Chapter 78: The Shadow Assassin’s Strike

Han Ji and Lei Zi exchanged glances, momentarily at a loss. Conflicted, they hesitated over whether to heed the words of this unfamiliar man; as members of the Qishan Camp, they knew better than to trust a stranger whose identity was unclear.

Yet the bloody reality before them made the severity of the situation unmistakable—this was already far beyond what they could handle.

After a brief deliberation, they concluded that reporting this incident to the camp without delay was imperative, no matter what.

Having reached a resolution, the two quickly collected themselves. Han Ji turned to Jiang Chen and said, “Very well, we’ll go at once.”

“But I want to know who you are. Are you friend or foe?”

Though still lacking in experience, the youth revealed a remarkable steadiness. He knew that when he reported what had happened here, he would inevitably be asked about Jiang Chen’s identity.

Thus, before leaving, he had to confirm this point.

Jiang Chen’s identity and his reasons for appearing here were crucial; they would influence how the camp judged this matter. So before answering, Jiang Chen too had to weigh his response carefully.

It was common knowledge that all river routes to Qishan had been sealed, and only those with official sanction could enter. Jiang Chen could hardly reveal the truth—that he had hijacked the son of the Ministry of Revenue’s Minister to get here.

After a brief consideration, Jiang Chen replied in a clear, sonorous voice, “I am Shi Guangjun, son of Shi Wanli, Minister of Revenue for the Great Qian Dynasty.”

Han Ji was momentarily taken aback, then pressed, “Why have you come here?”

“I am on official business for the court. The specifics are inconvenient to disclose. Suffice it to say, I am not your enemy. If the time is right, I will naturally reveal my purpose to you.”

“There’s no time to waste on such questions now. Go, quickly!”

At Jiang Chen’s urging, Han Ji and Lei Zi sped off, moving with the swiftness of shooting stars. Their familiarity with Qishan’s terrain served them well.

Jiang Chen’s improvised tale, borrowing Shi Guangjun’s identity, was a gamble. He had no idea how the Qishan Camp regarded Shi Wanli, but as an official, it was unlikely to cause major trouble. Besides, the identity of the Minister’s son lent a measure of credibility.

As Han Ji and Lei Zi disappeared into the distance, the rustling of something darting rapidly through the undergrowth reached Jiang Chen’s ears. He focused and saw six sleek, coal-black hunting dogs, their limbs long and powerful.

It was obvious from their form that these were specially bred killers, unleashed to hunt down targets.

Releasing hunting dogs at such a moment made it clear the enemy wished to leave no witnesses. But it was far too late for Jiang Chen to give chase, and besides, he had his own troubles to contend with.

“You are sons of Qishan—run with all your courage and skill. This is all I can do for you,” Jiang Chen murmured, watching the two shrinking figures in the distance, the six lethal hounds in hot pursuit behind them.

“Don’t bother watching. Those two boys won’t escape.”

A man approached from ten paces behind, idly spinning a gleaming flying sword in his hand, which suddenly became three.

“Nor will you.”

The man’s hair was wild and tangled, with leaves and wood fragments clinging to his clothes—clear evidence he had been lurking nearby all along, only emerging when the boys stumbled upon the bodies.

“I’m just a passerby,” Jiang Chen said. “I know nothing. Could you spare my life?”

The man laughed coldly. “Do you take me for a fool?”

As he spoke, the three flying swords danced in his hands, looking for all the world like a street performer’s juggling act. Yet as he tossed and caught the blades, a chilling murderous intent radiated from him.

Jiang Chen knew the man’s methods; earlier, the enemy had attacked from the shadows, but now they faced each other openly. Though the man could have stayed hidden and struck with a surprise attack, he chose instead to step forward and confront Jiang Chen directly—a sign of his utter confidence in his swordplay. Jiang Chen’s earlier defense with a tree branch had clearly wounded his pride, heightening the tension between them.

“This time, let’s see how you block my flying blades!”

With a shout, the man hurled all three swords into the air. As he reached for them, he paused ever so slightly, creating a perfect moment of delay.

Most adversaries would instinctively dodge at such a moment. Once they revealed their move, they would find the flying swords upon them in an instant—a killing blow, with no room for error.

But Jiang Chen was different. He was not so easily fooled by such tricks. He remained motionless through the pause, only responding when the three swords came slicing toward him.

“You’ll block with your foot? How disappointingly foolish!” the man sneered.

But the first sword clattered to the ground, knocked aside by a stone Jiang Chen had kicked. The second met the same fate, deflected off course.

With a single movement, Jiang Chen neutralized both blades. As for the last sword, he seized it cleanly as he advanced toward his foe.

The man was stunned by Jiang Chen’s dazzling display.

By the time he recovered, Jiang Chen was already upon him; the roles of attacker and defender had abruptly reversed, and the sword flashed like lightning.

Blood spattered as the two figures crossed paths.

Jiang Chen’s sword vanished from view, while the man staggered away, fleeing with all his might. Though he had narrowly avoided a mortal wound to the chest, he was grievously injured—the only hope of survival lay in flight.

Jiang Chen stood his ground, showing no intention of pursuit. He cared nothing for the man’s fate.

Looking again into the distance, he saw the six hunting dogs fleeing back, whimpering, driven by a woman on horseback.

She wielded a silver spear with effortless grace, its movements like the wind.

The horse she rode was a rare steed, its mane streaming, hooves kicking up clouds of dust, its entire body ablaze with fiery color and magnificent spirit.

Jiang Chen let out a breath of relief. With so many experts in Qishan Camp, it seemed the two boys would be safe after all.