The deceased was none other than Aka. Mo Junyan had moved his body from the suburbs to this location, then quietly slipped into the city government building and used the mayor's office phone to call the police. After tidying up the scene, she retraced her steps and left—everything done without anyone knowing.
She did this for two reasons: first, to show the police her power, and second, to let all members of the Black List know that Aka had failed his mission and that the assassin rankings would soon change. She also intended to take this opportunity to make Shi Aotian's name famous on the Black List, thereby fulfilling her own desires and interests.
Aka's death stirred up a huge commotion. The public security bureau was in complete chaos, and the entire small city was gripped with fear. At night, no one dared to go out for a stroll.
The next day, after a relentless media bombardment, the entire country knew about what had happened in Z City. The pressure on Bureau Chief Wu grew heavier and heavier. Facing criticism from all sides, he could only sigh in frustration.
But aside from the police, the ones truly shocked were the members of the Black List. Mo Junyan's actions were quickly reported back to the organization by the intelligence team.
"Sir, Aka is dead," came the voice of Assistant Zhou in an office.
"I already knew," replied a young man lounging on a massive black leather sofa, stroking a kitten in his hands. A wicked smile spread across his face. "It's been a long time since things have been this exciting. The Black List has been far too quiet. Don't you think so, Zhou?"
"You're absolutely right, sir." Zhou adjusted his glasses and nodded in agreement. "Sir, a new member has joined the Black List. Your instructions…?"
At this point, Zhou stopped speaking, waiting for the young man's reply.
"My instructions? Of course this is good news. No need for any evaluation. Judging by his style, I'd say those recent serial murders giving the police a headache were all his work. He's definitely not an undercover agent—undercover agents aren't this cold-blooded. One sword to the throat… what a ruthless man. I don't know where that girl Mo Junyan found such a formidable figure. I want his full dossier. Go take care of it." The young man set the kitten down and stood up.
"Yes, I know what to do. You can rest assured, sir." With that, Zhou left the office.
Indeed, the Black List had been quiet for far too long. For nearly five years, the top ten assassin rankings had remained unchanged. Now, Shi Aotian had shattered this delicate balance, and a great storm was sure to follow.
"Brother, Aka's dead! Did you know?" a man called out as he stared at his computer screen. This was Hengxing.
"When did this happen?" Ba Dao, who had still been sleeping, hurriedly climbed out of bed in shock. "How do you know?"
"Brother, look. The organization's website just posted the news. Aka was killed with a single strike to the throat, and he failed his mission," Hengxing said, pointing at the screen, unable to believe his eyes.
"One strike to the throat…" Ba Dao muttered as he read the announcement carefully. "What a terrifying figure—someone capable of killing even Aka."
"So what do we do now, Brother? We don't even know who's that strong," Hengxing asked.
"If the mission failed, Aka must have died at the hands of his own target. Black List missions are top secret—other than members of the organization, only the broker who receives the job knows who the target is. We'd better not speculate too much. If the organization finds out, we'll disappear. Who would have thought a ruthless character like this would appear now? The era of a Black List power shift has arrived." Ba Dao nodded with a low chuckle.
"Brother, what do you mean by that?" Hengxing asked in confusion.
"You don't need to know the details. Do you want to take Aka's place, or maybe even aim for a higher rank?" Ba Dao smiled.
"Of course I do," Hengxing clenched his fists and said firmly. "I dream about it."
"Good," Ba Dao exclaimed. "Don't ask any more questions. I'll help you achieve your wish. Your biggest opponent now is the one ranked just above you—Midnight. I've never met him, but according to rumors, his strength may surpass yours. As long as you listen to me and train according to my methods, defeating him is not impossible. Now's a good opportunity—Aka's death will trigger a major shake-up in the rankings. You need to take on more high-difficulty jobs. That's the only way to push your name up. Those old monsters who've been hiding for years will all be forced out."
"What do you mean by 'old monsters'?" Hengxing frowned.
"I'm talking about the other top-ten members. Their positions will be shaken too. They've been sitting there for far too long, and I'm sure plenty of people are itching to challenge them. Hahahaha!" Ba Dao burst into loud laughter.
Hengxing looked at his brother's maniacal laugh and couldn't help but feel a faint trace of fear, as if a massive conspiracy was buried in his brother's heart.
A sweet phone ringtone rang, waking up Dongfang Qing, who was resting in the teachers' dormitory. She picked up her phone and glanced at the number—Xu Feng.
She hesitated for a moment, then answered. "Hello?"
Hearing Dongfang Qing's soft voice on the other end, Xu Feng felt a warmth in his heart. "Xiaoqing, Yun Hai and Fang Ya are getting married. Did you know?"
