Chapter 155: The Assassination

Qian Ye’s expression was grave, but he had no intention of pursuing. Although he had managed a devastating blow against the werewolf count through an ambush, the opponent proved unexpectedly powerful and retreated decisively, with incredible speed. The remaining dark warriors were numerous, most still capable of fighting, and it was likely that there would be reinforcements waiting in their direction of escape.

Especially, the original force gun in the werewolf count’s hands was a high-grade weapon of at least level seven. Qian Ye, being sane, wouldn’t want to face such a lethal weapon head-on. With a shrug, he looked on with regret as a substantial amount of military merit slipped away. This werewolf’s strength far exceeded that of an ordinary count; he must be a significant figure in the Evernight world. Killing someone like him could earn additional rewards from the military, and the same would apply if he were in the Evernight faction.

After confirming that all the enemies had retreated, Qian Ye approached the battered squad and asked, “Are you all right?”

The leader was a man under thirty, wielding a twelfth-level original force, with impressive strength. His tattered but still luxurious attire suggested he was from a noble family.

Facing Qian Ye, he wiped the blood from his face and gave a wry smile. “We’re alive. But as you can see, the situation is not good. We started with one hundred and twenty people, but we were relentlessly pursued until we were finally cornered here. Now, there are only…”

He turned to glance at the battlefield, his expression turning even more grim. “…sixteen of us.”

The number was hard for him to accept, and he found himself momentarily speechless. It was only after a reminder from his attendant that he regained his composure, apologetically saying, “I am Kong Fangyuan, a member of the Kong family. I have yet to learn your name, sir. Rest assured, once we return to base, I will ensure you are properly rewarded.”

“I am Qian Ye.”

Kong Fangyuan was taken aback, then broke into a smile. “So, you are General Qian Ye! I’ve heard much about your past achievements. Meeting you today, I see that your combat prowess exceeds even your reputation!”

After the formalities, Kong Fangyuan asked, “What about that werewolf? Is he dead?”

“Hit by two shots, but he managed to escape.”

Kong Fangyuan’s expression changed, and he said with lingering fear, “Escaped? This… this is a serious problem for the future!”

Qian Ye nodded, his expression equally somber. Next time they met on the battlefield, there likely wouldn’t be such a good opportunity for an ambush. No one wanted to face an opponent like that, who was possibly even more dangerous than Aden. Aden, despite his extensive combat experience among the nobles, was still not as battle-hardened as the werewolf count.

At this moment, the human soldiers emerged from their hiding places, clearing the battlefield, treating the wounded, and gathering the bodies of their fallen comrades, taking their keepsakes.

The Misty Forest was a natural graveyard. By now, most Imperial soldiers accepted that their corpses would be consumed by the substrate and become one with the earth. After all, most teams didn’t have the means to transport the bodies of the fallen.

Most of the survivors were injured, with several severely wounded. There were over forty dead, and a few, torn apart by the original force gun, couldn’t be put back together.

Among the survivors, Qian Ye unexpectedly recognized a few familiar faces: Lusa and his group. They too were injured, and one of them had become a corpse.

Kong Fangyuan, noticing Qian Ye’s sudden frown, followed his gaze and realized what was happening. He quietly explained, “This time, General Lusa and his team were hired by my Kong family. Without them, we might not have made it to meet you, General Qian Ye.”

Qian Ye lowered his eyes, silent. Putting aside past grievances, Lusa and his men were indeed formidable, with rich battlefield experience, especially in team combat. Kong Fangyuan had made a wise and bold decision, though the price for hiring them must have been significant.

It wasn’t safe to stay long, as no one knew if the dark race would return. Though Qian Ye had inflicted serious damage on the werewolf count, the Misty Forest harbored other dark forces, and everyone felt the pressure of the Evernight forces increasing in this area.

Finally, both Qian Ye and Kong Fangyuan joined in the cleanup and organization of the fallen soldiers’ belongings. Qian Ye bent down to pick up a severed head, its face unrecognizable, and the body nowhere to be found. Beneath the head was a necklace, its chain already half-swallowed by the purple substrate.

Qian Ye pulled the pendant out of the slightly writhing substrate. It was a silver locket containing a photo of a beautiful young woman. This love, now forever unfulfilled, made the pendant feel heavy in his hand.

He handed the necklace to a Kong family captain nearby. Taking it, he looked at it and said, “This was Xiao Lei, a fine young man. I thought he might one day take my place, but I never expected…”

There were many unexpected losses, and each of these individuals, no matter how small, had a unique life where they were the protagonist. Their death meant the collapse of a world.

