Chapter 4 — Chains Break in the Rain
The storm broke just after midnight.
Rain hammered the assassin camp's roofs, turning the dirt into mud and the torches into sputtering shadows. The perfect cover.
Xiao Shen stood by the window of his barracks, eyes half-closed, listening — not to the storm, but to the chaos brewing within the camp. One leader had fallen in a sudden betrayal, and half the guards were drinking themselves into a stupor to celebrate.
This was the night.
The Hidden Trigger
As Hong Ye and Lei Shen entered silently, the Earth System flickered alive.
[Hidden Quest Available]Liberation and Leadership — Conditions MetObjective: Lead your chosen group to freedom with zero casualties.Failure: No penalty. Success: ??? Rewards.
The description faded almost instantly, as if the system was hiding its true prize.
The Plan Unfolds
Xiao Shen laid the map flat on the table, lit by a single candle.
Stage 1: Set fire to the south storage to pull guards away.
Stage 2: Move the group through the kitchen into the west drainage tunnel.
Stage 3: Cross the river before sunrise.
"Twelve loyal trainees are ready," Hong Ye reported.Lei Shen twirled his knife. "I'll clear the way."
Stage 1 — The Spark
Oil splashed. Flame caught.The southern sky bloomed orange as shouts erupted across the camp. The guards scattered toward the fire.
"Go!" Xiao Shen ordered.
Stage 2 — The Tunnel
The group slipped through the kitchen, dispatching two sleepy guards before they could cry out. In the west tunnel, the air reeked of rot, but the rain masked their scent and sound.
Halfway through, footsteps echoed behind them — assassins in pursuit.
Lei Shen moved like lightning, his blades flashing in the dark, cutting down two before they could react. The rest fled into the storm.
Stage 3 — The River Stand
They reached the riverbank… and found four elite assassins blocking the bridge.
"Go," Lei Shen hissed, stepping forward.
"No," Xiao Shen said, stepping ahead of even him.
First Use — Insight of the Heart
The world sharpened. Their faces became windows:
Fearful, loyalty low, no bloodline.
Mediocre skill, acts tough.
Dangerous talent, would never submit.
Rare dormant bloodline, long-term threat.
He struck without hesitation — killing the dangerous one, crippling the loyal pretender, drowning the bloodline threat in the river. The fearful one fled into the night.
The group crossed unchallenged.
System Revelation
By sunrise, they were miles away, in the safety of a border town. That's when the chime rang in his head.
[Hidden Quest Completed]Liberation and Leadership — Perfect SuccessRewards:
Insight of the Heart — Read thoughts, talent, bloodline.
Heaven-Defying Comprehension — Mastery speed beyond mortal limits.
Universe Body Constitution — Adaptable to any environment, endless stamina.
Clone Talent (Locked) — Unlock at Planetary Level.
Intelligent Life — Universe Lord Level — AI assistant "Gaia" activated.
[Gaia Online]: "Hello, Master. Shall I begin calculating the optimal route for domination?"
Xiao Shen's lips curled into a thin smile. "Yes. We have a kingdom to build."