8 Fighting Assassins!

"What?!" Hearing Daisy's words Dai Xingchen couldn't help but be surprised. Dai Xingchen was naturally well aware of what a spirit harmonization rate of 100% meant. It signified that he and Zhu Zhuling had the potential to achieve a perfect level spirit fusion. What's more since it was a 100% spirit harmonization rate, there would be other benefits as well like with Huo Yuhao and Tang Wutong's spirit fusion. One of which is a great boost to cultivation speed when the two of them are working together during cultivation.

Hearing Dai Xingchen suddenly shout, Grandpa Hei couldn't help but ask: "Third Prince is something wrong?"

Dai Xingchen: "Uh no Grandpa Hei it's nothing."

Before Grandpa Hei could ask again, one of the female elders approached him and asked: "Lao Hei we need to discuss something."

Gradpa Hei nodded then turned to Dai Xingchen and said: "Excuse me third prince."

When Grandpa Hei walked away Zhu Zhuling asked Dai Xingchen: "Xingchen... this feeling what is it?"

Dai Xingchen simply smiled as he patted the little girl's head and said: "Something really good Zhuling."

Hearing this Zhu Zhuling simply tilted her head and nodded. She had complete trust in Dai Xingchen's words.

.........

In order to test out the benefits of their 100% spirit harmonization rate, Dai Xingchen asked Zhu Zhuling to cultivate together with him as they held hands.

Naturally as the obedient little girl that she is, Zhu Zhuling simply tilted her head and nodded to Dai Xingchen's suggestion.

As Dai Xingchen had expected their cultivation speed had indeed greatly increased. During the process Dai Xingchen had estimated that their cultivation speed had increased by about three times. Unfortunately since Zhu Zhuling's constitution was still weak despite having become a spirit master, Dai Xingchen couldn't bare to ask her to cultivate with him for too long for fear of over exhausting her.

In fact Dai Xingchen had been quite curious regarding this matter. How was it that Zhu Zhuling's body was still weak despite having awakened as a spirit master? Dai Xingchen had even asked Daisy about this matter and to Dai Xingchen's surprise even she could not figure out what was wrong with Zhu Zhuling.

"Hmm.... Maybe I should start researching about Immortal Herbs that could improve a person's constitution?" Dai Xingchen thought.

Daisy: "My lord's chosen I believe I should inform you that if you try to execute spirit fusion with Zhu Zhuling right now her weak constitution might not be able to take it. I suggest you try it with her once her cultivation reaches at least Spirit King level."

Hearing this Dai Xingchen couldn't help but mutter: "I see... Well then I guess it's best not to try attempting it for now."

Zhu Zhuling then approached and asked: "Xingchen.... Is something wrong?"

Dai Xingchen simply smiled and patted the girl's head once again.

Dai Xingchen: "Nothing Zhuling.... Nothing at all."

.........

After Zhu Zhuling had left along with the five female elders escorting her, Grandpa Hei entered Dai Xingchen's room with a serious face.

Seeing this Dai Xingchen couldn't help but ask: "What's wrong Grandpa Hei? Did something happen?"

Grandpa Hei: "Child I think you better sit down for this."

Hearing Grandpa Hei's words, Dai Xingchen simply nodded as he sat down on a chair by the side of the room.

Grandpa Hei then sat by the side of the bed and took a deep breath. But before he could say something, Dai Xingchen cut him off.

Dai Xingchen: "They've decided to expel me from the imperial family haven't they Grandpa Hei?"

Hearing his words Grandpa Hei was surprised: "Child you?!...."

Dai Xingchen nodded: "That is to be expected since I've awakened an Innate Spirit Power of one."

Seeing that Dai Xingchen was calm about the entire situation, Grandpa Hei decided to tell him about everything that he knew about his current situation. After all he knew better than anyone how mature and intelligent this child was. As such he was sure that Dai Xingchen would be able to eventually adapt to his current situation.

Grandpa Hei then sighed and said: "It's not as bad as you think child. The Empress has managed to convince the Zhu family to adopt you as an official son in law."

"What?!" Hearing his words Dai Xingchen couldn't help but be surprised.

Grandpa Hei then sighed once again and said: "In fact the worst thing that will happen is that you must give up the surname of Dai and instead take up the surname of Zhu."

Hearing this Dai Xingchen couldn't help but give a forced smile and said: "So rather than just throwing me out of the family, I'm to be married to the wife's family instead?"

Grandpa Hei nodded: "Pretty much."

Dai Xingchen: "I'm surprised that aunt Zhuhua managed to convince the Zhu family to take me in this way. After all Zhuling is now the shining gem of their Zhu family."

Grandpa Hei then laughed: "Haha... Child you have no idea how terrifying the Empress can truly be. Otherwise why do you think His Majesty becomes quite afraid of her sometimes."

Dai Xingchen then thought: "I see... so Aunt Zhuhua actually has such influence over the Zhu family."

Dai Xingchen then asked: "So how long before they send me to the Zhu family Grandpa Hei?"

Grandpa Hei: "In a little over 2 months child."

Dai Xingchen nodded: "I see...."

Dai Xingchen then thought: "Guess I'll have to temporarily postpone my cultivation and spend as much time with my family as I can in these next 2 months."

