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"Hmph, it seems we have no choice but to resort to this desperate measure," Ghost said grimly, nodding slightly. "Let's do it tonight—no point in dragging this out. The sooner we complete the mission, the sooner we can return to our wine and meat."
…
Nightfall arrived quickly, and it seemed as though even the heavens favored the two assassins. The sky was overcast, the moon hidden behind thick clouds. All around was shrouded in darkness, as if the heavens themselves had been dyed with ink.
As the saying goes: A moonless, windy night is perfect for murder and arson!
Both men removed their protective armor. The gear was far too heavy and cumbersome for an assassination. Made of metal, it could easily clink or clash if touched, alerting nearby guards—a risk they couldn't afford.
To stay inconspicuous, they donned tight-fitting black outfits and face masks like those of hardened bandits. They departed from the Spirit Hall in Star Luo City under the cover of night.
As Titled Douluo, their speed was top-tier. Even though Yue Guan was a Power Attack–Type Douluo, his speed rivaled that of the Min Clan's leader. As for Ghost, an Agility Attack–Type Douluo, he was even faster.
Using their ghost-like speed and the shroud of night, the two easily slipped past the armored guards patrolling the entrance. Those soldiers, clad in heavy armor, didn't even sense their presence. And this was only the first line of defense.
"Hmph, pathetic fools," Yue Guan sneered inwardly. "They may be the Star Luo Empire's elite heavy infantry, but in front of Old Ghost and me, they're nothing more than bloated drunks in armor."
Just then, as they advanced, Ghost suddenly halted. Yue Guan's heart skipped a beat, and he transmitted a message via soul power: "Old Ghost, what's wrong? Why did you stop?"
"Yue Guan, look—there!" Ghost pointed.
"Hm?"
Following Ghost's gaze, Yue Guan saw dozens of small bells strung across the corridor. These bells were connected by nearly invisible fine threads—thin yet incredibly strong.
A single touch would cause them to jingle violently, alerting everyone nearby to the presence of an intruder.
Because all the windows in the Alchemist Association were sealed, the chance of the wind setting the bells off was next to none. Any ringing could only mean one thing—an intruder.
These bells weren't there during the day. At night, they were discreetly set up by the black-clad death warriors.
These warriors were personally trained by Dai Pojun—loyal, lethal, and skilled. Each one was an elite assassin, and some were even soul masters specialized in stealth kills.
In addition to the bell traps, each floor of the Alchemist Association was patrolled by twenty black-clad death warriors, all strapped with explosives.
"Old Ghost, we've got to take care of these damned bells—and quietly, or we're done for."
"I know. Let's work together and dismantle them without making a sound."
"Alright!"
Both men drew their daggers and dashed toward opposite ends of the bell strings. As an Agility Attack–Type Douluo, Ghost was slightly faster, but he carefully matched Yue Guan's rhythm.
In perfect synchronization, they slashed the threads connecting the bells and, in the split second before they could make a sound, swiftly stored each bell in a soul tool.
The two had worked together for over sixty years. As seasoned partners, their coordination was seamless—no words were needed; one glance or gesture was enough.
Using this method, they quickly disabled the traps between the floors and evaded the guards, eventually reaching the top level of the Alchemist Association.
This was where Yang Wudi resided. In fact, he was the only person allowed access to the fifth floor. All others were strictly forbidden.
Even the black-clad death warriors were not permitted to enter—unless under emergency conditions.
This strict rule puzzled many of the Association's alchemists, sparking a wave of speculation. Some said that Yang Wudi was concocting a poison potent enough to wipe out an entire city. Others believed he was developing an elixir capable of rapidly boosting a soul master's power.
Without a doubt, the most enigmatic and heavily guarded part of the entire Alchemist Association was the fifth floor—the top level.
"Hmph, what a bunch of idiots," Yue Guan sneered. "They know full well their president lives here, yet there isn't a single guard posted."
"Heh… maybe they're just trying not to interrupt his nightly indulgences," Ghost replied with a mocking smirk. He could already imagine Yang Wudi frequently bringing women here for his pleasures.
"Come on, Old Ghost. No guards, no bells—this is our chance. We go in, kill him, and get out fast!"
With that, Chrysanthemum Douluo strode toward Yang Wudi's room. But the moment he took a step forward, a sudden wave of danger hit him like a slap to the face—and then, an explosion erupted beneath his feet.
BOOM!!!
"What the—?!"
A thunderous explosion rang out as Yue Guan was engulfed in flames and smoke, blasted backwards like a rag doll. His legs were shredded with cuts and burns, his body thrown into chaos.
Had he not instinctively used his soul power to shield himself, his legs would've been blown clean off.
"Yue Guan! Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, but be careful—there's something wrong with the floor!"
As mentioned before, the top floor was the most secretive part of the Alchemist Association. No one was allowed to set foot there. Many rumors circulated about it, but all of them were false.
The real reason for the strict prohibition was this: Dai Pojun had established a third line of defense to protect Yang Wudi—a deadly minefield.
Dozens upon dozens of hidden landmines had been embedded in the top-floor corridor. Only Yang Wudi knew the precise layout of the traps. Only he could walk the floor safely.
Each mine packed enough power to kill a Defense-Type Soul Sage outright. With so many mines buried across the top floor, even a Titled Douluo without soul power shielding would be instantly killed in the resulting chain explosions.
But the primary purpose of this minefield wasn't just to kill—it was to alert.
Unlike guards or bells, these mines were completely silent until triggered. Who would ever suspect the very floorboards to be weaponized with such deadly force?
"Intruders! Intruders!"
"Protect the President!"
The explosion on the top floor instantly triggered chaos. The black-clad death warriors stationed on each level, as well as the heavily armored soldiers below, surged upward like a rising tide. Time was running out.
Retreat or proceed—the choice was now.
In the end, Ghost chose to continue. If they failed to assassinate Yang Wudi now, getting another chance would be almost impossible.
Besides, with their strength, escaping later wouldn't be a problem.
"Damn it! Fifth Soul Skill!" Ghost no longer held back. His fifth black soul ring erupted with power.
"Shadow Abyssal Clutch!"
A black void spread out beneath Ghost's feet. From its depths, countless shadowy hands burst forth, sweeping across the floor.
In an instant, every single mine in the hallway was detonated, triggering a chain reaction. The entire top floor exploded and began to collapse, raining debris down upon the lower levels.
The violent explosions jolted Yang Wudi awake. Grabbing his Soul-Breaking Spear, he dashed out of his chamber. The moment he saw Ghost's martial soul in action, his expression changed drastically.
"Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo… it's you two?!"
Shock flickered in his eyes—but also burning rage. He had been hounded by the Spirit Hall for years and instantly recognized Ghost's martial soul.
"Yang Wudi! Today is your death day!"
(End of Chapter)