King is not just a super assassin; he is also known as the King of Assassins, a legend, a myth, a peak many want to challenge. Retreating, going into seclusion, might leave many helpless, but if he’s injured and loses an arm, it might excite many! Those of the same level would likely care about their reputation and would no longer need to take King down to rise in rank. But the rookies, for sure, wouldn’t pass up such a chance to make a name for themselves.

In that case, after getting injured, could he handle the numerous hunts? Wouldn’t it still affect those around him?

Li Yan thought of many people, those he’d met and those he hadn’t—Rose, Door, Swordfish, and further away, Tears, God, Jesus...

He suddenly realized, even if King isn’t injured, many have already been drawn to challenge him! The reason Rose involved him in the heist last time, rather than avenging Eva, was undoubtedly due to his formidable strength. In H City, after they took down the agents from Si Country, Rose (Eva), Door, and Swordfish intended to join forces to eliminate him and divide the spoils! If it hadn’t been for his terrifying achievement of taking out more agents alone than the other three combined, and supplying the three assassins with weapons when they ran out, there would have been a battle right there!

This realization sent a cold sweat down Li Yan’s back. He was too eager to escape "his" control and nearly lost himself in a reckless method. Reality is harsh; the assassin’s code is even harsher. Don’t rely on ethics; to protect oneself, only powerful strength would do!

He even thought that if he deliberately allowed himself to be injured, the decline in his combat power wouldn’t lead to "his" forgiveness, but rather "his" decision to eliminate him as a useless person! —Just like many others in the past, when you’re useless, you must die.

The fluctuating state of mind today made it hard for Li Yan to stay calm. He pulled over to the side of the road, lit a cigarette, opened the car window, and let the cold wind clear his mind a little.

Confronting "him" head-on is not feasible right now. Weakening himself to seek retreat is absolutely not an option!

To make "him" realize his importance, Li Yan must maintain a powerful state, a state where he is useful to "him". To have equal footing for dialogue and negotiation, he needs to further enhance all aspects of his abilities. For instance, ’they’ are not strong enough yet; they must grow into S-level assassins who are loyally devoted to him, equipped with powerful weapons, and have more money and resources...

Additionally, he needs to ally with others!

Indeed, from third to tenth, none of them would give up what they currently have, but standing against "him" doesn’t necessarily mean giving up. Instead, it means gaining more autonomy. Zheng Yixuan, who is used to being respected, wouldn’t just willingly remain someone else’s subordinate, would he?

Li Yan realized he needed to study and understand the thoughts of these brothers. Perhaps he could unite them to resist. Of course, the best scenario would be if he could get in contact with "him"! And if he could kill "him", that would be a joyous outcome for everyone and the safest result as well.

Comparing playing mind games, as an assassin, he still has more confidence in killing!

With the Heart Demon control ability, Li Yan is absolutely confident he can kill any tightly guarded person without leaving any trace! This is his secret weapon, but... the premise is being able to get close to the target!

Thinking this through, Li Yan laughed. It seems now not only should he not turn against or displease "him", but he should also carefully handle every command excellently, leaving "him" with no complaints or doubts, making "him" satisfied and at ease. Only then can he have the chance to get close to "him"!

Having sorted out his thoughts, Li Yan eased his pressure and drove home!

(Thanks for the reward yesterday: harve10, Yagami Light II, Snowflake Crimson, Oriental Cable, dongmin8061, Book friend 20100813110059033, Ajackson, Divination, Bad Person Style, Wandering - Lonely Satan, kipagod)