The assassination.

The moon hung high, casting silver light over the Xiao family's training grounds.

The air buzzed with tension as the younger generation stood in neat formations, awaiting further instruction. Xiao Lin, among them, listened intently to Elder Shiyang's words, unaware of the shadows shifting above.

Then—chaos erupted.

Dark figures dropped from the rooftops, blades gleaming under the moonlight.

The first wave of assassins moved with deadly precision, targeting Elder Shiyang.

"Ambush! Protect the elder!" someone shouted.

The Xiao family prodigies reacted instantly, drawing their weapons. The clash of steel rang out as figures darted through the battlefield, shadows against the dim lantern glow.

Xie Ninger moved swiftly, her dagger catching the light before she lunged. She wasn't aiming for Elder Shiyang.

Her target was Xiao Lin.