Chapter 17: The Assassin's Identity
The night air was heavy with tension.
The mysterious assassin had disappeared into the darkness, leaving behind only questions.
Her inhuman speed, her crimson eyes, and—most importantly—her decision to let me live all pointed to one thing:
She wasn't just another killer. She was here for something else.
And I needed to find out what.
🔹 Returning to the Seventh Division
By the time I made it back to the Seventh Division's stronghold, dawn was already breaking.
I had barely taken a few steps inside before a voice called out.
"You look like you got hit by a cart."
I sighed. "Not now, Xiao Rin."
Xiao Rin leaned against a wooden pillar, arms crossed, her violet eyes filled with amusement.
She studied me for a moment before stepping forward, her playful smirk fading slightly. "You're injured."
I glanced at my torn sleeve, the shallow cut on my arm still bleeding lightly. "It's nothing serious."
She raised an eyebrow. "That's not what I meant."
I frowned. "Then what did you mean?"
She exhaled. "Something happened out there. Something that shook you."
I hesitated.
Xiao Rin was sharper than she let on. She could tell I wasn't just physically injured—I was bothered by something.
I debated whether to tell her about the assassin.
Then, after a moment, I said, "I fought someone. A woman."
Xiao Rin's eyes flickered. "Go on."
"She was fast. Too fast. Stronger than a normal Grandmaster."
Xiao Rin's expression darkened slightly. "And her eyes?"
I tensed. "…Crimson."
Xiao Rin cursed under her breath.
That confirmed it.
She knew something.
I took a step forward. "Who was she, Xiao Rin?"
Xiao Rin didn't answer immediately. She glanced around, making sure no one was listening. Then she leaned in closer and whispered,
"If I tell you… you won't sleep tonight."
I smirked. "I already don't sleep much."
She sighed. "Fine. But not here. Meet me at the cliffside tonight. No one can overhear us there."
I nodded. "Agreed."
🔹 A New Threat in the Seventh Division
Before I could get any rest, I was summoned once again—this time, by Elder Mei Xue.
The elder sat in a high-backed chair, her long silver robes flowing elegantly. Her gaze was cold, her expression unreadable.
"So," she said smoothly. "The mission was successful?"
I kept my face neutral. "I encountered resistance."
Mei Xue sipped her tea. "From the traitors?"
I hesitated. "Not exactly. There was… another party involved."
Her grip on the teacup tightened slightly.
"And who, exactly, were they?" she asked.
I met her gaze evenly. "I don't know yet. But they weren't with Wu Jian."
Mei Xue remained silent for a moment. Then she exhaled. "Very well. We will investigate further."
Her voice was calm, but I could tell—she already knew something.
The Seventh Division's leadership was playing their own game.
And I had just stepped deeper into their battlefield.
🔹 The Midnight Meeting
That night, I made my way to the cliffside where Xiao Rin had told me to meet her.
The wind howled through the mountains, carrying the scent of damp earth and fresh pine.
Xiao Rin was already there, sitting on a rock, tossing a small knife between her fingers.
She looked up as I approached. "Right on time."
I crossed my arms. "Talk."
She smirked. "Impatient, aren't you?"
"Xiao Rin."
Her smirk faded. She exhaled, then said, "The woman you fought… she's not normal."
I raised an eyebrow. "I figured that much."
Xiao Rin shook her head. "No, you don't get it. She's part of an experiment."
I frowned. "What kind of experiment?"
Xiao Rin hesitated, then said two words that made my blood run cold.
"Blood Core."
🔹 The Blood Core Project
I had heard of it.
A secret project rumored to be conducted deep within the Demonic Cult—something forbidden, even by their standards.
The goal? To create the perfect warrior.
It was said they experimented with mixing Qi with foreign energies, forcibly enhancing a person's abilities beyond natural limits.
The result? Fighters with monstrous power—but at a terrible cost.
"You're saying she's one of them?" I asked.
Xiao Rin nodded. "Yes. And if she's roaming freely now, it means whoever was running the project has decided to unleash them."
I clenched my fists. "Why would they come after me?"
Xiao Rin shrugged. "Maybe they see you as a test subject. Maybe they see you as a threat. Or maybe…"
She hesitated.
I narrowed my eyes. "Maybe what?"
She sighed. "Maybe they just want to see how long you can survive."
I exhaled sharply. So I was being tested. Again.
I had barely escaped Wu Jian's attempts on my life.
And now, a new enemy was making their move.
🔹 A Message from the Shadows
Before I could process everything, something whistled through the air.
Xiao Rin and I both moved instantly, dodging in opposite directions.
A small dagger embedded itself into the rock where I had been standing.
Attached to it—a message.
I grabbed the scroll and unrolled it.
There was only one sentence.
📜 "Meet me at the ruins of Shadow Gorge in three days. Come alone. Or more people will die."
There was no signature.
But I already knew.
It was her.
The Blood Core assassin was calling me out.
🔹 A Choice to Make
Xiao Rin frowned. "This is a trap."
I nodded. "Obviously."
She crossed her arms. "Then you're not actually thinking of going, are you?"
I smirked. "Of course I am."
Xiao Rin groaned. "You're insane."
"Maybe," I said, rolling up the message. "But if I don't go, more people die. And I don't like being hunted."
Xiao Rin studied me for a long moment. Then she sighed. "Fine. But at least let me come with you."
I shook my head. "The message said to come alone."
She scowled. "And you believe them?"
I smirked. "No. That's why I need you to watch from a distance."
She sighed dramatically. "Alright, alright. But if you die, I'm stealing your sword."
I chuckled. "Noted."
But inside, I was already preparing.
In three days, I would walk into the ruins of Shadow Gorge.
I didn't know what waited for me there.
But one thing was certain—
This would be a fight unlike any before.
🔹 End of Chapter 17