Assassin's POV
I looked at my target. A mission to paralyze or kill a young master with a cultivation at the 7th realm of Qi Condensation should have been simple—just a job ordered by the Marquis's daughter. There shouldn't have been any issues, and it was supposed to be highly profitable.But nothing went as expected. His foundation seemed to be at the 8th or even 9th realm of Qi Condensation. My companions struggled to deal with him, yet I didn't move. The fewer assassins left, the more reward I would get. No need to split anything—so I waited.That changed when I saw him wipe out all my companions, leaving only one alive. When I finally stepped in to stop him from killing the last assassin, two fox beasts appeared—each with a cultivation equivalent to the 8th or 9th realm of Qi Condensation and wielding rare elements. I went on full alert.
My own cultivation was at the 1st realm of Foundation Establishment. Of course, the gap between realms is massive and not easily bridged, but this young man was clearly a genius. And with two beasts practically at the peak of Qi Condensation—well, things wouldn't be easy. Especially since beasts at the early stages of cultivation are generally stronger, both physically and in energy use.I had seen him earlier touching certain points on the wall, like he was inspecting it with his hand—spending seconds in different spots. At the time, I had a bad feeling, but I didn't act, still doubting we'd been discovered.
That was my big mistake.The moment he touched the wall again, I felt the environment shift.The space was sealed—my escape blocked. I could also feel some of my power being suppressed by the surroundings.When I sent out my Qi to inspect, it was clear—there was a formation here."You... how!?" I asked, irritated.His reply came calmly:"Oh, that? I made the formation myself. Not too hard—just used some light materials, my Qi, and pre-prepared formation plates. Honestly, I'm disappointed. As an assassin, I expected you to be less arrogant and more prepared."
His words enraged me, but there was nothing I could do. I had placed too much faith in the intel and my own strength. I never imagined he had not only hidden his cultivation realm, but also kept two powerful beasts and a complete formation hidden. It blocked my escape and even suppressed me."Well then, let's fight," I heard him say. Before I could act, countless arrows of light and spears of water came flying toward me.
I calmly used my bow to fire dark energy arrows that destroyed his attacks—but then, I sensed danger.Using my bowstring, I sent a wave of energy behind me, clashing with the shadow-covered claws of one of the foxes.
Unfortunately, there weren't just two enemies—there were three.I rolled to dodge, but my right arm was slashed by icy water claws. Cold energy invaded my body.Then I felt a sting in my leg.Two needles with green liquid dripped from the wound."Poison!" I thought, furious and desperate. How many hidden weapons could a young man possibly have?I was already feeling dizzy and aching.
Seeing how bad the situation had gotten, I reached into my spatial ring and pulled out a talisman. I activated it immediately. A black hyena materialized, with strength around the 3rd or 4th realm of Foundation Establishment.He noticed my move but didn't react."Hmph. Arrogant. Die!" I shouted as the hyena's Qi surged forward to strike him.
But then the formation flared.The hyena struck—but the formation shielded him completely. Still, it left cracks.If I could push further, I might break it and escape. I didn't want to see what other surprises he had.Unfortunately…
Before I could act, one fox hit me with snow and ice on my right, and shadows struck from the left.I managed to block it—but the boy had saved his deadliest trick.
I barely sensed it.Suddenly, he appeared beside me.His body was cloaked in blue and purple lightning, and darkness hid his form.His sword struck like lightning and stars, and all I saw in the end was the world spinning…As my head spun through the air.
The only thing I thought was:He truly is a young master with countless secret techniques… pulling affinities and powers from nowhere—light, fire, water, darkness, lightning…All things considered, it was a fair death.
...
MC's POVI took down the assassin—he fell.That talisman of his really surprised me. Of course, I had a couple of similar ones myself, infused with my grandfather's power. All of us siblings do.I just didn't expect him to pull one out. Luckily, my formation held.
That's when I decided to end the fight. Assassins often have multiple secret weapons—the others didn't get a chance to use them, but this one did. I couldn't risk him pulling out more.
In the end, I wasn't the only one with hidden cards—actually, that's common in the cultivation world.Stories about people pulling out ridiculous techniques or a "commoner" suddenly revealing crazy strength? Yeah, that's not just fiction—it's reality. Especially with young masters.
Once it was over, I collected the items they left behind, used a dissolution potion to destroy their bodies and gear, and repaired the area.I had to replace some formation plates and energy stones. Once I was done, the formation vanished.I cloaked myself in shadow energy and left.My two spirit beasts had already returned to my internal world.
After leaving, I headed toward the auction house.To enter, you need either an invitation or payment.Of course, being from a Duke's family, my identity would be more than enough.But I didn't plan on using that.
When I arrived, a guard stopped me."Invitation or payment?""Neither. I wish to sell some items."He scanned me and called someone from inside.
A servant appeared—ordinary-looking. He tried to gauge my cultivation, but as someone only at the 6th realm of Qi Condensation, he couldn't see it.Even the guards at the 1st and 2nd realm of Foundation Establishment couldn't sense my power—thanks to my palace's concealment ability.
"Please follow me," he said with a bow.I followed in silence. Besides my hood, I wore a cute cat mask and cloaked myself in shadow. My palace hid my cultivation.The outside of the auction house looked ordinary, made of wood like any other building.Inside, though, it was luxurious—guards in position, the space decorated with rugs, spiritual plants, paintings, and vases. A typical auction setting.
Eventually, I was led to a private meeting room.The staff offered tea, juice, and some truly delicious snacks.Some were like Chinese mooncakes, others like small muffins.I especially liked the apple and walnut muffins—and the cold strawberry juice.
Breathing in the calm atmosphere, I prepared to sell some special items under this hidden identity.Today, I'd sell two sets each of Qi replenishment pills, physical healing pills, and mental healing pills—plus three Rebirth Pills.The Rebirth Pills were the highlight. Rare, especially in this region, and perfect to solidify this alias of mine.
With 45 minutes left before the auction started, the manager entered.She wore a stylish egg-yellow dress and high heels, with striking curly hair."A mysterious guest. I can't sense your strength, but it doesn't seem that high," she said calmly—openly admitting she'd tried to scan me.I noticed she was at the 5th realm of Foundation Establishment—a strong level, especially given the low Qi density of this region.
She sat with elegance, legs crossed, radiating the confident aura of a merchant.There was arrogance in her gaze—but balanced with a touch of respect for her client.