Dongfang Qing froze for a moment, then suddenly remembered. So much had happened recently that she had almost forgotten. But when she heard Xu Feng calling her "Xiaoqing," a faint displeasure rose in her heart. "I know," she replied.
Xu Feng sighed and continued, "Time really flies. In the blink of an eye… I never thought they'd be getting married already."
At those words, both Xu Feng and Dongfang Qing involuntarily recalled their trip to Shennongjia three years ago.
"Yes, time really does pass quickly," Dongfang Qing said, though what she was thinking of at that moment was Shi Aotian.
"Will you go to their wedding?" Xu Feng asked cautiously.
"Of course. Fang Ya is my best friend—of course I'll be there when she gets married," Dongfang Qing replied.
Xu Feng's heart leapt with excitement. If Dongfang Qing went, he could go with her. Whether or not there was a real chance, just being able to spend some time with her would be enough. Thinking of this, he quickly said, "They've set the date for October 1st, National Day. Let's pick a time and go together. We're all old classmates—it'll be more convenient that way."
Dongfang Qing was silent for a moment, her mind turning. Going together wasn't the real issue—the real issue was what to do about Aotian. He had almost no experience in the outside world. Leaving him alone here… she wouldn't feel at ease.
"Hello? Hello?" Xu Feng's two calls pulled Dongfang Qing out of her thoughts.
"I—I was just thinking about something. I'll give you my answer later, okay? I have something to take care of right now," she replied hurriedly.
"All right," Xu Feng answered helplessly.
After hanging up, Dongfang Qing immediately rushed to her rental apartment. She had already made up her mind—to bring Shi Aotian along to Yun Hai and Fang Ya's wedding, introducing him as her boyfriend. The only thing left was to get Shi Aotian's agreement.
"If the mission failed, Aka must have died at the hands of his own target. Black List missions are top secret—other than members of the organization, only the broker who receives the job knows who the target is. We'd better not speculate too much. If the organization finds out, we'll disappear. Who would have thought a ruthless character like this would appear now? The era of a Black List power shift has arrived." Ba Dao nodded with a low chuckle.
"Brother, what do you mean by that?" Hengxing asked in confusion.
"You don't need to know the details. Do you want to take Aka's place, or maybe even aim for a higher rank?" Ba Dao smiled.
"Of course I do," Hengxing clenched his fists and said firmly. "I dream about it."
"Good," Ba Dao exclaimed. "Don't ask any more questions. I'll help you achieve your wish. Your biggest opponent now is the one ranked just above you—Midnight. I've never met him, but according to rumors, his strength may surpass yours. As long as you listen to me and train according to my methods, defeating him is not impossible. Now's a good opportunity—Aka's death will trigger a major shake-up in the rankings. You need to take on more high-difficulty jobs. That's the only way to push your name up. Those old monsters who've been hiding for years will all be forced out."
"What do you mean by 'old monsters'?" Hengxing frowned.
"I'm talking about the other top-ten members. Their positions will be shaken too. They've been sitting there for far too long, and I'm sure plenty of people are itching to challenge them. Hahahaha!" Ba Dao burst into loud laughter.
Hengxing looked at his brother's maniacal laugh and couldn't help but feel a faint trace of fear, as if a massive conspiracy was buried in his brother's heart.
A sweet phone ringtone rang, waking up Dongfang Qing, who was resting in the teachers' dormitory. She picked up her phone and glanced at the number—Xu Feng.
She hesitated for a moment, then answered. "Hello?"
Hearing Dongfang Qing's soft voice on the other end, Xu Feng felt a warmth in his heart. "Xiaoqing, Yun Hai and Fang Ya are getting married. Did you know?"
Dongfang Qing froze for a moment, then suddenly remembered. So much had happened recently that she had almost forgotten. But when she heard Xu Feng calling her "Xiaoqing," a faint displeasure rose in her heart. "I know," she replied.
Xu Feng sighed and continued, "Time really flies. In the blink of an eye… I never thought they'd be getting married already."
At those words, both Xu Feng and Dongfang Qing involuntarily recalled their trip to Shennongjia three years ago.
"Yes, time really does pass quickly," Dongfang Qing said, though what she was thinking of at that moment was Shi Aotian.
"Will you go to their wedding?" Xu Feng asked cautiously.
"Of course. Fang Ya is my best friend—of course I'll be there when she gets married," Dongfang Qing replied.
Xu Feng's heart leapt with excitement. If Dongfang Qing went, he could go with her. Whether or not there was a real chance, just being able to spend some time with her would be enough. Thinking of this, he quickly said, "They've set the date for October 1st, National Day. Let's pick a time and go together. We're all old classmates—it'll be more convenient that way."
