Chapter 321 - Assassin
This time the announcer didn’t let Han Wu remain on stage. Instead, he claimed Han Wu was tired and needed a rest, though in reality he dragged him into the boss’s office.
Behind a massive desk, the boss of the underground fighting ring scrutinized Han Wu. He could not fathom how someone as scrawny as Han Wu had defeated Bai Quan.
“Young man, you have two options. One: become a contract fighter here. You’ll handle those unruly contestants for me, and I’ll pay you handsomely. Two: accompany Bai Quan in the afterlife. Choose.”
His voice was ice cold, his gaze sharp and predatory.
The announcer leaned in, his tone threatening. “Brat, the boss admires you enough to offer you this. Make a wise choice. Laws don’t reach here. No one will bat an eye if you die.”
Han Wu glanced at him, then back at the boss. “I’m here to earn money and gain Assists. I don’t care about anything else. I’ve won six matches, so give me the money now.”
The boss furrowed his brow, still unsure of Han Wu’s background. As a test, he pulled out a wad of cash worth 10,000 credits and tossed it onto the desk.
Han Wu snatched it, stuffing it into his pocket without a glance. He trusted the boss wouldn’t cheat him.
“Become my fighter. Obey my rules, and I’ll pay you 10,000 a day.”
“I won’t lose on purpose,” Han Wu said. “I fight to win. That way, I can earn more Assists from the crowd.”
“Who do you think you are? Do you really talk to the boss like that?” the announcer snapped, outraged at Han Wu’s boldness.
The boss raised a hand to silence him. “Young man, you have guts. Fine. We will do as you say. I will pay you as long as you keep winning.”
Han Wu extended his hand. “No problem.”
The boss’ eyes gleamed with unreadable intent as he shook Han Wu’s hand.
“I hope this will be a fruitful collaboration.” Han Wu grinned. His smile was not for the deal itself, but because he had successfully replicated one of the boss’ potential attributes.
The underground fighting ring’s boss was an Inferior Elite, with his highest potential attribute being Power at 32 points. He possessed four Skills: Strong Punch, Bull Demon Punch, Strong Kick, and Mighty Shove, all Level 30 or higher. His strength was undeniable; he would not have become the boss otherwise.
By replicating the boss’ Power potential, Han Wu’s own Power surged to 32. The increase was monumental.
Han Wu stepped out of the building, removed his mask, and strolled toward the market, where vendors offered countless items to aid in cultivation.
He wandered among the stalls and quickly realized how exorbitant the prices were. One item, a Power Potion, promised to increase a person’s Power potential by two to three points, but it only worked for those with a potential of ten or below. A single bottle cost 8,000 credits, and buyers were limited to one per month. Relying on such expensive commodities to grow stronger left a stifling sense of frustration.
Soon, Han Wu spotted a crystal that granted 100 Fire Assist Points. It cost 1,000 credits, and like the Power Potion, each person could purchase only one per month. Prices varied depending on the attribute’s demand, and buyers could only acquire one crystal of each type each month.
Han Wu considered his priorities carefully and purchased crystals granting 100 Assist Points in Defense, Water, Fire, Earth, and Wind. The total came to 5,400 credits, leaving him with 4,600, which he reserved for a potential purchase to improve his overall potential.
With his purchases in hand, he headed home. As he passed through a narrow alley, he noticed someone trailing him. Instead of fear, a spark of excitement surged through him. He was curious to discover why someone would follow him. Intentionally, he veered into another alley with a dead end, setting a trap to force the pursuer to reveal themselves.
The assassin, confident in their own strength, followed him into the cul-de-sac. Only when they saw Han Wu standing calmly at the end did they realize their mistake.
The assassin did not panic; they only considered it more convenient to deal with Han Wu here. Brandishing a dagger, they advanced slowly. “Young brat, I’m not sure whether you are smart or foolish to lead me into a dead end.”
Han Wu activated Life Shield silently, and a faint green barrier shimmered into existence before him.
The assassin slowed as they sized it up. “You actually have a second Skill? This is different from the intel I received. I’ll have to negotiate a higher price when I get back.”
“Who sent you here?”
“I’ll answer you when you’re dead!” The assassin lunged forward, unleashing Bone Shaver—a lightning-fast Skill that would have been nearly impossible for an ordinary person to dodge.
Han Wu was no ordinary person. He sidestepped the attack with ease and countered by summoning a Fireball and hurling it straight at the assassin.
The assassin misjudged the Fireball and tried to stab it with their dagger. The fireball fragmented into glowing embers, some landing on the assassin’s arm.
Han Wu’s Blood Fuel effect amplified the embers and turned them into roaring flames. The assassin’s flesh sizzled and burned faster than alcohol, forcing a howl of agony from their lips. They instinctively tried to pat out the flames, but their other hand caught fire as well.
Overcome by pain, the assassin staggered and stammered, “P-Please, let me go. I’ll tell you everything...”
“Who’s your contractor?” Han Wu asked. “I will let you go if you tell me their name.”
The assassin prioritized their life and chose to sell out their contractor. “It’s the Luo family! They paid me to kill you.”
Han Wu knew who it was. He had suspected Luo Ke wouldn’t let him off lightly, but sending an assassin went far beyond a student’s personal grudge.
Don’t blame me for your death in the future, then, he thought.
He stood motionless, watching the flames consume the assassin.
“I’ve already told you my contractor! Extinguish the flames and spare me!” the assassin screamed in pain.
Han Wu nodded. “Sure. You can run toward the exit to find some water to extinguish it. I won’t stop you.”
The assassin turned toward the exit, only to realize too late that the alley stretched far too long. Trying to reach water would take too much time, and they were far more likely to be reduced to ashes halfway there.
“You dare trick me? Fine. I will kill you even if it costs my life!” The assassin summoned the last of their strength and hurled the dagger. This was also a Skill called Final Gambit, currently at Level 5, capable of countering shield-type Skills.
Even so, the dagger bounced harmlessly off Han Wu’s Life Shield. Though only Level 1, the shield boasted five powerful attributes, and the effect of Resilient made it far stronger than a typical Level 10 shield-type Skill. The assassin’s Level 5 Final Gambit simply lacked the power to pierce it.
Shock flashed across the assassin’s face as their Skill failed, but there was no time to recover. The flames consumed them, leaving only scattered fragments of bone behind.
Han Wu brushed the ashes from his clothes and left the area. When the time came, he would deal with Luo Ke directly.