Chapter 103: Bringing Things to a Close

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The morning sunlight was bright but not harsh, and the dewdrops on the grass reflected a spectrum of colors. Zhao Hengyi’s modest carriage rolled out from Elm Tree Bay. Guards on horseback flanked both sides, followed by the chattering women soldiers trailing behind, ensuring vigilant protection.

The imbalance of information led the close attendant of Prince Qi, hidden in the woods, to conclude that Zhao Hengyi, a simple landowner, dared not disregard the invitation of Prefect Su Shenchang, nor defy the special envoy sent by Consort Chen. After all, from an outsider’s perspective, both Prefect Su and Consort Chen’s envoy were powerful figures whose displeasure could reduce Zhao Hengyi and his hard-earned estate to ashes.

If Zhao Hengyi dared to emerge from Elm Tree Bay with dozens of guards, there must be an opportunity to strike along the way.

Since Zhao Hengyi’s party left Elm Tree Bay, a pair of eyes concealed in the shadows had been watching them. The personal attendant of Prince Qi was exceptionally skilled, yet his origins were unknown. No one realized that, beyond protecting Prince Qi, he excelled in assassination.

Years ago, this attendant had a notable reputation in the martial world under the alias “Shadowless.” Skilled in subtle and cunning techniques, he had at some point pledged himself to Prince Qi and since then faded from the eyes of wanderers.

Perched on a ridge, Shadowless fixated on Zhao Hengyi’s carriage, a faint, barely perceptible smile curling his lips.

The carriage bore obvious signs of makeshift modification; Shadowless immediately noticed the rough handiwork—iron plates installed inside to prevent long-range bow and arrow attacks.

Did they truly believe that, with these measures and their guards surrounding them, they could reach Jiangling City unscathed?

Humans make mistakes, especially when there are many of them.

To Shadowless, Elm Tree Bay’s guards were indeed competent, but only competent, nothing more.

The hand crossbows were sharp and had startled Shadowless during their first encounter, but no matter how sharp the weapon, its effectiveness depended on hitting a person. If he couldn’t even evade such a small hand crossbow, he didn’t deserve the name Shadowless.

What troubled him most were the women soldiers who seemed unaware of the true peril facing the convoy.

These women were all under the jurisdiction of the Lord of Xiangcheng County, and any harm that befell them would necessitate silencing the entire convoy.

Being alone made things somewhat inconvenient, but only somewhat. Shadowless was confident he could strike Zhao Hengyi at the most unexpected moment.

The opportunity arrived sooner than Shadowless anticipated—but all was abandoned upon realizing the supposed mistakes were merely an act.

The guards had been earnest, diligently protecting their master, deliberately acting and exposing vulnerabilities. Zhao Hengyi even occasionally lifted the carriage window to reveal half of his face...

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Yet all of this was a trap.

The women soldiers, however, seemed genuinely oblivious to the life-or-death trial the convoy was undergoing, each resembling a carefree young lady on an outing.

Tch, women should tend to their families and leave men’s affairs alone. Their meddling with blades and guns was truly absurd!

Though the women soldiers were reputedly formidable, it turned out they only put on a show before the Lord of Xiangcheng County.

Now that their master was absent, their true colors were revealed.

At dusk, the women soldiers instructed some of the Elm Tree Bay guards to advance ahead and set up camp at the night’s resting place, ensuring they could enjoy warm meals and sturdy tents upon arrival.

Truly more harm than help!

Those very women soldiers whom Shadowless had feared now unwittingly became his allies in assassinating Zhao Hengyi—an unexpected boon.

With nearly half the guards dispatched, those remaining became even more cautious, standing solemnly around the carriage, fearful that a hidden assassin might seize the chance.

This was indeed a prime opportunity. Whether or not it was a ruse, the guards who left for camp were genuine, and the number protecting the carriage had been halved.

As for the women soldiers trailing behind, Shadowless paid them no mind. Should a fight break out, these women would likely be frozen with shock and scream helplessly.

They had defeated a few bandits and fancied themselves experts? What a joke!

Shadowless’ skills were superb, especially in stealth and concealment. After confirming the guards sent away by the women soldiers had left, he lingered near the carriage, waiting for the moment.

As a top-tier assassin, Shadowless would not resort to reckless tactics like smashing the carriage with heavy stones or hammers. He waited for Zhao Hengyi to open the window again.

In his mind, he had planned precisely how to slip through the window, slit the throat, and escape from the opposite window.

Yet, as if sensing the reduced number of guards, the timid Zhao Hengyi tightly shut the windows and refused to open them again, leaving Shadowless disappointed. It seemed the guards’ departure was no act.

He would have to strike tonight. But unlike other assassins, Shadowless believed striking on the road was easier than at night, especially when the target was alert.

Just as Shadowless prepared to silently withdraw, the carriage suddenly broke down—the axle snapped!

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With a crack, the wheel flew off, and the carriage toppled, throwing a man rolling out!

It was certain the axle had been damaged during the modifications, or perhaps the added iron plates were too heavy, exceeding the axle’s limit.

Various speculations flashed through Shadowless’ mind, but he didn’t hesitate. Like a bolt of lightning, he charged before anyone could react and closed in on the man who had fallen from the carriage.

The man was Zhao Hengyi—both appearance and build unmistakable.

Shouts and whinnies of horses faded into the background as Shadowless struck. The guards were still stunned by the sudden breakdown, and the women soldiers behind even wore mocking smiles.

Like a leopard pouncing low to the ground, Shadowless almost instantly pressed his short blade to Zhao Hengyi’s throat.

Time seemed to freeze. Sounds blurred, and the diverse expressions around formed a vivid tableau. Even the breeze rustling leaves was sharply etched in Shadowless’ senses.

The guards hadn’t drawn their crossbows, and after a successful strike, Shadowless could leave at his leisure.

But—stab!

The sensation from the short blade was not that of cutting flesh. Zhao Hengyi had worn inner armor on his neck!

There was still time. The guards hadn’t drawn their crossbows yet. If the throat couldn’t be cut, a direct stab into the head would suffice—through the eye socket, then a couple of wrist shakes to turn the brain to mush.

But just as Shadowless prepared to reverse his grip and strike upwards, he noticed Zhao Hengyi’s strange smile, his composure unshaken.

Something was wrong.

Hesitating slightly, Shadowless planted one hand on the ground and twisted his body like a serpent, staying low. Even if the crossbows fired, they couldn’t hit a vital spot.

Wounded or not, he was determined to kill Zhao Hengyi here.

Suddenly, a flash of fire appeared between them, followed by a bang!