Night of Assassination

"I got it on camera, but the details aren't very clear, especially the final scene..." A subordinate passed the professional video camera to Reilly Eugene. Reilly Eugene took the camera and hurriedly clicked open the playback. The camera was last year's newest model, top-tier in both motion capture and resolution, specifically designed for filming extreme sports shows like wingsuit flying and downhill skiing. For a high-altitude aerial battle like the one just now, and at night no less, capturing anything on a phone was simply impossible. The video lasted two minutes in total, with almost no close-up footage. The giant eagle had flown at an incredible speed—approaching, or even exceeding, the speed of sound—and not in a straight line. Focusing close-up would have made it too easy to lose track of the target. Even so, it was more than enough. On the screen, beneath the brooding night sky, over a dozen tornadoes moved at high speed. In this apocalyptic scene, a massive dark silhouette weaved nimbly through the tempests, banking into Z-patterns and carving through S-curves. Its speed and agility surpassed even the Wind Mages known as "Rulers of the Sky." "Capturing high-dynamic action in low light is forever the Achilles' heel of any camera or recording equipment!" Reilly Eugene sighed. While the resolution was decent, it could hardly be called great. At such a distance and in pitch-black darkness, one couldn't ask for too much. There was another detail that left him dissatisfied: after the giant eagle's flesh exploded, it vanished abruptly, and Jumang suddenly appeared. That particular sequence hadn't been captured very clearly. On second thought, controversy and doubt would only drive up the video's popularity. Satisfied, Reilly Eugene handed the camera back to his subordinate. Narrowing his eyes, he scanned the faces of the guests. Among the major official factions, the members of the Sea God Church looked stunned, bewildered, and displeased. The arrogant Sirens possessed a fierce sense of national and organizational pride, loathing to see Five Elements Alliance foreigners defeat an elite of the Free Confederation. Meanwhile, the women of the Association of God of Beauty observed the young man in the white-feathered cloak with curious, intrigued gazes, as if sizing up prey. Including their President, Donna Caroline. A peak Level 6 Saint was more than enough to capture the attention and favor of Dominators—especially for a class like the Association of God of Beauty that excelled at "making friends." The members of several non-governmental organizations were left slack-jawed in shock. In their imaginations, it was supposed to be the Five Elements Alliance members who lost all face tonight. Here in the Free Confederation, in Heaven's Punishment's territory, how could a squad whose highest member was merely Level 5 come out unscathed after offending the Meade family? However, because they were neither combatants nor bound by conflicting interests, their astonishment was purely astonishment—even mixed with a hint of excitement. A show with a twist was always the best kind of entertainment. The members of the Anti-Black-and-White League, including the Level 6 Gale Walker "Wings of the Wind God," wore excitement and vindication openly on their faces. Even the stern, righteous Knight, "Striving Ceaselessly," revealed a faint smile. Among the Spirit Realm walkers in Chinatown, the Anti-Black-and-White League harbored the deepest hatred toward Black and White Chocolate. Seeing Julian defeated and thoroughly disgraced filled them with exhilaration, alongside a profound sense of belonging and pride. Although the incident where Yuanshi Tianzun had been driven to death had given overseas Chinese walkers an awful impression of the Five Elements Alliance—viewing it as tyrannical, corrupt, and authoritarian—strong and elite figures constantly emerged among their compatriots in the Second District. For those with deep ties to their heritage and homeland, this brought immense gratification. The ones who found this outcome hardest to stomach were the members of Heaven's Punishment's Enforcement Department. Like gamblers who had lost everything, the reluctance, disbelief, and grief painted across their faces were as though they were mourning their own parents, yet the cold reality stared right at them. The looks they directed at Zhang Yuanqing were a mix of disgust, hostility, wary dread, and fear. This Wood Monster was unquestionably a peak Level 6, and among the very best of peak Level 6s at that—someone capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with renowned young figures like Osmond and Chazo. Asano Ryo keenly noticed the expressions of the Heaven's Punishment members. She recognized a few of them; usually, they acted haughty and superior in front of her, looking down on her like a country bumpkin. Yet now, the way they looked at Yuanshi-kun was like dogs that had taken a beating: baring their teeth, yet only daring to skulk and bark from the shadows. *Strike one punch to keep a hundred at bay!* Asano Ryo suddenly understood the true essence of that phrase. *If only the Elvis Presley speaker were hanging at my waist right now. I'd play "How Lonely It Is to Be Invincible"...