Supreme Copy System: From Trash to Invincible-Chapter 25 - : The Shadow Pavilion’s Warning

Chapter 25: The Shadow Pavilion's Warning

The scent of blood lingered in the air. The bodies of assassins lay scattered across the courtyard, their black robes soaked in crimson. Leon Xian stood over their leader's corpse, his golden Qi slowly fading.

Qin Yue sheathed her sword, her expression unreadable. "That tattoo," she murmured. "It belongs to the Shadow Pavilion, doesn't it?"

Leon's gaze darkened. "Yeah."

The Shadow Pavilion was no ordinary assassin organization. They only took contracts from the most powerful figures—those who ruled from the shadows. If they had been sent after him...

It meant someone very influential wanted him dead.

Qin Yue exhaled sharply. "This is bad. If they've set their sights on you, they won't stop until the contract is completed."

Leon cracked his knuckles. "Then I'll make sure the next ones don't leave alive either."

---

The Assassin's Last Words

Leon crouched beside the assassin leader's body, searching for anything useful. He found a small jade slip tucked inside the man's sleeve. With a flick of his fingers, he activated it using his Qi.

A low, distorted voice echoed from the jade slip:

"Leon Xian must die. The reward has been doubled. Deliver his head to the Black Lotus Tavern by the next full moon."

Leon's eyes turned cold.

Qin Yue frowned. "Black Lotus Tavern... That's in the Southern District. The underworld thrives there."

Leon smirked. "Good. That means we know exactly where to start."

Qin Yue hesitated. "You're not planning to storm in there, are you?"

"Why not?"

"Because it's suicide."

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Leon laughed. "Then I'll just have to make sure I kill them first."

---

A Noble's Invitation

Before they could plan their next move, a messenger arrived.

A young servant, dressed in fine silk robes, bowed deeply before them. "Young Master Xian, Lady Qin Yue... My lord requests your presence at the Marquess's residence."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "The Marquess? Which one?"

"The esteemed Marquess Zhang of the Northern Court."

Leon and Qin Yue exchanged glances.

Marquess Zhang was one of the four great nobles in the empire. Unlike the corrupt officials that littered the court, he was known for his strict neutrality and unwavering sense of justice.

If he was summoning them...

It could only mean he knew about the assassination attempt.

---

Marquess Zhang's Warning

That night, Leon and Qin Yue arrived at Marquess Zhang's estate.

They were led into a grand hall where an elderly man sat behind a massive desk. His hair was streaked with gray, but his eyes were sharp and calculating.

He gestured for them to sit.

"You survived the assassination attempt," he said.

Leon leaned back. "Seems like news travels fast."

Marquess Zhang exhaled. "Do you have any idea who wants you dead?"

Leon shrugged. "I have a few guesses."

The Marquess steepled his fingers. "There are whispers in the court that someone wants you removed before the upcoming martial tournament."

Leon's eyes narrowed.

The Grand Martial Tournament was only a month away. It was a chance for young elites across the empire to prove themselves—and for the imperial family to select potential generals, advisors, and even future princes-in-law.

It was a stage where legends were born.

And someone wanted Leon gone before it even began.

"Whoever ordered your death," the Marquess continued, "is not just some petty noble. They are someone powerful enough to command the Shadow Pavilion. You must be careful."

Leon smirked. "Careful isn't really my style."

The Marquess sighed. "Then at least be prepared. If you want answers, you'll find them at the Black Lotus Tavern."

Leon's eyes gleamed. "That was already my next stop."

---

A Trap in the Dark

Later that night, Leon and Qin Yue made their way to the Southern District. The streets were dimly lit by flickering lanterns, and the air was thick with the scent of alcohol and incense.

The Black Lotus Tavern stood at the end of a narrow alley.

Leon stepped inside first, scanning the room. Drunken men laughed, courtesans whispered sweet nothings, and mercenaries eyed him with interest.

A burly bartender met his gaze. "What'll it be, stranger?"

Leon slid a gold coin across the counter. "Information."

The bartender smirked. "That depends on what you're asking for."

Leon leaned in. "The Shadow Pavilion."

The entire tavern fell silent.

For a brief moment, even the air itself felt heavier.

Then—

Boom!

The doors slammed shut.

Shadows flickered as figures in black emerged from every corner.

A low chuckle echoed from the second floor.

Leon glanced up.

A tall man in a black robe, his face hidden by a silver mask, leaned against the railing.

"So, you're the famous Leon Xian," he mused. "You should've stayed in hiding."

Leon cracked his knuckles, grinning.

"Then I wouldn't get the chance to kill you, would I?"