Chapter 32: Shadows in the Core CourtThe golden scroll in Xiao Li’s hands contained few words but infinite meaning.

    ???? Mission: Investigate the Forbidden Ruins in the Northern Wastes.

    ???? Target: Unknown entity awakening beyond the Mortal World.

    ???? Danger Level: Extreme.

    He could feel it—this was not just another mission.

    Something far greater was in motion.

    Feng Lizi watched him carefully.

    "I assume you understand the risks?"

    Xiao Li smirked.

    "I thrive on risk."

    The princess’s crimson eyes gleamed with amusement.

    "Good."

    But before any more could be said—

    WHOOSH!

    A killing intent surged through the air.

    Xiao Li’s eyes sharpened instantly.

    "Assassins."

    BOOOOOOOM!

    The roof above them exploded, and six black-cloaked figures descended from the shadows.

    Each one radiated killing intent, their movements precise and deadly.

    Feng Lizi’s expression darkened.

    "Assassins inside the Core Court?!"

    Xiao Li didn’t wait.

    "Nine Heavens Domination Scripture—First Form."

    A golden vortex erupted around him, and before the assassins could react—

    WHOOSH!

    Xiao Li vanished.

    BOOM!

    His palm strike shattered the ribs of the first assassin, sending him flying into the wall.

    The second assassin swung a poisoned blade toward Xiao Li’s neck—

    But Xiao Li caught it mid-air.

    "Not good enough."

    CRACK!

    With a single twist, he broke the assassin’s wrist and launched a devastating counterattack to his chest.

    Another assassin tried to retreat, forming hand seals to activate a forbidden technique.

    But—

    BOOOOOOM!

    A surge of black flames erupted, stopping the assassin mid-motion.

    Xiao Li turned his head slightly.

    Feng Lizi had moved.

    Her crimson Qi burned around her as she raised a single finger.

    "You dare attack a member of the Royal Family?"

    The assassin screamed as he was engulfed, his body turning to ashes.

    Xiao Li grinned.

    "Not bad."

    The last assassin, terrified beyond belief, tried to flee—

    WHOOSH!

    But before he could escape, a black-robed figure appeared behind him and pierced his heart with a single strike.

    The assassin collapsed.

    Xiao Li’s eyes narrowed.

    The one who had just moved—was the Royal Envoy.

    "Fast."

    The envoy stepped forward, his face still hidden under his hood.

    "These men were no ordinary killers."

    He turned toward the princess.

    "Your Highness… this is a declaration of war."

    Feng Lizi’s expression turned cold.

    "I had a feeling this mission would attract unwanted attention."

    She glanced at Xiao Li. S~ea??h the N??elFirё.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Now you see, Xiao Li. This is not just an investigation."

    Her crimson eyes darkened.

    "This mission… involves the fall of an entire kingdom."

    Xiao Li chuckled.

    "Interesting."

    He cracked his knuckles, stepping over the corpses.

    "Then let’s get started."

    Because whatever was hidden in the Forbidden Ruins…

    He was going to find it first.