Chapter 469: Chapter 278: Return (2)

The two men outside the door continued to talk in low voices, discussing how to deal with their target.

"Let’s go in now. We’ll catch him while he’s sound asleep and take him down in one go!" one of them said viciously.

As the two continued their hushed conversation, the sound of their footsteps grew closer.

Fang Yue’s gaze turned cold. He was ready to make his move.

"The guy is in here. That brat Huang Chao is definitely falling into our hands this time!"

"That’s right. The credit for this belongs to us brothers."

But just then, the footsteps passed by his door, and their voices could be heard again.

Hearing this, Fang Yue instantly understood. The two men outside weren’t looking for him.

At this thought, Fang Yue couldn’t help but smile slightly. ’I really was a bit on edge.’

「The next day, early in the morning.」

Fang Yue got up early and pushed open the door to his room. A gust of fresh air rushed in to greet him.

He took a deep breath, feeling much more refreshed.

The inn’s courtyard was already bustling with activity. The owner and a few waiters were busy preparing breakfast.

Seeing Fang Yue come out, the owner greeted him enthusiastically, "You’re up bright and early, sir! Breakfast will be ready in a moment. Would you like some hot tea to warm up first?"

"Thank you."

After breakfast, Fang Yue left the small mountain town.

Fang Yue left the inn and continued his journey toward Yujing City.

The early morning sun shone on him, bringing with it a touch of warmth.

He traveled along the mountain path, and the surrounding scenery gradually opened up.

Along the way, he encountered many travelers: merchants rushing to their destinations, farmers heading home, and groups of tourists traveling together.

Some were in a hurry, others were leisurely. Each person had their own destination and their own story.

Fang Yue didn’t talk much with anyone. He remained vigilant, constantly paying attention to his surroundings.

He knew that members of the Shadow Association could appear again at any moment. He had to stay in peak condition to deal with any potential danger.

However, as time passed, nothing unusual happened on his journey.

The sun grew hotter, and Fang Yue’s figure receded further and further down the road.

~~~~~~~

「Yujing City, Duke Wei’s Mansion.」

CRASH!

An exquisite teacup was smashed violently on the ground. Shards flew everywhere and hot tea splashed across the floor, causing the atmosphere in the hall to drop to a freezing point in an instant.

"What did you say? That brat Fang Yue isn’t dead? Instead, my Wei Family suffered heavy losses, and the Qian Family Elders were also killed in Gongzhou Prefecture!"

Duke Wei’s face was as dark as storm clouds as he harshly questioned the Shadow Association member before him.

The man lowered his head, his hands hanging at his sides, not daring to meet Duke Wei’s gaze.

He was well aware of the duke’s authority and power. Steeling himself, he could only reply, "Yes, Lord Duke. Fang Yue’s strength was beyond our expectations. Not only did he escape our encirclement, but he also managed to kill many of our experts, including the Qian Family Elders."

Duke Wei clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white. He struggled to suppress the rage and killing intent boiling within him.

Fang Yue had become a thorn in his side, and now he had brought him utter humiliation and caused his family to suffer losses. ’This debt must be repaid!’

"Relay my orders! Launch a full-scale investigation into Fang Yue’s whereabouts. Once he is found, capture him at any cost!" Duke Wei said through gritted teeth.

"Yes, Lord Duke!" the Wei Family hidden guard replied before hastily leaving the hall.

Duke Wei stood alone in the center of the hall, his gaze cold and profound.

’A mere insect dares to run wild over my Wei Family and even kill my people!’

’This is simply unforgivable!’

Duke Wei’s heart filled with murderous intent. He swore to make Fang Yue pay a terrible price.

~~~~~~

「A month passed in the blink of an eye.」

Fang Yue was now less than a hundred li from Yujing City.

The towering form of Yujing City was now faintly visible on the horizon.

Its walls soared into the clouds, like a great dragon coiling around to protect the bustling metropolis.

