Absolute Warrior V1C3: Standby Order
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TL: FoodieMonster007 If you see this, you are at the wrong site!
Jo Birang, the new recruit, entered the operations room, laden with documents. As his eyes fell on the topmost paper, he murmured, "He's truly remarkable. Truly."
All eyes turned to him.
"I'm speaking of Crimson Tiger," he explained. "After vanquishing the Bloody Blade Trio, he rescued Green Snake and broke the enemy's encirclement, escaping unharmed."
Eom Baekyang chuckled. "You rascal, now do you finally understand?"
Crimson Tiger's existence was a boon to the Radiant Hall. As long as they had him around, operations ran smoothly.
Glancing at Wang Sochan, Eom Baekyang asked, "Where is Crimson Tiger now?"
"He has departed."
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"He must be quite tired."
"Indeed."
"Increase his mission compensation."
"Understood."
Still standing at the entrance, Jo Birang voiced his concern. "I recognize his abilities, but I still think we have too little information on him."
Propping his feet on the desk, Hong Sabaek asked, "Are you still harping on that? Just what are you so curious about?"
"I have more than a few questions about him, but most importantly, we know nothing about who he was or what he did before he became a Phantom."
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"Why are you so interested in that?"
"Of course, I'm curious. Crimson Tiger is our top agent. Isn't it odd that we know so little about his past?"
"Ignorance is bliss, knowledge invites disaster. Do you know how that saying changes in the context of the jianghu?"
"No."
"Know too little and you die. Know too much and you also die."
"……" Jo Birang pouted.
Hong Sabaek gave him a sharp look. "What? You think I'm being ambiguous?"
Although Jo Birang didn't nod, his expression betrayed his thoughts. With a stubborn look, he continued, "Okay, Senior. Let's say we overlook his past because everyone has their own circumstances. Can you tell me why even the information about his martial arts is classified?"
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"To prevent leaks to the Evil Coalition, obviously."
"Isn't that unlikely?"
"Why do you think it's unlikely?"
Jo Birang's eyes widened. "Huh?"
"For all we know, you could be a spy for the Evil Coalition," Hong Sabaek accused.
"W-What did you say? I'm not a s-spy! Why are you suddenly accusing me of such a thing?" Jo Birang protested, his face turning pale and his eyes quivering.
Hong Sabaek eyed him with suspicion. "Why are you so agitated? It's suspicious."
"I-I… Ever since I was a child, my tongue twists and my body shivers whenever I'm falsely accused…"
"Good grief, you'll pass out at this rate. Alright, alright, I believe you're innocent," Hong Sabaek relented.
Jo Birang breathed a sigh of relief.
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Hong Sabaek's playful expression vanished, replaced by a serious look. "Listen carefully, Junior. Our job is to keep the wheels of the organization turning. If a wheel breaks, we replace it. As long as it meets the specifications, we don't care where the wheel was made or what it's made of. Understand?"
"……" Jo Birang sulked like a rebellious child.
"Do you think I'm heartless?"
"…Yes."
"Then you've come to the wrong place. If you want to live a kind life, go teach kids at a school or martial arts academy."
"……"
"In this place, the end justifies the means. The only thing that matters is success or failure," Hong Sabaek said coldly.
He had once been as passionate as Jo Birang, if not more so, and had cared deeply for the Twelve Phantoms. However, after losing many of them due to his own mistakes and misjudgments, he had changed. Now, he tried to avoid becoming emotionally attached to them.
And it wasn't just him. All the senior staff here had undergone similar experiences and shared similar feelings.
Unaware of their past, Jo Birang insisted, "I think that's wrong. The Twelve Phantoms aren't expendable tools. They're colleagues we should cherish. We're not cold-blooded monsters with no feelings."
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Hong Sabaek didn't answer. Wang Sochan hummed a melody. Eom Baekyang, who had been quietly listening in, pretended to be working.
A heavy silence filled the room, broken only when Im Yeongdal suddenly burst into the office in a panic.
With a serious expression, he approached Eom Baekyang and handed him a document. "A standby order has been issued for Agent Crimson Tiger. After completing his current mission, he must remain stationed at headquarters until further notice."
Everyone froze in surprise.
"Who gave those orders? When did you hear about this?" Eom Baekyang demanded.
Im Yeongdal replied, "The Director issued it just now."
"What's going on? The Director usually entrusts practical affairs to me. This is unprecedented…" Eom Baekyang complained, examining the document.
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"I'm going to see the Director!" he exclaimed, storming out of the operations room.
As he passed Jo Birang, he lightly smacked the back of his junior's head.
BONK!
"You brat! Must be nice to be so optimistic!"
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"I heard you issued a standby order for Crimson Tiger," Eom Baekyang said.
"That's right," Gu Yangseo, the Director of the Radiant Hall, replied nonchalantly, his eyes still fixed on the documents before him.
Gu Yangseo was a man of slender build and keen eyes. He had risen through the ranks through sheer determination and hard work, earning a reputation for his thoroughness and bluntness. Those who met him for the first time often found him a difficult man to deal with.
He and Eom Baekyang were close, comfortable enough to call each other brothers when they were alone. However, in public, Gu Yangseo maintained a professional front, his demeanor as sharp and cold as a knife.
Eom Baekyang approved of this approach. After all, unnecessary displays of familiarity often lead to complications, and ultimately, it was the subordinates who paid the price.
"Are you giving him a vacation?" Eom Baekyang asked, aware that Crimson Tiger had been severely overworked lately and badly needed rest.
Gu Yangseo shook his head. "Not exactly. I have a different assignment for him."
"What is it?" Eom Baekyang asked, his eyes narrowing slightly at the phrase "a different assignment".
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Finally, Gu Yangseo set his work aside and met Eom Baekyang's gaze. "Are you curious?"
"Yes, I am," Eom Baekyang replied, frowning. Gu Yangseo wasn't one to beat around the bush like this.