* Zhang Yuanqing stepped on Julian's back, unclasped the white-feathered cloak, and tossed it casually onto Julian's body. He swept his gaze across the members of Heaven's Punishment, finally resting his eyes on Chief Executive Officer Sean Meade, neither humble nor haughty as he spoke: "Brady Meade harassed my companion and targeted us through disgraceful means. I did nothing wrong in teaching him a lesson. Of course, Julian seeking revenge for his cousin was equally blameless. "However, from now on, I hope the members of Heaven's Punishment refrain from provoking us again, and I hope the Chief Executive Officer will properly restrain his subordinates. Otherwise, below the rank of Dominator, I will beat down every single one I encounter." With that, his tone softened. "Thank you to Heaven's Punishment for the welcome banquet. I am very satisfied. Well then, I take my leave tonight." He turned and walked away under the silent stares of the crowd. *Man, he really knows how to act cool. If Xiahou Aotian were here, he'd be drooling with envy...* Brother Red Chicken was the first to follow, followed by Guan Ya, Sun Miaomiao, and the other Saints. Winni Berent watched the Five Elements Alliance Saints drive away in their vehicle, then turned toward Sean Meade with a smile. "Haven't seen him in a few months, and Julian's experience points have increased quite a bit. By early next year, he should reach peak Saint. A true prospect for Dominator." Sean Meade, whose face had been an expressionless mask just a moment ago, instantly grimaced. His son had just been decisively beaten, and Winni Berent's backhanded compliment was even more sickening than a naked slap in the face. At the same time, he felt a twinge of regret for not fighting harder to claim the Five Elements Alliance team. If he had known there was a peak Saint among them, Sean would never have let them fall under Winni Berent's jurisdiction. *** Chinatown, in the small red-brick building. Drenched in sweat, Cao Qianxiu sat by her desk, panting as she frowned uneasily at her phone screen. [Snow White: @Striving Ceaselessly, are Deacon Wind God's injuries severe? Has the bleeding stopped? Should Sacred Hand of Medicine head over?] [Sacred Hand of Medicine: I'm already in a taxi. Damn it, the people from Heaven's Punishment are as domineering, overbearing, and uncouth as ever.] A few minutes ago, Group Leader Striving Ceaselessly had posted in the group chat, reporting that the Five Elements Alliance relief team had been targeted by Julian Meade, the eldest son of Chief Executive Officer Sean Meade, and that Wings of the Wind God had intervened on their behalf, only to be heavily wounded by Julian. Seeing that message, Cao Qianxiu had immediately halted her workout, waiting alongside her teammates for Striving Ceaselessly's reply. Everyone was anxious about Wings of the Wind God's condition and how the situation would unfold, while also arguing amongst themselves over the incident. Little Steel Cannon, who belonged to the Void class, believed Wings of the Wind God had no reason to stick his neck out. After all, the target wasn't the Anti-Black-and-White League, and none of them felt any allegiance toward the Five Elements Alliance. Now they had ended up in this state—wasting effort only to invite trouble. Julian Meade was clearly a vengeful person. Crossing him would bring no good outcome and might even drag down the Anti-Black-and-White League. Never Forget the Homeland, who harbored deep yearnings for his ancestral land, argued that Wings of the Wind God's actions aligned with the League's spirit. Taking a loss was inevitable given how powerful Heaven's Punishment was. Even if they took a loss, they had to stand tall; backing down like cowards was out of the question. Amid the anxious waiting, Striving Ceaselessly finally replied in the chat: [Deacon Wind God's injuries are no longer an issue. Our compatriots from the Five Elements Alliance injected half a vial of Life Source Liquid into him, and he has made a full recovery. Furthermore, the matter has concluded. It can be considered resolved.] [Snow White: Quite generous of them. At least Deacon Wind God didn't take that beating for nothing.] Cao Qianxiu breathed a sigh of relief. Just as she was about to set down her phone and resume exercising, she saw Snow White ask: [How are the people from the Five Elements Alliance? Are their injuries bad? Were they publicly humiliated by that Julian?] [Never Forget the Homeland: There's no need to ask!] Indeed, there was no need to ask about something so embarrassing, unless... Cao Qianxiu thought silently. [Striving Ceaselessly: There is a peak Level 6 Saint among the Five Elements Alliance team. He defeated Julian Meade, and it took him less than three minutes.] The group chat fell dead silent. For a long time, no one said a word. This outcome was entirely beyond their expectations. [Snow White: Wow, a peak Level 6 Saint! Doesn't that put him on the same level as Yuanshi Tianzun? The Five Elements Alliance sent a real top-tier powerhouse this time. I really want to meet him.] [Sacred Hand of Medicine: A peak Level 6 Saint... He must be a pivotal figure in the Five Elements Alliance. In that case, Wings of the Wind God forged a valuable connection. The League Leader will certainly be pleased when he hears about this.] [Cao Qianxiu: What is that Saint's name? What class is he?] [Striving Ceaselessly: His Spirit Realm ID appears to be Jumang. His class is Beast King.] Cao Qianxiu replied with a somewhat disappointed "Oh." She had secretly harbored a foolish sliver of hope. A few days ago, the tenant next door had mentioned taking his girlfriend back to her hometown for a visit. The very next day after he left, the Five Elements Alliance relief team arrived in New York. Cao Qianxiu had occasionally wondered: was a Level 5 Swordsman truly an unaffiliated rogue? Could he actually be a member of the Five Elements Alliance, dispatched on a covert mission by the organization? The enigmatic aura the Free and Unfettered Sword Immortal exuded fit her theory perfectly. Now, however, it seemed she had overthought