Chapter 2: (Part 2) The Dangerous Man

Struggling to prop up her frail, exhausted body, she took heavy steps forward. Although this body was a bit weak, she was, after all, the number one assassin. Even though she had switched bodies, the memories of her previous life remained; she wouldn't be unable to save her own life when real danger arrived.

"Clang..."

"Pfft..." Just as Leng Lingxue had managed to support her dizzy, swaying body to reach the base of a fruit tree, and was swallowing hard while looking at the bright, succulent red fruits hanging above, the sound of fighting suddenly erupted in her ears from not far away, growing closer and closer.

Glancing slightly around her surroundings, Leng Lingxue quickly plucked a few fruits and hid her small, thin frame within a thicket of bushes. At that moment, two figures arrived in succession. While nibbling on the fruit, Leng Lingxue gently parted the branches and, through the gap, clearly saw the scene of the struggle.

One of them wore a long white robe, which was already tattered and soaked in blood. The once pristine, flawless garment was now stained with specks of crimson, with large patches dyed entirely red in some places. Blood continued to seep from his wounds, yet the man still held himself up, his eyes filled with hatred as he stared straight at the man standing opposite him, who appeared completely unruffled.

As for the man standing opposite him, a half-face golden ghost mask cut off the view of his handsome, bewitching face, making him look not only imposing but also daunting. He wore a black robe, with enchanting spider lilies embroidered in golden thread along the collar, cuffs, and hem; his tall, upright figure was set off brilliantly by the black attire.

The sword he held was dripping with blood, yet not a single drop had stained his own clothes; he looked as clean as if he had just changed into them. Beneath the half-face golden ghost mask, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, a gesture that instantly stole all the color and radiance from the surroundings, making one unable to help but sink into it, unable to tear their eyes away.

This man is dangerous!

This was Leng Lingxue’s first instinct. Assassins are always able to sense dangerous things in advance, and they possess a strong sense of vigilance and keenness toward everything around them. Judging the danger level of an opponent at the very first moment in order to preserve one's own life—this was the first point that must be achieved in the assassin's creed.

"Ghost King, we have no grudges or enmity; why must you drive me to extinction? Not only did you send the Four Protectors of the Ghost Shadow Hall to cut off my retreat, but you even came to intercept me yourself. It seems I, Lin, am truly honored beyond measure." The disheveled man in white had eyes that seemed to spit fire, staring fixedly at the man in the half-face golden mask before him.

Who in the martial arts world did not know that the Ghost Shadow Hall was an existence not to be trifled with, and the most mysterious place of all? No one knew where its main hall was located, and no one knew the true face of the Ghost Shadow Hall’s master—the Ghost King. The only things known were the countless legends. The half-face golden ghost mask was the definitive symbol of the Ghost King; no one dared to impersonate him, unless that person could guarantee they would see the next day's sun.

Even the imperial court had to fear him by three parts, allowing him to reign supreme in the martial arts world, his status akin to that of an emperor.

And the Ghost King had always been capricious, neither strictly righteous nor evil.

"You are indeed honored. That the Blood Shadow Tower you manage could actually catch this King's eye." A steady voice, carrying a unique magnetism, sounded slowly.

Although spoken casually, the dominance permeating his words could not be ignored, and that icy aura continued to encroach upon the surroundings.