"You sure you won't regret hearing this?"
A flicker of uncertainty ran through Eom Baekyang, but in the end, his curiosity won out. He wasn't the type to back down out of fear.
"Is it something that'll get me killed?" he asked, half-joking.
Gu Yangseo chuckled. "No, nothing like that."
"Then tell me."
Gu Yangseo rose from his seat and walked to the window, gazing out in silence. "Who do you think will be the next successor?" he said in a low voice.
The question caught Eom Baekyang off guard.
The Association originally had seven potential successors, all direct disciples of the Martial God. However, after five years of bitter infighting, only two remained: the First Young Lord and the Third Young Lady. The others were either dead or missing.
For some reason no one understood, the Martial God Cheon Ahseong had simply watched as his disciples turned on each other, tacitly approving the bloody power struggle. Some speculated that a lifetime devoted to martial arts had instilled in him a belief in the survival of the fittest, a principle he now applied to the selection of his heir.
Eom Baekyang hesitated.
"Well?" Gu Yangseo pressed him again.
Eom Baekyang remained silent. This was a question that required careful consideration and an even more careful answer.
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Without turning around, Gu Yangseo offered his own opinion. "Personally, I'm hoping that the First Young Lord prevails."
Eom Baekyang gulped. This was a topic he avoided, even in the drunken revelry of a brothel. His heart was pounding in his chest, and a sense of foreboding washed over him.
"Not that I think the First Young Lord is a better leader," Gu Yangseo clarified. "In terms of ability, the Third Young Lady is undoubtedly superior."
"Then why do you support the First Young Lord?"
"Because the Third Young Lady's leadership would cause numerous problems. Some believe that she would bring peace with the Evil Coalition, but they are mistaken."
"Because she's a woman?"
"Exactly. The Evil Coalition is a collection of vile individuals who view women as mere sexual playthings. Imagine their reaction to a woman leading the Association. It would be a devastating blow to their pride."
Eom Baekyang had to admit that this was a valid concern.
Gu Yangseo's gaze, fixed on the world outside, grew distant. "However, the real danger lies not with the Evil Coalition and their inferiority complexes, but with the Third Young Lady herself."
"What do you mean?"
"To defy expectations, to break free from the constraints imposed on women, she will take drastic measures."
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"You can't mean…"
Gu Yangseo nodded grimly. "She will strike first."
Eom Baekyang was stunned. He had never even considered such a possibility.
Gu Yangseo continued calmly, "She will launch an attack on the Evil Coalition… and that will trigger an all-out war."
A heavy silence fell over the room. A war between the New Righteous Association and the Evil Coalition would be catastrophic, a fight to the bitter end. It could even wipe out the entire jianghu.
Eom Baekyang considered the Third Young Lady. She was intelligent, ambitious, beautiful, and had the support of many young martial artists within the Association. She was also rumored to be more skilled in martial arts than the First Young Lord.
The First Young Lord, on the other hand, projected an air of calm stability. On the surface, he seemed untouched by political intrigue, yet his survival in the ruthless succession struggle hinted at a side he kept well concealed.
"Okay, but what does all this have to do with Crimson Tiger?" Eom Baekyang asked.
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Gu Yangseo finally turned away from the window, his gaze settling on Eom Baekyang. "Let's have a drink," he said, retrieving a bottle of wine from a cabinet and activating a secret switch behind the wine bottle, revealing a hidden door that led to a secret, soundproofed room.
Eom Baekyang realized that what he was about to hear was something extremely serious.
Inviting Eom Baekyang into the secret room, Gu Yangseo poured a drink for each of them, then finally said, "The First Young Lord has an illegitimate child."
Eom Baekyang's eyes widened. This was shocking news. The First Young Lord was unmarried. If it became known that he had a child out of wedlock, the Association would be shaken to its core. Moreover, the First Young Lord was currently engaged to the eldest daughter of Sin Paegeuk, the formidable Lord of Sword Heaven.
Sin Paegeuk was an extremely proud man. The existence of the First Young Lord's illegitimate child would cause a scandal of epic proportions.
"If this goes public…"
"Indeed. The marriage will be called off, and Sword Heaven will abandon the First Young Lord."
Eom Baekyang swallowed dryly. Sword Heaven was the First Young Lord's strongest ally, and without their support, he was almost certain to lose the succession war.
"How did you find out about this?" Eom Baekyang asked in a strained voice.
Gu Yangseo could feel his friend's agitation, but he remained calm. "The First Young Lord contacted me. He requested a secret meeting."
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"So you heard it directly from him?"
"Yes. He told me about a woman he met briefly in his younger days. Until recently, when he received a letter from her explaining everything, he did not know that she had given birth to his child. Unfortunately, she died of an illness shortly after sending the letter."
"Are you sure that the child is his?" Eom Baekyang asked, then immediately realized how foolish his question was. If there was any doubt, they wouldn't be having this conversation. The First Young Lord would have investigated the matter thoroughly.
"Did he ask you to protect the child?"
"……"
"Why isn't he dealing with this himself?"
"He's in a difficult situation right now."
The ongoing power struggle with the Third Young Lady meant that both of them were under constant surveillance. Every move was reported to the other's network of spies.
"Still…"
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Something didn't add up. The First Young Lord had many skilled martial artists at his disposal. It wasn't impossible for the First Young Lord to discreetly send his own men to retrieve the child.
"Where is the child now?"
Gu Yangseo hesitated. Eom Baekyang prepared himself for another surprise, and he wasn't disappointed.
"The Nine Ironblood Brigades."
"What?" Eom Baekyang gasped. The Nine Ironblood Brigades were the elite fighting force of the Evil Coalition. "He joined the Nine Ironblood Brigades? Why?"
"He doesn't know his father's identity. He grew up in the Evil Coalition's territory and became one of their martial artists."
"Does the Pavilion Master know about this?"
"He… does not."
