Chapter 375 - 232: Going to Yuanzhou Prefecture

Chapter 375: Chapter 232: Going to Yuanzhou Prefecture

There was a profound undertone to Chen Qiyu’s words, as if he were hinting at something.

Upon hearing this, the smile on Hui Hengwu’s face gradually faded. He pondered for a moment before slowly asking, "Vice Director Chen, what is it you mean?"

Chen Qiyu didn’t answer Hui Hengwu’s question directly. Instead, he changed the subject. "Steward Hui, what do you think of that young man, Fang Yue?"

Hui Hengwu was slightly taken aback, not expecting Chen Qiyu to ask such a sudden question.

After a moment’s thought, he answered truthfully, "That young man, Fang Yue... His Talent is good, and his temperament is decent. Though he can be a bit overly cautious at times, he is, on the whole, a promising talent."

Chen Qiyu nodded, indicating his agreement with Hui Hengwu’s assessment.

He tapped his fingers lightly, seemingly lost in thought.

After a moment, he finally spoke. "Since Fang Yue refused the mission, we’ll let it be. However, I want you to keep a close eye on this young man and see how far he can go."

Hui Hengwu’s heart stirred at his words.

He knew that for Chen Qiyu to say this, he must have developed an interest in Fang Yue.

For Fang Yue, this was undoubtedly good news.

After all, Chen Qiyu was a Vice Director of the Observatory, a man of high status and great power. His attention would undoubtedly be a huge boon for Fang Yue.

"Yes, Vice Director Chen. I will," Hui Hengwu replied respectfully.

A moment later, Chen Qiyu departed. His gaze drifted to the northeast, and a smile touched the corners of his lips.

’Heh, do you really think you can escape this ordeal just because you refused?’

After Chen Qiyu left, Hui Hengwu remained lost in thought about their conversation.

He understood that Chen Qiyu’s interest in Fang Yue was far more than superficial; he likely had deeper plans.

This compelled Hui Hengwu to re-evaluate the young man, wondering what was so special about Fang Yue to attract the attention—or perhaps, the machinations—of a high-ranking figure like Chen Qiyu.

~~~~~~~~

Naturally, Fang Yue was unaware of the attention and schemes directed at him by the Observatory’s upper echelon. After returning home, he took out the Jade Pendant he had obtained from the rebel, King Changping—the very same object coveted by the court’s black-robed Tributor.

This object contained providence. According to the texts collected by the Observatory, while providence was ethereal and intangible, it was a very real force. It couldn’t directly help one increase their strength, however.

But it could improve one’s fate.

On a small scale, one might find money on the street; on a grand scale, it could alter one’s very destiny.

Fang Yue held the Jade Pendant, sensing the providence contained within.

He knew the pendant’s value lay not in its material worth, but in the providence it carried.

’He wondered what exactly this Jade Pendant could bring him.’

"’That Black Robe was obsessed with this Jade Pendant. Could it be that this providence also provides immense benefits for cultivation?’ Fang Yue muttered to himself."

Fang Yue decided to study the Jade Pendant carefully, hoping to uncover some clues.

He placed the pendant in his palm, closed his eyes, and used his Spiritual Sense to perceive the providence within.

Gradually, he felt a warm current of energy emanate from the Jade Pendant and slowly flow into his body.

This current seemed to possess infinite Magic Power, calming his mind and making him feel peaceful and serene.

The next moment, Fang Yue felt as if some inexplicable quality had been added to his being. But when he tried to sense it carefully, it was as if nothing was there at all.

"’Was that feeling just an illusion?’ Fang Yue frowned in confusion. He closed his eyes again, concentrating his mind to feel that power."

But alas, he still came up with nothing.

And just then, as Fang Yue was preparing to channel his Primordial Qi for further Sensing of the Jade Pendant...

With a SNAP, the Jade Pendant in his hand cracked and crumbled, turning into a pile of fine dust.

Fang Yue stared in astonishment as the Jade Pendant in his hand turned to dust, his heart filled with shock and bewilderment.

"’What’s going on? Why did the Jade Pendant suddenly crumble?’ Fang Yue muttered to himself, a puzzled look on his face."

He clearly hadn’t used any force; he had merely placed it in his palm and used his Spiritual Sense to perceive the providence within. How could that have caused the Jade Pendant to shatter?

Fang Yue’s mind was filled with doubt and confusion; he didn’t know what he had done wrong.

"’I can’t believe this Jade Pendant shattered on its own in the end. If I’d known this would happen, I should have just given it to Black Robe.’"

After a long moment, Fang Yue couldn’t help but shake his head with a wry smile.

But the regret was fleeting. Even though Black Robe had come for the Jade Pendant, it was obvious he would have killed Fang Yue to silence him after taking it.

So, even if Fang Yue had been willing to yield, his opponent would not have spared him.

"’Oh well, since this thing is useless now. I should hurry on to Yuanzhou Prefecture to find that type of Primordial Qi.’"

Fang Yue immediately decided to head to Yuanzhou Prefecture to find that specific type of Primordial Qi.

He planned to go alone. This would reduce unnecessary trouble and allow him to better handle any potential dangers that might arise.

Yuanzhou Prefecture was located in the northeastern part of the Great Wei Dynasty. Further to the northeast lay the Black Water Kingdom.

It was a neighboring kingdom that bordered the Great Wei Dynasty. Although there was occasional friction between the two nations, they generally maintained a relatively peaceful relationship.

It could be considered the most stable of the Great Wei Dynasty’s current border regions.

~~~~~~~

The wind was gentle and the sun was bright; it was a perfect day.

Fang Yue said goodbye to his family, found a merchant caravan in the city heading to Yuanzhou Prefecture, and joined them.

This way, he could avoid some of the trouble on the road and travel with greater convenience.