Chapter 20: Infiltrating the Kong Family

After careful consideration, Li Xuan looked toward the footprints and said, “Old Hei, let’s follow the path they’ve taken!”

Old Hei smiled simply, scratched his head, and immediately understood Li Xuan’s intent. He gave a thumbs-up and said, “Brother Li Xuan, you’re truly brilliant. They have many people, and their search leaves large traces. We are only two; we can trail them quietly and then find a way to blend in!”

Old Hei’s enthusiastic praise made Li Xuan somewhat uncomfortable. He replied, “Old Hei, you’d better go back and be your tribe’s chief. The Li family temple is small; it can’t afford such a flatterer!”

Old Hei smiled awkwardly and said, “Brother Li Xuan, a gentleman’s word is his bond. I can’t say something without meaning it! If you hear me say such things again, just slap me hard. Please don’t hold back…”

Feeling wronged, Old Hei’s face flushed red.

“Enough,” Li Xuan said. “Let’s keep our spirits up. We’re turning their strategy against them!”

So, the two of them crouched low and followed quietly. After about an hour, they heard rustling and grumbling voices ahead.

“This is absurd! I’ve dominated the Night Emperor’s List, and now I have to suffer such humiliation—chasing down an insignificant pest in the dense mountains!”

The assassins had hacked through thorns and brambles all the way, constantly wary of savage beasts. They were truly frustrated and bore various wounds. Chasing a cunning opponent at the initial stage of Spirit Awakening, they were all resentful.

“Boss, I heard that kid is quite a charmer with girls. When we catch him, how about—”

The leader was a woman dressed in tight, elegant brocade. Her eyes were sharp and solemn, gazing into the distance. True to her name, Night Owl, she exuded an aura of weighty darkness and bloodthirsty ferocity.

“Speak clearly or watch your eyes!” she warned sharply.

At her cold glance, a chill swept over the careless assassin who nearly stumbled backward, cursing under his breath, “Damn it, one day I’ll have my revenge!”

Suddenly, a white jade-like ankle stepped onto the man’s face. Her voice was icy: “If you have any intention to desecrate me, I advise you to stop immediately, or else…”

With a slight twist, Night Owl caused the assassin to scream in agony like a slaughtered pig.

The others shivered in fear but watched coldly. These were ruthless killers from the Night Emperor’s List. Such matters didn’t faze them. Without shared interests, they wouldn’t band together. Even when united, they rarely spoke, communicating mostly through gestures and glances. From the moment they chose this profession, they were destined to be cold-blooded and merciless. As long as the employer paid well in Source Crystals, they accepted the contract.

Night Owl’s methods were known, but there were doubts about her wisdom.

“Boss, blindly following like this won’t work. What if that kid is trailing us?” someone broke the silence.

Night Owl’s expression shifted slightly. She used her Heavenly Eye and Spirit Sense to scan, detecting footprints a hundred meters away. She immediately ordered the group to turn back.

Li Xuan was prepared. After a quick disguise with Old Hei, they hid in the grass, even holding their breath, watching as Night Owl and the assassins passed right by.

“That was close!” Old Hei breathed a sigh of relief.

Suddenly, Night Owl stopped and turned toward the tall grass.

Li Xuan acted instantly, grabbing a stone and tossing it far away.

“There! After him!” Night Owl commanded.

The assassins moved swiftly, searching thoroughly before retreating.

Night Owl stared intently at the patch of grass where a sword slowly emerged from its sheath.

Her eagle-like eyes locked on the hiding spot, radiating murderous intent.

Li Xuan and Old Hei dared not breathe, calming their minds and tightening their grip on their Source Devices.

Night Owl was experienced and cautious. At about ten meters, she casually unleashed a sword energy slash toward the grass.

Old Hei tensed, ready to charge out and fight, but Li Xuan held him back firmly.

The sword energy swept through, cutting down the grass and inadvertently burying Li Xuan and Old Hei beneath.

After a pause, Night Owl gestured, and the assassins quickly gathered. After exchanging glances, they hurried away.

Only after they had gone did Old Hei exhale, “Good heavens, that person’s cultivation is at least at the Profound Realm. Killing me was like butchering a dog!”

Li Xuan’s face also darkened. “A Profound Realm expert with both Heavenly Eye and Spirit Sense cultivation. Is it Wang Zifan or Tang Xuan? They actually hired someone like this to hunt me!”

Old Hei handed Li Xuan a space pouch and grinned, “Brother, I’m entrusting you with one thing: get out alive!”

Li Xuan was momentarily stunned. Old Hei, wrapped in surging Source Power, leapt off swiftly into the distance.

Li Xuan wanted to shout but feared alerting the Profound Realm presence. Clutching the heavy pouch, he sighed.

