Chapter 1: The Way of Heaven Kills
This is all I can do; although I cannot change their fate, at least I can bring them a momentary joy
The incense burner let out a breath, his gaze carrying a hint of frenzied killing intent, before turning and leaving. It seems the rumors in the martial world are true; the contact point of the merciless killer organization, the Heavenly Absolute Killing Hall, which roams the Silver State continent, is indeed here.
Senior Brother Luo Li, rest assured, I will handle this well. You should return to the main hall quickly
This is the sound of the drum signaling the troops, the bell has rung, atop the high mountain, a red-haired porter sets down his burden and quickly disappears... The top courtesan of the Cuihong Building leaves her patron with a smile, quietly descending the stairs...
This pilgrim, short and stout, with a round face and large ears, clearly resembled a wealthy merchant. He entered the temple, trembling and glancing around as if he had stepped into the hall of Yama, slowly making his way to the divination stall. After hesitating for a long time, he took out a money pouch and placed it on the stall, simultaneously handing over a piece of paper.
However, he was killed by the will of heaven! In an instant, the world was in an uproar
The old Taoist diviner pinched the money pouch, glanced at the note, and slowly said
In the following month, Tiandao killed the master of the Thirteen Linked Fort, Elder Tianli, and then in the subsequent month, he executed the governor of Changlong Prefecture, Luo Tianyu. After that, he almost made a move once a month, with each target being either a renowned figure in the martial world, a high-ranking official, or a powerful martial artist, none of whom were simple characters
Among them are some small beggars, who are simply aware that there are many worshippers here, seeking to collect money. They are lured here to beg by the hidden agents of the Tianjue Killing Hall.
The Marquis of Xiling, very well, he will not survive until the first day of the tenth month, this task has been accepted by our Heavenly Absolute Killing Hall
In fact, Bu Suanzi does not care about the amount of money involved; he is merely killing ordinary people, which presents no challenge at all. However, in order to train the disciples of the killing hall, he must accept even the most trivial and uninteresting assassination tasks.
The snow-white steamed bun, after eating one, keeps hunger at bay for an entire day, sparing one from the most excruciating pangs of hunger. However, today they did not beg for even a single penny, and thus, they absolutely cannot have this bun, leaving their stomachs growling with hunger.
Tiandao hetushu . comcom killed, debuting three years ago, and upon debut, he killed the leader of the Black Tiger Gang, Ma Laohai, making a name for himself. Ma Laohai was proficient in the Seventy-Two Paths of Tan Leg, committing numerous atrocities, and possessed the innate ability to leap across the plains, jumping thirty zhang in a single bound. Sensing danger, he immediately fled, thus living a carefree life despite having countless enemies.
Longshou Mountain, the foremost mountain in Yinzhu, features steep terrain and scattered green rocks
As he walked, his demeanor was as fierce as a tiger, clearly a military officer. Upon arriving at the observation area, he headed straight for the old Taoist diviner, saying little. He set down a bundle from his back and handed over a note.
Then he reached out and picked up a divination stick from the lot, placed it on the table, and uttered seven words
Moreover, before each assassination, he always loudly enumerates the crimes of the other party, all of which are accurately described by him, and then brazenly executes the other party
In the stone chamber of Longshou Mountain, an old cripple raised his head to look at the ground, then took a hearty swig of wine
The other person meticulously tidied up all the clothes he had worn, as if there were some terrifying poison on them, handling them with utmost care, ensuring not to touch them at all. Finally, he packed everything into a peculiar bundle and said:
The temple is not large, covering only an area of three zhang, yet it is very clean. Within the temple, there are only two Taoist priests, one of whom is an elderly priest. He has set up a divination table in the temple to offer fortune-telling and divination services.
At this moment in the town, the sound of five bells rang out, and surprisingly, there was also a small copper bell ringing from the waist of the soldier. The sound was almost imperceptible, yet it vibrated in unison with the distant chimes.
Dong, dong, dong, dong, dong ... ...
