Chapter 28 Daylight Assassination

Chapter 28: Assassination in Broad Daylight

A long blade cleaved the air, hurtling straight for Jiang Shuoye’s face.

The cold glint of the steel reflected in his dark pupils.

Just as the blade was about to strike, he leaned back onto his horse, evading the sharp edge. Simultaneously, his spear maintained its offensive trajectory, thrusting directly at Milhan’s heart.

Milhan yanked the reins, his warhorse veering sharply. He himself twisted abruptly, narrowly dodging the attack.

The two men and their horses swept past each other, then immediately wheeled around to charge again.

The first move was a probe.

Both had gained a measure of the other’s strength.

Jiang Shuoye noted that this unfamiliar general was formidable, though still a notch below Mu Hanxide.

Milhan, who had initially been dismissive, now grew serious, no longer daring to be careless.

This commander of the Northern Desert Army was indeed powerful.

Their weapons clashed once more, blade and spear striking with blinding sparks and a grating sound that set teeth on edge.

Jiang Shuoye’s spear pressed heavily against the long blade.

Milhan could only defensively hold his ground.

With a roar, he clamped his legs against his horse’s flanks, his arm muscles bulging as he tried to push the spear away.

But suddenly, his breath hitched, and his pupils constricted.

Jiang Shuoye had half-risen in his stirrups, exerting even more terrifying pressure. Milhan clenched his jaw, but the blade was forced steadily downward, almost touching his shoulder.

The spear’s sharp tip was now perilously close to his neck.

It was an extremely dangerous position; the slightest shift in the spear’s angle would pierce his throat.

With another roar, Milhan kicked his horse’s belly, and the warhorse abruptly crouched, lowering both itself and its rider.

The tightly balanced forces momentarily dissipated, and Milhan seized the opportunity to lean backward, evading the spear’s thrust.

Jiang Shuoye’s gaze sharpened. He swiftly retracted his spear and thrust it forward again with lightning speed.

This time, his target was Milhan’s abdomen.

Milhan instinctively raised his blade to block.

Their weapons clashed, and Jiang Shuoye’s arm went numb. But instead of relenting, he twisted the spear shaft, causing the iron chain connecting the spearhead to wrap around the blade.

Milhan instinctively tried to pull his blade back, while Jiang Shuoye exerted force to yank the spear backward. Their horses neighed, rearing up on their hind legs.

Amid the tug-of-war, Jiang Shuoye suddenly released the spear shaft, and the sharp spearhead slid toward Milhan’s chest.

Startled, Milhan instinctively loosened his grip, but Jiang Shuoye seized the spear again, pulling it back along with the blade.

He’d been disarmed!

Panic seized Milhan, and he immediately spurred his horse to flee.

But he hadn’t gone far when he heard the whistle of something cutting through the air behind him.

Thinking it was the spear, he quickly leaned forward to dodge, but what struck him was his own blade.

The long blade came down hard, cleanly severing his right arm.

Blood gushed out.

Milhan let out an agonized roar and fled in disarray toward the military camp.

The other Tartar cavalry rushed to cover him and quickly prepared to retreat. But the Northern Desert cavalry, whom they had easily shaken off before, were now unusually persistent.

The Northern Desert soldiers could actually let go of their reins and fight with both hands holding their spears.

Previously, the Northern Desert cavalry had to grip the reins tightly with one hand to avoid falling off. But now, they seemed to possess the same skill as the Tartars, sitting firmly on their horses without any trouble!

As a result, the Tartar soldiers lost their previous advantage.

Instead, the Northern Desert cavalry’s spears highlighted the reach advantage of longer weapons in close combat.

It didn’t take long for the Tartar cavalry to be overwhelmed.

With their Deputy General fleeing after losing an arm and morale broken, the Tartar soldiers scattered in disarray at the shouts of “Retreat!”

The border between the Northern Desert and the Tartars was a vast expanse known as the Yanbian Grassland. To the south lay the Gobi Desert, the Northern Desert Army’s garrison, and border towns. To the north stretched even broader grasslands, ruled by the Muhan Royal Court and its Tartar tribes.

There were dozens of Tartar tribes, large and small, which had only been unified under the Muhan tribe decades earlier, establishing the Royal Court.

To better guard against Great Ning, the Muhan Khan sent his younger brother, Mu Hanxide, to lead the Muhan army and station them on the other side of the Yanbian Grassland.

