Chapter 374 - 231: Refusal

Chapter 374: Chapter 231: Refusal

After returning to his residence, Fang Yue arranged for Lin Wan’Er and her maidservant to stay for the time being, reminding them not to go out without reason.

Then, he began to investigate the black-robed man’s true intentions. He believed that if he could find his enemy’s weakness, he could defeat him in one fell swoop.

For the next few days, Fang Yue secretly investigated the black-robed man’s whereabouts and movements.

He discovered that the man didn’t seem to have any intention of reporting him to the Han Prince. Instead, it was as if he had vanished.

’Has the black-robed man already given up?’

Fang Yue guessed to himself, but immediately dismissed the thought. ’Impossible. The black-robed man would never give up so easily. He must be plotting something bigger.’

However, a month passed, and Fang Yue still hadn’t seen any further moves from his adversary.

’Perhaps the black-robed man really has given up?’

Although Fang Yue’s instincts told him the man wasn’t the type to quit, he couldn’t remain on high alert forever, especially when his foe remained inactive.

Gradually, Fang Yue’s life returned to a state of peace.

However, this peace did not last long.

In the second month after his return home, Fang Yue received a summons from the Observatory.

"Steward Hui, you summoned me in such a hurry. Might I ask why?" Fang Yue said upon arriving at the Observatory and seeing Hui Hengwu.

Hui Hengwu’s expression was grave. He looked at Fang Yue and said in a low voice, "Fang Yue, I’ve called you here because there is an important matter that requires your attention."

Fang Yue frowned slightly. He could sense the seriousness and urgency in Hui Hengwu’s tone.

"Please speak, Steward. As long as it is within my abilities, I will do my utmost," Fang Yue said.

Hui Hengwu nodded. He knew Fang Yue was a reliable person, which was why he had chosen to seek him out.

"You should know that we at the Observatory are constantly monitoring the world’s activities. Recently, we discovered an anomaly that we need you to investigate," Hui Hengwu said slowly.

Fang Yue’s heart stirred. He knew the Observatory’s duty was to observe celestial phenomena and predict fortunes and calamities. Any anomaly they discovered was bound to be significant.

"Please elaborate, Steward," Fang Yue said respectfully.

Hui Hengwu took a deep breath, as if the words he was about to speak weighed heavily on him.

His eyes grew profound, and his voice dropped. "We’ve discovered an unusual movement among the northern stars."

Fang Yue’s heart leaped into his throat. Unusual movements in the stars often heralded great changes in the world—they could be good omens, or they could be signs of great disaster.

In the world of Cultivators, the movement of stars was often closely linked to one’s cultivation and fortune.

"What kind of unusual movement?" Fang Yue tried to keep his voice steady, but his mind was already in turmoil.

"The seven mansions of the Black Tortoise in the northern sky have been flickering erratically, sometimes bright, sometimes dim. This phenomenon has only been recorded a few times in the history of our Observatory, and each time it was accompanied by a major world event." Hui Hengwu’s tone was filled with worry.

"Steward, are you saying you want me to go north and investigate the true cause of this Black Tortoise phenomenon?" Fang Yue asked.

"Of course. However, you won’t be going alone this time. The Lord Director’s intention is to form a small team, and I have recommended you," Hui Hengwu said, a flicker of appreciation in his eyes as he looked at Fang Yue.

Fang Yue was taken aback for a moment. He hadn’t expected this mission to be a team effort rather than a solo operation.

However, he quickly understood Hui Hengwu’s meaning.

Forming a team would increase the chances of success while also reducing the risk for each individual.

Furthermore, from Hui Hengwu’s tone, he could tell this mission was important. A direct order from the Lord Director was clearly no small matter.

"Fang Yue, don’t answer just yet," Hui Hengwu immediately continued. "This mission won’t be simple. The north is currently overrun by the rampaging Barbarian Race, making it exceptionally dangerous. It will be even more perilous than the battles against the Rebel Army in Guangfeng Prefecture and Shanyang Prefecture."

