Her primary objective was to eliminate the target; if that failed, the bullet was also meant for a companion. After taking the shot, the middle-aged woman jumped down from a tree and sprinted through the darkness, preparing to report back.

"Although night running is quite popular these days, your form is really not up to standard," a voice said. "For instance, your speed is too fast, and your breathing is too rushed. Just look at you, like a student stampeding toward the cafeteria."

The woman's steps came to an immediate halt. Ahead, under a tree, her target was smiling and greeting her.

Fast! Too fast! I didn't delay a single second between firing and retreating. But not only has he pinpointed my location, he's already cut off my escape route. The organization's assessment was correct—he's a dangerous man. He must be eliminated.

All these thoughts flickered through her mind in an instant. Without hesitation, the middle-aged woman opened fire.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

"Let's talk. You don't seem like a killer hired by some rich kid. Are you from Great Star Company?" Xia Liang asked casually from behind a tree trunk.

There was no response. The woman kept moving and shooting, searching for any part of his body to target.

But Xia Liang moved as if he had a cheat code activated. He dodged around the tree with the agility of King Qin weaving around the pillar, giving the woman no opening to land a shot.

"I know a little about the assassin's code, but what century are we in? Even assassins have to keep up with the times. Being all cold and silent is so boring."

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Bullets were still the only reply.

The 15th shot! After this round was fired, Xia Liang stopped weaving around the tree. Like a tiger descending a mountain, he charged toward the assassin.

He stopped asking questions because he had already gotten the information he wanted.

He suddenly stomped his right foot, using the momentum to execute a perfect slide. His right fist slammed into the assassin's chest with the force of a landslide.

The moment she saw her target charge, the assassin had crossed her arms in front of her chest. The insides of both her sleeves were lined with composite steel plates, specifically for close-quarters combat.

BANG!

The assassin's confident smile froze. She heard the distinct crack of breaking bones by her ear, followed by the sound of rushing air. By the time she could react, she had been sent flying several meters away, where she lay crumpled on the ground in pain.

"Oh? Pretty tough, aren't you?"

Xia Liang shook his hand as he walked toward the middle-aged woman. Her fighting skills were indeed extraordinary. But before she could display any of them, both her arms had been broken. She couldn't throw a punch, let alone pull a trigger.

"Volodya, did you really have to be so decisive?"

Just as Xia Liang was about to interrogate her, he saw black blood trickling from her mouth. She had bitten down on a poison capsule hidden in her teeth, one Xia Liang had failed to find. A trope straight out of the movies had just played out in real life.

He searched the now-dead assassin but found nothing on her person except for a wallet and an old-fashioned feature phone. The older model was likely to avoid the risk of a smartphone being hacked.

What is professionalism? THIS is professionalism!

Dialing the last number called, Xia Liang waited quietly. After three rings, the call connected.

Silence. Both sides remained on the line without speaking.

A minute later, a deep laugh came from the other end of the line.

"To think two Viscounts couldn't take you down. You really have a few tricks up your sleeve."

"Sacred Fire?" Xia Liang went straight to the point.

...

The person on the other end fell silent, clearly shocked that Xia Liang had guessed correctly so quickly. After a long moment, the person on the other end finally spoke.

"Send my regards to the Dragon King. Goodbye."

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

The call disconnected. Xia Liang didn't bother calling back; he knew they wouldn't answer.

Things are starting to feel off. And who the hell is this Dragon King? I don't recognize the name at all.

Xia Liang took out the phone number Xiao Qianxi had left him.

"Hey, are you busy? I need a favor. I have two bodies here that are a bit tricky for me to dispose of. I figured your people would have professional ways to handle this kind of thing."

Hearing his request, Xiao Qianxi was left speechless.

"Why are you killing people when you have nothing better to do?"

Xia Liang was just as speechless.

"What do you mean I kill people when I'm bored? These two were assassins, for God's sake! They had hidden weapons and guns; I almost got myself killed. Just help me clean this up, will you? Oh, by the way, have you ever heard of the Dragon King?"

On the other end of the line, Xiao Qianxi had thought Xia Liang was finally agreeing to join them, not calling her to clean up another one of his messes. She wasn't his babysitter, so why should she help him? Even if she were to help, she'd need something in return. However, the moment she heard the name "Dragon King," her voice turned extremely serious.

"How do you know about the Dragon King!"

「Half an hour later.」

An SUV raced over. Xiao Qianxi leaped out from the passenger side. A man with a crew cut, chewing gum, was behind the wheel.

"Explosive, go throw the bodies in the car. I need to have a word with Xia Liang," she instructed.

The crew-cut man, nicknamed Explosive, chuckled. "Sister Qianxi, you're stunningly beautiful, but so cold. Everyone was betting you were destined to be a spinster forever. I didn't expect you to fall for someone so soon."

Xiao Qianxi's expression remained icy, her breathing growing slightly heavier.

"Whoa! Just joking, don't take it seriously! Last time Second-ranked Scholar was kicked by you, he couldn't leave his bed for three months. I don't want that kind of treatment!" Explosive quickly added with a placating laugh.

"Then what are you waiting for?"

"Yes, yes! I'll take care of it beautifully, I promise."

Once Explosive had left, Xiao Qianxi pulled Xia Liang, who had been watching the exchange with amusement, under a small tree.

"Who was it?"

"Someone from Sacred Fire. They told me to send their regards to the Dragon King. By the way, who is the Dragon King? Can he spout water?"

Xiao Qianxi shot him a glare. "Don't joke around. Since you don't know who the Dragon King is, it's better for you to remain ignorant for now."

"Fine by me. You think I care?" Xia Liang scoffed.

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