The Human Emperor Chapter 2459 - Side Story Chapter 32: Twin Ghost Assassination!

“Is everything prepared?” A deep voice resonated from the darkness. The shadowy figure that had infiltrated the Imperial Palace split into two, becoming two distinct individuals. The one with the booming voice was the slightly more robust of the pair, positioned at the forefront. These two were recognized in the martial arts world as the ‘Yin Yang Ghosts’. The larger one was the Yang Ghost, and his twin, concealed in the shadows, was the Yin Ghost. Having been inseparable since childhood, they meticulously cultivated the unorthodox art known as the Yin Yang Twin Ghost Art. It was a clandestine assassination technique that had cemented their notorious standing within the martial arts community.

Subsequently, due to the numerous adversaries they had amassed, they retreated into obscurity, undertaking clandestine operations for others. While the imperial court and the martial arts world typically operated independently, a pragmatic arrangement persisted: wealth exchanged hands to resolve particular issues. Today’s target for the Yin Yang Ghosts was none other than the Third Prince of Jade Dragon Palace.

From the gloom behind the Yang Ghost, the Yin Ghost’s luminous eyes appeared, and he cautioned, “Wait. Something feels amiss.” Though the Yang Ghost was the elder sibling, possessed greater physical strength, and was considerably more powerful than the Yin Ghost, the latter was born with an inherently cautious disposition and possessed exceptionally keen observational skills. In past ventures, his vigilance had been instrumental in guiding them away from innumerable ambushes. Consequently, the Yang Ghost habitually heeded his twin’s counsel in such critical matters.

“Elder Brother, there are no guards present!” The Yin Ghost swiftly identified the anomaly, his expression growing grim. “A Prince’s residence devoid of guards? Have we arrived at the incorrect location?” The Yang Ghost exhibited surprise. As he surveyed the surroundings and confirmed the absence of any sentries, he retrieved a parchment map from his person to consult it.

“It is correct. The location indicated on this map is indeed here,” the Yang Ghost declared after verifying their position, his countenance darkening. Typically, the palaces of Princes were subject to stringent security measures, yet at this moment, not a soul was in sight. It was profoundly peculiar. The pair even entertained the possibility that they had inadvertently stumbled into the wrong Prince’s domain.

“Let us proceed inside first. We shall assess the situation once we are within.” Descending from the rooftop like enormous birds, the duo moved with silent grace. Shortly thereafter, an intangible tremor of energy emanated from them, and in a mere instant, even their shadows seemed to vanish. A sharp and perilous aura began to radiate from both of them. They had conducted preliminary reconnaissance and were confident in their abilities to overwhelm the Third Prince. Regardless of the potential risks, their decision was made: they would infiltrate the palace first.

Moving like phantoms toward the entrance, the two swiftly approached the doorway. However, upon crossing the threshold, a peculiar sensation enveloped them, causing their bodies to shudder involuntarily. At that precise moment, it felt as though they had translocated to an entirely different realm. The environment was shrouded in absolute darkness, rendering them completely blind. Despite possessing Saint Martial realm cultivation, they found themselves utterly incapable of perceiving anything. Not only were they unable to discern any people, but the very walls and roof tiles of the palace were also imperceptible. The ground beneath their feet appeared to be nonexistent, creating the unnerving sensation of treading on air.

This disorienting feeling of emptiness and lack of grounding sent shivers down their spines. “Elder Brother, this place is exceptionally strange!” The Yin Ghost halted his advance, an overwhelming sense of dread blossoming within him. “Do not let your imagination run wild. This is merely a formation. It appears we have not miscalculated our destination after all. This Third Prince is far more formidable than we initially surmised and has already implemented defensive measures,” the Yang Ghost stated reassuringly. Still, no activity emanated from within Jade Dragon Palace, a clear indication of the formation’s automated response. The inhabitants inside had likely not yet detected their presence. “Come! Let us enter without further delay.” The Yang Ghost, exhibiting both competence and boldness, moved to proceed without a moment’s hesitation. The Yin Ghost, gritting his teeth, followed close behind.

Barely two steps had they taken when the surrounding world abruptly commenced to spin. Before they could even register what was happening, an intense gravitational pull emanated from the ground beneath them. Their Stellar Energy began to surge uncontrollably from their bodies, being drawn inexorably into the earth. “This is not good!” “This Jade Dragon Palace is far too peculiar!” The faces of the two turned ashen with alarm. In a mere handful of moments, they had already forfeited a tenth of their precious Stellar Energy. Compounding their predicament, this terrifying suction had effectively pinned them to the ground. The Stellar Energy within their bodies continued its relentless outflow into the earth. Should this phenomenon persist, despite their formidable cultivation levels, they would inevitably be completely depleted.

The two individuals paid no mind to assassinating the Third Prince nor to alerting the Imperial Army, unleashing their full Stellar Energy in a desperate attempt to break free from the suction.

