Chinese animation: Starting with Bad Guys

The mountain wind blew her snow-white hair, and her icy blue eyes gazed intently in the direction where Qin Chuan had disappeared, as if she wanted to etch his silhouette into the depths of her soul.

After a long while, she slowly turned around and faced Bei Mingzi beside her, her voice calm and resolute: "Master, this disciple requests to go into seclusion."

Looking at the burning fire of seeking the Dao in her eyes, Bei Mingzi nodded slightly: "Good. The path to enlightenment is long and arduous; my disciple must strive forward with determination."

Xiaomeng took one last look in the direction Qin Chuan had left, and resolutely headed deeper into Mount Taiyi to the secluded cave where she was cultivating.

The legendary cultivation path of "Xiaomeng," the future leader of the Taoist Heavenly Sect, has officially begun.

And Qin Chuan's journey will lead to an even more magnificent future.

Chapter 56 On the Eve of the Assassination of Qin

The majestic Mount Taiyi gradually disappeared into the sea of ​​clouds behind them as Qin Chuan rode his horse back to Xianyang.

Along the way, one could see that the Qin territory was expanding rapidly, with magnificent passes and a constant flow of merchants and travelers, presenting a vibrant and prosperous scene.

However, behind this prosperity lay the sudden collapse of the three kingdoms of Han, Zhao, and Wei, their remains still wailing in the wind.

As the towering walls of Xianyang City came into view, a sense of impending doom permeated the air.

Upon entering the mansion, Qin Chuan learned about the latest developments in the Yan Kingdom from Yan Lingji.

"The King of Yan was terrified by you, Master, and sent an envoy to sue for peace."

Yan Lingji leaned against a pillar, her red lips slightly parted, a hint of languid detachment as if watching a show unfold.

"It is said that they not only brought the head of the traitor Fan Yuqi, but also offered a map of the Dukang region, showing a very humble attitude."

She paused, a hint of amusement flashing in her eyes:

"However, there is a deputy envoy in this delegation named 'Jing Ke,' who has a reputation as a 'swordsman' in the Yan region."

A map of Dukang? Jing Ke?

These two names flashed through Qin Chuan's mind like lightning, instantly illuminating long-forgotten memories.

Jing Ke's assassination attempt on the King of Qin!

Prince Ji Dan of Yan ultimately embarked on this path of no return!

Qin Chuan frowned.

In the original timeline, Ji Dan needed the power of the Mohists to carry out his assassination plan against the Qin emperor.

The Six-Fingered Black Knight, the leader of the Mohist school at the time, firmly opposed the assassination attempt on the Qin emperor, arguing that it would be extremely difficult and would only lead to more bloodshed.

It was Yan Fei who intervened, using the Six Souls Terror Curse to assassinate the Six-Fingered Black Knight, thus clearing the way for Ji Dan to succeed as the Grand Master.

However, nowadays, Yanfei is already a member of Qin Chuan's household and has no further connection with Ji Dan.

what does this mean?

This means that Ji Dan himself, driven by his obsessive and insane desire for revenge and in order to seize the power of the Mohist leader and control the Mohist forces, personally killed his master, Six-Fingered Black Knight, who had taught and guided him!

“Ji Dan…”

Qin Chuan's eyes flashed with a cold light, and a strong sense of contempt and killing intent surged in his heart.

Driven by personal vendetta, he actually dared to commit such a heinous act against his mentor. Such behavior is worse than that of a beast!

The Six-Fingered Black Knight, a legendary hero, met such an end, which only serves to highlight Ji Dan's despicable nature.

The assassination plot against the Qin emperor was no longer a simple matter of national hatred, but a vicious scheme driven by Ji Dan's personal madness and sins!

Qin Chuan didn't linger any longer and headed straight for Xianyang Palace.

Upon reaching the palace gate, they saw a man dressed in plain clothes with a long sword at his waist hurrying out of the palace with a solemn expression. It was none other than the Sword Saint, Gai Nie!

