Chapter 36: The Assassin Part 1

The alley mouths leading here and at the far end were devoid of people. The street, which had been packed moments ago, instantly became deserted. Xun Changqing leisurely watched the black-clothed figure entangled with the guards not far away. A lone assailant daring to charge into the Imperial Capital and kill in broad daylight—her boldness was unparalleled.

A smile bloomed on her delicately sculpted face. Perhaps someone was so eager to ignite conflict between the Pingnan Prince’s Mansion and the Emperor. If she died under the open sky, the Emperor would have no way to explain it to her father, and those spreading rumors that he would rebel would only fan the flames.

The black-clothed woman wielded her long sword with fierce momentum, but Xun Changqing could tell from her slender build that she was a woman—a highly skilled martial artist. There were few such experts in Great Qi, and even the jianghu rarely heard of anyone at this level.

Among jianghu masters, the enigmatic Xu Ke led the pack, though he rarely made an appearance. Tales of such prowess dated back many years. Next came the Jiangnan Yu Family, but they only did business, and their martial skills remained a profound mystery. No one was foolish enough to challenge them.

Could it be someone from the Yu Family? But they shunned worldly affairs. Had the Shao Family recruited them? Behind the Yu Family lay not just a typical jianghu clan, but endless wealth that could make anyone salivate.

Xun Changqing slowly retreated to the carriage. As long as the guards held out for half a moment, the Imperial Guards would arrive, and she could escape.

The black-clothed woman’s sword techniques were bizarre. Xun Changqing observed several moves but couldn’t identify their origin. She cursed her own insufficient cultivation inwardly. As her expression grew solemn, most of the guards fell. In a few more breaths, the assassin would close in.

She glanced at the carriage and bolted backward. Now she could see the assassin’s moves clearly—she definitely couldn’t beat her. Better to run into the crowd and buy time, moment by moment.

Unfortunately, she thought too simply. The black-clothed woman feinted, evaded the guards, and leaped forward, her long sword thrusting straight at Xun Changqing’s back.

Xun Changqing dodged half a step to the side. The cold morning wind lifted the fog, tousling the stray hairs at her temples. Amid the hazy mist, she could only evade without countering. Beneath the assassin’s face-covering black cloth, a pair of beautiful eyes seemed familiar.

She had no time to dwell on it. A guard whom the assassin had struck down charged from the side. In an instant, the sword thrusting toward her eyes was deflected by the guard’s silver blade. Before she could react, a spray of blood splashed across her face, filling her vision with crimson. The guard blocked in front of her, flinging her two zhang away.

The toss made blood surge to her head, leaving her dizzy and disoriented. As the red in her vision turned to black cloth, she scrambled awkwardly to her feet, dodging. The sword stabbed into the wooden pillar where she’d stood, leaving a deep gash several chi long.

Seizing the chance, she grabbed the long saber left by the guard on the ground and swung fiercely. The force was so great that it drove the black-clothed woman back repeatedly. When death loomed, one’s potential could be shocking.

The black-clothed woman hadn’t expected such a swift counterattack and froze for a breath. Then she swung her sword again. But in that breath, Xun Changqing caught the surprise in her eyes—and a faint trace of relief. She was an assassin—why relief? Was she seeing things?

Amid her shock and confusion, urgent hoofbeats and shouts echoed from afar. Another black-clad figure flashed by in pursuit. The assassin dodged hastily, sparing her for the moment.

Imperial Guards Commander Yuan Qingming arrived. The Yuan Family Spear had intimidated since the reigns of the previous two emperors. Seeing the tide turn, the black-clothed woman tried to flee, but Yuan Qingming’s spear blocked her path.

Dust swirled several zhang away where they clashed, sword qi kicking up dirt.

Though the black-clothed woman’s swordplay was exquisite, it fell slightly short of Yuan Qingming’s. After prior skirmishes, her stamina was drained, and with Imperial Guards assisting him, she gradually fell to the disadvantage after several exchanges.

As the black-clothed woman faltered, Xun Changqing watched wide-eyed. Yuan Qingming thrust his spear. She blocked with her sword, but he shook his weapon—the tip danced like a coiling silver serpent or soaring dragon, bending mid-air to pierce her shoulder.

Unable to adapt, the assassin retreated several steps. Instantly, a coin-sized bloody hole appeared on her shoulder. Yuan Qingming withdrew his spear, and the metallic tang of blood filled the air.

Xun Changqing’s heart jolted in astonishment, tension surging inexplicably. A thought flashed unbidden: her fingers reached for the jade pendant at her waist, channeling her body’s strength. Without thinking, she hurled it. Yuan Qingming, unprepared for the sudden hidden weapon, swung his spear. The tip struck the jade, which shattered mid-air, fragments scattering.

Before Yuan Qingming could turn, another sword thrust came. He countered with his spear, but a second black-masked figure attacked. Hit by two sneak attacks, he retreated consecutively. In the two breaths he was distracted, both black-clothed figures fled into the alley mouth.

He moved to pursue, but Xun Changqing called out from behind, “Yuan Commander…”

Forgetting she was there, he signaled the Imperial Guards to chase and personally escorted this little ancestor back to the mansion first.

Xun Changqing stood far in the corner, her cheeks and cyan dress splattered with blood. She hesitated, gazing at Yuan Qingming with misty eyes, pleading, “Yuan Commander, could you have your men escort me back first? My guards are all dead or wounded—you saw it.”