Chapter 427: Chapter 257: Chen Tiangang (2)

After leaving, Fang Yue didn’t head straight for any particular destination. Instead, he constantly changed his route to throw off any potential trackers.

He was well aware that his movements had drawn the attention of certain factions, so he had to be exceptionally careful.

~~~~~~~

"Another attack. This time, just a group of common mountain Bandits," Fang Yue muttered, "Even worthless scum like this are coming after me!"

As Fang Yue killed the last of the Bandits, his expression was terrifyingly grim.

’The Hidden Soldier Map is so important. As I thought, it’s not just the Blood Dragon Platform. Other factions are swarming like sharks that smell blood. I have to find the Hidden Soldier Map before things get completely out of hand.’

Fang Yue had originally planned to continue on to Gongzhou Prefecture, but he had already been hit by several waves of attacks along the way.

Even a saint would lose their temper, to say nothing of Fang Yue.

Fang Yue realized he’d been swept up in a war for the Hidden Soldier Map—a war far more complex than he had ever imagined.

It wasn’t just the Blood Dragon Platform; other, unknown factions were coveting this Treasure Map from the shadows.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm the rage in his heart.

Since he was already being wronged and framed, he might as well go and seize the Hidden Soldier Map for himself. At least then he wouldn’t have been framed for nothing.

Having made up his mind, Fang Yue prepared to go on the offensive and hunt down the Hidden Soldier Map himself.

He understood that the most important thing now was to stay calm. Only with a clear head could he make the right decisions.

He had to find the Hidden Soldier Map as quickly as possible to put an end to these relentless attacks.

’Back on the ship, the most suspicious people were those two women.’

The first clues about the Hidden Soldier Map had appeared on that ship, and the most suspicious people aboard were, without a doubt, Qing’Er and her sister.

Now that he had identified Qing’Er and her sister as the most likely suspects, Fang Yue decided to start with them in his search for clues about the Hidden Soldier Map.

He recalled the scene on the ship; the sisters’ mysterious behavior and unusual actions had aroused his suspicions.

Fang Yue knew that finding Qing’Er and her sister would not be easy.

He had disembarked mid-journey, while the two sisters had likely remained on board.

’So, I have to get to the ship’s final destination to find them. I hope I’m not too late!’

His mind made up, Fang Yue decided to push on toward the ship’s final destination: Gongzhou Prefecture.

He knew that time was of the essence. He had to find Qing’Er and her sister quickly to unravel the mystery of the Hidden Soldier Map.

Along the way, Fang Yue rode relentlessly, not daring to stop for a moment’s rest.

He knew his position had been exposed and that he could be attacked at any moment.

Yet, he felt no fear. On the contrary, his resolve only hardened.

After several days of hard travel, Fang Yue finally arrived at Qiongshan Port, the Northeast Sea Port of Beiyuan Prefecture.

He didn’t enter the port city immediately. Instead, he found a hidden spot outside the walls, changed his clothes, and disguised his appearance.

He knew he had to be cautious to avoid being discovered by his enemies.

Once inside the city, Fang Yue didn’t rush into action. He first strolled about, appearing to wander aimlessly while secretly observing his surroundings.

He needed to understand the city’s layout, the flow of traffic, and potential hiding spots to prepare for what came next.

After gathering this basic information, Fang Yue made his way to the docks.

"Sir, has the ship from the Four Seas Trading Company arrived in the last few days?"

Fang Yue walked over to an old fisherman basking in the sun and asked quietly.

He knew that these old fishermen were always near the harbor and knew the comings and goings of the ships like the back of their hands.

The old fisherman slowly opened his eyes, glanced at Fang Yue, and pointed to a large ship in the distance. "See for yourself. Isn’t that the Four Seas Trading Company’s ship? Arrived just yesterday."

Fang Yue followed the old fisherman’s finger and saw a large ship flying the flag of the Four Seas Trading Company.

A flicker of joy went through him, but his face remained impassive as he continued to question the old fisherman. "Sir, has everyone disembarked?"

The old fisherman shook his head. "That, I wouldn’t know. But usually, once a ship’s in port, the passengers and cargo get off pretty quickly. You looking for someone?"

Fang Yue nodded. "Yes. I’m looking for some relatives."

