Chapter 353 - 223: The Black Robe Strikes

Chapter 353: Chapter 223: The Black Robe Strikes

Fang Yue crossed the bustling streets, avoiding the dense crowds. He stuck to the quiet, secluded alleys and soon found the Observatory’s station.

The Observatory’s station was located in a corner of the Prefecture City, a sprawling architectural complex.

Towering walls completely obscured everything within, and only a partial glimpse of the interior was visible through the main gate.

Fang Yue arrived at the main gate. Two vermilion doors were shut tight, studded with bronze nails, lending them a solemn and mysterious air.

A plaque hung above the lintel, inscribed with the words "The Observatory." The calligraphy was powerful and majestic.

Fang Yue didn’t go to the main gate, but instead to a side door.

He stepped forward and knocked. A gatekeeper quickly came to inquire.

"Sir, may I ask what your business is?" the gatekeeper asked politely.

Fang Yue smiled faintly. "I am Fang Yue. I have urgent business and wish to see your supervisor."

As he spoke, Fang Yue handed his Nameplate to the gatekeeper.

The gatekeeper took the Nameplate from Fang Yue and examined it carefully. When he saw the unique markings engraved on it and Fang Yue’s name, a flash of surprise crossed his eyes.

This young-looking man before him was actually a Patrol Envoy of the Observatory—and a Patrol Envoy from Yujing City, no less.

’What does this mean? So what if he’s just a Patrol Envoy, the lowest rank in the Observatory? It all depends on *where* he’s a Patrol Envoy!’

’Yujing City is the headquarters of the Observatory. Could any Patrol Envoy serving at headquarters be a simple character?’

He immediately dropped his polite but detached manner, adopting a much more deferential tone. "So it is Lord Fang," he said to Fang Yue. "Please forgive my earlier disrespect. Wait here just a moment, I will go inform the Lord Director at once."

With that, the gatekeeper turned and hurried inside. He returned a short while later and said to Fang Yue, "Lord Fang, our lord has invited you in. Please, follow me."

Fang Yue nodded and followed the gatekeeper into the Observatory.

After passing through a long, quiet corridor, they arrived in a spacious study.

In the room sat a man of about fifty, his face stern and his gaze sharp.

He was the Director of this Observatory branch, Chen Lian.

As Fang Yue entered the study, he saw that Chen Lian had already risen to his feet and was watching him with a smile.

His eyes revealed a hint of curiosity and anticipation; he was clearly quite interested in this young Patrol Envoy.

"Lord Fang, I have long heard of your reputation. It is a true pleasure to finally meet you," the older man said with a smile, his tone tinged with a hint of respect.

Of course, this was just a pleasantry.

Fang Yue merely gave a faint smile in response to Chen Lian’s polite words. He knew this was just superficial courtesy; he would have to gauge the man’s true attitude during their conversation.

"Lord Chen, you are too kind. I am merely doing my duty," Fang Yue replied, neither servile nor overbearing. At the same time, he was silently trying to deduce the Director’s true motives for this meeting.

Seeing Fang Yue’s composed and confident demeanor, Chen Lian nodded to himself. ’This young Patrol Envoy is indeed no simple character.’

He waved his hand, dismissing the gatekeeper, then personally poured a cup of tea for Fang Yue and offered it to him.

"Please, sit, Lord Fang. Try this tea," Chen Lian said with a smile, his tone now a little warmer.

Fang Yue accepted the teacup and took a light sip. A refreshing fragrance instantly filled his senses, and he couldn’t help but praise, "Excellent tea!"

Chen Lian laughed heartily. "I’m glad you like it, Lord Fang. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?"

Fang Yue set down his teacup, his expression turning grave.

He knew well that while Chen Lian appeared polite and warm, for a Patrol Envoy of the Observatory to arrive unannounced would inevitably arouse suspicion and caution.

Therefore, he had to state his purpose carefully to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.

"Lord Chen, to be perfectly honest, I’ve come today because I wish to use your station’s facilities to send a letter to my mentor in Yujing City," Fang Yue began slowly, not revealing his true purpose.

’After all, those crates and their contents are being transported through such a clandestine route. It’s obvious this is a top secret matter. Until I’ve investigated thoroughly, I’d better keep it confidential and not let anything slip.’

"Haha, that’s a small matter. As it happens, I have no pressing business this month and still have three message transmissions remaining. I can certainly spare one for Younger Brother Fang."

Upon hearing this, Chen Lian’s face broke into a warm smile, as if he found Fang Yue’s request neither surprising nor difficult.

He gave a slight wave of his hand, indicating that it was a trivial matter and not to be concerned about.

"Younger Brother Fang, you and I both serve as officials in the Observatory. Though our duties differ, we both work for the Imperial Court. It is only natural that I do my best to help you with your request."

Chen Lian said slowly, his tone conveying a sense of warmth and trust.

"Thank you, Lord Chen, for your assistance!" Fang Yue said, bowing deeply with a look of gratitude on his face. "I will be sure to remember your kindness. If you ever need anything in the future, I will not hesitate to help!"

Chen Lian smiled and waved his hand, gesturing for Fang Yue not to stand on ceremony.

He rose to his feet, walked to a corner of the study, and lightly tapped a bronze mirror sitting on a table.

As Chen Lian tapped the bronze mirror, the faint, intricate sound of mechanisms whirring echoed through the study.

The sound seemed to emanate from deep within the walls, carrying an ancient and mysterious air.

Fang Yue’s gaze was involuntarily drawn to the bronze mirror. He saw its surface tremble slightly, as if something beneath it were slowly awakening.