Fang Yue’s heart filled with anticipation and excitement. It had been a long time since he had returned to this familiar city.

He knew that once he stepped inside, he would again have to face the intricate power struggles, but he felt not a trace of fear.

However, before that, Fang Yue didn’t head straight for Yujing City.

Instead, he made his way toward Wutu City, one of the five great satellite cities.

He wanted to go home first to see his family.

Fang Yue’s steps were light yet firm as he strode toward Wutu City.

Every step seemed to cross time and space, carrying his deep affection and longing for his mother and father.

As he drew closer, Fang Yue grew more and more excited.

He imagined returning home, seeing the familiar, kind faces of his parents and relatives, hearing their warm greetings, and feeling the warmth and tranquility of home.

All of this made him yearn for home, wishing he could fly there instantly.

However, he was also aware that the Wei Family’s influence was immense in Yujing City. Even in Wutu City, they would inevitably have eyes and ears.

Therefore, he had to act cautiously to avoid bringing unnecessary trouble to his family.

Fang Yue found a hidden spot outside the city, changed his clothes, and altered his appearance.

He slipped into Wutu City under a completely new identity.

Wutu City was as bustling and lively as ever. People came and went on every street and alley, and the air was filled with the cries of vendors and the chatter of conversation.

Fang Yue moved through the crowd, feeling the city’s vitality and energy.

He didn’t go straight home. Instead, he first went to a teahouse.

He was very familiar with the owner of this teahouse and hoped to learn from him about his family’s recent situation and the current state of affairs in Wutu City.

The moment Fang Yue stepped into the teahouse, a familiar aroma greeted him—the unique scent of tea leaves interwoven with time.

"Well now, you look a bit unfamiliar, sir. Is this your first time at our teahouse?" The teahouse owner greeted him warmly, a genial smile on his face.

His eyes scanned Fang Yue up and down, as if searching for a familiar trace in this stranger.

Fang Yue smiled faintly and said in a low voice, "Owner, a pot of Tieguanyin, please." He deliberately altered his voice to avoid being recognized by anyone he knew.

"Right away, please wait a moment." The owner turned to prepare the tea, but his mind was racing, pondering the customer’s origin. ’Anyone who knows our contact phrase must be one of us. But this customer’s face is completely unfamiliar. Could he be a new brother?’

A short while later, the owner returned with a pot of Tieguanyin and poured a cup for Fang Yue. He took the opportunity to study Fang Yue again, trying to find some familiar hint in the man’s demeanor.

"Sir, please enjoy," the owner said with a smile, while lightly touching the handle of the teapot in a way only one of their own would understand.

Fang Yue’s heart stirred. He instantly understood the owner’s meaning. He picked up his cup, took a light sip, and then touched the rim of the cup in the same manner as a response.

Seeing this, a flash of pleasant surprise appeared in the owner’s eyes. He had finally confirmed it: this customer was indeed one of them. The face was different, but the codesign and gesture couldn’t be faked.

"Brother, it’s been a hard journey," the owner said in a low voice, his tone full of warmth and concern. "Everything at home is fine, you don’t have to worry."

A warmth spread through Fang Yue’s heart. He nodded and said, "Thank you for your concern, big brother. I came back this time to check on the situation at home, and to see how things are in Wutu City lately. For instance, what about Duke Wei?"

Hearing this, the owner frowned slightly. "The situation is a bit tense. The Emperor reprimanded Duke Wei and fined him three years’ salary as a warning to others."

When Fang Yue heard this news, his heart skipped a beat.

He knew that Duke Wei’s power in the court was immense. Although he had been reprimanded by the Emperor and fined, it didn’t mean he had lost his influence.

On the contrary, it might provoke an even greater backlash and retaliation from him.

"Big brother, are there any more specific details?" Fang Yue asked in a low voice. He needed to understand the situation more comprehensively in order to plan his response.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.