Grandpa Hei then said with a voice full of sadness: "Child you realize that once you move to the Zhu family I will no longer be able to accompany you."

Hearing his words Dai Xingchen couldn't help but tremble.

That's right! Grandpa Hei was a protector of the imperial family. His current job was to ensure the protection of Star Luo's third prince. Once Dai Xingchen stops being the third prince, Grandpa Hei will naturally be assigned to handle other matters for the imperial family from then on.

Dai Xingchen was naturally well aware that this would happen even before his spirit awakening ceremony. But he still couldn't help but feel heavy-hearted knowing that he would be separated from the man that he had already regarded as his Grandfather. After all Grandpa Hei had been there for him ever since he was reborn in this world.

Grandpa Hei then continued his words: "Child promise me that no matter what happens you will take good care of yourself. Although I can no longer always be by your side, I will always be here when you need me. You're a smart boy though so I can rest assured that you will definitely be fine."

Dai Xingchen couldn't help but shed a tear hearing the old man's words. He then stood up and gave the elderly man a big hug.

Dai Xingchen: "Thank you... for everything Grandpa Hei."

Hearing his words Grandpa Hei simply smiled and patted the boy's back.

.........

The very next day news of Chou Haozhu being found beaten and unconscious along with several other spirit masters at the palace garden's secluded area started to spread throughout Star Luo's capital.

After looking into the backgrounds of the spirit masters that were found with Chou Haozhu, the Palace's Guards found out that these people were unexpectedly low ranking criminals hiding within Star Luo.

But what the Guards did not know was the fact that these low ranking criminals were actually usually hired by the corrupted nobles of Star Luo to do their dirty work for them. In fact this was the main reason as to why these low ranking criminals have never been caught.

When the criminals were interrogated, they stated that they were hired by Chou Haozhu to help him beat up a kid that he had a grudge with.

Hearing their story, the guards naturally didn't believe them. In their opinion these criminals were probably just making up a story that would implicate Chou Haozhu. When the Guards finally decided to ask Chou Haozhu regarding what really happened, the viscount's son couldn't help but keep quiet. Mainly because he knew the guards wouldn't believe him even if he told them the truth.

How could anyone believe that a six year old child who was known to have awakened with an Innate Spirit Power of 1 possibly beat up 3 Spirit Elders along with over a dozen Spirit Grandmasters he thought.

Seeing as Chou Haozhu remained silent, the Guards simply assumed that he must've been traumatized from what he had experienced from his encounter with the criminals.

It was then that Chou Haozhu made a pledge: "I'm never ever going near that kid again!.... He's a Monster!"

.........

In the next two months Dai Xingchen decided to mainly spend some time with his family and friends and did not cultivate at all. He wanted to spend as much time with them as he could before he finally leaves. However to his surprise his spirit rank still broke through rank nine.

Daisy states that whenever he is under sunlight his body seems to absorb very small amounts of the sun's solar light, which would then be converted into spirit power thus allowing him to finally break through the spirit rank of nine.

In truth Dai Xingchen actually had another reason as to why he temporarily didn't want to cultivate. Simply put he didn't wish to achieve spirit rank 10 before moving to the Zhu family. Daisy had hinted that he might have to undergo another trial of destiny once he reaches spirit rank 10. And this trial of destiny might actually have him hunt for his first spirit ring. Must know that hunting for a spirit ring is no small matter. Simply put it might take days or even weeks before he finds a suitable spirit beast.

Since this was the case Dai Xingchen thought it might be more convenient to wait until he moves to the Zhu family before he undergoes this trial of destiny. After all if he were to disappear for days or weeks, Grandpa Hei and his other family members will definitely worry and might even send out search parties for him. But once he moves to the Zhu family things would definitely be different. He was sure the people there would neither care nor concern themselves with him.

As such Dai Xingchen concluded that it would be more convenient to achieve rank 10 and start his next trial of destiny once he moves to the Zhu family.

And although he didn't cultivate for the last two months he still went into the primordial pagoda's special realm from time to time to forge ninja tools. He didn't know why but he felt he might need a lot of ninja tools quite soon.

At this moment Dai Xingchen could be seen sitting on a stump watching Dai Weisi train. By this point Dai Weisi was already 12 years old and has even achieved Rank 22 Spirit Grandmaster. Knowing that Dai Xingchen would be leaving the imperial family soon, the Elders of the imperial family decided not to prevent him from spending some time with his brothers.

After a few minutes, Dai Weisi stopped and sat down beside Dai Xingchen.

"Here you go Eldest Brother." Said Dai Xingchen as he handed Dai Weisi a bottle of water.

"Thanks." Said Dai Weisi as he took the bottle of water from Dai Xingchen and drank it down.

Wiping the water off his lips, Dai Weisi then asked: "Do you hate it?"

Dai Xingchen: "Hate what Eldest Brother?"

Dai Weisi then turned to him and continued to ask: "Hate the rules of our family? The rules that force brothers to fight against each other. The rules that are now forcing you to leave our family."

Dai Xingchen then thought for a moment then said: "I can't really say that I hate it.... Although I will definitely miss my family once I leave. However I'm pretty sure I'll still be allowed to see you guys from time to time.... Not to mention.. that by leaving I am now actually free from those rules."

