The news had spread across most of the Blue Star. Not only was the Central Plains aware that Tang Xichen was highly likely the Chosen One, but overseas organizations also knew.
Among them were several organizations from the Chaos Faction, all gritting their teeth in fury.
"Damn it, I didn’t expect the Chosen One to appear so quickly!"
"It’s a pity that the Son of the Demon from our Chaos Faction’s prophecy hasn’t appeared yet. Otherwise, we could have elevated him to lead the Chaos Faction and slaughter all those Order Faction scumbags!"
In the Chaos Faction headquarters, a group of lords shouted.
They had just returned from skirmishing with the Order Faction, many of them severely injured by Nangong Wan, and were now recuperating.
Upon learning of the Chosen One appearing in the Order Faction, their wounds fiercely ached.
"No matter, we can assassinate the Chosen One before they develop further."
"Assassination? How many top-ranked assassins have we sent before, only to fail? With the news out, all Central Plains forces are supporting Tang Xichen; can we really succeed?"
"Then let’s send someone who hasn’t exposed their identity to visit the Tang Family and look for an opportunity to act!"
"That’s all we can do. Even though exposing a pawn is a huge loss, successfully doing away with her would eliminate future troubles!"
"Heh heh, to assassinate the Chosen One, the pawn must be significant and has to be someone close to the Tang Family who wouldn’t raise suspicion."
"Do you have someone in mind?"
"Yes, I have one. That person’s name is Xu Chen, who previously participated in a competition with Tang Xichen. I recently recruited him, ensuring success by fully activating his skills and providing him with enough attribute points. If it’s against Tang Xuanze’s avatar, we might not manage, but the assassination shouldn’t be a problem. Right now, Xu Chen can take down Tang Xichen in one strike!"
"Impressive method! As expected from the Deputy Leader, giving attribute points so freely."
Tang Xichen was resting in the secret chamber, guarded by a seasoned lord lurking in the unseen corner.
"Uncle Yin, this is the Tang Family’s secret chamber; you’re absolutely safe here. You can attend to your own matters; no need to keep watch here," Tang Xichen said.
This Uncle Yin was a comrade of Tang Xuanze and one of the bodyguards dispatched by Nangong Wan.
"Ms. Nangong Wan instructed that I must keep you under surveillance 24 hours a day, except when you go to the bathroom or take a bath," Uncle Yin replied.
He had awakened the hero of Hidden Assassin, possessing very strong assassination and counter-surveillance skills, augmented by numerous attribute points as a seasoned lord to protect Tang Xichen closely.
Observed by eyes in the darkness, Tang Xichen felt a chill despite knowing it was for her safety, ensuring a peaceful sleep at least.
At that moment, someone outside said, "Miss, Young Master Xu Chen requests to see you."
"Hmm, let him wait in the living room. I’ll go shortly," Tang Xichen responded.
Xu Chen was Tang Xichen’s childhood playmate, a regular friend due to cooperation between their families, and visited Tang Xichen occasionally for chats while maintaining respect without any inappropriate intentions.
This sudden visit made Tang Xichen feel he likely had something important.
Arriving at the living room and seeing Xu Chen, Tang Xichen asked, "Do you need something?"
"Recently, I was hunting monsters in the wild and discovered equipment suitable for Angels, hoping to give it to you."
With those words, Xu Chen opened his palm, revealing a pendant emitting a sacred white glow!
King level equipment!
Upon seeing it, Tang Xichen’s eyes showed a hint of desire.
Regardless of the equipment’s effects, the rarity of Angel equipment alone, especially at the King level, promised a significant boost in strength.
Thus, the item greatly tempted Tang Xichen.
"Tell me, what do you want in exchange?" Tang Xichen asked.
Of course, it wouldn’t be given for free, especially since it wasn’t cheap. Even cheap items wouldn’t interest Tang Xichen.
"I want to team up with you for adventures outside. I know many skilled people protect you recently, and I’ve been exploring very dangerous areas. With expert support, my safety would be much ensured."
Hearing Xu Chen’s words, Tang Xichen understood but still faced difficulties, saying, "Experts assigned to protect me might not agree to help. I’m unsure if it’s feasible."
"Take it first; decide after checking the equipment’s effects," Xu Chen suggested.
Tang Xichen, curious about the pendant’s purpose, wondered why Xu Chen believed she’d definitely agree.
Thus, she equipped it and checked the attribute information.
[Angel Statue Pendant: Specifically counters the Angel Race’s Divine Artifact, petrifying Angels upon wearing!]
Upon reading the pendant’s attributes, Tang Xichen thought, ’What the heck?!’
Intending to remove it, her body quickly petrified, instantly solidifying into stone!
Seeing his plan succeed, Xu Chen’s face showed a touch of reluctance, yet he calmly said, "Xichen, I’m sorry; you can’t blame me for being cruel. The Chaos Faction approached me, and I can’t resist their power!"
"You’ll have to die, Xichen. Be with me in the next life!"
Xu Chen stated, revealing a blade emitting an evil aura.
[Blade of the Slaughter Angel: Even the mightiest Angel, if immobilized, has a 25% chance to be slain in one hit!]
"My master provided this weapon ensuring your absolute demise, wiping out your soul. Even as the Chosen One, reincarnation is impossible!"
Xu Chen viciously remarked, thrusting the blade towards Tang Xichen!
Unexpectedly, Xu Chen disintegrated on the spot, bones and flesh melding indistinguishably.
A voice rang near Tang Xichen, "Hmph, attempting to assassinate the Chosen One by my side? Not easy when I’m the Hidden Assassin!"
Finishing, the Hidden Assassin removed Tang Xichen’s necklace, crushing it immediately.
Only then did Tang Xichen slowly recover from petrification, feeling dazed.
"Xu Chen... planned to kill me?!"
Hard to imagine, yet reality; this childhood friend, surprisingly, intended her assassination!
"When did the Chaos Faction buy him off?" Tang Xichen felt terrified.
"The Chaos Faction can awaken the dark side of human nature, controlling them. Once released, controlled individuals face life-threatening danger, forcing such action. But the cowardly deserve death without pity!" the Hidden Assassin explained.
"Um," Tang Xichen reluctantly nodded.
Years of friendship proved weaker than the Chaos Faction’s sway; the faction’s power was terrifying.
Yin Yang Master territory.
"Junior Brother, the news about the Chosen One is stirring outside," Meng Die remarked while eating fruit.