Apocalypse Circular-Chapter 524 - 522 Assassination

He sensed something was amiss regarding the events of that day.

Because at a certain moment, even he, with his incredibly resolute will, had wavered.

Wavered because of Wu Ye Ji.

In Wu Zhe’s view, this was simply impossible. He had only one sister: the deceased Wu Handing.

After Wu Handing’s death, he no longer had any familial ties to bind him.

That day, Wu Ye Ji had managed to stir him. At the time, he hadn’t thought much of it, but now, looking back...

There was definitely something wrong!

This person’s abilities might have a certain bewitching effect; otherwise, it would have been impossible for so many people to be taken in at that time.

While Wu Zhe pondered these issues, he suddenly discovered that at some point, an additional figure had appeared in the dark room.

"Are you thinking about Wu Ye Ji?"

"Who are you?"

"You wouldn’t be foolish enough to call for the guards at this point, would you? That would be too slow!"

The other’s voice was very soft, but Wu Zhe could see the figure very clearly.

Hearing the other party mention Wu Ye Ji, Wu Zhe didn’t know what their intention was.

An assassin? It didn’t seem likely. Had they been an assassin, he would surely be dead by now if they had acted sooner. But if not an assassin... then why seek him out? Perhaps the former him indeed had the capital to vie for power, but after Wu Handing’s death, his influence had undoubtedly been greatly reduced.

"Who are you? What do you want?" Wu Zhe’s complexion darkened.

"Your Highness, after all this time we’ve worked together, surely you recognize me?"

The presence in the shadows finally stepped forward. When they appeared before Wu Zhe, his eyes widened in shock.

"Liu Ming?"

In Wu Zhe’s memory, Minister of Finance Liu Ming was a very refined and courteous man.

He always conducted his affairs amicably and never showed any temper. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

He also had never revealed his strength in front of others.

There were rumors that Liu Ming was very powerful in his youth, but that was twenty years ago.

Twenty years without action—who knew if his body had rusted.

"Good evening, Prince Wu Zhe."

Although Liu Ming said this, there was not a trace of a smile on his face, only coldness.

And even at that moment, Wu Zhe could not sense any aura from him.

If Liu Ming wanted to kill him, he wouldn’t even have time to call his guards!

"Minister Liu Ming, your strength is indeed astonishing. How many people have you deceived?"

"Deceived? I, Liu Ming, have never said I lacked strength, nor have I said I’ve been in decline for these twenty years. All of this has been nothing more than your conjecture. But speaking of hiding, there are a few in your Imperial Family who are far more formidable than me."

Wu Zhe frowned slightly. "Are you referring to Ye Ji?"

"It seems you were indeed muttering about her just now! How about it? Has this sister of yours given you some... special feelings?"

Unnoticed, Liu Ming took a step closer.

The proximity of an expert with unknown capabilities imposed strong psychological pressure on Wu Zhe.

However, he was not very afraid. Even if Liu Ming was very powerful and currently enraged, that anger couldn’t be blamed on Wu Zhe.

He must have come to see him today for some other purpose. Perhaps, Wu Ye Ji?

"Does Minister Liu Ming think this was all arranged by someone?"

"And you? As one of the parties involved in this matter, what do you think?"

Liu Ming did not answer, instead asking a question in return.

Wu Zhe knew he shouldn’t play dumb in front of a grieving father.

Even if Liu Ming wouldn’t kill him, in the throes of grief from losing his son, there was no guarantee Liu Ming wouldn’t do something outrageous. Moreover, Liu Qi was his only son.

"Ye Ji, that girl... how should I put it? She indeed has a face that everyone finds endearing. And she usually looks so pitiful that she doesn’t make people feel any sense of danger. But during yesterday’s negotiations, I felt something was off."

"Off?"

"Yes, Ye Ji’s state was very off. I don’t know if she can truly influence people’s hearts, but there was a moment when I genuinely felt regret. To tell you the truth, I’m a rather cold-hearted person. My relationship with Wu Ye Ji can’t even be considered close. The feeling of regret I experienced was very strange. It was obviously not normal."

"You said you felt a sense of regret?"