Hearing this Dai Weisi simply nodded and said: "I see...."

The Eldest prince then raised his head up into the sky and thought: "Lucky you... Youngest Brother."

Seeing his eldest brother's expression, Dai Xingchen couldn't help but sigh. He naturally had an idea of what Dai Weisi was thinking.

Dai Xingchen then stood up and said with a smile: "Eldest Brother how about we spar a bit?"

Dai Weisi: "Spar? What are you..."

Dai Xingchen: "Come on let's just have fun and spar... or is the Eldest Prince of Star Luo too chicken to actually fight his youngest brother?"

Hearing his words Dai Weisi became irritated: "What did you say brat?!"

Dai Xingchen: "Come to think of it didn't I manage to easily stop your punch last time?"

Dai Weisi then stood up with a grin: "Brat you're asking for it!"

It was then that the two brothers played and sparred for the remainder of the day. This was the first time that Dai Weisi had felt both relaxed and worry free in such a long time.

.........

The very next day Dai Mubai could be seen to be constantly swinging his claws towards Dai Xingchen while as the latter could be seen to be constantly dodging his attacks.

"Elder Brother is this really necessary?" Asked Dai Xingchen as he once again dodged one of Dai Mubai's claws.

"Of course it is! Once you leave, I won't be able to always look out for you anymore! So I have to make sure that you're at least strong enough to protect yourself!" Said Dai Mubai as he once again swung his claws towards Dai Xingchen.

This time instead of dodging Dai Xingchen simply caught Dai Mubai's wrist and said: "I get it Elder Brother. But how about we take a small break for now?"

Pulling back his arm, Dai Mubai thought for a moment then said: "Alright... But just a quick one ok."

The two brothers then took a seat on the grass to have their rest.

Dai Mubai then said: "I heard you were going to be taken in by the Zhu family."

Dai Xingchen replied: "Yeah..."

Dai Mubai nodded: "That's good... At least you'll have Zhuqing and Zhuling to accompany you so that you won't be lonely."

Dai Xingchen then said: "I promise to come see you as soon as I can Elder Brother."

Dai Mubai then said with a smile: "Alright but the next time we meet I should be much stronger than I am now. By that time I should be able to make you spar with me seriously."

Hearing his words Dai Xingchen was somewhat surprised: "Elder Brother what are you...."

Dai Mubai then smiled and said: "Don't lie to me. I don't really know how but I can just feel it you know. That when we spar you're just basically taking it easy on me. Not to mention there's the fact that you're not even using your Martial Soul. In fact I get the feeling that even if Big Brother and I were to work together, we'll probably still not be your match."

Hearing his words Dai Xingchen couldn't help but think: "He could actually already perceive such a thing despite being only 9 years old. No wonder he grows up to be the God of War."

Dai Xingchen: "But elder brother if that's what you think then why are you still making me spar with you?"

Dai Mubai then became embarrassed and said: "W-Well you know.... Since I'm still your elder brother... I naturally have to do at least this much."

Seeing this Dai Xingchen couldn't help but smile as he thought: "Ah I see... So basically elder brother just wanted to keep up appearances."

Dai Mubai then said: "Little Brother you know I think you shouldn't believe what everyone is saying about you. So what if you have a Martial Soul that awakened with an Innate Spirit Power of 1. The fact is you're already so strong, and in the future you will definitely be even stronger!"

Hearing Dai Mubai trying to encourage him, Dai Xingchen couldn't help but feel somewhat touched.

He then hugged Dai Mubai and said: "Don't worry Elder Brother I understand."

Dai Mubai then returned his younger brother's hug said with a smile: "That's good then."

.........

Several Days later.... the day that Dai Xingchen must leave the imperial family finally came. The night before, Dai Baihu had already announced throughout Star Luo that Dai Xingchen will no longer be the third prince and instead be the Zhu family's official son in law.

Hearing this announcement the people of Star Luo were not very surprised after all the rumors of the third prince having awakened with an innate spirit power of 1 have already been spread for quite awhile now.

Outside Star Luo's imperial palace, Dai Xingchen could be seen staring at a ring on his hand.

Dai Xingchen: "Grandpa Hei this is?..."

Grandpa Hei: "It's a storage spirit tool. His Majesty told me to secretly give it to you. I've already placed your luggage inside."

Dai Xingchen: "This came from father?"

He then turned towards the man standing above the castle walls.

Staring down towards his youngest son Dai Baihu couldn't help but give a sigh. Upon seeing the boy turn towards him, the Emperor of Star Luo simply gave a slight smile and nod towards the boy.

Seeing this Dai Xingchen couldn't help but return his smile as he thought: "Well knowing father he must've placed a small wealth inside this spirit tool."

"Little Brother!" Shouted Dai Mubai as he rushed towards Dai Xingchen.

Dai Xingchen: "Elder brother!"

Arriving in front of Dai Xingchen, Dai Mubai smiled and said: "Now you weren't gonna leave without saying goodbye to me were you little brother?"

Dai Xingchen simply gave a forced smile and said: "Well... Saying goodbye is... kinda hard Elder Brother."