Eom Baekyang gulped nervously. Although the Radiant Hall was an independent organization, it ultimately answered to the Mystery Pavilion.
He was suddenly reminded of the reason for the Radiant Hall's existence. It was to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of the Mystery Pavilion Master, specifically to keep him from controlling the formidable force that was the Twelve Phantoms. The Radiant Hall Director acted as a restraint on the Pavilion Master's authority.
Therefore, attempting anything without informing the Pavilion Master could have serious consequences.
"Why haven't you reported this to him?"
"If the First Young Lord had wanted the Pavilion Master's involvement, he would have approached him directly."
"Damn it! Why are you telling me all this?"
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"You said you wouldn't regret hearing it, didn't you?"
"……"
"I need your help."
It was a frank confession. As Gu Yangseo had explained, he couldn't mobilize the Twelve Phantoms without the Pavilion Master's knowledge, especially not for a mission involving the Evil Coalition. Such actions required the Pavilion Master's explicit approval.
Gu Yangseo's voice took on a passionate tone. "Eom Baekyang, let's see this through together."
He was asking Eom Baekyang to make a decision, to stand with the First Young Lord. Eom Baekyang knew that he couldn't refuse. After all, Gu Yangseo was the one who had appointed him as deputy director.
He sighed bitterly. He was a loyal subordinate. What would happen if he refused? Would he be demoted? Given the gravity of the situation, he might even be purged.
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He felt a surge of resentment at being dragged into this mess, but also gratitude for Gu Yangseo's honesty.
Finally, he made his decision. "I trust you, Director. I'll follow your lead."
"Thank you."
The two men clasped hands tightly.
"Once we rescue the boy, where will we hide him? And why Crimson Tiger? His expertise is in assassinations and armed support. Wouldn't Golden Horse or Drunken Monkey be better suited for a rescue mission… Wait…"
Suddenly, Eom Baekyang was struck by a chilling realization. He looked at Gu Yangseo, who was watching him intently, and his face paled. "You don't mean…"
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Gu Yangseo's grip tightened, and he nodded slowly. "Our mission… is to kill him."
A modest gathering was underway at a secluded mansion nestled deep within the forest, far from the clamor of the city. In the pavilion of the rear garden, three men and one woman were thoroughly enjoying their drinks.
"Hahaha! No matter what you do, you'll never be anything more than third-rate!" Yang Se'il, the eldest son of the Yang Clan, openly mocked the man across from him.
Gong Sincheol of the Gong Martial Arts Academy, the largest in the region, scratched his head with a sheepish grin. "It may not be as prestigious as your Yang Family Sword Art, but our Void Sword Style is quite renowned as well."
"Oh, you mean that Void Sword Style your grandfather bought for a thousand taels?" Yang Se'il scoffed.
Gu Yongtak, the heir to a wealthy textile merchant, chuckled at the jibe.
Gong Sincheol flushed with shame, but he couldn't openly express his anger. While the Gong Martial Arts Academy was well-known, it couldn't hold a candle to the esteemed Yang Clan. Instead, he glared at the easier target, Gu Yongtak, as if he wanted to devour him whole.
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Sensing the shift in mood, Gu Yongtak quickly poured wine into Gong Sincheol's cup. Since both of them were essentially at the mercy of Yang Se'il's whims, Gong Sincheol's anger quickly subsided with that simple gesture.
Yang Se'il's reasons for maintaining friendships with these two were simple: Gu Yongtak had deep pockets, and Gong Sincheol was an easy target for bullying.
However, even Yang Se'il wouldn't dare to cross one person—Sin Chohui, the only woman present.
"What do you think, Miss Sin?" Yang Se'il asked with an ingratiating smile.
Sin Chohui set her wine cup down. "He's a third-rate coward, and you're a third-rate scumbag," she said bluntly.
Yang Se'il burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Right, you're absolutely correct!"
There was a reason for his uncharacteristic subservience. Sin Chohui was the second daughter of Sin Paegeuk, the Lord of Sword Heaven, the most powerful of the Association's Three Heavens. Moreover, Sin Yeongyeong, the Lord of Sword Heaven's eldest daughter and Sin Chohui's older sister, was betrothed to the First Young Lord, and once the marriage was finalized, Sword Heaven's influence would grow even stronger.
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On the other hand, Sin Chohui hadn't always associated with the likes of Yang Se'il. Her rebellious streak only emerged after her elder sister Sin Yeongyeong's engagement to the First Young Lord.
Yang Se'il, eager to appease Sin Chohui, said, "Once the First Young Lord becomes the official successor of the Association, Sword Heaven will become the Jianghu Heaven."
"And isn't Miss Yeongyeong, the First Young Lord's fiancée, known for her beauty and virtue? He's a lucky man…" Gu Yongtak chimed in.
CRASH!
Sin Chohui hurled her wine bottle at Gu Yongtak, startling him.
"What do you know, blabbering like that?" she snapped.
"I-I was just saying that Miss Yeongyeong is…"
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"Shut up and drink!"
"Yes, Miss Sin."
Downing her wine in one gulp, Sin Chohui muttered, "You're all fools. My sister isn't as nice a person as you think."
The three men naturally assumed she was jealous. It was understandable, considering that the First Young Lord had a strong chance of inheriting the Association.
None of them noticed that her bloodshot eyes held a rage that went beyond mere sibling rivalry.
"…You know nothing," she repeated, her voice low and menacing.
Just then, middle-aged man approached her. He was Jin Hong, her head bodyguard.
"Are you alright, Miss Sin?" Jin Hong asked.
"I'm fine. Leave me alone," Sin Chohui snapped, clearly irritated.
Jin Hong bowed slightly and retreated. "As you wish. Please try not to overindulge in alcohol."
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As Jin Hong returned to his post, a woman in a white martial arts uniform approached him. She was a new recruit who had joined recently.
"I need to speak with you," she said.
"What is it?"
"This place is dangerous."