things. *** Songhai, 9:30 AM. Fu Qingyang opened the forum and habitually scanned through the posts, when his attention was suddenly arrested by a headline: #Jumang? Mysterious Five Elements Alliance Powerhouse Defeats Gale Walker Wielding Dominator-Grade Item# Fu Qingyang's brow furrowed immediately. He clicked on the post and began reading. The content was copy-pasted from the Heaven's Punishment forum, briefly recounting the conflict between the Five Elements Alliance relief team and the Meade family, culminating in a fierce clash outside the venue after last night's banquet. To everyone's shock, Julian Meade—a mid-to-late Level 6 Gale Walker equipped with a Dominator-grade item—had been swiftly taken down by an obscure Five Elements Alliance member, left critically injured and unconscious. The news had spread across the Heaven's Punishment forum that very night. A merchant from the Merchant Guild was even openly selling footage of the battle, offering the high-definition video for five hundred Federal Dollars. By today, as the incident fermented, members from Heaven's Punishment had already begun contacting friends in the Five Elements Alliance to dig up information on Jumang. After all, a peak Level 6 Beast King could hardly be a nobody. Yet on the Five Elements Alliance's side, nobody had ever heard of this Jumang. Checking the official database revealed only that he was an honorary deacon registered under Songhai, having joined many years ago but rarely attending official events. This only fueled the mystery surrounding Jumang, leading people to secretly suspect that he was an elite secretly groomed by the Songhai Branch—a hidden trump card. Fu Qingyang silently closed the post, the corner of his mouth twitching. "'Keeping a low profile and not causing trouble'?" Fortunately, he hadn't believed a single word of Yuanshi's nonsense. He had already tucked the real Jumang away inside a White Tiger Guards faction instance; the man wouldn't emerge for at least a week, and even when he did, he could simply be sent into another Spirit Realm. Stalling for a month or two would be trivial. As for the members of the White Tiger Guards, they were all trusted confidants with tight lips. Fu Qingyang had already instructed them that a top operative had been assigned a secret mission in New York. No one would know that the person masquerading as Jumang was Yuanshi Tianzun. *** Manhattan, a luxurious villa. "Fuck!" Dressed in pajamas, Julian Meade slammed his laptop violently onto the floor. The laptop shattered to pieces, its casing and internal components scattering across the ground. Julian Meade's chest heaved violently. Leaning against the edge of the desk, he gasped for breath, his handsome face contorted with rage. *Knock, knock!* A knock sounded twice at the door, and the gaunt-faced Sean Meade walked in. Casting a glance at the broken computer, he said in a heavy voice, "If you can't handle the insults and ridicule on the forum, don't read them. If you want to pay attention to public opinion after the fact, be mentally prepared." "Prepared for what?" Julian glared at his father. "They're calling me the disgrace of the Meade family, the shame of Heaven's Punishment! The filth they're spewing—no one could endure it!" After last night's battle, he had supplanted Osmond, Chazo, and Hoover as Heaven's Punishment's latest embarrassment. After suffering nearly a month of online vitriol, someone had finally taken up their mantle. Those three were probably laughing themselves awake in their dreams. Sean Meade said coldly, "Failing to withstand the pressure of verbal abuse is your own problem." "Father!" Julian snarled. "What I want is comfort from you, not these lectures!" Julian was Sean's eldest son and his most valued, doted-on child. Precisely because he was favored, he didn't fear his father. Sean Meade stated calmly, "What you need is how to take revenge, how to wash away this humiliation, not my comforting words." Julian cooled down. Pondering for a moment, he said, "You want me to stay in New York?" Sean nodded. Having earned his father's approval, Julian continued, "We cannot retaliate against him right now; doing so would be too obvious. If anything happens to the Five Elements Alliance team, they will definitely demand accountability. The current situation is unstable, and Heaven's Punishment needs to unite the Orderly factions worldwide. At that point, headquarters would choose to appease the Five Elements Alliance, and your political rivals would seize the opportunity to attack you, jeopardizing your promotion. "New York is in chaos right now, and chaos breeds opportunity. They could die at the hands of the evil factions at any time. Only by working alongside them can we find an opportunity to orchestrate their deaths reasonably." After listening, Sean Meade said indifferently, "Since you understand, your transfer request has already been submitted. Rest at home for a few days. I'm heading out; I won't be having dinner at home tonight." With that, he turned and left the room. *** 8:00 PM, New York Bank Headquarters Building. Beside a floor-to-ceiling window, Zhang Yuanqing sat behind a desk, browsing the Heaven's Punishment forum on his computer. He thoroughly enjoyed reading the posts showering Julian Meade with curses, mockery, and blame. "Reading comprehension really is much easier than listening comprehension." Having savored his intellectual feast, he closed the laptop, pulled out his phone, and opened his messaging app to see a note from Annie: *Sean Meade is dining with Donna tonight.* Zhang Yuanqing silently exited the chat app, stood up, and left the room, stepping out of the Heaven's Punishment branch.