When the Qin Family Army was garrisoning the Northern Desert frontier, the Tartar army rarely invaded.

Later, to help Emperor Yingzong secure the throne, Grand Marshal Qin led half of the Qin Family Army to the capital and strategic passes within the empire. The remaining fifty thousand soldiers were commanded by General Qin and his wife—Qin Xiao’s parents—who continued to guard the Northern Desert border.

Thanks to the dreaded reputation of the Qin Family Army and the presence of General Qin and his wife, the Tartars did not dare to invade rashly, even with only fifty thousand Qin troops remaining.

However, not long after Emperor Yingzong took the throne, he could not abide the Qin family's growing power and repeatedly offered olive branches to the Jiang family, hoping they would absorb the fifty thousand Qin troops stationed in the north.

The Jiang family had gained power during Emperor Gaozong’s reign and maintained it through Emperor Mingzong and Emperor Wuzong’s rules. But by the waning years of Emperor Wu, their power had been steadily diminished. By Emperor Cheng’s time, they were left with only twenty thousand garrison troops within the passes and nearly merged into other armies.

At that time, Jiang Shuoye’s father, clan leader, and cousins were more inclined toward scholarly pursuits. With the Qi family’s Qi Zhili serving as Deputy Censor-in-chief, the Jiang family saw entering the court as a better option.

Unfortunately, no one in their family had a talent for politics, and they declined further.

In this context, Emperor Yingzong’s offer to heavily rely on them was like a godsend.

So Jiang Shuoye’s father accepted the olive branch without much hesitation, leading the Jiang family and twenty thousand garrison troops to the Northern Desert.

Unexpectedly, just as they were about to arrive, news came that the Tartars had suddenly invaded, and General Qin and his wife had both died in battle.

Emperor Yingzong ordered the Jiang family to immediately take over the remaining forty thousand Qin troops and counterattack the Tartars.

At that time, no one in the Jiang family had ever set foot on a battlefield. Jiang Shuoye’s father had no choice but to press on despite his misgivings, and the result was predictable: they suffered two consecutive defeats.

Fortunately, Jiang Shuoye arrived just in time.

He was only seventeen then and had not lived with the Jiang family for nearly a decade, having spent those years roaming the martial world with his master, learning martial arts to aid others.

Upon accidentally learning that the Jiang family had relocated entirely to the Northern Desert, he bid farewell to his master and rushed to the Northern Desert as quickly as possible.

His original intention was to persuade his family not to be exploited by Emperor Yingzong—the Qin Family Army had served valiantly in defending the border and didn't deserve to be discarded like tools after use. At the very least, the Jiang family should not become the "weapon" used against them.

But upon arrival, he learned that General Qin and his wife had already fallen in battle.

This was clearly suspicious; he even suspected that Emperor Yingzong had conspired with the Tartars, though he had no evidence.

Still, given the current situation, even if Emperor Yingzong had made some deal with the Tartars, it no longer mattered. Emperor Yingzong couldn't control the Tartars, who were clearly aiming to invade the Northern Desert while the Qin Family Army was leaderless.

Jiang Shuoye had no choice but to suit up and take to the battlefield.

He was only seventeen and a nobody special—not only did the Qin Family Army disregard him, but even the twenty thousand frontier troops brought by the Jiang family paid him no mind.

However, everything changed once Jiang Shuoye entered the fray.

He had inherited the martial talent of his Jiang ancestors and the skills of a commander, and he had also learned various abilities from his master of mysterious origins. Having spent years in the martial world, he knew all about schemes and deception, and he was mostly self-taught in military strategy.

So when the two armies clashed, he took to the field and, with a single spear strike, took out the Tartar army’s commanding general.

After that, he led the troops in driving the Tartar forces back to the other side of the Yanbian Grasslands.

He made a name for himself in that one battle.

Emperor Yingzong appointed Jiang Shuoye as the supreme commander of the Northern Desert forces, granting him the second-highest official rank.

The Qin Family Army merged with the frontier troops, forming the new Northern Desert Army.

Later, he petitioned the emperor to recruit more soldiers and horses, gradually increasing the army’s numbers.

Now, eight years later, the former Qin Family Army and frontier troops have fully integrated into the current eighty-thousand-strong Northern Desert Army.

