If I, a death row inmate, am not to become a demon, am I to become a member of the Imperial Guard?

The Buddha Bathing Festival at Wanfo Temple was even more lively than Zhou Yang had anticipated.

The mountain path was packed with people. Incense sellers, porters, and people of all ages were thronging the area. Monks in yellow robes had set up an altar in front of the mountain gate, with red silk curtains stretched all the way down the steps. The guest monk's voice was hoarse from calling out, repeatedly saying, "This way please," and "There's vegetarian food over there."

Zhou Yang mingled among the worshippers, wearing a faded blue cloth robe and a straw hat, disguised as a farmer from a nearby village. He held three incense sticks in his hand and slowly moved forward in the crowd.

Qin Shuang moved very quickly.

A group of plainclothes Imperial Guards had already taken control of several paths surrounding the temple. Zhou Yang didn't even need to look to know that those people were definitely disguised as porters, coachmen, and even a few had mingled with the monks, pretending to be young novices who had come to help.

"Make way, make way." Someone was pushing and shoving nearby.

Zhou Yang stepped aside to let a group of servants carrying offerings pass by, but his eyes were fixed on the inconspicuous side gate on the side of the mountain gate.

The King of Zhao's men should have already gone in through that road.

He gently fiddled with the small paper packet inside his sleeve. The powder was specially made, colorless and odorless. When sprinkled on a person, it would emit a faint glow for three hours, which could only be triggered by a certain powder he had prepared.

This is a high-quality item that I acquired at a high price on the black market.

"Thump—"

The sound of bells echoed from deep within the temple, deep and resonant. This was a customary practice during the Buddha's Birthday festival, with the bells ringing every fifteen minutes to remind worshippers of the time.

Zhou Yang squinted.

He had sensed several presences during the sound of that bell.

A chilling aura, like a venomous snake lurking in the grass, emanated an ominous presence. Its location should be in the guest room area on the west side of the temple. Another, much more domineering and powerful aura, strong and sharp, likely belonged to a master of external martial arts; it was near the scripture pavilion on the east side.

There were two other auras that were exceptionally long and deep, clearly those of internal martial arts masters. One was over in the tower forest, and the other… Zhou Yang paused, sensing that the aura was somewhat familiar.

It was the person who spied on him that night.

The hidden master of Prince Zhao's mansion has actually arrived.

Zhou Yang sneered inwardly. It seemed that the King of Zhao was truly determined to have this Buddha's Birthday celebration.

Another bell rang.

Zhou Yang no longer hesitated. Taking advantage of a peddler blocking the view of others, he flicked his wrist, and a pinch of powder quietly floated out, scattering onto several pilgrims nearby.

These men were assassins sent by the King of Zhao. Although they tried their best to disguise themselves as ordinary pilgrims, their gait and posture betrayed them. That strict adherence to orders was ingrained in their very bones.

The powder got on their clothes without them even noticing.

Zhou Yang moved forward a few more steps to make sure he was in the best vantage point. He looked up and casually glanced around, but in reality, he had already taken in the entire layout of the temple.

The crowd was still pouring in.

The Buddha's Birthday ceremony should be starting soon. The sound of wooden fish drums can be heard coming from the main hall, and the chanting of monks blends together, creating a buzzing sound.

Zhou Yang pulled a small bamboo tube from his pocket. This was a carrier pigeon that he had Qin Shuang prepare; it had been specially trained and only recognized Qin Shuang's scent.

He wrote simply: "All in position. Nineteen assassins, distributed as follows: five in the West Third District, seven in the East Second District, six at the mountain gate, and one in the guest room area. Two additional experts, one in the outer quarters and one in the inner quarters. The time is not yet ripe; do not act rashly. The bell will sound as a signal; three rings will be the order."

After tying the bamboo tube together, Zhou Yang found a corner where no one would notice and tossed the carrier pigeon into the air.

A white shadow streaked across the sky and disappeared into the clouds in an instant.

After finishing all this, Zhou Yang headed straight for the bell tower. The bell tower, located in the northeast corner of the temple, is the highest point in the entire Wanfo Temple. Standing there, one can not only see every corner of the temple but also observe the mountain path outside.

This is the "command center" he chose.

Below the bell tower stood two young novice monks, presumably on duty to ring the bell in turns. Zhou Yang didn't go through the main entrance; instead, he went around to the side, found a corner where no one was paying attention, and lightly leaped onto the crossbeam with his toes.

The interior of the bell tower is simply furnished. A large bronze bell hangs in the center, with a wooden mallet attached to the beam for striking it. There are ventilation openings on all four walls, offering excellent views.

Zhou Yang found a spot near the east side and sat down, leaning against a pillar. From this angle, he could see most of the temple.

Qin Shuang should have already received his letter.

All that's left to do is wait.

The festivities of the Buddha's Birthday Festival continue. Down the mountain, acrobatic performances draw cheers from the crowds. Food stalls are thriving, oil sizzling and releasing enticing aromas that waft far and wide.

Everything was like an ordinary holiday.

But Zhou Yang knew that beneath this lively facade, undercurrents were already brewing.

King Zhao's elite guards awaited orders. Members of the Heavenly Principle Sect secretly observed. The aura of the hidden master lingered subtly throughout the entire temple.

Qin Shuang's Imperial Guards have already opened their pockets.

And he, standing in this highest position, was like an observer, watching this great show about to begin.

The bell rang again.

This is the second sound.

There was one hour left before he could finalize his action plan.

Zhou Yang closed his eyes, his fingers gently tapping his knees. He went over the plan one last time in his mind, making sure nothing was overlooked.

Fifteen minutes later, when the bell tolls for the third time, it will be the signal to take action.

Qin Shuang would lead her men to storm in from the outside, catching Zhao Wang's men completely off guard. Those drugged assassins would become the most obvious targets. And that hidden master... Zhou Yang's lips curled into a cold smile.

He will go and meet that person in person.

It wasn't for any other reason than to find out what this person saw that night.

The sound of bells echoed in the air above the temple, distant and serene.

The rain is coming and the wind is all over the building.

Zhou Yang opened his eyes and his gaze fell on the group of monks' quarters in the distance.

The time is almost here.