Chapter 279: Topping the List

As for the Killer List, a somewhat unfamiliar term, Xiao Yufan was quite curious. Yet, without even thinking, he knew that anyone on the Killer List was no ordinary person…

Listening to Tianxuan’s account, Xiao Yufan gained a completely new understanding of Anying Longtian (Shadow Longtian). He never imagined that this seemingly ordinary middle-aged man beside his grandfather actually possessed such formidable strength.

“Anying’s appearance shakes heaven and earth. Until the Phoenix emerges, who can rival him? This was the most accurate appraisal of the second and third places on the Asian Killer List back then. ‘Anying’ naturally refers to Longtian, while the ‘Phoenix’ is the second-ranked killer on the Asian list. It is said to be a woman, though no one has ever seen her face, because anyone who has seen the Phoenix’s face has already died…”

Tianxuan finally exhaled after narrating these long-buried stories. Although he had never fought them personally, from Anying Longtian’s strength alone, he could sense that even if he himself engaged in battle, the outcome would still be uncertain.

“Then, who is the number one on the Asian Killer List?”

Xiao Yufan continued to ask, clearly far more interested in this so-called top-ranked figure. Undeniably, Longtian was extremely strong, but Xiao Yufan was confident he absolutely had the power to defeat him.

“As for who the number one on the Killer List is, it seems no one really knows. If Anying Longtian and the second-ranked Phoenix represent a legendary era, then the existence of the first place seems somewhat ethereal. It is said that this person’s strength ranks among the top five on the International Killer List. Moreover, if I remember correctly, Longtian disappeared after assassinating the previous number one…”

Tianxuan patiently explained, though his eyes revealed some suspicion. Logically, Anying Longtian should have been chasing the number one on the Killer List. Why, then, did he remain in Beijing? Could it be that the top-ranked figure was hiding in the capital?

“If possible, I would really like to meet this top-ranked figure. I wonder whether he could be my match…”

A sharp glint flickered in his eyes as Xiao Yufan’s lips curled into a mysterious smile. A true martial arts expert feels lonely without a worthy opponent. After a year of rigorous training and his return, he still had not found a rival in all of Beijing. The strongest opponent he had encountered so far was this Longtian, known as Anying (Shadow).

“A killer doesn’t necessarily need extraordinary strength. Therefore, in terms of pure power, Brother Fan might not necessarily lose to the top-ranked figure…”

“Not by strength? Then how is the Killer List ranked?”

Xiao Yufan wasn’t very familiar with the assassin profession, but he was certain the Killer List had its own logic. The top-ranked figure was definitely beyond comparison with those ranked below.

“It’s based on killing techniques. Take the eighth-ranked international killer, for instance. His martial arts might not even surpass that of a Tianzu member, yet every target he has ever pursued has never survived. His marksmanship is divine—he doesn’t even give opponents a chance to approach before killing them from afar. Moreover, every name on the Killer List has the blood of over a thousand people on their hands!”

“It seems none of them on the Killer List are ordinary people…”

Muttering to himself, Xiao Yufan shifted his gaze back to the open training ground, his lips curling into a smile. No wonder Anying Longtian lived up to the reputation of being third on the list.

“Do you still want to fight? If you do, I have plenty of time to play with you all…”

Longtian looked at the Tianzu members who had been arrogant just minutes ago, now lying on the ground, and couldn’t help but smile. Inwardly, he was somewhat shocked. Tianzu’s strength was far greater than he had imagined. They also had strong potential for growth, and under his training, their abilities would surely experience a qualitative leap.

“This is practically one-sided abuse. If you want to fight, go challenge the big sister. We don’t want to be beaten to a pulp!”

Might makes right. After witnessing Longtian’s strength, the Tianzu members’ gazes involuntarily turned to one of reverence. In their eyes, perhaps only Tianxuan and the Young Master could stand a chance against this middle-aged man.

“Anying Longtian indeed lives up to his reputation. Even if I were to fight him, the outcome would likely be fifty-fifty. Of course, I’m only talking about a fair fight…”

Tianxuan stepped forward slowly, somewhat satisfied with how the Tianzu members had performed. These guys always thought themselves invincible in daily life; giving them a lesson was good—perhaps it would teach them some humility.

“I never thought someone long considered dead would still be remembered. I am now merely the bodyguard and driver for the Old Master. As for ‘Anying,’ he died years ago…”

Longtian was somewhat surprised that this young beauty beside Xiao Yufan actually knew his identity. Yet when Tianxuan mentioned Anying Longtian, he felt his blood stirring faintly.

After years out of everyone’s sight, Longtian had thought that kind of passion would gradually fade. But now he realized he was wrong. Deep within his bones, he still carried some fire, and this fire was slowly being reignited by the Tianzu members.

Upon hearing their conversation, those familiar with Anying Longtian were instantly astonished. They had never expected this figure who had vanished nearly a decade ago to reappear before them, and this legendary figure would now accompany them for a long time to come.

“Now, does anyone have any objections to Longtian training you all?”

It seemed Longtian had already gained the Tianzu members’ approval, sparing Xiao Yufan the need for further persuasion. As the saying goes, strength commands respect. Longtian had already conquered the hearts of the entire Tianzu with his power. Ranked third in Asia, he could offer them far more than just killing techniques—he could elevate their strength to an entirely new level.

“No!”

The Tianzu members responded almost in unison. Longtian had already earned their respect. As the third-ranked figure in Asia, he could provide them with far more than just killing techniques—he could elevate their strength to an entirely new level.

“Good. I will give you one month to gradually take over the underworld forces in the capital. Can you accomplish this?”

Xiao Yufan’s voice seemed to carry infinite power, igniting the Tianzu members’ passion. They were willing to build a greater underground empire for this man, because in their eyes, Xiao Yufan stood on a divine pedestal.

“Yes!” The deafening roar echoed repeatedly across the open field, even stirring Longtian emotionally. Since both Master Situ and Xiao Yufan had placed such trust in him, how could he possibly let them down?

One month—he had the ability to push the Tianzu members to a whole new level of strength. The passion buried deep for years had reignited. He realized he still longed for that kind of life. Only now, his goal was simple: to assist Xiao Yufan in becoming the ruler of the entire underground empire of the capital.