Chapter 18: Assassins in the Dark

Chapter 18: Assassins in the Dark

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The Calm Before the Storm

The sun was just beginning to rise over the city skyline when Ye Tian opened his eyes. He sat up in bed, his bare upper body revealing a physique carved through centuries of battle and cultivation.

Lin Xue was still asleep beside him, her breathing soft and steady. Last night had been… interesting. She hadn't crossed the final line, but her attitude had changed. She had clung to him, as if afraid he would disappear again.

Ye Tian smirked. "Too late for regrets now."

He stood up, stepping toward the window.

Outside, the city was waking up. Cars moved through the streets, businessmen rushed to work, and students walked to school. A normal world.

But Ye Tian knew better.

The underworld was in chaos.

His destruction of the Qin Family's men had sent shockwaves through the city's criminal organizations. Rumors were spreading. Some feared him. Others wanted to test him.

And the Qin Family?

They wouldn't stay silent.

They were coming for him.

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A Deadly Ambush

By the time Ye Tian arrived at Azure Cloud Hotel, a luxurious establishment in the city center, he already sensed them.

Killer intent.

"So, they've made their move already."

Ye Tian walked through the lobby, ignoring the curious glances from high-class guests and waiters. He stepped into the private elevator, pressing the button for the top floor.

The moment the elevator doors closed, he spoke.

"Five people. Three on the rooftop. Two on the balconies outside my suite."

Chen Wei's voice came through his earpiece. "Boss, do you need backup?"

Ye Tian chuckled. "For this? No need."

Ding!

The elevator arrived.

Ye Tian stepped into the lavish penthouse suite, closing the door behind him.

Then, without hesitation—

He vanished.

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The Shadows Strike

The moment Ye Tian disappeared, the assassins made their move.

Two figures in black tactical gear burst through the balcony windows, their movements swift and silent.

But—

Ye Tian was faster.

CRACK!

Before the first assassin could react, Ye Tian's fist connected with his ribs, sending him crashing into the marble floor. Blood sprayed from his mouth as his internal organs ruptured.

The second assassin swung a dagger toward Ye Tian's neck.

Ye Tian grabbed his wrist mid-air.

With a twist—

SNAP!

A scream filled the room as the man's arm bent unnaturally. Ye Tian kicked him in the chest, sending him flying back.

At the same moment, the three rooftop assassins dropped down through the skylight.

Ye Tian smirked.

"Come."

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A One-Sided Slaughter

The assassins didn't hesitate. They were professionals, trained to kill without mercy.

One of them pulled out a silenced pistol, aiming straight at Ye Tian's head.

But before he could pull the trigger—

Ye Tian was already behind him.

BANG!

The gun fired.

But it wasn't Ye Tian who got shot.

The assassin's own teammate took the bullet—Ye Tian had twisted his arm at the last second, redirecting the shot.

The remaining two assassins attacked at the same time, one with twin daggers, the other with a chain weapon.

For any normal person, this would be a nightmare.

For Ye Tian?

Child's play.

WHOOSH!

He dodged the daggers with a single step, his movement so fast that he seemed to disappear. Before the assassin could react, Ye Tian grabbed his head—

BAM!

And slammed it straight into the ground.

The last assassin hesitated, gripping his chain weapon tightly. His instincts screamed at him to run.

Ye Tian smirked. "Too late."

In the blink of an eye, Ye Tian grabbed the chain and yanked. The assassin lost balance, stumbling forward.

Ye Tian's knee met his face.

CRACK!

His nose shattered, and he collapsed instantly.

Silence.

In less than ten seconds, all five assassins were dead or incapacitated.

Ye Tian sighed, stepping over the bodies. "Is this the best the Qin Family can do?"

Pathetic.

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A Mysterious Beauty

Just as Ye Tian was about to leave, his phone buzzed.

A message from Bai Qingyue.

[Be careful. There's another group after you. They're not from the Qin Family.]

Ye Tian's eyes narrowed.

"Oh? Things are getting interesting."

At that moment—

The suite door creaked open.

A woman entered.

She was tall, with long, flowing black hair and a pair of cold, piercing eyes. Dressed in a tight black dress that emphasized her curves, she exuded an aura of danger.

"Ye Tian," she said, her voice smooth and chilling. "We need to talk."

Ye Tian raised an eyebrow.

Who was she? And why did she seem so familiar?