Chapter 477: Chapter 282: Ransacking the Residence (2)

"Fine! Since you’re so eager to die, I’ll grant you your wish!" Chen Shimei roared. He vanished on the spot, his Long Spear transforming into a glint of cold light that shot toward Fang Yue.

The Long Spear tore through the air with a piercing whistle. A frigid gleam flashed from its tip, as if it would pierce the very air.

Fang Yue’s eyes narrowed at the sight; he dared not be the least bit careless. He knew Chen Shimei’s strength was formidable, and this particular strike was delivered with all his might, its power astonishing.

His figure flashed, and he deftly dodged the Long Spear’s attack. At the same time, he swung his Longsword, sending a sharp wave of Sword Qi slashing toward Chen Shimei.

Chen Shimei’s figure flickered as he dodged the Sword Qi, a savage grin spreading across his face. Moving like the wind, he gripped his Long Spear and once again launched a fierce assault on Fang Yue.

The two engaged in a heart-pounding battle inside the temple. Waves of Sword Qi crisscrossed with a flurry of spear shadows as they fought, locked in an inseparable struggle.

Chen Shimei’s Long Spear danced like the wind, each thrust imbued with astonishing power and killing intent, as if determined to see Fang Yue dead.

However, Fang Yue was no pushover. His Body Technique was agile and his Swordsmanship sharp, and he skillfully neutralized Chen Shimei’s attacks with every swing of his sword.

Their battle reached a fever pitch, the two of them still locked in a stalemate. The surrounding soldiers had already retreated to a distance, terrified of being caught in the aftershocks of the fight.

Suddenly, Chen Shimei revealed an opening. A sharp glint flashed in Fang Yue’s eyes, and he instantly seized the opportunity.

His figure flashed, appearing behind Chen Shimei like a phantom. The Longsword in his hand became a bolt of Sword Qi that instantly pierced through Chen Shimei’s back.

"PFFT!" Chen Shimei spat out a mouthful of blood. He staggered forward before collapsing to the ground.

His face filled with disbelief, he stared at Fang Yue as if to say, ’How is this possible?’

Fang Yue gazed coldly at the fallen Chen Shimei, his face devoid of pity.

He knew this man was Duke Wei’s son-in-law. And he never showed mercy to his enemies.

"You’ve lost," Fang Yue said flatly, his voice echoing in the empty temple.

Hearing this, a bitter smile appeared on Chen Shimei’s face.

He struggled to get up, but his injuries were too severe, and he collapsed weakly back to the ground. His eyes remained fixed on Fang Yue, filled with endless resentment and hatred.

Without giving him another glance, Fang Yue turned and walked out of the temple.

Sunlight filtered through the clouds, casting his figure in a golden glow.

’The battle is over. Chen Shimei is as good as dead.’

’Next, I should lay low and wait for things to unfold.’

’Wait for the Wei Family’s enemies to kick them while they’re down.’

~~~~~~

Days passed. In a teahouse somewhere in Yujing City, gossip was flying, the news spreading as if it had grown wings.

"Have you all heard? The great Duke was assassinated by the Blood Dragon Platform! It’s the most incredible story!" one man said conspiratorially, causing those around him to glance over.

"Shh, keep your voice down! This is a sensitive topic. You don’t want anyone from the Government Office to overhear."

Another person quickly reminded him, though his eyes glinted with excitement, clearly intrigued by such a secret.

"What’s there to be afraid of? The story has already spread like wildfire all over the city. I heard the Duke was on one knee, pale as a ghost, completely powerless to fight back."

Yet another person chimed in, recounting the tale so vividly it was as if he’d witnessed it himself.

"Yes, yes, I heard that too! And get this—they say the Blood Dragon Platform assassin was then killed by Duke Wei’s son-in-law, General Chen! What a show!"

Someone added, their tone full of mockery and ridicule.

"Hmph. That Duke Wei was always throwing his weight around and oppressing the common people. Someone should have dealt with him long ago. The Blood Dragon Platform killing the Duke was practically a public service," another person added, filled with righteous indignation.

"Shh, don’t talk such nonsense! The Blood Dragon Platform are rebels officially branded by the Imperial Court. The Government Office won’t let you off if they hear you say that!" someone else warned.

The teahouse buzzed with discussion, an endless stream of rumors and speculation. Yet no one knew what the real truth was.

Meanwhile, in a secluded corner of the teahouse, Fang Yue quietly sipped his tea, as if completely detached from the surrounding clamor.

His gaze was profound, as if he could peer into the hearts of men, yet it also seemed he was contemplating his plans for the future.

’Things are proceeding exactly as I predicted. With Duke Wei dead, the colossal power of the Duke’s Mansion collapsed in an instant.’

’The factions that once depended on Duke Wei are now like rats fleeing a sinking ship, all scrambling to find new patrons.’

