BXBX NOVEL Chapter 21 - 21: Bronze Assassin
Chapter 21: Bronze Assassin
Chapter 21: Bronze Assassin . . .
The past few days weighed heavily on Chou Ying\'s mood. As a Bronze Rank assassin affiliated with Mosha, his usual targets were seasoned martial artists of the Seventh Level Essence Qi Realm and above. However, this time, his mission was to assassinate a mere rookie at the First Level Essence Qi Realm.
Attaining the title of a Bronze Rank assassin indicated preliminary recognition of Chou Ying\'s skills by the organization. Being at the Seventh Level Essence Qi Realm, he typically received missions commensurate with his level, often targeting martial artists stronger than himself. Being tasked with assassinating a First Level Essence Qi Realm rookie felt like a humiliation.
Chou Ying harbored ambitious aspirations, aiming to ascend to the rank of a Gold Rank assassin. His training in Mosha had been intense, focusing on concealment, disguise, and lethal precision. Diligent study of these skills facilitated rapid progress in strength.
To unlock his potential, Chou Ying consistently undertook challenging missions. Once, he even accepted a mission to assassinate a Ninth Level Essence Qi Realm target, narrowly succeeding. This achievement drew increased attention and resource allocation from the organization.
His current mission involved eliminating a seemingly powerless 15-year-old novice at the First Level Essence Qi Realm. Despite the employer\'s significant payment for a Bronze Rank assassin, Chou Ying considered the task beneath him. Facing such a target, he believed a mere finger could suffice for the kill.
Yet, Chou Ying, a consummate professional, made meticulous preparations despite dismissing the employer\'s cautions. He adhered to the wisdom that a lion should go all out even when hunting a rabbit, a lesson learned from others in his profession.
Anticipating potential challenges, Chou Ying noted the target\'s father had arranged two experts to accompany him, complicating matters. Nevertheless, Chou Ying remained confident in his assassination techniques, believing he could succeed under favorable conditions.
Unexpectedly, the young target chose not to bring the anticipated escorts, departing the city with only a fellow youth and a young lady. Seeing an opportunity, Chou Ying, shadowing them from a distance, eagerly anticipated the impending strike.
Observing their unhurried pace, Chou Ying relished the prospect of their imminent demise, savoring their last moments of enjoyment. Unbeknownst to them, he had mapped out an ideal location to execute his attack, leveraging the rocky terrain for concealment.
As they neared the Dan Wu Academy, Chou Ying, circling ahead, prepared to ambush them among the rocky outcrops, confident in delivering a swift and lethal blow.
However, as Ye Yuan and his companions approached, they unexpectedly halted, leaving Chou Ying puzzled.
...
The suspenseful moment persisted as Ye Yuan\'s voice reached Chou Ying\'s ears. Expecting an unguarded response, Chou Ying prepared for a confrontation.
Silence followed.
This brat, is he attempting a bluff?
Underestimating me, trying to lure me out? Hehehe, that must be it!
However, Chou Ying sensed he might have underestimated Ye Yuan. If the young man anticipated an assassination attempt, why did he not bring along his supposed followers? Could they be covertly shadowing him, unnoticed even by Ye Yuan himself?
Impossible, thought Chou Ying. Their strength matched his own, making it implausible for them to trail undetected. As a Bronze Rank assassin, Chou Ying prided himself on his ability to conceal and track, particularly Essence Qi Realm martial artists, a skill set that should have unveiled any pursuit.
Nevertheless, he remained resolute that once they entered his attack range, he would swiftly dispatch Ye Yuan.
"Is something amiss, Young Master?" Lu-er questioned, perplexed by Ye Yuan\'s sudden outburst.
Meanwhile, Tang Yu, ever vigilant, immediately went on high alert when Ye Yuan spoke those words. Despite Ye Yuan\'s nonchalant response, Tang Yu sensed a subtle shift in the atmosphere.
"Hahaha. Just a petty thief, nothing to worry about," Ye Yuan dismissed with indifference, downplaying the situation.
Observing Ye Yuan\'s casual demeanor, Lu-er also adopted a relaxed stance. "But, Young Master, where is the wrongdoer hiding?"
"Ah, right behind that large boulder. I suspect he\'s biding his time, planning to ambush us when we approach," Ye Yuan explained, gesturing casually with a smile.
Chou Ying, who had briefly eased his guard, once again tensed at Ye Yuan\'s words. Wasn\'t he currently concealed behind a sizable boulder? Yet, the rocky terrain offered numerous potential hiding spots. How could Ye Yuan pinpoint his exact location?
Attempting to lure me out?
Chou Ying, a seasoned assassin, deemed such tactics weak and ineffective against his training.
"Your heart seems unsettled. Not a good sign," Ye Yuan\'s voice echoed once more.
Chou Ying involuntarily shivered. Despite his professional training, Ye Yuan\'s words disrupted the tranquility he prided himself on maintaining.
Impossible! A mere First Level Essence Qi Realm novice shouldn\'t affect his composure.
Yet, Ye Yuan\'s voice persisted. "How about this? I\'ll toss a rock. If it hits the right spot, come out; if not, we\'ll continue on our way. Deal?"
Before Chou Ying could react, a rock whooshed through the air, hitting a boulder—his hiding spot.
Chou Ying realized his luck had run out. Ye Yuan had indeed discerned his location, dispelling any doubt about the novice\'s bluff.
Emerging from his hiding place, Chou Ying found himself under the scrutiny of three youths, one of whom wore a peculiar grin—the very target he was assigned to assassinate, Ye Yuan.
"How did you discover me?" Chou Ying demanded, his expression darkened.
Unable to fathom how a First Level Essence Qi Realm novice exposed him, Chou Ying sought insight into his concealment failure, eager to refine his techniques for future missions. The idea that these three rookies posed a threat never crossed his mind.
"Why should I tell you?" Ye Yuan retorted, appearing uncooperative and unwilling to divulge any information.
He couldn\'t reveal the extraordinary nature of the soul inhabiting this body—a secret capable of altering the course of fate.
"Courting death!" Chou Ying began to strike but abruptly halted. "Huh? He\'s actually at the Third Level Essence Qi Realm? The information doesn\'t match!"