Chapter 457: Chapter 272: Wanyin 2

Seeing that Fang Yue wasn’t taking the bait, Wanyin wasn’t discouraged. She gave a faint smile and sat back down, her graceful figure looking especially alluring in the candlelight.

She didn’t seem to be in a hurry to achieve her goal, instead biding her time and sparring verbally with Fang Yue.

"Lord Fang, you truly are a man of great composure." Wanyin’s tone held a hint of admiration. "However, tonight’s banquet is not just for you to enjoy the dancing and taste the fine food."

Fang Yue’s eyebrow twitched at her words, and he grew wary.

He knew Wanyin’s next words would likely reveal the true purpose of this banquet.

Sure enough, Wanyin paused before continuing, "To be frank, I have invited Lord Fang here today to discuss a matter of great importance."

Fang Yue feigned surprise. "Oh? And what important matter might that be, Miss Wanyin?"

A flicker of light crossed Wanyin’s eyes as she said in a low voice, "I have learned that the Shadow Association and the Blood Dragon Platform have been active in Gongzhou Prefecture recently, seemingly plotting something big. Though I am of humble ability, I wish to do my small part for the safety of Gongzhou Prefecture. I wonder what Lord Fang thinks of this?"

’Fang Yue sneered inwardly. He had long suspected this banquet was no simple affair, and it seemed he was right.’

’On the surface, this Wanyin is a Singing Girl of the Prefecture Mansion, but her true identity must be far from simple!’

He sneered inwardly, but his face remained a perfect mask.

He knew her words carried a deeper meaning and that this banquet was by no means as simple as it appeared.

So he deliberately feigned shock. "Oh? The Shadow Association and the Blood Dragon Platform? Aren’t those two forces constantly opposing the imperial court? For them to be making moves in Gongzhou Prefecture... this is no small matter!"

Wanyin nodded. "Lord Fang is absolutely right. These two powers have vicious ambitions and have always sought to subvert the court’s rule. Now that they’ve colluded to plot in Gongzhou Prefecture, I fear they will unleash a bloodbath. Therefore, I would like to ask Lord Fang to strike, round them all up, and restore peace to Gongzhou Prefecture!"

Upon hearing this, everything became crystal clear to Fang Yue.

He knew her words were a trick. This was likely a trap set by the Shadow Association and the Blood Dragon Platform to lure him in.

So he gave a slight smile and said, "Miss Wanyin, your sense of righteousness is admirable, and I accept your proposal with gratitude. However, this matter is of great consequence. We must plan it out carefully and not act rashly."

Seeing that Fang Yue hadn’t taken the bait, a flicker of disappointment showed in Wanyin’s eyes.

But she didn’t give up. She continued, "Lord Fang is right. This matter does require careful planning. However, I believe that with Lord Fang’s wisdom and courage, you will surely be able to devise a foolproof plan to deal with these two forces."

Fang Yue just smiled and said no more.

He knew this banquet had served its purpose; he had to leave this dangerous place as soon as possible.

So he stood up, cupped his hands in a salute to Wanyin, and said, "Thank you for your generous hospitality, Miss Wanyin. I have other urgent matters to attend to and cannot stay long. As for what we discussed today, let us speak of it again later."

With that, he turned and walked toward the door. But just as he was about to step out of the banquet hall, he suddenly felt a powerful killing intent surge toward him from behind.

Fang Yue’s figure blurred as he swiftly dodged the sudden attack. In the same motion, his longsword was already unsheathed, and he scanned his surroundings warily. A man in black leaped out from the shadows, also holding a longsword, its tip pointed straight at Fang Yue.

"What is the meaning of this? Is this Miss Wanyin’s way of treating her guests?"

Fang Yue stared coldly at the man in black, his voice laced with ice. He had long sensed that this banquet was unusual. Now it was clear that it was indeed a trap.

Wanyin also stood up then, her charming smile still on her face, but a cunning glint flashed in her eyes.

