Chapter 3, Assassination of Prince Ning

The guards around him shouted, "Assassin, protect the prince!" Approximately sixty guards surrounded Prince Ning. The leader of the guards, Jin Touer, looked in shock at his finely crafted Yanling knife made of tempered steel. Not only was there a small dent the size of an egg, but several cracks had also extended to the back of the blade, rendering the entire knife useless

At this moment, I feel as if I have once again returned to the time when I faced a fierce tiger alone, with a surge of murderous intent in my heart, like a killing star that has been imprisoned in the demon realm for thousands of years returning to the human world, striking at that person with a single sword.

When the dust finally settled, only Jin Tou, covered in blood, brought a few deputy guards before Prince Ning, while all the other guards had been tragically killed on the spot. The several men in black fared no better, as three of them were cleaved by the overwhelming wind of blades, their bodies cut into three pieces and lying on the ground. A sword that had been knocked away landed right in front of me, still stained with blood.

The wind general awkwardly stated the reason, and Ning Wang along with the surrounding guards burst into laughter, looking at me with smiles and saying: "Brother Yang, your drinking capacity is quite impressive, very good, very good. From now on, follow me. If there are any banquets, I will rely on you to support me." I was a bit surprised, but I feigned great joy and knelt down to bow several times, which could be considered a step towards success

Every month, with food, accommodation, and clothing provided, I also receive a salary of 20 taels of silver. Moreover, the work is much easier than in the shipping industry. I secretly sigh to myself that even if I am doing the most menial labor, I still earn more in the household of the powerful. The saying goes, "When one person attains the Dao, even the chickens and dogs rise to heaven," and this serves as a testament to that.

Observing that my complexion remained neither red nor pale, the two stewards expressed their astonishment. Ignoring me, they followed as I continued to down over 20 companions, while they laughed heartily beside me, beginning to wager on how many more I could bring down.

The commotion continued late into the night. After Ning Wang and the others returned to their residence, several stewards who had gathered nearby in curiosity were astonished to find that all the attendants were either drinking against each other or drinking with me, and they were all sprawled on the ground, unable to move. This had never happened before. Out of more than 800 attendants, I was the only one standing there in a daze.

Among them, the third prince, due to his excessive debauchery, actually gathered a crowd for indulgence in his residence. In a fit of rage, the benevolent Emperor Shenren banished him to the northwestern frontier to serve as a local governor, thus losing his right to contend for the throne. The remaining princes, namely the first, second, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth, with the youngest, the tenth prince, already 25 years old, were all at an age filled with ambition, employing every means to vie for the imperial throne

That person suddenly laughed: "This sword technique, if used to charge and break through on the battlefield, is unmatched. Unfortunately, in the world of martial arts, this sword technique is worth nothing."

Prince Ning quickly helped me up: "What crime is there? Without you, this prince would have fallen into their hands long ago"

"Why do you use a sword?" "Well, for the prestige..." Another slap...

I was surprised to discover that I could drink like this for the first time, having consumed about 50 bowls of 10-year-old aged liquor. At first, I felt a bit dizzy, but as I continued to drink, I became more and more clear-headed, and my resolve grew stronger with each bowl. It felt as if there was an insatiable black hole within me, devouring all the alcohol without any effect on me. After another 50 bowls, our steward Lin and another steward of the same rank, Jin, were alarmed and rushed over to snatch my bowl away, asking in shock, "Yang Ge'er, don't be foolish, are you alright?" I replied clearly, "I'm fine, I have a natural tolerance for alcohol." After another 50 bowls, our steward Lin and another steward of the same rank, Jin, were alarmed and rushed over to snatch my bowl away, asking in shock, "Yang Ge'er, don't be foolish, are you alright?" I replied clearly, "I'm fine, I have a natural tolerance for alcohol."

Since I started practicing swordsmanship, the old man has been incessantly asking me the same question. After enduring enough slaps, I resolutely refused to answer, yet the slaps continued to land on my face

King Ning looked at Jin Touer, who was drenched in sweat. After changing his knife, he gritted his teeth and said: "The number one assassin organization in the underworld of Shengjing, the swordsmen of the Ghost Temple?"

That guy chuckled strangely: "Yes, it is indeed us. Well, we originally wouldn't have revealed our identities, but since you are all dead, I suppose it doesn't matter if we say it, right?"

Eight individuals suddenly moved, clearly eight swords, yet they transformed into a myriad of sword shadows, enveloping the ranks of Prince Ning and his companions.

The person was startled and stepped back, exclaiming: "Who are you?" Without providing an answer, I now have only one thought: "Kill."

