Chapter 401 - 245: Interception

Chapter 401: Chapter 245: Interception

He squeezed his eyes shut, refusing to look at the overlapping scars and bloody marks that covered his body. He surrendered himself completely, to body and soul.

The pain from the medicinal bath nearly drove Fang Yue mad. His face contorted, his eyes filled with agony.

He knew he had reached the most critical moment. ’If I miss this chance, cultivating this Cultivation Technique will be much harder in the future!’

Through Fang Yue’s persistence and endurance, the medicinal bath finally began to take effect.

The medicinal bath subjected Fang Yue to excruciating torment, but he refused to give up, gritting his teeth and pressing on.

The bath’s medicinal properties were incredibly potent. After a quarter of an hour, Fang Yue was completely bare, save for the shorts clinging to his lower body. His entire frame had taken on a bronze hue.

He had completely absorbed the medicinal essence of the bath, converting it into immense power.

He felt his body growing stronger and more solid, as if forged from steel and brimming with explosive power.

During this time, his body had also undergone an astonishing transformation. His muscles grew tauter and more resilient, and he could even perceive a faint glow emanating from his skin.

"I can’t believe the results are this good. This Cultivation Technique truly lives up to its reputation. The greater your aptitude, the stronger the effect. It grants improvement regardless of your current level, just by practicing!"

Fang Yue felt the surging power within him, his heart pounding with excitement. He couldn’t wait to test it out.

He sat cross-legged beside the medicinal tub and slowly circulated his Cultivation Technique, beginning to regulate his body’s state.

Waves of heat radiated from his body. His formidable Qi Blood Power was so intense it made the entire room feel like an oven.

A scorching wave of Qi burst from his pores, causing the ambient temperature to spike.

It even created visible ripples in the air that spread outward.

But just as quickly, everything returned to normal.

Fang Yue opened his eyes, a brilliant golden light flashing within them. His aura surged, climbing steadily until it was on the verge of the Innate realm!

"This is incredible! This Cultivation Technique is practically tailor-made for me. If I master it, my strength will increase severalfold!"

A cold smirk touched Fang Yue’s lips as his eyes narrowed.

’If I’d had this power before,’ he mused, ’that Black Shadow would have been no match for me. I could have killed it with ease.’

’It’s time to get out of here,’ Fang Yue decided instantly. ’I have to leave Gongzhou Prefecture and get back to Yujing City as soon as possible.’

’That organization has probably infiltrated Gongzhou Prefecture deeply. It isn’t safe to stay here any longer.’

Now that his strength had surged, there was no reason to linger.

With that, Fang Yue left the small town, changed his direction, and headed for Yujing City.

「Ten days later, at the border of Gongzhou and Qianzhou Prefectures.」

Although Fang Yue was in a hurry to return, he didn’t take the most direct route. A straight path would be fastest, but it would also make him an easy target.

He chose a more circuitous but safer route. It would take him through several other prefectures. While it would take longer, it offered a better chance to conceal his movements.

Fang Yue traveled swiftly, avoiding densely populated areas whenever possible. His strength had increased dramatically, but he wasn’t yet powerful enough to disregard all threats. It was always better to be safe than sorry.

While passing through a small town, Fang Yue paused briefly to purchase some dry rations and water for the journey ahead.

He didn’t linger in the town, leaving immediately after his purchase. He had a feeling that he’d been noticed. Though his pursuers hadn’t made a move yet, he couldn’t rule out the possibility that they were tailing him, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Fang Yue was on high alert, but his expression remained impassive. He stuck to his plan, all the while keeping a covert watch on his surroundings.

For several days, Fang Yue traveled without rest. He didn’t move at a blistering pace, but each step was firm and steady. He knew that what he needed most right now was patience and perseverance. That was the only way he would make it back to Yujing City safely.

When he was still less than halfway to Yujing City, Fang Yue finally ran into trouble.

Three young men with an air of wealth and nobility blocked his path.

"You damned rebel! You’re more cunning than we thought. We had to chase you all this way to finally catch you!"

"That’s right! I suggest you surrender peacefully. Otherwise, we won’t be so courteous!"

"Brother, don’t you think this kid looks a little familiar?"

Fang Yue’s brow furrowed. He had long since sensed someone tailing him, but he hadn’t expected there to be three of them.

’These three must be the ones sent from Yujing City to investigate the celestial anomalies in the northeast,’ he thought. ’What are they doing here?’

’Did they find out I was the one who took their Exotic Primordial Qi?’

Fang Yue’s mind raced, but his face remained a mask of indifference. He stared coldly at the trio, trying to glean some clue from their expressions.

"Who are you? Why are you blocking my path?" Fang Yue asked, his voice low.

"Haha! Still playing dumb, are we?" the leader, Lu Sheng, boomed with laughter. "You murdered the Director of the Observatory in Gongzhou Prefecture, openly defying the imperial court. You see the three of us and still don’t surrender? You dare—"

Fang Yue’s heart sank at his words. He hadn’t expected the trio to be after him for the death of the Director of the Observatory in Gongzhou Prefecture.

’It seems that organization has already started mobilizing the court’s forces to deal with me,’ Fang Yue realized. ’They can even influence the Observatory headquarters in Yujing City. This makes my situation even more dangerous.’