A combination of kindness and severity

My first thought was: the master's martial arts skills have reached a level that is terrifying to gods and ghosts, even more frightening than before.

The second thought was: given the leader's style of taking the head of a general from a million-strong army, striking decisively and without hesitation, if he really wanted to kill him, this dagger would have already fallen silently.

The fact that the agreement has not yet been reached means that there is still room for negotiation.

A Qiu's gentle voice rang out: "Do you know why, for hundreds of years, only I, the head of the Divine Weapon Hall, have been able to lead the assassination of Qin?"

Scorpion Shadow's mind raced, and he managed to remain calm as he said, "Because only you can wield the Assassin Qin and unleash its unparalleled assassination capabilities. None of the other hall masters have been able to do so."

A Qiu took another step forward with the assassination attempt on Qin, ruthlessly slashing Qin's skin, and smiled, "Lanling Hall is the headquarters of assassins across the world with a thousand-year history. Do you know what the leader of the assassination attempt on Qin means in Lanling Hall?"

Even the usually composed Scorpion Shadow couldn't help but stumble over his words, trembling as he said, "The Commander of the Assassination of Qin is the one who is the focus of attention and the one everyone hopes for. He has the power to change the dynasty and overthrow the country."

At this moment, A Qiu's right hand, wielding the "Crescent Moon" sword, pointed menacingly at the remaining twelve shadow warriors, continuously unleashing sword energy, leaving none daring to make a move. With his left hand, he used his elbow to subdue the Scorpion Shadow under the "Assassinate Qin" blade, and smiled at the twelve shadow warriors, saying, "Did you hear that?"

The twelve shadow assassins heard it, but what they saw before them was a scene they had never encountered in their assassin careers. They did not understand A Qiu's intentions, so they could only remain silent.

A-Qiu coldly said, "I need you to do something for me."

Sweat finally appeared on Scorpion Shadow's forehead. He managed to steady his voice and said, "Whatever your orders are, Master, I will obey."

A Qiu added, "Marquis Li Chongyu will arrive in the capital soon. During his stay in the capital, you must ensure his safety."

Scorpion Shadow looked puzzled and said, "If you want to protect people, why not let Hall Master Mo Yi's Xingfeng Hall do it? After all, we are good at killing, not protecting people."

This was also A Qiu's answering technique. The Thirteen Shadows were bound by the traditions and rules of Lanling Hall, and Wan Qiqing held considerable weight in their hearts. If she were to directly ask them to obey her orders, it would be tantamount to openly asking them to betray Wan Qiqing, and it was almost conceivable that they would rather die on the spot than obey.

Ah Qiu said casually, "Because I don't want Master to know about this."

The atmosphere at the scene was clearly frozen for a moment, and Scorpion Shadow, along with the remaining twelve people, all wore indescribable expressions.

Protecting Li Chongyu is not a big deal, but concealing it from Wan Qiqing is a big deal.

Lie Changkong knew it was time for him to step forward. He leaped down the long street and said easily, "Your hall master is now the successor of the young master, and Hall Master Wanqi knows this. Since she has to do things for the court according to the young master's instructions, she can't report everything to Hall Master Wanqi."

Lie Changkong carried the famous sword "Hundred Slashes" on his back and the golden whip "Ce Lin" at his waist. He stepped out with such ease, yet no one in the martial world was unfamiliar with his appearance. This was because he had always stood up for Gu Yi and resolved most of the affairs of the martial world; more people had seen him than Gu Yi himself.

It's not surprising that he's considered Gu Yi's representative.

Scorpion Shadow's eyes flickered, realizing that Lie Changkong's words were not without reason. Since A Qiu was currently working for Gu Yi, she couldn't report every little detail to Wan Qiqing; otherwise, wouldn't all the court's movements be under the control of Lanling Hall?

However, given that this involved their group of people and the question of whose loyalty they were, Scorpion Shadow dared not give an easy answer.

A Qiu said leisurely, "Since you are unwilling to do things for me, but only supervise my actions, and even kick me when I am down when I am injured, then for me, the leader of the assassination of Qin, your existence is probably somewhat superfluous."

Scorpion Shadow sighed, knowing that if he didn't take a stand today, this matter would never end well. He said in a deep voice, "I only have one question for you, Master."

A-Qiu's gaze seemed to casually sweep across his face as he said, "Speak."

Scorpion Shadow said with some difficulty, "If the master finds out one day, will the hall master protect us?" He then looked up at Lie Changkong and said with difficulty, "In the future, will the young master show leniency to the people of the Divine Weapon Hall?"

Lie Changkong secretly praised Scorpion Shadow for his quick thinking and meticulous mind. He had figured out his decision about whether to stay or leave in such a short time; he was quite a character.

He said nonchalantly, "The Young Master would never betray his allies, and I can attest to that. If you are willing to serve Miss A Qiu, the Young Master will naturally remember you."

Ah Qiu promptly replied, "If Master finds out it's unacceptable, you can pin the blame on me, and I will take responsibility."

The Thirteen Shadows of the Divine Weapons, who rarely interacted with outsiders within the Lanling Hall, were well aware of A Qiu's character. She was always a woman of her word and bore the Lanling Hall's oath: "Whatever is promised, will not be broken, even in life or death." Compared to Gu Yi's abstract and untouchable power, A Qiu's promise was more likely to make them make a decision in the present moment.

Scorpion Shadow let out a deep breath and said to the others, "You should put your weapons away."

Upon hearing the sound, A Qiu immediately withdrew the dagger she had pressed against his throat, the glint of light from her assassination attempt flashing briefly at her elbow before disappearing.

Scorpion Shadow, seeing this, knew that even if he trained for another hundred years, he probably wouldn't be a match for A Qiu. He cupped his hands and said, "May I ask when the Marquis of Guannei will arrive in the capital? We can scout out the route in advance and arrange defenses."

