In the small Golden Touch Lodge, a cool breeze blew gently, and the soft moonlight swept over the small bridge and flowing water, the grass and wooden huts, and the artificial mountains and flower clusters. It seemed as if nothing in the world could escape the moonlight's gentle caress, but the moonlight could not touch a single living person.

A dozen special forces Martial Artists proficient in stealth were scattered around the lodge, and their malicious intent was so intense that even Ice Blood Physique was urging Le Yu to 'run away quickly.' However, Le Yu, who had made a vow, stood quietly in place, waiting for the decision of the person in the center of the lake.

In fact, Le Yu wasn't very afraid. As long as he activated the dark realm of the 'Veil of Strife,' he could buy a few seconds to escape. This group would definitely not dare to pursue him—if they did dare to give chase, the retreating Yanjing troops would make them regret it. In the nighttime environment, the power of a single Martial Artist decreased to its lowest, while the threat of a group of firearms-wielding Martial Artists reached its highest.

Since he was already here and idling around anyway, and considering there is no principle of being a thief for a thousand days but not guarding against a thief for a thousand days, even if their gathering was disrupted this time, they would arrange another one. Since Le Yu was sure that he couldn't defeat this group of thugs, why not join them in eating, sleeping, and playing music with Le Yin?

"I feel your sincerity."

The person in the center of the lake, Yan Shang, finally spoke: "In the state of Spiritual Illusion, I am more sensitive to others' spiritual emotions, and with the enhancement of True Sight, I have some 'illusion-breaking' capability... Although when discussing Le Yin, you have not shown any negative emotions, but rather were filled with 'about to succeed' excitement, this sufficiently proves your adversarial relationship with Le Yin."

"Though it's a pity, you did not come under the orders of that leader, and the Assassins are still unwilling to take part in this game. But with your addition, our chances of victory increase significantly."

In the memories of Yin Yin Yin, Le Yu knew Hidden Sword Assassins were a formidable presence in the underworld. Every resident of darkness whose job description was written in the penal code would flee at the sight of white hair, as the Imperial Court's official pursuit was intense on the surface, but the fear in the shadows was even deeper.

But Yin Yin Yin, after all, was just an ordinary Assassin. Le Yu believed he had certain limitations of seeing the sky from the bottom of a well. Although Le Yu had personally experienced the abilities of the Hidden Sword Assassin and found them to be just so-so, not much at all, as he was no match for Jin Zhengwei's shotgun.

On top of that, the Assassin Organization was a close partner—or rather, a dog—of the Silver Blood Association. Thus, Xie Chenyuan, the former president of the Silver Blood Association, naturally looked down on them.

Only at this moment did Le Yu realize Hidden Sword Assassins seemed genuinely formidable. Yan Shang's flattery was not mere politeness; after he acknowledged Le Yu's joining, much of the murderous intent around them dissipated, directly recognizing Le Yu's strength, simply because he also had white hair.

Martial Artists have always been practical and do not believe in rumors. To put it nicely, they trust only what they see; to speak harshly, they don't believe until they see the coffin. Excluding the possibility that they all liked white hair, Le Yu could only draw one conclusion: they had all suffered losses at the hands of someone with white hair.

Speaking of it, although Yin Yin Yin had not killed any important figures before, it seemed he had never failed in his attempts. Le Yu recalled the commission records of the Silver Blood Association and suddenly found that whenever the Assassin Organization accepted a commission, it seemed to have been completed.

The only one who didn't suffer a loss due to white hair was Lan Yan, but Lan Yan paid the price of a kidney to contend with white hair.

Nameless, unknown, with an assassination success rate of nearly 100%, Le Yu suddenly came to understand their fear of the Sword Concealer.

"Very well, the Golden Touch has already acknowledged this contract," said Yan Shang. "Time is of the essence; we should immediately discuss the details of the plan."

"First of all, thanks to the 'preparations' made by the Brotherhood in advance, the Imperial Court is now under martial law. Cha Huan will leave the Academy every night after 7 PM to patrol the Imperial Court, which should remain the case for the next three days."

"Therefore, although we are divided into three groups: One group, the interception group, is tasked with intercepting Cha Huan en route when he learns something has happened at the Academy and sets out. The interception group must deploy the strongest warriors available."