Her red lips parted, her voice sweet but carrying a barely perceptible note of mockery. "Lord Fang, they say he who understands the times is a wise man. The Great Wei Dynasty has lost its way, and the realm is in turmoil. Even a major stronghold like Gongzhou Prefecture is rife with undercurrents. A young and brilliant man like yourself, Lord Fang, should join us in our grand endeavor!"

"Just who are you?" Fang Yue stared intently at the delicate woman before him.

Wanyin’s words only strengthened Fang Yue’s conviction that this woman was anything but simple. There was surely a greater conspiracy behind her.

’Perhaps the Blood Dragon Platform, perhaps the Shadow Association, or even some other motley crew of forces.’

He gripped his longsword, his gaze fixed icily on Wanyin, trying to glean more information from her expression.

But Wanyin was utterly unafraid. She just smiled faintly, her graceful figure swaying beguilingly in the candlelight.

"Lord Fang, who I am is not important. What is important is that the Mandate of Heaven for the Great Wei is at an end! The world is in upheaval, and soon countless contenders will rise to vie for power!"

As Wanyin’s voice faded, a brief silence fell over the banquet hall. Her words carried an indescribable confidence and arrogance, as if she had already witnessed a future of chaos, a world with no master.

’Fang Yue sneered. Of course, he wouldn’t be so easily taken in by her words. This woman might appear charming and alluring, but her mind was as deep and unfathomable as the sea. He knew he had to tread carefully and not reveal any weakness.’

"Miss Wanyin, what you say is indeed shocking," Fang Yue said, feigning surprise. "However, I believe the Great Wei Dynasty’s Mandate of Heaven is secure; it is not for a mere woman like you to question. If you truly understand the times, you should cease your efforts at once. Stop colluding with forces like the Shadow Association and the Blood Dragon Platform, or you will only bring about your own destruction."

Hearing this, a vicious glint flashed in Wanyin’s eyes. She hadn’t expected Fang Yue to refuse her so decisively, which left her both surprised and annoyed. She knew she could waste no more time on him; she had to act now.

She shot the man in black a look, signaling him to attack. Receiving his orders, the man immediately brandished his sword and charged at Fang Yue. His swordsmanship was fierce and ruthless, every move a killing blow, as if he intended to end Fang Yue in one fell swoop.

Fang Yue, however, was not afraid. He dodged the assassin’s attacks with agile movements, countering with his own blade. His swordsmanship was exquisite, each strike unerringly finding its way to the man’s vital points.

After just a few exchanges, the man in black was already being forced back step by step by Fang Yue.

’He was terrified. He had never imagined Fang Yue’s martial arts were so advanced.’

He wanted to flee, but it was too late.

Fang Yue swung his sword. A flash of light, like lightning, cut through the air and instantly pierced the man’s body. The assassin let out a wretched cry and collapsed, falling silent forever.

Seeing this, the color drained from Wanyin’s beautiful face.

"How are you unharmed? How could you not be poisoned!" Wanyin cried out in astonishment, her voice filled with disbelief.

She had clearly lit Dark God Incense throughout the entire room. Dark God Incense was one of the rarest and most potent poisons in the world—formless, traceless, and able to incapacitate its victims unknowingly. Even a master of the Martial Dao would find it difficult to resist.

At her words, a mocking smile touched the corner of Fang Yue’s lips. "Did you think your little tricks could fool me? From the moment you appeared, I knew you were no simple woman. This banquet was nothing more than a trap you set. As for the Dark God Incense you mentioned... it has no effect on me whatsoever."

Wanyin’s face turned deathly pale in an instant. She knew she had failed completely.

She had thought Fang Yue would fall into her trap, collapse from the poison, and be at her mercy.

But she never expected Fang Yue to be so vigilant and clever, not only seeing through her scheme but also killing her subordinate in return.

"Y-you... stay away!" Wanyin stammered, her voice trembling, her eyes filled with terror and despair.

All her previous composure was gone.

Fang Yue stared coldly at Wanyin, his eyes filled with ice and resolve.

He knew that although this woman looked frail and helpless, she was in fact a ruthless character.

"Alright, Miss Wanyin," Fang Yue said, advancing on her step by step. "Let’s hear it. Who are you, really!"

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