Chapter 403 - 246: Returning to Yujing City

Chapter 403: Chapter 246: Returning to Yujing City

SPIT!

Zhou Tiande spat out a mouthful of fresh blood as he was sent flying backward like a kite with a severed string, landing heavily on the ground.

He struggled to get up, only to find that his chest had caved in. He didn’t know how many ribs were broken, and his internal organs were severely damaged.

’I’m really done for this time,’ he realized.

Fang Yue gave Zhou Tiande no chance. In a flash, he appeared before Zhou Tiande and stomped on his chest.

"Zhou Tiande, your time has come!" Fang Yue said coldly.

His heart was filled with killing intent for Zhou Tiande. The man had repeatedly made an enemy of him, even trying to have him killed.

Now, he finally had the chance to kill this enemy with his own hands.

"Fang Yue, you... you can’t kill me!" Zhou Tiande said in terror. "I’m a member of the Dynasty Sacrificial Department! If you kill me, you’ll be making an enemy of the entire dynasty!"

"Hmph, you think I’m afraid?" Fang Yue sneered. "I’m already a wanted fugitive of the Observatory. Adding your Dynasty Sacrificial Department to the list won’t make a difference."

"Besides, even if I don’t kill you, you’ll just look for a chance to get revenge on me when you get back, won’t you? In that case, I might as well eliminate this problem for good right now!"

With that, Fang Yue stomped down hard. With a crisp CRACK, Zhou Tiande’s sternum was shattered, and he died on the spot.

After killing Zhou Tiande, Fang Yue didn’t linger. He knew he was very close to Yujing City, and other pursuers could arrive at any moment.

He had to get into the city as quickly as possible and then find the higher-ups at the Observatory to report the situation.

With this in mind, he turned and ran toward Yujing City.

A short while later, Fang Yue arrived at the gates of Yujing City.

Fang Yue stood before the gates of Yujing City, taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart. He knew that although he had successfully killed Zhou Tiande, the road ahead was still long, and the danger was far from over.

He looked up at the towering city walls and saw the grand characters for "Yujing City" carved above the gate, exuding a majestic air.

This was where the director of the Great Wei Dynasty’s Observatory resided; it was the very nerve center of the entire Observatory.

Fang Yue strode toward the gate, only to find the guards there staring at him warily.

He knew he must look like a complete mess—his clothes were disheveled and stained with blood.

"Halt! Who goes there?" a guard shouted.

Fang Yue’s heart tightened. ’Just as I expected, the guards have stopped me.’

Just as Fang Yue was about to invent a reason, a melodious yet authoritative female voice came from behind him.

"He’s with me."

Hearing the voice behind him, Fang Yue was startled, then felt a strange sense of familiarity.

He turned to see a woman in magnificent clothing arriving in a horse-drawn carriage. Her face was elegant and otherworldly, and her eyes held an unquestionable authority.

It was none other than the Han Prince’s third daughter, Zhu Linlang!

’How could it be her? Why would she help me?’

Fang Yue recognized her at a glance. After all, he had shared a moment of intimacy with this very woman.

A storm of emotions churned within Fang Yue. He hadn’t expected to run into Zhu Linlang here, much less for her to step forward and help him. Their past was complicated and delicate, but he had no time to dwell on it now.

Zhu Linlang descended from the carriage and slowly walked to Fang Yue’s side. Her gaze swept over him, and a flicker of concern, almost imperceptible, crossed her eyes.

"Are you all right?" Zhu Linlang asked softly, her voice tinged with a hint of tenderness.

Fang Yue was slightly taken aback, then shook his head. "I’m fine. Thank you for your help."

Zhu Linlang nodded slightly, then turned to the city guards. "He is my friend. May we pass?"

Seeing Zhu Linlang personally vouch for him, and knowing her incredibly noble status, the city guards dared not be disrespectful. They quickly cleared a path and bowed respectfully. "Of course, Commandery Princess. Please, go ahead."

Zhu Linlang nodded, then said to Fang Yue, "Let’s go."

Fang Yue followed behind Zhu Linlang, his mind filled with confusion and curiosity.

He didn’t know how his relationship with Zhu Linlang would develop, but for now, at least, she had helped him.

Otherwise, given his current state, it would have been nearly impossible for him to enter Yujing City.

「After entering Yujing City.」

「Inside the carriage.」

"Where do you want to go? I can take you. It would be best if your identity isn’t exposed right now," Zhu Linlang asked.

"Thank you."

Fang Yue said sincerely, "I really do need a safe place to lay low for a while."

Zhu Linlang nodded slightly but said no more.

She knew Fang Yue was in a dangerous situation. He was also heavily injured and needed to find a safe place to recuperate as soon as possible.

The carriage rolled slowly through the streets of Yujing City. Zhu Linlang didn’t ask Fang Yue where he wanted to go specifically; instead, she took him to her private villa in the city.

Zhu Linlang’s villa was located in a quiet, secluded part of Yujing City, its surroundings elegant and private.

After passing through several bustling streets, the carriage entered a tranquil residential district.

Tall trees and exquisite gardens isolated the area from the outside world, making it feel like a hidden paradise.

Zhu Linlang led Fang Yue into the villa. She remained silent the entire way, simply observing his condition quietly.

She could clearly sense the exhaustion and weakness radiating from Fang Yue, and a pang of tenderness bloomed in her heart.