<h4>Chapter 1180: Chapter 1187: Deadly Intent in the Dark Night (Part 3)</h4>


    In a sh of thought, Ling Chen reached into his pocket and pulled out a lighter. As the me flickered, aided by the faint light, Ling Chen could barely make out his surroundings within a meter or so. But at that moment, a whooshing sound came. Before Ling Chen could identify its origin, there was a sharp crack and the lighter in his hand was struck by something hard, falling directly to the ground.


    Not a bad aim! Ling Chen squinted slightly, growing more alert in his heart.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Suddenly, two more cutting sounds sliced through the air. This time, Ling Chen acted without dy, swiftly changing position to evade the ambush.


    "Friend, since you’re here, why note out and meet? Or is it because you’re too ugly and dare not show your face?" Ling Chen asked. Although unaware of the opponent’s identity, Ling Chen could sense the adversary’s strong prowess.


    In this pitch-ck environment, where even he could not detect the opponent’s location, this person could urately pinpoint his position. That alone was sufficient proof of their skill.


    Whoosh!


    A whizzing sound resonated as Ling Chen prepared to dodge. But then, a subtle footstep came from behind him.


    Finally here!


    Confirming the opponent’s position, Ling Chen’s lips curled up, immediately turning and throwing a punch towards the opponent. As the steel fist shot out, Ling Chen felt a rush of joy. He had hit something... Wait, no! Ling Chen’s expression changed as he stretched his right hand forward, feeling something soft. Was it... clothes? Ling Chen was startled; he had heard of such a technique before—Golden Cicada—a very ingenious escape tactic.


    Although he had only ever heard about it, never seen it before, he now got to witness it firsthand.


    Just as Ling Chen was marveling at the other party’s technique, a strong sense of danger suddenly erupted from within him.


    Damn!


    Ling Chen narrowed his eyes and took a sharp step back. Unfortunately, his movement was a fraction too slow, as a fierce gust of air closed in quickly. Fortunately, although slightlyte, Ling Chen managed to narrowly avoid a critical hit. Feeling the coolness on his chest, Ling Chen touched it and found a long tear in his shirt.


    If he’d been a tad slower, he might’ve been gutted.


    Who on earth is this? Ling Chen pondered with furrowed brows. He’s not afraid of experts but does fear tenacious opponents like this. This person strikes and immediately retreats, disappearing into the darkness without a trace, leaving no tracks to follow.


    This person isn’t an expert but an assassin. Experts strike directly, engaging head-to-head, defeating opponents with sheer strength. But assassins won’t do that; their aim is clear: kill the target by any means, including utilizing the environment. Only truly skilled assassins know how to make use of their surroundings. Just like this opponent, lurking in the darkness, waiting for a chance to strike fatally.


    This person indeed is formidable, but... Ling Chen smirked to himself; what assassins need most is patience, and he... has it in abundance. Formerly when carrying out missions for the Phantoms, to assassinate a target, he could lie in wait motionless for two days and nights, without food, no bathroom breaks, not even blinking. If he were an assassin, he would surely rank among the world’s top-tier, making the first and second on the assassin list step aside.


    At that time, the assassin also realized Ling Chen was tough to deal with, so they didn’t dare continue their assault.


    As time ticked by, Ling Chen and the assassin remained silent, neither making a move, both waiting for the other to show a w.


    During this time, several taxis sped past Ling Chen. Seeing him standing in the middle of the road, the taxi drivers mistook him for someone hailing a cab, several stopped, asking where he was headed.


    However, Ling Chen ignored them. He didn’t want to expose a weakness and give the assassin an opportunity. Moreover, he didn’t want to flee. Having finally drawn the opponent out, he needed to understand the situation.


    In the blink of an eye, over two hours passed.


    Neither Ling Chen nor the assassin had moved, both waiting for the other to make the first move. Bored, Ling Chen spoke, "Friend, was it you who ambushed Kaelina and the othersst time? Kaelina said you’re a woman? I can’t understand why you women choose to be assassins, is it fun? I say, you should find a boyfriend and enjoy the joys of being a woman."


    Seeing no response from the other side, Ling Chen wasn’t surprised, continuing, "If you don’t have anyone suitable, I can help find a few prospects. I have several friends who are quite excellent in every way, not too old, just right for you. However, they have high standards; their partner has to be good-looking. I wonder if you meet their criteria. How about youe out and let me have a look?"


    "Ah, never mind, beautiful women wouldn’t be assassins, only masculine tomboy types would do this sort of thing. But being ugly isn’t a problem, today’s medicine is so advanced, many hospitals offer stic surgery. I think you should give it a try. Once you’re pretty, you’ll have plenty of men chasing you. Then you’ll find that making life is more enjoyable than taking it. If you don’t believe me, I can let you experience it for free. How about it, interested?"


    "Shameless! Vulgar!" Finally, a cold shout came from the darkness.


    Ling Chen looked toward the direction of the sound but didn’tunch a direct attack. He knew, after making a sound, the opponent would surely change positions. To rush in now would be to fall into their ambush. Though he’d wasted much breath, it wasn’t entirely fruitless; at least he’d confirmed the opponent’s identity.


    Moreover, Kaelina was right; from the sound of that woman’s voice, she didn’t seem very old.


    In thought, Ling Chen chuckled, saying, "Isn’t that how men act in front of women? Once you get a boyfriend, you’ll understand."


    Regrettably, the opponent didn’t continue the conversation. Ling Chen spoke for a few more minutes, seeing the other side gave no reaction, he simply closed his mouth, and they both fell back into silence.


    Perhaps from standing too long and saying so much, Ling Chen found himself hungry again. Fortunately, he still had some previously purchased barbecue on hand. Though cold, it’s better than nothing. Now, Ling Chen opened a bottle of beer, munching on barbecue skewers while staying alert to his surroundings.


    "Hey, are you hungry? Want to sit down together and have a bite?" Ling Chen started baiting again.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    At that moment, several whooshing sounds targeted Ling Chen’s vitals. Already prepared, Ling Chen grinned slightly, immediately dodging. Simultaneously, his wrist flicked, and over ten sharp skewers shot out, aimed at the direction from which the projectile hade.


    While eating the barbecue earlier, Ling Chen had secretly kept the skewers. Their tips were sharp enough to serve as projectiles.