Chapter 451 - 269: Evidence
Chapter 451: Chapter 269: Evidence
Fang Yue nodded, mentally noting down the location.
He was well aware of the Shadow Association’s cunning and treachery, so this stronghold was likely just one of their many hiding places.
But even so, it was a vital clue that would allow him to get one step closer to the Shadow Association’s core.
He didn’t act rashly. Instead, he calmly analyzed the current situation.
For the Shadow Association to have been entrenched in Ganzhou City for so long, they must have an intricate network of connections and formidable strength.
’Trying to eradicate them completely on my own is clearly not enough.’
Fang Yue decided to spread the news through the Observatory’s channels.
At the same time, he would secretly investigate the Shadow Association’s other strongholds, as well as their objectives and plans.
Only by doing so could he ensure he wouldn’t tip them off during the operation and could wipe them out completely in one fell swoop.
With this in mind, he looked at the black-robed man before him again.
He walked up to the man and chopped the back of his neck, ending his life.
As the night deepened, Fang Yue’s figure disappeared from the dilapidated temple.
He knew his next moves had to be even more cautious. The Shadow Association was now on alert and would surely strengthen their defenses.
Back in the city, Fang Yue didn’t return to the Observatory immediately. He first wound his way through several streets and alleys, and only after confirming he wasn’t being followed did he sneak into a Medicine Hall in the city.
This was a secret contact point established by the Yujing Observatory.
Entering the Medicine Hall, Fang Yue moved with practiced ease through the front room to a secluded cottage in the backyard.
He knocked gently on the door—three long, two short. It was the Observatory’s internal secret code.
A moment later, the soft sound of footsteps came from within. The door then opened to reveal a middle-aged man in gray robes.
He looked Fang Yue up and down, a flash of surprise in his eyes that he quickly suppressed, his expression returning to calm.
"Lord Fang, what brings you here in person?" the middle-aged man asked in a low voice, his tone laced with respect.
"Urgent intelligence," Fang Yue replied curtly.
The middle-aged man nodded without further questions and stepped aside to let Fang Yue enter the house.
The room was sparsely furnished. A table, two chairs, and an oil lamp were its only contents.
"I’ve discovered an important stronghold of the Shadow Association and also learned some key intelligence from one of their high-ranking members."
Hearing this, the middle-aged man’s eyes flashed with shock. He was well aware of the Shadow Association’s cunning and power. To be able to extract intelligence from them was undoubtedly a major breakthrough.
"Lord Fang, please tell me the details," the middle-aged man said, his expression serious as he set down the tea set in his hands.
Fang Yue gave the middle-aged man a detailed account of what he had seen and heard at the Shadow Association’s stronghold, including the intelligence he’d gotten from the black-robed man.
He described the Shadow Association’s organizational structure, its members, and their plans and objectives.
After listening to Fang Yue’s account, the middle-aged man’s brow furrowed. He pondered for a moment before speaking.
"So the Shadow Association’s influence has already penetrated this deep. It seems our previous estimates were too optimistic. But now that we have one of their important strongholds, we can follow this lead and wipe them all out!"
"Exactly my thoughts."
Fang Yue nodded. "But the people from the Shadow Association are extremely cunning. We must be cautious and not alert them."
"Rest assured, Lord Fang. I will immediately arrange for men to investigate this stronghold in secret. At the same time, I’ll notify the Observatory’s guards to place the City Lord’s Mansion and the city’s Noble Families under surveillance. This time, we must eradicate the Shadow Association in Gongzhou Prefecture!"
A determined light flashed in the middle-aged man’s eyes. He knew the heavy responsibility that rested on his shoulders.
Seeing this, Fang Yue felt a little reassured. He knew that with this experienced man in charge, things would go much more smoothly.
"That’s good, but there’s one more thing to be mindful of," Fang Yue reminded him. "The Shadow Association’s members are skilled in concealment and disguise. They definitely have other strongholds in the city. While we investigate this one, we must also pay close attention to any movements in the city. If we spot anything unusual, we must act immediately."
