Chapter 329 - Covert Martial Arts Is The True Path (2)

"Bass, you don't need to spend much time on psychokinesis training anymore. Use it as an auxiliary. The key is what I'll teach you later—that's most important. Also, Covert Martial Arts training can indirectly enhance your mental strength. Your psychokinesis level might unknowingly improve," Cassius said as he stood up.

"Understood, Master!" Bass said excitedly, attempting to stand.

"Stay seated," Cassius instructed, walking over.

"Yes!" Bass sat back down, suddenly feeling the sofa was somewhat warm, fidgeting with nervous excitement.

Suddenly, black energy surged along Cassius's entire arm, winding like a suspended serpent. It gradually converged in his palm, condensing into an egg-sized sphere. The misty aura exuded mystery.

This was formed by the black Qi of the Golem Covert Martial Arts. It looked not only mysterious but also carried a hint of malevolence.

His five fingers slightly closed, compressing the black Qi into the size of a sesame seed, slowly rotating between his fingers. This was the Golem Seed, essentially a part of Cassius's body. Injected into others, it was like leaving his eye there, vaguely able to sense their location.

Bass swallowed, staring at the black dot. "Master, what next..."

Snap!

A hand suddenly pressed swiftly onto Bass's chest and withdrew in a flash. He barely reacted.

"Master, what is this?" Bass belatedly rubbed his chest and looked up.

"I've created a unique Covert Martial Arts seed. With it, even the elderly can train, and it has other miraculous effects..." Cassius didn't mention the Golem Seed by name since the original name sounded ominous and negative. It was a life-changing experience, and he didn't want misunderstandings due to the name. He was thoughtful in considering his subordinates' feelings.

Well, surely they would understand. Once they trained with the Golem Seed, they'd likely become addicted to the sensation. After trying it once, few could stop.

"I'll now teach you a Covert Martial Arts Breathing Technique. Breathe according to this rhythm to sense the Covert Martial Arts seed in your body," Cassius said, sipping tea as he proceeded.

Five minutes later...

Whoosh, hiss... whoosh, hiss hiss... whoosh whoosh, hiss...

The sounds in the room carried a unique force. Bass's demeanor gradually calmed as he focused. At a certain moment, he felt a warm current gently flowing in his chest, like nourishing steam, soothing his organs—even his blood vessels, muscles, and skin.

Gradually, the warmth intensified, like flames gently roasting. He could even hear sizzling sounds like boiling oil near his ears, giving an indescribable sense of fulfillment.

"So comfortable..." Bass was in a very relaxed state.

Cassius shook his head. The initial stages of training were naturally pleasant. Later, it would become hotter, giving a sensation both painful and exhilarating. It was hard to persist, but those who did reaped greater benefits each time.

"Too bad I can't bring back life vibration energy. Otherwise, I could give you some immediate benefits," Cassius mused, sitting opposite and activating the Golem Covert Martial Arts. He could vaguely sense Bass about a meter away.

"The effects and abilities are similar to last time's test. I just need to find two more people to experiment on, and that should suffice..." Cassius stood up slowly, leaving Bass to train alone.

Grasping the doorknob, he turned back to remind him. "Remember to eat high-calorie foods after training since it consumes a lot of energy. Don't starve yourself."

Hearing Bass acknowledge, Cassius left. He returned to his own room.

A dozen minutes later, there was a knock at the door.

"Master Wind Elephant, we're here." A male and female voice sounded.

"Come in, the door isn't locked."

The door opened, and two figures walked in slowly.

On the left was a girl around twenty, with striking features and delicate skin. Her neat short hair angled against her fair neck, exuding a cool charm. Coupled with her slender figure and stylish attire, she was quite attractive.

On the right was a man about twenty-five, resembling a butler. His features were delicately handsome, with platinum blond hair tied back with a black ribbon.

The girl was named Sonia, skilled in assassination and various life skills, a subordinate of White Bird. The man was Shulan, nicknamed the Man of a Thousand Faces, possessing superb disguise and makeup techniques, able to change his voice to mimic children, elders, men, women, and so on.

Cassius was the newly appointed high-ranking member of the assassination department, Jack of Diamonds. Without his own team, these two were assigned from other higher-ups, their deeper intentions quite obvious.