"Yes. I can only tell Minister Liu Ming this much, because I’m not part of the Inspection Department, nor do I have the ability or strength to get involved in this dispute. I’m truly sorry for Liu Qi’s death, and I do bear some responsibility. But as for the truth behind this matter, I’m completely clueless."

After Wu Zhe finished speaking, Liu Ming nodded. "I understand."

CRACK!

Wu Zhe cried out, "Ah!"

"What’s wrong, Wu Zhe?" Liu Ming asked. "It’s just some interest. You won’t talk about this, will you?"

Facing the calm Liu Ming, Wu Zhe once again suppressed his anger.

Having a finger broken was nothing. As long as nothing more was broken, it was no problem.

"Please, do as you wish!"

Although he was angry, Wu Zhe really didn’t dare to do anything extreme to Liu Ming, nor did he dare to threaten him at this time.

His lineage was not strong enough. Although he had more funds and resources, resources and strength were not equivalent.

Many people wanted to see him fall, so Wu Zhe didn’t want to give them such an opportunity.

"If I find out the truth about Qi’er’s death, I will give Prince Eleven a gift."

After saying this, Liu Ming left without another word.

Such a promise seemed meaningless, but Wu Zhe understood that Liu Ming would definitely do something.

Has he completely given up his title and power as Minister of Finance? Even with grievances, it’s impossible to confront the Empire’s power alone!

Wu Zhe did not agree with Liu Ming’s actions. However, he greatly admired Liu Ming’s courage.

And the final promise might really bring him some benefits. I’m rather looking forward to it, Ye Ji!

...

At this time, Wu Ye Ji was cultivating in her home.

As the fifty-first Imperial Princess, her status wasn’t that high.

Although she was also assigned a maidservant, that maidservant had long been controlled by Wu Ye Ji using her Sequence.

So when she cultivated at home, basically no one would notice.

But just as she sensed her strength had improved slightly, a subtle Sequence Fluctuation occurred beside her.

This Sequence Fluctuation?

Wu Ye Ji found it strange. Under normal circumstances, Sequences rarely fluctuated, unless influenced by other Sequences.

But the superiority of her Grade S Sequence still gave her a perception that ordinary Transcendents did not possess.

Maybe it’s just an illusion, Wu Ye Ji murmured, glancing around. There was no one else present.

Even when she expanded her perceptual range and intensified its strength, she still felt no response.

No feedback likely meant no one was there. But even as Wu Ye Ji murmured this, a strong sense of vigilance took root in her heart.

In this world, there are not that many illusions, nor so many coincidences. When you think something is a coincidence, it is very likely disguised as one, specifically for you to see.

With that thought, Wu Ye Ji’s Sequence began to radiate outwards!

Suddenly, a blackened blade struck at her from the front.

This kind of head-on surprise attack indicated not only the attacker’s confidence in their own strength but also a disparity in sensory information. After all, the eyes can see what’s ahead, and in areas visible to the eye, the strength of perception is somewhat lesser.

Wu Ye Ji abruptly sprang up, her simple nightgown pierced by the assailant’s blade.

The sharp edge nearly grazed her waist as it passed. A very close shave.

As Wu Ye Ji regained her composure, she felt affirmed that her instincts had been correct. At the same time, she became more vigilant of the threat the other posed.

"Who are you, Your Excellency?"

"Your strength is truly remarkable, Princess Ye Ji. For such a beautiful woman as yourself to die here would be a pity!"

Liu Ming, still cloaked in darkness, maintained his composure. During combat, Wu Ye Ji’s charm had the least effect on him.

Although he was still slightly influenced, it wouldn’t affect their battle.

He had to defeat, or even kill, Wu Ye Ji in a relatively short time to be truly safe.

"Are you... Minister Liu Ming?"

Wu Ye Ji, though not intimately familiar with Liu Ming, had thoroughly studied the Imperial official system. She had watched many recordings of ministers, and Liu Ming, the Minister of Finance, featured in some of the ones she watched most frequently.

Their voices were very similar, which was how Wu Ye Ji could confirm his identity. What surprised her, however, was Liu Ming’s unexpected strength. The attack earlier had made even her feel threatened.

"Who would have thought the usually pitiful-looking Princess Ye Ji could be such an extraordinary Seventh Tier master?"

