Chapter 849: When You're in Danger, I'll Be There

The next day, Xiao Nanfeng was scheduled for another assassination assignment.

Xiao Nanfeng reviewed the list with a frown. "Aren't these missions supposed to be spaced apart? My last mission just ended, and I haven't had time to recover. Why am I being assigned another mission so quickly?"

"Recently, more missions have been passed down from headquarters, so we have no choice but to ask for more of your support. Of course, the rewards for the missions have increased as well," the handler replied.

Xiao Nanfeng's expression stiffened. He immediately noticed that something was wrong.

He was well aware of just how many missions the headquarters had issued recently. Over the years, after finishing his missions early, he would either meet up with Yanzhi or spend time investigating the organization's archives, techniques, and higher-ups. He had even gone to headquarters directly.

With his unique ability to be ignored, he could investigate openly and thoroughly. He knew this organization's secrets better than most.

According to his intel, the number of missions should have decreased rather than increased. Why would there be a sudden surge?

He scrutinized his handler, but the man's demeanor was calm and unassuming. He betrayed no hints of what was going on.

Still, Xiao Nanfeng's unease grew. He quickly deduced that he—or perhaps Yanzhi—might have been targeted.

"I understand. Let me speak with my sister first before I head out," Xiao Nanfeng replied.

"Very well. Safe travels," the handler said with a polite smile before leaving.

Xiao Nanfeng glanced at the mission dossier again before heading off in search of Yanzhi.

Yanzhi had just finished washing her hair, and the fragrance of her shampoo wafted in the air. When she saw Xiao Nanfeng approach, she asked curiously, "Nanfeng, what brings you here?"

Xiao Nanfeng led her to a quiet spot away from prying eyes and said, "Someone's plotting against me—or maybe you too."

Yanzhi's eyes widened. "Oh?"

"I don't know why, but stay alert. In the meantime, I need your help with something."

"Of course. What is it?"

"There's a weapon shop in the nearby town we often visit. I ordered a custom sword there. Can you pick it up for me? You can give it to me once I return from my mission."

Yanzhi nodded. "Of course. I'll head there right away."

She had unwavering trust in Xiao Nanfeng, so she didn't question why he couldn't pick it up himself. She simply packed her things and left.

Xiao Nanfeng, meanwhile, seemed to set off in the opposite direction on his mission.

At that moment, Qingyang Zi was standing on a platform up high in the air. He stroked his goatee with a satisfied smile.

What he didn't realize was that Xiao Nanfeng hadn't gone very far at all.

Xiao Nanfeng had sent Yanzhi away to move beyond her boundary, allowing him to investigate without any restrictions.

He walked boldly back toward Qingyang Zi, knowing that Qingyang Zi had to be responsible for assigning that mission to him. Predictably, no one paid him any attention.

"What's Yan doing?" Qingyang Zi demanded.

"Apparently, she's going shopping at a nearby town. She should be back soon," a subordinate replied respectfully.

"Good. When she returns, have her bathe and come see me. I'll be waiting," Qingyang Zi ordered.

𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

"Understood!"

Xiao Nanfeng narrowed his eyes. A cold glint flickered in his eyes.

By evening, Yanzhi had returned. She was informed that she needed to bathe before meeting with Qingyang Zi, her supposed master.

Yanzhi was puzzled, but remembered Xiao Nanfeng's warning and stayed vigilant.

After bathing, she headed toward Qingyang Zi's private residence. No servants or guards were present; a faint aroma filled the air.

"Master, your disciple seeks an audience," Yanzhi called out respectfully from outside the main hall.

"Enter," Qingyang Zi replied.

Yanzhi stepped into the hall to see Qingyang Zi seated and sipping tea. Beside him, a brazier emitted wisps of fragrant smoke—the source of the scent she had noticed earlier.

"May I ask why you've summoned me, Master?"

"Your recent missions have been outstanding. As your master, I'm very pleased. This is special spiritual tea I prepared for you. Drinking it will help you break through any bottlenecks in your cultivation. Come, give it a try," Qingyang Zi said with a smile. He offered her a cup.

Yanzhi glanced at the tea. Xiao Nanfeng's warning was stark in her mind. She shook her head and replied, "Thank you for your kind gesture, Master, but I've already received my fair share of rewards. Please save the tea for your own breakthrough."

"Oh? Are you worried that I've poisoned it?" Qingyang Zi asked.

"I wouldn't dare, Master," Yanzhi replied, frowning.

"This is a reward from your master. I insist that you drink it," Qingyang Zi replied.

Yanzhi frowned, but ultimately nodded. "Yes, Master."

She picked up the teacup and, covering it with her sleeve, appeared to drink it in one gulp. In reality, out of caution, she had tipped it down her sleeve.

