The first light of dawn barely touched the lantern-lit streets outside Night Hall headquarters. Ye Tian sat cross-legged in his private chamber, examining the latest reports. Each request for assassination, intelligence gathering, or intervention passed through his hands first — a system he designed personally to prevent chaos.
"Patriarch," a young secretary said, bowing low, "another request came in from a minor merchant. He wants the elimination of a rival house in the northern province."
Ye Tian's eyes flicked to the parchment. "And?"
"He claims it's necessary for trade advantage, but the target is inexperienced and easily manipulated."
Ye Tian smiled faintly, dark and cold. "Do not execute it. There is no need. Killing unnecessarily only creates instability, draws attention, and wastes blades. Only threats that matter, or figures who cannot be guided, are eliminated."
"But what if they rise against us?" the secretary asked cautiously.
Ye Tian leaned back, arms crossed, his gaze sweeping across the Hall where disciples moved silently in the shadows. "Let them try. Those who are capable will find their way into the right position; those who resist without cause… they will learn the cost of underestimating me. No one escapes if they truly oppose the Hall."
Mu Qingyao, standing nearby, tilted her head, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "So you're not killing out of mercy, then?"
"No," Ye Tian replied. "It's strategy. Sympathy is weakness. But unnecessary loss is a tool wasted. Every pawn must be useful or replaced quietly, not destroyed for arrogance or fear."
---
Later that afternoon, Ye Tian summoned his wives and sister for a private session.
"I've designed a cultivation technique just for you three," he said, drawing a diagram on a scroll. "It will enhance combat instincts, improve awareness of killing intent, and allow you to fight as a coordinated unit. It's custom-tailored — it leverages the Night Immortal Physique and the system's enhancements."
Ye Xiuying, his little sister, tilted her head, curiosity shining in her eyes. "Brother… you really designed something for me?"
Ye Tian's expression softened, almost imperceptibly. "Of course. You are to be my vice sect leader. I can entrust no one else with this position, not yet. You need to be able to fight, command, and protect Nightshade Hall in my stead. And, more importantly… to protect your family."
Mu Qingyao smiled, stepping closer. "Dear… you really think of everything. It's comforting."
Lan Yuhua crossed her arms, teasing lightly. "You're spoiling them, dear."
Ye Tian's lips curved faintly. "Perhaps. But they are mine. No one outside this room matters more. You will learn the technique quickly — I will personally train you for the first stages."
---
Training began immediately. Ye Tian guided his sister and wives through subtle movements, meditation, and combat postures designed to amplify their Night Immortal Physique traits. Small moments slipped in naturally: Ye Xiuying stumbled while performing a maneuver, and he caught her by the wrist.
"You're not concentrating," he murmured softly, close enough for her to feel his warmth.
She blushed lightly. "Brother… I was…"
"Focus," Ye Tian interrupted, though his lips curved faintly in amusement. "Every movement matters. In life, a single mistake can cost everything."
Mu Qingyao leaned against him later, whispering, "Dear… they are so lucky to have you. You care for them in ways no one else can."
Ye Tian's gaze darkened slightly, yet there was a faint softness. "I protect what is mine. That is all."
---
Meanwhile, the Hall's operations continued. Requests filtered in, some for assassination, others for information gathering, and still more for subtle sabotage. Every request went through Ye Tian personally, and only those deemed necessary — those who couldn't be guided or manipulated — were carried out.
A minor noble once asked cautiously, "Patriarch… what if the people you refuse to kill decide to oppose you?"
Ye Tian's response was measured, almost casual: "Then they will try. Let them. I have already prepared the consequences. Only those who understand the balance of power survive in this world."
---
By night, Ye Tian stood on the balcony overlooking the Night Hall. Disciples moved invisibly through alleys and rooftops, ready to strike at any hint of danger. His sister practiced nearby under his watchful eye, while his wives whispered encouragements and occasionally shared soft, intimate glances with him.
"Dear… you truly are untouchable," Mu Qingyao murmured. "And these missions… people will fear Nightshade Hall even without knowing it's you."
Ye Tian's lips curved faintly. "Fear is only one tool. Respect, loyalty, and love for those who matter… these are what I protect. The rest… they exist only to teach lessons."
The Hall's assassination network quietly handled its first high-level requests that night:
A corrupt magistrate in the western provinces disappeared without a trace.
A rebellious Mo Clan vassal was eliminated silently in his sleep.
Rivals of minor princes vanished mysteriously, deaths blamed on accidents.
Every move reinforced Nightshade Hall's reputation, controlled by Ye Tian's own meticulous planning.
> [System Status]
Night Hall Reputation: 2,050
Nightshade Hall Influence: 20 families under partial control
Assassination Requests Completed: 15 high-level targets
Special Training Progress – Wives/Sister: 30% completion
Ye Tian leaned back, dark eyes glinting. "Control, observation, precision… and loyalty. That is power. Protecting what I love is strength. Let the continent tremble quietly; I watch from the shadows, and those who oppose me will learn the cost."