The banquet ended, and many people harbored different thoughts.
Most of them felt they should foster a good relationship with Lin Tian.
The title of Great Qin's foremost general was a clear indication that Lin Tian's future would be anything but ordinary.
Therefore, the best course of action was to befriend Lin Tian before he fully ascended to power.
As for Mi Qi, he rushed home immediately to execute his subsequent plans.
He still had an opportunity to act now; once Lin Tian truly grew in strength, he wouldn't even have a chance to make a move.
This realization led him to decide to strike that very night.
Unknown to everyone else, even Ying Zheng had no inkling that someone would make a move against Lin Tian that night.
Upon returning to the royal palace, Ying Zheng found that the Black Ice Guard had already returned.
A flicker of nervousness stirred within him, though his outward demeanor remained calm and unhurried.
"How fares the investigation into Lin Tian's background?"
"According to our findings, Lin Tian lost his mother at a young age and was raised by a guardian whom he calls Uncle Gen. This guardian's identity is also significant; he is Li Gen, a former member of the Iron Eagle Sharp Soldiers. However, he later disappeared from the palace, and our Black Ice Guard has searched for him extensively without success. The swordsmanship Lin Tian practices has a unique name: Xian Ren Gui. It is said that this sword technique requires ten years of relentless practice, mastering it only after a decade of dedication, allowing one to achieve the ultimate technique, 'Immortal's Kneel.' Further details will be provided in a written report from our subordinates."
In just half a day, the Black Ice Guard had unearthed such a wealth of information, a testament to their prowess.
Ying Zheng listened, nodding imperceptibly.
Upon hearing of the Xian Ren Gui sword technique, Ying Zheng's suspicions solidified.
He had seen the Xian Ren Gui sword technique within the palace before. However, his focus at the time was on the throne, and he had only mentioned this technique once to his beloved, Lin Dong'er, leaving it with her without further thought. When Lin Dong'er disappeared, the Xian Ren Gui sword technique vanished with her. Simultaneously gone were the Sui Hou Pearl and the Tai'e Sword that Ying Zheng had gifted to Lin Dong'er. Of course, the Tai'e Sword was not for Lin Dong'er herself, but for the child within her womb. Ying Zheng had not seen these items again thereafter. Now, with all these pieces coming together, Lin Tian's identity was beyond doubt.
"Since Li Gen was a member of the Iron Eagle Sharp Soldiers, summon Li Gen to the palace and let me meet him."
"Yes!"
Upon receiving the order, the Black Ice Guard swiftly departed the palace to carry out Ying Zheng's command.
As soon as he left, Ying Zheng's expression underwent a subtle transformation, a mixture of pain and relief.
"Dong'er, I never managed to protect you in the end."
Lin Dong'er's silent departure was a bid to escape the power struggles within the royal court. At that time, Ying Zheng had only recently ascended the throne and held no true power, surviving precariously between his mother and Lü Buwei. It was for this reason that Lin Dong'er had voluntarily left, to ensure the safety of the child she carried. However, on that occasion, Lin Dong'er had left without consulting Ying Zheng, nor did she reveal her destination, only departing with her bodyguard, Li Gen. Ying Zheng had searched for her tirelessly for years. Now, with news of Lin Dong'er and her son, Ying Zheng would never see Lin Dong'er again. This was an unbearable pain for him. Fortunately, the son he had searched for all these years had finally been found. He was the son of him and Lin Dong'er, the eldest prince of Great Qin, and the future of Great Qin. Reflecting on Lin Tian's current accomplishments brought Ying Zheng solace.
"Dong'er, rest assured, I will personally nurture Tian'er, protect him, and ensure he becomes the King of Great Qin, the King of all under heaven!"
"This empire will undoubtedly be his!!"
Ying Zheng had many consorts in his harem, yet the position of Empress remained vacant. It was reserved for his most beloved, Lin Dong'er. Alas, she could never become the Queen of Great Qin. Ying Zheng could only attempt to compensate for this loss by doting on Lin Tian.
"Then tomorrow...!"
Ying Zheng was already contemplating what honors to bestow upon Lin Tian the following day.
Meanwhile, Mi Qi had arrived home.
He entered a secluded pavilion within his mansion, which resembled a study. No one else was present; only Mi Qi. However, in the next moment, Mi Qi spoke to the empty study.
"Attend me!"
At his command, a man in black with a masked face knelt at Mi Qi's feet. He remained silent, awaiting orders. These were the elite assassins Mi Qi had cultivated, individuals truly loyal to him. Mi Qi was accustomed to such silent obedience, desiring only those who acted without speaking. He harbored too many secrets for others to know.
"Take the entire Death Camp and assassinate Lin Tian in the conquered land of Han."
"Remember, all of them."
"Furthermore, coat your blades with a potent poison, one that is instantly lethal upon contact with blood."
"Lin Tian's combat prowess is extraordinary; avoid direct confrontation with him as much as possible."
"After his elimination, escape Great Qin and proceed to the state of Chu. Do not contact me; when the time is right, I will reach out."
"I hope to hear news of Lin Tian's demise tonight!"
With that, Mi Qi waved his hand at the assassin, signaling him to proceed. The assassin, still silent, accepted the order and departed. Once he was gone, Mi Qi took a deep breath.
"Hah! For Fusu, for the Mi clan, all sacrifices are worthwhile!!"
With those words, Mi Qi was enveloped in darkness, awaiting news.
Elsewhere, Lin Tian, unaware of the approaching danger, continued to study by candlelight. However, after the time it took for an incense stick to burn, he sensed something amiss. Someone had entered, and not just one person, but a group of skilled martial artists. They moved silently, their breathing faint, their movements precise and disciplined. It was evident they were a well-trained unit. More importantly, they approached with hostile intent; they were here to kill Lin Tian. Instantly, Lin Tian looked up and spoke calmly.
"My friends, since you have arrived, please show yourselves!"
At his words, the assassins were taken aback. They were highly professional killers, accustomed to operating with complete stealth, leaving their targets unaware until the very last moment. Yet, before they could even act, their target had detected their presence. This truly exceeded their expectations and confirmed their master's assessment of Lin Tian's extraordinary combat abilities. With this realization, the majority of the assassins emerged, forming a circle to surround Lin Tian.