35 Assassins, Dictums and a Terrible Presen (1/2)
Lao Mei charged in like a bull, shadows trailing behind him with a menacing aura. The masked assassin in black leaped out soundlessly, a colorless silk string unwinding from his raised arm. He advanced upon the charging manservant, his left hand strengthened and braced for the impending impact. Lao Mei fell upon him like a roc, palms flashing as he landed a series of blows as loud as thunder strikes. The assassin singlehandedly deflected the attacks, and as Lao Mei attempted to break past his defenses, he soon found that he was hitting nothing but air. The man in black had flitted almost a hundred feet away, ascending to the sky. Lao Mei, caring for nothing but his prey, veered towards the direction of the escaping villain, leaving wisps of smoke trailing from his body. His efforts were wasted, however; the assassin was already a tiny, black dot slowly receding into the heavens. The man in black was obviously prepared; should he miss his target, he would flee far and high.
Lao Mei returned with a sour face. The assassin’s cultivation base was clearly weaker than his but the man had managed to escape easily, with the aid of a magical silk string, and he could do nothing about it.
“An assassination attempt!” Yun Yang’s purple robe was free from dust as he frowned lightly. “Who would want to kill me?”
Fang Mofei walked over to join the duo with a serious face.
“Old Fang, are you able to deduce the origins of this assassin?”
“Young master, I can confirm that this assassin is not a member of the Concourse of the Underworld,” Fang Mofei replied confidently.
“Why would you say that?” Yun Yang questioned.
“Well, if he were from the Concourse of the Underworld, he would have King Yan1’s Dictum on him. King Yan’s Dictum serves as an indicator of a mission in progress and as a reminder to others to stay away and not interfere. This is a commonly known rule for the entire Concourse of the Underworld’s assassins, for those in the Silver Rank and above. This person’s skills are commendable and he should already be a Gold-ranked killer but I am unable to feel the presence of King Yan’s Dictum on him,” Fang Mofei explained.
Yun Yang nodded. “This assassin uses flying daggers.”
“It is possible that he’s not from the Hall of Crimson Blade.” Fang Mofei continued, “The Merciless Tower is known to be made up of sword-wielding assassins while the members of the Hall of Crimson Blade are, for the most part, saber-wielding killers but this is not all-encompassing. There are always exceptions to the rule. Besides, the flying dagger is a hidden weapon and not a proper tool of battle.”
“This person is most likely to be from The Merciless Tower,” Fang Mofei conjectured.
“The Merciless Tower.” Yun Yang pondered upon the implications, “An organization with very prominent characteristics. Their terms and prices are clear and transparent. They will only undertake the assignment upon receiving full payment. There is no hesitation, no questions on morality or about cause and effect. Their proof of success is the head of the target, they and will not rest until the mission is complete.”
“Yes, that sounds about right.” Fang Mofei agreed, “Once The Merciless Tower accepts a mission, it is a machine that will not rest, and will continue to send wave after wave of murderers until the target is killed. The only difference is that the client has to supply an increasingly large amount of fees to support the men that they send.”
Yun Yang gave a faint smile and said, “They don’t rest until the mission is complete. Despite the circumstances, that is a rather commendable trait, which deserves respect!”
…
Yun Yang retired to his room and when he emerged again, there was already a new Nine Heavens Dictum being issued, moving fast and wide like a spider furiously enlarging its web.
“Nine Heavens Dictum; An Investigation! Who are the assassins of the world, who had recently entered Tiantang, as well as their characteristics and the weapons they carried. Above all, who could have hired assassins to kill the Marquis of Heavenly Clouds’ young master?”
As soon as the dictum was sent out, the underground world of Tiantang City immediately fell into a state of turmoil!
“I’m going out for a walk.” Yun Yang proclaimed, “Both of you stay at home and look after the house. Fang Mofei, you are tasked to recover from your injuries; the quicker you do it, the better.” He turned about to take his leave.
“Young master, allow me to follow you.” Lao Mei’s pleaded earnestly. “The assassin…”
“There is no need!” Yun Yang adamantly refused the offer. “Lao Mei, you have your responsibilities and I absolutely insist. The more danger that lurks around me, the more adamant I should be.”
Before Lao Mei could think about the meaning behind his words, Yun Yang had already gone out of the door and melted into the crowd.
I have my responsibility, you have your stubbornness. Lao Mei thought about it for a long while before managing to come up with a reasonable argument, “But my responsibility is to protect you!”
By the time he managed to come up with this logical repartee, Yun Yang was already long gone. Lao Mei suddenly thought of something. “Young master, the calling cards! What am I to do if those young masters were to come?” There were now crowds of people moving around outside the door; it was impossible to locate Yun Yang to inform him about his impending guests.
Lao Mei turned around speechlessly and was greeted by Fang Mofei chuckling at him. “What are you laughing at？“ Lao Mei glared at him with the most intimidating look he could muster. “DO you feel I have failed to fulfill my duties? Why, just give me half a reason, and I’d give you a drubbing right now! Don't think that just because your cultivation base is higher than mine, that I’ll be afraid to do it.”
Fang Mofei smiled and said good-humoredly, “I wasn’t laughing at you not doing your job, I was simply curious. When did the Single-horned Flood Dragon Mei Wenjian who had once commanded the martial arts world become a butler of the Yun family?”
Lao Mei snorted in irritation, “What does it matter to you? Your father is happy to do so!” He stared at Fang Mofei with a scrutinizing eye. “How about being a butler? Hasn’t the Fealty Jade Sword also come under the roof of our residence?
Fang Mofei wanted to chortle.
“I would suggest that you be more humble in the future.” Lao Mei glared at him. “It is only wise to respect your immediate supervisor!”
Fang Mofei had no response to that little bit of wisdom.
…
Yun Yang melted into the crowd the moment he stepped out of his residence. When he wanted to be noticed, he could make himself the center of attention even a multitude of people; when he intended to conceal himself, he could stay unnoticed even if he were to walk alone in the middle of the street under bright daylight.
When it came to camouflage, there was no equal to Supreme Cloud’s Cloud Veil!
He drifted into the crowd as if aimlessly following the flowing current but he arrived at an alley within a few turns. At the end of the alley was a small hill, and under the hill lay a thick fog.