"But the corresponding rewards will be substantial. In terms of contribution points, it would be enough to get you promoted two ranks."

Promotions within the Observatory were extremely difficult to come by.

A two-rank promotion from a single mission represented an expansion of authority, as well as a greater share of resources and improved benefits.

But for the reward to be so generous, it also meant the mission was bound to be incredibly dangerous.

Fang Yue thought about it but did not agree.

He wanted a peaceful life, not one of endless adventure.

He only sought to increase his strength so that he and his family could survive better in this world.

It was obvious this mission was extremely dangerous.

Fang Yue had no intention of accepting. He had already found a place where Exotic Primordial Qi might be present, thanks to the Observatory’s intelligence network.

He was just about to find time to go there and increase his strength.

With his Golden Finger, Fang Yue didn’t need to advance like an ordinary person; he didn’t require that many resources.

Fang Yue looked at Hui Hengwu and said in a firm but polite tone, "Steward, I am grateful for your trust and recommendation, but I’m afraid I cannot accept this mission."

A trace of surprise flashed in Hui Hengwu’s eyes. He clearly hadn’t expected Fang Yue to refuse.

His brow furrowed for a moment before smoothing out. He smiled and said, "Very good. This mission is indeed quite risky for you. It’s wise of you to refuse."

Hui Hengwu looked at Fang Yue, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

He wasn’t angered by Fang Yue’s refusal; on the contrary, he valued him even more.

He knew Fang Yue was a man who understood his own limits and wouldn’t take risks blindly. Such a disposition was exceedingly rare in the world of Cultivators.

"Fang Yue, your decision is a wise one."

Hui Hengwu said slowly, "This mission is indeed extremely dangerous. Even an elite team from our Observatory wouldn’t have a hundred percent certainty of success. I wouldn’t want you to lose your life over it."

"Steward, thank you for your understanding," Fang Yue said respectfully. "I will continue to cultivate diligently and strive to perform great deeds for the Observatory soon."

Hui Hengwu nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. He knew Fang Yue was a young man with great potential. Given enough time and opportunity, he would surely become a pillar of the Observatory.

"Fang Yue, go back and focus on your cultivation. Remember, don’t be impatient for success—take it slow and steady. In the path of cultivation, haste is the greatest taboo," Hui Hengwu advised.

Fang Yue responded respectfully, then turned and left the Observatory.

He knew Hui Hengwu’s words were for his own good, and he would take them to heart.

After returning to his residence, Fang Yue began preparing to head to the place where Exotic Primordial Qi might be found: Yuanzhou Prefecture, to the northeast.

Back at his residence, Fang Yue started to carefully study the intelligence provided by the Observatory, as well as the information he had previously gathered about Yuanzhou Prefecture.

He knew that while this trip to Yuanzhou Prefecture to find Exotic Primordial Qi might be dangerous, it was also an excellent opportunity to increase his strength.

「The Observatory, Examination Hall.」 ℴℴ𝘮

"He was the one who disagreed. It’s not like I deliberately arranged this. I didn’t say a single unnecessary word," Hui Hengwu said with a chuckle, looking at the newcomer.

The newcomer was none other than Chen Qiyu, one of the seven Vice Directors of the Observatory.

He wore a navy-blue long robe with exquisite cloud patterns embroidered on the hem, making him appear both stately and elegant.

His face looked quite young, but his eyes held a depth that spoke of having weathered many storms.

At that moment, he was sizing up Hui Hengwu with a gaze that seemed casual but was in fact razor-sharp.

"Oh? Fang Yue refused?" Chen Qiyu’s tone betrayed no emotion as he slowly walked over and sat down in the chair opposite Hui Hengwu. "What did he say?"

Hui Hengwu repeated Fang Yue’s words verbatim and then said with a smile, "The kid certainly knows his own limits."

Hearing this, an inexplicable light flashed in Chen Qiyu’s eyes.

He fell silent for a moment before speaking slowly, "Knowing one’s limits is a good thing, but being overly cautious means missing out on many opportunities. For a young man, that’s not good at all!"