~~~~~~

"Lord Fang, the guards have sealed off the Duke’s Mansion. We await your instructions!"

Just then, a man in tight-fitting black clothes appeared beside Fang Yue, reporting in a low voice.

The man was a City Patrol Envoy in Yujing City and one of the leaders in charge of raiding the Duke’s Mansion. Fang Yue, meanwhile, was present as a representative from the Observatory, tasked with supervising the operation.

Fang Yue nodded slightly in satisfaction. He set down his teacup and slowly rose, a sharp light glinting in his eyes.

"Very good. Take me to the Duke’s Mansion now," Fang Yue said flatly, his tone carrying an authority that brooked no argument.

’It’s time to claim the inheritance Duke Wei left behind.’

’Although Duke Wei has fallen, his mansion must still hold vast amounts of wealth and treasure. These will be crucial resources for my future.’

The man bowed in acknowledgment. He then led the way, guiding Fang Yue out of the teahouse.

The pair passed through bustling streets and soon arrived before Duke Wei’s mansion.

The gates to the Duke’s Mansion were shut tight, its high walls still exuding a sense of their former majesty and honor. Even the once-imposing stone lions by the entrance now seemed desolate.

Fang Yue’s arrival didn’t cause much of a stir.

He was dressed in plain clothes, keeping a low profile to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.

The man stepped forward and knocked lightly on the gate. A moment later, a cautious voice came from a crack in the door. "Who is it?"

"City Patrol Envoy, on official business!" the man replied in a low voice.

The door creaked open just a crack. An old servant poked his head out, and a flicker of confusion crossed his eyes as he saw Fang Yue standing behind the man.

But just then, the surrounding soldiers saw their opening and immediately stormed in, giving the old servant no time to react. They swiftly took control of all the entrances and exits to the Duke’s Mansion, making sure no one could escape.

The old servant, startled by the sight, still rushed to block their path. "What do you think you’re doing?! Do you know where this is? How dare you cause a ruckus here!"

The old servant’s voice was a mixture of terror and rage, but he was obviously powerless to stop the determined soldiers.

One of the ferocious soldiers sent the old servant flying with a single palm strike.

He crashed heavily to the ground, groaning in pain.

The next moment, the soldiers began to seal every path within the Duke’s Mansion and started to ruthlessly ransack the estate.

Instantly, the Duke’s Mansion was thrown into chaos.

The servants and maids, who normally acted so high and mighty, were now like frightened birds, scattering in all directions.

They knew that with Duke Wei’s fall, they, as his servants, would not meet a good end.

Fang Yue paid them no mind, heading straight for the inner chambers of the Duke’s Mansion.

This was where Duke Wei typically handled his affairs and rested—the very heart of the Duke’s Mansion.

The inner chamber was lavishly furnished, with all manner of precious ornaments and calligraphy on display. Fang Yue’s gaze swept over them but did not linger for long.

’These are all priceless treasures, but they aren’t the main objective of this operation.’

His target was the Duke’s Mansion’s treasured collection of cultivation Secret Manuals, Elixirs, and similar items.

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