Jiang Shuoye’s reputation has also spread alongside the renown of the Northern Desert Army, intimidating the Muhan Royal Court and the Tartar tribes.

However, since the beginning of spring this year, Tartar forces have been stepping up border raids with increasing frequency.

They never launch full-scale attacks—each incursion is more show than substance, as if waiting for the right moment or plotting something bigger.

Growing worried, Jiang Shuoye began intensifying training for more cavalry.

Fortunately, with guidance from the High Priest and the acquisition of treasures like stirrups and saddles, his most pressing concerns were alleviated.

The soldiers cheered excitedly, celebrating this easier victory compared to previous ones.

“The general is amazing! With these stirrups and saddles, I can wield my spear with even more force.”

“Absolutely! Before, I was always afraid of falling off the horse and had to grip the reins with one hand. Now I can let go without worrying about falling.”

“Look at those Tartars fleeing in panic—what a satisfying sight!”

Jiang Shuoye slowly let out a breath.

He had tried to explain that the "stirrups and saddles" were divine guidance from an immortal, but the words stuck in his throat every time.

Perhaps that immortal didn't care for recognition and did not wish for widespread recognition.

But hearing the soldiers’ praises, he could only feel ashamed.

This battle was a decisive victory, and soon the northern locals would hear about it. They would surely praise the soldiers’ bravery and his own skill in training the troops.

Yet much of the credit belonged to the High Priest, and he had no desire to claim undeserved glory.

Maybe the next time he met the High Priest, he could ask for permission to share his story so that the people and soldiers would remember the High Priest’s kindness.

He ordered the soldiers to recover the fallen and bury them on the back hill of the military camp.

Everyone set to work.

Chu Jiubian hadn’t expected to witness such an intense battle, but he finally gained a firsthand understanding of Jiang Shuoye’s capabilities.

He followed the camera’s view.

On the vast grassland, the young general sat tall on his horse, clad in silver armor and holding a long spear. Gazing into the distance at the fleeing Tartar army, his sharp, handsome features were spattered with blood, accentuating his cold and imposing presence.

He was indeed a fearless commander—cautious, intelligent, and almost without weakness.

No wonder the court was wary of him; it wasn’t just the eighty-thousand-strong Northern Desert Army they dreaded, but Jiang Shuoye himself.

Suddenly, Jiang Shuoye seemed to sense something and looked toward a certain direction.

Chu Jiubian met his gaze through the camera and couldn’t help but smile.

As alert as ever.

But given Jiang Shuoye’s current state, it seemed unlikely he would easily fall asleep or zone out. He’d probably return and immediately have his officers debrief the engagement.

"System, how can I remind him to sleep?" Chu Jiubian asked.

It was such a hassle that he could only enter the Divine Realm when his believers were asleep or mentally unfocused. If there was an emergency, he wouldn’t be able to notify or summon them immediately.

"Host, this system offers teleportation services. For just 500 Faith Points, you can reach any believer’s side, though the duration cannot exceed one minute."

"Friendly reminder: Spatial transmission violates three-dimensional world rules. Side effects for the host may include dizziness, minor internal bleeding, etc., which will automatically resolve in two to three days. No need to worry."

How much?

Five hundred?

And so many side effects!

Chu Jiubian said decisively, "No thanks."

Noticing his hesitation, the system added, "This system also offers messaging services. You can transmit words directly to a believer’s ears. Messages under ten characters cost 2 Faith Points each. For every additional three characters, 1 extra Faith Point is charged."

Chu Jiubian: "..."

Always finding ways to take his points.

He might frequently call believers into dreams or send messages from time to time, each time costing two or more points.

Everything cost points, yet earning Faith Points was becoming increasingly difficult.

No wonder the system never gave missions—even without them, Chu Jiubian would do everything he could to earn Faith Points, only to feed them right back to the system.

"Are there any monthly or annual subscription plans?"

"This function does not offer such services. Please understand."

Fine. At least he could make contact.

"How can the believers contact me?" Chu Jiubian asked.

"Host, you can activate the live monitoring feature for a thirty-point monthly subscription. Once enabled, the system will monitor the believers' status in real time and notify you promptly if a believer is in mortal danger or needs to contact you."

So now they offer a monthly plan.

Chu Jiubian said with resignation, "I'll take it."

This function is too important; thirty points it is.

