Chapter 440: Hidden Sect

There was no fluctuation in Lin Xiao’s gaze. He seemed blind to the beauty before him, while the killing intent in his body surged like a tidal wave, then receded like the sea.

His five fingers clutched tightly around Purple Fox’s slender neck, leaving five vivid red marks on her delicate skin.

“To kill, or not to kill?”

Lin Xiao’s gaze shifted. He rarely hesitated.

Under normal circumstances, he would have ended Purple Fox without the slightest hesitation. A dead enemy is the best kind.

But right now, Lin Xiao had a feeling that killing Purple Fox would bring trouble. A great deal of trouble.

He didn’t know what that trouble would be, but he trusted his intuition. On the battlefield, his instincts had saved his life countless times.

Purple Fox seemed resigned to her fate. She stopped resisting entirely, allowing Lin Xiao to hold her like that. Her rosy lips parted slightly, breathing became difficult, and her limbs began to spasm uncontrollably.

‘Am I going to die?’

Her mind went blank, scenes flashing rapidly before her eyes—being taken in by her master as a child, then growing up and killing across the land. All her memories were gray and solitary, devoid of vivid color.

‘Dying like this… might not be so bad. At least I won’t have to kill anymore…’

She thought faintly and slowly closed her eyes.

At that moment, the hand gripping her neck suddenly released. Her suspended body slid down the wall. When she landed, her legs buckled, and she used all her strength just to stay upright.

Purple Fox supported herself against the wall, coughing up a few mouthfuls of blood. She looked up at Lin Xiao. “Why didn’t you kill me?”

It was the second time she’d asked him that question.

“Only this once. Don’t expect it to happen again.” Lin Xiao turned and walked out of the base. “I still have a lot to ask you. Fix your clothes and come out. Don’t try anything stupid. This is my final warning.”

Watching Lin Xiao’s retreating figure, Purple Fox’s once-dead heart suddenly stirred with a ripple that lingered long after.

She bit her lower lip lightly, wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth with her sleeve, straightened her jacket, took a few deep breaths, and followed him out of the base.

Outside the base was the luxurious villa’s living room. Lin Xiao sat calmly on a sofa. When he saw Purple Fox emerge, he gestured toward the adjacent seat. “Sit.”

Purple Fox said nothing and took the indicated seat.

“Tell me what kind of organization the Purifiers are.”

Lin Xiao’s hands were folded at his abdomen. He exuded a tranquil, peaceful aura. It was completely different from the cold-blooded killer he’d been inside the base.

He had thought Purple Fox would be like the others, choosing death over betrayal. But to his surprise, after a brief pause, she began speaking calmly.

“The Purifiers are a hidden sect. Our doctrine is to purify all things. We’re not exactly the assassination organization you imagine. Then again, if you think so, you’re not wrong. The assassin network is one part of the Purifiers’ operations.”

“You’re saying those peripheral assassins belong to the Purifiers, but they don’t represent the Purifiers as a whole?”

“Mm.” Purple Fox nodded.

“Then what about you? Are you part of the assassin network or the hidden sect?”

Purple Fox, for reasons unknown even to herself, answered Lin Xiao’s questions without hesitation. “I belong to the hidden sect. Within the Seven Deadly Sins, I rank fifth.”

“Seven Deadly Sins?” Lin Xiao grew increasingly intrigued. He could faintly sense a vast and secretive organization slowly unfolding before him. “Can you tell me more about your sect?”

Purple Fox closed her eyes for a moment, thinking, then spoke:

“Within the Purifiers, ranks are divided by hierarchy. Leader, Archbishops, the Seven Deadly Sins known as the Inquisitors, and Instructors. There is only one Leader who controls the entire organization. Beneath them are three Archbishops, second only to the Leader. Below the Archbishops are the Seven Deadly Sins, seven in total. Instructors are of a lesser rank and can be promoted from the peripheral forces. For example, the assassin organization you mentioned is considered a peripheral force. Once promoted to Earth-rank, one can become an Instructor.”

After hearing Purple Fox’s explanation, Lin Xiao narrowed his eyes slightly. The Purifiers, this so-called hidden sect, was more powerful than he had expected.

“If I’m not mistaken, your martial cultivation is probably at the late stage of Dark Force, right?” Lin Xiao glanced at her. “With that level, you’re only considered third-tier. Then the Archbishops above you must be at least at the peak of Dark Force, possibly at the Grandmaster level? And the one who controls everything, the Leader, is above even the Grandmaster level?”

“Mm, exactly.” Purple Fox raised an eyebrow, and her icy expression thawed slightly, forming a half-smile. “What? Surprised to hear that?”

Lin Xiao’s expression remained unchanged. He continued asking: “Will the Purifiers continue coming after me?”

“If I said yes, would you kill me?” Purple Fox reclined lazily on the sofa, long legs crossed, gazing at Lin Xiao with an unreadable expression. She was not nervous.

“I already promised to spare you. I won’t go back on my word. No need to test me.” Lin Xiao’s voice was calm.

“Then let’s make a deal.” Purple Fox leaned forward slightly, her beautiful eyes gleaming. “I’ll make sure the Purifiers stop bothering you. In return, you’ll owe me a favor. If I’m ever in trouble and need your help, you can’t refuse.”

“I spared your life. Isn’t that enough of a favor?”

“Two separate things. Don’t confuse them. If you won’t agree, I’ll just sit here. You can come kill me anytime.” Purple Fox lifted her chin. The marks Lin Xiao left on her neck hadn’t faded yet, looking rather grim. “Or, you can join the Purifiers and become an Inquisitor like me. Then, of course, you won’t have any more trouble.”

“I’m not interested in joining the Purifiers. But I accept your condition.” Lin Xiao nodded. “Why do I feel like you’ve treated me differently from the start? Or is that just my imagination?”

“It’s not your imagination. I have treated you differently. Your methods and style suit the Purifiers well. Ruthless and cold, yet you uphold a code. More importantly, you’re strong. If you joined us, you’d definitely become my capable partner.” Purple Fox snorted lightly. “Lin Xiao, you’re the first person I’ve ever regarded so highly. You should treasure this opportunity.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I’ll have to politely decline.” Lin Xiao stood up. “Since we’ve reached an agreement, I’ll leave the rest to you. The green hills remain, the rivers flow on, we’ll meet again someday.”

With that, Lin Xiao nodded toward Purple Fox and turned to leave the villa without a trace of hesitation.

“We’ll meet again soon, not someday.”

Purple Fox watched Lin Xiao’s figure disappear into the distance. The corner of her lips slowly curled into a faint, unreadable smile.