Dai Mubai then placed his hand on his little brother's shoulder then said with a serious face: "Don't forget your promise."

Hearing his words Dai Xingchen couldn't help but show a slight smile and say: "Yeah... We'll be brothers forever."

Dai Mubai then gave his brother a hug and said: "Yeah.. forever!"

When the two separated, Dai Xingchen then remembered something. He then took out a small sheathed weapon and handed it to Mubai.

Dai Mubai: "Little Brother what is this? A weapon?"

Dai Xingchen: "It's called a Tanto elder brother. It's a weapon I forged myself."

Hearing this Dai Mubai was surprised: "You forged it yourself?!"

Dai Xingchen nodded: "That's right."

Dai Mubai: "How come you've never told me you could forge before?"

Dai Xingchen then scratched his head and said: "Well I guess it's because you've never asked?"

"Hehe you cheeky brat." Said Dai Mubai as he gives his little brother a noogie.

From an open window Dai Weisi stared at his two brothers as his grip on the tanto in his hands tightened.

Naturally Dai Xingchen had given him one as well.

When Dai Weisi had the tanto looked at by a master blacksmith, he was shocked to find out what metal was used to make it.

Must know that these tantos are somewhat different from the ones in the naruto world. These ones were forged using a unique type of metal called Soft Mountain Steel. Weapons that were forged with soft mountain steel are not only quite sharp, but they also boast high durability and great lightness.

It was then that Dai Weisi realized that his youngest brother was not only gifted with great strength, but was also quite gifted with a talent for forging as well.

Dai Weisi thought: "Be well youngest brother."

After a few moments Grandpa Hei approached Xingchen and Mubai then said: "Child it's time to go."

Hearing Grandpa Hei's words Dai Xingchen couldn't help but sigh. While as Dai Mubai couldn't help but frown.

"Be well little brother." Said Dai Mubai as he gave his little brother one last hug.

"You too big brother." Said Dai Xingchen as he returned his elder brother's hug.

After the two brothers separated once again, Dai Xingchen turned around and walked towards the carriage.

Seeing this Dai Mubai couldn't help but clench his fists as he swore that he would definitely go see Dai Xingchen as soon as he could.

As soon as Dai Xingchen was about to board the carriage, Grandpa Hei suddenly gave him a hug and said: "Stay safe child."

"I will Grandpa Hei." Said Dai Xingchen as he returned the elderly man's hug.

As he separated from the elderly man, Dai Xingchen finally boarded the carriage.

When the horse carriage's small door closed, the carriage driver shouted: "Hiya!"

The several horses then gave loud neighs as they rushed towards the eastern direction away from the palace, towing with them the large carriage that Dai Xingchen just entered.

Dai Xingchen's family could only stare at the carriage as it went further and further away.

None of them were aware that this would've been the last time they would see Dai Xingchen for quite awhile.

.........

After two hours of travelling in the carriage, Dai Xingchen's eyes couldn't help but turn serious as he was once again getting a sense of foreboding.

Dai Xingchen thought: "Something's wrong."

By this point Dai Xingchen couldn't help but raise his head towards the two guards sitting in front of him. These two guards were the ones assigned to escort him to the Zhu family's villa that was hidden within a small forest east of the imperial palace.

Daisy then said: "Be careful my lord's chosen. Though well hidden, I can sense that these two guards harbor a bit of killing intent towards you."

In truth Daisy didn't really have to say anything. As an elite soldier in his previous life, Dai Xingchen was naturally no stranger to killing intent.

He had gone on numerous dangerous escort missions in his previous life, this pretty much allowed him to develop a sort of sixth sense as to when the person escorted is being led into a trap.

The only difference in this situation was the fact that he was the one being escorted while as the ones escorting him were the ones that seemed to be harboring evil intentions towards him.

Although Dai Xingchen had already noticed that something was amiss, he didn't panic nor did he show any nervous demeanor. Instead he kept calm and tried to analyze the situation as much as he could.

Since he had once already studied Star Luo's map, he could tell that the carriage's route did not stray from the path leading towards the Zhu family's villa. However it was also at this moment that he noticed something looking outside the carriage's window.

There were no people!

Realizing this Dai Xingchen's expression immediately changed. As a soldier in his previous life he knew what this meant. He was in an area where there could be no witnesses!

Realizing this Dai Xingchen no longer hesitated. He immediately grabbed the carriage door and was about to jump out. But before he could do so, he suddenly noticed a knife coming towards him. To his surprise this knife was not thrown by the two guards, but instead by the carriage driver!

Seeing the knife nearing his face, Dai Xingchen's eyes turned sharp.

Dai Xingchen immediately waved his finger which resulted in the knife's trajectory being changed.

Telekinesis Magic!

After changing the knife's trajectory, Dai Xingchen didn't hesitate and immediately jumped out the carriage.

The moment he jumped out the carriage, the guards and carriage driver suddenly transformed into cloaked figures they then turned into blurs and vanished.

Now landing safely in the middle of a large street Dai Xingchen immediately raised his head and stared at the three cloaked figures that were now standing at the top of a large building.

Daisy: "Those three are...."

Dai Xingchen muttered: "I know Daisy.... Assassins."