He seemed to have just met with Ying Zheng, his brow furrowed with lingering worry.

Qin Chuan's heart skipped a beat, and he pulled on the reins, signaling the carriage to stop.

He quietly dismounted, used his agility to silently follow Gai Nie.

Gai Nie walked very fast, passing through the bustling streets, making several turns, and finally slipped into a secluded and slightly old tavern.

There weren't many customers in the tavern. In a corner, a figure dressed in plain clothes but with a more unconventional and unrestrained air was pouring himself a drink. It was none other than Jing Ke!

Qin Chuan seemed to blend into the shadows, finding an inconspicuous angle outside the tavern to listen intently.

With his level of cultivation, the conversation inside was clearly audible.

When Jing Ke saw Gai Nie, a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes. He quickly stood up to greet him, his voice tinged with the effects of alcohol, yet also carrying an indescribable heaviness.

He waved to the shopkeeper, who then brought out another jar of wine.

Gai Nie sat down, his brows furrowed.

"Jing Ke, are you really going to take this step?"

Jing Ke picked up the rough earthenware bowl, took a big gulp, and the wine dripped down his chin. He wiped it away with his hand, his smile tinged with bitterness and resolve.

"Having been entrusted with a task, I must be loyal to it. Prince Dan has treated me like a national treasure, and I cannot fail to repay this kindness."

"Foolish! This is a path to death! The King of Qin is surrounded by experts, and the defenses are tight. Even if you have extraordinary abilities, you will find it difficult to get close to him!"

Gai Nie rebuked in a low voice, his tone filled with regret:

"Even if we succeed, the world will be thrown into chaos, and war will reignite. What have the common people done to deserve this? Only the King of Qin can end this centuries-long period of chaos and unify the world, thus bringing lasting peace! This is the inevitable trend, and it cannot be reversed!"

Jing Ke remained silent for a moment, his eyes filled with even deeper struggle. He suddenly put down his wine bowl, leaned forward slightly, and spoke in an almost pleading tone:

"Brother! I know this journey is fraught with danger... If... if that moment truly comes, could you... could you spare even the slightest chance of survival while you are in the palace?"

He meant that Gai Nie should hold back a little at a crucial moment, giving him a chance to assassinate him.

Gai Nie suddenly looked up, his gaze sharp as lightning, staring directly at Jing Ke with unwavering resolve:

"As the chief swordsmanship instructor of the King of Qin, Gai Nie has a duty to protect his sovereign, even at the cost of his life! How can he abandon his duty for personal reasons and commit such an disloyal and unjust act? Jing Ke, never mention this thought again!"

The light in Jing Ke's eyes dimmed instantly. He slumped back in his chair, shaking his head with a bitter smile.

"So be it...so be it...I should have known what kind of person my elder brother was..."

He stopped pursuing the matter and instead asked, "Brother, how is Li Ji? Is there any news about her?"

When Gongsun Li was mentioned, Gai Nie's expression became complicated, and he said in a low voice, "Li Ji has been bestowed upon Prince Ying Chuan by the King. She is currently in the Prince's residence, and I have heard that she has no worries about food and clothing and is free to move around. The Prince has not mistreated her."

“Ying Chuan…” Jing Ke murmured the name, his eyes swirling with emotions, including worry and helplessness, which finally turned into a long sigh. “It’s better for Li Ji to be with him than to be in the deep palace.”

He looked at Gai Nie again, his eyes filled with a final plea, "Brother, if I... if I don't return, Li Ji will be all alone. I hope you will remember our past friendship and take good care of her..."

Gai Nie felt a pang of sorrow as he looked into the deep longing and farewell in his friend's eyes.

He nodded solemnly: "Don't worry. As long as Gai Nie has a breath left, he will definitely protect Li Ji."

"Thank you so much, brother!"

