Li Yan had already returned to the hotel ahead of Julian and the others. He opened his computer, encrypting and compressing the video data he compiled and sending it to Yue Yao, while also monitoring the surveillance footage.

The group left through the back door, circumventing some routes, and only after ensuring safety did they call another taxi to return. Once back at the hotel, they hurried back to their rooms.

On the surveillance footage, Li Yan saw the bodyguard. Judging by his age, he should be the ace bodyguard that Li Jie mentioned from their company, and certainly not Li Chengfeng. Li Chengfeng and Li Jie hadn't accompanied them to Julian's room.

Li Yan was unable to view the situation inside the room, but he could easily imagine that they were gathered for a meeting. Perhaps they were also connected to the internet, maintaining contact with other informants.

After a while, Yue Yao had already reviewed the data he sent back and compared it with the agents' records, calling back, "I've preliminarily identified five of them."

"Okay, then submit it, don't let anyone else take advantage."

This wasn't impossible. If there were assassins still lurking in that building, or more directly, hidden in the restroom, waiting until everyone left, they could quickly capture images of the deceased and submit them ahead of time, claiming the credit first. That way, results matter more than the process, and even Li Yan himself couldn't prove he did it.

Of course, this was only theoretical. If there was an assassin as skilled as him lurking nearby, Li Yan would certainly notice. Also, due to the public setting, if it were an isolated scenario, he might have just shot and smashed the deceased's face after capturing the footage!

"I'm already on it," Yue Yao replied. "Right now, it seems though the informants have gotten the data, the SIA has acted in advance. You need to be careful!"

"Haha, it's not too early. I've waited a whole day for them. They're still confident, if they were truly prompt, they would have acted as soon as Julian arrived—now that would be swift action."

Hearing Li Yan's relaxed tone, Yue Yao felt somewhat reassured, then asked, "The recent operation involved only five agents. This might be considered a vanguard, perhaps because they're confident and careless. But this first round of defeat will inevitably cause them to be more cautious. There are nearly a hundred agents left, so don't underestimate them. I'll remind the other three later too!"

Li Yan agreed: "Rest assured. The first round was a test. They might have sent many, or only a few arrived. This time, with only five participants, it's clearly just a probe of Julian's forces. I believe there are other assassins around, but they have their own information channels. They may not be stronger than us, but they aren't oblivious and might also be waiting to see the outcome!"

"Since you've made a move, the SIA will perceive the opposing force as powerful. The next operation will undoubtedly involve several times more agents! Other assassins, seeing that the King has already claimed merits, won't wait anymore—an intense battle is coming!" Yue Yao followed his analysis.

Li Yan gave a mysterious smile: "Next will be my time to rest."

"...?" Yue Yao was a bit surprised. "You're not planning to participate? What if they're all dead?"

"Don't forget, the five who picked up the task now…"

"Six, there's another one."

"Heh! It's even more interesting. Although we don't know who our competitors are yet, those daring enough to take this job can be identified. After things settle, we'll know who's involved. For them, it's not just about the commission—it's also a matter of honor! An honor belonging to top-tier assassins themselves."

"Them?" Yue Yao noticed his emphasis. Even during a call, she had an intrinsic understanding with Li Yan. She quickly chuckled, "I understand! The target won't grow indefinitely. This 5% share is their coveted honor! Their caution, or delay, has already put them behind at the start. Everyone would think this way, so they not only have to catch up but also face competitive pursuit!"

"While I can comfortably wait on the sidelines, let others fight the brutal battle! Money is only valuable if you're alive to spend it; glory is for the living to enjoy. After their performance, I'll tidy up the aftermath!" Li Yan laughed leisurely.

"You! Even if you are the King of Assassins, you're part of the sly faction!" Yue Yao couldn't help but smile at Li Yan's somewhat cunning strategy.

But she also understood, this seemed sly but was actually wise. King not only kills with guns but also with a brain by applying ancient strategic wisdom from the East Continent. Xiang Yu was the hero who faced heaven and earth, but it was the seemingly cunning Liu Bang who established the Great Han dynasty that lasted four hundred years. In her heart, she preferred to see Li Yan remain sly, because no amount of money or glory outweighs life; safety comes first!

"Sly? In the second fierce battle, if dozens of agents show up, it's a business worth millions of International Coins. I remain unmoved, which portrays the integrity of one who treats wealth as dirt. My lack of contention displays my magnanimity. Haha…"

"Alright, stop bragging, be careful." Yue Yao knew he was light-hearted in his words, but if Julian—the indirect target—was in danger, he naturally couldn't stand by. So, regardless of action, he would be near the scene, which was dangerous. "Before acting impulsively, think of... Yurong, and Yu Xiaodi!"

Li Yan was stunned. Yue Yao wouldn't normally say such things, which might slightly distract him. But he understood Yue Yao's point—it was to prioritize safety and avoid unnecessary risks. Losing life or health for the sake of profit would mean losing more!

In moments of impulse, more than ever, one must understand the trade-offs!

"Rest assured, besides them, I also think of your timely reminders."

"I'll hang up now, will notify you if anything arises."

…

After finishing the call with Yue Yao, Li Yan felt somewhat calmer. Her reminders echoed in his mind. It wasn't supposed to affect his current state but required restraint.

Reflecting and contemplating by himself for half an hour, he emerged eased and peaceful, like a monk coming out of meditation.

Indeed, safety must come first, whether for himself or those he cares about, safety must be maintained. But in one's life, just because of safety concerns, one should not always be timid; some struggles are necessary!

Like how airplane accidents happen from time to time, it doesn't mean one should stop flying or avoid business trips. Even though car accidents occur daily, one can't stop taking cars. Computers have radiation; working long night shifts equates to chronic suicide; excessive stress leads to mental collapse; long sitting affects sperm vitality; assembly line workers endure harsh factory life; construction and high-rise work, even more so…

In reality, every job comes with safety and health issues, varying in severity and speed. For Li Yan, it's simply a job. What's a life-threatening risk to others, doesn't seem as serious to him. High-altitude tasks still need execution; night shifts are unavoidable for many; network writers must endure long hours sitting and typing at the computer; programmers and drivers have to sit long hours too… It's all similar, and naturally, an assassin must live the assassin's life!

Letting go of doubts, Li Yan began surfing the internet, checking on the aftermath of the recent events.

Human communication continually evolves, from primitive word of mouth to subsequent letters, then to widely spread newspapers. The adoption of television significantly hastened news over newspapers; with the spread of the internet, news speed surpassed television increasingly…

Even within the internet, the speed varies at different stages. Less controlled and rapidly disseminating platforms like social groups and blogs allow ordinary people to spread news. As long as your news is valuable and sensational, it can quickly pervade the internet before mainstream media even reacts, affecting thousands! [QQ has launched a public beta; interested, active readers are encouraged to follow and tune in to the author's updates.]

While he was casually reviewing, he heard an urgent knock on the door. With a slight thought, Li Yan already knew who it was.

(Additional chapter for 650 monthly tickets! Last two days, please contribute your monthly tickets!) (To be continued, to know what happens next, please log onto www.qidian.com, access more chapters, support the author, and support legitimate reading!)

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