Chapter 82: An Assassination Attempt at the Hotel

Li Zijian had also come to enjoy the feeling of cultivation, peppering me with questions about it. After walking for a while, the two of us arrived at the department store. I glanced at Li Zijian; he seemed perfectly fine, but in this sweltering heat, lacking the protection of spiritual energy, I felt rather powerless.

So Li Zijian and I decided to go inside the mall to rest and explore. It was Saturday, yet the mall was oddly sparse, not as crowded as expected. With Li Zijian as my financial buffer, I never had to spend a dime—he was always quick to pay for everything we wanted.

We wandered the floors several times, purchased a pile of goods, and finally sat down on a bench to take a break. After a while, Li Zijian suddenly said to me, “Brother Yao, those two ahead have spiritual energy, though it’s weak.”

I followed his gaze and indeed spotted two people wearing hats and masks. I noticed they both had pouches at their waists, similar to storage bags—likely disciples from some sect.

Pulling Li Zijian along, I pretended to browse clothes while secretly listening in on their conversation. Though their faces were obscured, one was plump and the other thin, easy enough to distinguish.

The chubby one said, “Hey, did you hear? Apparently, some treasures have appeared recently in Bamboo City. They say the treasures just popped up out of nowhere…”

“Really? But the sect only gave us half a day off, so we can’t go,” replied the other.

I was certain Li Zijian had caught their exchange too, muttering under his breath, “You can’t go, but I can…”

The two glanced at us, then moved away. I smiled faintly. Though I couldn’t be sure what treasures they were talking about, I had a gut feeling—it must be the token of the Ghost King.

“Brother Yao, should we go check it out?” Li Zijian read my mind, whispering, “Let’s go. What if it really is?”

I put down the clothes I’d been holding and headed for the exit. Outside, Li Zijian called for his family’s private car to pick us up.

“Brother Yao, you’re without spiritual energy now. Shouldn’t we wait until you recover? I’m worried it might be dangerous.”

I knew Li Zijian meant well, but anyone would feel frustrated in my place. I punched him lightly and said, “Don’t underestimate me.”

Li Zijian scratched his head and stroked his chin, joking with exaggerated bravado, “Old man, I think your bones are extraordinary—you’re destined to be a martial arts master…”

As he joked, the car arrived. The driver, Li Zijian’s uncle, was a blood brother to his father. Though he could have taken on bigger responsibilities, he preferred to serve as the family’s driver.

Once in the car, I checked the map and realized Bamboo City was quite a distance away—it would take two days by car. I thought it over; since we had nothing pressing, why not go?

Li Zijian hesitated, asking, “Brother Yao, should we go or not?”

“Let’s! We have to see for ourselves,” I replied.

Li Zijian nodded, and the driver started the engine. Li Zijian called Uncle Li, making up a story about going on a trip. I just chuckled on the side, saying nothing.

As the car picked up speed, we entered the highway; the ride was smooth and comfortable thanks to Li Zijian’s family’s top-notch vehicle. Without spiritual energy, I couldn’t practice the Tanzi Record. Watching Li Zijian slip into cultivation in the seat made me envious.

With nothing else to do, I began to admire the scenery. The driver noticed my boredom and struck up a conversation. Through our chat, I learned his surname was Li, and he had a daughter about my age. Because he was older, everyone at work called him Old Wang.

What’s more, Old Wang possessed third-grade spiritual leaf strength, quite impressive.

We stopped at every rest area, and Old Li made sure to buy heaps of snacks. I grabbed a bag of chips and scrolled through videos on my phone.

Suddenly, I sensed I could summon a trace of spiritual energy! Overjoyed, I tried again, but only managed a minuscule amount—nothing more. Still, it was a good omen; I could now access my ring.

I placed the Snow Blade and my cultivation manual back into the ring, feeling much lighter. I tried to circulate spiritual energy again, but pain swept over me, leaving me drenched in sweat.

I’d have to wait for my meridians to heal before I could return to my former state.

We had set out in the morning, and before I knew it, the car was driving into the evening. Old Li had already booked a hotel, and by the time we reached the next rest area, it was past seven.

Li Zijian opened his eyes, feeling refreshed and vigorous. We ate a simple dinner and then retreated to our rooms to rest.

Each of us had our own room. Though Li Zijian’s car was comfortable, sitting for so long made my back ache.

After a relaxing hot shower, I lay in bed ready for sleep. I chatted with Nangong Xi for a while, but soon my eyes grew heavy.

Just as I was about to drift off, I heard the sound of a window opening in the bathroom. I slowly opened my eyes, glancing sideways; unfortunately, the curtains were drawn so tightly the room was pitch-black—I couldn’t see a thing.

With spiritual energy gone, I couldn’t sense anyone's presence, leaving me anxious. Anyone with third-grade spiritual leaf abilities could easily kill me right now.

I shut my eyes, focusing solely on the sounds. I heard several footsteps coming in through the bathroom window, though they seemed to be waiting for everyone to arrive.

Five minutes passed; no more footsteps came, and the group began to stir.

My mind raced for an escape plan, but these intruders moved swiftly, closing in on me in no time.

I had to act first. I quickly turned on the bedside lamp and sprang up.

Only then did I see their numbers and strength.

There were six of them, but all were ordinary men.

“Who are you?” I asked coldly.

They exchanged glances, said nothing, and drew long knives from their backs.

Seeing there was no room for negotiation, I quickly reached into my ring for the blade my Second Uncle had given me, ready to defend myself.

All six wore night attire, faces wrapped in black cloth with only their eyes visible.

But in the end, they were mere amateurs. Handling them was easy enough.

As I fought, I questioned, “Who sent you? Why are you here to assassinate me?”

But they kept their mouths shut, stubborn as mules. With no other choice, I pressed them harder.

I slipped smoothly into the Shadow Wing Blade technique. Though I lacked the boost of blue energy blades, it was still formidable.

Some of them knew a little swordplay, but their skills were lacking. One was even stabbed in the chest and collapsed, unconscious.