High Martial: I Grind Professions

Chapter 274: Chapter 167: King-level Assassination 2

...

That same night, somewhere on Blue Star, deep within the earth where the light of human civilization could not reach.

This was the core nest of ”Shadow.”

Deep within a palace so magnificent it was almost absurd, twelve high-backed chairs were arranged in a massive metal ring.

Seated in the chairs were not physical people, but twelve hazy figures of light, projections formed by advanced virtual imaging technology.

Their forms varied, but their faces were completely hidden by the animal masks of the twelve zodiac signs they each wore—Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

These twelve figures were the highest echelon of power in the Shadow organization—the leaders of the twelve divisions.

They were a vast, shadowy collective of traitors who had abandoned the Human Race to serve under the wing of the Demon Race.

The organization was immense, its reach spanning the entirety of Blue Star. It was divided into twelve independently operating divisions, each managing a specific region with meticulous control and infiltration.

Anyone who could secure one of these seats was, at the very least, a god or demon at the threshold of the King-level, and there was no shortage of powerful King-level existences among them.

The figure at the head of the table, wearing a majestic dragon mask, had the most solid form. The intangible aura he exuded was also the most profound, signaling his power as a peak King-level expert.

A digitally synthesized voice, heavily processed and distorted, emanated from beneath the dragon mask—cold and imbued with absolute authority:

”I have summoned you all because the Royal Court has issued a mission: to kill the Human Race prodigy, Li Wen.”

The Dragon’s voice echoed through the vast palace. ”The Royal Court has given us a directive of the highest priority—to eliminate this Human Race prodigy who possesses immense potential.”

A brief silence fell over the round table, the atmosphere growing as heavy as iron.

A figure in a monkey mask spoke in a raspy, electronic voice:

”The Nine Heavens Divine Body from the Ninth Layer... A real problem indeed. The people at Cinderflame University have surely raised their guard around him, and might even be setting up countermeasures. The rumors of the Mountain Rain King’s descent on Bluestone County to perform a rescue last time are cause for alarm.

The target himself is virtually unbeatable in the Bright Moon Realm. He’s also mentally tough and extremely vigilant. A direct assault or an infiltration—both must be handled with extreme caution.”

The leader in the ox mask next to him added in a deep voice, ”The defensive deployments in Bluestone County are relatively predictable. He frequently stands guard at the Stargate, which is a fairly consistent point of risk. The key is figuring out how to bypass Cinderflame University’s potential protection and kill him in a single strike.”

Murmurs of discussion arose as analyses, concerns, and proposals were exchanged between the cold virtual projections.

Finally, all eyes converged on a single figure.

The figure wore a serpentine mask, its lines sinuous and treacherous.

His posture was relaxed, yet his projection exuded a cold, clammy aura, like a venomous snake emerging from a swamp.

The area under his jurisdiction happened to include the region where Bluestone County was located.

Noticing the collective gaze upon him, a low, hissing laugh emerged from beneath the snake mask. It was also processed, yet it sent a chill down the spine:

”Heh heh... Since it’s in my jurisdiction, and it’s a strict order from the Demon Race’s Royal Court, it’s only natural that I take charge.”

His voice carried a cruel, mocking tone. ”Rest assured, everyone. Dealing with a junior in the Bright Moon Realm, even one from the Nine Heavens, won’t cause any major waves.

I will select the most suitable pawn to send him on his way. I guarantee that after the fact, those old geezers from Cinderflame University will only be able to find a few baseless, dead-end clues.”

The leader in the dragon mask nodded slightly. ”Since Snake has volunteered, this matter will be your division’s full responsibility. Remember, the target is sensitive, and the Royal Court’s trust in us is at stake. It must be flawless and clean. The operational details need not be discussed here.”

”Understood.” Snake replied, his projection flickering and distorting slightly. ”Just wait for the good news.”

With that, his figure was the first to fade, disappearing into thin air.

Immediately after, the projections of the other eleven leaders also vanished without a sound, as if they had never been there at all.

The cold palace fell into a dead silence once more. Only the faint light projected from the dome remained, illuminating the empty chairs like the fangs of a great beast.

...

「Time passed peacefully amidst cultivation and guard duties, bringing the date to July 27, 231, Galactic Calendar.」

[Name: Li Wen]

[Age: 23]

[Realm: Late-stage Bright Moon Realm (Level 48.6 → 48.7)]

[Class: Scholar Lv. 13 (404,320 → 409,180 / 409,600)]

[Skills: Blade Arts · Soul Realm (50%), Mystic Firmament Five Forms (Star Rush 100%, Thunderstrike 100%, Celestial Gate 52.5%)]

[Cultivation Technique: Shocking God Stab · Fifth Layer (100%)]

Over the past few days, Li Wen’s life had been extremely regimented.

His unwavering six hours of high-intensity study each day had steadily increased his Scholar experience by several thousand points.

Now, his status panel clearly showed that he was only 420 experience points away from leveling up to Scholar Lv. 14.

’This means that if I just complete my planned six hours of study today, I’ll be able to cross this small threshold.’

The early morning sun streamed through the window, spilling onto his desk.

Li Wen finished his morning routine and a simple breakfast right on time, changed into comfortable clothes, and sat down at his desk.

Spread open before him was a precious tome concerning the connection between ancient Star Maps and spatial energy anomalies.

Birds chirped crisply outside the window, but he quickly became immersed in the vast and complex information and deductions, his mind becoming one with the book.

Six hours of highly focused reading, comprehension, memorization, and deduction passed in what felt like an instant.

[You have studied with intense focus for six hours. Scholar experience +540.]

[Class: Scholar Lv. 13 (409,180 → 409,720 / 409,600)]

[Class: Scholar Lv. 14 (120 / 819,200)]

The moment the information on his panel changed, it was as if a floodgate in his mind had been thrown open.

An invisible torrent of Spiritual Power, more turbulent and immense than ever before, erupted from the core of Li Wen’s sea of consciousness.