It is midnight and the night air is cool and still.
Location: The Forbidden City, a quiet corridor beside the Taiye Pond.
Xiao Wuchen, wearing the blue uniform of an Inner Court Guard with his sword at his waist, walked steadily along the silent corridor. He appeared outwardly calm, but his inner vigilance was at its peak. Ever since the [Dark Night Clash] mission alert sounded in his mind, he knew danger could strike at any moment.
Every dark corner of the palace walls, ancient trees and pillars could conceal deadly intent. He deliberately avoided areas with heavy patrols, choosing this route alongside the Taiye Pond instead. It was relatively open yet quiet and secluded.
'The Xuan Yi Guard's probing is undoubtedly the elite of the elite. They won't give me any chance to breathe.'
He adjusted his breathing, his inner energy flowing silently through his meridians as he prepared for a sudden burst of power. To conceal his true cultivation method, he was currently channeling the [Purple Qi Swaying Willow], which he had just fused with using the system's assistance. This internal energy flowed more lightly and gracefully than his original technique and carried a faint, almost imperceptible fragrance.
Just as Xiao Wuchen reached the end of the corridor by the giant willow tree, something changed!
There was no warning, no sound of wind or footsteps; only an intense sense of danger.
'Shadow Blade' Zhao Hu had made his move.
He seemed to emerge from the shadow of the giant willow tree, transforming into a streak of black light skimming the ground. His 'Shadow Blade' — a narrow, long, ink-black, single-edged sword — slashed diagonally upwards from an unseen angle, aiming straight for Xiao Wuchen's heart!
This strike was incredibly fast and ruthless — a textbook example of a merciless assassination attempt. Its purpose was not to intimidate, but to kill instantly, leaving Xiao Wuchen no time to reveal any of his martial arts secrets.
Xiao Wuchen's reaction was equally lightning-fast — an instinct honed through countless life-or-death battles.
He stomped his foot sharply on the ground and slid half a step to the side, barely avoiding the deadly blade. However, Zhao Hu's attacks were flawless. His blade shifted abruptly, the hilt slamming into Xiao Wuchen's face while his other hand reached for his waist.
"Such swift swordsmanship! This man is no ordinary assassin!' Xiao Wuchen's heart skipped a beat. He knew that, although he could easily repel or even injure Zhao Hu by using his own sect's martial arts, this would immediately expose all his trump cards and lead to the mission's failure.
Just as Xiao Wuchen reached the end of the corridor by the giant willow tree, something changed!
There was no warning, no sound of wind or footsteps; only an intense sense of danger.
'Shadow Blade' Zhao Hu had made his move.
He seemed to emerge from the shadow of the giant willow tree, transforming into a streak of black light skimming the ground. His 'Shadow Blade' — a narrow, long, ink-black, single-edged sword — slashed diagonally upwards from an unseen angle, aiming straight for Xiao Wuchen's heart!
This strike was incredibly fast and ruthless — a textbook example of a merciless assassination attempt. Its purpose was not to intimidate, but to kill instantly, leaving Xiao Wuchen no time to reveal any of his martial arts secrets.
Xiao Wuchen's reaction was equally lightning-fast — an instinct honed through countless life-or-death battles.
He stomped his foot sharply on the ground and slid half a step to the side, barely avoiding the deadly blade. However, Zhao Hu's attacks were flawless. His blade shifted abruptly, the hilt slamming into Xiao Wuchen's face while his other hand reached for his waist.
"Such swift swordsmanship! This man is no ordinary assassin!' Xiao Wuchen's heart skipped a beat. He knew that, although he could easily repel or even injure Zhao Hu by using his own sect's martial arts, this would immediately expose all his trump cards and lead to the mission's failure.
Seizing the moment, Zhao Hu paused slightly and Xiao Wuchen unleashed another burst of internal energy. Copper coins rained down from his sleeve across the corridor.
Propelled by his purple internal energy, these hidden weapons emitted a faint buzzing sound as they travelled through the air, their trajectories overlapping to form an unpredictable net of fire. They weren't intended to kill, but rather to conceal and probe.
Zhao Hu was forced to focus all his energy on defending against and dodging this strange barrage of weapons. He retreated rapidly, sheathing his shadow blade, and drifted away like a black ghost, ultimately merging back into the darkness behind the giant willow tree.
"Good, very good!" Zhao Hu's hoarse voice came from the darkness, tinged with excitement and surprise. 'Your methods are unorthodox. I'm honoured by your concession today. Until next time!'
The moment his voice faded, he vanished without a trace.
Xiao Wuchen withdrew his internal energy, panting and with sweaty palms. He knew that Zhao Hu had deliberately retreated and that the initial probe had been successful.
[System Notification]
[Main Quest: Night Clash
Completion: 100%.
Execution result: Successfully repelled Shadow Blade Zhao Hu, concealing the full power of the True Martial system.
Mysterious Guard Assessment: Xiao Wuchen's martial arts are unpredictable and he specialises in unorthodox hidden weapons. His internal energy path differs from that of known martial arts sects. Judgment: Strength exceeds expectations, but the threat is manageable.
Quest reward: Purple Qi Willow: Deep Fusion increased by 30%; Willow Leaf Flying Knife skill unlocked.
Xiao Wuchen looked at the copper coin in his hand, then in the direction that Zhao Hu had disappeared in. A cold smile appeared on his lips.
'Mysterious Guard... you think this is all I have?'
He had successfully portrayed himself as a freak possessing mysterious, unorthodox martial arts rather than as a threat with a strong, orthodox foundation.
Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Mysterious Guard... After listening to Zhao Hu's brief report, Zhou Chengying frowned and pondered for a long time.
'An unorthodox hidden weapon technique? The internal force is subtle and persistent... Indeed, it's difficult to determine its origin. Are you sure he didn't use a sword?'
'Yes, Commander. If he had used a sword, I'm afraid I wouldn't have escaped unscathed. His hidden weapon techniques are more troublesome than ghosts and gods,' replied Zhao Hu respectfully.
Zhou Chengying tapped his fingers lightly on the table. 'In that case, there's no need to take any further action for now. Continue monitoring him and put him on the 'special observation' list. I want to see just how much of a storm this purple willow catkin can stir up.'