Xiao Qi said: "Understood, understood, don't worry, Senior Brother Luo Li"
Some admire him, while others harbor resentment. Countless villains anticipate his failure and demise. However, in his three years since debut, he has slain thirty-one formidable opponents without a single misstep, earning him the title of "Executing Heaven's Will and Slaying for Justice"
Those who were killed all share a common characteristic: they are extremely wicked and heinous. The deaths of each tyrant are met with countless expressions of gratitude from the common people they have persecuted. The actions of the Heavenly Executioner resemble the enforcement of heavenly justice, as justice resides in the hearts of the people. As an assassin, he only targets the wicked and does not kill innocents, which is why he is referred to as the Heavenly Executioner
This green rock is as smooth as jade. Someone has carved a rugged path on the green rock, winding upwards, with nine twists and eighteen turns, leading to the mountain top, arriving in front of Ciqing Temple
Master Ciyun, the old abbot of Ciqing Temple, set aside his prayer beads and smiled as he looked down the mountain
This time, Luo Li, when looking back, is completely different from the wild galloping on the way here. Before arriving, he appeared as a resolute soldier, but now, Luo Li is leisurely and carefree, resembling a young master.
The sergeant dismounted and began to remove his clothing, taking off all his garments, including his battle boots. As he stripped off his clothes, his physique started to change; his bones shifted, and his body shrank, reducing his height by a full head. The once blood-soaked aura of battle completely vanished, and his dark skin began to turn fair and delicate.
Do not be deceived by the countless green rocks on Longshou Mountain; it remains vibrant and full of life, with numerous orchids resiliently growing in the crevices of the green stones
The residents of Baiqi Town rely on Longshou Mountain for their livelihood, with little to no farming. They depend on the tourists and devotees who come to visit the mountain and pay their respects, living a life that is uniquely their own
In the blink of an eye, more than thirty people had disappeared from the town! However, the others completely ignored their absence, even taking over their tasks, continuing to do what needed to be done.
In the land of Yinzhu, a bun costs merely two wen, and a sixteen-year-old virgin maidservant is worth no more than thirty taels of silver; thus, this thirty thousand taels of silver is indeed a substantial fortune
The sergeant nodded, stepped back, and left with strides like a dragon, disappearing in the blink of an eye beyond the temple, heading towards the distance
After speaking, he mounted Luoli's original warhorse and galloped into the distance, continuing Luoli's journey. Meanwhile, Luoli sprinkled a peculiar powder on himself, dissipating the aura of the spirit incense that was linked to the Daoist temple. He then mounted another swift horse, turned around, and returned to Baiqi Town at the foot of Longshou Mountain
In the town, besides the numerous assassins from the Heavenly Absolute Assassination Hall, there are also some ordinary people who are unaware of the secrets here, which is a deliberate cover left by the Heavenly Absolute Assassination Hall
Luo Li watched their figures and smiled. This matter was carried out quietly and should not have attracted anyone's attention. Although it is unknown what their fate will be in the future, at least they will not go hungry for the next few days
This is not merely a change in clothing or attire, but rather a transformation in the essence of one's temperament. This is the nature of a killer, one of the most fundamental instincts—disguise
Every time the flowers bloom, thousands of orchids blossom together atop the high mountains. Their fragrance is enduring and, at a glance, the rocks appear like jade, the flowers like a sea, vibrant in color, truly a splendid tapestry of mountains and rivers
The diviner sat there, seemingly pondering something. After a long while, he struck a nearby bronze bell.
There is a Taoist temple above, yet its incense offerings are not abundant. Although the Silver State continent does not distinguish between Buddhism and Taoism, and prosperous temples are always accompanied by Taoist temples, regular devotees would climb the high mountains to visit Ciqing Temple to offer incense. Who would still linger here
The old Taoist's murky yellow eyes suddenly brightened. He reached out to touch the bundle and immediately understood its worth: one thousand taels of gold, a significant transaction! One tael of gold is worth thirty taels of silver, which amounts to thirty thousand taels of silver!
Either opening an inn, or running a tavern, gathering guests to brew tea, and selling incense... There are also street vendors shouting to sell snacks, treats, and trinkets to make a living, as well as porters who exert their strength, carrying burdens to deliver people up the mountain, seeking a meal to eat
At the foot of Longshou Mountain, there is a vast bamboo forest, which serves as the entrance to Longshou Mountain. This is the only path that leads up to the verdant mountain, and thus a small village gradually formed here, known as Baiqi Town
Knock, knock, knock
Dress like a person, dress like a ghost
Transforming into the graceful young master Luo Li, he secured the long sword at his waist and said: "Xiao Qi, pay attention. The robes are imbued with the spiritual fragrance of the sect, and you must ensure they are delivered to the wardrobe of Liu Junmen. The sect will send someone to investigate and ascertain the identity of the hired assassin. Do not let any clues slip through."
... ...
