Chapter 200: Chapter 129: The Long Song of Illusion Heart, The True and False Master

"Is this the Wind and Cloud Letter?"

Chen Ping took a piece of Xuan paper and saw several lines of fierce and threatening words written in red ink.

First line: From our generation rises the wind and cloud of the world.

Second line: King Yama demands your death at midnight; who dares keep you alive until dawn.

Third line: At 3:45 PM, we’ll take your head.

In the signature section, a small sword dripping blood was drawn, with an eye depicted on the hilt.

"Such arrogance, aren’t they afraid of biting their tongue if the wind blows too strong?"

Chen Ping was taken aback.

To be an assassin and even send a message beforehand, specifying the time of murder - this seems beyond audacious.

Either this assassin is crazy.

Or, they’re supremely confident, utterly dismissing the power of the Xingqing Prefecture Government Office.

Killing and decapitating, as easy as "reaching into a sack."

"He not only talks big but his skills are formidable."

Zhuo Yunfei remarked beside him, eyes deep with contemplation.

"You know this person?"

"I’ve seen him on the wanted list... later he was inexplicably removed.

This person’s real name is unknown, but in the Jianghu, he’s known as [Illusory Heart Sword]. Before a kill, he always sends a message ahead.

It’s rumored that he enjoys watching his targets panic in fear, desperately seek help, and eventually face a hopeless, fatal end...

Three months ago, on Northwest Wen Mountain, the hundred and fifth ranked on the Earth List, [One-Character Heaven-Pointing Staff] Elder Yuan died at a wedding feast to celebrate taking a new concubine, at the hands of this very person.

At the time, many distinguished experts attended the feast, yet no one could prevent the Illusory Heart Sword’s action."

Zhuo Yunfei sighed and lowered his voice: "If it’s impossible to succeed, it’s best to retreat quickly, to save one’s life. Even if an opportunity arises to kill this person, it’s better not to deal a fatal blow. Otherwise, activating Wind and Cloud Pavilion’s [Soul-Seeking Order] would be troublesome." 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Before Chen Ping could ask in detail what the Soul-Seeking Order was, Zhuo Yunfei had already led dozens of elite constables to fortify various points within the government office.

Strong crossbows, hard bows, pits, poisonous water...

They used every conceivable method.

Chen Ping even saw four black-backed, lean-waisted dogs, low growling, being quietly led to a covert position.

Goodness, I mean truly, goodness.

"Seems like those medicines really are quite tricky." Chen Ping’s eyebrows jumped as he suddenly had a rather unpleasant premonition.

Just as Zhuo Yunfei mentioned, that assassin Illusory Heart Sword loves watching targets desperately struggle before their demise.

Like a cat with a mouse, before eating, he likes to toy around, letting the opponent set their own defenses.

The current scene seems to herald some kind of misfortune.

Perhaps, everything is within the assassin’s calculations.

"With my junior brother making a move, there can be no mistakes."

Han Xiaoru, seeming indifferent, smiled at his words, her eyes and brows arching.

Does she trust me that much?

Chen Ping was slightly startled, breaking into a silent laugh.

Though, others might not have that confidence in him.

"Young Hero Chen, please come with me."

After a brief inspection, Pei Zixing returned, showing no hint of the previous disappointment, instead smiling warmly and with restraint: "In a moment, Lord Prefecture’s safety is entrusted to you.

If we can withstand the first wave of attack, the assassin will come but not leave."

He gestured to two directions, "I and Shang Yinzhang will guard the east and west wings, protecting the young lords and ladies of the estate.

Upon any sign of disturbance, within a breath, we’ll arrive and encircle."

Prefect Pei Yu indeed had a good appearance, face like a full moon, straight nose and square mouth, his gaze dignified and commanding.

He stopped his writing at this time, washed his hands under a maid’s service, smiled openly: "Thank you both; this villain’s removal is indeed a pressing concern for the prefecture.

Since he sent a message, hiding is futile; I’ll wait here for him to come kill."

"This..."

Chen Ping felt a solemn respect arise.

After paying respects, he turned to ask Pei Zixing and constable Shang Zheng: "Can’t we concentrate our forces in one place? Since the assassin’s target is Prefect Pei, why divide forces across various spots, in case..."

"Young Hero Chen might not know, this Illusory Heart Sword is exceedingly arrogant, and when killing, never attacks his target first, but rather indulges in various tricks to break one’s spirit.

After shattering all resistance, only then does he leisurely kill and decapitate, making his escape.

Both of them have achieved the Primordial Silver Body, even if they can’t fully obstruct, they can still restrain the assassin despite injuries.

At that time, with an all-around encirclement, he would find escape impossible."

Pei Zixing stroked his long beard with assurance, sneering: "Though Wind and Cloud Pavilion’s reputation is vast, it doesn’t intimidate us. This time, daring to strike against my Pei Family, not slaughtering him on the spot would be disgraceful.

Of course, the main reason remains that this villain, Illusory Heart Sword, is said to be extremely cunning and acts without principle.

If we gather together, I fear he’d target from the perimeter, killing the young lords and ladies first, disturbing our morale.

We can’t overlook him slaughtering indiscriminately while being unmoved.

Once we act, we’ll reveal flaws, possibly giving him an opportunity."

This reasoning seems sound.

For the moment, Chen Ping heard nothing amiss.

He constantly felt that he and Han Xiaoru were being used as shields.

Yet, even Prefect Pei Yu stood openly in the study as a bait to lure the assassin into action, leaving little to be said.

He glanced again at the Lord Prefecture.

Though his complexion was slightly pale, his gaze was calm and composed.

As if life and death were trivial matters, he didn’t even regard danger.

"With me and my senior sister present, we surely won’t let the assassin succeed."

Entrusted with duty, fulfill it with loyalty.