Dongfang Qing was silent for a moment, her mind turning. Going together wasn't the real issue—the real issue was what to do about Aotian. He had almost no experience in the outside world. Leaving him alone here… she wouldn't feel at ease.
"Hello? Hello?" Xu Feng's two calls pulled Dongfang Qing out of her thoughts.
"I—I was just thinking about something. I'll give you my answer later, okay? I have something to take care of right now," she replied hurriedly.
"All right," Xu Feng answered helplessly.
After hanging up, Dongfang Qing immediately rushed to her rental apartment. She had already made up her mind—to bring Shi Aotian along to Yun Hai and Fang Ya's wedding, introducing him as her boyfriend. The only thing left was to get Shi Aotian's agreement.
Lying in bed fast asleep, Shi Aotian heard Dongfang Qing's hurried footsteps from afar. He leaped out of bed, got dressed, and waited for her arrival.
Dongfang Qing pulled out her key, quickly unlocked the door, and saw Shi Aotian already sitting at the table.
"What's the rush?" Shi Aotian was the first to speak.
Hearing his question, Dongfang Qing lowered her head in embarrassment and slowly walked over, smiling faintly. "It's nothing. I just missed you and wanted to see you as soon as possible."
Shi Aotian didn't reply. Instead, he changed the subject. "How's your student, Gu Caini?"
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Dongfang Qing let out a breath of relief. "She's fine now, just badly frightened. She's calmed down and is resting at home."
After a day of peace, Gu Caini and Long Minmin had begun to relax under the careful care of their families. Still, it would take time to truly walk out from the shadow of such a terrifying memory. It was the kind of trauma that might linger for a lifetime.
As their father, Long Haotian was, of course, deeply moved and had been planning to confront Yue San. But before he could act, news came that Yue San and Liu Tian were dead. The anger in his heart faded somewhat, and he focused all his attention on caring for his two frightened daughters.
"Aotian, how did you know about Gu Caini?" Dongfang Qing snapped back to reality and looked at Shi Aotian.
Shi Aotian broke into a cold sweat. His tongue had slipped—he hadn't thought it through before blurting out her name.
"I did mention that one of my students had some trouble, but I'm pretty sure I never said who. Besides, the media reports all used a pseudonym. How did you know?" Dongfang Qing pressed, unwilling to let it go.
A lot had happened recently, and ever since Shi Aotian had saved her, Dongfang Qing's heart had been unsettled. The entire city felt shrouded in the scent of death. Because she cared about him, she paid extra attention to anything related to him.
Realizing he had spoken out of turn and couldn't take it back, Shi Aotian quickly thought of a way out. "I heard it from the students at your school. Did you forget? Three years ago, I told you I could hear almost anything within a two-kilometer radius. Even though this is a noisy city and it affects my hearing, when everyone's talking about the same thing, how could I not know?"
Hearing this, Dongfang Qing immediately recalled their conversation from three years ago. Shi Aotian really did have that ability. Realizing her suspicion was unnecessary, she smiled. "Aotian, I'm just worried about you. Things have been dangerous lately—be careful. Sigh… I've been under a lot of stress myself. I'm getting a little jumpy. I guess I should take some time to rest."
Shi Aotian knew from her tone that he had successfully passed her questioning. Though relieved, he didn't show it, and he avoided asking anything more, not wanting to slip up again.
"Aotian, can I ask you something?" Dongfang Qing gently took his hand across the table.
"What is it?" Shi Aotian didn't pull away.
"If I wanted to take some time off, to relax and go on a trip, would you come with me?" Dongfang Qing asked, blushing.
Shi Aotian didn't think too much about it. He simply nodded heavily in agreement.
Seeing Shi Aotian's agreement, Dongfang Qing almost jumped up like an excited little girl. After her brief burst of joy, she told him about her classmate's upcoming wedding. Shi Aotian thought for a moment and agreed.
To him, this was a good opportunity. He had killed so many people in just a few days. Although the police currently had no real leads, it might be safer to leave town for a while.
However, since Shi Aotian had come straight from the primitive forest, he had no ID card, let alone a passport. Flying was out of the question—at best, they could only take the train. Thinking of this, Dongfang Qing began to worry about the ID issue.
Still, she decided not to dwell on it. A train trip wasn't bad either—at least she would have the person she liked by her side, which felt rather romantic.
After chatting for a while, Dongfang Qing hurried back to the school. She still had a guidance class that afternoon and needed to prepare for it.
Not long after she left, Shi Aotian lay down and drifted into sleep. About two hours later, he was awakened by the sound of light footsteps.
That's not Dongfang Qing, he thought instantly.