"Thank you for the tea, Master," Yanzhi replied, placing the empty teacup down.

Qingyang Zi's expression softened. "Very good. I would hardly harm you, Yan."

"Master, if there's nothing else, may I be excused to return to my room and meditate?" Yanzhi asked.

"No rush. Let's discuss your progress."

"Yes, Master."

"Among all the assassins in this branch, your mission completion rate is the highest. You're on the verge of becoming an elite assassin, but there's something you lack to truly reach that level," Qingyang Zi said, sipping his tea.

"Please enlighten me, Master," Yanzhi replied.

"Assassins must adapt to all sorts of situations. They must be capable of pretending to be anyone—a noble cultivator or even a base prostitute. Only when you can disguise yourself flawlessly in any role will you be considered a true master."

"I believe I can do so rather well, Master," Yanzhi replied.

"A brothel worker needs to entertain customers. How do you intend to handle that?" Qingyang Zi asked.

"I have my own methods, Master."

"Do you intend to drug or knock out the client? An amateur move. What if the client is stronger and more vigilant than you are?" Qingyang Zi demanded.

"I..." Yanzhi frowned.

"Your attachment to chastity is your greatest weakness as an assassin. If you're ever captured, that attachment will be exploited. You could suffer greatly as a result."

"I will work to overcome it," Yanzhi replied, though her face betrayed her inner turmoil.

"Allow me to assist you. Once you lose your chastity, you will be free from this limitation and become a flawless assassin."

"Master, please mind yourself." Yanzhi frowned and glanced at him sharply.

"I only intend to help you. Someday, you'll thank me for this." Qingyang Zi's gaze burned with lust as he stood and approached her.

"Master, I don't need your help. You—" Yanzhi's voice quavered.

She backed away, only to stumble and fall to the ground. A sudden wave of weakness overtook her body and left her unable to move.

"How can this be? I've been drugged? But I didn't drink that tea!" Yanzhi exclaimed.

"I taught you all your tricks," Qingyang Zi said, laughing. "Did you really think you could fool me? Not drinking the tea doesn't mean you won't get drugged!"

Yanzhi's face turned pale as she glanced at the incense burner nearby. "You mean... the drug was in the incense?"

"Correct. As an assassin, you'll encounter many powerful targets. You'll fall prey to such a drug eventually, so this is good practice. Your chastity will be your greatest weakness in such situations. Tonight, I'll help you rectify this flaw." Qingyang Zi's eyes gleamed with lust.

"No! Stay away!" Yanzhi screamed, terrified. Tears filled her eyes.

"Don't be afraid. I'll be gentle with you—you'll know what it's like to be a woman. Haha, I didn't expect that ugly birthmark on your face would be fake. Today, I'll finally have a taste of you."

"No!" Yanzhi cried out in despair.

She lay still, utterly paralyzed. Her only means of resistance was the poison hidden in her teeth, but using it to save herself would be nearly impossible. She shook with dread and despair.

Just as Qingyang Zi walked up to her with a lecherous grin, a pained expression suddenly crossed his face.

"What? I've been poisoned?" he gasped in shock.

He spat out blood and spluttered in disbelief.

"How could this happen?" he cried, collapsing to the ground. "Who poisoned me?!"

Yanzhi was equally stunned. She didn't realize what had happened.

Then, a voice came from the doorway. "That would be me."

Both cultivators turned to see Xiao Nanfeng strolling into the hall.

"Nanfeng!" Yanzhi cried out, tears of joy in her eyes. Relief and happiness surged through her.

"You? You didn't leave? How did you poison me?!" Qingyang Zi demanded.

"You drank it yourself in the tea you prepared. Didn't you realize?"

"Impossible! I brewed that tea myself. How could it have been poisoned?" Qingyang Zi shouted. He continued to cough up blood.

"Does it matter at this point?" Xiao Nanfeng retorted disdainfully.

He walked over to Qingyang Zi and retrieved a small jade bottle from within his robes, then shook a pill out of it and fed it to Yanzhi. Yanzhi, fully trusting Xiao Nanfeng, swallowed it immediately. The effects of the paralyzing drug quickly wore off.

"How did you know that was the antidote?!" Qingyang Zi exclaimed weakly.

Xiao Nanfeng glanced at Qingyang Zi coldly without offering any explanation.

"Nanfeng, what were you doing here?" Yanzhi asked.

"You were in danger. How could I not be here?" Xiao Nanfeng replied.

Despite the simple words delivered in a casual tone, Yanzhi was deeply touched. A warm surge of emotion spread through her body. Her nose tingled, and her eyes welled up with tears of gratitude.