By this point the cloaked figure in the middle started clapping as he said: "My goodness quite perceptive former third prince. And here I thought this was gonna be an extremely easy job."

Hearing his words Dai Xingchen thought: "Job?... So they were hired... But by who?"

The cloaked figure on the left then turned to the one of the middle and said: "This job would've been done by now if you hadn't missed."

The cloaked figure on the right then said: "I don't think that was his fault though.... From what I saw the knife's trajectory was spot-on... It's course then changed when the boy waved his finger. "

The cloaked figure in the middle then said: "Indeed... And since he didn't use his Martial Soul, I highly doubt it was a spirit skill."

"Then it could be spirit tool!" Said the cloaked figure on left excitedly.

Dai Xingchen muttered: "Daisy..."

Daisy: "They are only now releasing their spirit power my lord's chosen.... From what I can tell it seems the ones on the right and left are Spirit Ancestors, while as the one in the middle.... might actually be a Spirit King!"

Hearing Daisy's words Dai Xingchen couldn't help but grit his teeth and clench his fists. The enemy's lineup was not something the current him could fight against.

Daisy: "My lord's chosen I believe your main focus right now should be to find a way to get away."

Dai Xingchen muttered: "No... Against 2 Spirit Ancestors and 1 Spirit King who also happens to be Assassins, I will most likely lose energy before I get a chance to lose them. Especially in an area that seems to have been deserted by people. I'm gonna take a guess and say that they probably already know the layout of this entire area too."

Daisy: "Then... what are you going to do my lord's chosen?"

Dai Xingchen then thought: "Just before I died in my previous life, I swore that if I was given a second chance I would choose to live a quiet and peaceful life away from all of the killing and fighting.... a life with no conflicts... But if conflict itself seeks me out, then I have no choice."

"I will fight!" Said Dai Xingchen as he transformed into his Lion Sin of Pride form.

Seeing Dai Xingchen activate his Martial Soul, the cloaked figure in middle said: "Well now it seems this boy is planning to fight us."

The cloaked figure on the left then said: "Haha what a stupid brat!"

He then removed his cloak and jumped down on the ground.

The cloaked figure right then said: "He plans on hogging the spirit tool for himself after he kills the boy isn't he?"

The cloaked figure on the middle simply nodded and said: "Knowing him that is indeed most likely his goal."

When the cloaked figure on the left finally landed on the ground, Dai Xingchen finally saw his true appearance.

He was a middle aged man with several piercings and terrible looking cut marks on his face.

The middle aged man with several piercings on his face then stared intently at Dai Xingchen and said: "Boy if you wanna have a painless death, then you better hand over your spirit tool to me now."

Dai Xingchen: "Spirit Tool?"

The man with piercings on his face then said: "Don't play dumb, I know you used a spirit tool to change the trajectory of the knife back when we were in the carriage."

Hearing this Dai Xingchen couldn't help but think: "So they think my telekinesis magic is a spirit tool huh."

By this point Dai Xingchen suddenly sighed: "I think I understand why you want to kill me."

The man with piercings: "Oh?"

Dai Xingchen sighed again and said: "It's because I am too handsome right?... I understand that compared to an ugly face like yours that not even a Mother could love, my young face does indeed seem to be extremely handsome. How pitiful you are to be born with such an ugly face... I truly do pity you... But that is no reason for you to wish to kill me."

Hearing his words the man with piercings' face turned completely dark, while as the two other assassins....

Two other assassins: "Pfft!..."

Were struggling to suppress their laughter.

"BRAT YOU ARE COURTING DEATH!" Shouted the man with piercings as he released his martial soul.

His hands then turned into sharp looking mantis blades, while as two long antennas appeared attached to his forehead. Four rings then also began to rise from below him. (3 Yellow, 1 Purple)

Seeing this Dai Xingchen thought: "So he also has an inferior spirit ring combination... Maybe this won't be as hard as I thought."

Daisy then said: "Be careful my lord's chosen. A thousand years spirit skill is not something you've encountered before."

The man with piercings then charged towards Dai Xingchen and swung one of his mantis blades targeting the boy's neck.

As the blade was inches away from Dai Xingchen's neck...

Whoosh!

Dai Xingchen turned into a blur and disappeared from the man with piercings' sight.

Phantom Flicker Movement!

The man with piercings: "What?!"

It wasn't just the man with piercings, but also the two cloaked figures standing atop the building were also surprised.

The Spirit King thought: "So he can actually move at such a speed."

The other Spirit Ancestor thought: "It seems we've miscalculated regarding the target's overall ability."

Before the man with piercings could recover from his surprise, Dai Xingchen suddenly appeared by his side. Dai Xingchen's innate spirit ring then appeared and shined for half a second. He then threw three marble sized cruel suns towards the man with piercings' face.

Seeing this the man with piercings tried to dodge as fast as he could, but one of the marble sized cruel suns still hit the left side of his face.

Bang!

"Ahhh!" Screamed the man with piercings as the left side of his face was covered in flames.

Dai Xingchen then said: "Be thankful for I have now graced your gruesome and unsightly face with my beautiful and almighty power."

"RAAAHHH!!!" Roared the man with piercings. On the left side of his face could now be seen a small but terrible looking burn mark.

