Chapter 349: Fight (Please Subscribe)
Lin Rui's command, ordering Deputy Commander Xing Hai to take charge of the search at the Li family estate, reached Xing Hai's hands in less than half a moment and was already known to an eighth realm Martial Cultivator hidden somewhere in Luojing named Xu Yu.
This person was clad in a dark green long robe, appeared to be in his thirties, with a lean figure, thick brows, square face, and an aura that was both calm and reserved, giving off the impression that he harbored an unfathomable depth.
Looking at the intelligence in his hands, he sighed, "This youngster is ruthless and spicy, and acts so steadily and cautiously. It seems that there's no way to lure him out now. It's not unjust for old brother Zhu to fall into his hands."
The words of Xu Yu prompted gales of laughter from another eighth realm Martial Cultivator beside him, "Zhu Tiantang, a formidable eighth realm Martial Cultivator with such a powerful force in his hands, inexplicably fell into the hands of this Lin Hao. Xu Yu, you tell me that's not unjust?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Yu laughed it off lightly, not addressing the comment directly.
Indeed, Zhu Tiantang was a formidable eighth realm Martial Cultivator, but which commander of the assassination bureau from past generations wasn't among the most top-notch talens of the Heavenly Extreme Star?
The current second and third Divine Envoys had both risen from the position of commander of the assassination bureau, and even those who didn't become Divine Envoys still held significant power.
Otherwise, why would this position receive such attention from all parties?
"Since he refuses to leave the city, then we have no choice but to make a move within the city. Next, we'll have to trouble Brother Wang."
Xu Yu looked earnestly at the eighth realm Martial Cultivator sitting across from him, "We need at least 200 seconds. With Brother Wang's capabilities, you can certainly do it!"
The man across from him, dressed in scholar's attire, with handsome features and a prominent nose, was named Wang Tianwu, a highly powerful eighth realm technique master skilled in Illusion Techniques.
This person was not only a one-star marshal reservist officially registered with the federal military but also a well-known mercenary in the dark world of the federation, notorious for not abstaining from any sort of dirty work, willing to take on any job for money.
In the Earth Federation, not every eighth realm Martial Cultivator could hold a high-ranking position and control vast social resources and influence in the fourteen base cities like Linghu Mingde and Jin Bolong.
Those from the first five generations of diverse practitioners who were active during the pioneering era of Heavenly Extreme Star, as long as they were fortunate enough not to die, could generally make a fortune and acquire a very high social status.
Although a portion of practitioners from later generations also grew and gained powerful individual strength, it was difficult for them to achieve the same success as the earlier generations did.
Above them was an increasingly solidified social stratum with a large group of predecessors who held vast wealth and power.
Therefore, many of the standout individuals from the later generations of diverse practitioners served major corporations and military or political institutions, or like Wang Tianwu, they were active in the world of mercenaries, earning money through work.
Or, like Xu Yu, served a four-star marshal, acting as another's spear or shield.
"200 seconds?" Wang Tianwu let out a sarcastic laugh, his eyes sly, "This is Luojing, at the feet of the gods! And the person you want to assassinate is not only the beloved disciple of the third Divine Envoy but also the current commander of the assassination bureau—"
He suddenly stopped speaking as Xu Yu in front of him took out a stack of banknotes and handed them over.
Wang Tianwu quickly sensed the value of the stack of banknotes, knowing it amounted to a total of 35,000 taels of divine gold, which was equivalent to 3.5 billion federation coins. If exchanged on the black market, it could fetch 4 billion or even more.
Initially, his heart surged with excitement, then he let out a cold laugh. This remuneration was merely the price of a 9SS-level solo mission, yet the risk of this mission was far beyond 9SS-level.
Assassinating Lin Hao within Luojing carried risks that would not be an exaggeration even if rated 10SSS-level, not to mention the consequences.
"It's not as dangerous as you think. Once the mission begins, our marshal will personally descend upon Heavenly Extreme Star to draw the attention of the three Divine Envoys. Old Wang, our marshal highly values this Lin Hao and demands to see his corpse within five days," Xu Yu said with a smile on his lips, voice persuasive. "I heard Brother Wang has offended your teacher Ling Huan? Have you been avoiding his pursuit? If Brother Wang is willing to lend a hand this time, I can ask the marshal to mediate for you."
"There's no need for mediation. My teacher is not someone who listens to persuasion. Xu Yu, cut the bullshit with these deceptive words. Unless your own marshal is willing to protect me, it's useless," Wang Tianwu narrowed his eyes, "200 seconds, you're after my life! Just that Skywatching Divine Mirror is extraordinary. I can promise you 100 seconds, and I won't participate in combat nor reveal myself. For every second beyond 100, you'll have to add 20 million federation coins."
Xu Yu raised his brows on hearing this and then nodded decisively, "Deal!"
He thought 100 seconds was already more than enough.
With the forces they had mobilized, killing the fifth realm commander of the assassination bureau who had not yet fully grown, Xu Yu estimated it would take at most 50 seconds.
At this moment, Xu Yu received yet another piece of news.
Lin Hao had left his home and was likely headed to Yongye Street on the east side of the Imperial City.
This street was also famously known among the diverse practitioners, affectionately referred to as Magic Artifact Street, with over a hundred shops all dealing in magic artifacts and weaponry.
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About an hour and a half later, Lin Rui walked out of a shop named 'Heavenly Device Tower.'
There were many shops selling 'Messenger' magic artifacts, and after comparing three, Lin Rui finally purchased a 'Thirty Thousand Li Messenger' in 'Heavenly Device Tower', which claimed to reach its destination anywhere within thirty thousand li in a day.
The item was valued at 25,000 taels of divine gold, equivalent to 2.5 billion federation coins.