Jin Hong blinked, confused. "What are you talking about?"
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His bewilderment was understandable. A rookie was warning him, a seasoned bodyguard with twenty years of experience, of danger he hadn't even sensed.
"This place is dangerous," the woman repeated calmly.
"And why do you say that?" Jin Hong asked, studying her closely. "Hmm… You're Baek Ah, aren't you?"
He remembered her name, even though she was a recent addition to their ranks. After all, his first impression of her had not been positive. She was a classic example of someone hired because of powerful connections, and he had been instructed to keep an eye on her. The job of a bodyguard wasn't an easy one, and even strong men struggled with it. He had expected her to quit within a month or two, but today she was actually taking the initiative.
Contrary to Jin Hong's assumptions, though, the woman was actually White Rabbit of the Twelve Phantoms, and she was only using Baek Ah as an alias for this mission.
White Rabbit glanced around, her voice barely above a whisper. "I sense killing intent."
"Killing intent?" Jin Hong's head snapped up, his eyes scanning their surroundings.
He possessed the unique intuition of a bodyguard, and when assassins were near, a tingling sensation would wash over him. However, even after some time, he felt nothing. Still, he couldn't completely dismiss White Rabbit's warning.
"Where? Where did you sense something amiss?" he asked.
"The assassin isn't here yet," White Rabbit replied.
Jin Hong stared at her, bewildered. "What?"
"I've had a bad feeling for days now."
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"A bad feeling?"
"You may not believe me, but you have to trust me on this," White Rabbit insisted.
Jin Hong studied her for a moment, then gestured to Gwak, a bodyguard standing a short distance away. He was the most experienced and skilled member of their team.
"What is it, Jin Hong?"
"Take some men and scout the perimeter."
"Understood."
Gwak glanced curiously at White Rabbit and Jin Hong before withdrawing. He did not like the idea of acting on the whims of a newcomer, but he obeyed the order without question, gathering a few subordinates and disappearing into the night.
"Satisfied?" Jin Hong asked White Rabbit, a hint of annoyance in his voice. He felt he had shown her more consideration than a newcomer deserved, especially since he suspected she might have powerful connections. Such deference would have been unthinkable for an ordinary rookie.
However, White Rabbit's response surprised him. "That's not enough."
"What?"
"We need to leave. Now."
Jin Hong's expression hardened. "Based solely on your hunch?"
"Yes."
White Rabbit had been experiencing a growing sense of unease for days. She had called it a killing intent, but it was more like a premonition, a sense of impending doom. This was one of her innate abilities, and this particular premonition was stronger than any she had ever experienced. She had even called for support from the Radiant Hall because of it.
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And today, that feeling of dread had reached its peak.
"If your intuition is so keen, then find the assassin," Jin Hong sneered.
Ignoring the mockery in his voice, White Rabbit replied earnestly, "By the time we find the assassin, it will be too late."
Her seriousness was so intense that Jin Hong wondered if she had lost her mind.
Just then, Gwak and his men returned from their patrol. From a distance, he raised his hand to give the all-clear signal.
White Rabbit wasn't surprised. Her premonition was growing stronger by the minute, so she didn't expect them to find anything.
Anxiety gnawed at her.
"I need to speak with Miss Sin," she suddenly declared, striding towards Sin Chohui.
"Wait!" Jin Hong called out, alarmed, but White Rabbit had already reached Sin Chohui.
"Miss Sin, we need to leave now," she said urgently.
Sin Chohui responded with an annoyed frown. "Sure, after I finish these drinks. Who are you, anyway?"
"I'm your bodyguard."
Yang Se'il, who was seated beside Sin Chohui, gave White Rabbit a lascivious look. "Now that you mention it, I don't remember ever seeing you before. What's your name?"
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White Rabbit didn't bother acknowledging Yang Se'il. "This place is dangerous," she repeated to Sin Chohui, her voice firm.
Yang Se'il bristled at being ignored.
Sin Chohui snorted and emptied her glass. "Life is dangerous, and with these three dogs practically drooling over me, I agree that this place is particularly dangerous. So yes, I suppose I could use your protection."
"Please, let's go now."
"Why are you ruining the mood?" Sin Chohui whined.
"I'll drag you out by force if necessary."
"What?" Sin Chohui's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a scowl.
Yang Se'il jumped to his feet. "How dare a mere bodyguard speak to Miss Sin like that!"
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White Rabbit glared at him coldly. "Stay out of this," she warned.
Yang Se'il glanced at Sin Chohui, seeking her approval, and she snorted and glared at White Rabbit, as if granting him permission to put her in her place.
"Have you gone mad?" Yang Se'il snarled, raising his hand to strike White Rabbit.
TAP TAP TAP!
In the blink of an eye, White Rabbit struck his acupoints, sealing them. Yang Se'il froze, his hand raised in the air and his face turning crimson.
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"Release me this instant, or…" he sputtered.
TAP!
White Rabbit sealed his mute acupoint to shut him up.
Jin Hong shouted in outrage, "What do you think you're doing?!"
This was a disaster. He should have stopped her, but he hadn't imagined that she would go this far. Although not as powerful as Sword Heaven, Yang Se'il was the heir of the Yang Clan, a force to be reckoned with. This incident could have serious repercussions for Jin Hong.
Realizing that she didn't have time to argue, White Rabbit calmly explained, "I am a special agent sent by the Association to protect Miss Sin."
Both Jin Hong and Sin Chohui stared at her, stunned.
"The Association?" Sin Chohui asked eagerly. "Who sent you? Was it the First Young Lord? Tell me!"
Now that her true identity had been revealed, White Rabbit's demeanor changed. "I wasn't hired by your father, so show me some respect."
"Hmph! And what if I refuse?"
White Rabbit's expression hardened.
It wasn't because of Sin Chohui's insolence.
She slowly turned around. On a wall about ten meters away stood a masked man with folded arms. Sensing the dark and destructive aura that only a true martial master could possess, White Rabbit gulped nervously.