The chief steward was nearly infuriated by the strong winds, summoned a few stewards, and called me to go receive Prince Ning. As for the carriages and horses, it fell upon us to handle them. Although there were maidservants in the inner courtyard, the chief steward could not command them or the library staff, so we had no choice but to take action ourselves

You, the old man who constantly instilled in me the great righteousness of rulers and subjects, and the principles of heaven and morality, must surely regret letting me out now

Eight figures in black tactical gear stood three paces in front of us, with seven shattered corpses in between. The leader, with that unpleasant voice, coldly said: "A lonely soul outside the Temple of the Fierce Ghosts, the sky is bleak and the earth is sorrowful. Your Highness, Prince Ning, what do you say we are?"

I smiled and said, "It's not really a grievance; after all, I am young and still quite strong. If the prince hadn't chosen me, I would either have starved to death on the street or packed my things to return home, and I wouldn't be enjoying such a comfortable life now." Steward Lin nodded and smiled.

Why do I wield a sword? Because Ning Wang is my hope, to stand out, to soar high, to gain a reputation across the world, all depends on him; he is my hope. I draw my sword for my own ambition, for my own desires; the sword I wield is the sword of ambition, starkly filled with desire.

It is as if I am strolling among thousands of willows, stepping lightly and joyfully, effortlessly weaving through countless rays of sword light. My sword in hand transforms into spring water at times, and at others, it resembles a butterfly, gently and tenderly making intimate contact with their vital points, raising a flurry of blood blossoms, tragically beautiful like the peach blossoms of spring.

The last man in black struggled on the ground and uttered his final words: "In the spring of March, the Butterfly Flying Sword Technique." Indeed, this is the name of another sword technique that my old man taught me.

The steward Lin looked at my vigorous small regular script and nodded, saying: "Brother Yang, I didn't expect your calligraphy to be quite good, well, I should say it's very good. If there's an opportunity, I will recommend you to go up and see if the prince's study needs a personal attendant or something. It would be a bit of a pity for you to just do the night watch duties."

The languid sword met my own at its weakest point, the seven inches. I suddenly grinned maliciously, as my sword, like a pool of spring water, gently stirred up a wave of sword light, splitting into two before his blade. The two gentle beams of light slowly yet swiftly grazed his throat, and his head soared into the sky

"Why do you use a sword?" ... ... ... ... "Still a slap in the face" ... ...

Screams echoed continuously as a ghostly figure weaved through more than sixty guards, with ghostly flames and the shadows of swords dancing in the air, accompanied by droplets of blood.

These matters have nothing to do with me; I am merely a poor boy he picked up from the street, now serving as a lowly night watchman. The significant issues that concern the entire empire and its 400 million citizens are not for We Can Make It to discuss recklessly

A giant goose-feather knife, measuring four feet in length, struck the sword with a force that shattered it, yet the fifty-pound blade was left with a significant dent.

Because I am literate, and according to Steward Lin's words: "Young Master Yang is indeed very clean and respectable." I have now been promoted to be beside Steward Lin, responsible for recording the items received as rewards from above and the items sent out as tributes from here.

I bowed my head to Lord Ning, who looked at the few of us who had come to receive him with astonishment, and asked, "Chief Steward Feng, what happened? Where are the others?"

We all chuckled softly

I suddenly realize that I have become much gloomier than when I was in the village, and I would never express what is in my heart. The saying goes, "speak to people in a way they understand, and to ghosts in a way they comprehend," which seems to describe me perfectly. Am I truly influenced by my environment, or was I always this way, merely freed from the old man's control and returning to my true nature? I really do not know. Am I truly influenced by my environment, or was I always this way, merely freed from the old man's control and returning to my true nature? I really do not know

Once again, seven beams of sword light appeared, but compared to the previous one, their momentum was significantly weaker, descending from the roof of the grand hall.

A few people with golden heads shouted in unison: "We will fight to the end." They charged forward, falling to the ground amidst the splattering blood

A pale blue sword light, like lightning from the heavens, tore through the sky and slashed towards the neck of Prince Ning

It seems that there is a wild beast in my heart desperately inciting me, which perfectly aligns with my nature. Therefore, I will strive to soar, to rise, so that one day this world will tremble because of me... Benevolence, righteousness, and morality... Heh heh, those are not things that interest me

That person chuckled coldly: "My Prince Ning, you are finished; you have no hope of becoming emperor. Hahahahahaha ... ... "

Seven skilled guards advanced with their blades, and amidst the roaring sounds, the sword light shattered; however, their bodies were utterly crushed. In the fragmented sword light, their bodies were sliced apart like tofu.

However, Prince Ning is relatively decent; at least he treats ordinary people fairly well. The other princes, some of them are simply the type that brings disaster upon others.

At that moment, a ghostly and deep voice echoed from the roof of the main hall of the residence: "My Prince Ning, you shall have no future; today, I will send you to meet the ancestors of the Heavenly Dynasty."

Prince Ning remained remarkably composed, although his brows were tightly furrowed as he sternly questioned, "Who instructed you to come here?"

