Rebirth Immortal-Chapter 48: The Storm Approaches

The night was silent, but the tension in the air was thick. Ye Chen stood in the alley, his fingers tightening around the crumpled note. His eyes gleamed coldly under the dim streetlight. Someone was targeting them, and this was just the beginning.

Lin Xia and Zhao Ming exchanged uneasy glances. The assassin's words echoed in their minds—The real hunters will come soon.

Zhao Ming clenched his fists. "This is serious. Whoever sent that man isn't just testing us. They want us dead."

Lin Xia frowned. "We need to find out who's behind this before they make another move."

Ye Chen let out a low chuckle. "No need to rush. They'll show themselves soon enough." He turned to Zhao Ming. "You said your family has many factions, right? Who benefits the most from your death?"

Zhao Ming took a deep breath, his mind racing through possibilities. "My father has three brothers. Each of them controls a different part of the family's business. My uncle Zhao Tian is the most ambitious. He's been pushing for more power for years. If I die, my father's influence will weaken, and Zhao Tian's position will rise."

Ye Chen nodded. "Then he's our first suspect."

Zhao Ming hesitated. "But I don't have proof. If I accuse him without evidence, it'll cause chaos in the family."

Ye Chen smirked. "Then we make him show his true colors."

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Zhao Ming's eyes widened. "You mean... set a trap?"

Ye Chen's gaze was sharp. "Exactly."

Lin Xia crossed her arms. "It's risky. If we're wrong, we might alert the real enemy."

Ye Chen's voice was calm. "It's a risk we have to take. We can't keep running."

Zhao Ming took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright. What's the plan?"

Ye Chen's eyes glowed with confidence. "We let them think they've won."

The next morning, news spread through the Zhao family estate like wildfire—Zhao Ming was seriously injured and barely escaped an assassination attempt.

The family elders gathered in the Zhao mansion, their expressions dark. Zhao Tian, the suspected uncle, sat at the center, his face unreadable.

"I heard Zhao Ming was attacked at the Black Market," an elder said. "Is he alright?"

Zhao Tian let out a fake sigh. "I visited him this morning. He's in bad shape." He shook his head. "It's tragic. He's my nephew, after all."

An elder scoffed. "Spare us the act, Zhao Tian. We all know you've been fighting for control. Now Zhao Ming is attacked, and you expect us to believe you had nothing to do with it?"

Zhao Tian frowned. "I understand your suspicions, but I had nothing to do with it."

Another elder spoke. "The Zhao family cannot allow internal strife. If Zhao Ming is in danger, we must find out who is responsible."

Zhao Tian's lips curled slightly. "Of course. I support a full investigation."

Just as he finished speaking, a servant rushed into the hall. "Young Master Zhao Ming is here!"

The elders turned toward the entrance.

Zhao Ming entered the hall, his face pale, his arm wrapped in bandages. Lin Xia walked beside him, supporting him. Behind them, Ye Chen followed at a distance, his face expressionless.

The room fell silent.

Zhao Ming bowed slightly. "I apologize for causing trouble to the family."

An elder sighed. "Ming'er, we're just glad you're safe. Do you have any idea who attacked you?"

Zhao Ming lowered his gaze. "I... I don't know." His voice was weak. "But the assassins said something strange. They mentioned that someone inside the family ordered my death."

Gasps filled the hall.

Zhao Tian's expression darkened. "That's a serious accusation, nephew. Do you have proof?"

Zhao Ming hesitated, glancing at Ye Chen.

Ye Chen took a step forward, his voice cold. "No proof yet. But we have a plan."

The elders turned to him.

Zhao Tian narrowed his eyes. "And who are you?"

Ye Chen smiled slightly. "A friend of Zhao Ming's. Someone who doesn't like being hunted."

An elder nodded. "What is your plan?"

Ye Chen's eyes gleamed. "The enemy thinks Zhao Ming is weak right now. They'll strike again soon. When they do, we'll be ready."

Zhao Tian's gaze flickered. "You want to use Zhao Ming as bait?"

Zhao Ming spoke before Ye Chen could. "I agree with the plan." His voice was firm. "If we don't act now, I'll never be safe."

An elder hesitated. "It's dangerous..."

Ye Chen's voice was calm but firm. "It's the only way."

The room fell silent.

Finally, an elder nodded. "Very well. We will support this plan."

Zhao Tian remained silent, his fingers tapping lightly on the table.

Ye Chen noticed. He's uneasy. Good. That means he's guilty.

That night, Zhao Ming "returned" to his personal estate, heavily guarded.

But it was all an act.

Zhao Ming wasn't in his room. Instead, Ye Chen and Lin Xia waited in the shadows, watching.

Hours passed.

Then—movement.

Several figures in black crept through the courtyard, their steps silent.

Ye Chen's eyes narrowed. They took the bait.

The assassins moved quickly, surrounding Zhao Ming's room.

The leader signaled, and the group rushed in.

But the moment they stepped inside—

Boom!

A powerful force exploded from within. A hidden formation activated, trapping the assassins inside.

Ye Chen stepped forward, his voice cold. "Game over."

The assassins panicked, but before they could react, Ye Chen struck. His palm slammed into the leader's chest, sending him flying.

Lin Xia moved swiftly, cutting down another with a single strike.

Zhao Ming emerged from the shadows, his expression cold. "Who sent you?"

The assassin coughed blood but laughed. "You think we'll talk?"

Ye Chen's eyes narrowed. "No need."

He pressed his fingers against the man's forehead. A burst of energy flowed in—forcing the assassin's mind open.

The man screamed. His defenses broke.

A name slipped from his lips—

"Zhao Tian..."

Zhao Ming's face twisted with fury. "It was him!"

Ye Chen smirked. "I knew it."

Lin Xia glanced at Zhao Ming. "What now?"

Zhao Ming clenched his fists. "We take this straight to the elders. He's finished."

Ye Chen nodded. "Then let's end this."

As the night stretched on, a storm gathered over the Zhao family. And when dawn came, everything would change.