Then, he reached out and picked up a divination stick from the lot, reciting the seven characters inscribed on it
Ciqing Temple, the third ancient temple in Yinzhu, is dedicated to the worship of Guanyin and the Bodhisattva of Literature and Art, and is known for its remarkable efficacy. On every Buddhist holy day, numerous believers from the Yinzhu continent travel hundreds or even thousands of miles to come here to bow, burn incense, and make vows and fulfill their promises
Today, September 19, is a Buddhist holiday. The mountain is bustling with visitors; however, the Daoist temple remains quiet and empty, with no one entering. Yet, the two Daoist priests are completely unconcerned. At this moment, a worshipper walks in
This is the true identity of this small town; the entire town is filled with disciples of the Heavenly Absolute Killing Hall, making it a den of assassins
Luo Li, the top assassin of the Heavenly Killing Hall, Tian Dao Sha, is known throughout the Silver State Continent, from the highest-ranking dukes and officials to the common people, no one is unaware of Tian Dao Sha
Kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill
Whenever he strikes, the opponent is undoubtedly doomed; each assassination is renowned throughout the world
Kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill
In the grand hall within the belly of Longshou Mountain, these individuals gathered together to engage in detailed discussions. Approximately half an hour later, the sound of the bronze bell rang out once more, this time resonating five times
This is not an assassination; it is outright murder! It is exceedingly arrogant!
The reason it is renowned throughout the world is that every assassination carried out by the heavenly way targets only the intended individual, never taking the life of an innocent person. Even if it involves the adversary's loyal subordinates, there is absolutely no indiscriminate killing.
After the third sound, the sound emitted by the bronze bell was very faint, yet an invisible wave spread outward, permeating the entire Longshou Mountain in silence. This is the legendary magical artifact
The town head of Houtun Town, Liu Jincai, has fifty taels of silver. Very well, he will not live past October. This task has been accepted by our Tianjuesha Hall
He continued forward, walking into the Lianyou Bookstore, which deals in the buying and selling of books, opened the authentic entrance, and entered it
The universe is like a furnace, and creation is akin to carbon. All people are but objects within this furnace, enduring endless trials and tribulations. Yet, how many can truly take control of their own destiny
These seven characters exude an endless aura of killing intent, clearly indicative of a seasoned warrior from the military who possesses such a formidable presence
The diviner took the note, looked at the name on the paper, pondered for a moment, and then spoke
In the blink of an eye, Luo Li passed in front of them. Unintentionally, a piece of broken silver fell from Luo Li and rolled a few times until it came to rest in front of them. Instantly, the two little beggars revealed excited expressions, picked up the broken silver, and ran towards the steamed bun shop
At this time, the sun was setting in the west when a pilgrim entered. This pilgrim was tall and robust, dressed in a black robe that concealed his entire body. His face was also hidden, revealing only a pair of combat boots, which were standard military boots that only a military commander could wear
The sergeant's hidden face revealed a smile as he continued forward, riding for over twenty miles, entering a secluded grove ahead. In that grove, someone had been waiting for a long time, holding onto a horse.
He began to recite the word "kill," his voice barely audible, filled with trepidation. As he continued with the subsequent "kill," it seemed to possess a silent magic, enticing him and causing a profound transformation within him. Gradually, his voice grew louder, and a surge of hatred and murderous intent erupted.
The plump innkeeper of Yunlai Inn, who was calculating on an abacus, slowly paused and gazed into the distance
The sergeant exited the temple, mounted a swift horse, and galloped away, having already traveled thirty miles from the town
At the end of the village, taking one more step leads to the stone path of Longshou Mountain
At this moment, the Heavenly Path Killer had already entered Baifang Town. Upon arrival, he dismounted, and naturally, someone was there to lead his horse. He slowly made his way towards the underground entrance of the Heavenly Absolute Killing Hall, located within the belly of Longshou Mountain.
Then he took the bundle handed to him by another person and began to change his clothes. Once he had donned the garments, in the blink of an eye, he transformed from a battle-hardened general into a graceful young gentleman in white attire
On the Silver Continent, the land is imbued with extraordinary energies, influencing the people to possess robust physiques and a combative spirit. Those endowed with supernatural abilities are numerous, and acts of assassination and treachery are commonplace. However, such brazen assassinations, which first enumerate the crimes and then forcibly eliminate the adversary, have never been seen before.
As time passed, they either joined the Heavenly Absolute Killing Hall or mysteriously disappeared. Two little beggars stared blankly at the snow-white steamed buns coming from the distant bun shop
After the customers left, more people entered one after another, all involved in the business of killing. The payment ranged from thirty to fifty taels of silver, targeting ordinary people, with the highest payment not exceeding one hundred taels of silver. The diviner was quite impatient, as there were no significant transactions.