Chapter 115: The assassination

Long Tao didn't manage to process the events for some time. "could you please repeat what you just said, princess?". Jiao Mingue could understand the reason for Long Tao's behavior. This was an even greater shock for her, but she couldn't bear to give up on the royal throne at the moment. "The king has been found dead in his chambers, with a knife sticking from his chest, lying on a blood pool. The assassination was carried out in cold blood, and managed to get the king while he was unconscious."

Long Tao took some time to digest the news. The king was found dead. He just confronted an assassin group leader who was as powerful as the king himself. But just now, someone managed to kill the king. It means someone who is at least as powerful as Qi master level 5. This was no joke. The plan of assassination seemed to be very elaborate. They actually managed to catch Jiao Sheng in his sleep.

Long Tao already knew that the finance minister was one f the culprits, but the one he fought managed to get a life-threatening strike on the minister. Long Tao got to evaluate his soul, but the information he got was not much. The soul perished soon enough. All Long Tao got to know was the name of some other court officials who were involved. He was supposed to take action in live court, but the situation here just spiked up in danger. Jiao Sheng's death restricted Long Tao from taking any immediate actions. 

Long Tao made up his mind and took his leave from the royal court after handing the corpse to the royal guards. The royal guards were the most suspicious of all the groups and Long Tao didn't want to leave Jiao Mingue with them, but she needed to handle the matters in the royal court and Long Tao doubted they will take any steps in public. He needed to make some arrangements fast. He instantly sent a message to Su Menqi, ordering her to abandon the mission if any, and come here along with eth whole Black-buck squad. 

But they would still take around 7 days to reach here, and they need to be covert on top of that. This was going to be a problem. He needed to use the people of the Royal academy. That is the only other organization that has Long Tao's clone in it. But he doubted that there will be lots of members of the rebellion in the royal academy too.

Long Tao was just a bit far from achieving the pinnacle of Qi master and step into Qi general. He could easily handle these matters once he rises in power, but he needs someone to distract the enemy until then. He was pretty sure; the organization was already keeping an eye on his movements. He needs to use his avatars to and a horrible strike today itself. 

The royal academy-

Di Tao was practicing his arts as usual. He suddenly stopped his movements and left for his dwelling. So, the first strike has already appeared. The news was yet to be declared to the public. Di Tao managed to find some followers during his stay. Most of them being those he had defeated and were training under him to outgrow his power.

The plan was already laid out. He needs to distract the enemy. But for that, he needs to have quite a number of people working for him. He instantly reported to the third prince who was also training in his pavilion."I hope the prince already got the news.".

The third prince was surprised at Di Tao appearing in his courtyard so suddenly. "what news brother Di?". "your father, the king has been murdered. The assassination was carried out in the early hours during his sleep. The enemy hides in the shadow. We need to take some precautionary measures ASAP."

The prince couldn't manage to react properly. he had an emotional break-down. How could his father die so early? Long Tao could understand his friend's dilemma, but he needed to act fast." I understand your current emotions but we need to act fast. Come to my dwelling." Di Tao helped the prince up, and they were on the move.

Both Di Tao and Jiao Shen got into his dwelling." The information has been suppressed as of now to prevent chaos, but it will be out soon enough. We need to act fast. The news was given by my brother, Long Tao. I suppose you remember him. He is currently acting as one of the supporters of your elder sister. He informed me that the enemy has too deep a reach in the royal palace. He managed to get his hands on the finance minister. He requested that we take help him take a certain action, outside the royal palace."

Di Tao discussed the plan with Jiao Shen, who listened carefully. The list of targets was created. "We act tonight or we will lose the element of surprise. Every single one of them will have the last day in the world today."

The borders-

Su Menqi and the black-buck squad were carrying out hordes of mission at the moment when she received a message in the token given to her by Long Tao. After hearing the message, Su Menqi immediately gathered the squad around and shared the message. The Black-buck squad set out for the capital city instantly. Su Menqi worked hard as per the instruction of Long Tao to improve the individual power of each squad member. The least cultivated among the members present was at Qi mater level 5. Su Menqi herself was at Qi master level 9.

The royal palace-

Long Tao waited for the arrival of the princess. It was around noon that the princess decided to pay a visit to him. "I hope Sir Long will stay strong on his promise. I couldn't afford to lose a confidante at the moment. ". Long Tao understood the peril the princess is facing at the moment.

"I stay true to my ideals princess. It doesn't change situationally. Also, its already too late for a change of site, after I have killed one of their members and defeated another one. I rejected their proposal." The princess was surprised at hearing about the matter. Long Tao described his meeting with the finance minister and his associate.

The princess sighed a breath of relief on knowing that Long Tao didn't abandon her. "You need to get a hold on your nerves princess. This is not a good time to break-down. I want you to keep in mind that you need to stay as close to me, or someone of your clan who is as powerful as me for tonight. Do you have someone in mind."

A voice was heard nearby "She could stay in my protection." It was none other than Jiao vie-general. He was stronger than Jiao Sheng as well as Long Tao. "It's lifted a huge burden off my shoulder to have you on our side." Long Tao relaxed.

"Do you have a plan of action?' The princess asked. "You don't need to worry about that princess. I will give you a good head start. You should start gathering your forces. We will act as soon as I give you the signal.". Long Tao looked at the vice-general "I truly hope you are on our side. I don't want to add you on my kill list." The general laughed out loud. Long Tao left without saying another word.

"Please don't take offense uncle.". The vice-general looked at the princess "He is an officer with the same rank as me. I am sure that he is on our side now. He dared to threaten me even after knowing my power and reach. I have chosen well. "

"The most important fact now is for you to gear up. The battle in front is not going to be a small one." The princess looked exhausted. The vice-general looked at her with pity." Do you know why I let your father ascend to the throne when I am more powerful than him? It was because of the fact that he was a much more efficient person in comparison, at politics. I believe in you, and so does Long Tao. You need to stand strong. We can mourn our family's death later. We need to cross the current calamity first."

Mid-night-

Di Tao was waiting for Jiao Shen to come out. "Here is something for you prince." He handed a long staff shaped object to the prince. The prince opened it to find a bone spear in it. The aura radiating from it was incredible. "This" he looked at DI Tao. "It is a half- level 4 weapon, the bone spear. Refining it again will lead it to become a Qi king weapon. You will be using this in today's fight. We need to kill everyone on this list." The two figures left the premises of the royal academy.

At the same time within the palace, 3 figures were moving simultaneously. It was going to be a very long night. Soon faint cries of pain were being heard throughout the palace, but no one was alerted. Long Tao was carrying out his biggest assassination mission at the moment. Each person whom he killed was searched for information, within their souls. Long Tao gained a ton of names of spies, and traitors. 

"The first move from our side is made. Let's see how the enemy reacts to the situation at hand." Long Tao pointed out in the middle of the discussion. Neither the princess nor the vice-general Jiao understood what Long Tao meant. But his smile was already giving out crude indications.