Seeing this the Spirit King thought: "I see.... So he is intentionally enraging him to make him act careless. Also... was that a spirit ring? I believe the information we got stated that he didn't have a spirit ring yet."

The other Spirit Ancestor thought: "I can't believe this boy was actually able to deal damage to Mantis like this.... It seems the information we got about this boy was truly in error."

"BOY ITS TIME FOR YOU TO DIE!!!" Shouted the man with piercings as his third spirit ring shined.

The man with piercings: "3rd Ring Spirit Skill - Tri-Mantis Swift Blades."

The man with piercings then performed three extremely fast slashes towards Dai Xingchen. Each slash then unleashed 5 wind blades that went straight for Dai Xingchen.

Using his Phantom Flicker Movement, Dai Xingchen was able to quickly avoid most of the wind blades. However he couldn't dodge the two last wind blades in time, thus forcing him to block them with his arms.

Puchi!

Dai Xinchen was pushed back by several steps. On his arms now appeared small bloody cuts.

Seeing this the man with piercings couldn't but be shocked as he exclaimed: "What?! Those small cuts were all the damage my 3rd spirit skill did to him?! How is this possible?!"

Staring at the small bloody cuts on his arms, Dai Xingchen thought: "To think that a hundred year spirit skill could already harm me like this when used by a Spirit Ancestor.... It seems I really can't hold back in this fight anymore, otherwise I might get caught off guard and get seriously hurt."

Dai Xingchen took a deep breath, then took a stance with his left hand being placed behind his back while as his right hand raised forward as if gesturing his enemy to attack him.

He then muttered: "First Gate: Gate of Opening - Open!"

Boom!

The heat emanating from Dai Xingchen's body suddenly became stronger as a thin orange colored aura started to appear all around his body.

Seeing this scene the faces of the three assassins couldn't help but change.

The Spirit King then thought: "Such heat and pressure. Is this really just a six year old boy we're fighting?"

The man with piercings then said: "Tch! I don't believe a brat like you is actually so strong!"

He then rushed towards Dai Xingchen and shouted: "2nd Ring Spirit Skill - Mantis Focus Cut!"

The man with piercings' blades then became enveloped by a lime colored energy.

Daisy then commented: "The sharpness of his blades have greatly increased my lord's chosen."

Before the man with piercings could even get close to him, Dai Xingchen decided to use his phantom flicker movement to meet him head-on instead.

Seeing this the other Spirit Ancestor thought: "He's fighting Mantis head-on?"

Seeing Dai Xingchen suddenly appear before him, the man with piercings couldn't help but sneer and say: "Stupid boy!"

He then swung down his mantis blades that were now clad in lime colored energy towards Dai Xingchen.

As for Dai Xingchen... he didn't panic and instead kept calm. He then unleashed two punches that were now clad in orange light to meet the mantis blades head-on.

Boom!

Orange and lime lights shined.

"Ugh!" The man with piercings was then sent flying.

CRASH BANG!

The man with piercings then crashed into a nearby building's wall.

"This?!" Seeing what had just occurred both the Spirit King and the other Spirit Ancestor were completely shocked.

As for Dai Xingchen he remained standing on the spot he originally stood. Both of his hands raised as a great amount of heat was still emanating from them.

This was a 'Self Created Spirit Skill' that Dai Xingchen created using the concept of Tsunade's 'Chakra Enhanced Strength' technique. But instead of simply storing energy into his fists and releasing it at pinpoint timing, Dai Xingchen also stored the heat emanated by his Lion Sin of Pride into his fists as well.

Once executed Dai Xingchen's fist wouldn't just release a monstrous amount of force, but also an extremely large amount of heat capable of easily melting metal and hard bones. Since this move required the heat emanated by the Lion Sin of Pride, Dai Xingchen simply called this move Heat Enhanced Lion Fist.

Daisy then sighed: "My lord's chosen had only ever used this move once during training. Who could've thought that he would have to use it in a battle like this so soon."

Right now Dai Xingchen thought: "Not good... The amount of mysterious energy I used to execute this skill was quite large. I should hold back in using it again until a decisive moment."

"Urgh!" When the man with piercings got up, his arms and shoulders now appeared with nasty burn marks. However the most eye-catching thing were definitely his mantis blades. Parts of the blades now seem to have been melted off.

Seeing this the other Spirit Ancestor knew that this boy might not be something that the man with piercings could handle alone. He then removed his cloak and jumped down to the ground.

Seeing this Dai Xingchen thought: "So the other one has decided to join in as well huh."

It was at this moment that Dai Xingchen saw the other spirit ancestors appearance. He was a middle aged man with short hair and an eyepatch on his right eye.

The man with piercings then turned to the man with an eyepatch and said: "What the hell are you doing down here? I can handle this kid myself!"

"Whatever you say." Says the man with an eyepatch as he released his Martial Soul. In his hands appeared a pair of wooden crossbows.

The man with an eyepatch then said: "But just in case you screw up I'll be here to cover you. And from what we've seen this kid is definitely not as easy to kill as we first thought."

Hearing his words the man with piercings simply said: "Tch! Fine have it your way. But I'll be sure to sever this kid's head before you have the chance to help!"

The man with an eyepatch said: "That would be for the best."