With a stern command, he said to the Chief of the Wind: "Chief of the Wind, summon the attendants to prepare the horses. I shall enter the palace immediately to report to the Emperor. Hmph, how many dare to assassinate a prince in this world? Yang, you are mistaken; now you are my chief bodyguard, the head of the third rank imperial guards. Accompany me to the palace."

Utilizing the broken formation sword technique passed down by the old master, the slender sword stirred the fierce aura of autumn on the battlefield, filled with grandeur and valor, as it cleaved towards that person.

At the age of three, I strangled a young wolf; at five, I stabbed an old wolf with a dagger; at seven, I killed a mature wolf with a hunting knife; at nine, I shot a fierce tiger with a bow and arrow; ... at fourteen, I barehandedly killed a tiger that had been starving for two days. From then on, I entered the mountains alone to hunt, often killing all the beasts on the mountain meaninglessly under the helpless gaze of the old man.

The remaining few men in black were stunned, unconsciously unleashing a flurry of sword shadows as they charged forward

Prince Ning stood calmly in place and slowly asked, "Who are you?"

I howled at the snow-laden sky, picked up the sword from the ground, and charged madly towards the approaching figure in black who was closing in on Prince Ning

Serving Prince Ning, I got back on the carriage, riding slowly through the bustling streets filled with people. I suddenly let out a cold laugh; I have already begun to soar. Just how high can I fly?

Sitting inside a small room at the entrance of the warehouse, people outside were loudly counting. I was inside keeping accounts with three colleagues. Steward Lin, holding a snuff bottle, shook his head and said to us: "Ah, it’s always like this every year. When the New Year comes, it’s a flurry of activity. These treasures come down year after year, and we offer them up year after year. Besides some new items each year, who knows how many are duplicates? These treasures come down year after year, and we offer them up year after year. Besides some new items each year, who knows how many are duplicates? Tsk tsk, look, this jade lion rolling a ruby ball was given to His Majesty by the Grand Prince two years ago. His Majesty enjoyed it for a while, but now he has grown tired of it and has given it to our prince."

The leader in black said resentfully: "This is absolutely something you cannot be told; you can ask the God of the Underworld when you are dead." The sword light rose again, shrouding Prince Ning in a hazy glow

From the mouths of the companions living together, I finally learned that the master of this residence is none other than the fifth son of the current benevolent Emperor Shenren, Prince Ning, whose name is Shenning. In the imperial family of the Celestial Empire, the surname is Shen, and when a prince is granted a title, it is based on his given name. The current Emperor Shenren has fifty-seven sons, the eldest being forty-three years old and the youngest merely five. Among them, only nine have been granted princely titles, which means there are nine princes with the hope of inheriting the throne. The current Emperor Shenren has fifty-seven sons, the eldest being forty-three years old and the youngest merely five. Among them, only nine have been granted princely titles, which means there are nine princes with the hope of inheriting the throne

"Why do you use a sword?" "It's fun..." "Slap!"

As the year-end approaches, the entire residence has become lively. The treasures bestowed by Emperor Shenren have been transported back in carts for each prince, and then, from the warehouses of the princely residences, more treasures prepared as New Year gifts for Emperor Shenren are being brought out in carts.

I forcibly suppressed the urge to chop their bodies into pieces and pretended to kneel before Prince Ning: "Your Highness, I beg for forgiveness. I lack the courage to rescue you, and I have caused you distress."

We still found it relatively easy, although we had been keeping accounts continuously for 7 or 8 days. However, those fellows were having a great time, climbing up and down to scrub the pillars and so on, followed by putting up Spring Festival couplets and hanging large red lanterns

To serve as a night watchman in this residence means to carry a lantern and inspect the surroundings each night. If anything seems amiss, one should call out. The duty lasts for three hours each day, with three shifts rotating every night.

On New Year's Eve, Prince Ning brought his two concubines to the palace to pay their respects, while the Emperor and his family were having their reunion dinner. We also had a lively meal at the residence. Although there were no rare delicacies, there was plenty of chicken, duck, fish, and meat, and aged wine was indispensable. When I was in the village, although I was not very old, I was already quite experienced in drinking. Now, while keeping watch with Xiao Chen and a few others, after clinking a few bowls, they collapsed on the ground, causing both familiar and unfamiliar companions around to burst into laughter at their ineptitude, while simultaneously starting to challenge me to drink. When I was in the village, although I was not very old, I was already quite experienced in drinking. Now, while keeping watch with Xiao Chen and a few others, after clinking a few bowls, they collapsed on the ground, causing both familiar and unfamiliar companions around to burst into laughter at their ineptitude, while simultaneously starting to challenge me to drink.

As Jin Tou and the others gritted their teeth, it was as if a solid mountain of blades surrounded them. The wind from the blades howled, each strike possessing the power to cleave through a false mountain, yet they were unable to touch the figure of the man in black; he was simply too fast