"Understood!" the middle-aged man replied with a solemn nod.
After discussing a few more details, Fang Yue stood up to leave.
He knew he couldn’t stay long, lest he attract the Shadow Association’s attention.
Back at the Observatory, Fang Yue didn’t disturb anyone and went straight to his room.
He lay on his bed, closed his eyes, and began to think about his next plan.
He knew the Shadow Association wouldn’t let this go. They would definitely retaliate.
’I have to come up with a meticulous plan as soon as possible to wipe out the Shadow Association in one fell swoop.’
As he thought, Fang Yue’s breathing gradually evened out, and he drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, Fang Yue got up, washed, and went to the front courtyard to eat with the others.
On the surface, he was his usual cheerful, talkative self, but inwardly, he remained ever vigilant.
Sure enough, during the meal, a guard hurried over and whispered in Fang Yue’s ear, "My lord, the Vice Directors and elders request your presence. They say there is an urgent matter to discuss."
Hearing this, Fang Yue’s heart stirred. He knew it was about the Shadow Association. He nodded, gesturing for the guard to wait, then stood up to excuse himself from the others.
"Everyone, there are some urgent matters at the Observatory that I need to attend to. I’ll be taking my leave," Fang Yue said with a smile, his tone betraying no hint of anything unusual.
Although the others were a bit puzzled, they didn’t ask questions and simply nodded in understanding.
Fang Yue followed the guard to a secret chamber where several Vice Directors and elders were already waiting.
"Lord Fang, you’ve finally arrived."
Other than himself, all the highest-ranking officials of the Gongzhou Prefecture Observatory were gathered here.
And from the way they were positioned, it seemed they were subtly surrounding him.
Fang Yue’s gaze narrowed as several thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant.
He discreetly scanned his surroundings, and after confirming there were no other ambushes or traps, he slowly spoke, "Gentlemen, what’s the rush? Has something happened?"
His tone was still calm, as if he hadn’t noticed the strange atmosphere in the room.
"Lord Fang, why don’t you tell us how Vice Director Liu Yun died," one of the Vice Directors said gravely, his tone accusatory.
Fang Yue raised an eyebrow slightly. He was already prepared for this, but his expression remained impassive.
He glanced coolly at the Vice Director and said in a calm voice, "I, too, deeply regret Vice Director Liu Yun’s death. But as far as I know, he was killed in an ambush by the Shadow Association while on a mission."
"Oh? The Shadow Association?"
Another elder chimed in, his tone tinged with subtle mockery. "Heh, I’m afraid Lord Fang is the real murderer!"
"That’s right! Fang Yue, you murdered a colleague! It’s a heinous crime. Surrender now!"
Faced with the sudden accusations, Fang Yue’s expression remained as placid as still water. He glanced around at everyone present, a cold smirk playing on his lips.
"Gentlemen, on what grounds do you condemn me without any proof?" he asked slowly, his voice carrying an undeniable authority.
"Hmph, still trying to argue!" a Vice Director snorted, slamming his hand on the table. "We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t have proof! Men! Since Fang Yue is unwilling to surrender, we’ll take him down together! Seize this scoundrel!"
At the Vice Director’s command, the atmosphere in the secret chamber instantly grew incredibly tense.
Several experts took a step forward in unison. Their Primordial Qi surged, forming an airtight encirclement that locked firmly onto Fang Yue.
However, in the face of this sudden turn of events, Fang Yue remained as composed and calm as ever.
He raised his head slightly, his torch-like gaze sweeping over every face in the room before finally settling on the lead Vice Director.
"Do you really think you can take me down with just this?" Fang Yue’s tone was laced with disdain and mockery.
Before his words had even faded, his figure vanished like a phantom, reappearing behind the Vice Director.
His palm landed lightly on the man’s back. It looked like a weightless blow, but it struck the Vice Director like a bolt of lightning. He was sent flying several yards, crashing heavily against the wall of the secret chamber.