Jiang Shuoye naturally felt that familiar sense of being watched, and his heart tightened.

When did the High Priest appear?

Did he come to observe the effectiveness of the stirrups and saddles in actual combat?

Truly a celestial being, always calculating so precisely.

But the High Priest always comes and goes after a brief look, leaving Jiang Shuoye no chance to express his gratitude in person.

Should he speak up now and ask to meet?

He wondered if it might be disrespectful to the deity.

While hesitating, he suddenly noticed the cheers of the soldiers around him fading into silence, leaving only an eerie stillness. Then, a distant, ethereal phoenix cry rang out.

He instinctively looked up and saw a divine phoenix with a brilliant golden tail soaring across the clear sky!

The divine bird, draped in multicolored radiance, circled above him once.

He heard the High Priest's cool voice echoing in his ears: "At noon sharp, I will seek thee in a dream."

With a flap of its long wings, the phoenix cried out and flew toward the blazing sun, vanishing from sight.

Jiang Shuoye remained deeply shaken for a long time. When he regained his composure, he glanced at the soldiers around him, but they showed no unusual reactions, still busy moving the bodies of fallen comrades.

So, that miraculous scene was visible only to him.

He was the only one present blessed by the deity.

An indescribable excitement took root in his heart.

Noon sharp.

Jiang Shuoye checked the sun—about half an hour left. He needed to hurry back to the military camp to sleep.

Since the High Priest said he would enter his dream, he naturally had to be asleep.

He just wasn’t sure if he could fall asleep in his current excited state.

Chu Jiubian was also worried about this.

"Host, rest assured. The imagery conjured by the system can calm the mind. As long as the believer wishes to enter a dream, even if they cannot sleep, they will enter a trance-like state."

Earlier, the system’s imagery took the form of a golden phoenix, and the golden dust falling from its feathers had a dream-inducing effect.

Moreover, it wouldn’t affect those who didn’t wish to sleep—quite a useful feature.

These functions were hidden features of the system, as if refined by many handlers over time, making them increasingly perfected.

So, before him, the system must have had many hosts.

Karma System—that was its original name. Only after binding with Chu Jiubian did it change to Construction System, based on the path he might take.

But ultimately, it was meant to assist Chu Jiubian in correcting some kind of karma.

Yet, what exactly was wrong with this world?

Chu Jiubian pondered this for a long while on his divine throne, only looking up when a person descended into the Divine Realm.

Jiang Shuoye was already quite skilled, having jumped down from mid-air on his own once again, not even giving the golden phoenix a chance to catch him.

Chu Jiubian rested his cheek on his fist, watching as the man emerged from the mist.

"Jiang Shuoye pays respects to the High Priest."

The young general bowed, still clad in his silver armor, exuding a stern aura of killing intent.

"Sit," Chu Jiubian said.

"Yes." Jiang Shuoye was clearly excited, sitting stiffly.

Not wanting to make the deity speak first, Jiang Shuoye added, "Thank you, High Priest, for the blueprints and books you previously gifted me. Today, my Northern Desert Army defeated the Tatars with the help of the stirrups and saddles, all thanks to you."

"However, when others asked about it, I wished to credit you but couldn’t, allowing them to mistakenly believe it was my own work. I am truly ashamed."

Knowing that Chu Jiubian had been watching him, he hurriedly explained, fearing the deity might think he was claiming credit.

"It’s fine," Chu Jiubian said calmly. "If others ask again, you may mention my name, but do not speak of matters related to the Divine Realm."

He granted Jiang Shuoye permission to spread his name, but matters of the Divine Realm were off-limits—this was his greatest secret.

Jiang Shuoye quickly agreed.

Chu Jiubian paused before speaking slowly, "You have passed the trial and may become my disciple."

Jiang Shuoye was overjoyed.

To become a disciple of a celestial being—what an honor!

Seeing his reaction, Chu Jiubian continued, "From now on, you may refer to yourself as my subordinate. Are you willing?"

He spoke mysteriously, but Jiang Shuoye immediately stood and bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your favor, High Priest! I pledge my loyalty, even if it costs me my life!"

This wasn’t an impulsive decision; he had witnessed Chu Jiubian’s abilities firsthand.

By becoming the deity’s disciple, he could surely secure greater benefits for the Northern Desert Army and the people of Great Ning.

