Chapter 634 - 629: Engagement
Chapter 634: Chapter 629: Engagement
"Something’s wrong!"
The middle-aged man’s pupils contracted sharply.
With a flicker, he appeared silently beside the gray wolf. Before the wolf could react, he seized its neck and snapped it.
He untied the Jade Token from the wolf’s neck and flipped it to its front.
"Yi San."
The two small, dark gold words were perfectly clear.
’Yi San most likely already went after Fang Han but failed and was killed!’
The man’s fingers, clutching the Jade Token, trembled slightly. For the first time, a clear ripple of emotion crossed his utterly ordinary face.
An Identity Token was an assassin’s lifeblood. As long as they lived, the token would be with them.
Now that the Identity Token was on a wild wolf, Yi San’s fate was self-evident.
And the act of deliberately tying the Identity Token to a wolf was clearly a ploy to prevent the discovery of Yi San’s death.
"Fang Han..."
Yi Jiu whispered the name, his voice hoarse and cold.
After a moment of silence, he released the gray wolf’s corpse and turned to leave.
’This news must be reported back to the Dark Abyss as quickly as possible.’
...
The Dark Abyss Headquarters was located deep within a range of nameless, desolate mountains in some commandery, its architectural style closely resembling that of the Dark Holy Sect.
In fact, the Dark Abyss was deeply connected to the Dark Holy Sect, being a subordinate organization it had developed.
However, very few people, even within the Dark Abyss, were aware of this fact.
The Dark Holy Sect had developed such a clandestine assassin organization for the purpose of devouring blood and qi from their assassinations to cultivate Demon Skills.
Inside a secret chamber carved into the heart of a mountain, candlelight flickered.
An old man with a withered face and a gaunt figure sat in the seat of honor.
He wore a black robe, his hair and beard completely white, but his deep-set eyes held a haunting coldness that seemed to pierce through the veil of worldly affairs.
He was the leader of the Dark Abyss, the head of the Level Jia assassins, codenamed Jia Yi.
"Yi San is dead."
Jia Yi spoke, his voice as hoarse and dry as two rough stones grinding together.
Three other old men sat in the secret chamber, all Level Jia assassins and core members of the Dark Abyss’s high command.
Hearing Jia Yi’s words, all three couldn’t help but frown slightly.
"Yi San is dead? Wasn’t his target, Fang Han, only supposed to have the combat power of someone Breaking the Three Gates? How could he possibly have killed Yi San?"
The grim-faced old man on the left, Jia Si, asked with a frown.
"Fang Han’s strength exceeded our assessment."
Jia Yi said slowly, his deep-set eyes betraying no emotion.
"According to the report from our intelligence head in Qingyang County, Yi San was likely killed by Fang Han during the assassination attempt. Based on his speculation, Fang Han’s true combat power has probably surpassed Breaking the Three Gates and is approaching the Grandmaster level."
A brief silence fell over the secret chamber.
Yi San was ranked third among the "Yi" assassins; his strength was undeniable.
To be able to kill Yi San, his strength certainly warranted a re-evaluation.
"Then who should we send next?"
Another elder, Jia Er, asked with a frown.
"Send Yi Yi."
Jia Yi’s voice was as placid as still water, yet it carried an undeniable finality.
"Although Fang Han possesses combat power beyond Breaking the Three Gates, Yi Yi has a record of killing martial artists who have surpassed that level. Sending him is indeed the most appropriate choice."
Hearing this, the other three men nodded in agreement.
Yi Yi, the number one assassin in the "Yi" group, had reached the level of Breaking the Three Gates in his cultivation, and his actual strength was far beyond it.
He had a brilliant record, having successfully assassinated two martial artists whose strength surpassed Breaking the Three Gates.
This was the strongest force the Dark Abyss could deploy, aside from their Grandmaster Level assassins.
They believed that even if Fang Han’s combat power surpassed Breaking the Three Gates, the assassination would succeed.
...
「The next day, at the Fang Family estate in Liangshui City.」
A procession of over a hundred people set out slowly from the main gate of the Fang Mansion.
After leaving Liangshui City, the procession followed the official road toward Lanyue City, where the Yun Family resided.
Two days later, the Fang Family procession arrived at Lanyue City, home of the Yun Family.
The Yun Family had already received word, and their Patriarch, Yun Yueshan, personally came to the gate to welcome them.
He wore a long robe of purple brocade, his face fair and clean, with a wispy three-stranded beard. Every gesture exuded the calm and steady bearing of a man long accustomed to a position of authority.
