron used his unparalleled perception to block the incoming card with his sword.
The collision between the sword and the card sent a powerful shock through Ron's arm, causing it to go numb.
Although Ron's expression remained unchanged, he was astonished inside: this is the power of Qi Force! Even a card can possess such terrifying power.
With this thought, Ron did not pause. After successfully blocking, he endured the pain in his arm and launched a counterattack with a fierce slash.
Since the opponent had moved back while throwing the card, out of close combat range, the counterattack transformed into a burst of sword energy.
In the darkness, the air suddenly rippled.
With a "swish," Leodo's hand holding the card fell to the ground without warning.
An excruciating pain shot through Leodo's head instantly.
It almost made him faint from the pain. Luckily, by instinct, he reached for another card with his remaining hand and prepared to throw it.
Ron could not afford to let him play another card. He moved in swiftly and drove his sword into the assassin's hand, pinning it to the ground.
Then, with a kick to the assassin's head, he sent him into a daze.
Taking advantage of the opponent's momentary inability to resist, Ron delivered three more precise stabs: two to the legs and one to the hand, effectively severing the tendons in the hands and feet.
Leodo screamed in agony and collapsed to the ground, motionless.
Seeing the assassin lying there, seemingly unconscious, Ron exhaled heavily.
He rubbed his numbed arm and then took out a handkerchief to wipe the blood from his sword.
Ron coldly stared at the fallen assassin, not intending to kill him, as he had a sudden idea during the fight.
"This man cannot die; otherwise, others will come. But he also cannot go missing."
Ron needed a living assassin who could communicate with the organization.
He wanted this assassin to tell the organization that the mission was still ongoing, but due to certain reasons, they were temporarily unable to find an opportunity. This was Ron's current idea to temporarily avoid being hunted.
Thus, he only severed the assassin's tendons, rendering him unable to resist.
But a new problem immediately arose.
How could he make the assassin cooperate?
If this issue could be resolved gradually, fine. But there was an immediate problem: where could this assassin be hidden without being detected?
"A hotel is definitely not an option. It's too crowded and not suitable for interrogation."
Ron first ruled out his current accommodation.
"Christie's place?"
"That could work, but not right now. Given the privacy of the nobility, I really can't afford to risk it. If it weren't for the gossip, Christie's scandal wouldn't have become public. If I bring someone there now, Baron would find out I've captured an assassin by tomorrow."
"What about going to my good friend Dos?"
"That's an option! It's well-hidden and trustworthy, but it's too far and I can't leave the city right now!"
"Sigh! Where can I find a place that's close, discreet, and trustworthy?"
As Ron pondered, a woman carrying an oil lamp walked past the alley entrance.
Ron recognized her face—it was the socialite he had met at the bar, named Lir.
Instantly, he was overjoyed: "Perfect!"
Lir was heading home with an oil lamp. When she passed a small alley, a person suddenly jumped out of the darkness, nearly scaring her to death.
Fortunately, upon seeing the person's face, she realized it was the rich but foolish noble, and she relaxed.
Lir, still shaken, said as she patted her heaving chest:
"I remember you're Ron, right? Why are you lurking in the alley and scaring people? You nearly frightened me to death."
Ron, somewhat embarrassed, smiled kindly:
"Sorry, I was just so happy to see you that I came out too abruptly. May I ask if you live nearby?"
Lir's expression turned flirtatious at Ron's question about her home, and she took his arm, pointing ahead.
"Yes, just turn left up ahead, and that's my place! But, staying over at my house will cost…"
Lir hesitated for a moment before continuing: "50 silver coins!"
"Uh, so cheap?" Ron blurted out.
Lir, hearing this, slapped Ron's chest playfully and giggled:
"You're so cheeky, calling it cheap. If you're willing to give more, I don't mind!"
Ron awkwardly smiled: "I'll give you a gold coin. But I have one condition—I need to bring a friend with me!"
Lir was momentarily stunned, then took a while to react. After some hesitation, she finally said:
"Alright! But only one at a time. I can't handle more at once."
"…"
Ron was at a loss for words. Although he knew Lir had misunderstood, it was partly his fault for being unclear.
However, as long as she agreed, the next steps would be easier.
"Please come with me first; my friend is lying in the alley."