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"Defy me, and you'll be torn limb from limb," the masked man said, his voice devoid of any warmth, his eyes cold and menacing. "You'd be wise to listen to that woman… it might buy you an extra fifteen minutes of life."
"Enemy attack!" Jin Hong roared. "Stop him! Subdue that man!"
The bodyguards near the wall drew their swords as the masked man effortlessly leaped down. As they swarmed him from all sides, their blades flashing, he calmly drew his own sword.
CLANG!
The first bodyguard to reach him had both his sword and chest cleaved in half with a single slash.
The masked man's swordsmanship was a whirlwind of speed, precision, and devastating power. Whether it was weapons, bodies, skills, even the guards' fierce loyalty—nothing could withstand his onslaught.
SWISH! SWOOSH!
Each stroke of his blade was punctuated by screams of terror and pain. The bodyguards fell like dominoes, as if a seasoned veteran was playing with children. He was an opponent far out of their league. They didn't even have time to consider retreating before the last bodyguard, Gwak, was felled by a blinding flash of steel.
THUD!
Gwak's severed head rolled across the ground, coming to a stop at Jin Hong's feet.
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"…No!"
Jin Hong was paralyzed with shock. These were his comrades, men he had been joking with just moments ago. His body shivered, and the blood in his veins turned to ice.
Although they were considered a step below the elite Inner Garden guards, they were still protectors of Sword Heaven. The masked man's ability to slaughter them so easily was a testament to his formidable skill.
Just then, White Rabbit's calm voice cut through the carnage. "I can't protect you all. You're on your own now."
Jin Hong turned to see her unsealing Yang Se'il's pressure points. The sight jolted him back to the present.
Helping Sin Chohui to her feet, White Rabbit shoved her behind Jin Hong. "Stay close," she instructed.
Gong Sincheol, his face contorted with fear, began to back away.
"No! Don't run!" White Rabbit cried.
Unfortunately, Gong Sincheol's fear overwhelmed his reason and he turned and fled towards the door, screaming, "Aaaah! Save me!"
SWISH! THUD!
Gong Sincheol's head exploded in a gruesome splatter, while his body crumpled to the ground. The masked man had casually flicked a stone with deadly accuracy and force.
"Ahhhh!" Gu Yongtak shrieked, pissing his pants.
Beside him, Yang Se'il trembled like a leaf caught in a storm.
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Sin Chohui, to her credit, showed more courage. She grabbed Jin Hong's arm, her voice filled with panic as she urged, "Kill him! Kill that man! Kill…"
Her voice trailed off. Jin Hong's arm, usually a source of strength and reassurance, was trembling uncontrollably.
Terror washed over her. Her former arrogance forgotten, she turned to White Rabbit and apologized, "I'm sorry. Please, save me."
SHING!
White Rabbit didn't answer. She simply drew her sword and stepped forward, sending a telepathic message to Jin Hong.
[When the fighting starts, take her and run. Don't look back.]
It was the only viable option. The premonition of doom still weighed heavily on her.
WHOOSH! SWOOSH!
White Rabbit's sword moved like lightning, targeting the masked man's vital points.
CLANG!
As the sound of clashing steel echoed through the pavilion, Jin Hong seized Sin Chohui's hand and ran.
"Not so fast!" the masked man snarled.
His sword became a blur of motion.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
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White Rabbit parried each of his ten lightning-fast thrusts, but she was driven backward. It wasn't just the speed, his blows were getting heavier with each attack. And as the distance between them increased…
BOOM!
A wave of enhanced qi erupted from the masked man's free hand, striking the wall next to the fleeing duo.
CRASH!
As the wall crumbled, Jin Hong threw himself over Sin Chohui to shield her from the falling debris, but a boulder hit his leg, breaking it.
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"Run, Young Miss!" he screamed.
"Take another step, and I'll turn you to dust!" the masked man roared, his voice filled with murderous intent.
Frightened, Sin Chohui's legs gave way, and she collapsed to her knees.
"No! Young Miss! Please, run!" Jin Hong pleaded, his voice thick with despair.
Nevertheless, frozen by fear, Sin Chohui couldn't move. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at White Rabbit. "You bragged about being from the Association! Save me! Kill him!"
However, White Rabbit wasn't listening. She was staring at her own trembling sword. The recoil from the previous clash had nearly shattered her wrist. The difference in her and her opponent's inner qi was too vast.
As proof, the ability to demolish a wall several meters away with a single strike was beyond the comprehension of most martial artists. The masked man was a true master.
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Still, White Rabbit didn't despair. A peculiar expression crossed her face as the oppressive premonition that had haunted her for days began to subside. Considering the masked man's escalating bloodlust, that was weird.
WHOOOOSH!
The masked man's sword was a whirlwind of motion, a blur of deadly intent.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
White Rabbit met his attack with renewed vigor, her spirits lifted by the receding sense of doom. She poured all her strength into her sword.
Their exchange was a dance of death, a mesmerizing spectacle of skill and power.
Jin Hong watched the battle, his mouth agape. He had not realized that they were both such formidable fighters. Sadly, White Rabbit was steadily losing ground. She was simply outmatched in terms of inner qi, technique, and experience.
SPURT!
Blood gushed from a deep gash on White Rabbit's shoulder.
THUD!
The masked man's kick sent her flying backward.
CRASH!
She collided with a pillar supporting the pavilion bridge, the impact splintering the wood.
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"Kyaaaah!" White Rabbit cried out in agony, her face ashen. Feeling as if her organs were rupturing, she vomited blood.
The masked man showed no satisfaction with his victory. It was only a matter of course for him. Glancing coldly at Sin Chohui, he declared, "You have less than five minutes left to live."
Sin Chohui trembled, her face pale with terror.
The masked man slowly approached White Rabbit. "You're quite skilled for a woman. It's a shame to waste such talent, but it can't be helped."