Liu Ming’s assessment was certainly fair. Only an exceptional master could have dodged such a stealth attack without prior warning. Wu Ye Ji had dodged it, which showcased her strength.

"Nor did I expect the usually refined Minister Liu Ming to be such a powerful Seventh Tier assassin."

"You’re the one who’s well-hidden, Princess Ye Ji."

"The feeling is mutual."

Wu Ye Ji began to circle Liu Ming slowly. His earlier strike had given her a rough estimate of his ability. Powerful, yes, but not so much that she couldn’t resist. In fact, the pressure he exerted on her wasn’t even half of what Lu Luo had.

Just as Wu Ye Ji focused her mind, Liu Ming was already upon her.

WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

The black, thin blade melded with the night. Aside from the sound of it slicing through the air, Wu Ye Ji heard nothing else.

Liu Ming moved too quickly. An average Seventh Tier master would have been hit by now. Fortunately, Wu Ye Ji’s own speed was also top-tier, which was why the two could engage in such a confined space.

Dodging the blade once more, Wu Ye Ji found a perfect chance to counterattack. She suddenly kicked out, striking Liu Ming’s stomach. The impact and recoil instantly created distance between them.

Taking advantage of this brief respite, Wu Ye Ji caught her breath. Although Liu Ming was not as strong as Lu Luo, this was a true life-and-death struggle. The danger was even more intense than when she fought Lu Luo.

"Heh heh!" Liu Ming suddenly chuckled in the darkness.

Wu Ye Ji couldn’t fathom what he was laughing about, yet she still felt a tinge of unease. "What are you laughing at?"

"Laughing because you’re about to die."

"Me? Never!"

Wu Ye Ji’s calves tensed, and her speed surged. In this situation, she chose not to evade but to attack. After their recent exchange, she had a general understanding of his strength; they were about equally matched. Therefore, offense was the best defense!

As Wu Ye Ji approached, she flicked her wrist, and a dagger appeared in her hand.

CLANG!

With the clash of their short weapons, a shockwave rippled out, causing cracks to appear throughout the room.

A collision between Seventh Tier experts was naturally tremendously powerful. Even if they tried to contain their energy within this small room, a clash would inevitably cause noise and destruction.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

The ceaseless clash of blades sent sparks flying in the darkness, illuminating their faces. Seeing Wu Ye Ji’s stunning beauty, Liu Ming couldn’t help but think it was no wonder his son had fallen for her.

This Wu Ye Ji is truly a scourge. Such a person should not be an Imperial Prince or Princess! Even I can’t resist this kind of allure for long, let alone ordinary people without power, or low-tier Transcendents.

"Die!"

Liu Ming abruptly abandoned his defense, allowing Wu Ye Ji’s dagger to pierce his chest. But at the same moment, his own blade stabbed through Wu Ye Ji’s thigh.

"AAH!" Wu Ye Ji screamed, the excruciating pain from her pierced thigh making her grit her teeth.

She could feel her femoral artery had been severed. Even if she used her energy to staunch the bleeding, she would still face significant blood loss in the ensuing fight. Excessive blood loss would greatly diminish the combat power of even a Seventh Tier Transcendent. He really wants to kill me!

Liu Ming pulled the dagger from his chest, once again choosing to trade injury for injury.

He hadn’t planned on leaving alive when he came here today. Due to cultivation issues, Liu Ming indeed only had one child, Liu Qi. He viewed Liu Qi as his successor, the final continuation of his family line.

Now that Liu Qi was dead, all his achievements had become meaningless. The family had no future, and he himself had lost the ability to procreate. So neither the laws of the Empire nor his opponent’s strength could hinder his vengeance. Tonight, Wu Ye Ji must die!

With this mindset, Liu Ming’s attacks became even sharper and more ferocious. Wu Ye Ji, however, did not want to die here. But with her thigh severely injured, her mobility was greatly impaired. Her lack of determination for a fight to the death made the ongoing battle even more perilous for her.

After a period of intense fighting, Wu Ye Ji could only resort to passive defense, trying her best to avoid further injury. She hoped to wear Liu Ming down this way. But it was all in vain.