"Master, is there something you need from us?" Shulan asked.

Shulan glanced at Sonia. They exchanged looks before both focused on the figure with his back to them.

"Close the door." Cassius commanded.

𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Shulan promptly obeyed, quickly closing the door. The room fell silent once more.

"Master?" Sonia spoke.

"Don't worry, I'm preparing a gift for you..." A deep voice came distantly from the curtain area.

"A gift?" Sonia's delicate brows showed confusion. She looked at Shulan, who also appeared puzzled, unsure of their superior's intentions.

"Yes, a welcome gift for becoming my subordinates." The figure suddenly turned around, his palms slowly emitting black energy. The twilight poured from the cloud edges, spreading over a thousand miles. The blazing golden-red light filtered through the glass, reflecting in Cassius's eyes like burning flames. His handsome, chiseled face was backlit, his features shrouded in shadow.

His palms raised slightly, with two black dots hovering at his fingertips.

"Do you like it?"

Three hours later, it was 8 PM in the rectangular dining hall of Black Vine Manor. Unlike other buildings, this dining hall was newly constructed by the organization. It featured a modern metal framework with large floor-to-ceiling glass windows. A circle of greenery was planted outside, adding elegance.

Today, six high-ranking members from the Ace of Spades' antique and assassination departments were gathered. Originally intended to formulate specific plans, it had turned into a celebration banquet. No one expected that an intelligence probe would accidentally eliminate Duststorm's antique transfer warehouse, with many of their experts killed and severe personnel losses. Thus, the gathering shifted from a meeting to a celebratory feast.

The sky was dark, with only faint moonlight hidden among the clouds. The manor wasn't dim, as street lamps illuminated at intervals. The rectangular dining hall was the brightest, with warm yellow light spilling from the windows.

Inside, the decor was understated yet luxurious, with occasional golden floral carvings on white walls. Several crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their four corners uplifted, glittering with cascading crystal strands like raindrops falling.

In the center, on a brown carpet, a long table occupied most of the space, surrounded by wooden chairs with soft cushions. The table was set with shining silverware and knives and forks, with large platters of delicious dishes at the far end.

The air was filled with the tempting aroma of rich oils. At intervals, vases of fresh flowers adorned the table so there was also a rich floral fragrance.

Handsome male servants in black and white uniforms stood on both sides, with armbands on their upper arms, white cloths over their forearms, and silver trays in their hands. They moved gracefully with smiles on their faces.

Ten minutes later, everyone took their seats. Members of each department sat mostly together on one side.

On the left were the Jack of Hearts, White Bird, and Jack of Clubs, Red Fang. Being from the assassination department, they wore black and white attire, exuding a sharp and serious demeanor.

On the right were the Queen of Hearts, Purple, Queen of Clubs, Scholar, and Queen of Diamonds, Wealthy Heir. First was a beautiful girl in a pale purple dress, around twenty, exuding a graceful elegance. Next, a middle-aged man with gold-rimmed glasses, scholarly like a teacher. Lastly, a playboy in a patterned suit, burgundy shoes, and four rings.

Six were expected, five were present.

"Didn't expect the plan against Duststorm to proceed so quickly. Just half a day, remarkably smooth," Scholar remarked with some emotion.

"I heard many of Duststorm's experts were killed this time, including their eighth-ranked assassin slain by Wind Elephant. Impressive!" Wealthy Heir praised sincerely. "When Wind Elephant arrives, we must ask for details. I love hearing thrilling experiences..."

"This mission's smooth completion means we've won half the battle against Duststorm. The Two Jokers must be pleased. Having a master like Wind Elephant among our ranks is truly rare," Purple complimented, her lips unusually moist after drinking wine.

"

Hahaha

, indeed..." White Bird raised a glass in agreement, then whispered to Red Fang, "It's already 8:10PM, and Wind Elephant hasn't arrived. Perhaps you could excuse yourself to call him..."

Creak

.

The dining hall doors were slowly pushed open.

A tall, slender figure stepped into the hall, shoulders draped in faint moonlight. Behind him, a mass of black mist seemed to surge in, clawing and blocking the light.

"Apologies for being late, I had some matters to handle..." A mysterious smile played on his handsome face.

"As compensation, I present you all with a gift I'm sure you'll like..."