White Rabbit, who had been staring blankly at the blood she had coughed up, slowly raised her head. To the masked man's surprise, she was smiling.
"I feel much better now," she said.
The masked man assumed she had given up. "Sometimes, death is a blessing. Don't blame me. Go peacefully."
"That's not what I meant."
"What?"
"The premonition… the sense of impending doom… it's completely gone."
The masked man stared at her, baffled. Finally, his expression hardened. "You're insane!" he snarled.
He raised his sword to deliver the final blow, but a low voice rang out from behind him.
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"If that woman wasn't insane, she wouldn't still be alive."
The masked man's sword halted abruptly in midair, and he slowly turned his head to face the new arrival.
Crimson Tiger stepped into the pavilion. Noticing the fallen White Rabbit, he gave a light nod. "Long time no see, Rabbit."
White Rabbit's face brightened instantly. "Ah! It's you!"
It had been two years since they last met.
Crimson Tiger looked at the masked man, his expression cold and resolute. "If your sword is only meant for killing women, then go ahead. If not, why don't you face me?"
The masked man smirked faintly. "Of course, it's not that kind of sword. However, it's also not one that will be swayed by such a shallow ploy."
Their eyes met, and both men recognized a worthy opponent.
"What's your relationship with that woman?" the masked man asked, nodding toward White Rabbit.
"We're colleagues."
"You seem rather close for just colleagues."
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"I'd feel bad if she died like this, but that's about it. I'd probably forget about her in a few days. It would be nice to save her, but if I can't, so be it. If you're going to kill her, just do it. Maybe it's better to fight without worrying about a hostage."
The masked man narrowed his eyes. "You're serious."
SHING!
Crimson Tiger drew his sword. "Well, are you going to leave her lying on the ground? The men I know usually prefer to lay their women on beds."
The taunt struck a nerve. The masked man sheathed his sword and glanced down at White Rabbit. "Consider yourself lucky," he said coldly. "Your life has been extended, but only for a moment. I'll be right back to tear out that sharp tongue of yours."
White Rabbit merely smiled faintly.
The masked man turned towards Crimson Tiger, his eyes burning with a murderous rage unlike anything he had displayed before. "Arrogant fool! I'll crush you!" he bellowed, launching himself at Crimson Tiger with explosive speed.
Crimson Tiger tightened his grip on his sword and met the masked man's charge with unwavering resolve.
SWISH!
The masked man's blade flashed in the sunlight, aimed at Crimson Tiger's face. Crimson Tiger twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the blow, but not completely. The sword grazed his cheek, and in that fleeting moment, Crimson Tiger saw his own reflection in the polished steel.
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His eyes widened with a mix of tension and focus. He was clearly on edge, every muscle coiled in anticipation. The blade's chilling proximity revealed just how skilled his opponent was. Even the slightest mistake would cost him his life.
Having narrowly avoided the attack, Crimson Tiger retaliated with lightning speed, thrusting his sword at the masked man's neck.
CLANG!
The masked man deflected the blow and stumbled back. He touched his neck gingerly. Had he been a fraction slower, his head would have been separated from his body. A chill ran down his spine.
"Impressive!" he exclaimed, surprised by Crimson Tiger's speed and power.
Both martial artists moved with astonishing speed, their sword techniques sharp and lethal. Their skills were so evenly matched that they had to remain alert at all times. Falling into habits created patterns, and any hint of predictability could mean death.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Their swords clashed in a flurry of blows, each aimed at a vital point.
CLANG! SCRAPE! SWISH!
Sparks flew, accompanied by the chilling screech of metal on metal. Crimson Tiger's sword was a roaring beast, while the masked man's was a viper, poised to strike.
The onlookers watched with bated breath, each exchange sending shivers down their spines. Every move seemed lethal, and before they could comprehend how one attack was blocked, another would unfold.
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After a fierce exchange, the two separated once more.
Crimson Tiger's breath came in ragged gasps, his sword arm trembling.
"Damn it!" the masked man growled, narrowing his eyes. Glancing down at his hand, he saw that his palm was sliced open.
Enraged, he lunged forward, his sword aimed at Crimson Tiger's heart, but Crimson Tiger deflected the blow and closed the distance between them.
BAM!
His fist connected with the masked man's solar plexus.
CRACK!
The masked man's sword hilt slammed into Crimson Tiger's fist. As his left hand faltered, Crimson Tiger twisted his body, his sword flashing.
SWOOSH!
Blood sprayed from the masked man's face.
SPURT!
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Simultaneously, Crimson Tiger's side was sliced open.
CLANG!
Their swords met in a final clash, and both men leaped back, using the recoil to create distance.
Half of the masked man's mask was torn, revealing a bloodied cheek, but he casually wiped the blood away with his hand.
Crimson Tiger, meanwhile, sealed several of his acupoints to staunch the bleeding from his wounds.
"Who the hell are you?" the masked man asked, his voice tinged with surprise. The arrogance was gone from his eyes. He seemed to have forgotten about White Rabbit and the others, and was now completely focused on Crimson Tiger.
"Does it matter?" Crimson Tiger replied calmly. "We're both just following orders."
For a moment, the masked man's eyes flickered as if he were about to argue, but instead he gritted his teeth and lunged forward, repeating his earlier move.
Just as Crimson Tiger braced himself for a strike to the face, however, the masked man hurled his sword towards him.
Crimson Tiger dodged with all his might.
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THWOCK!
The sword grazed his shoulder, tearing flesh and drawing blood, but it wasn't over.
The masked man landed and thrust his fist forward.
BOOM!
An immense wave of qi surged towards Crimson Tiger like a tsunami. Throwing the sword had been a feint, this was the true attack.
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Crimson Tiger raised his left palm, channeling his protective qi to block the attack.
CRASH!
Still, the impact sent him flying backwards, crashing through a door and into the building.
