Up until now, Jian Hansheng still hadn't discovered who had rescued Shen Youling and killed all the top experts he'd sent. He figured that no matter how powerful the opponent was, they would never trace the operation back to him. And even if they did, so what? This was the Ai Lin Kingdom, not Central Earth! The Sandalwood Association had operated here for a century; its power was imnse. How could a single person dare to challenge them?
Besides, Skull Holy Mountain was a mysterious and bizarre power, mastering countless secret techniques for invisible assassination. Any human they targeted was guaranteed to et a violent end. This ti, the Sandalwood Association had a once-in-a-lifeti opportunity to win the favor of Skull Holy Mountain. Once they did, who would they have to fear?
「The ancestral hall.」
Jian Hansheng knelt as straight as a rod. Before long, his ears twitched as he heard the crackling of firecrackers and the clamor of gongs and drums outside. He knew the Holy Envoy from Skull Holy Mountain had arrived.
How I wish I could glimpse the Holy Envoy's noble face...
As he was stewing in regret, soone ca running over in a flurry a mont later. "Young Master, the Chairman wants you to co over at once! The Holy Envoy ntioned you by na and wishes to see you!"
"What?" Jian Hansheng shot to his feet, completely forgetting how numb his legs were. He was so flattered his mouth nearly twisted into a permanent grin as he rushed outside.
When he reached the main hall, which was decorated as extravagantly as if for the New Year, he saw countless mbers of the Sandalwood Association bent in low bows, each one more obsequious and respectful than the last. At the very front, only a few chairs were placed. Only the top brass of the Sandalwood Association was qualified to sit.
Normally, the Chairman's seat was a place only Jian Hetian could occupy. Even the president of the Ai Lin Kingdom would be seated as a guest. Now, however, Jian Hetian sat obediently to the side. The central seat had been given to an old man who was over two ters tall yet so skinny he was like a bag of bones, resembling little more than a twig or a chopstick. He had no hair, no beard, and not even any eyebrows. His mouth and nose protruded while his cheeks were sunken. At a glance, he truly looked like a living skeleton.
It was the first ti Jian Hetian had ever seen such a person, and he couldn't help but stare.
"You worthless fool, what are you standing there gaping for? Get over here and pay your respects to the Holy Envoy!" Jian Hetian looked like he wanted to kick his son to death.
"Oh, oh—" Jian Hansheng snapped back to reality and scurried forward in fear, kneeling and kowtowing.
Jian Hetian bowed deeply. "My son is ignorant of the ways of the world and has been rude to you, Holy Envoy. I hope you will forgive him!"
"Hehe, it is of no concern," the old man said with a faint smile, his aged skin wrinkling into deep creases. He sized Jian Hansheng up and down, then nodded in satisfaction. "Indeed, a fine, handso, and obedient young man. Not bad. Not bad at all."
What does he an? Jian Hansheng wondered.
He then saw the old man stick out his tongue and lick his lips. The tip was forked, just like a snake's. Jian Hansheng's scalp prickled as a terrible premonition washed over him.
Damn it! No way, right? Could he be... into n?
Just as Jian Hansheng was about to piss his pants in terror, the old man spoke a sentence that brought him imnse relief. "My daughter is in need of a husband. Chairman Jian, might I have the honor of becoming your in-law?"
Oh, so he's looking for a son-in-law. Why didn't he just say so! To beco the Holy Envoy's son-in-law... isn't this an incredible stroke of luck? This is fantastic! Wait... he's so horrifying to look at. His daughter couldn't possibly... Whatever. At least she's a woman. To rise in power and glory, a small sacrifice like this is nothing!
Imdiately, Jian Hansheng bowed again. "Your son-in-law pays his respects, Father-in-law!"
Jian Hetian was slightly hesitant. It wasn't that he looked down on the offer—on the contrary, he felt deeply honored. But was there truly such a thing as a free lunch in this world? Still, he didn't dare spoil the man's mood. He followed up, "The honor is all ours. My son is the one marrying up!"
The old man's smile grew wider. He clapped his hands. "My dear daughter, co out and see for yourself. Are you satisfied with the husband I have arranged for you?"
"Hmm?"
Everyone was shocked. The Holy Envoy's daughter was here too? Where?
The next mont, a laugh like the tinkling of silver bells echoed through the hall. A tall, slender figure appeared from behind the old man's chair as if by magic. She wore a translucent gossar gown over an ancient-style halter top. Though she was slim, she had stunning curves in all the right places. Her face was as lovely as a flower, and her eyes shimred. She was an absolute, nation-toppling beauty!
"Wow!"
Many of the n stared, their eyes wide. Jian Hansheng was ecstatic. He'd braced himself to suffer in silence and marry an ugly hag. He never expected, never in his wildest dreams...
Hahaha! He wanted to laugh triumphantly at the heavens. He was one hundred percent satisfied with his future bride!
The beauty's gaze drifted over to Jian Hansheng, her eyes landing on his face before pointedly scanning the crucial area below his waist. With alluring eyes, she whispered, her breath fragrant, "You look quite delicious, handso. I like you very much."
She took out a handkerchief and gently covered her red lips as if dabbing away drool.
Jian Hansheng felt incredibly smug, thinking his handso looks had finally found a chance to shine.