At his side stood his eldest daughter, Yun Muyao, his second daughter, Yun Qianyue, and his three sons.
Yun Qianyue was dressed in a pale violet long dress, her face still veiled by a light purple gauze, revealing only a pair of cool, clear eyes.
When she saw Fang Han mounted on Chi Huo’s back, a distinct ripple passed through her eyes.
Fang Han swung himself off Chi Huo. His father, Fang Zheng, and the Fang Family Patriarch, Fang Lingyuan, also dismounted. The two parties exchanged pleasantries at the mansion gate for a moment before Yun Yueshan led them into the main hall.
The hall was elegantly furnished with antiques, and the rosewood tables and chairs gleamed with a deep luster in the sunlight.
The hosts and guests took their seats, and maids served fragrant tea.
Fang Zheng cupped his hands and said,
"Patriarch Yun, I have come today with my son regarding the matter between him and your second daughter..."
Yun Yueshan nodded with a smile, his gaze lingering on Fang Han for a moment, his eyes filled with delight.
The matchmaker stepped forward and presented the gift list with both hands.
Yun Yueshan took the gift list and unfolded it to read.
When he saw the Realm-Breaking Fruit at the top of the list, a flash of unconcealable astonishment shot through his calm eyes.
’The item I’ve coveted for years has actually appeared right before my eyes.’
He looked up at Fang Zheng, his voice trembling with suppressed shock.
"A Realm-Breaking Fruit... This gift is far too precious."
"Patriarch Yun, you’re too kind."
Fang Zheng said with a smile.
"Han’er prepared this item especially for you, Patriarch Yun. He heard you have been stuck at the Peak of Fourth Grade for many years and went to great lengths to find this for you."
Yun Yueshan took a deep breath, his gaze falling on Fang Han as he spoke in a solemn tone,
"You are too thoughtful, worthy nephew."
Fang Han shook his head slightly.
"There’s no need for that, Uncle Yun. We’ll be family from now on."
Hearing this, the smile on Yun Yueshan’s face grew wider.
The atmosphere was harmonious, and the two families quickly set the wedding date for June of the following year.
Yun Qianyue sat beside Yun Muyao, her eyes downcast, the tips of her ears visible outside her veil turning a faint shade of crimson.
With the betrothal ceremony complete, the Fang Family stayed with the Yun Family for a day before bidding farewell and departing.
Yun Qianyue saw Fang Han to the mansion gate. They looked at each other, their gazes meeting for an instant.
"Qianyue, I’m leaving now."
Fang Han said softly, gazing into her cool eyes.
"Mm."
Yun Qianyue nodded slightly. Her voice was still cool, but it held a hint more gentleness than usual.
Fang Han swung himself onto Chi Huo and slowly rode away with the procession.
Yun Qianyue stood at the mansion gate, watching the crimson figure recede into the distance until it vanished at the end of the street, only then turning to go back inside.
「Three days later.」
The procession arrived at the Commandery City of Qingyang County.
In front of the Vermilion Red Pavilion, the headquarters of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, Lan Daoxing was already waiting at the entrance with his three sons and his daughter, Lan Yuexin.
Lan Daoxing was dressed in a navy blue brocade robe, his features refined and scholarly.
Beside him, Lan Yuexin was dressed in an aqua-blue long dress, her black hair styled in a flowing cloud chignon and adorned with a slanting Jade Hairpin.
When she saw Fang Han appear at the street corner on Chi Huo, an undeniable ripple of joy spread across her bright eyes.
Fang Han swung down from Chi Huo. Fang Zheng and Fang Lingyuan stepped forward to exchange salutes and pleasantries with Lan Daoxing.
Lan Yuexin’s gaze fell on Fang Han. The corners of her mouth curved up slightly as she gave him a gentle nod.
Fang Han smiled and nodded in return.
Lan Daoxing led everyone into the main hall, where they took their seats as hosts and guests.
Maids served fragrant tea, and Fang Zheng got straight to the point, explaining their purpose.
The matchmaker presented the gift list with both hands. Lan Daoxing took it and examined it closely.
When he saw the Longevity Flower on the gift list, Lan Daoxing’s hand, holding his teacup, paused for a moment.
He looked up, a flash of surprise in his scholarly eyes.
"A Longevity Flower..."
Lan Daoxing’s gaze lingered on Fang Han for an instant before turning to Fang Zheng, his tone full of marvel.
"Brother Fang, this gift is too valuable."
Fang Zheng laughed.