The masked man followed him relentlessly.
BAM!
Crimson Tiger slammed against the corridor wall like a rag doll.
The masked man, having closed the distance in an instant, smiled triumphantly. "It's over…" he began, but his eyes widened as he saw the fierce determination in Crimson Tiger's eyes. "What?"
Crimson Tiger lunged forward, his sword spinning with terrifying speed. Startled, the masked man instinctively unleashed a wave of qi.
BOOM!
The qi wave and the spinning sword collided.
"Aaaargh!" the masked man screamed as the whirlwind of sword qi tore through his defenses, shredding his arm.
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THUD!
The sickening sound of flesh being pierced echoed through the halls, followed by an eerie silence.
The two men stood frozen. Crimson Tiger's sword had pierced the masked man's chest, pinning him to the wall.
Dark red blood trickled from the masked man's lips as he asked weakly, "What… was that?"
"The Kālasūtra Weave," Crimson Tiger replied. He had deliberately let the masked man's qi wave hit him, absorbing the impact with his protective qi and letting the momentum send him flying instead of resisting.
This tactic had lulled his opponent into a false sense of security.
In addition, he had refrained from using the Asura's Eight Narakas throughout the fight, ensuring that the masked man would not anticipate the technique.
Then, at the crucial moment when the masked man let his guard down, the rush of impending victory clouding his judgment, Crimson Tiger seized the opening and countered with the Kālasūtra Weave, the second stance of the Asura's Eight Narakas.
Loosened by the impact, masked man's mask slipped from his face, revealing a middle-aged man with a distinctive crescent-shaped scar on his cheek.
"You… Could it be? Why are you…?" Crimson Tiger gasped, his eyes widening in recognition.
There was only one person in the jianghu with such skill and that particular scar—the Wandering Soul, a master martial artist who roamed freely between the orthodox and unorthodox factions.
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Who recruited him? It must be someone with considerable clout or strength…
"I have… a shameless request…" the Wandering Soul rasped, his eyes filled with a deep sadness. "Had I known someone like you was guarding the target… I would have concealed my scar…"
Reaching into his chest pocket with trembling hands, he pulled out a Roaring Thunder Bomb.
Crimson Tiger's eyes widened, and he swiftly grasped the Wandering Soul's hand. He could have easily taken the bomb away, but the man's eyes pleaded with him to let go.
…I understand. He wants to erase all evidence that he was here. He's afraid that if his identity is revealed, Sword Heaven's wrath will extend to his loved ones.
After a moment of silent contemplation, Crimson Tiger nodded. The Wandering Soul alone was the one at fault. His family and friends were innocent.
The Wandering Soul smiled faintly. "…Thank you."
"…Farewell," Crimson Tiger whispered, then leaped out the window.
He glanced back to see the Roaring Thunder Bomb slipping from the Wandering Soul's grasp. Before it even hit the floor, the man was already dead.
Crimson Tiger landed about ten meters away, and then…
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BOOM!
A massive explosion ripped through the building.
Crimson Tiger didn't look back as he walked back to the pavilion.
When everyone saw that he was safe, they breathed a collective sigh of relief.
Jin Hong, still seated on the ground, bowed his head in gratitude. "Sir, could you please protect the young miss until reinforcements arrive from headquarters?"
"Of course." Crimson Tiger nodded, then turned to White Rabbit, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you alright?"
"I'll manage."
"That's good to hear. Has it been two years?"
"Exactly two years and four months, to be precise."
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"Has it really been that long?"
"Thanks for arriving just in time."
"Don't mention it."
White Rabbit gazed at Crimson Tiger. Was it because of the human skin mask he wore? He hadn't aged a day in two years.
When they first met, she had been drawn to him. She had allowed herself a brief moment of fantasy, then firmly pushed those feelings aside.
Was love a luxury? If it were, she could have indulged in it a hundred, a thousand times over. No, love was more than a luxury; it was a weakness, a fatal poison. Both she and Crimson Tiger lived in a dangerous world, a world of shadows and secrets. She didn't have the confidence to love someone in that world, nor to ask anyone to love her.
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Sin Chohui approached them, her earlier fear seemingly forgotten. "Are you really from the Association? Who sent you?" she demanded.
Her audacity was astounding. She seemed to have completely forgotten the terror she had experienced just moments ago.
Crimson Tiger turned to White Rabbit, pity in his eyes. "You've had a tough time."
Sin Chohui bristled. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"…She lacks self-awareness, too."
Sin Chohui bit her lip, then, as if conceding defeat, she said, "Fine, thank you for saving me. Happy now? So, tell me."
Crimson Tiger shook his head. "You misunderstand."
"What?"
"The first thing you should do is mourn those who died protecting you."
Sin Chohui's gaze fell upon the bodies of her slain bodyguards scattered across the courtyard. On the spur of the moment, she had forgotten about them. Even she realized how callous it seemed, but she hadn't meant to disregard their sacrifice.
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She had simply been so consumed by her own concerns that it completely slipped her mind. Because she absolutely had to know. Whether it really was the First Young Lord who had sent White Tiger and Crimson Rabbit to rescue her.
She glared at Crimson Tiger, but quickly bowed her head. The man scared her, and she resented him for it. Unconsciously, words that betrayed her true feelings spilled out of her mouth.
"You're just a swordsman!"
Crimson Tiger looked at her calmly. "Yes, that's correct. Now, if you don't mind, I have other matters to tend to."
Tears welled up in Sin Chohui's eyes. More than any insult, the instant dismissal stung her pride. "You don't understand anything!" she cried, sobbing as she ran towards Jin Hong.
White Rabbit smiled. "Since when did you develop the strange hobby of making girls cry?"
Crimson Tiger chuckled. "I was merely stating a fact."
"She's still immature."
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"That's just an excuse. If no one disciplines her and she stays a spoiled brat, she'll grow up to be a villainess."
White Rabbit laughed. "So, are you going to steer her towards the righteous path?"