The old man's smile, however, stiffened slightly. He gave a serious warning, "I finally found another suitable husband for you. You had better take it easy this ti. Try not to break him right away."
"Oh, I know!" the beauty whined coquettishly, rushing to cover the old man's mouth.
"Er—" Jian Hansheng finally sensed sothing was wrong. What did he an, 'another' suitable husband? Another? And what did 'break him' an...?
He mustered the courage to ask.
The beauty lowered her head shyly. "It's nothing, really. It's just that my... needs... are a bit greater than most. My previous husbands couldn't keep up. But don't you worry, I've been practicing abstinence lately. I'll only need you ten tis a day at most... Eight should be fine, right? I can't possibly do with any less, haha."
Jian Hansheng nearly coughed up blood. Even if you're the most beautiful woman alive... eight tis a day? Every day? In the long run, any man would be broken!
Sweat beaded on his forehead as his heart pounded with anxiety. He wanted to refuse, but he didn't have the courage. He was utterly at a loss. The others in the room who had been secretly envious and jealous now wore strange expressions. They all quickly averted their gazes, terrified that the beauty might "target" them next.
Despite how often Jian Hetian scolded Jian Hansheng, he truly adored his precious son and certainly didn't want him to be hard. He was just about to speak up and suggest that perhaps they should reconsider becoming in-laws when a subordinate suddenly rushed in.
He reported that soone was causing trouble and had already broken into the Sandalwood Association's core area. They were heading this way.
"Hmph! They must have a death wish, daring to cause trouble here! n, go and crush them!" Jian Hetian roared.
"Yes, sir!"
Instantly, twenty or thirty of his n rushed out, brandishing gleaming machetes.
The old man and his daughter, however, exchanged a look of surprise.
"Holy Envoy, what is it?" Jian Hetian asked quickly, having caught their expressions.
The old man chuckled. "This troublemaker is no simple character. I suggest you send a few more n, Chairman Jian. Just to be safe."
"Oh?" Jian Hetian froze. "Could it be..."
***
Hawaii is a world-renowned tourist destination. Many visitors co for its fa and leave delighted, especially honeymooners who consider it a romantic paradise. Walking down the street, one could see countless couples laughing and enjoying themselves. Amid the crowd, Lin Tang and An Jinan were completely inconspicuous.
Since they were abroad, foreigners didn't recognize a huge star like An Jinan. She didn't have to cover her face and disguise herself as she did back ho, and she felt wonderfully relaxed and free. She found Long Tianji to be surprisingly approachable and easygoing, which put her even more at ease. She tentatively linked her arm with his, acting as intimate as a couple. He didn't pull away.
Seeing this, she smiled faintly. I have a chance! she thought, feeling particularly proud of her own deadly charm. Hmph. So what if he's the mighty Long Tianji? So what if his na makes countless others tremble in fear? As long as he's a man, there's no one I can't conquer. All I ever needed was a chance to get close to him!
Lin Tang had no idea what she was thinking. Of course, he didn't care either. He just made idle chit-chat with her, occasionally pointing to a road sign and asking her what it ant. After she translated, they would continue walking, making one turn after another.
Finally, they arrived at a door. Just as they were about to enter, several burly n blocked their way.
"Private property! No visitors!" one of them warned with a hostile glare.
Another one noticed how beautiful An Jinan was and had an idea. He planned to send Lin Tang away and keep her for a bit of fun.
But his companion slapped him on the shoulder. "Have you forgotten what day it is? How dare you try to pick up a girl? Aren't you afraid of disturbing the VIPs?"
The first man pouted. "How could a small fry like possibly disturb them?"
Despite his words, he lost his interest. He snapped at Lin Tang and An Jinan, "What are you still standing here for? Get lost! You should be thankful that today—"
Before he could finish, Lin Tang said, "Sorry to interrupt. This is the headquarters of the Sandalwood Association, correct?"
"Huh? You know?"
"And you still dare to trespass? Are you tired of living?"
"Don't tell you know so big shot inside. A bum like you..." This wasn't a simple case of judging a book by its cover. They had been guarding this side entrance for a long ti, and no distinguished guest had ever arrived on foot. They either ca in luxury cars through the exclusive channel or descended from the sky in a helicopter.
"As long as I'm in the right place, that's all that matters," Lin Tang said with a nod.
Before An Jinan could even react, he simply pointed a finger.
POP!
The n in front of them exploded simultaneously. Blood sprayed all over her face.
An Jinan: "!!!"
Who could possibly imagine it? One second, he was chatting and laughing with you, as friendly as could be. The next, he killed several people without even batting an eye! And not just killed them, but in such a brutal way! It's horrifying! Is this the real Long Tianji?
Before An Jinan could even begin to retch, Lin Tang had already grabbed her hand and was striding inside.
"Who's there?"
"Who is it?"
"How dare you trespass?"
"Kill him! Drag his body out and feed it to the sharks!"
More and more people were alerted and ca rushing out. Without even asking who Lin Tang was, they attacked.
And then, they all died.
Blood splattered everywhere.
An Jinan: "..."
She couldn't vomit anymore. She was completely numb.
She finally understood why Long Tianji had warned her not to regret her decision to be his guide. And now, she regretted it more than anything.
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