She used to frequently leave the city to gather Yellow Turban soldiers by leveraging her status as the Holy Lady and the sacred staff, intending to initiate another wave of the Yellow Turban Uprising to fulfill her late father’s wish!

She thought Long Chen wasn’t aware of her influential power as a weak woman!

But he knew everything.

After a brief silence, Zhang Ning raised her fair and beautiful face and asked, "Then why did you let me leave the city, granting me freedom? Aren’t you afraid I might gather the Yellow Turbans to seek revenge on you?"

Long Chen didn’t answer her, simply contemplating the gradually reddening sky, which was nearing dusk.

The sun was about to set!

Seeing Long Chen ignoring her, Zhang Ning jumped angrily off the horse.

The black skirt was partially lifted by the wind, revealing some fair skin.

Slender and graceful white legs, symmetrical and charming.

Like a pair of exquisite jades, making one tempted to hold them in their hands for a moment.

Soon, the scenery was once again covered by the black skirt.

Zhang Ning coldly said, "Those people really came for you. I heard them saying someone sent them to kill you!"

Upon hearing this, Long Chen became restless again, his eyebrows furrowing, as if to confirm again.

"Are you sure that’s what they said?"

"Why would I lie? What benefit would I get from that?" Zhang Ning retorted.

"Weren’t you tied up? How could you eavesdrop on their conversation?" Long Chen felt doubtful.

In theory, he didn’t have many enemies, except perhaps "Diao Zha Tian" in Youzhou, but that was too far away!

Moreover, Long Chen didn’t believe "Diao Zha Tian" from Youzhou had such great power to send such strong assassins specifically to kill him.

So, what exactly were they trying to achieve by assassinating him?

Zhang Ning replied, "My talent allows me to enhance my sensitivity. That’s how I could eavesdrop on their conversation!"

"I see." Long Chen pondered.

Due to the Nine-Section Staff bestowed upon Zhang Ning by Zhang Jiao, a golden-grade divine artifact, it could block others from checking her attribute panel, and Long Chen hadn’t checked it.

Thinking about this, Long Chen subconsciously focused his gaze on Zhang Ning.

"Check Zhang Ning’s attribute panel!"

"Ding! Checking... "

[Name]: Zhang Ning

[Relationship]: Complicated (Affection towards you: 32)

[Quality]: Four-star Assassin

[Strength]: 72 (Maximum 87)

[Stamina]: 42 (Maximum 62)

[Charm]: 81 (Maximum 86)

[Equipment]: Cold Gold Dagger (Orange Epic) (Description: Crafted with refined steel, capable of cutting through gold and jade. The blade can draw blood instantly upon release.) (Effect: 1. Agile, increases attack speed by 30%. 2. Breaking Defense: Ignores the target’s defense attribute when attacking.)

[Skills]: Tai Ping Yi Dao (SS-grade) (Taught by Zhang Jiao) (Single enemy tactical damage, damage rate 125%, affected by personal strategy attribute) Double-Edged Piercing (S-grade) (Delivers a deadly blow to a single enemy, damage rate 130%, causes the body to enter a weakened state after use)

[Martial Arts]: Listening Decree (SS-grade) (The listening decree can communicate with spiritual beasts, identifying all things in the world, especially adept at hearing people’s inner thoughts) (Seven levels, after cultivation, it greatly increases one’s martial strength attributes and attack speed...)

[Talents]: Sound of Listening (Purple Tier) (Increases personal sensitivity by 50%, reduces the attention of enemy targets by 50%)

Long Chen was pondering how he could check her attribute panel. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

He realized her sacred staff was missing.

He questioned, "Zhang Ning, where’s the Nine-Section Staff!?"

Zhang Ning’s expression turned dark, covering her face with her hands and trembling, "It’s... It’s been taken away!!!"

Oh no!

Long Chen knew how terrifying that staff was; it could call upon the Yellow Turban army worldwide!

Even if not everyone answered the call, it still wielded immense prestige.

"However, rest assured, the Nine-Section Staff requires recognition from its owner to function, and that group won’t get its approval!" Zhang Ning seemed to understand Long Chen’s concerns and replied.

"You’re so sure they won’t get the staff’s approval!?"

"Of course, because its recognition requires my approval! That is, my father’s approval!"

"Otherwise, the Nine-Section Staff won’t exert any effect."

"I see!" Long Chen nodded.

Although unable to use the Nine-Section Staff, he could use it as a bluff to attract the Yellow Turbans and expand his army!

After returning to Yinling County with Zhang Ning, Long Chen grasped her slender shoulders.

With a slightly stern tone, he said, "From today onwards, don’t leave the city without permission!"

"If you feel bored, I can arrange for Xia to accompany you!"

Zhang Ning turned her head, snorted, "I don’t need it! I won’t go out!"

"By the way, how many Yellow Turban scattered warriors have you recruited during these days?" Long Chen asked.

"What are you planning!?" Zhang Ning cautiously inquired.

"If they lack food or a place to stay, they can come to my Jiujang Prefecture!"

"As long as they behave, I can provide them with a living environment. I believe those years as Yellow Turbans must have wearied them with a life of constant fleeing. As the Holy Lady of the Taiping Sect, shouldn’t you consider them?" Long Chen spoke quietly.

After hesitating for a while, Zhang Ning seemed to make a significant decision and said, "Fine! I will call them to Jiujang Prefecture. But let it be clear, if I find you oppressing them, I won’t spare you!"

She then revealed a hidden sleeve, seemingly hiding a deadly weapon!

Without saying anything, Long Chen smiled and turned away.

Frustrated, Zhang Ning stomped her foot and muttered, "This Long Chen! Really, not fearing me in the least! Ugh, so frustrating..."

.....

On another continent, in a mysterious country.

Within an ancient castle emanating an aristocratic atmosphere.

A man in a dark red suit, pale-faced, with unnaturally reddened lips, was swaying a glass of red wine.

At this moment, a man entirely enveloped in black whispered in a hoarse voice, "Master, Number Nine from the Huaxia faction failed!"

Bang!

The glass containing the red wine shattered on the ground...

The nobleman dressed as a count muttered, "Useless!!!"

"Since that’s the case, when Number Nine returns, feed him to the vampire legion as dinner!"

"Also, dispatch Number Seven to Huaxia. Tell her that if she fails, there’s no need for her real-world younger sister to stay alive."