Chapter 5; The Assassination

Inside the lavish VIP suite, the air was filled with the joyful sounds of giggles and laughter, while the scent of pinewood gently perfumed the chamber. The opulent surroundings were adorned with an array of courtesans, elegantly dressed in extravagant fabrics, emanating a captivating and alluring charm. Playfully, one of the courtesans pouted, teasingly questioning the Minister "When are you going to come for us?"
The minister sat leaning to his right side, his courtiers surrounding him, their laughter filling the air. With a short laugh, he addressed them,
"My beauties, very soon." As he raised the cup of wine to his lips, a fleeting silhouette caught his attention. Acting swiftly, he flipped the table and aimed it towards the direction of the mysterious figure, revealing a startlingly unexpected side to his character. The tension in the room mounted, leaving everyone wondering who or what had caught the minister's attention and why he reacted with such haste.

With a swift dodge, the spy narrowly evaded the minister's attack. Undeterred, the minister leaped forward, unleashing his own assault. The horrified courtesans scattered in every direction, their screams echoing through the room. The spy's skills were impressive, each strike growing more brutal and deadly. In a moment of quick thinking, the minister evaded her attack, recognizing her technique. "Speed shooting finger technique," he murmured, realizing that the spy must belong to the notorious Black Mage Camp.

Hidden in the shadows of ancient China, the underworld organization known as the "Black Mage Camp Society" thrived. Cloaked in secrecy, their influence permeated every aspect of society, from the lowliest street peddlers to the highest ranking officials. Their members, trained in both martial arts and subterfuge, were bound by an unbreakable code of loyalty and honor. Utilizing their vast network of spies and assassins, the Black Mage Camp Society held the power to manipulate politics, control illicit trades, and enforce their own brand of justice.

As the minister witnessed the spy's use of the formidable "Bolt Flash Technique," he couldn't help but be taken aback. It was evident that only someone with superior cultivation could command such a skill. While the minister knew he couldn't outright kill her, he decided to shift his focus to unveiling her true identity. The spy, on the other hand, had sorely underestimated the minister's abilities. Despite her own skill, she hadn't been tasked with murder, which put her at a disadvantage in their deadly encounter. The tension grew as their battle intensified, both determined to succeed in their respective goals. Within the chaos of the unfolding scene, the resourceful spy spotted a vase and swiftly took aim at one of the trembling courtesans. Panic gripped the air as the courtesans braced themselves for the worst, only to be saved in the nick of time by the minister's swift intervention. The minister whirled around, but to his astonishment, the spy had vanished, leaving only a trail of mystery in her wake.

Meanwhile, at the tranquil Floral Manor, a graceful maiden with enchanting features diligently engaged in her calligraphy. Her strokes were smooth and meticulous, reflecting her focused demeanor. Zhang Lin quietly entered the study, taking her place by the side as she began the task of grinding ink for her mistress, Mei Xiang. Glancing up from her work, Mei Xiang carefully set her brush aside and met Zhang Lin's gaze. "Do you really plan on going?" she inquired, a thoughtful expression on her face. Zhang Lin, with her sharp and perceptive mind, couldn't help but feel perplexed, her thoughts racing to understand the true intentions behind Mei Xiang's decision to attend the royal invitation.

