Chapter 41: Please Reveal Yourself, My Lord

Chapter 41: Please Reveal Yourself, My Lord (Request for Continued Reading)

After an incense stick burned down, Su Chen exited the County Courthouse, followed by the County Clerk.

"Champion Yang, take care on your way out", the County Clerk said respectfully.

Su Chen nodded, turned, and disappeared down the street.

Rather than immediately pursuing the bounty, Su Chen first returned home before heading to the Blacksmith Shop. The elderly blacksmith recognized him immediately, greeting him warmly.

"Is my weapon ready?" Su Chen asked.

"It’s done." The blacksmith handed him an Enhanced Crane Feather Saber along with its sheath. "I’ve also upgraded the scabbard."

Su Chen accepted the weapon without a word, drawing the saber to inspect its gleaming, razor-sharp blade. A crisp 'ding' echoed as the steel slid free. Satisfied, he nodded.

"Twenty silver taels", he said, handing over the payment. The blacksmith beamed as he took the coins.

Leaving the shop, Su Chen returned home an hour later, donning a thick black overcoat that broadened his frame. He secured the Enhanced Crane Feather Saber into the False Arm Sheath, aligning it with his concealed limb. After ensuring it blended seamlessly with his usual posture, he tested its draw. Initially stiff, the motion grew fluid with practice.

"The effect’s decent enough", he muttered, eyeing the torn sleeve. "But it’s murder on coats." Fortunately, he’d stocked up on spare overcoats.

After further practice, he paused. "Must be the new blade—my timing’s still off. Better refine it at home before the mission. Can’t afford hesitation when lives are on the line."

The county magistrate’s assignment was three days away, leaving ample time. He resolved to train until then, aiming for a flawless, decisive strike.

Three days slipped by like flowing water. That evening, Su Chen changed into dark attire, concealed a sleeve-hidden blade and steel saber, and left White Stone City.

According to the County Courthouse’s report, his target tonight was Chu Ming—a merchant in public, but secretly an informant for the Pure Land Sect. Chu Ming supplied intelligence that allowed the sect to expand its influence, costing countless innocent lives. Authorities had repeatedly failed to eradicate the sect due to leaks, often traced back to Chu Ming’s treachery.

At Rat Hour, Chu Ming would meet Pure Land Sect conspirators in the Western Outskirts Wild Grove. The optimal moment to strike would be after their exchange.

Su Chen cared little for their dealings—his mission was simply to eliminate Chu Ming.

Soon, he reached the grove, hiding himself to wait. Time dripped by until faint footsteps broke the silence. Under the pale moonlight, a shadow approached—Chu Ming.

Seeing only one figure, Su Chen held his breath, remaining motionless. Moments later, three masked men in black leapt from trees, landing silently.

"Did you bring it?" one demanded in a hushed tone.

Chu Ming wordlessly retrieved an object from his robe, handing it to the leader. After inspecting it, the man nodded toward Chu Ming, who suddenly turned, scanning the darkness.

"May I ask which honorable gentleman lurks in the shadows, watching us? Please reveal yourself!" Chu Ming called.

Su Chen instinctively tensed but forced stillness, his eyes darting to locate the source of Chu Ming’s suspicion.

"I’ve been hidden here the entire time—no one else approached. How did he detect me?"

After a fruitless search, doubt crept in. "Could he have sensed me? Impossible. I’m dozens of meters away, holding my breath. When did he notice me?"

Chu Ming’s voice rang again: "If the gentleman refuses to show himself, I’ll have to take matters into my own hands."

Su Chen remained frozen, fixated on Chu Ming, waiting for the first move. He planned to strike Chu Ming down instantly and flee before the trio reacted.

But as time passed, Chu Ming merely paced, making no move. The three accomplices mirrored his inaction.

Realization struck. "A bluff! They’re trying to flush me out like a child!"

Su Chen exhaled, relieved he’d resisted the ruse. Had he exposed himself, he’d now be surrounded.

Shaking his head, he waited until Chu Ming departed. Even then, he stayed hidden. Moments later, the three men returned, silently resuming their vigil in the trees.

Only after they finally vanished did Su Chen rise, brushing off grass. His expression darkened.

"This Chu Ming is far more cunning than I imagined. If I’d acted on the City Authorities’ intel alone, I’d have walked straight into their trap."

He glanced toward Chu Ming’s retreating path, then turned away. "Tonight’s mission is off. I’ll investigate his patterns myself. Tao Wenxuan never set a deadline anyway."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end