Chapter 3: Transcendence 2

The plane remained on autopilot as the two top-ranked assassins on the kill list engaged in a life-or-death struggle across the fuselage.

Victory and defeat were decided in a heartbeat.

Owl favored hidden weapons, particularly honed, razor-sharp blades used to sever an enemy’s throat. This time, however, she had struck the Eagle directly in the heart with lethal precision. To her, the Eagle had been a respectable opponent.

After briefly tending to her wounds, Owl returned to the cockpit and skillfully punched in a series of commands. She intended to claim the bounty entirely for herself.

Suddenly, the fuselage shuddered. Owl glanced at the control panel; the onboard radar signal was decaying rapidly. It was highly likely there was a thunderstorm ahead—surely her luck couldn't be that bad!

Owl hurriedly adjusted the flight path, praying that what lay ahead was not a tornado.

The shuddering of the aircraft grew increasingly violent. Owl cursed under her breath; it seemed she had accumulated too much bad karma in this life—it was indeed a tornado! Donning her parachute, Owl leapt from the plane without a moment’s hesitation. Although the chance of survival was slim, she refused to sit and wait for death.

The approaching tornado swallowed her in an instant. The powerful airflow threatened to tear her limb from limb; a parachute made little difference! Owl couldn't help but smile bitterly, yet she deployed the chute before losing consciousness.

***

When she opened her eyes again, Owl looked at the woman lying on the bed. The woman’s features were eighty percent similar to her own, though far too pale, with a blood-stained bandage wrapped around her forehead.

Did I not die? And where is this?

Owl turned suddenly to see a phantom standing before her, looking exactly like the woman on the bed.

"Apologies, I startled you."

Owl stared coldly at this excessively gentle version of herself. "Who are you?"

"A person about to die."

Owl glanced at the bed. "You are still alive."

"Living is worse than death."

"If you can live, why seek death?"

As long as there was even a sliver of hope, she would survive. That was who she was: the leader of the assassin world, Owl.

Yu Qingyan looked at her suddenly. "I will help you die, and you will live for me. How about that?"

"I do not accept favors."

Yu Qingyan urged, "It is merely a mutual exchange."

"Still no."

"Then... help me deal with someone."

"Kill him?"

Deep within Yu Qingyan’s eyes lay a hidden hatred. "No. He slaughtered my entire family; how could I let him off so easily? I want him to suffer a fate worse than death."

"Fine. It’s a deal."

Yu Qingyan smiled with relief, and Owl fell back into darkness.

***

It was the season of Great Cold, and the world was painted in a pristine white.

In a cold room, Cui’er had been guarding Yu Qingyan’s side for two days. She still hadn't awakened. The Yu family had already been completely wiped out. It was rumored that Yu Songnian had made arrangements beforehand, and that some of the Yu children had escaped the disaster, though it was unclear if this was true or false.

The 'Yu Qingyan' on the bed opened her eyes, immediately meeting the gaze of the teary-eyed maid.

"Miss, you’re finally awake! Wuhu, you scared Cui’er to death!"

Yu Qingyan rubbed her temples, her brow furrowing. "Shut up! You’re too noisy!"

Cui’er was startled. She tried to stifle her sobs while casting a timid glance at her mistress. "Miss..."

"What is your name?"

"Miss, what has happened to you? Please don't scare Cui’er."

Yu Qingyan looked at her. "Cui’er?"

"Yes..."

"Who am I?"

"You... you are Miss." Cui’er wiped away her tears. "Miss! I’ll go fetch the imperial physician!"

"Come back!" Yu Qingyan frowned at the maid. She cried at the drop of a hat, like a porcelain doll that would shatter at a touch.

Forget it. At least she was truly devoted to the owner of this body; she couldn't very well kill her.