The figure pierced by the bullet slowly dissipated, leaving only a faint streak in the air. The smell of gunpowder spread through the dense, silent forest. An eerie stillness settled over everything.

Once the figure had completely vanished, a shadow hidden in the darkness stirred, as if eager to make a quick retreat. But in the next moment, he noticed something was amiss. As an outstanding mercenary of the Blood Rat Mercenary Corps, his grasp of combat timing and judgment of enemy status were second nature. Just a moment ago, he had believed his shot was certain to kill the target. But something felt off.

What could it be? Bai Shu's brows furrowed behind his mask.

That's right! The sound… the sound was wrong!

For an excellent sniper, bullets were like their own eyes and arms. The bullet had clearly passed through the man's head, yet he hadn't felt the genuine sensation of impact. It was as if he had shot through empty air. The impact felt hollow and powerless.

Moreover, he hadn't heard the enemy scream or even groan in pain. No matter what kind of hellish training the target had gone through, a bullet wound would surely produce some sound, even if it wasn't a full-blown scream. Furthermore, while the Barrett's power was said to be unrivaled, it still couldn't match the destructive force of a rocket launcher. It couldn't just vaporize an enemy.

Unless… I didn't hit the target at all. But how could that be possible?

The Barrett's muzzle velocity was over a thousand meters per second. Even if the adversary was a true Martial Way master, how could they have dodged his shot?

I can't think about it anymore! A qualified sniper doesn't linger without confirming the kill.

With that, Bai Shu wasted no time relocating. Staying in one spot for too long risked exposing his position to the target. Besides, the gunshot had likely already given him away.

Bai Shu moved through the dense forest like a Ghost, his actions quick and decisive. He had already picked out an alternate sniping spot, one he hadn't expected to need. Despite the darkness and the uneven, overgrown ground, his movements were resolute and sharp. In just ten breaths, he reached the new position.

Hiding, going prone, setting up the rifle… The sequence of actions was as fluid as flowing water, as if repeated a million times over. Every detail was ingrained in his muscle memory, an instinctual response.

Peering through the scope, Bai Shu scanned his surroundings like a hunting lion, silent and cautious. The Barrett's night-vision scope provided a clear view of the forest, which his mind rapidly analyzed. He was now certain he had missed. There was no body on the ground. The bloodstains didn't guarantee the target was wounded, but the tracks on the ground suggested the adversary had simply vanished.

Licking his lips, Bai Shu's gaze grew more intense.

So this is the target not even the Dark Web could handle. He's got some skills after all.

Bai Shu felt an unexpected flicker of excitement. He had assumed this was just another insignificant mission, but now his interest was piqued. Adjusting his scope, Bai Shu controlled his breathing, his eyes as sharp as a hawk's.

Nothing. Has the target already left? Bai Shu was perplexed.

Just then, however, he felt a sense of crisis wash over him. Without a second thought, he rolled away from his hiding spot.

SWISH!

A bullet whizzed past him. Though the supersonic round missed his head, it grazed his ear, instantly splattering his face with blood.

Shit! Bai Shu cursed inwardly. He didn't dare linger and immediately began to retreat, moving like a Ghost Charm. His skills were truly exceptional.

Once he found a suitable hiding spot, he discovered that half of his ear had been shot off. Excruciating pain lanced through him. But the anguish in his heart was even worse than the physical pain, twisting his features into a grimace.

A colossal humiliation! The finest sniper of the Blood Rat Mercenary Corps, hit by his own target. If word of this got back to the organization, those rat bastards would never let him hear the end of it. I will have my revenge!

Bai Shu took a deep breath, controlled his rhythm, and then…

BANG!

He pulled the trigger, and a bullet roared out, carrying his fury. The barrel, which should have bucked violently from the recoil, remained steady as a rock in his firm grip. This was why he chose the Barrett. He was confident he had the strength to master it.

The bullet screamed through the air, striking the spot where the enemy's shot had originated. The whole process may have seemed lengthy, but it definitely didn't exceed three seconds. Even a qualified sniper would only have time to fire and begin retreating. They'd never have time to dodge his follow-up shot!

THUD!

A muffled sound echoed, and Bai Shu's eyes brightened. The sound of a bullet hitting a body!

However, Bai Shu didn't immediately go to check. Instead, he pulled the trigger again, firing at the same spot. It was a conditioned reflex. He was certain the target was in that exact position. Getting hit by a Barrett round meant survival was impossible, but to be absolutely sure, he fired a second time. From the sound of the impact, he was certain he'd hit the target again.

It's over! A contemptuous smile touched Bai Shu's lips. No matter how many tricks you have, you still died by my hand.

Bai Shu slung his rifle and shot out from his hiding spot like a leopard, sprinting toward the target's location. He needed to confirm the target's death, record it on video, and take the man's head. This was not only for his report to the organization but also as a memento—a reminder to never underestimate any target.

Five seconds later, Bai Shu arrived at the location. Hiding behind a large tree, he carefully peeked out. Once bitten, twice shy.

Soon, he saw a body lying face down in a small crater. Unfortunately, its head had been blown apart, leaving it completely unrecognizable. But judging from the build and clothing, it was undoubtedly his target.

At this thought, Bai Shu allowed himself a slight smile. But the simple motion pulled at his wound, provoking another curse.

"You got off easy," he muttered. "Otherwise, I would have shown you what real torture is."

Spitting in annoyance, Bai Shu stood up, stretched his limbs, and slowly approached the body. Even though the target was dead, he still needed to record a video and chop off a finger as a memento.

However, just as Bai Shu finished recording and was about to cut off the opponent's finger to leave, he froze as if struck by lightning.

From behind him, a mocking voice spoke.

"In such a hurry to leave? Did you ask for my permission?"

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