“Old Hei, so decisive—I underestimated you. Don’t worry, we’ll both make it out alive.”

He concealed his aura and resumed following silently. Passing the earlier battlefield, he picked up two sets of night clothes, dressed up, and hid.

“Move faster! According to the elder’s instructions, that kid can’t have gotten far!” a hoarse voice shouted angrily, kicking a lazy disciple.

“Get your spirits up! If I get beaten again, I’ll kill you first!”

These people were brazen, dressed in splendid clothes with faint family crests on their chests.

Li Xuan took a deep breath, musing, “They’re from the Tang family. Why are they here? They shouldn’t be so reckless. They must be after…”

He immediately recalled his hunt of the Golden Plume Eagle King, which must have revealed some clue. Though far away, who could guarantee that those Profound Realm elders hadn’t clearly seen his face?

After they passed, disciples from the Wang family arrived in pursuit. The grim-faced Wang Youming was furious; most injuries on his disciples were from his punishments, making the group even more ferocious. They hated the culprit deeply.

“What’s going on? The Tang family says that kid hid in the Ancient Wild Sacred Hall, yet they’re tracking us here. Isn’t that contradictory?”

“Damn it, do you want me beaten? Stop wasting time and follow the elder’s orders. One slip, and your skin’s mine!”

...

Soon, disciples from the Kong family came searching. Their leader was Kong Sheng, who was courteous and avoided curses. There was more harmony, though some complaints arose. Kong Sheng took it lightly, leaving things to fate.

Li Xuan could no longer keep calm. Fortunately, the elders of the three great families hadn’t seen his face. As long as he insisted he was here to earn credits, they wouldn’t force him. Besides, the Golden Plume Eagle King’s Source Crystal wasn’t on him, so they had no evidence to trouble him.

“Those ahead are Kong family disciples. I am Li Xuan…” Bold and skilled, Li Xuan revealed himself, announcing his identity and stepping out confidently, stealing the spotlight.

Kong Sheng frowned slightly. “You’re from the Li family. Why are you in Misty Shadow Mountain?”

Li Xuan recounted everything he had seen and the credit-earning mission, speaking passionately, playing the sympathy card, even shedding a few tears in moments of emotion.

He repeatedly showed weakness, and with the Li family’s decline, Kong Sheng believed him to some extent.

“But how can I trust you? Three years ago, Li Xuan began his slumber. You wouldn’t be causing trouble under the Li family’s name, hoping for the Kong family’s protection, would you?”

Li Xuan immediately took out his badge and pinned it to his chest. “Brother Kong, look! Though the family declined, I’ve kept this relic well. Though dull and lacking luster, it’s still mine, the Li family’s…”

His voice choked with emotion, eyes reddening.

“No wonder the Li family declined. Look at you—such a failure…” Kong family disciples couldn’t bear it. Playing the sympathy card didn’t mean sobbing at every turn. It seemed contrived to gain pity.

Kong Sheng clasped his hands behind his back and looked up to the misty sky. “Li Luocheng and Li Chenxi were heroines. You’re so weak. Since you’ve struggled so much, and the Li family is fading, follow us. Don’t ask what’s not meant to be asked; don’t see what’s not meant to be seen. Consider it a gift from the Kong family.”

Li Xuan nodded repeatedly, the feeling of being dependent on others was bitter.

Blending in with the Kong family disciples, Li Xuan fooled the assassins. Who would have imagined that the hunted would be so brazen?

“By the way, brother, where exactly are we going?”

Li Xuan feigned ignorance, looking at them with sincere admiration.

“Didn’t you hear? Don’t ask what’s not to be asked; don’t see what’s not to be seen!”

Despite that, the Kong family disciples were talkative. In a low voice, they said, “We’re tracking a boy. That guy ambushed us halfway. The elders are angry. The Tang family says he hid in the Ancient Wild Sacred Hall, a forbidden area. Who knows if he has a backup plan and escaped from there? We’re waiting for him to fall into our trap.”

Li Xuan looked admiring. “Brother must be a prodigy of the Kong family. Otherwise, such highly confidential information wouldn’t be shared with you!”

Handsome and elegant, with a face full of reverence, Li Xuan expressed his admiration, winning their favor. He especially praised the Kong family disciples, racking his brain to please them.

Who doesn’t want respect and admiration? Even if you know you’re talented, hearing it from others makes you feel superior, a true phoenix among men.

Soon, Li Xuan became familiar with the Kong family disciples, chatting and laughing, even sharing dried meat and wine to fill his hunger.

“Alas, let’s head back!” Kong Sheng saw the sky darkening and feared nocturnal beasts in Misty Shadow Mountain. He ordered a retreat.

The journey continued under the shroud of night.