Tian Ci's wild laughter abruptly stopped, his expression hardening, and then thick, foul blood flowed from all seven of his orifices!
Seeing this, Wu Tian was also startled.
He quickly said, "What are you doing!"
But Tian Ci could no longer respond to him.
Tian Ci's skin quickly dulled, his body became limp and powerless, and finally, he collapsed like a piece of paper.
Wu Tian looked at him in horror, realizing at a glance that the guy was already dead.
"Bastard!" Wu Tian gritted his teeth.
This guy must have known he couldn't escape, so he bit down on the pill hidden in his molars and poisoned himself to death here.
This was a common ninja tactic; once escape was impossible, they would end their own lives to prevent important information from falling into enemy hands.
Judging by Tian Ci's condition, even a god descending from heaven wouldn't be able to save him now, let alone Wu Tian.
Wu Tian quickly dropped Tian Ci on the ground, then went to check on the other ninjas, only to find that they had all also ended their own lives.
The sole purpose of doing this was to prevent him from knowing the location of their headquarters!
"What a bunch of scumbags!" Wu Tian couldn't help but curse, his face turning ashen.
Wu Tian hadn't expected these guys to end their lives so readily right in front of him!
If what Tian Ci had said was true, then Leng Yue was definitely in great danger right now.
If these people could be so ruthless to him, who knew what methods they would use when punishing Leng Yue?
Wu Tian's heart suddenly felt a sense of urgency.
No matter what, he had to find the location of the Shadow Hall.
If Leng Yue truly died because of this, he would definitely consider it his responsibility!
But what should he do?
Wu Tian pondered deeply and suddenly thought of someone.
That's right, why am I so foolish? I can just go find Yagami Yuriko!
With the Yagami family's influence and reach in Bird Country, wouldn't they know the location of a Shadow Hall?
Thinking of this, Wu Tian quickly took out his phone and called Yagami Yuriko.
Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Shadow Hall, the atmosphere was shrouded in gloom.
Many people assumed that as an assassin organization, the Shadow Hall's headquarters would be located in a remote area.
But no one would have expected that the Shadow Hall was actually located within the city, and in the most prosperous area of the city.
A certain economic building, while appearing to be a large corporation, was actually just a front for the Shadow Hall.
Beneath this building, there was a vast underground complex where the Shadow Hall usually held its meetings.
In the main hall, cold white fluorescent lights illuminated the space.
People dressed in ninja attire stood silently on both sides, their gazes focused on the center of the hall.
And in that spot, Leng Yue's hands were tied behind her back as she knelt on the ground.
"Leng Yue, do you know your crime?"
High steps led to the front, and at the top of the steps, a man in a black robe let out a hoarse voice.
He wore a Tengu mask, and his true appearance was unknown.
Everyone obeyed him absolutely, for he was the master of the Shadow Hall, Lord Tengu.
Hearing Tengu's words, Leng Yue merely looked at the ground, showing no intention of answering.
She appeared somewhat disheveled, her beautiful face bearing several scars, clearly injuries sustained during the encirclement.
No one knew what she was thinking.
Perhaps she regretted it...
Perhaps she didn't regret it at all...
In any case, she said nothing, maintaining her silence.
Tengu continued, "Leng Yue, I picked you up when you were very young and taught you the art of killing. Over the years, your performance has always satisfied me."
"But why did you do something that violates our taboos? In our Shadow Hall, that is a capital offense!"
Facing Tengu's stern reprimand, Leng Yue still remained silent, as still as the quiet moonlight.
Tengu continued, "Don't think that your silence will let you escape punishment!"
"I did treat you like a daughter, but even if you were my own flesh and blood, you must accept punishment for your mistakes."
"However, I still have some personal feelings for you. If you can admit your mistake and kill the target, I can consider reducing your sentence. What do you think?"
It was rumored that Lord Tengu was cold and ruthless, showing no leniency.
But by saying such words now, he was clearly making the greatest concession.
Yet, even his good intentions could not make Leng Yue yield.
Leng Yue remained silent, as if she completely disregarded the rules of the Shadow Hall.
Seeing this, Tengu became furious and shouted, "Baka!"
"Leng Yue! I am speaking to you! You dare to disobey me, you have such immense courage!"
"You are only twenty-two years old, do you really want me to execute you!"
A powerful and chilling aura erupted from Tengu's body, causing his black robe to flutter.
For a moment, all the ninjas in the hall trembled slightly, a sense of dread arising within them.
But Leng Yue's expression remained unchanged.
She simply looked at the ground, her gaze fixed downwards, and regardless of what Tengu said, she showed no intention of speaking.
Everyone thought Leng Yue had gone mad!
No one who dared to defy Tengu had a good end!
It was said that all traitors in history, after falling into Tengu's hands, were tortured beyond recognition, meeting a gruesome death.
Leng Yue had witnessed such tragic scenes before, so why wasn't she afraid?
Seeing Leng Yue's stubbornness, Tengu decided to give her no more chances. He spoke, "Fine, you've grown up and no longer listen to me."
"Then our relationship ends here."
"It is truly a pity that such an excellent ninja as you has met such an end."
With that, he waved his hand and said, "Take Leng Yue to the torture chamber. From today onwards, she is no longer the third assassin of the Shadow Hall!"
"And all of you remember this: do not attempt to violate the rules of the Shadow Hall, or your fate will be the same as hers!"
"Hai!" The ninjas responded in unison and then led Leng Yue away.
The hall became empty, and Tengu stood alone on the high platform, like an aged sculpture.
After a moment of silence, he suddenly let out a low laugh.
"Leng Yue, oh Leng Yue, I originally planned to enjoy you in another two years, but if you force my hand, then you can't blame me."
"Honestly, I'm quite looking forward to your taste, hahaha..."