Chapter 4
Fate ― Who Are You, Sir? (1)
Past midnight, during the Chushi (丑時: 1–3 a.m.), a lone shadow lingered near the Shanxi branch of the Martial Alliance.
Martial Alliance, Shanxi Branch.
As an important stronghold, there were no tall buildings or trees nearby—the interior needed to remain concealed.
From a fair distance, Tian Yao observed the entrance to the Shanxi Branch.
Hidden atop a tree, Tian Yao pulled out a sheet of paper. It was the internal map of the Shanxi Branch, provided by Yunhak.
Key points and danger zones were marked, along with the location of Baek Sang-ah, who needed to be rescued that night.
Tian Yao’s gaze landed on the place where Baek Sang-ah was imprisoned.
Being a matter of utmost importance, the child was held in the central area, not on the periphery.
The perimeter was heavily guarded, with layers of martial artists stationed on all sides.
Tian Yao’s eyes scanned the entire branch.
Although he checked the map again, his plan was already fully laid out.
Baek Sang-ah was in the central area but slightly toward the east.
So…
“Start a fire in the east.”
Anyone else would find this plan odd.
In strategy, one attacks the west while making noise in the east—a basic principle of military tactics. Yet he was choosing to set fire exactly where he intended to infiltrate.
Of course, there was a reason.
Sometimes such an approach opens up a more exquisite opportunity.
Leaning against the tree, Tian Yao’s gaze left the map and shifted to the eastern entrance. Soon, he would stealthily enter and start a fire there…
Then it happened.
A red glow caught Tian Yao’s eyes.
“That…?”
Flames soared above the roof—massive fire had broken out at the very spot Tian Yao had planned to ignite.
Shouts of alarm pierced the night.
Tian Yao was intrigued.
“Such a perfect fire…”
It was as if someone knew his plan and was helping him.
Though surprised, he understood this was an opportunity granted by fate.
Once the fire was subdued, the martial artists would return to their posts. The timing of his next move shifted.
Tian Yao pushed off the branch and leapt into the air.
Pababababat!
His agile movements covered dozens of meters in an instant.
Tian Yao headed not toward the east, where martial artists were gathering, but toward the opposite side: the west.
In the blink of an eye, he infiltrated the Shanxi Branch.
Hidden high above, he observed below. The sudden fire had captured everyone’s attention.
“Now.”
Tack.
Landing on the ground, Tian Yao lowered his body and sprinted.
Since he was still some distance from Baek Sang-ah’s location, the security was not yet tight. Pressing forward, he leaned against a building and assessed the surroundings: some martial artists were moving to suppress the eastern fire, while others remained at their posts.
“Even as a branch, the Martial Alliance is still the Martial Alliance.”
Despite the sudden blaze, they executed their duties in perfect order. No major gaps had formed in the surveillance, so moving undetected would be difficult.
He had to act stealthily—but then, a group carrying water barrels passed by. Tian Yao walked naturally toward them, even addressing them:
“It’s quite noisy. What’s going on?”
The man glanced at him urgently:
“There’s a fire in the east. A big one—they said we must put it out quickly.”
“I see. Can I help?”
“Of course. Any extra hands are welcome.”
“Then I’ll carry this barrel.”
Tian Yao received one of the barrels and blended in naturally.
This was the purpose of the fire.
Though it was a branch, it belonged to the Martial Alliance, meaning there were too many martial artists to know them all personally. By creating a distraction with fire, he could infiltrate a weak point and blend in as an ally on the east side. Many of the eastern martial artists would leave to handle the fire, weakening the defenses.
The commotion he caused would be masked by the fire—a perfect strategy.
Tian Yao, mixed with the group moving eastward to fight the fire, aroused no suspicion.
Soon, they reached the eastern area.
The man who had handed him the barrel turned his head:
“Hurry and put out the fire—”
He paused, noticing Tian Yao was no longer beside him.
“Where did he go?”
Before he could ponder further, a shout broke his thoughts:
“What are you waiting for?! Put out the fire!”
“Y-Yes.”
The man quickly focused on extinguishing the fire, erasing Tian Yao from his mind entirely.
Tian Yao now stood before a large manor.
“This is it.”
Inside the Martial Alliance, the manor had been chosen as the secret location to hold Baek Sang-ah.
