Because the subordinates trained by "him", hold an identity even more critical and inescapable than that of King, the professional assassin.

"He" is the one who made them what they are, so they must work for "him," and Li Yan has nothing to say about it and doesn’t need any payment either. But the point is, working for "him" has no time limit; it’s not something you can choose to leave!

Originally, Li Yan only worried about his parents and family, but now he has more people to care about. The women around him now may not know each other, or they may not all know, but "he" certainly knows all about them. Back then, he could summon Yue Yao to protect Zhang Yurong, but if the opponent is "him," even if the entire ’their’ organization was used to protect his family, he wouldn’t be assured!

...

Since it counts as a "command," for now, there’s no escaping it. With a sigh, Li Yan dialed Zheng Yixuan’s number.

Because everyone on the same front knows each other so well in this world, there are only a few who truly know each other’s roots; they share similar tracks and destiny, so despite their age differences and varied time spent together, they always see each other as trustworthy and dependable brothers.

"Back? Had fun, huh?" Zheng Yixuan clearly knew about the Paradise Group’s trip.

"Third Brother, I received the stuff. When?" Li Yan directly got to the point without beating around the bush.

Zheng Yixuan laughed and said, "Just giving you a heads up. As for the exact time, you decide. Arranging things isn’t all that convenient, as long as it doesn’t delay matters. You can reach out to Little Yu if needed!"

There was nothing discordant in this answer, just like the question. However, Li Yan could read between the lines:

The exact time? You follow the news; just make sure it’s before the governor’s election. Of course, not too early, or there’ll be time to put forth new candidates. Since you’re going to Si Country for business, you might need to smuggle, need fake documents, and the demands are high, so we’re just giving you prep time. If you need weapons or manpower support while rerouting to Si Country or once there, you can turn to Yu Mocheng in Si Country.

"Alright, got it. I’ll consider it further."

"Ha, yes, make your own decisions. If you need help, you can also call me. We can meet and talk if necessary."

"Okay."

After hanging up, Li Yan went online, searched for news, and realizing there was still plenty of time, decided not to worry about it for now. He drove home first.

Along the way, he began contemplating the feasibility of breaking free from "his" control.

But the outlook was very bleak!

Because aside from him, no one else might consider resisting "him." Even back in the days when they walked the path of many bones buried for one general’s success, they’d endured the toughest times, leaving only memories and the past behind. Who would want to start all over again?

Moreover, if they hadn’t taken this path, would they navigate the conventional route of college entrance exams, university, and employment smoothly? The college entrance exam itself is a single-log bridge that weeds out a good number of people. Even those who enter universities face elimination in the job market, and those who find jobs rarely match their specialty or future prospects. To thrive in a big city, one must partake in training, learn more skills and knowledge, and this only constitutes basic survival. To excel, become an authority and a successful person in an industry in a big city demands personal effort as well as chances, connections...

No road leading to success is smooth sailing. For them now, success is palpable. Even though Li Yan consistently desires an ordinary lifestyle, that’s based on having enough luxury to last a lifetime. If he hadn’t become a top assassin, casually executing a mission would fetch a sizable commission, would he still be so carefree?

If business doesn’t come for a year, and commissions for so-called assassins are merely a few thousand, there’s no need for retirement; they’d find jobs to make a living themselves.

Currently, the young Wang Jiaqi is energetic, Guan Ziyi, Yu Mocheng are thriving, and Zheng Yixuan, Zheng Yixuan, He Bin, He Zhengyuan remain solid as rock. Who the hell is bored enough to join Li Yan in resisting "him," or play retired?

Realizing this outcome made Li Yan smile bitterly.

All he can hope for now is that one day "he" lets him go, or "he" nurtures another assassin successor, for the pinnacle of an assassin’s career is limited. Otherwise, confronting it means internal slaughter, a path he finds impossible with brothers this vicious, affecting more of the people he cares about!

Li Yan doesn’t wish for the day to come when it reaches this point.

A thought suddenly surfaced in his mind: What if I get injured? Like losing an arm, severely losing competence, no longer able to maintain the level of a top assassin—would "he" let me retire?

This idea filled Li Yan’s mind like a virus. He began imagining its feasibility, even planned how to create an accidental injury during a mission. With his experience and ability, taking lives and injuring others has countless methods, making harm to himself much easier!

But...

If this news leaks, would other assassins come for his life?