CONFRONTATION

Now, I am approaching the carriage. Based on the time that has passed, the shadow clone inside must have already fallen into the trap.

Before I reach the scene, I hear the sound of repeated explosions. My heart races as I quicken my pace, not wanting them to slip through my grasp.

As I get closer, I climb atop a large tree and spot a hole from which smoke billows out. Around it, a group of people stand, their faces lit with triumphant smiles. I scoff at their naivety; they must think they've succeeded in killing me, my corpse reduced to nothing but dust.

I pause for a moment, considering my next move. Then, I inch closer, making a small sound on purpose.

Pov: Unknown

I glance towards the trap, a smirk spreading across my face. The thought of the money we'll earn after this operation is exhilarating. There's also a band that didn't show up; we'll take their share too, I think, smiling to myself.

We were warned that the target was dangerous, And others may secretly protect him., but it turns out it wasn't as big a deal as we were led to believe. Just some illusions and a few well-placed explosives were enough to settle it.

Suddenly, I hear a noise and shout, "Over here!"

"What's happening?" someone near me asks, alarmed.

"I don't know. I heard something from over there." I point towards the source of the sound, only to catch sight of a single, ominous red eye staring back at me.

Pov: Uchiha Enlil

The hypnosis worked. His expression shifts, and he activates his fighting spirit. Before his companion can understand what's happening, he's struck down by the very person he trusted, with no idea why his comrade turned on him.

The commotion draws the attention of the others. I retreat, using the chaos to mislead more of them into turning on each other.

Fifteen minutes later...

"What the hell is going on?"

"I don't know. They've gone mad, attacking each other without a care for their lives."

"Do you think they're spies, planted by our enemies?" one of them asks, drenched in sweat.

"Don't be stupid. Who would benefit from such a suicidal tactic? It's impossible to gather so many spies willing to die for a cause like this," another replies angrily.

"Maybe someone used a hallucination skill, a drug, or even a martial spirit that controls people," someone suggests.

"Listen up, everyone," the captain commands, "Kill them. It seems they're being controlled. We can't afford to have weak links among us."

I stand at a distance, ignoring their conversation. My focus is on their numbers—half of them are either dead or under my control. But there's a problem: I've used up half of my spiritual power, making a direct attack risky.

So, I continue picking off the weaker ones while they're preoccupied with the deluded.

After some time...

"This bastard has taken out so many of us," one of them curses.

"It looks like he even killed San Ming's team," another adds, grimacing.

"I knew this mission wasn't going to be easy, but I didn't expect so many casualties," a third replies, his voice trembling.

"Be careful," the commander warns, "He must be at the Contra level or higher. He might have been far from the vehicle when the explosion occurred, which is why he couldn't save the target."

Meanwhile, I, Uchiha Enlil, am devising my next move. I've killed nearly all those at the Soul Emperor level and some of the Soul Saints. Only 16 remain. They've also destroyed all the puppets and are now fully aware of my presence, waiting for my next step. After careful consideration...

I decide to use a skill I've mastered it lately..

I focus on the second-strongest among them, retrieve a coin from my storage ring, and toss it into the air. Charging my hand with electricity, I catch the coin, then hurl it with precise aim.

Pov: Lao Yi

We're on high alert, searching for the one who's decimated more than half of our team. We know he won't escape without seeking revenge; a guard who fails to avenge his comrades faces severe punishment upon return.

Suddenly, I hear a buzzing sound. Before I can react, a sharp coldness pierces my chest. I look down, and what I see will haunt me for eternity—a perfect, circular hole in my heart.

Before darkness consumes me, I realize that I've been defeated, not by a sword or fist, but by something far more sinister...

Pov: Uchiha Enlil

The skill worked. I have to admit, it's a stroke of genius—I don't know how that perverted mind came up with it. I managed to kill someone stronger than me without them feeling a thing, but I can't rely on this technique.

It drains too much spiritual energy and concentration, and the strain on my hands is significant. I can't keep hunting them down one by one with this method.

So, I finally step out from the shadows. Their eyes lock onto me, terror written across their faces as they imagine themselves in Lao Yi's place. Even the leader is shaken, barely able to comprehend the blue line that pierced Lao Yi's heart.

"Captain, is this guy our target or am I seeing things?" one of them asks, bewildered.

"Impossible. He was inside the vehicle when it exploded," another responds, shaking his head in disbelief.

"No, it's him. The power of his soul doesn't lie. He's at the Soul King level. Everyone, get ready! That attack earlier must have been a secret weapon from the Soul Hall. He can't repeat it," the captain declares.

Hearing this, they regain some of their courage, gathering around me with newfound confidence. But I remain unfazed, watching them with cold indifference.

"Boy, tell me how you survived, and I might leave your body intact," the captain sneers, trying to mask his fear with bravado.

I ignore him, stepping forward. The others tense, no longer underestimating me after witnessing the carnage. But their caution will be their undoing. I form a series of hand seals, place my hand to my mouth, and unleash...

"Fire Style: Majestic Fireball!" I shout as ten blazing fireballs materialize and streak toward them.

With my Sharingan activated, I dart toward them. As one barely avoids the flames, I close the distance, kunai in hand, and slit his throat before he can react.

Suddenly, I sense an attack coming from my side, which I easily evade. The assailant is a man wielding a lion's fighting spirit, boasting seven soul rings—though his first ring is a weak ten-year ring, an imperfection that betrays his lack of true power.

I retreat slightly, aware that I'm now surrounded.

"Not bad," I say with a smug smile, "You're the first to avoid my attack and counterattack."

"Hmph, I don't need praise from a dead man," he snarls, his eyes burning with rage.

"Oh, what a pity," I reply, my smile widening, "I just wasted my compliment on a corpse..."