Chapter 444 - 266: Taboo

Chapter 444: Chapter 266: Taboo

Fang Yue smiled faintly. His gaze swept over Wang Tong and Li Xi before he spoke slowly, "No need to be nervous, you two. I’ve only come to ask a few questions."

Wang Tong and Li Xi breathed a small sigh of relief, though they remained vigilant.

They knew that if Fang Yue could find them here, he was likely not the simple victim of the Observatory’s internal strife that the rumors claimed.

This man, they feared, was not simple at all.

The various powers in Gongzhou Prefecture had likely all underestimated him.

So, when dealing with someone like him, one had to be cautious. Underestimating him was not an option.

"Oh? Director Fang has questions he’d like to ask us? That’s certainly a novelty."

Wang Tong feigned surprise. "And what might Director Fang want to know?"

Fang Yue smiled faintly. "I want to know who sent you to test my strength."

A jolt of shock went through Wang Tong and Li Xi.

Indeed, he had not come in peace.

Wang Tong and Li Xi exchanged a glance, each seeing the shock and unease in the other’s eyes.

Wang Tong cursed inwardly. He had thought this mission would be simple, just a matter of testing Fang Yue’s strength. But now, it was clear the task wasn’t nearly as easy as he had imagined. Fang Yue’s strength was unfathomable, his mind sharp. He was clearly no ordinary person.

Li Xi, on the other hand, felt a chill of belated fear. He had previously looked down on Fang Yue, believing him to be just an innocent victim caught in the crossfire of the Observatory’s internal politics. But now, it was obvious Fang Yue was no simple man. His strength and cunning were beyond anything Li Xi had imagined, making him bitterly regret his own dismissiveness.

A thousand thoughts raced through their minds, but they dared not let a hint of it show on their faces. They knew that at this moment, the slightest change in their expressions could be seen by Fang Yue and used as a clue.

Wang Tong took a deep breath, trying to calm the shock and unease in his heart. He feigned composure. "Director Fang, you jest. Why would we be here to test your strength? We were just passing by and thought we’d say hello."

At this, a cold smirk touched Fang Yue’s lips. His piercing gaze locked onto Wang Tong and Li Xi, as if trying to see right through them.

"Oh? Is that so?" Fang Yue’s tone was laced with amusement. "Then why are you two so nervous? Could it be you have a guilty conscience?"

Fang Yue’s gaze made Wang Tong and Li Xi squirm. They felt like prey being sized up by a predator, ready to pounce at any moment.

Steeling himself, Li Xi said, "Director Fang, you’ve misunderstood. We’re not nervous, just... just a little surprised. After all, your sudden appearance did catch us off guard."

Fang Yue chuckled lightly. "In that case, I’ll be direct. If you don’t talk today, I’m afraid you won’t be leaving this room."

Their hearts tightened at his words. They knew Fang Yue wasn’t joking. They were trapped in a desperate situation.

Tiny beads of sweat broke out on Wang Tong’s forehead. He swallowed hard, trying to calm his nerves as his mind raced, weighing the pros and cons. He was considering whether he should reveal the person pulling the strings.

Li Xi’s face was ashen; he knew there was no way out. His heart swelled with regret. If only he hadn’t been so greedy for that little reward, he wouldn’t be caught up in this unknown conflict. It was too late to back out now. He could only pin his hopes on Wang Tong to find a way out of this crisis.

Watching their anxious state, Fang Yue knew what they were thinking. He knew Wang Tong and Li Xi had no choice left but to tell him who was behind this.

So, he spoke again, "Gentlemen, I’ve given you a chance, but you don’t seem to value it. In that case, don’t blame me for what comes next. You should know that if I could find you here, I certainly have the means to make you talk."

A tremor went through Wang Tong and Li Xi. They knew Fang Yue was telling the truth. At this moment, they had no backing and no escape. If they refused to name the person pulling the strings, only death awaited them.

At this thought, Wang Tong gritted his teeth and made his decision. He knew it was the only way to save both his and Li Xi’s lives. As for what came after, he’d have to cross that bridge when he came to it.

He took a deep breath, gathered his courage, and said, "Director Fang... I’ll tell you. It was—"

However, just as he was about to speak the name, a deadly flash of sword light suddenly shot in through the window, aimed directly at his throat.

Wang Tong’s face went white with terror. He tried to dodge, but it was too late.

He could only watch helplessly as the sword light closed in, his heart filled with despair and terror.

Li Xi was scared witless by the sudden attack. He wanted to flee, but his legs had turned to jelly, and he couldn’t move a muscle.

He could only watch, helpless, as Wang Tong was about to be killed, his own heart filled with powerlessness and regret.

However, in the very instant the sword light was about to pierce Wang Tong’s throat, Fang Yue’s hand shot out, catching it securely in his grasp.