“Master…” Another person watched as his companion was suddenly seized in a fit of rage and thrown against the wall. Seeing him collapse to the ground, his face twisted in pain, with traces of blood seeping from his mouth, he instinctively stepped forward. But upon seeing the master’s figure swiftly darting away, he sighed softly at the man, casting a sympathetic glance before calling out and chasing after him.
“Come out? I know you’re hiding in there. If you dare to strike at me, why don’t you have the courage to face me directly?”
Yemei chased far and finally landed in what seemed like a long-abandoned courtyard. Taking in the desolate scene and recalling the shadowy figure from earlier, his eyes grew colder. With a frosty roar, he struck the courtyard gate with his palm.
As he entered, the gate shattered, startling a few beggars who fled in panic. His icy gaze still fixed on them, he gritted his teeth in fury. In a flash, he appeared before one of the beggars, seizing his neck with a livid expression. “Have any of you seen someone enter here just now?” he demanded.
Yemei’s sudden reaction terrified the beggar, whose neck was in his grip. Though unaware of his identity, the man’s serpent-like, chilling eyes filled him with instinctive dread. “Sir, we only rest here during the day and go out to find food when hungry. We haven’t left today or heard any commotion, let alone seen anyone enter… I—”
Before he could finish, Yemei’s sinister eyes narrowed slightly, and with a twist of his wrist, a crisp *crack* sounded. The beggar’s neck snapped to the side. As Yemei released him, the man’s body collapsed lifelessly to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut. A dull *thud* echoed as his head lolled grotesquely, his face twisted backward, a trail of blood dripping from his lips. His eyes remained wide with terror even in death.
“Ah—” The sight horrified the other beggars, freezing them in place.
They screamed instinctively, but when Yemei’s gaze turned to them, their mouths hung open in silent terror, rooted to the spot.
“Hmph, worthless vermin. If you didn’t see anyone, why run around like fools? What about you? Did any of you see someone enter?”
Having killed without hesitation and terrified the onlookers, Yemei showed no restraint or caution for committing murder in public. Instead, his arrogant eyes flicked disdainfully over the corpse at his feet—its neck twisted unnaturally—before stepping over it and addressing the stunned crowd.
“We…”
Questioned by him, the beggars had no idea who he was. Though dressed impeccably, his icy eyes and the faint, chilling smile on his lips filled them with dread. One beggar looked up fearfully, torn between speaking and recalling the fate of the previous man. He nodded and shook his head, too terrified to utter a word.
“Go…” Yemei’s bewitching eyes narrowed slightly as he coldly dismissed them. The beggars scattered like pardoned prisoners, stammering thanks as they fled.
“Still hiding?”
With the nuisances gone, Yemei stepped further inside. His eyes half-closed, he inhaled deeply, as if savoring a delicious scent, his face alight with pleasure. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, a bloodthirsty grin curling his lips. “Tsk,” he murmured, vanishing and reappearing atop a nearby roof. With a swift motion, his palms struck the already dilapidated thatched hut below.
“Ugh—” As his strike landed, the roof exploded open. With a graceful spin, he descended, and a figure was flung out from within, crashing into the courtyard. The man coughed up blood, his face paling instantly.
“With skills like yours, you dare to target me? Prepare to die…”
The figure on the ground was a burly man clad in black. Despite vomiting blood, he struggled to rise, but his injuries were too severe. As Yemei advanced, landing lightly before him, the man’s eyes widened in terror. Yemei raised a hand, his fingers curling into a claw aimed at the man’s chest.
“Bone-Melting Poison…”
The black-clad man scrambled up, realizing too late that Yemei’s palm was drawing him forward like a magnet. Panicking, he drew his sword, but Yemei effortlessly knocked it aside with his other hand.
In desperation, the man lunged at him, snarling, “You—!”
“…”
In an instant, hearing the odd term of address, Yemei spun defensively, shielding his face with his sleeve. When he lowered it, he saw the man leaping desperately toward the rooftop.
“Daring to play tricks under my nose…”
Amused by the escape attempt, Yemei’s smile deepened. With a flick of his wrist, a cloud of green powder billowed toward the fleeing figure.
“Ugh—” Another cry of pain rang out. Though the man staggered, he forced himself onward, vanishing into the distance.
“Targeting me? Then prepare to die. Hmph…” Yemei made no move to pursue, merely watching the retreating figure with cold detachment before turning back the way he came.
“Master, you’re unharmed? Thank goodness! That assassin just now—”
As he reached the courtyard gate, the two black-clad men who had followed him earlier rushed forward, relief evident in their voices. They hesitated before asking about the assailant.
“He won’t live long after my poison. Let’s go.”
Yemei’s lips curled faintly at their concern. He strode off with leisurely grace, as if the earlier violence and poisoning had never occurred.
After a short distance, Yemei suddenly halted. “Come out,” he said coolly. “Princess, following me like this—are you testing my skills, or do you have a request?”
He turned slightly, watching as a small figure cautiously emerged from the shadows.
“I—I just happened to see you. I didn’t mean to…”
It was Wu Qingyang. Caught tailing him, she trembled visibly, her legs unsteady. Swallowing her fear, she forced herself forward. “I didn’t mean anything…”
Yemei arched a brow, amused. “Didn’t mean what?”
“Didn’t mean to witness the Grand Preceptor teaching those scoundrels a lesson. Your poison arts are truly unparalleled. I’m… in awe.”
Her flattery was transparent, her fear barely concealed. Regretting her curiosity, she forced a nervous smile.
“Oh? Such rare praise from the Princess. Since you admire my skills so much, and I find you… rather charming, I’ll overlook this intrusion. But next time, be more careful. Curiosity can be deadly, and the world is cruel. Best return to your estate early. Let’s go.”
Wu Qingyang, trembling but feigning composure, nodded hastily. Yemei smirked, then turned away, his two followers in tow.
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