The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 642: Quit the Martial World!

Quit the Martial World! . . .

"Now, I must convey this truth to you," Boundless Saint declared with a growing intensity in his voice. "All one hundred and eight of the silver label assassins have met their end. The five hundred iron label assassins have perished as well. As for the golden label assassins, twenty-one existed before our endeavor to claim the reward. These individuals before you are the sole survivors!"

"Boundless Lake, which once thrived with our kind, now shelters merely fourteen souls, myself included," he continued, his words heavy with the weight of reality. "In essence, less than ten percent of Boundless Lake's assassins endure. Boundless Lake has ceased to exist in this world. Do you comprehend the magnitude of our situation?" His voice cracked, and there appeared to be glistening tears in his eyes.

Boundless Saint then shifted his gaze to Ning Biluo and posed a profound question. "Ning Biluo, tell me, why do we choose to live as assassins?"

Ning Biluo exhaled deeply, grappling with the weight of the inquiry.

[What is the purpose?]

[What drives us in this grim profession?]

Boundless Saint, however, didn't wait for Ning Biluo's response. He continued to articulate his thoughts, his voice resonating with passion. "We take lives in exchange for money. It's a regressive and morally questionable path. A profession reviled by society. But we do it for our families, for the people we hold dear, and for ourselves. All in the pursuit of a better life."

"We possess no other means to improve our lot, aside from honing our martial skills. If we were to become mere guards for others, we'd earn less than a pittance. We wouldn't even be able to provide for our loved ones. Serving our kingdom would yield meager pay, insufficient to secure a brighter future for the next generation."

"What sort of world do we inhabit now?" Boundless Saint questioned with fervor. "It's a world governed by the wealthy! Irrespective of one's abilities, if they lack financial means, they are left to starve. To put food on the table, one must resort to theft, to breaking the law. Is that the life you desire? To be a destitute yet invincible martial artist?"

"You'd find yourself kneeling, bowing, groveling, and currying favor just to secure your next meal."

"I am repugnant! My actions have been vile! I've harmed many innocent lives. But what drove me to do so? You bear your own burdens of responsibility, but so do I. Why don't you inquire of my brethren over there? Did they not also bear their responsibilities? There exist actions we must undertake, whether or not we find them palatable. In this world, if I can aid those I love by harming someone I don't, I will not hesitate, nor will I harbor regret."

"I framed you, I caused you harm. But why? We occupy opposing sides, it's true, yet we both act in pursuit of money. There are countless wealthy individuals in this world, but how many would willingly pay us to take a life?"

"It's a limited market!"

"Fame dictates worth. You, as the world's foremost assassin, invariably command the highest offers. I, however, cannot attain the zenith of those offers. Hence, I must strive to accumulate as many opportunities as possible."

"You are a formidable obstacle on my path to a brighter future. It's only logical that I eliminate you. Who else should I target if not you?"

"You may regard me as tarnished and audacious, and though it may be audacious to say this, I will utter it nonetheless—I harbor no remorse."

"I am well aware that I may face damnation after death. Yet, what of it? One must accept responsibility, no matter the cost. If I cannot atone for my actions in life, I shall strive to do so in death. Who can say for certain?"

"You held the highest mantle among assassins, leading a cohort of less capable individuals. While you couldn't eliminate all your targets, you managed to keep them under your control. Essentially, you were like a dog in the manger..."

"As the acclaimed No. 1 assassin, everyone acknowledges your supremacy. They'd rather wait for your services than turn to me."

"What was I to do?"

"I had to eliminate you. I needed to strip you of your No. 1 title."

"You accepted countless contracts that you couldn't complete for your livelihood. I tried to end your life to secure my own existence. What distinguishes the two actions?"

"Now, with the forthcoming reward, my life is set on a new course. I can finally shed my infamous reputation, perhaps even alter my name and appearance to live a life in harmony with my aspirations."

"That's why we're here. I knew the risks, but we came nonetheless. I've come to have this conversation with you, to advocate for closure between us."

"Do you comprehend the sacrifices I've made for this opportunity? I've placed everything I have in Boundless Lake in jeopardy for this reward. The minor targets are all accounted for."

"The more significant ones, however, are safeguarded by formidable cultivators, occupying high societal positions. Do you realize the challenges of eliminating someone of their stature? We couldn't fathom the difficulty until we embarked on the mission."

The thirteen golden label assassins collectively lowered their heads, their eyes betraying signs of tears.

"Before we initiated this venture, hundreds of my comrades gazed upon me and asked, 'Saint, will we be able to exit the martial world after this mission? Will we accumulate enough wealth to live the comfortable lives we've always yearned for?'"

"They inquired, hundreds of my brethren voicing the same desire. They longed for it, yearned for it, dreamt of lives filled with comfort."

"But as we proceeded, one by one, they met their end..."

"We killed for money, understanding the peril involved. It's an unspoken rule. However, losing one brother after another..."

"Our comrades shielded us with their own lives and bodies, enabling us to complete the mission. They sacrificed themselves in suicidal fashion, decapitating the targets but ending up as mangled corpses..."

"Over five hundred of our brethren have perished in pursuit of these rewards!"

"More than two hundred of them didn't even have a chance to utter a final word before their demise."

"Ning Biluo, do you know what the survivors said before they met their end?"

Boundless Saint's complexion reddened, and his eyes seemed ablaze with inner fire. He continued in a somber tone, "Some of them said, 'Brothers, use the money for me'... These were primarily orphans without families... The others beseeched, 'Take care of my loved ones... Brothers... Please...' "