As their attacks intensified, the palace began to retaliate.

The previously serene formation, like a slumbering behemoth, now stirred, unleashing frenzied waves of energy upon them from all directions. Even the formidable Yin Yang Ghosts paled at the terrifying onslaught, and to their dismay, the formation's grasp tightened its hold.

"Flee!"

A wave of panic washed over them; they discarded all other concerns, pouring every ounce of their latent power into breaking free.

Ultimately, just as the formation's full might was about to be unleashed, the two managed to break free and escape.

"Capture the intruders!"

As they fled onto the rooftops, a significant uproar erupted within the Imperial Palace. The Imperial Army, alerted by the commotion, began to mobilize and converge.

The Yin Ghost suddenly had a realization and turned his head, his eyes widening in astonishment.

"Big Brother, look!"

The Yang Ghost followed his gaze and was utterly dumbfounded.

When they had first arrived at Jade Dragon Palace, the main gate had been wide open, its interior deserted and cloaked in darkness. Now, from their vantage point on a nearby roof, they observed Jade Dragon Palace illuminated brightly and swarming with guards.

Within the palace grounds, maids could be heard giggling amongst themselves, seemingly oblivious to any intrusion. It was as if no one had ever breached the premises.

And deep within Jade Dragon Palace, the doors stood ajar, allowing them to glimpse a young man clad in an imperial robe. He reclined on a golden-threaded sofa, a fan adorned with gold in his hand, a smirk playing on his lips as he regarded the two.

A chill coursed through their veins.

Had they not expended so much of their Stellar Energy, they might have suspected an illusion.

This Third Prince of the Great Tang was far too peculiar!

In their haste, they dared not linger. Employing the full extent of their arts, they vanished in the direction of the palace gates.

"Quite astute. They recognize a losing battle swiftly."

From his seat on the sofa, Li Taiyi closed his fan and sat up, his smirk fixed on the retreating figures.

These two possessed considerable skill, discerning the anomaly and choosing to retreat. Had they hesitated but a moment longer, the outcome would have been drastically different.

Moments later, several familiar figures entered Jade Dragon Palace with haste. These were Gao Lishi, Wang Haibin, and Abusi.

Upon seeing Li Taiyi unharmed, they collectively exhaled in relief.

Wang Haibin was the first to inquire, "Your Highness, shall we pursue them?"

Li Taiyi waved his hand dismissively, stating casually, "There is no need.

"These two are merely the pawns of a larger player. Unless we apprehend the mastermind, capturing them would be futile."

Gao Lishi bowed respectfully, expressing his concern, "Your Highness, please refrain from such perilous actions again. We were in a state of worry the entire night!"

In their eyes, regardless of the eventual outcome, Li Taiyi's gambit had been excessively risky.

"Indeed, Your Highness, this cannot be permitted to happen again," the others concurred.

Li Taiyi observed their reactions with a grin, shaking his head as he reassured them, "There is no need for concern. Even if another attempt is made, they will not be able to lay a single hair on me."

Noticing their perplexed expressions, Li Taiyi lightly pointed a finger towards the air.

As Li Taiyi extended his finger, the air before him shimmered. A vortex materialized on the floor of Jade Dragon Palace, beginning to draw in the surrounding spiritual energy.

In moments, an intricate golden formation appeared.

"This is...?"

Wang Haibin stared at the spectacle, utterly astonished.

"This is the Yellow Court Three Passes Formation. The Mingtang, Dongfang, and Dantian serve as the three passes, constructing a protective formation around the Yellow Court. This formation is mentally linked to me and encompasses the entirety of Jade Dragon Palace. The instant anyone breaches Jade Dragon Palace, I shall know immediately, and I can activate the formation at will to capture and eliminate the enemy," Li Taiyi explained.

His tutelage under Master Guangcheng had not only advanced his martial prowess but also deepened his comprehension of formations.

He had ingeniously combined several ancient formations to create this one, positioning it around Jade Dragon Palace as a personal safeguard.

While it appeared unremarkable from the exterior, the interior was a dimension unto itself. Let alone the Yin Yang Ghosts, even a peak Saint Martial realm expert would be ensnared by his trap.

"So that is how it was!"

A collective sigh of relief swept through the group, their admiration for Li Taiyi deepening. It was evident that the Third Prince had meticulously orchestrated every detail.

"Have you ascertained the identity of the individual who dispatched the assassins?" Li Taiyi inquired sternly, steering the conversation back to the primary objective.

"This servant is truly incompetent," Gao Lishi declared, shame washing over him.

The Third Prince had placed his trust in him, assigning him the crucial task of gathering intelligence within the imperial palace, yet he had failed even at this simple mission. He was instantly overcome with humiliation.

"It is acceptable. I can already surmise the situation," Li Taiyi responded reassuringly.

Li Chengyi! Li Longfan!