Chapter 386 - 237: Making a Move (2)
He was once the most feared assassin in Gongzhou Prefecture, renowned for his ghostly Stealth Technique and ruthless methods.
However, over a decade ago, he suddenly vanished without a trace, and no news of him has been heard since.
’If he really is the black-robed man, then his disappearance for the past ten-odd years was likely because he was serving the Sacrificial Department,’ Fang Yue thought.
He continued to look through the intelligence on Zhou Tiande, trying to find more useful information.
The files detailed Zhou Tiande’s cultivation journey, his proficient Martial Skills, and his past mission history.
However, the intelligence was vague about his whereabouts and purpose after he disappeared.
But now that he had a suspect, Fang Yue decided to head for Gongzhou Prefecture.
Fang Yue didn’t immediately set out for Gongzhou Prefecture.
He knew this journey might involve immense risks and challenges, so he had to be fully prepared.
Besides, since he had mobilized the Observatory’s resources here, he feared the black-robed man would soon find out.
Before leaving, Fang Yue needed to prepare accordingly.
~~~~~~~~
「Meanwhile.」
Within the Han Prince’s Mansion in Yujing City, Great Wei.
The Han Prince’s only daughter, Zhu Lingyun, sat in the courtyard, quietly reading a scroll she held in her hands.
Her gaze was deep and bright, as if she could see through all the turmoil in the world.
As the Han Prince’s only daughter, Wei Lingyun had received a strict education and upbringing from a young age. She was not only exceptionally talented but also possessed a superior intellect.
She had her own unique insights and opinions on matters both inside and outside the dynasty.
However, the Zhu Lingyun of this moment had no mind for reading at all.
"Commandery Princess, your subordinate has failed. That person left Wutu City a month ago and headed for Yuanzhou Prefecture. His movements are now erratic, and we don’t know where he has gone."
Zhu Lingyun’s personal handmaid knelt before her, reporting the situation with her head bowed.
Since that incident, although Zhu Lingyun was furious, she didn’t dare make it public. She could only secretly investigate Fang Yue’s identity and the person who had framed her.
Hearing this, Zhu Lingyun’s brow furrowed slightly, but she didn’t blame her handmaid.
She knew that tracking an expert like Fang Yue was no easy task. It was even more difficult since she couldn’t mobilize her father’s trusted subordinates and had to rely solely on herself.
"Rise. This isn’t your fault."
Zhu Lingyun said faintly. Her voice was crisp and pleasant, as if it could soothe the agitation in one’s heart.
The handmaid gave Zhu Lingyun a grateful look, then stood up and retreated to the side.
She knew her mistress was not one to anger easily, but this matter was so serious that she couldn’t help but feel terrified.
Zhu Lingyun set down the scroll, stood up, and gazed at the distant horizon, a myriad of thoughts racing through her mind.
Zhu Lingyun knew that since Fang Yue had chosen to leave Wutu City for Yuanzhou Prefecture, he must have his reasons and objectives.
And now, the most important thing for her was to find him as soon as possible and uncover the truth behind it all.
"Relay my orders. Have everyone pay close attention to any activity in and around Yuanzhou Prefecture. Report to me immediately if you find any trace of Fang Yue," Zhu Lingyun said, turning to her handmaid.
Her voice wasn’t loud, but it carried an unquestionable authority.
The handmaid bowed and acknowledged the order, then quickly departed to carry it out.
Zhu Lingyun took a deep breath, a determined glint in her eyes.
She knew this matter concerned not only her own reputation and innocence but also the honor and status of the entire Han Prince’s Mansion.
Therefore, she had to take action personally, find Fang Yue, and demand a clear explanation!
~~~~~~
「Several days later.」
Fang Yue had made thorough preparations and devised a meticulous plan to travel to Gongzhou Prefecture and secretly investigate Zhou Tiande.
This time, Fang Yue quietly joined a troupe of Singing Girls heading to Gongzhou Prefecture, posing as a carriage driver.
Fang Yue drove the carriage, making his way toward Gongzhou Prefecture.
He had changed into coarse cloth garments and wore a bamboo hat on his head, which concealed most of his face and made his features unrecognizable.