"Pavilion Master Lan, please don’t refuse. This is a token of Han’er’s sincerity."
Lan Daoxing put down the gift list, looked at Fang Han, and smiled.
"Very well, I’ll accept it then."
Although the Hundred Treasures Pavilion was a vast enterprise with astounding wealth, that referred to ordinary riches.
Precious Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures like the Longevity Flower could not be bought simply with money.
Even in his eyes, it was an extremely precious item, which showed that Fang Han had truly put thought into it.
After some discussion, the two parties quickly set the wedding date for July of the following year.
Lan Yuexin sat beside her father, her eyes downcast, her fingers gently twisting the tassels on her sleeve. A very faint blush appeared on her stunningly beautiful face.
Only after her father and Fang Zheng had finalized the date did she raise her bright eyes to look at Fang Han.
Their gazes met, and Lan Yuexin pursed her lips into a smile filled with an unyielding tenderness.
After also staying at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion for a day, the betrothal procession set off to return to Liangshui City.
Along the way, Fang Zheng was beaming, laughing and chatting with several Fang Family Elders, clearly in high spirits.
Fang Han rode on Chi Huo’s back, his gaze fixed ahead, but a faint trace of solemnity was etched between his brows.
’Both betrothals are settled. Next is to return to the Sect and enter seclusion to cultivate, focusing all my energy on improving my strength to deal with the Dark Abyss’s next attack.’
...
「Early the next morning.」
After breakfast, Fang Han prepared to set off and return to the Qingxuan Sect.
Lin Wan held Fang Han’s hand and chattered for a good while, saying nothing more than to be careful on the road and to send word once he reached the Sect.
Fang Zheng stood under the veranda with his hands behind his back. He said nothing, only reaching out to pat Fang Han firmly on the shoulder twice.
Fang Ying clung to Fang Han, refusing to let go and clamoring to go with him to the Qingxuan Sect. It took Lin Wan a long while of coaxing before she finally let go with a pout.
Fang Han bent down and ruffled her hair, then straightened up to look at his parents.
"Dad, Mom, I have matters to attend to at the Sect, so I’ll be heading back now."
Fang Zheng nodded, and Lin Wan walked Fang Han to the door with a smile.
Fang Han walked out the door but didn’t leave immediately, instead turning into the back courtyard.
Chi Huo was lying in a clearing beside the bamboo grove. Hearing footsteps, its dark gold, slit-pupiled eyes snapped open, and it trotted over, wagging its tail.
Its massive head nuzzled against Fang Han’s arm, a low whine rumbling in its throat.
Fang Han reached out and patted its neck. After a moment of silence, he said in a low voice,
"You’re staying here."
Chi Huo tilted its head, a hint of confusion appearing in its vertical pupils.
"You’ll stay here and protect the Fang Family for me."
Fang Han’s voice was hushed, his gaze fixed on the giant, fiery-red lion.
Chi Huo understood. A low roar rumbled in its throat, and a ferocious glint flashed in its dark gold eyes before subsiding.
It nudged Fang Han’s shoulder with its massive head and slowly swished its tail twice.
"If anyone makes a move against the Fang Family, leave no survivors."
Fang Han’s voice was so soft that only Chi Huo could hear it, yet it was laced with an undeniable chill.
The Fang Family’s foundation was too weak. A slightly stronger Middle Third-Grade Martial Artist would be enough to slaughter the entire family. Now that a mysterious power had placed a bounty on his head, he had to take precautions for his family’s safety.
Chi Huo let out a low whine in acknowledgment.
Fang Han patted its head one more time, then turned and strode toward the mansion gate.
The guards at the gate saw him and hurriedly bowed in salute.
WHOOSH!
Fang Han gave a slight nod, exited the mansion, got his bearings, and executed his Body Technique to head out of Liangshui City.
Morning light spilled onto the cobblestone streets of Liangshui City. Early-rising vendors were setting up their stalls, and steam wafted from the baskets of several breakfast shops.
Fang Han passed through the city gate, leaving Liangshui City behind, his gaze remaining subtly vigilant.
HUMMM—
A cool stream of energy flowed through his nasal passages and meridians. His incredibly sharp perception spread out in all directions like an invisible spiderweb.
Within a radius of several miles, he could sense every living presence.
This wasn’t paranoia.
Although he had made some preparations to buy time, it was impossible to deceive the Dark Abyss for long. They had likely already discovered Yi San’s death.
Given the efficiency of such an assassin organization, a new killer was very likely already on the way.