The Golden Saber Sect was never that big to begin with.
Within the span of an hour, it was enough time for so many Embroidered Uniform Guards to turn the place upside down.
When all of the guards had been gathered, everyone shook their heads in defeat.
Si Nan hesitated, looking over at Ye Liuyun.
"Sir, maybe the murderer really did escape."
"The most dangerous place is often the safest." Ye Liuyun shook his head first, then swept his gaze over all the Embroidered Uniform Guards present.
"This is the Imperial City, under tight watch. If he has even a shred of sense, he'd know that after killing so many people, he can't just leave; otherwise, he'd be delivering himself into a trap. That's why hiding right under our noses is his best bet to stay alive."
As he spoke, Ye Liuyun suddenly looked at a guard standing in the very back. The man had his head down, almost as if trying to melt into the crowd.
"Found you!"
He grinned, then drew his saber without hesitation.
"Slash!"
With the force of Cangyang Force, blazing hot saber qi flew out at lightning speed.
This sudden scene caught everyone off guard, but more than anything, they were astounded by Ye Liuyun's power.
The unremarkable Lin Chen, hidden in the rear, changed expression the moment he saw the saber qi barreling right for him. With no time to think, he withdrew rapidly and drew his saber to block.
"Boom!"
Even with his quick reflexes—
He was still blasted a dozen meters back by Ye Liuyun's saber qi, barely managing to steady himself.
"Don't let him get away!"
Nobody here was a fool. After seeing this, they all realized what was going on.
Lin Chen was instantly surrounded.
Knowing he could hide no longer, Lin Chen still glared at Ye Liuyun, unwilling to accept defeat.
"How did you discover me?"
He'd thought his plan was flawless—murder an Embroidered Uniform Guard in silence during the search, disguise himself in his uniform, and mix in with the rest.
Who could've expected to be found out with just a single glance?
"You reek of blood."
Ye Liuyun tossed out a casual excuse.
But in reality—
"Target: Lin Chen!
Cultivation Realm: Postnatal Martial Artist!
Traits: Saber Skill Talent (Blue), Extraordinary Comprehension (Purple), Innate Weakness (Green),"
"Extraordinary Comprehension (Purple): Possesses comprehension far beyond average, able to rapidly grasp cultivation techniques."
"Innate Weakness (Green): Natural frailty of physique."
The system's scouting ability was just that efficient at times.
With only blue-grade Saber Skill Talent, advancing to the Postnatal Realm would be impossible. Looks like it's thanks to that purple Extraordinary Comhrehension trait.
If not for the Innate Weakness dragging him down, Lin Chen might have already reached the Innate Realm.
"So, tell me—why did you slaughter the entire Golden Saber Sect?"
Ye Liuyun resheathed his saber, one hand still resting on the hilt, his gaze level with Lin Chen's.
"Hmph!"
Now that he'd been exposed, there was no point in hiding anymore.
Lin Chen snorted coldly, his eyes brimming with hatred and viciousness.
"Killers will be killed. Jin Yuanba coveted my clan's saber art, exterminated my whole family. As the last survivor of the Lin family, I spent three years mastering my craft. Am I not right in seeking revenge?"
So that's the story.
No wonder Jin Yuanba's prowess surged three years ago—it was all because he'd gotten the Lin clan's secret saber art?
And Lin Chen, as the last of his bloodline, spent the past three years cultivating in bitterness, all to avenge his clan's massacre.
This is the jianghu; you kill me, I kill you.
"You avenge your family—nothing more to say."
Ye Liuyun was no bleeding-heart or goody two-shoes.
That's how this world worked—if you kill, be ready to be killed.
"But you drew blood in the Imperial City. As an Embroidered Uniform Guard, it's my duty to arrest you. Now that you've fulfilled your vengeance, come quietly with us!"
By rights—
His revenge should be settled.
Lin Chen ought to have no ties left.
But—
"Don't even think about it! Jin Yuanba still has a daughter married far away. If you want me, wait until I kill his last daughter first!"
With that, Lin Chen made to escape using Qinggong.
"Tch!"
Says he's ready for death, but he's still afraid, isn't he?
Ye Liuyun didn't waste words, simply gestured to Shi Sheng and Si Nan.
Shi Sheng immediately snapped into action, attacking Lin Chen first.
"Courting death!"
Seeing the Embroidered Uniform Guards unwilling to let him go, Lin Chen's face darkened, and he chose to fight back.
Even though Shi Sheng had broken through to the First-class Realm, there remained a considerable gap to the Postnatal Realm.
With one saber strike, Shi Sheng's hands went numb from defending.
"You're not getting away!"
Still, Shi Sheng gritted his teeth and held firm, refusing to let Lin Chen break free.
Lin Chen intended to press the attack, but then—
"Whoosh! Whoosh!"
Two sharp whistles cut the air. Realizing they were hidden weapons, Lin Chen broke off from Shi Sheng and swung his saber, knocking both projectiles away.
"Thanks!"
Seeing Si Nan had caught up and helped, Shi Sheng called out before regaining his footing.
It was Si Nan who'd thrown the hidden weapons.
Though Si Nan's cultivation realm wasn't as high in direct combat, he was more than capable of tossing hidden weapons.
"No need to thank me, just don't forget to pay back your debt."
"..."
Shi Sheng said nothing, just shot Si Nan a speechless look.
He never realized Si Nan was so stingy before.
If only Si Nan knew what Shi Sheng was thinking. Otherwise, he'd have cursed him out loud—stingy? Do you even know what three hundred taels means? I'll remember this debt for life.
The rest of the Embroidered Uniform Guards also clustered around, encircling Lin Chen again.
"If I can't live, then we'll all die together!"
Faced with the situation, Lin Chen knew he couldn't escape unless he defeated these guards.
With that thought,
Lin Chen's face turned ruthless, gripping his saber tightly.
Inner strength continually channeled into the blade.
It looked like he was going for the kill.
"Back up!"
Just then, Ye Liuyun's voice sounded out.
One hand on his saber hilt, Ye Liuyun stepped forward, eyes fixed on Lin Chen.
"You're no match for him!"
The strongest among them was only Shi Sheng, a First-class Martial Artist. If this turned into a desperate fight, even if they brought Lin Chen down, they'd pay dearly in casualties.
This had to be handled personally.
"You! It's all your fault!"
Lin Chen glared at Ye Liuyun, full of hatred. If not for him, he'd never have been exposed; he wouldn't be in this mess now.
The look in his eyes almost made Ye Liuyun laugh.
"This is the jianghu. You can kill, but others can kill you just the same. Now, two choices—kneel and surrender, or die here and now!"
...