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "But if the Marquis of Guannei arrives at the palace, it will be difficult for us to go in and protect him."

A Qiu nodded and said, "Of course. You only need to ensure his safety outside the palace. There are Imperial Guards and Royal Guards inside the palace, as well as many experts stationed there, so it is inconvenient for you to enter."

Scorpion Shadow, hearing that A Qiu's orders were neither difficult nor aggressive, finally breathed a sigh of relief and bowed, saying, "Then, this subordinate will take his leave."

Lie Changkong watched as the thirteen shadow figures disappeared into the darkness, as if they had never existed. He couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

As the chief charioteer, he had many subordinates, but this was the first time he had faced the legendary Thirteen Shadow Warriors, let alone trying to get them to defect.

The assassin's will and determination were far stronger than those of ordinary martial arts masters.

He heard Ah Qiu say softly, “Once they do the first thing for me, there will be a second. As they do more and more for me, they will find that they can no longer be loyal to their master.”

Lie Changkong then understood that this was Gu Yi's intention in asking her to subdue the Divine Weapon Hall: ultimately, to make the Divine Weapon Hall serve only her.

There is a big difference between a chess piece and the hand that wields it. Previously, no matter how much Wan Qiqing valued and cultivated her, if he didn't truly hand over the power to her, she would still just be a chess piece.

This is also why Gu Yi, who is usually inseparable from her, let her come alone this time, and only let him accompany her.

Subduing the Divine Weapon Hall must be accomplished by her own efforts, not by the pressure of Gu Yi's presence. Otherwise, it wouldn't be her own strength.

A long, powerful laugh rang out from behind them.

Both of them changed color at the same time and quickly turned around.

Dressed in a white samurai outfit, the nonchalant Mo Yimingyue leisurely swung down from the wall. His laughter was extremely cheerful and hearty, but his eyes were gleaming, showing no trace of a smile.

Any disciple of Lanling Hall would be on high alert when facing this infamous and ruthless leader of the Enforcement Hall who specializes in eliminating traitors, let alone A Qiu at this moment.

Mo Yimingyue was a renowned figure in the capital. Although "Heavenly Authority Guardian" Lie Changkong had never fought him, he recognized his appearance. Upon seeing this head of the Law Enforcement Hall appear, he instinctively shielded A Qiu behind him and became fully alert. This was a habit he had developed over the years as Gu Yi's bodyguard.

Mo Yimingyue's lips curled up even more as she said, "When I heard Lanling Xiao, I thought something had happened to one of our disciples, but I didn't expect it to be Junior Sister disciplining her subordinates. Junior Sister's move was quite brilliant."

After her initial shock, A Qiu met his gaze without flinching and said, "I am indeed undergoing the test of this hall. Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother Mo Yi."

She mastered her martial arts in her early teens and returned to Lanling Hall, where she grew up alongside Gongyi Xiu and Moyi Mingyue. Many things didn't need to be spoken; they understood each other's thoughts. But people inevitably grow up, and the bonds of camaraderie among fellow disciples are constantly tested and challenged.

If she gets into a conflict with someone in the hall, Mo Yimingyue will protect her in everything, provided that her loyalty to Lanling Hall is unwavering.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been chosen as the head of the Enforcement Hall.

Mo Yimingyue looked at her for a moment, her expression turning deep and mysterious. She said noncommittally, "Do you plan to hide behind Gu Yi's guards for the rest of your life?"

Just as A Qiu was about to move, Lie Changkong pressed her down behind him and said in a deep voice, "Although I am a guard, I represent the Young Master himself at this moment. If Hall Master Xing Feng has anything to say, just ask me."

Lie Changkong wasn't trying to be a hero; rather, A Qiu's act of turning the Thirteen Shadows of the Divine Weapons against her was far more significant than her solo challenge against the assassins of Lanling Hall. And yet, this matter somehow fell into the eyes of the Lanling Hall's Enforcement Master.

Mo Yimingyue claims to "win people over with virtue," but in reality, he is notorious for his ruthlessness. The two were so focused on dealing with the Thirteen Shadows that they didn't even notice his arrival. Normally, with A Qiu's sharp senses, he would never have overlooked him.

If this happened in the imperial court, A Qiu's actions would be tantamount to plotting to turn the Imperial Guard's Divine Machine Battalion against the enemy. If she fell into the hands of "Handsome Yama" Madam Pei, she absolutely could not be taken away by her, otherwise, how could she possibly survive?

Mo Yimingyue finally suppressed her last trace of a smile and said coldly, "Although I am only the head of Xingfeng Hall, at this moment I represent my master, Wanqiqing. Aqiu, are you coming out or not?"

Given Yi Lie Changkong's temperament, even if Wan Qiqing were to come in person, he would never give way to the person Gu Yi asked him to protect.

But A Qiu had already grabbed his arm, slowly stepped forward, met Mo Yimingyue's gaze, and calmly said, "Senior brother, are you planning to take me down?"

She remained calm, slightly shifting her arms, and said, "Senior brother, do you think you can take me down?"

Mo Yimingyue laughed in anger, the crescent blade at her waist trembling slightly, and said, "If this brat surnamed Lie hadn't interfered, I would have been about 80% confident. Putting aside everything else, the 'God-Catching Net' is still on my person."

Capturing someone is not a life-or-death struggle. Mo Yimingyue's "God-Catching Net" is quite famous in the martial arts world. The net is covered with barbs and hidden thorns. When he casts it with special techniques, almost no master can escape the fate of being caught.

A Qiu scoffed, "If I give you the chance to cast the God-Catching Net, I will write the name 'Jing Ke' backwards from now on."