Chapter 36: Tameshigiri!

The text flashing before Ding Xie’s eyes was more dazzling than thunder—

【Shenxiao Visualization in progress…】

【mind 2 check passed; the thunder has no impact on your sanity!】

【Transcendence 2 check passed; the visualization has no impact on your cognition!】

【Writing this, I hope readers remember our domain name. For Taiwan novels, visit Anytime Reading.】

【Determined as a rookie instance; difficulty for learning and promoting the Shenxiao Visualization Method is reduced!】

【Shenxiao Visualization Method: Mastered → Level 0 → Level 1】

【Shenxiao Visualization Method Level 1: Use a bolt of heavenly thunder to nurture the Shenxiao Cloud Qi, nourishing the body and tempering the mind. Effect: Lightness (Light as a swallow; based on the original Physique, gain an additional 3-point bonus to Running, Jumping, Climbing, Dexterity, and Balance), mind +2】

(Note: Only the first volume of the Shenxiao Visualization Method is available; the level cap is 3.)

…Unlike the powerful heartbeat and surging heat of blood when 【Physique】 increased,

the increase in 【mind】 was a sudden coolness rising in the brain.

It felt like a dab of mint applied to the temples and under the nose.

But,

it wasn’t just cool, it was also… sweet!

Saliva had filled his mouth at some point, losing its usual viscosity and becoming clear, refreshing, and as sweet as honey.

Following the method recorded in the 【Shenxiao Visualization Method】, Ding Xie swallowed it in three gulps.

The sweetness immediately entered the Chengjiang point, descended through Xuanji, entered Zigong, passed Tanzhong, Zhongting, Juque, Shenque, and returned to the Qi Sea.

The sweetness intensified.

The coolness rose again.

A refreshing sensation started from the Qi Sea, traveling through Qugu and Huiyin, up Changqiang and Yaoshu, entering Mingmen, and then straight up through Zhongshu, Lingtai, Dazhui, Fengfu, and Baihui.

Finally, the coolness gathered at the Shenting point.

A faint but incredibly joyful feeling rose from the depths of Ding Xie’s heart, causing his tense nerves to relax slightly.

Looking at the subsequent text, his expression became increasingly calm—

【Explosives killed Bodyguards and Escorts X30, Experience +300】

【Explosives killed Arrogant Imperial People X10, Experience +10】

【Determined as combat; Talent ‘Martial Star’ active, Experience increased by 100%!】

【Determined as a rookie instance; Experience increased by 100%】

【Experience +930】

…Clearly, the two boxes of explosives that Ding Xie had packed with porcelain shards and iron nails had exerted their intended power.

The only pity was that there were no noteworthy figures.

Especially that Sir.

He didn’t seem to show his face at all.

But some people did come.

A gaze filled with eagerness and malice cast over from an alleyway on one side.

Followed by the sound of wings flapping.

‘Finally took the bait!’

Ding Xie used both hands to brush back his hair, which was hanging down from being soaked by the rain.

That flying kick just now,

besides Ding Xie’s genuine inner anger,

was intended to lure the nearby watchers into the trap.

Moreover, this setup had been laid out three days ago.

Ding Xie hadn’t returned the handcart from the Hong Kong Hotel. With a handcart and a large amount of quicklime missing, the workers would surely search for them.

Coincidentally, a large amount of quicklime appeared at the Sihai Tobacco House.

When these two points intersected, they would surely be noticed by those with intentions.

Especially those with vested interests.

For example: Qin Long, who had returned from Flower City.

Qin Long wouldn’t be sure who made the move, so he would inevitably investigate from multiple angles. The associated Hong Kong Hotel would definitely be a primary focus.

So, Ding Xie would give him that opportunity!

After all, for a family, the most important thing is to be together!

Therefore—

Ding Xie pulled out his gun and fired.

Bang!

The watcher in the distance was shot between the eyebrows and fell straight back.