Jing Ke raised his wine bowl, clinked it heavily with Gai Nie's, and drank it all in one gulp.

Gai Nie finished his drink, gave Jing Ke a deep look, said nothing more, stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and resolutely left.

He knew that this might be their final farewell.

Inside the tavern, only Jing Ke remained.

Alone with the remaining wine, his figure appeared particularly desolate and lonely in the dim light.

He grabbed the wine jar and drank it straight from the rim, the wine soaking his clothes, as if he wanted to use the spicy liquid to extinguish all the sorrow and pressure in his heart.

Just then, a steady voice rang out beside his desk:

"Drinking to drown your sorrows only makes them worse. Why doesn't the brave Jing Ke seek a way out for himself and for Li Ji?"

Jing Ke suddenly looked up, and through his drunken haze, he saw a young man in a black brocade robe with an extraordinary air sitting opposite him.

The person who arrived was none other than Qin Chuan!

Jing Ke sobered up considerably in an instant, his pupils contracting slightly.

"You are...Young Master Yingchuan?"

Qin Chuan looked him straight in the eye and got straight to the point:

"I overheard part of your conversation with Gai Nie. Assassinating the Qin emperor was a death sentence. Ji Dan treated you like a national hero, yet he also pushed you into a deadly situation. Was it worth it?"

Jing Ke's eyes sharpened as he looked at Qin Chuan warily: "What do you mean, young master?"

"Abandon the assassination attempt on the King of Qin."

Qin Chuan's voice was clear and direct:

"If you agree, I will arrange for you and Gongsun Li to leave Xianyang tonight and elope. The world is vast, there will always be a place for you to stay. Be a carefree couple, wouldn't that be wonderful? Why waste your life for the ambitions of others, and make Li Ji suffer a lifetime of loneliness?"

Qin Chuan's suggestion was like a thunderclap in Jing Ke's ears!

Take Li Ji away? Escape to a distant land? This was almost his deepest desire, yet a fantasy he dared not even dare to dream of!

His breathing quickened instantly, a fierce struggle flashed in his eyes, and his fingers gripping the wine jar turned white from the force.

However, this struggle lasted only a few breaths. The light in Jing Ke's eyes quickly dimmed, replaced by an almost tragic determination.

He shook his head violently, his voice hoarse but unusually firm:

“I appreciate your kindness, young master! However, a scholar will die for one who understands him! Prince Dan treats me as a national hero and entrusts me with important responsibilities; this is a matter of trust and righteousness! Although I, Jing Ke, am not a gentleman, I know that a promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold! If I were to betray my promise for personal feelings and live a life of cowardice, how would I be any different from a beast? This is absolutely impossible!”

His words were resounding, full of chivalry and unwavering loyalty.

But how perceptive was Qin Chuan?

He caught a glimpse of indescribable pain and helplessness in the depths of Jing Ke's eyes when he uttered those words, which was far more than just a matter of "faith and righteousness".

"Just because of loyalty?" Qin Chuan's gaze was piercing, as if he could see into Jing Ke's heart. "Brave warrior Jing Ke, it seems... you have something you can't say? But what did Ji Dan use to coerce you? Or... does it concern Li Ji's safety?"

He deliberately singled out Li Ji in an attempt to break down Jing Ke's defenses.

Upon hearing the words "Li Ji's safety," Jing Ke's body visibly trembled, and his hand gripping the wine jar tightened suddenly, his knuckles cracking as if he were about to crush the coarse pottery!

He abruptly lowered his head, avoiding Qin Chuan's sharp gaze, his voice carrying a suppressed roar:

"No! Nothing at all! Young master, there's no need to ask any further! Jing Ke's mind is made up!"

After saying that, he suddenly stood up, slammed a few copper coins on the table, grabbed the long sword next to him, and staggered out of the tavern.

That silhouette was filled with the desolation of a hero's tragic end, and an unspeakable, heavy shackle.