Chapter 52 52: Unwilling

The biggest problem he had was where to find those people. However, to think that he was going to find one of them so easily was even beyond his expectations.

With the description of the flag formation, he was even more clear about things. These people didn't directly attack. Instead, they used others to first make the situation chaotic.

As the flags required a team of three individuals to operate, it was clear that the other two team members were in close proximity.

However, before taking action, he decided to survey the entire surrounding and locate the other two individuals.

As anticipated, the other two Shadow Guards were standing proudly behind their respective flags as well.

After realizing where everyone was, Xu Shan finally took action.

Thanks to his father's treasure, he possessed the ability to remain concealed from even the Sky Celestials, as long as they weren't directly looking at him or he made any sudden noise. Moreover, his proficiency in the technique of Cloud Steps served to balance out most of his shortcomings.

As he skillfully utilized the Cloud Steps technique to approach the Shadow General from behind, his body became eerily light, like a delicate leaf floating in the wind. Not a single sound could be heard from his footsteps.

He brandished a dagger, gripping it tightly as he strode towards the Sky Celestial who seemed to be the focus of his attention at the Palace.

With a determined look on his face, Xu Shan lifted his dagger high and took aim at the Shadow General's neck. With all his strength, he thrust the dagger forward, determined to strike a fatal blow.

Swiss~

The dagger went straight through, yet Xu Shan didn't feel a hint of resistance. His weapon seemed to glide effortlessly through the man's skin. However, something felt amiss.

The elusive Shadow General had vanished without a trace. His swift stabbing motion only seemed to have grazed an after image.

Xu Shan was startled and quickly turned around, a feeling of dread washing over him. He had believed that he could defeat a Sky Celestial with a surprise attack. However, he realized that it was much harder than he had anticipated.

The Shadow General reacted instantly to the sensation of a cold blade on the back of his neck, moving quickly to avoid whatever danger loomed behind him. Despite Xu Shan's rapid movements, he was no match for the lightning-fast reflexes of a highly skilled Sky Celestial with expertise in a multitude of movement techniques.

Xu Shan's demeanor changed slightly as he turned to see who was behind him. His face grew somber at the sight of the Shadow General standing there, absentmindedly rubbing the back of his neck.

A slight scrape was apparent on the nape of his neck, accompanied by a faint trickle of blood. Nonetheless, the injury was not severe.

"And here I thought that it was going to be harder to kill a Prince. To think that you would personally come to your death. I wonder if I should thank you."

The Shadow Guard appeared to belittle Xu Shan for his perceived weakness and lack of intelligence. But despite his outward confidence, the Shadow Guard's own heart raced as he felt a twinge of discomfort on his neck.

He realized that if he had been even a fraction slower to react, he might not have survived the attack. Though he was visibly shaken, he managed to maintain his composure and not reveal his fear.

In fact, even now he couldn't believe that he was so close to death.

Since he knew that Xu Shan was a mere mortal, he became convinced that he must have been aided by some sort of powerful treasure that allowed him to conceal his presence.

"I was planning to sneak inside and kill you while those idiots kept your guard body..." The Shadow Guard raided his hand. "There's no need for that anymore."

Energy with a dark celestial shade coalesced around his hand, taking the shape of a sword.

Despite being made purely of Celestial Aura, his sword was just as powerful as any treasure sword, if not more so. In fact, it was sharper than many, with the ability to effortlessly slice a metal door in half with an evil grace.

Xu Shan remained silent, his face composed, but his eyes revealed his true feelings.

He had assumed that he could exploit their lack of awareness to his advantage. Unfortunately, his attempt had backfired, and he found himself in the midst of a direct confrontation. This was not the scenario he had anticipated or desired.

Despite the fact that there was only one Shadow Guard before him, the difference in strength could not be disregarded. Even at his prime, he had doubts about his ability to defeat a Shadow Guard in a fight.

Despite his worries, now that he was in this situation, he couldn't back off. It wasn't as if this guy was going to allow him to leave. His only option appeared to be using the Book of Desires, but that was also unlikely in this situation.

Deep within, he couldn't help but wonder if this was how long his journey was going to last. He clenched his fist, not willing to accept it! He knew he was weak! That's why he had been using other people to handle urgent matters that could threaten him.

However, even with this weakness, he didn't want to accept death! His father had sacrificed his life to give him this life!

In the end, he simply raised the dagger, getting in position. Even though he was weak, he wanted to survive! His will to survive was stronger than anything he possessed! Even if he could forget himself, this desire to survive was something he wasn't going to forget!

"Oh? You want to fight even in this situation?" The Shadow Guard couldn't help but laugh. He wasn't in any hurry. Ye Han was still inside the palace, taking care of the ones who had lost their minds!

Moreover, according to Ye Han, Xu Shan was still in his room so the First Shadows Guard didn't think that the guy was going to appear here.

In addition, he chose not to disclose Xu Shan's presence to the other Shadow Guards, as he wished to claim all the credit for himself!

He knew how much importance Emperor Qin paid to Xu Shan. If he was the one who managed to kill him all alone, then it was an achievement worth celebrating! He didn't want to share this achievement with anyone else.

"Even though I have plenty of time, I will be kind enough to put you out of your misery right away!"

The Shadow Guard finally moved, not wasting a single moment.