Kong Fangyuan, not far away, began urging everyone to hurry, giving them no more than five minutes before they had to withdraw. This time was insufficient to tidy up the bodies or place them respectfully, allowing them to rest in peace.

It seemed Kong Fangyuan, though outwardly calm, was genuinely frightened by the attack and didn’t want to stay a moment longer than necessary.

Glancing in his direction, Qian Ye placed the severed head next to the other bodies, allowing the young man to rest with his comrades. Having done this, Qian Ye prepared to say goodbye to Kong Fangyuan and part ways. Though they were both heading back to the base, Qian Ye preferred to travel alone.

As he straightened up, he felt someone approaching from behind, reaching out to pat his shoulder. “Qian Ye…”

The voice was unfamiliar, with a melodic quality that strangely calmed, easing all tension. Just as Qian Ye turned, he felt a cold sensation at his waist, a sharp blade piercing his armor and driving into his side!

Qian Ye spun around, facing a familiar yet strange face. It was one of Lusa’s men, the most unremarkable one, so unremarkable that Qian Ye might not have recognized him outside this context.

The man’s face showed surprise, and upon seeing Qian Ye turn, he tightened his grip on the blade, pushing it deeper into Qian Ye’s side.

“Why?” Qian Ye’s voice was icy.

Feeling the dagger hit the bottom, the man relaxed, his face twisted into a sneer. “Someone with deep pockets wants you dead. Simple as that. If you have to blame anyone, blame yourself for offending the wrong person!”

He suddenly pulled the dagger out a bit, twisted it, and plunged it deeper. Qian Ye paled, letting out a muffled groan.

The man frowned, muttering, “That armor is thick! But you’ll still die.”

Despite the thick armor, he adjusted his angle and stabbed again, though the blade deflected slightly. Still, he was confident the wound was fatal.

Almost unbelievably, it had worked so smoothly. Thinking of the promised reward, he couldn’t help but breathe heavily.

The sudden change left Kong Fangyuan stunned. He called out, “What are you doing?!”

Lusa stepped forward, blocking Kong Fangyuan’s path. “Young Master Kong, this is the will of a great figure. It would be best if you pretended you saw nothing. The wrath of that great figure could be too much for the Kong family to bear.”

The Kong family was a venerable one, and only a few in the Empire could force them to back down. Kong Fangyuan thought of those names, his heart sinking. Yet, he sternly said, “I don’t care who it is. Qian Ye saved us all. I won’t allow anyone to harm him. Step aside!”

Lusa didn’t move, slowly saying, “If you insist, we might have to send you along, Young Master Kong.”

Kong Fangyuan’s face darkened, and he snarled, “You dare!”

Lusa just smiled, his expression clearly showing his intentions.

Kong Fangyuan shivered, realizing the ruthlessness and strength of Lusa’s team. Many of his core fighters were dead or injured, and the surviving ones, all wounded, could not hold back these wolves.

Struggling internally, the order to fire lingered on Kong Fangyuan’s tongue but never came out. Lusa bared his teeth, his hand resting on his dagger, slowly stepping back, and shouted, “Finish it quickly. What are you waiting for?”

A strained voice came from behind. “Boss, s-save me…”

Lusa was startled and turned to see the man supposed to control Qian Ye’s fate in a precarious position. Qian Ye, half-turned, had seized the attacker’s wrist and clamped his hand on the man’s throat. To avoid Qian Ye’s counterattack, the man had to release Qian Ye’s shoulder to block the hand choking him.

Thus, the two were locked in a struggle.

By all logic, the stab in Qian Ye’s back should have been a mortal wound, and in his awkward stance, he should be at a disadvantage. Yet, Qian Ye’s hand was steadily closing on the man’s throat, while the attacker’s knife-wielding hand trembled, his fingers slipping. Clearly, Qian Ye’s grip was making it difficult to hold the knife.

The attacker was in a dire situation. A shadowy assassin by nature, he excelled at delivering a killing blow from cover. Qian Ye hadn’t sensed the danger, highlighting the strength of his abilities.

But in a direct confrontation, he was outmatched. Qian Ye’s strength was incredible, like a spider-demon count. The hand reaching for his throat was relentless, almost unstoppable. He channeled his original force, feeling his body’s vortex scream in protest, but the hand continued to press on, only slightly slowed.

His knife-wielding hand was numb, the wrist bones cracking under the pressure.

Unable to speak, he feared any sound would weaken him, leading to certain death. If Qian Ye’s hand reached his throat, his neck would break like fragile porcelain.

Realizing the situation, Lusa roared, “Stop!” and rushed forward.