Chapter 424: Chapter 256: Contention

The Black-clothed Pirate took a deep breath, trying to compose himself.

He stared intently at Fang Yue, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes. But when he remembered his mission, he gritted his teeth and said:

"The Hidden Soldier Map is a supreme treasure from a fallen dynasty. It’s said to conceal countless weapons and Martial Arts Secret Manuals. Whoever obtains it can become a true master of the Martial Dao, and may even be able to reign supreme!"

Fang Yue’s heart stirred upon hearing this.

He had never heard of the Hidden Soldier Map, but from the Black-clothed Pirate’s description, it was clearly no ordinary treasure.

However, he also had his doubts.

’How could such a priceless treasure be on this ship?’

A sharp glint flashed in Fang Yue’s eyes as he stared intently at the Black-clothed Pirate, trying to read something in the man’s gaze.

He calmly asked, "You say the Hidden Soldier Map is on this ship. What proof do you have?"

"Yes, yes..." Just as the pirate was about to confess, black blood suddenly trickled from the corner of his mouth.

The pirate’s sudden change shocked Fang Yue. He quickly took a step back, observing the man warily.

Black blood streamed continuously from the corner of the pirate’s mouth, and his expression twisted into a savage grimace. He had clearly been struck by a potent poison.

The Black-clothed Pirate struggled to lift his head, his eyes filled with terror and despair. "I... I..."

Before he could finish, he collapsed violently to the floor. After a few twitches, he went still.

’How did he die? How was he suddenly poisoned?!’

Fang Yue’s brows furrowed, his mind filled with suspicion and vigilance.

He had clearly seen the Black-clothed Pirate die of poison the moment he mentioned the critical information about the Hidden Soldier Map. This was no coincidence.

Clearly, someone was pulling the strings from the shadows. This person knew the secrets of the Hidden Soldier Map and was desperate to keep them from being revealed.

He crouched down and carefully examined the pirate’s corpse.

Aside from the black blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, there were no other obvious external injuries or anomalies.

This meant someone had poisoned the pirate when he was completely unsuspecting.

Fang Yue grew inwardly vigilant. ’Anyone who could poison the pirate so stealthily must possess extraordinary strength and methods.’ he thought.

’Moreover, this person is likely hidden somewhere on this ship—and probably nearby.’

Fang Yue’s gaze inevitably fell upon Qing’Er and the other young woman.

’Aside from him, they were the only other people in the cabin.’

Fang Yue’s gaze swept over Qing’Er and the other woman. He made no obvious move nor changed his expression, but his internal guard was at its highest.

"Who are you? What did you do to our leader?"

Just then, more pirates burst into the cabin. Seeing their leader on the ground and Fang Yue standing nearby, they immediately drew their weapons and charged, intent on killing him.

These pirates were merely ordinary Martial Artists. They were no match for Fang Yue.

With a flicker of movement, Fang Yue dodged the pirates’ attacks. He then struck out swiftly, subduing them one by one.

Fang Yue said coldly, "If you want to live, start talking. Why did you target this ship, and who gave the order?"

The pirates were stunned by Fang Yue’s skill. They exchanged hesitant glances. They had only been following the orders of the Black-clothed Pirate and knew nothing about the true mastermind.

One of the pirates said with a tremor in his voice, "We were just following orders! We really don’t know who the mastermind is! Please don’t kill us! We beg you, don’t kill us! We really don’t know anything!"

Fang Yue’s brow furrowed. Through his perception of Primordial Qi, he could tell that the pirates weren’t lying.

’Just as I thought. They’re just small-time grunts; they really don’t know anything.’

Instantly, Fang Yue struck without hesitation and killed them.

Having decided to act, Fang Yue didn’t hesitate. He left the cabin and went outside.

Wind and rain whipped against his face. Though the pirates were numerous, in Fang Yue’s eyes, they were as weak as ants.

He didn’t rush to attack. Instead, he observed the situation, looking for the perfect moment to strike.

Finally, the moment a pirate let his guard down, Fang Yue moved like a phantom.

He seized the pirate by the neck with one hand while channeling Primordial Qi with the other, instantly knocking him unconscious.

The surrounding pirates turned pale with shock at the sight. They all drew their weapons and closed in on Fang Yue.

Fang Yue, however, was fearless. He weaved nimbly between the pirates, felling one with every strike.

Soon, Fang Yue had subdued all the pirates on deck.

"Thank you for your intervention, Sir. I am Sun Xing, a Steward of the Four Seas Trading Company, and I am deeply grateful!" A middle-aged man in a magnificent robe emerged from the crowd. He was followed by several attendants, clearly a person of some standing.

Sun Xing hurried to Fang Yue’s side and bowed with his hands clasped, expressing his heartfelt gratitude.

His gaze swept across the deck. Seeing the subdued pirates, a flicker of fear and relief passed through his eyes.

’This assignment was nearly a complete disaster.’

"It’s a good thing you were on board. Otherwise, I fear we would not have escaped the clutches of these pirates," Sun Xing continued, his tone filled with respect and gratitude.

Fang Yue nodded, saying淡淡地说道, "I just happened to be here. Since I ran into this, I couldn’t just stand by and watch."

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