Naturally, he wasn’t an ungrateful person either. If the High Priest could grant him such gifts, he would reciprocate.

"But I wonder, as a mere mortal, what can I do for you?" he asked respectfully.

He understood that both humans and deities operated on exchange. Without Chu Jiubian even asking, he was already inquiring about "tasks."

Chu Jiubian was very pleased with his response and saw no need to hold back. "I am in this world to undergo a trial. I need the faith of believers to achieve great success. All you need to do is have faith in me."

A trial?

Faith?

Jiang Shuoye quickly put it together.

"Tribulation" must refer to certain hardships along the divine journey—getting through them makes you stronger. And to overcome this so-called "tribulation," the faith of believers was required.

However, High Priest came from outside this world, and his reputation here wasn't as great as those deities worshiped in temples and monasteries, so no one knew of his might, and he couldn't collect faith.

Moreover, the gods and buddhas in those Taoist temples and Buddhist monasteries required incense offerings—which is basically faith—and since High Priest also demanded faith, it proved he was undoubtedly a legitimate deity.

What's more, High Priest didn't even require incense offerings, nor did he ask for temples to be built in his name. He only asked for more people to know of him and believe in him—his demands were incredibly modest!

He was truly an upright and virtuous immortal!

Jiang Shuoye grew even more in awe, his demeanor increasingly respectful. "Please rest assured, High Priest. This subordinate will definitely accomplish this task."

This person was not only quick on the uptake but also of excellent character—upright, righteous, and grateful.

Chu Jiubian felt that the Northern Desert Army would undoubtedly become his staunchest support in the future.

However, the current Northern Desert Army's capabilities still weren't up to snuff, far from the "divine soldiers" he envisioned.

The most obvious shortcomings were in their inadequate and outdated equipment.

Chu Jiubian had already noticed the weapons used by the soldiers—whether the Northern Desert Army's spears or the Tatars' long blades, they were all made of subpar iron, porous and mixed with impurities.

Such forging methods resulted in weapons that didn't last long and had low success rates in production.

Jiang Shuoye's spear was somewhat better, but compared to the steel spears of later eras, it wasn't even close.

Even the iron stirrups—the one Jiang Shuoye had used earlier was slightly deformed, having been bent when he stood on it to fight.

This further proved the poor quality of ironware in this era.

If only they could make steel.

Chu Jiubian recalled that in his original world, during the Western Han Dynasty, there had been a technique called "puddling iron" where repeated forging produced "hundred-refined steel," which was on an entirely different level compared to iron.

If they pushed further, they might even develop the "co-fusion steel technique"...

Chu Jiubian's thoughts drifted further and further, until he had mentally constructed an entire skyscraper with steel bars before finally stopping.

He glanced down at Jiang Shuoye, who was sitting quietly in his chair. Though a decisive general in battle, he now resembled an earnest honor student.

Chu Jiubian was deep in thought, and Jiang Shuoye waited silently without interrupting—he knew how to read the room perfectly.

These believers, each and every one, were well-chosen.

A good believer deserved good investment.

In a pleased tone, Chu Jiubian said, "I have a method for steelmaking, which I now bestow upon you."

He purchased a book titled *From Blacksmithing to Co-Fusion Steel Quenching* from the system store and handed it over.

Jiang Shuoye's eyes lit up at the sight of the book materializing out of thin air on the table.

He didn't know what "steel" was, but given the precedent of the stirrups and saddles, as well as the three military texts and horse husbandry manuals that had benefited him greatly, he was certain this was also something extraordinary.

He first thanked Chu Jiubian for his generosity, then carefully picked up the book.

The book had been adapted to fit the era, from its text to its binding, though the paper was far superior to what was currently available.

From blacksmithing to co-fusion steel?

Jiang Shuoye understood just from the title.

Steel must be a better material for weapons, derived from iron.

Such a valuable technique must not be revealed to foreign tribes.

Even the Four Great Families and the seven vassal princes of Great Ning should be kept in the dark as much as possible.

It seemed he would need to find suitable blacksmiths and set up a workshop—these individuals had to be tight-lipped, reliable, and of clean backgrounds.

As he was planning, he heard High Priest say, "This steelmaking method can forge divine weapons. Ensure it remains secret to avoid unnecessary trouble."

Jiang Shuoye immediately stood and bowed. "This subordinate understands."