"One group is the search group tasked with attacking the Platinum Tower. The search group needs to be adept at the use of explosives and must search the Platinum Tower thoroughly before Lou Yinhai arrives."

"The last group is the severing group, responsible for severing Le Yin's marked right hand. If possible, try not to kill, as retaining Le Yin might prompt the Sword Holder to reveal the Holy Sword and perform a second branding on Le Yin."

Someone immediately queried: "But how can you ensure only Cha Huan will return to the Academy? What if other Martial Pillars rush over to help too?"

"That task lies with our National Relief Association."

Yan Shang bowed slightly: "In this operation, the National Relief Association will not deploy any personnel, as we lack martial artists who can match yours. But as a gesture of goodwill, we will restrain the actions of other Martial Pillars in Yanjing. As for how we will restrain them, there's no need for you to ask further."

"Before Cha Huan falls, you need not worry about Xie Chenyuan, Yu Ke, or others jumping in to assist him."

Hearing those two names, Le Yu noticed that some people couldn't help their breaths and heartbeats, suggesting those two Martial Pillars frequently caused trouble for these covert forces.

"The interception group needs at least three Martial Artists, but no more than seven," Yan Shang explained. "Are there any self-nominations? You all are Martial Artists, so let's not play any tricks. If there is no sincerity, you might as well abandon this mission right away."

Great! Great!

Skip to the part where no one is willing to send people, and then the operation disbands!

Perhaps hearing Le Yu's inner thoughts, someone immediately said: "I, 'Corpse Hunter,' join the interception group."

"When you mentioned your curse related to revival, I had a hunch you were the renowned Curse Hunter," exclaimed Yan Shang. "Rumor has it you successfully turned a Peak of Perfection Martial Artist into a zombie; Cha Huan should also not escape your clutches."

"Brotherhood, 'Food as Immortal,' joining the interception group."

"One of the Brotherhood's Ten Sins has arrived?" Yan Shang spread his hands and said, "If I'm not mistaken, you are the one who recently retreated unscathed from the Imperial Court after several rounds against Yu Ke, no?"

Suddenly, a voice, almost drooling, interjected: "The Reaper, 'Armor Breaker,' 'Door Breaker.'

Another voice echoed from all directions: "Three-gun disciple, Yan Fenqiu."

Yan Shang laughed: "I don't know much about the Reapers but am aware of their 'Thrusting,' 'Breaking,' and 'Severing' levels. Having two breakers join shows the Reapers' sincerity; Yan Fenqiu, who once overran the Youyun District as a disciple of the Three Guns, possesses a strike that has faced and not fallen to a Martial Pillar."

Yan Shang's introductions were necessary, as Cha Huan was a world-renowned Martial Pillar. Not just anyone could act against him, and without some achievement, others wouldn't be willing to collaborate.

"Five interceptors, that's enough. Next, I will provide Cha Huan's itinerary to you," announced Yan Shang. "Now, the search group needs to search the Platinum Tower swiftly, ideally destroying it, to deny the principal control over the Imperial Academy, simplifying our future endeavors."

"Regarding explosives, the National Relief Association will provide powerful level-five explosive powder; there's no need for you to prepare."

"The benefits of searching the Platinum Tower won't be sparse, so everyone will definitely send people; no need to discuss selections now. However, the severing group requires discussion, as Le Yin's hand, being a trophy, needs a rightful owner..."

"Wait a moment."

Yan Shang paused, looking toward Le Yu: "Sword Concealer, do you have any suggestions?"

"Cha Huan and the Platinum Tower are easy to address; Cha Huan is too proud to hide for fear, and the Platinum Tower won't run. But Le Yin is a calculating person; he might not just sit at home and wait for us," Le Yu analyzed methodically.

Others countered: "But where could Le Yin hide? He can't leave the Imperial Academy; if he leaves, he's courting death."

Le Yu queried: "But what if he hides in the student dormitories, or even sleeps with Shuiyun Palace?"

"From what I know, Shuiyun Palace obeys Le Yin in every instance, their relationship might be... more intimate than that of a Sword Master and sword sheath, deeper than that of a teacher and student!"

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