"I don't care enough for that," Crimson Tiger said bluntly, then abruptly changed the subject as if to prove his point. "Anyway, doesn't this whole situation strike you as odd?"
"What do you mean?"
"This bodyguard mission… did the request come through your handler?"
"Yes, of course. Why?"
It was strange. Why was Sin Chohui the target and not Sin Yeongyeong? The fact that a master like the Wandering Soul had been hired suggested that it was somehow related to the First Young Lord's marriage. Could it be a conspiracy to disrupt the wedding?
At that moment, a group of people entered the mansion. It was Sin Yeongyeong, Sin Chohui's older sister, followed closely by a retinue of Sword Heaven's martial artists.
"Chohui, are you alright?" Sin Yeongyeong cried, rushing to embrace her younger sister. "I was so worried. You can't imagine how frantic I was when I heard about the attack. I'm so relieved you're safe."
Although tears were streaming down Sin Yeongyeong's face, Sin Chohui discreetly shrank back, looking uncomfortable and awkward in her sister's presence.
The Sword Heaven martial artists began to collect the bodies of the fallen guards. Yang Se'il and Gu Yongtak, who had miraculously survived, sat dazed in a corner.
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After hearing a brief account of the events from Jin Hong, Sin Yeongyeong approached Crimson Tiger and White Rabbit.
"I've been informed of what transpired here. I don't know how to repay you for saving my sister's life," she said, bowing her head respectfully.
As rumored, she was the very picture of virtue. Her intelligence and kindness were evident, and her demeanor inspired trust and goodwill.
Of course, not everyone was susceptible to her charms.
"We were just doing our job," White Rabbit said, her tone polite yet distant.
Crimson Tiger remained silent. He didn't trust Sin Yeongyeong. Even though she wasn't wearing a mask like him, his instincts told him that she was hiding her true self.
Sin Yeongyeong, sensing the awkwardness, glanced at White Rabbit.
"He's not very sociable, so please don't take it personally," White Rabbit explained with a smile.
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"Oh, I understand." Sin Yeongyeong smiled at Crimson Tiger.
He nodded curtly.
Taking out two envelopes from her shirt pocket, she said, "This is a small token of our gratitude."
White Rabbit was flustered by the unexpected reward. She looked at Crimson Tiger, wondering how to politely decline, but to her shock and dismay, he accepted the envelopes without hesitation.
"Thank you!" he said eagerly, in stark contrast to his earlier aloofness.
Sin Yeongyeong smiled faintly.
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The hint of mockery in Sin Yeongyeong's expression irritated White Rabbit, but she hid her feelings. "I'm fine, thank you," she said, politely declining the reward.
"It's nothing much, really. Just enough for a meal."
"I don't need it."
Crimson Tiger smoothly reached out and took White Rabbit's envelope. "I'll buy her a meal instead. Is that acceptable?" he asked Sin Yeongyeong.
"Of course," Sin Yeongyeong replied with a pleased expression. She likely thought that giving the reward to Crimson Tiger was just as good as handing it directly to White Rabbit. Smiling, she said, "Well then, we have much to attend to today, so we'll take our leave. We'll formally invite you to Sword Heaven another time."
With that, Sin Yeongyeong and her retinue departed.
Sin Chohui, trailing weakly behind her sister, glanced back at Crimson Tiger and stuck her tongue out at him. In moments like these, she was unmistakably a child.
Crimson Tiger deliberately turned away. He could sense the shadow of death looming over the young lady. Ever since accepting this mission, he had been repeating a mantra to himself: I can't save everyone, I can't save everyone.
This incident was merely the tip of the iceberg. Trying to really save Sin Chohui could have unforeseen and dangerous consequences.
"Who could be behind this?" White Rabbit wondered aloud. She, too, had many unanswered questions.
"Someone else can answer that."
"Who?"
"The person who sent you here."
"…!"
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Someone influential within the Radiant Hall had sent White Rabbit on this mission. Not only did this mean that they knew Sin Chohui was in danger, it also implied that they knew the identity of her enemy.
White Rabbit's expression turned serious. "Should I investigate?"
Crimson Tiger observed her for a moment, then said calmly, "May I offer you some advice?"
"Sure."
"Don't look into this matter. Ever."
Since White Rabbit had revealed her identity, her mission to protect Sin Chohui was over. If the mission was extended, another Phantom would take over.
After a moment of silence, White Rabbit smiled. "I understand. Thank you."
Crimson Tiger sincerely hoped she would heed his warning.
"This woman certainly knows how to spend money," he remarked, pulling out the envelope he had received earlier. Inside were three promissory notes, each worth a thousand taels. Even considering the fact that he had saved his sister's life, it was a generous reward.
He handed White Rabbit her share, but she shook her head.
"I really don't need it."
Crimson Tiger pressed the envelope into her hand. "Take it. Is your life worth so little that you can't even pocket a tip after doing such dangerous work?"
"What?" White Rabbit's eyes widened. She had never thought of it that way.
"If it bothers you that much, then use it for a good cause. Also… don't die before we meet again."
Without another word, Crimson Tiger left.
White Rabbit appreciated his sincerity. Even though it was a casual remark, knowing that someone cared about her well-being made her feel warm inside. Plus, since it was Crimson Tiger, it made her feel… even better.
SWOOSH!
A masked man appeared in front of her. It was Yoo, her handler, who always wore a gentle smile on his face.
He produced a small vial of healing ointment from his pocket and handed it to her, saying, "Apply this before your injuries get worse."
"Thank you."
White Rabbit looked at the ointment, then at the envelope of money.
Swords, money, and wounds…
That was the bleak summary of her life.
Yoo watched her for a moment, then muttered, "You would be wise to heed his advice."
White Rabbit narrowed her eyes. She couldn't tell if it was a warning or an expression of concern.
"Go get some rest," Yoo added, his gentle smile unwavering.
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