Boom!
As the explosion rocked the city gate, a flood of soldiers rushed towards the site of the blast.
"What happened?!"
"Enemy attack! Someone used gunpowder to blow up the gate!"
The area surrounding the gate descended into chaos.
Meanwhile, Ye Yaar had already slipped away, hiding herself in the shadows and escaping the scene unnoticed.
...
At the same time, Bai Li Changqing had reached the vicinity of the Marquis' estate. Hidden in the darkness, he glanced towards the distant city gate and saw large groups of warriors heading in that direction.
"Perfect, all I needed was some confusion."
With that, Bai Li Changqing dashed forward, closing in on the estate. Despite the heavy security, his power had grown significantly in recent days, and in an instant, he infiltrated the Marquis' grounds.
"Who's there?!"
The moment Bai Li Changqing entered the courtyard, a nearby guard sensed something and spun around, scanning the area.
He carefully examined the dim courtyard but saw nothing. Was it just his imagination?
His brow furrowed.
"What's wrong?" another guard wielding a halberd approached.
"I thought I felt someone sneaking in," the first guard replied, shaking his head.
"Someone sneaking in?" The halberd-wielding guard glanced around, then laughed. "You're overthinking it. Who would be dumb enough to break into the Marquis' estate? That's a death wish."
"You're probably right." The first guard nodded, convinced.
After all, the security was tighter tonight than usual. Only a fool would dare infiltrate the estate under such conditions.
Unbeknownst to them, Bai Li Changqing was hidden nearby, his eyes gleaming with a faint smile. The guard's senses weren't bad, but in the darkness, Bai Li Changqing was the true master.
While the two guards remained unaware, Bai Li Changqing's figure vanished into the shadows, his power completely restrained, moving through the estate like a ghost. Thanks to his speed and stealth, he raced toward the center of the estate where his target, the Marquis, resided.
Having scouted the area before, Bai Li Changqing had already memorized the layout. The Marquis was in the central building.
As Bai Li Changqing neared the center, he noticed one of the larger buildings lit up with bright lanterns. Hundreds of guards were stationed around it.
Inside, important figures seemed to be engaged in a significant meeting, summoned by the Marquis.
"So, the Marquis is in there, huh?" Bai Li Changqing mused.
He refrained from moving closer. The light was too conspicuous, and approaching now would only expose him. He needed to be patient.
...
Time passed slowly, and soon it was deep into the night. Finally, the meeting seemed to end as numerous figures began filing out of the main hall.
Among them, a middle-aged man dressed in golden dragon robes emerged last.
"The Marquis?" Bai Li Changqing, still hidden in the shadows, narrowed his eyes.
Even though he was ready to strike, he maintained his composure, controlling his breathing and keeping his internal energy sealed, blending perfectly into the environment. Even a Martial King wouldn't be able to sense him.
"In the Canglong Empire, only the emperor can wear a dragon robe," Bai Li Changqing thought to himself. "This so-called Marquis is clearly plotting rebellion."
The information, however, meant little to him. His only task was to assassinate the Marquis and fulfill his promise to Ye Yaar. He didn't like being indebted to anyone.
"Where are Atum and Malchi?" The Marquis, standing at the entrance to the hall, glanced at his chief guard, speaking with a calm authority.
"They are currently searching for a magical sword. They should return before morning," the guard responded respectfully.
"A magical sword?" The Marquis raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, the sword that supposedly caused the fall of the Dilong Empire," the guard elaborated.
"That thing actually exists?" The Marquis seemed surprised.
"I'm not sure," the guard replied, "but the legend has spread far and wide."
"Well, as long as they return by morning. We'll advance our plans early. The Empire is starting to catch on," the Marquis said coldly, his eyes narrowing as he gazed into the distance. The throne of the Canglong Empire was within his reach.
Shortly after, the Marquis departed for his quarters, followed closely by a retinue of Martial Kings.
"All of them are Martial Kings," Bai Li Changqing observed. He could easily sense the level of power among the guards escorting the Marquis.
Though it was late into the night, there were still torches burning all around. Bai Li Changqing had already moved to another position, watching as the Marquis entered a building in the distance.
The guards stationed themselves outside, and soon, the lights inside the building went out. The Marquis had likely gone to sleep.
"It's time."
Bai Li Changqing's energy surged within him as he prepared to make his move.
Without hesitation, he shot forward, his body a blur as he charged toward the Marquis' quarters.
The security was too tight to rely on subtler methods. He had to strike directly!
Whoosh!
The guards stationed outside the building suddenly felt a gust of wind.
"What was that?" one of them muttered, puzzled by the sudden draft.
Wait… something wasn't right.
When they turned around, they saw that the door to the building had been pushed slightly open.
"Who's there?!" one of the guards shouted.