If assassinating Zhao Yarou wouldnt bring so much trouble, Ye Lang wouldve killed her already. This was because her existence would always be a threat to him. Although he was a clueless person, he was very clear on this.

This was also why he was here in disguise. With his personality, he wouldve come to the empire as he was. Here, he definitely did not want Zhao Yarou to see him even under disguise so he hid to avoid her eyes.

Like right now

I need to go

Ye Lang realised Li Yue seemed to be looking for someone. Just as her gaze swept across where he stood, he disappeared amongst a crowd, leaving Li Yue crestfallen.

Is he even coming? muttered Li Yue to herself, disappointment painted on her face.

Whats the matter, Captain Li? asked Zhao Yarou asked casually as if she didnt care much. However, it was rare for a person like her to even raise a question.

Zhao Yarou had been treating Li Yue well recently. No one knew if it was due to the Li family or because Li Yue was talented

Maybe, just maybe, it was because Li Yue once rejected Ye Lang.

Nothing answered Li Yue. How could she tell anyone she was waiting for a person? A boy too!

If anyone else knew about this, the news would spread like wildfire. Everyone knew her personality and how she treated guys!

Oh Zhao Yarou did not probe further. It was already a very rare occurrence for her to ask a casual question, not many things in this world can interest her.

On the other hand, while Ye Lang was hiding, Coldblood Five couldnt help but ask, What are you doing?

Im hiding. Im afraid Li Yue might see me, answered Ye Lang.

You idiot, dont forget what youre here for! reminded Coldblood Five.

Im here to seduce Li Yue! he replied immediately.

Then why are you still hiding from her? So what if she sees you? I know youre afraid of Zhao Yarou but she would never let Li Yue bring you along in their hunting party. She doesnt even know youre you, Zhao Yarou wont be interested, said Coldblood Five solemnly.

As the empress of an empire, Zhao Yarou did not have the time to waddle in gossip and think about who her subordinates were dating. She wouldnt even ask!

I know but Im terrified of that psychotic woman seeing me. I might die!

So what if she sees you? You think shell recognise you with just one look? asked Coldblood Five. With his disguise, even his closest friends would not be able to recognise him.

Did you both use to be very close? She suspected the relationship between both of them might not be as simple as she thought.

Nope, I barely know her! denied Ye Lang. From what he remembered, they werent close at all. Theyd spent some time together when they were children but theyd only met twice after they were teenagers. No, this was the third time.

If thats true, whats there to be afraid of? huffed Coldblood Five.

Youre right, why am I so scared? he said as he realised there didnt seem to be a need to be afraid. So what if she saw him? Even his own mother might not recognise him, how could she?

He peeked out of the crowd but it was already too late by then. Li Yue was gone.

Little Five, do you think Id be able to kill Zhao Yarou if I fire an arrow now? Ye Lang was holding his bow, about to nock his arrow. No one would suspect because many people were doing the same.

It was a group hunt, many were warming up with their bows and arrows and checking to make sure their weapons were in good conditions. It was their last chance.

Once the group hunt began, no one would be able to leave nor would outsiders be able to enter. This area of the forest would be sealed unless there was an emergency or the participant chose to forfeit.

I dont think so. There are many masters around her right now, theyre like me, Coldblood Five said mildly.

Shed already been surveying the place when she suggested to assassinate Zhao Yarou. She found that there were many masters secretly protecting Zhao Yarou present nearby. Of course, while they were experts, they were not aware of Coldblood Fives existence.

Individually, Coldblood Five was a lot more skilful than each of them. However, there were too many of them. Killing Zhao Yarou under the watch of this many masters would be impossible.

It made sense too. If the empress of the Soaring Sky Empire wasnt this well protected, she probably wouldve died a long time ago.

If I did kill her, would there be very inconvenient afterwards? asked Ye Lang casually as if he had a plan.

Not just inconvenient. Based on both our capabilities, I think it would still be very difficult for us to escape. Also, it would make the initial mission you had a lot more difficult to complete.

Sometimes, the murder was the simplest part of the plan. However, to escape with your entire body intact was something Coldblood Five had to consider seriously. She was the number one assassin in the mainland and shed earned the position only because she never left a trace.

At the same time, Ye Lang was here for the Tianji Armour. If killing Zhao Yarou would hinder the progress of this mission, he was willing to let it go.

Oh, forget about it then. Lets talk about it when we have a better chance, shrugged Ye Lang. The thought of killing Zhao Yarou disappeared as quickly as it came.

Yeah, she isnt a huge threat to you right now anyway. Theres still a problem though. If Li Yues following Zhao Yarou around, how will we approach her? Coldblood Five was very concerned when she saw how Li Yue had to tag along.

Its fine, Li Yue is just following her for now. Theyll part ways very soon.

??

When the event begins, everyone will leave to hunt so there wont be a huge crowd like this. There wont be as much of a need to protect Zhao Yarou too, and as a last-minute bodyguard, Li Yue will probably leave too since this isnt meant to be her job. When she does, Ill be able to spend time with her alone Hahahaha Ye Lang let out an evil laugh.

Coldblood Five was speechless.

Your Majesty, since youre here, the honour of opening the hunt is yours

The organisers of the event were also government officials who held important posts within the palace. The chairperson had already made thorough preparations and it was now time for his opening speech.

However, with Zhao Yarous surprise visit, even he wasnt sure what to do. He couldnt guess what Zhao Yarou was here for so he dared not begin the hunt. The only option was to invite the empress to open the hunt herself.