Chapter Twelve: The Assassin’s League Reveals Itself

Behind the crowd, a man with black hair rushed forward.

He was dressed in a black leather jacket, his physique remarkably well-proportioned. The snug jacket seemed about to burst apart from his muscular frame. Standing at least two meters tall, he surprised everyone most with his blue eyes.

His face was contorted with fury as he strode toward Xiao Ye, two masked figures following close behind.

"John!"

When Shangguan Hongfei saw him, his previously gloomy expression transformed instantly into wild joy, as though salvation had descended from the heavens.

"Who are you people, daring to treat the head of the Shangguan family like this? Do you even know who he is?"

This John, as he was called, was in truth the Consul of the Assassin Alliance. He had come specifically to deal with the failed assassination mission. His motives, however, were not entirely official. The failure had little to do with him, but he fancied the Shangguan family's influence and hoped to draw nearer to their circle. The Shangguan clan was a financial conglomerate—he might need their aid someday.

He hadn't expected to arrive only to find Xiao Ye preparing to cleanse the entire Ye family.

"John, you’re just in time! This man intends to strike against the Shangguan clan. Kill him for me, and I’ll give you everything the Shangguan family owns!" Shangguan Hongfei shouted.

"Is that so?" John’s expression grew serious, his gaze fixed intently on Xiao Ye and the others. This was the perfect opportunity to make his move.

"Brother Shangguan, there’s no need to give me your whole fortune. I’ll handle this as a favor," John said, peeling off his black leather jacket to reveal his knotted, powerful muscles. He seemed like a wild beast, the ferocity radiating from him almost tangible.

Xiao Ye and his companions stood unmoved, their posture upright, their presence overwhelming.

John swept his gaze across them, a sinister smile curling his lips.

"Kid, you’ve run into trouble today. I’m taking charge of this matter!"

His eyes gleamed with bloodlust. He hadn’t achieved his position as Consul of the Assassin Alliance merely due to his stature. As the most outstanding elite assassin in the organization, he had participated in numerous high-profile assassinations, rarely failing.

To him, Xiao Ye was nothing more than a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.

Yet Xiao Ye showed no reaction to John’s threat.

"Those who meddle, die without mercy," said the Dragon beside Xiao Ye, his voice cold.

"I’m speaking to your master, dog—don’t bark," John sneered, his tone dripping with ridicule and contempt.

The Dragon, never before so provoked, prepared to rush forward and challenge John.

But Xiao Ye’s cold voice halted him. "I gave you your chance. You refused it."

"The Assassin Alliance will share the Shangguan family’s fate."

Upon hearing this, John laughed even louder.

"Such arrogance! I only need one hand to crush you two ants. Get them!"

At his command, the two assassins behind him sprang forward, their movements swift as shadows. John’s lips twisted into a cruel smile, as if he could already see Xiao Ye’s violent demise.

Though not as strong as John, his companions were formidable in their own right. Their steps were ghostly, rapidly closing in on Xiao Ye.

To the Shangguan family's eyes, their speed was so great they seemed to vanish, leaving only afterimages in their wake.

"That’s it, John! Kill them for me!" Shangguan Hongfei cried out, his eyes once again gleaming with wild hope.

Just as the two assassins were about to reach Xiao Ye, he lifted his arm slightly.

With a muffled sound, blood spurted from the backs of the assassins, two crimson arrows spraying forth. Each assassin’s chest bore a gaping hole, blood even splattering onto John’s face.

They collapsed with a heavy thud, the echo reverberating through the hall.

"This… how is this possible!" John froze in place, his eyes wide with terror.

He couldn’t fathom what Xiao Ye had done—he hadn’t even heard a gunshot.

What terrified him most was that he hadn’t lost focus, yet he hadn’t seen Xiao Ye’s movement at all.

Suddenly, Xiao Ye’s icy, murderous gaze turned upon him, causing his body to stiffen.

"Tell me—how do you want to die?"

Just those words made John’s face change abruptly, his heart pounding wildly.

His years as an assassin told him he was in grave danger, but he could do nothing but force himself to speak.

"You want to kill me? Do you even know who I am? I’m part of the Assassin Alliance!"

"If you dare lay a hand on me, you’ll face the wrath of the entire Alliance, you filthy dog!"

Despite Xiao Ye’s apparent strength, John showed not a hint of fear.

He still had one last card up his sleeve.

At his waist, a gun was holstered. In a second, he could pierce Xiao Ye’s skull.

"How dare you speak to King Xiao like that!" the Dragon snorted, about to step forward and deal with the mongrel.

Xiao Ye raised his hand and stopped him, a fearless smile appearing at the corner of his lips.

"This one is mine."

John frowned, surprised that Xiao Ye showed no fear of his gun.

And the Dragon had called Xiao Ye "King Xiao"—the name sounded familiar to him, as though he’d heard it somewhere before.

"Take out your hidden gun. If you can defeat me before I attack, you may leave here alive."

John’s expression changed sharply; Xiao Ye had already known he carried a gun.

No longer hesitating, John drew his weapon with a grim smile.

"Kid, you’re bold indeed. Letting me draw my gun, you clearly have no idea what death means!"

Xiao Ye’s face remained impassive, merely raising his hand and waving his fingers.

"You bastard!" John cursed angrily, seeing it as nothing less than provocation.

He didn’t wait for Xiao Ye—he raised his gun and fired.

The trigger was pulled, flames bursting from the barrel.

But in a flash, Xiao Ye moved. His left foot shifted lightly, and the bullet grazed past him.

Within two steps, Xiao Ye was in front of John.

Beyond three steps, Xiao Ye moved faster than a bullet; within three steps, his actions were swifter still.

The next moment, John felt a sharp pain in his chest, as though something had burrowed into his heart.

He looked down, his face draining of all color.

Xiao Ye’s right hand had pierced his chest and emerged from his back, gripping a still-beating heart.

"You… you…"

John stared at Xiao Ye in shock, feeling his strength drain away like silk unraveling.

The last thing he saw was Xiao Ye’s eyes, devoid of the slightest warmth.