Chapter 379 - 234: Yanrong Primordial Qi
The County Magistrate’s roars echoed in the spacious study, sounding exceptionally piercing.
He couldn’t accept such a failure. A prison break had occurred under his jurisdiction—it was the ultimate repudiation of his abilities.
And while the County Magistrate was roaring in fury, Fang Yue had already arrived silently in the backyard of the magistrate’s residence.
He didn’t rush into the study to settle accounts with the County Magistrate. Instead, he first observed his surroundings in the backyard.
The backyard wasn’t large, but it was exquisitely arranged. It had everything from rockeries and flowing water to pavilions and towers, possessing the distinct charm of a southern garden.
Fang Yue nodded slightly, quite satisfied with the arrangement.
It showed this County Magistrate was a man who knew how to enjoy life, having poured all his efforts into graft and corruption.
However, that couldn’t conceal the fact of his crimes.
A cold glint flashed in Fang Yue’s eyes. With a shift of his body, he slipped silently into the study.
The study was brightly lit. The County Magistrate paced back and forth anxiously, occasionally letting out a roar to vent his fury.
Fang Yue stood in the shadows of the study, coldly watching the County Magistrate’s performance.
He felt no sympathy or pity for this corrupt official. ’Death is too good for a man like him!’
After a moment, seeing that the County Magistrate’s mood had stabilized somewhat, Fang Yue slowly stepped out of the shadows and came to stand before him.
"What great majesty, Lord County Magistrate!" Fang Yue said lightly. "I wonder if a humble prisoner like myself is worthy of your esteemed notice?"
The County Magistrate was indeed startled at first, but he quickly composed himself.
After all, he was the County Magistrate of Yuanzhou City, a man who held real power. He was also a Qi Sensing Martial Master himself. While he couldn’t compare to the top experts of the Jianghu, he wasn’t a pushover either.
He coldly sized up Fang Yue, trying to gauge his depth. But Fang Yue was like a pool of deep water, revealing nothing at all.
"Who are you? Why have you trespassed in my residence?" the County Magistrate asked in a deep voice, his tone laced with a hint of authority.
Hearing this, Fang Yue chuckled softly.
He didn’t answer the County Magistrate’s question. Instead, he countered, "Don’t you recognize me, Lord County Magistrate? I’m the one who just escaped from your prison."
"You have some nerve!" the County Magistrate shouted. "Not only do you break out of prison, but you dare to barge into my residence! Guards! Guards! There’s an Assassin!"
He remained cautiously on guard, trying to keep his distance from Fang Yue.
However, Fang Yue gave him no such opportunity.
With a flicker of movement, Fang Yue was instantly in front of the County Magistrate. He grabbed the man by the throat and lifted him off the ground.
"Speak. Write down all of your illegal and corrupt deeds, then sign and seal it. After that, hand over all your ill-gotten gains," Fang Yue said menacingly.
With Fang Yue’s hand around his neck, the County Magistrate immediately found it hard to breathe, his face turning beet red. He stared at Fang Yue in terror as a boundless fear washed over him.
"What... what are you trying to do?" the County Magistrate managed to force out a few words, his voice hoarse and trembling.
’I’m a Qi Sensing Martial Master, yet I’m completely powerless to resist!’
Fang Yue’s strength was clearly far beyond his imagination, which only intensified his fear.
Panic seized the County Magistrate. He tried to struggle, but Fang Yue’s grip was too strong; he couldn’t move at all.
"I... I’ll write... I’ll write..." the County Magistrate said with difficulty, gesturing for Fang Yue to let go.
A few moments later, Fang Yue left the Government Office, holding several sheets of paper and silver banknotes worth one hundred thousand taels.
After this incident, how could the County Magistrate dare to continue pursuing the escaped prisoners? He could only cease all action and swallow this bitter defeat in silence.
After leaving, Fang Yue departed the county town directly, heading for his target: Shikui Mountain, northeast of Yuanzhou Prefecture.
Once he was out of the county town, Fang Yue traveled north, making a beeline for Shikui Mountain.
He chose a more secluded path to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Along the way, Fang Yue remained highly vigilant, constantly paying attention to his surroundings and any movement.
He passed through dense forests, crossed hills, and trekked for several days before finally arriving at the foot of Shikui Mountain.
Shikui Mountain was majestic and imposing, towering high into the sky.
The mountain was covered in lush, ancient trees that reached for the sky. The occasional cries of birds and roars of beasts made it seem exceptionally tranquil and mysterious.
Fang Yue looked up and saw that the mountainside from the halfway point up was shrouded in clouds and mist, like a celestial realm.
He knew his objective lay above those clouds.
He didn’t rush up the mountain. Instead, he found a hidden spot at its base to rest for a moment.
He took out some dry rations and water, had a simple meal, and recovered some of his strength.
Then, he began to climb, following a mountain path upward.
The mountain path was rugged and treacherous, sometimes requiring him to scale sheer cliffs or traverse dense forests.
But Fang Yue showed no sign of retreat or fear. He advanced step by step, moving resolutely toward his goal.
During the climb, Fang Yue couldn’t help but marvel at the mountain’s magic and beauty. The fresh, pleasant air on the mountain was incredibly refreshing;
the birdsong and fragrant flowers made him feel as if he had stepped into a paradise.
However, he had not forgotten his purpose.
To find the Exotic Primordial Qi, the Yanrong Primordial Qi.
This type of Primordial Qi was extremely rare and was said to possess the power to burn mountains and boil seas. It would perfectly complement the Wood Elemental Qi he was currently refining, allowing his cultivation to reach a new level.
Just as Fang Yue was venturing deep into Shikui Mountain in search of the Yanrong Primordial Qi, a group of five people quietly arrived at the mountain’s base.
The young man leading them was named Lu Sheng. He wore a deep purple brocade robe embroidered with golden cloud patterns, making him look both luxurious and dignified.