Chapter 319 - 209: Banquet

Chapter 319: Chapter 209: Banquet

Just then, the Exotic Snake arrived. It opened its cavernous maw and spat out a black venom.

Should an ordinary Martial Artist be touched by this potent poison, they would instantly lose all combat ability, becoming like fish on a chopping block, helpless to be slaughtered.

Even an Innate Grandmaster could only resist it with their Primordial Qi, and not for long at that.

Direct contact with the flesh would mean death or permanent disability.

"You’re courting death." Fang Yue glared at the Exotic Snake, his eyes flashing with a sharp glint. ’This toxic mist would be a major problem for any other Martial Artist, but to me, it’s nothing.’

His body was already exceptionally tough, granting him a powerful resistance to toxins.

Not to mention, he always carried the Antitoxic Divine Wood, so he had no fear of the poison invading his body.

’So, dealing with a little snake won’t be a problem at all.’

He circulated his Primordial Qi and immediately threw another punch, smashing it right into the Seven-Colored Python.

AOOOWWW!

The Seven-Colored Python shrieked in pain as it was sent flying, crashing heavily onto the ground. Instantly, the entire cave filled with a thick, putrid stench.

The Exotic Snake was killed instantly!

~~~~~~~

「Three days later. Guangfeng Prefecture City.」

The restaurants and teahouses in the Prefecture City were all packed with people, buzzing with discussions about the recent war.

Over the past few days, everyone had been rehashing all the major events that had occurred recently.

The most important topic, of course, was the war between the imperial court and the Rebel Army.

Ever since Prince Wucheng was wounded in an attack by a court Tributor, the imperial court and the Rebel Army had fought several brutal battles on the great river, resulting in countless casualties. This time, however, the court had finally gained a decisive advantage. They had annihilated two of the Rebel Army’s elite units, making it difficult for the rebels to launch any further offensives.

Moreover, for the first time in nearly two years, the imperial army had crossed the great river. They established the Jiangxi Camp in Shanyang Prefecture, forming a pincer attack with the Jiangdong Camp here in Guangfeng Prefecture.

"Have you heard? The imperial army has entered Shanyang Prefecture! The rebels’ days are numbered."

"Really? If that’s true, it’s wonderful news!"

"You can say that again! We and the Rebel Army have been sworn enemies for a long time. This is finally some news to cheer about. But... do you think they’ll be able to retake Shanyang Prefecture this time?"

The crowd discussed excitedly, their faces alight with anticipation.

Clearly, they were optimistic about the war’s outcome.

Just then, a tall, stunningly beautiful woman entered. Her clothes were magnificent, her headdress was priceless, and she possessed an air of breathtaking authority.

The woman was about sixteen years old. It was Li Mengyao, the daughter of the Prefecture City’s wealthiest merchant.

The woman walked straight to a private room on the second floor and sat down. An old man, who had been waiting in the room, hurried to her side. "My lady," he said respectfully, "the target should be entering the Prefecture City within the next few days."

"Mm, I know." Li Mengyao nodded, her gaze drifting out the window. "Have your people follow him. Remember, don’t let anyone find out!"

"Rest assured, my lady. It’s just... he’s the one Celestial King Wu specifically wants. Aren’t we going to make a move?"

Hearing this, the old man frowned slightly, hesitant.

They were sleeper agents for the Blood Dragon Platform, hidden within Guangfeng Prefecture. Now that they had found the person Celestial King Wu was looking for, they could earn great merit by either reporting it or capturing him themselves.

Thus, the old man didn’t want to pass up such a great opportunity.

"Hmph. I said we’re not making a move, so we’re not making a move," Li Mengyao snapped, her eyes flashing with an icy chill. "If my father finds out about this, I doubt your life will remain as comfortable as it is now."

Upon hearing this, the old man was so frightened that he fell to his knees, trembling. "This subordinate understands."

~~~~~~

Fang Yue, at this moment, had no idea he was being watched.

He and Zhang Hu had just walked through the gates into the Prefecture City.

"So this is the Prefecture City! It’s as magnificent as they say," Zhang Hu exclaimed. He had never left Li Family Village, and the largest place he’d ever seen was the county town near his home.

And while that town was bustling, it was nothing compared to this.

"Hahaha! Of course! Our Guangfeng Prefecture is one of the most prosperous regions in the entire Great Wei Dynasty. It’s naturally more magnificent than other places."

Fang Yue laughed and clapped Zhang Hu on the shoulder. "Come on, let’s get something to eat first."

"Heh heh!" Zhang Hu scratched his head and grinned.

The two found a tavern, ordered several dishes, and began to drink.

Since both were Martial Artists, holding their liquor was no problem at all.

Their tolerance was astounding; even after half a jug of wine, neither showed the slightest sign of intoxication, looking as if they were just getting started.

"We’ll rest here for a day, then leave Guangfeng Prefecture tomorrow." As an Inspector for the Observatory, Fang Yue still had a mission to attend to; he needed to go back and check on that secret location.

"Oh, alright!" Zhang Hu nodded.

After eating and drinking their fill, Fang Yue led Zhang Hu back out.

His destination was the Prefecture City’s branch of the Observatory. He needed to get an intelligence update for the time he had been away.

After getting Zhang Hu settled, Fang Yue asked for directions and made his way toward the Guangfeng Prefecture Observatory.

The Observatory was located in a remote alley in the southern part of Guangfeng Prefecture. It was a three-story pavilion that looked utterly dilapidated.

Inside, however, the security was extremely tight. It was filled with people, every one of them a person of extraordinary skill. Many of the Martial Artists on guard duty wore armor and carried weapons.