The operation was conducted in utmost secrecy. Only a few core members of the Martial Alliance knew.
Even the guards, and the branch chief, didn’t know who they were protecting.
The small escort minimized attention. If the Martial Alliance had mobilized openly, the demonic sect might have noticed and launched a full-scale assault to capture Baek Sang-ah.
The low number of guards now worked in Tian Yao’s favor.
The manor, designed to host VIP guests, was well-suited for guarding. Currently, about a hundred martial artists were stationed there. Tian Yao would have to face them alone, finishing before any reinforcements arrived.
Fortunately, the fire had prevented interference en route.
“Now, this is done.”
Tian Yao tossed the barrel of water aside and strode toward the entrance. Two guards stood there.
Until now, he had moved quietly—but now, things were different.
The key was to prevent the guards from calling for reinforcements.
The two guards glanced at him.
“Who are you?”
Though unarmed, their eyes gleamed sharply—clearly on alert.
Tian Yao approached and said:
“The higher-ups ordered me to ensure the manor is safe because of the fire.”
“I haven’t heard any such order…”
“Exactly why I’m here to deliver it.”
“Is that so? But you’re not someone I’ve seen before.”
Curious, the guards hesitated—but it was already too late. Tian Yao was only a meter and a half away.
In that instant:
Flash.
Tian Yao vanished from their sight, appearing between the two guards.
His palms struck their chests with lightning speed.
Thwack!
Both guards flew backward, crashing into the door, which shattered under the force.
Stepping over the broken wood, Tian Yao entered.
Inside, four patrolling martial artists noticed him and shouted:
“Who are you?!”
They charged, but Tian Yao’s fists struck all four with precision.
Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!
They spun through the air, landing in a heap, bleeding and unconscious.
Looking down, Tian Yao murmured:
“It’ll hurt for now, but better you rest here than fight.”
Better they live than die.
Tian Yao moved forward, entering another building in search of Baek Sang-ah.
Cling, cling.
Suddenly, ten shadows descended, weapons ready to strike.
Tian Yao’s hand moved.
Shhhk.
A sword slid from its sheath.
The blade cut through the air, releasing crescent-shaped waves of sword energy.
Pababababang!
The roof shattered, and the attackers were swept aside like leaves.
Thud, thud, thud.
Over ten martial artists were thrown to the ground. One clutched his chest and gasped:
“H-How dare you… touch the Martial Alliance…”
“Sorry, I tried to go easy, but someone naturally dislikes me being above them.”
“How many lives do you have?!”
Thwack.
Tian Yao kicked the man, who fell, foaming, as he said:
“I also dislike the talkative ones.”
He opened the doors, checking inside—but Baek Sang-ah was not there.
Tian Yao continued moving through the buildings.
His movements were unstoppable. Nothing could restrain him.
Entering another building, he noticed something in the darkness: martial artists lying on the floor, bleeding.
Confused, he realized this was not the path he had taken.
His gaze naturally moved to the door at the end of the hall.
It was firmly closed, and the scent of blood leaked out.
Knowing something had occurred, Tian Yao didn’t hesitate. He gripped the handle.
Clunk.
The door opened to reveal a horrifying scene.
About twenty people lay on the floor, bleeding, and the stench of blood was overwhelming.
At the center stood a woman in red.
She slowly turned her head, locking eyes with Tian Yao.
The woman was breathtaking. Her crimson clothes blended with the blood-soaked room as if it were her domain.
Long eyebrows, large eyes, and blood-splattered white skin. Her crimson lips drew attention.
Cold and emotionless eyes, radiating lethal beauty that could freeze anyone in place.
Their gazes met.
Fshing!
The woman leapt, sword flashing with deadly speed.
Rarang!
The sword’s sound pierced the air, light scattering in all directions. Tian Yao read her moves and defended expertly.
Thirty attacks rained down in mere moments—Tian Yao blocked them all perfectly.
Fwaang!
Both stood with swords clashing.
Her cold eyes scanned him.
“…You blocked it?”
Her voice matched her icy expression—calm, emotionless.
Tian Yao’s mouth twisted slightly.
A Martial Alliance warrior? No… this technique…
“You’re an assassin.”
Indeed, the woman was a killerspirit.
