Chapter 135: Never Question Me (Third Update)

The back garden was indeed well-tended, filled with a fragrant aroma. In the center of the yard stood a stone pavilion where two figures were engaged in deep conversation.

Daci nudged Dong Ci’s arm. "I don’t have much experience with this. You handle it."

"A trifle!"

Walking ahead, Pan Sheng swallowed hard. He kept his head down, his head clearing from the alcohol after the walk. He realized these two weren't the spirits of the underworld, but given how they were dressed, he concluded one thing: they must be assassins!

Assassins had infiltrated the house! How thrilling!

Moreover, they hadn't flown in; they had simply walked in through the main gate. That showed an unconventional brilliance! However, the brother in the white martial arts attire... standing out like that in the dead of night, he looked like a complete amateur at this sort of thing.

"Father..." Pan Sheng called out toward Pan Ming in the pavilion.

Pan Ming’s brow furrowed. He recognized the voice immediately and felt a surge of displeasure. He turned, ready to reprimand his son, but upon seeing the two "black and white" figures, his expression shifted to one of suspicion and vigilance.

Beside him, Ba Tai caught sight of Dong Ci and Daci. His brow only twitched slightly before smoothing out, his demeanor remaining calm and composed.

"Pan Sheng, who are these two?" Pan Ming stood up and asked in a low voice.

Pan Sheng paused, stammering in fear, "Father, they are here to... see you."

"What business do you have with me? If you have a grievance, take it to the prefect," Pan Ming said, maintaining the composure of a seasoned general, unflustered by the threat.

Dong Ci chuckled upon hearing this. "I’m afraid the prefect can’t handle this particular matter."

Pan Sheng bowed his head, preparing to retreat. *When gods fight, mortals should steer clear to avoid getting hurt.*

"Don't go anywhere," Daci murmured. Pan Sheng immediately froze in place, standing obediently.

Pan Ming frowned and sat back down. "Since you are here, please, have a seat."

*A true Commandant, quite the backbone,* Dong Ci thought.

"Sitting won't be necessary. After all, we’re here to kill, not to chat," Dong Ci said with a smile. Had it not been for their attire, he would have looked like a neighbor stopping by for a visit.

With the motive made clear, Pan Ming asked curiously, "Even murder requires a reason. I wonder how I have offended the two of you?"

"To act on behalf of the people," Daci said, using his standard excuse.

Dong Ci was taken aback. *This bastard, he uses benevolence and morality as a pretext for slaughter every single time. And he’s killed far more people than I have!*

"I wonder how I have failed the people?"

Daci let out a cold snort. "How have you failed them? Do you really have no idea?!"

"I truly do not know."

"It doesn't matter if you don't know. Either way, none of you are walking out of here tonight!" Dong Ci pointed at Pan Ming and Ba Tai, grinning hideously. The feeling was intoxicating. Could it be that his teacher’s intention was to return him to his original intent? His teacher was truly profound; one could never guess the true purpose until the very end!

Pan Ming let out an angry roar, his strength as a Sword King suddenly surging forth. "Arrogant thieves, face my fist!"

Daci shook his head and laughed. "A Sword King without a sword—his power is halved. If you don't even understand that, how did you ever become a Commandant?"

Pan Ming had no way of knowing someone would come looking for trouble today. Having lived in comfort for so many years, he had long lost the habit of wearing a sword.

Pan Sheng watched as his father leaped forward, only to be forced down in mid-air as if crushed by an immense, invisible weight. His entire body slammed into the ground, pinned so hard he couldn't even crawl away. This was a battle between entirely different echelons; calling it "using a butcher's knife to slaughter a chicken" was an understatement.

"Pan Sheng, call everyone here," Daci said calmly, the killing intent in his eyes unmistakable.

Brother Kun would never have imagined his two students could be so ruthless and unyielding.

"Ah..."

"Mind your language," Dong Ci said coolly. *Do not make futile struggles; accept your fate with grace.*

Pan Sheng hurried to obey, rushing off to summon everyone. He wouldn't dare act out—his own father was no match for them and had been pinned down without even knowing how it happened, left only to moan in pain.

Now, only Ba Tai remained. Ba Tai said nothing, inwardly speculating whether these two had been sent by Ye Ming for revenge. It didn't seem likely; Ye Ming was a clever man, and while he was the most likely suspect, he wouldn't handle things with such blunt force. Perhaps there was someone even more powerful pulling the strings. Could it be...

"Prefect," Daci said with a bow, dripping with mockery.

Ba Tai stood and returned the bow. "If there is any matter you wish to discuss with me, I will certainly assist within my capabilities."

"It’s just a trifle, no need to trouble the Prefect," Daci replied. Based on his own judgment of character, he felt this Prefect was the most cunning fox of them all.

"Brother, how can you say that? You have already declared your intent to take my life—is that still a trifle?"

Dong Ci laughed loudly. "Is your life such a grand affair? The Prefect is truly full of himself." The sarcasm hit home. He paused, then added, "The Commandant is in such a state, yet you, Prefect, haven't asked a single word. Don't let the Commandant lose heart."

"Brother, Commandant Pan is my relative by marriage; his affairs are naturally my own. As a mere mortal, I have no way to deal with your current state, so I can only try to parley with you and seek an opportunity."

"You certainly have a silver tongue; a true Prefect indeed!" Daci stood with his hands behind his back. This Ba Tai was truly playing a different game.

Amidst their idle chatter, the members of the Pan family began to arrive, one by one, filled with curiosity. Among them were Pan Pingping and Ba Wanqing, who had been awoken by Pan Sheng and told that their father was waiting in the back garden. But why was their father sprawled on the ground? And who were these two black and white assassins? What was happening?

Dong Ci crossed his arms. "Stand still. Follow the rules and you’ll be fine. Act impulsively, and bear the consequences yourself."

"Hmph! Two assassins daring to act so arrogant in the Pan household? You must be tired of living! Brother, I’ll help you!"

"No!" Pan Ming, pinned firmly to the ground, screamed in desperation.

But it was too late. The brother had barely rushed out of the group, not even half a breath later, when his entire body dissolved into a mist of blood, splattering across the ground.

It was too fast. No one had even reacted before Pan Wei was dead. They hadn't even noticed the two assassins move! They hadn't even raised a hand!

How was this possible? The people of the Pan family could not fathom how Pan Wei, a man with the strength of a Sword King, had perished in a heartbeat. His wife and son were particularly devastated, frozen in shock and unable to process the reality.

Pan Sheng, however, felt a surge of satisfaction. These people deserved it! It was these villains who had caused his mother’s death! It felt good—so incredibly good!

*The black and white brothers are awesome!*

Dong Ci spread his hands. "I told you, why didn't you listen? Are you questioning my words?"

"What exactly do you want!"