There were over a dozen people in the Singing Girl troupe, all young and beautiful women. This time, they were headed to Gongzhou Prefecture to participate in a courtesan competition.
As a driver, Fang Yue was responsible for driving the carriage and seeing to the Singing Girls’ needs during the journey.
He remained vigilant at all times, doing his best not to reveal his identity or purpose.
The Singing Girls sang cheerfully in the carriage, creating a lively and joyous atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Fang Yue sat silently at the front of the carriage, focused on driving the horses, occasionally responding to the Singing Girls’ merry laughter.
After several days of arduous travel, the carriage Fang Yue was driving finally reached Gongzhou Prefecture.
Ganzhou Prefecture, as one of the Great Wei Dynasty’s major cities, was prosperous and bustling.
People thronged the streets, merchants hawked their wares, and pedestrians weaved through the crowds, forming a vibrant city-life tableau.
Fang Yue parked the carriage in a remote corner and let the Singing Girls get out to rest.
He took the opportunity to ask around the city for news, searching for Zhou Tiande’s residence.
As a famous expert from Gongzhou Prefecture, although Zhou Tiande had been gone for over a decade, he had still left descendants behind in the prefecture city.
Fang Yue quickly found the place.
However, he didn’t go in directly. After noting the location, he planned to return at night to investigate.
~~~~~~
"Just give in to our young master, and you’ll be well rewarded. Otherwise..."
Fang Yue had just returned to his temporary lodging when he suddenly heard a commotion.
He frowned slightly and crept quietly toward the source of the sound. He saw a group of men who looked like household servants surrounding the group of Singing Girls, malicious smiles on their faces.
"You scoundrels! How dare you be so brazen in broad daylight!" The Singing Girls all fell back, looks of terror on their faces.
’Looks like these Singing Girls have run into trouble,’ Fang Yue sighed inwardly.
He glanced around and saw that although the street was full of people, most were giving the scene a wide berth, not daring to step forward and intervene.
Fang Yue knew he couldn’t just stand by and watch. He stealthily approached the household servants, planning to wait for an opportunity to rescue the Singing Girls.
"Heh heh, little ladies, it’s your good fortune our young master has taken a liking to you. Don’t be ungrateful!" one of the household servants said arrogantly.
"That’s right! Our young master is a famous scion of a wealthy family in Gongzhou Prefecture. If you go with him, you’ll live a life of luxury. What’s not to like?" another servant chimed in.
The Singing Girls looked terrified and continued to back away. They knew that if they fell into the hands of these household servants, the consequences would be unimaginable.
A cold glint flashed in Fang Yue’s eyes. These household servants were so arrogant and domineering; they were clearly no good.
He decided to teach these men a lesson and, at the same time, save the innocent Singing Girls.
Just as the household servants were gloating and about to lay hands on the Singing Girls, Fang Yue made his move.
His figure appeared like a phantom behind the group of household servants, and he knocked them all unconscious to the ground, one by one, with a single punch each.
Then, he vanished without a trace.
His strength was immense; how could these common Martial Artists possibly detect him? The Singing Girls were stunned for a moment when they saw what happened, but their faces soon lit up with joy.
"Thank you for saving us, righteous hero!"
They all bowed in the direction where Fang Yue had been. Although they hadn’t seen his figure, they knew someone had intervened to save them.
Fang Yue did not reveal himself, instead leaving the scene quietly. He knew he couldn’t expose his presence, or it would bring even greater trouble for the Singing Girls.
After being knocked out by Fang Yue, the group of household servants didn’t wake up for quite some time. They rubbed the backs of their aching heads and looked around, but they couldn’t see a single soul.
"What happened? How did we get knocked out?"
"Did we see a ghost?"
The household servants discussed among themselves in terror, but they no longer dared to make a move on the Singing Girls.
They knew they had run into an expert this time. If they continued to act so arrogantly, they would likely lose their lives.
"Which coward who’s afraid to show his face dared to hit us! Our young master won’t let you get away with this!"
After spitting out this threat, the household servants didn’t dare linger and hastily fled the scene.
Seeing the household servants leave, the Singing Girls all breathed a sigh of relief.
They knew they had escaped danger this time thanks to the righteous hero who had acted in secret.