Hearing this, the old fisherman’s expression showed he understood. He went back to basking in the sun and said slowly,

"Then you’d best go ask on the ship or at the Four Seas Trading Company’s local branch. An old man like me wouldn’t know about that."

Fang Yue gave a small smile and thanked the old fisherman.

He already had a plan. First, he would check the ship. If he couldn’t find them there, he would go to the Four Seas Trading Company’s local branch to ask for news.

He set off, heading for the large ship.

The ship’s crew was busy unloading cargo, and Fang Yue used the commotion to slip aboard.

He scanned his surroundings, searching for any sign of Qing’Er and her sister.

However, the ship was crowded. He searched the entire deck but couldn’t find them.

Fang Yue didn’t get discouraged. He knew finding someone required patience and a keen eye.

He decided to wait on the ship a while longer; perhaps something would turn up.

So, he found a hidden corner and waited quietly for an opportunity.

After a while, a group of lavishly dressed men and women emerged from the ship’s cabins.

Fang Yue’s eyes lit up. He saw them—Qing’Er and her sister! They were with the group, heading toward the bow as if preparing to disembark.

A jolt of excitement went through him, but he didn’t act immediately.

He knew there were too many people disembarking. If he acted rashly, he would easily give himself away.

He decided to wait for the crowd to thin out before finding a chance to approach them.

Finally, as the crowd thinned, Fang Yue saw Qing’Er and her sister standing alone at the bow, admiring the ocean view.

His heart leaped; this was the perfect opportunity.

He quietly drew near, preparing to speak to them.

However, just as he was about to approach the sisters, he suddenly felt an intense wave of killing intent.

He immediately scanned his surroundings, but he couldn’t spot anyone suspicious.

A chill went down Fang Yue’s spine. He knew there had to be another expert hidden nearby.

Not daring to be careless, he immediately abandoned his plan to approach the sisters and prepared to leave this hornet’s nest.

However, just as he turned to leave, a cold voice suddenly spoke from behind him. "Fang Yue. You’ve finally arrived."

Startled, Fang Yue spun around to see a black-robed figure stepping out of the shadows.

The person’s face was shrouded in a black mist, obscuring their features.

"Who are you?" Fang Yue asked coldly.

"Me?" The black-robed figure chuckled coldly. "I am Chen Tiangang."

"Chen Tiangang?" Fang Yue’s brow furrowed. He hadn’t expected a top expert from the Blood Dragon Platform to appear here in person.

"That’s right. It’s me," Chen Tiangang said coldly. "Fang Yue, the Hidden Soldier Map you’re carrying is something the Blood Dragon Platform is determined to acquire. You’d best hand it over quietly."

Fang Yue’s heart sank. He knew this situation was becoming increasingly difficult. He took a deep breath, struggling to suppress his rage.

"I don’t have any Hidden Soldier Map. You’ve got the wrong person," Fang Yue said flatly.

"Oh? Is that right?" Chen Tiangang sneered. "Then how did Wang Zhenbei die? Did you really think you could fool me?"

Fang Yue was stunned. He hadn’t expected Chen Tiangang to already know about Wang Zhenbei.

He knew he had no way out now. His only option was to fight.

With a flash of movement, he lunged at Chen Tiangang. He knew Chen Tiangang was a formidable master; he would have to go all out to have any chance of victory.

Their figures crisscrossed through the air, locked in a stalemate.

Fang Yue grew bolder as the fight wore on. He continuously swung his Longsword, every strike aimed at Chen Tiangang’s vital points.

However, Chen Tiangang was no pushover. His movements were unpredictable, and he deftly evaded Fang Yue’s attacks time and again.

At the same time, a relentless stream of sharp Hidden Weapons shot from his hands, leaving Fang Yue with no time to rest.

The two were so evenly matched that, for a time, neither could gain the upper hand.

Fang Yue knew that a prolonged fight would not be to his advantage. He had to find a way to escape, and quickly.

He parried Chen Tiangang’s attacks while searching for an opening to retreat.

Finally, during a fierce exchange, he exploited an opening in Chen Tiangang’s defense. With a flash of movement, he leaped off the ship.

"Trying to run? It’s not that easy!"

Chen Tiangang sneered and immediately leaped after him.

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