After experiencing Aka's skill firsthand, he had grown more interested in the Black List—but also far more cautious. A single moment of carelessness could mean death by assassination. After ten years of training in Shennongjia, living alongside wild beasts every day, his senses had become razor-sharp. Even the slightest sound would put him on alert. This was one of the key reasons he had been able to survive in the wilderness.
Quietly, he slipped out the window, climbed onto the roof, and used the energy from his "blade-hand" technique to fully cling to the ceiling above the doorway. Whoever entered would never think to look up. If anything seemed off, he had already decided to eliminate the intruder immediately.
The footsteps stopped outside the door. Shi Aotian could clearly hear the breathing of the person outside. At the same time, he readied his blade-hand, prepared to strike at any moment.
Knock, knock. The sudden knocking completely disrupted his plan. Still clinging to the ceiling, Shi Aotian didn't let his guard down and continued to wait.
He had killed many people recently, one of them a Black List assassin. Both the underworld and the authorities were hunting for this mysterious figure. He didn't completely trust Mo Junyan either—she could very well have reported back to the Black List and had someone sent after him.
Suddenly, the knocking stopped, and the light footsteps began to move away, fading into the distance. Shi Aotian dropped lightly to the ground and pressed his ear to the door. The footsteps were long gone, swallowed by the noise of the bustling crowd.
Exhaling slowly, Shi Aotian returned to bed. Since the day he had learned his family had been murdered, he had never truly trusted anyone except the master who had raised him for ten years—not even Dongfang Qing. This was something his master had taught him: the human heart is dangerous. That was one of the reasons for his cold-blooded nature.
In his mind, bad people—or those who deserved to die—had no right to live. This twisted belief was the result of years of emotional isolation. Though he still had a human side, that humanity had yet to be fully awakened.
Shi Aotian lay there, his mind rapidly sorting through the events that had happened recently.
Suddenly, a faint rustling sound outside the window interrupted his thoughts. He quickly sat up, pressed his head close to the window, and listened intently.
The footsteps are as light as before, he thought to himself, sneaking around in broad daylight—this person comes with ill intent.
Irritation welled up inside him. Although he didn't know who it was, anyone who disturbed his peace was certainly no good person. Hardening his resolve, a murderous thought crossed his mind.
This time, instead of clinging to the ceiling, he walked straight to the window and stood there. If this sneaky person had any malicious intent, he would send them straight to the underworld.
The footsteps stopped right outside the window. Shi Aotian's right hand had already transformed into a blade, ready for whoever entered. Suddenly, a knocking sound came from the window, almost like someone knocking on a door.
Shi Aotian found it strange. Who on earth would knock like this on a window? It doesn't feel malicious. Why aren't they saying anything?
The knocking continued. Shi Aotian still didn't dare lower his guard. This was a habit honed over many years—any lapse in caution would surely invite an ambush. His master had once said: Humans are the most insidious animals.
The repetitive knocking began to grate on his nerves. Should I open it or not? It wasn't fear holding him back—it was the thought that if he really killed someone here in broad daylight, it would leave the police plenty of clues. He didn't want anyone to witness his killing techniques, much less suspect him.
Shi Aotian steeled himself. Fine. I'll open it and see for myself. I don't believe they have three heads and six arms. Just as he reached for the latch, a delicate voice called from outside:
"Shi Aotian, I know you're in there. Hurry up and open the door, you stupid pig! You've got me all worked up. It's me, Mo Junyan."
At that, Shi Aotian felt a surge of relief and muttered, "So it's her. That makes things much easier." He hurriedly opened the window—only to find no one there.
He frowned. Where did she go? No… her presence is still close by.
"I'm down here, you pig!" Mo Junyan's annoyed voice came from just below the window. She jumped up a few times, waving a stick in her hand.
Shi Aotian chuckled inwardly. The windowsill was too high, and Mo Junyan wasn't tall enough to reach it—so she had been using the stick to knock on the glass. That's why, when he opened the window, he didn't see her standing below.
Her little face was flushed with anger, her almond-shaped brows arched sharply as she took a deep breath and leapt through the window, landing in the room with an air of indignation.
Shi Aotian paid her no special attention. He simply closed the window and sat back down.
"Why didn't you open the door?" Mo Junyan demanded angrily.
"I didn't know who it was. Why should I open it? You didn't even say who you were. Besides, we're not that close. Better to be cautious," Shi Aotian replied calmly.
Hearing this, Mo Junyan nearly wished she could chop him into eight pieces. I'll settle this score one day, she thought fiercely. Forcing down her anger, she took a deep breath, sat across from him, and said, "Fine, I won't hold it against you."
Women could be petty, unable to swallow even the smallest grievance. And when they did, they might remember it for life. For Shi Aotian, Mo Junyan's sudden arrival was indeed a surprise.