The man with piercings then turned his sights back towards Dai Xingchen and said: "Brat I'll be sure to pay you back for everything you did to me just now."

He then reformed his mantis blades and shouted: "4th Ring Spirit Skill - Mantis Doppelgangers!"

His purple spirit ring then shined.

As for Dai Xingchen, he simply maintained his focus. Must know that this was the first time he was going to fight against a spirit master using a thousand years spirit skill.

Suddenly two people that looked completely identical to the man with piercings appeared.

Seeing this Dai Xingchen muttered: "Clones huh..."

The man with piercings then sneered towards Dai Xingchen and said: "What wrong brat? Scared now?"

Dai Xingchen then replied: "Indeed... Staring at just one of your hideous face was torturous enough, now I have the displeasure of staring at three."

The man with piercings: "BRAT YOU ARE REALLY...."

The man with an eyepatch then interrupted him: "Calm down he's trying to enrage you on purpose."

The man with piercings: "Tch! I know that already you don't have to tell me."

He then shouted: "Go!"

The man with piercings along with his two clones then rushed towards Dai XIngchen at quick speeds.

He then shouted: "3rd Ring Spirit Skill - Tri-Mantis Swift Blades."

He once again used his 3rd ring spirit skill however the only difference this time around was the fact that his two clones also used this spirit skill as well.

45 Wind Blades were unleashed towards Dai Xingchen.

"I can't dodge all of these." Thought Dai Xingchen.

But before he could even start using his phantom flicker movement, he suddenly noticed wooden crossbow bolts coming towards him.

The man with an eyepatch then said: "2nd Ring Spirit Skill - Crossbow Bolt Bindings."

The wooden crossbow bolts then turned into flexible thin tree branches and started wrapping around Dai Xingchen's body. Several of which wrapped his ankles together.

"I can't use Phantom Flicker Movement like this... No other choice but to use that then!" His innate spirit ring then appeared and shined.

By this point the wind blades had arrived.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Seeing that Dai Xingchen had not been able to dodge his wind blades, the man with piercings couldn't help but sneer.

However when the smoke cleared, to their surprise and shock Dai Xingchen had unexpectedly managed come out of it unharmed. Around him was what seemed to be an orange colored barrier shaped like a lion's head.

This was one of the three innate spirit skills of his Lion Sin of Pride... Lion's Pride Invincible Barrier. A barrier that personify's Escanor's extremely durable body.

Originally Dai Xingchen did not have enough energy to use this ability, however ever since his Mysterious Energy increased to a level equal to that of a rank 21 spirit grandmaster's coupled with opening the first gate. He finally possessed enough energy to use this ability.

When the lion head shaped barrier vanished the wood bindings around Dai Xingchen's body also burned away. Below him his innate spirit ring shone brightly.

Seeing this the Spirit King couldn't help but think: "So he really did have a spirit ring!"

Summoning his miniature shuriken launcher from his Requip Space Dai Xingchen said: "My turn!"

Whoosh!

Dai Xingchen had once again turned into a blur.

"He's coming!" Shouted the man with an eyepatch.

"Shit! What the hell is this kid why is it that my attack didn't do anything to him?!" Said the man with piercings.

When Dai Xingchen appeared beside them, he quickly pulled out the chain from his miniature shuriken launcher. The two assassins were then suddenly caught in a barrage of shurikens, with each shuriken having several explosive tags attached to them.

Quickly moving out of the way, Dai Xingchen immediately made a hand sign. The explosive tags then flashed for half a second and.....

BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..BOOM!..

The numerous explosions now occurred around the two assassins.

The two assassins then got out of the center of the explosions while as the man with piercings' clones had remained buried under the explosions. Dai Xingchen then quickly summoned several exploding spheres from his Requip Space, he then used his telekinesis magic to make the spheres rush towards the direction where the two assassins were heading to.

"Damn!" Exclaimed the man with an eyepatch as he used his crossbow martial soul to shoot at the exploding spheres. But the moment his wooden crossbow bolts made contact with the spheres, the explosive tags attached to them detonated.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

This resulted in dozens of kunais heading towards the two assassins. With each kunai also having an explosive tag attached to them.

"Don't think that these weird looking weapons can actually harm us brat!" Shouted the man with piercings as he swung his mantis blade towards the barrage of kunais. However as he did so...

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

The explosive tags attached to the kunais also detonated. Resulting in the man with piercings to be surrounded with explosions once again.

"AHHHH!" Shouted the man with piercings.

"Damn he got him!" Said the man with an eyepatch as he saw the other assassin surrounded by explosions.

"Ugh!" When the smoke cleared the man with piercings could now be seen to have numerous burn marks on his body. Although none of them looked fatal the fact of the matter was that those explosions still managed to deal a degree of damage to his body.

Seeing this the spirit king thought: "It seems I might have to get involved soon."

Before the man with piercings could even catch his breath, Dai Xingchen suddenly appeared before him and unleashed a Heat Enhanced Lion Fist towards his gut.

BANG!

"PUFF!" The man with piercings was once again sent flying as he spat out a mouthful of blood.

However Dai Xingchen was not finished yet, pointing his finger towards the man with piercings' open mouth.

Dai Xingchen: "Cruel Sun!"