"In the future, if you need to seek me, simply recite my name and state your request," Chu Jiubian added.

Jiang Shuoye happily agreed.

This way, he could actively seek out High Priest whenever needed.

"Is there anything else to report?" Chu Jiubian asked.

"Nothing, subordinate," Jiang Shuoye replied.

"Then you may go." With that, Chu Jiubian had the system send him away.

Back in his tent, Jiang Shuoye opened his eyes and immediately rose to look by his pillow, where he indeed found the steelmaking manual.

He walked to the corner and pressed open a hidden compartment.

Inside were numerous letters, the three books and diagrams previously given to him by Chu Jiubian, and now he added this new steelmaking manual.

Setting aside the workshop plans for now, he first needed to clarify the matter of the stirrups and saddles.

High Priest required faith, so this news needed to spread as widely as possible.

Chu Jiubian also emerged from the Divine Realm and, seeing that it was still early, decided to take a nap before rising.

He had skipped his morning duties, so in the afternoon, he thought he'd stop by the government office and familiarize himself with the local officials.

He had Xiao Xiangzi prepare a sedan chair and made his way out of the palace.

In the study of the western courtyard of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Qin Zhaoyang reported, "Sir, the young master has left the palace. The covert guards are following him."

Qin Xiao continued reviewing memorials without looking up.

Qin Zhaoyang added, "Those people have also made their move."

Qin Xiao paused, closed the memorial, and stood. "Guard His Majesty."

Qin Zhaoyang acknowledged, and when he looked up again, his master had already vanished.

A faint sound came from behind. Qin Zhaoyang turned to see a man dressed in black martial attire, wearing a straw hat.

A black mask covered his face, and the man sat lazily in a chair, one leg propped up.

Qin Zhaoyang wasn't surprised at all and gave a slight nod, saying, "You're here."

The man's voice sounded youthful as he chuckled and said, "Tell me, about that Ninth Young Master."

Outside the palace.

Chu Jiubian got into the sedan chair and headed down Chang'an Street.

There was still some distance to the Six Ministries offices. On both sides of the wide road stood tall palace walls, with tall, sturdy trees planted both inside and outside the walls.

Chu Jiubian was browsing the system shop inside the sedan chair when he suddenly felt the sedan bearers slow their pace, and after a few more steps, they came to a complete stop.

"Young Master, someone is blocking the way," one bearer said calmly.

Before the words faded, Chu Jiubian heard the whistling sound of an arrow cutting through the air outside, followed by the clashing of weapons.

Someone had intercepted the arrow.

This spot was not far from either the palace or the Six Ministries offices.

Right in broad daylight, on this wide and solemn official thoroughfare, these people dared to attack an imperial official.

They didn't care about the Imperial Guards nor the so-called imperial authority.

That's how these powerful families operated.

How bold!

Dozens of footsteps sounded from all directions as dozens of assassins emerged, charging toward the sedan chair at the center.

At that moment, twenty undercover guards appeared from various directions, forming a circle to protect the sedan chair.

Weapons clashed as the undercover guards fought the assassins fiercely.

Not a single word was spoken—only the faint, chaotic sounds of footsteps and weapons, with occasional thuds of bodies hitting the ground.

It was like a silent movie.

Suddenly, several arrows shot toward the sedan chair.

The four bearers closest to it drew long blades hidden in secret compartments within the sedan and swiftly sliced through the arrows, ensuring none touched the carriage.

Arrows only fly so far, so the attackers must have been nearby.

Chu Jiubian slightly lifted the curtain of the sedan window, took out the telescope he had just purchased, and indeed spotted several figures crouching in the trees in the distance.

He had initially thought these people would try to lure him to some remote location or attempt to poison him. Who would have thought they would be so lawless as to resort to brute force directly?

So they want to play rough, huh?

They want his life, huh?

A strange glint appeared in Chu Jiubian's eyes.

This was an era where human life was as cheap as grass. As a powerful figure in the court, if others sought to kill him, he could retaliate without bearing any responsibility.

"Host, are you sure you want to spend 99 points to purchase the GLOCK 19 pistol?"

"Confirmed."

A heavy, cold weight settled in his hand.

Chamber a round.

Chu Jiubian raised his hand, the muzzle of the gun emerging through the slightly parted sedan curtain.