Raising Orphans, Not Assassins

Outside Jiangxia County, Ezhou.

Chen Er, the burly man with a cloak covering the Purple-Gold Hammer on his back, pulled on the reins of his red horse and softly muttered, “Whoa, whoa…”

The horse trotted a few more steps before slowly coming to a halt.

Qin Yi and Xiao Lian also reined in their horses.

In the distance, the massive characters carved into the gray-green city walls read: Jiangxia County.

“We’re finally here.”

The scholarly-looking Zhou Ba gazed at the words “Jiangxia County,” a mixture of nostalgia and sentiment in his eyes.

He looked like a wanderer returning home, his anticipation tinged with unease.

Huang San, who had been half-asleep with his arms crossed atop his horse, cracked his eyes open, a sharp glint flashing through them. Spitting out the blade of grass in his mouth, he dismounted smoothly.

Plucking another blade of grass from the roadside, Huang San placed it between his lips and chewed thoughtfully. “The grass here in Jiangxia still tastes the freshest,” he remarked.

Qian Qi, now dressed in her feminine attire and riding a yellow horse, glanced at Huang San chewing the grass. Her clear, melodious voice carried a hint of disdain. “When will you ever drop that habit?”

She wore a red dress and carried a small bamboo basket on her back. Her face was veiled, revealing only her snow-white forehead and neck.

Her brows and eyes were charming, though she still appeared a bit youthful—likely only a few years older than Xiao Lian.

“I’ll quit when you throw out all your precious treasures,” Huang San replied nonchalantly.

Qian Qi snorted softly and ignored him.

The six of them dismounted, blending in with the common folk heading toward the city gate. After paying the entrance fee, they entered Jiangxia.

Walking along the cobbled streets, Zhou Ba sighed, “It’s been so many years since I last returned…”

His eyes reflected a deep longing as he took in the familiar sights around him.

This time, even the usually gruff Chen Er did not refute Zhou Ba. Instead, he nodded, his voice uncharacteristically soft. “Ever since I became an Iron Token assassin, I’ve been out in the world fighting. Years have passed in the blink of an eye…”

Huang San, chewing his grass, remained silent, his gaze lingering on the streets as a hint of sorrow for time’s fleeting nature surfaced in his eyes.

Qin Yi explained to Xiao Lian, “Once we became Iron Token assassins, we left Jiangxia. Without the Tower Master’s orders or a Fengyu Token, we’re forbidden to return.”

Her usually calm voice carried a touch of reminiscence.

The mention of Jiangxia seemed to stir something in all five assassins.

Perhaps Jiangxia held a special place in their hearts.

For those who wandered far from home, there was always a place they yearned for.

Xiao Lian watched their expressions and couldn’t help but think of that small courtyard and Chen Ye’s gentle smile.

She pressed her lips together, suppressing her emotions. She wanted to return to the orphanage, but she had a mission. She had to kill that person.

She would kill that person.

A flash of hatred crossed Xiao Lian’s eyes.