In the serene atmosphere of the Spring Residence, a burst of laughter shattered the peaceful silence as a young girl, filled with energy and joy, sprinted towards her mother. Her bright features, fair complexion, and doll-like face radiated innocence and mischief. Breathless from all the running and accompanied by her tired maids, she entered the pavilion, pausing to catch her breath. Empress Liling, seemingly composed and poker-faced, sat gracefully, savoring her tea while appreciating the picturesque scenery. Behind her cold exterior, she possessed captivating beauty that added to her enigmatic aura. With her black hair adorned with exotic hairpins, slanted lifeless cherry-colored eyes, and lips coated in a striking shade of crimson red, she exuded an air of aloofness, coupled with an unmistakable arrogance. As she sat regally, she scolded her daughter, Princess Ming Mian, with a stern "Manners, Mian'er." Setting her cup down, she turned towards her daughter, her voice filled with a mix of sympathy and determination.
"Don't worry, my dear. We will deal with Ming Liguan and ensure they understand the consequences of defying your orders."
A tall, graceful man made his entrance. His sharp features and commanding presence exuded a superior aura, befitting his status as the emperor. The empress and princess, along with their attendants, stood and greeted him respectfully. Dispelling any sense of formality, he gently assisted the empress to her feet and sat down with them. A eunuch promptly served the emperor some refreshing beverage. Just as Ming Yuan was about to take a sip of his tea, a distant cry reached their ears. It was Ming Chou, the prince, who came running towards the pavilion, tightly hugging his action figures. With a wide grin on his face, he eagerly bowed to his parents. His eyes gleamed as he caught sight of the snacks and hastily stuffed them into his mouth, consuming them with unabashed greed. Unfortunately, Ming Chou was often regarded as an imbecile son, for he never outgrew his childhood fantasies, leading others to ridicule him for his silliness.
In contrast to his father, Ming Chou possessed a calm and gentle demeanor, with clear features that reflected his unremarkable nature. Though considered a "good-for-nothing," it seemed that the only mistake he made was his tendency to make a mess. As Ming Chou continued to indulge in the snacks, he accidentally stained his garments and even his beloved action figures. His mother, with a mixture of concern and embarrassment, reassured him, "Chou'er, take your time and eat. Mother will get you more." Yet, the emperor couldn't help but think, 'What a schlub. With his mouth and lips stained from indulging in more cakes, Ming Chou bore a striking resemblance to a big baby. In his clumsy attempt to reach for more, he accidentally knocked over the teapot, drenching the emperor. This proved to be the final straw for his father, who couldn't contain his frustration any longer.
"What an imbecile!" he exclaimed before storming away in anger. Ming Chou stood frozen, feeling dejected as tears slowly streamed down his cheeks. Why didn't his father love him? Overwhelmed with emotions, his legs grew weak, causing him to stumble and break down.
As Ming Mian observed her mother embracing her brother, tears welled up in her own eyes and she couldn't help but weep. Being two years younger than Ming Chou, she had witnessed how their father consistently treated him with disdain and disappointment. Ming Ming couldn't help but wonder if her father would hate her too if she ever ended up like Ming Chou. She whimpered softly, feeling a deep sense of pity for her brother in that moment.

Amidst the picturesque scenery filled with birds soaring through the air and lush greenery, a sense of tranquility embraced the surroundings. In the distance, a melodious tune floated on the wind, captivating all who heard it. It was played by a young man, adorned with handsome features, as he skillfully played the flute. The timbre of the flute was clear and pure, resonating with clarity. With his eyes closed in deep concentration, he became completely immersed in the enchanting melody, his garment gracefully billowing in the cold gusts of wind that swept through.
With his slightly disheveled, curly long hair and lips displaying shades of pink, the young master possessed a porcelain-like complexion that effortlessly blended the beauty of both ancient and Western aesthetics. He seemed almost godlike, resembling a priceless sculpture brought to life. Suddenly, he stopped and opened his eyes, revealing a pair of brightly glistening amethyst orbs. Informed by a guard that the carriage was prepared, he nodded and gracefully made his way towards it, radiating an air of confidence and elegance.

As shadows swiftly darted among the trees, a sudden arrow pierced through the air. Startled by the commotion, a guard inquired about the situation, to which the driver calmly replied, adjusting his hat. Despite the darkening atmosphere, they continued their journey deeper into the dense forest. However, before anyone could finish their warning, the horses leaped forward, causing a momentary disruption.

Emerging stealthily from the shadows, a group of black-clad assassins launched a sudden and ferocious attack on the guards, their swords clashing fiercely. One assassin, displaying incredible skill, swiftly dispatched three guards with a single, deadly stroke. With calculated movements, he advanced towards the carriage, using his internal force to slice it open. Much to his surprise, he discovered that their target was no longer inside.

As the young girl desperately fled through the woods, a pack of rogue bandits pursued her relentlessly. Fear and exhaustion overcame her, causing her to stumble and collapse onto the unforgiving ground, leaving her hands adorned with cuts and bruises. The leader of the bandits, his face twisted with malevolence, wore an evil grin as he approached her slowly. The girl's back pressed against a tree, eliciting a pained groan from her lips. With a surge of despair, she realized that she was now cornered, trapped with nowhere to escape.