The map not only marked the assassins’ positions but also indicated each assassin’s rank.
Chu Dingjiang put away the letter. When he looked up again, he saw Sang Nu leaning against the earthen temple, his hair disheveled. The skeletal face had eyes wide open and cracked lips parted as if countless words remained unspoken.
“Rest in peace,” Chu Dingjiang approached, gently closing Sang Nu’s eyes.
After burying the old man near the temple, Chu Dingjiang swiftly returned with the map he had unexpectedly obtained to discuss further investigation with Gu Jinghong.
Chu Dingjiang had already identified the brothel, but he hadn’t realized it was merely the eye of the storm, with the real tempest surrounding it. If he hadn’t met Sang Nu, he might never have seen through Piaomiao Manor’s layout and could have been caught in their trap.
This proved that Wei Yuzhi, the second-in-command of Piaomiao Manor, was indeed a far-sighted strategist.
Gu Jinghong studied the map for a long time before saying, “This is likely genuine. Such an intricate formation couldn’t have been set up in just a few days. Was there a servant named Sang Nu by Wei Yunshan’s side?”
Sheng Changying opened his eyes and said, “Indeed, there was a loyal servant named Sang Nu. This man had achieved great heights in martial arts and endured countless hardships in life. His spiritual power surpassed his inner strength, making him one of the most promising ninth-level martial artists to reach the transcendent realm. According to rumors in the jianghu, he followed Wei Yunshan when the latter went into seclusion.”
“If what Sang Nu said is true, it seems Wei Yunshan’s retirement has hidden implications,” Chu Dingjiang remarked.
Since this person existed, the credibility of the information increased.
Sang Nu had told Chu Dingjiang, “This is what you seek,” clearly aware of his secret investigation into Piaomiao Manor. While this statement seemed believable, it still required personal verification.
Chu Dingjiang was bold but also extremely cautious. “I will personally confirm the authenticity of this map. Lord Gu, please proceed with the preparations.”
“Very well, but we can’t take too long. The Yu family’s goods have already been loaded onto ships. Most attention at the docks has been diverted. Yu Pianfei took the opportunity to set us up, making Piaomiao Manor aware that others besides the Yu family were investigating the docks,” Gu Jinghong’s fine brows furrowed slightly. “We can’t let him live.”
“You want to assassinate him?” Chu Dingjiang shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. He’s just trying to make a point – even if he can’t deal with us directly, he can still cause mutual destruction. He’s guarding against us burning bridges before we attack Piaomiao Manor.”
He rubbed his chin, a hint of amusement in his eyes: This Yu Pianfei indeed had courage and skill.
At Chu Dingjiang’s age, the hot-bloodedness of youth had long faded. But he was still keen on recruiting and nurturing promising talents.
Gu Jinghong didn’t object, but if given the chance, he would still kill Yu Pianfei to eliminate future troubles.
This collaboration with Gu Jinghong had given Chu Dingjiang a deeper understanding of his methods. He could guess Gu Jinghong’s current thoughts but remained silent, lowering his head to drink tea.
Once Gu Jinghong acted, the chances of failure were low. That would be when Chu Dingjiang could step in to save Yu Pianfei.
“The power distribution in Piaomiao Manor is quite interesting,” Gu Jinghong focused entirely on the map, unaware of Chu Dingjiang’s calculations. His finger lightly traced a circle following the markings, connecting all the residences of ninth-level experts in the seemingly chaotic layout. Then he drew another circle, linking all the eighth-level experts’ dwellings.
The layout was very regular, like an impregnable cylinder, with an empty brothel at its center. “Do you think Wei Chuzhi and Wei Yuzhi are hiding in the brothel?” he asked.
Chu Dingjiang said, “What do you think, Brother Sheng?”
Sheng Changying narrowed his eyes in deep thought for a long while. Just when others thought he had fallen asleep, he spoke. “No.”
“Why not?” Gu Jinghong asked, surprised.
“Wei Yuzhi is known to wander the world, rarely staying at the manor for more than a few days each year. Many people are aware of this. As for Wei Chuzhi…” Sheng Changying dropped a major revelation in a calm tone. “Three years ago, I heard a small rumor that Wei Chuzhi had disappeared and wasn’t in the manor at all.”
This matter had barely caused a ripple at the time and was quickly forgotten due to several major moves by Piaomiao Manor. As time passed, few people remembered this minor incident.
Chu Dingjiang fell into deep thought.
“Who manages the manor then?” Gu Jinghong asked.
“I’m not sure, perhaps the second master, Wei Yuzhi?” Sheng Changying replied.
It was common knowledge that Wei Yuzhi had high spiritual power but knew little martial arts. Could he keep so many cold-blooded assassins in check?
The three men moved past this topic and allocated tasks. Gu Jinghong and Chu Dingjiang went about their business, leaving Sheng Changying idle.
Accustomed to being busy, Sheng Changying would now suddenly wake up even while sleeping, feeling that many tasks remained unfinished. Instead of improving his health, the idleness made him grow thinner.
Eleven days later, the date for attacking Piaomiao Manor was set.
Gu Jinghong had the map drawn on a large scale and gathered everyone to discuss strategy.
“According to Lord Chu’s ten-day investigation, fewer than two hundred people are guarding Piaomiao Manor,” Gu Jinghong circled the empty houses on the map. “These areas are uninhabited. We have a shortcut to enter the center, but the surrounding assassins will quickly surround us inside. Since our mission target isn’t focused on any single person, we can’t avoid the others.”
Leaning against the wall, Mo Sigui asked, “Why not?”
“Because this mission is…” Gu Jinghong said slowly, “To assassinate the assassins of Piaomiao Manor.”
Sending these novices to assassinate experienced killers?!
Everyone’s pupils dilated slightly, and the atmosphere immediately became tense.
“Most of the assassins guarding Piaomiao Manor are also newcomers,” Gu Jinghong pointed at the map, trying to ease the tension. “Among those on guard, only about thirty are above the sixth level. The others not only have varying levels of skill but also lack much experience as assassins, so you needn’t worry too much.”
This was Gu Jinghong’s speculation based on the skill levels marked on the map. It wasn’t certain that those below the sixth level had less experience in killing.
“Piaomiao Manor is a dog of the Liao country. It has inseparable ties with the Feng family’s shipping business, with an information network spread throughout the Great Song. They’ve destroyed two major Crane Control families, and their masters roam freely on Great Song’s soil. If we don’t eliminate such a cancer, it will be a thorn in Great Song’s side!” Chu Dingjiang’s deep voice rang out, starting slow and steady, then growing more forceful. “How can we allow others to bully us without fighting back?!”
Lou Mingyue’s eyes turned red with anger as he coldly said, “We swear to kill all Liao dogs!”
Mo Sigui immediately echoed, “Kill all Liao dogs!”
While they might not have strong patriotic feelings, most martial artists had a sense of honor. Few would turn the other cheek when struck or insulted. Many were roused to anger and joined in, “We swear to kill the Liao dogs!”
Seeing their emotions rise, Chu Dingjiang slightly raised his hand for silence.
These well-trained individuals immediately quieted down, but the atmosphere was different from before.
Gu Jinghong continued, “This time, we’ve obtained inside information from Piaomiao Manor. The enemy is in the light, and we are in the shadows. We have a complete attack plan, and our goal is to slaughter as many of Piaomiao Manor’s assassins as possible! But I won’t send you to your deaths. Once we can no longer continue, I’ll order a retreat. Those with the ability can save themselves. This is the final trial. Those who cower will be executed without mercy!”