Chapter 107: The assassination

"Which one would be the best approach out of the two? That is a difficult question to answer. Each of the options has its own perks. I consider the case of the first option. It was the option occasion for a surprise attack. Especially at the time of the fight, where the strongest contenders are already engaged in a duel, with no thought to spare. But the environment wouldn't be friendly for us since there will be a huge number of guards present. Also, from the reports, the king just gave his words. Whether it will actually occur is still an unanswered question. The best way is to overpower them and attack when Long Tao is not around."

The other two agreed on nightshade's words. It was the logical choice to make, one with the least risks and highest possibility of success. "identify the potential market spot and the location of the visit." He looked at the other two partners his and asked them to keep an eye on the princess. "You two would take care of the surveillance regarding the princess. I will take care regarding the surveillance over Long Tao." The three of them agreed on the roles they were about to play.

To the surprise of these people, Long Tao remained busy with conversation. It was either the king or the royal inheritors (The prince and princess) who would generally seek an audience with long To and indulge him in a thought-provoking argument related to martial arts, politics kinship, and armed forces. While Jiao Mingue was busy in the discussion of peace talks, Long Tao got a lot of time to practice his arts.

One of the biggest flaws he had seen in his attacks is the fact that he didn't master or even came near to mastering a particular art. The reason he was able to execute such a powerful attack was due to his Qi density and quality along with a strong physical body. The first aim of his daily practice was to learn how to better control his body. He needed to first get acquainted with his body. The exercise began with a normal workout.

Long Tao started doing normal sit-ups and crunches. Only after executing them for a small period of time, did he got to understand how uncontrolled his body really was. Although he managed to increase his body strength to the next levels, he was just getting buffed up. There was no real muscular memory improvement. The calisthenics of his body was extremely disproportionate. He needed to think of a way to get it under control. The best way to do that would be a bare-handed spar with someone. There was no better way than being taught by a real fight.

Just as he was about to chalk out a plan for proceeding, a figure arrived in his courtyard. "What news do you bring me?" The figure indicated to enter the house. Back at Long Tao's room, the figure finally showed his face. "you need to be careful about your future steps.". "There seems to be a new development. From what I know a whole new group of assassins has been assigned this job. They have been tailing all of the people involved. Especially you and the princess are under strict scrutiny."

Long Tao expected this to happen. The organization responsible for the assassination mission seems to be learning from their previous mistake. Him being put under scrutiny means a target being set at his back. He couldn't feel the stalker of his. They seem to be real good assassins involved this time. "Have you got any information regarding the assassin assigned to us this time." "There is only one person we were able to identify?". The man put out a painting.

The figure drawn on the piece of paper was a camouflaged one. He was covered from head to toe with coverings, leaving only his eyes out. The only distinct characteristics one could see was that white hair and the grey colored eyes. The weapon held by him were two identical curved daggers. "This assassin is the only one we have information on. He is called Nightshade. A notorious killer famous for his execution abilities."

Long Tao was getting excited about this whole business of assassination. There were multiple tries on the life of the princess during their travel. But he managed to overpower them every time. They seem to be serious. But one assassin wouldn't be enough to scare Long Tao unless he is at least at the cultivation above QI general level 5. "This time it seems to be special. The organization seems to have sent others with the strength similar to Nightshade. This is a multi-operative mission, which means the people involved would be far greater than last time."

Long Tao analyzed the data and the situation. As he thought even the princess and the Chu siblings were under the observation of the assassins. If he did wait for them to attack, he might not have control over the situation. It was better if they can lure the assassins out. Long Tao wanted to kill at least two operatives who were in charge of this mission. He was sure the number of operatives, belonging to Qi general class would be no more than 4. He needed to clean the ground with 2 operatives. It would leave another one or two or a direct confrontation. Long Tao was confident in that situation.

"I need you to inform your boss regarding a certain situation. Tell him to come during mid-night" Long Tao handed the guy a written set of documents. "It enlists the plan I have made for the upcoming situations. Don't get caught. "The man thought it was a letter formulating the plan of action. He decided to take it. He vanished after that. Long Tao walked outside and informed one of the guards nearby that he wanted to have an audience with the king.

The guards vanished from the spot to inform the court regarding the request of Long Tao. He needed to distract himself. He continued his practice of body movements. All Long Tao was doing was cardio exercises, push-ups, balancing, crunches, sit-ups, pull-ups and boxing. Long Tao was currently at 3rd circulation of 9 thunder body art too. One couldn't imagine the boy's strength of the avatar at the thunder god academy. But what it did help Long Tao was enhancing the control over the thunder element to a very extent. He needed to get acquainted with his body strength, after which he decided to start his elements training once again.

The soldier arrived near Long Tao soon enough. "The king has invited you to Tea." Su Menqi arrived at the location at the same time as the guard did. Long Tao called her to the side after dismissing the guard. He conversed with her for some time and finally left for the meeting with the king. All these times a figure was watching Long Tao. The one who left with a parcel gave Nightshade a feeling of urgency. It must be containing some valuable information in it. He followed the figure after Long Tao left for the court.

In the royal garden-

"I didn't expect you to be so impatient to get a meet with me, Brother Long. I suppose you have, at some point in your life played a game of chess. Would you care to join me for a game?" Long Tao was silent for the starting part, but a conversation began soon enough. "The assassination attempts this time seems to be a serious this time around. There are going to be multiple operatives of Qi general level attacking. I would like your help in the matter."

"What can I possibly give you that you don't have. I can arrange a large number of guards to accompany princess Jiao. Anything else."." I would like you to do no such thing I want the second prince's help in this matter." The game of chess abruptly came to an end, when Long Tao successfully lured the enemy king to a favorable position, and killed him with another piece, while he was distracted by the bait. "So, you want the assassin who is going to attempt the kill by luring him in your domain. I suppose the second prince will be the ace in the sleeve." Long Tao gave out a vague smile in response.

Nightfall-

Long Tao was moving around in his corridor when a faint footstep was heard. "I presume you got my letter, Sable.". The figure was none other than the leader of the rebellion, Sable. Log Tao saw the figure coming into a brighter space. He had to compliment Sable's talent. "You managed to break through to the Qi general level so fast. The last I remembered you were about to break through the seventh layer of QI master. You must have sieged quite some fortune during the rebellion.". "I have to say you managed to surprise me. As per the talent perspective, the one I saw was in the 3rd level of QI master. You stand at the very peak now. Also, you seem to be more powerful than the initial Qi generals. How can I compare to you? Anyway, the reason regarding call me here."

"I wanted you to meet some." Long Tao looked around at a nearby structure. "Would you reveal yourself now, Mr. Nightshade.". There were no movements for some time, but soon a figure appeared. Sable was shocked by this discovery. He didn't feel any aura before coming here. "So you really were informed about me. I have to say." But before he could speak, Long Tao interrupted. "the assassination must be underway, isn't it?" Nightshade had an expression of surprise. How could he know?