【Firearms killed Elite Assassin X1, Experience +100】

【Determined as combat; Talent ‘Martial Star’ active, Experience increased by 100%!】

【Determined as a rookie instance; Experience increased by 100%】

【Experience +300】

…The text did not end there.

After a second’s pause, it continued to flash.

【Current instance determination in progress…】

【rookie instance determination passed!】

【Extensive practical use of Firearms; Firearms skill 1 → 2】

Ding Xie wasn’t surprised by the increase in the 【Firearms】 skill.

Practice brings true knowledge.

Extensive practice would inevitably bring improvement.

Not to mention, every time for Ding Xie was actual combat.

What truly surprised Ding Xie was the experience points brought by the ‘Elite Assassin’.

After bonuses, it was 300 each.

As his character Rank increased, he rarely saw nameless individuals giving such high experience.

And this wasn’t an isolated case.

There should be about 10-15 more of these ‘Elite Assassins’—this was what Ding Xie inferred from the weapons and ammunition in those three empty boxes at the Sihai Tobacco House.

The three empty boxes were leather cases, a size smaller than the wooden crates in the house on the stone-paved road.

However, they could easily fit five revolvers and the corresponding bullets.

Three boxes meant 15 guns.

Because someone might be skilled with dual guns, and Qin Long might also choose one of the guns as a weapon, Ding Xie estimated the number of people to be around 10-15.

As for Qin Long’s trip to Flower City?

Ding Xie didn’t count the other’s losses.

Lin Tianding had said that Qin Long was a man who habitually hid in the shadows, not only calculating three steps ahead but also making every move carefully.

Since Qin Long dared to go, he must have been confident.

Therefore, when facing such a person, one must hit the mark in a single strike.

Otherwise, the opponent would very likely hide in some rat hole and never come out again.

With only three days left, Ding Xie didn’t have the time for a war of attrition.

What Ding Xie needed was to kill the opponent as quickly as possible.

Then, visit the next target.

Thus, three days ago, Ding Xie had deliberately left a flaw.

Looking at it now, the effect was quite good.

After looting a brand new, fully loaded 【MK1-G】 revolver and 6 extra bullets from the ‘Elite Assassin’, Ding Xie picked up his umbrella and luggage from the ground.

He held the umbrella over his head.

He held the luggage in his left hand.

Ding Xie’s pace began to quicken.

The carrier pigeon was now just a black dot.

Ding Xie no longer chose to follow the road. Instead, he leaped onto the roof beside him, then ran along the ridge. Reaching the end, he flipped over and jumped onto another roof.

Leaping across roofs and ridges as if on level ground.

While Ding Xie could do this before, with the addition of the 【Lightness】 effect from the 【Shenxiao Visualization Method】, it was even faster and more effortless.

In fact, during this process, Ding Xie could even choose spots with more shadows as landing points, allowing his talent 【Gloomy Shade】 to take effect.

The wind grew fiercer.

The rain grew heavier.

A spectral figure drifted.

Killing intent was cold and biting.

Because the carrier pigeon ahead had flown into a house after reaching Baihua Street.

The Courtesan Pavilion.

A wooden plaque with ink-washed calligraphy.

Yet it lacked any elegance.

Leaving only a chaotic, foul air.

Three guards dressed as ronin were standing under the eaves, talking in low voices—

“I heard you performed a Tameshigiri with your new blade yesterday?”

“Yeah!

The gift Lord Qin brought back is really good. After I threw that woman’s child up and let them fall onto the blade, they were split in two.

It was very smooth, without even a bit of resistance.”

“Hiss!

That must be at the Wazamono level!”

“Indeed!

It’s a pity there are spies everywhere lately, making it hard to replenish stock. Otherwise, I’d really like to try and see if I can do a Mitsu-dou!

My blade is truly…”

The guard picked up his new sword, held it before him, and showed it off to his companion.

And then—

A hand suddenly reached out from the shadows nearby and gripped the hilt of this sword.