Whoosh!

A marble sized cruel sun suddenly shot out from his finger and directly entered the man with piercings' mouth.

Dai Xingchen then muttered: "Pride Flare!"

"AAAAAAHHH!!!" Shouted the man with piercings as a bright orange light flared from his stomach.

Thud!

When the man with piercings' body landed on the ground, his eyes seemed lifeless as his mouth remained open.... He was dead.

Seeing this scene the man with an eyepatch couldn't help but shudder in fear. A Spirit Ancestor like him was actually killed so brutally.

Seeing that he managed to kill one of the assassins Dai Xingchen couldn't help but show a slight smile: "Got one!...Eh?"

By this point Dai Xingchen couldn't help but get down on one knee as started panting constantly.

Dai Xingchen: "Haa...Haa...Haa...Haa..."

Daisy: "My lord's chosen you are almost out of energy. You cannot continue fighting."

Seeing that Dai Xingchen was now kneeling on the ground, the man with an eyepatch immediately believed that he must've used up all of his spirit power.

"Now's my chance!" Thought the man with an eyepatch as he pointed his wooden crossbows towards Dai Xingchen.

The man with an eyepatch: "4th Ring Spirit Skill - Paralyzing Bolt Barrage!"

His purple spirit ring shined as he fired numerous crossbow bolts wrapped in purple colored energy towards Dai Xingchen.

Seeing the crossbow bolts wrapped in purple energy coming towards him, Dai Xingchen thought: "I have to get up and move.... Now!"

Seeing that Dai Xingchen could no longer get up, the man with an eyepatch sneered as he thought: "Although my 4th spirit skill doesn't have much offensive power it still possesses a powerful paralyzing effect that's considered top tier under the level of spirit king. This way even if the boy manages to survive my attack he will definitely no longer be able to move once one of my crossbow bolts makes contact with his body!"

Dai Xingchen: "I can't let it end like this.... I WILL NOT LET IT END LIKE THIS!!! Second Gate: Gate of Healing - Open!"

Boom!

Dai Xingchen's body was once again covered in energy.

Daisy: "My lord's chosen actually managed to open the second gate in such a situation."

"What the hell is going on now?!" Said the man with an eyepatch as he felt the surge of pressure coming from Dai Xingchen's body.

By this point Dai Xingchen had deactivated his Lion Sin of Pride and switched to his Zangetsu Blade. His Zangetsu Blade's innate spirit ring then shined as he swung it towards the barrage of crossbow bolts.

Dai Xingchen: "GETSUGA TENSHOU!"

Boom!

A large blue energy slash then collided with the crossbow bolts covered in purple energy. Thus resulting in the crossbow bolts to be pushed back.

"Damn! Wait is that blade a martial soul? He has twin Martial Souls?! But wait how did he recover so quickly to use it?!" Said in a shocked tone by the man with an eyepatch.

Must know that opening the second gate gives a re-energising effect to the user thus allowing them to rapidly recover from exhaustion.

When the man with an eyepatch saw Dai Xingchen's appearance he couldn't help but once again shudder in fear. Because right now Dai Xingchen was wearing a terrifying looking white mask. With both sides of the mask having thick vertical black stripes.

This was one of the three abilities of the Zangetsu Blade's innate spirit ring.... Hollow Mask!

Whoosh!

Dai Xingchen's body instantly vanished. But by this point even the Spirit King's pupils shrank as he thought: "Such speed!"

Hollow Mask Enhanced - Phantom Flicker Movement!

Dai Xingchen then appeared thrusting his Zangetsu Blade towards the man with an eyepatch's chest.

"Shit!" Shouted the man with an eyepatch as he tried his best to dodge. Must know that he wasn't a spirit master that had a strong defense nor was he one that had a strong body. As such a powerful attack at point-blank range will definitely deal massive damage to him.

"Purple Lightning Getsuga Tenshou!" Shouted Dai Xingchen as he thrusted his Zangetsu Blade towards the left side of the assassin's chest. This was a technique that basically used the Getsuga Tenshou while executing the Purple Lightning. By adding the power of the hollow mask Dai Xingchen's Getsuga Tenshou now had two colors which were blue and red.

Boom!

Blue and red colored energy beams coupled with massive force directly pierced through the left side of the assassin's chest.

The man with an eyepatch then looked down towards the spot where his heart used to be and then....

Thud!

He fell down to the ground completely dead.

By this point the hollow mask had completely vanished from Dai Xingchen's face. He was now using his Zangetsu Blade as a crutch.

Dai Xingchen: "Good the second one's de...."

But before he could finish his words Daisy suddenly shouted: "Behind you!"

As Dai Xingchen turned around, he suddenly saw the Spirit King standing behind him. The spirit king was then about to thrust his claw towards Dai Xingchen's face.

It was at this moment that the primordial pearl reacted. As it shined with bright light, Dai Xingchen was once again granted a new ability.

As the spirit king's claw neared his face, Dai Xingchen's eyes suddenly flashed with red light for a split second. He then tilted his head sideways at the very last moment allowing him to avoid the spirit king's claw by nothing more than an inch.

His right eye was now red with one tomoe while as his left eye was also now red with two tomoes.

Sharingan!