Stranger Danger
Chapter 1369: Everything Goes As Planned

Chapter 1369: Everything Goes As Planned

“You are most right, Mad Lord.”

Fang Zhiyong’s voice boomed as the space in that direction suddenly rippled like water and took the form of a door.

The door was an ordinary, crude-looking wooden door one could find in any household in the mountains. It flung outward, and Fang Zhiyong and Fang Ruliu stepped out into the open.

All Is Well Forest did not forbid the use of martial arts, Magia, and secret arts, but that was only if the practitioner did not harbor any malice or competitive intent. Moreover, the ability must not damage even a single blade of grass of the All Is Well Forest.

After Fang Zhiyong exited the wooden door, he came to a stop ten meters away from Ye Qing. As for Fang Ruliu, he stood three steps behind Fang Zhiyong with his head bowed slightly. He did not leak a hint of aura and looked every bit the image of an ordinary old servant.

Ye Qing’s senses were warning him of grave danger, however. He had no doubt that the ordinary-looking old servant was really a Sage.

It was only natural. It made no sense for Fang Zhiyong to bring anyone lesser.

Fang Zhiyong lamented, “It’s too bad we live in a world of endless strife and conflict. The trees wish to be still, but the wind refuses to stop blowing. We wish to live in peace, but events keep pushing us forward. What can we do?”

“Yes. You and I are both trapped on a board where we are not the player. You and I are both deprived of choices.”

Ye Qing nodded in agreement. “We are already pawns, so let’s not make each other’s lives more difficult than it already is, yeah?”

“Yes, there is no reason for a pawn to bother another pawn,” Fang Zhiyong echoed in agreement.

“I’m glad that you agree with my viewpoint. Now then, let’s talk about business.”

Ye Qing held out his hand and summoned a bronze bell. It spun slowly above his palm and emitted waves of haloes. “Here is the Earthly Sovereign Bell. Where are the hostages?”

“Here.”

Fang Zhiyong made a gesture, and Fang Ruliu held out his palm. The next moment, a seed grew out of his palm and transformed into a lush willow tree in the blink of an eye.

The willow tree was at least a dozen times smaller than your ordinary willow tree, however. It looked almost fake considering how small and delicate it looked. Even more bizarre was the fact that a dozen or so people and three Strangers were bound to the willow branches.

Both humans and Strangers were hanging underneath the branches and seemingly asleep. The way they wobbled in the wind gave them the appearance of mature fruits.

The humans were none other than Fang Xiaoman, Gu Suitang, Lin Yuhuai and Chu Nianjiu’s families, whereas the three Strangers were Wawa, Kungfu Frog, and Faceless.

Fang Ruliu said apologetically, “Apologies, Warrior Ye, but we are in the All Is Well Forest right now. That is why I put them to sleep using my power. Don’t worry though, they are safe and unhurt. They have not received any physical or mental damage either.”

Ye Qing asked, “You don’t mind me inspecting their condition, do you?”

Fang Ruliu looked at Fang Zhiyong, and Fang Zhiyong nodded smilingly. “Do as you please, Mad Lord.”

Ye Qing did not ask for privacy. He walked right up to Fang Ruliu, unleashed his demonic thought, and began inspecting the humans and his Strangers carefully.

Ye Qing secretly thought that Fang Ruliu’s Magia was quite impressive. He was pretty sure he couldn’t grow a willow tree out of his palm and shrink a living being down to the size of fruits, much less multiple of them. Besides the reasons Fang Ruliu had stated, it was also a show of power. He was warning Ye Qing not to try anything stupid and make life difficult for all of them.

Ye Qing was well aware of the warning. Of course, he wasn’t planning to start something even if Fang Ruliu hadn’t warned him.

A while later, Ye Qing finished inspecting the hostages. He confirmed that they were who they were, that they were simply asleep as Fang Ruliu claimed, that not a hair on their person was hurt, and that no part of their body was booby-trapped with a secret art, restriction, poison, or other methods. Finally, he cracked a smile and said, “You are a man of your word, Grand Mentor.”

“But of course.” Fang Zhiyong was smiling as well. “Can you give me the Earthly Sovereign Bell now?”

“Naturally. Please, have a look.”

Smiling, Ye Qing flicked the Earthly Sovereign Bell into the air. It drew an arc in the air before landing squarely in front of Fang Zhiyong. At the same time, Fang Ruliu handed the willow tree to Ye Qing, saying, “This spell will resolve itself a teatime later. They will awaken and return to normal size.”

“You may wait here for a moment if you don’t believe me.”

“There’s no need. I trust you and the Grand Mentor.”

Ye Qing accepted the willow tree and looked at Grand Mentor Fang. “So? Have you confirmed its authenticity?”

Fang Zhiyong nodded in satisfaction. “Mm. It’s definitely the Earthly Sovereign Bell. You are a man of your word as well, Mad Lord.”

“Good. I shall temporarily place the Earthly Sovereign Bell in your care. I will come back for it at a later date.”

Ye Qing shot the Earthly Sovereign Bell one last look before severing his connection with it right in front of Fang Zhiyong and Fang Ruliu. Then, he left without any hesitation whatsoever.

“Haha! I will be waiting.” Fang Zhiyong barked out in laughter and allowed Ye Qing to leave. He did not try to stop him whatsoever.

After Ye Qing left, Fang Ruliu waved his sleeve and summoned the wooden door into existence once more. Fang Zhiyong went into the door first, and Fang Ruliu followed closely behind. Neither man ever favored Spirit, the intelligencer who had been kneeling on the ground this entire time, a single look.

A few breaths later, Fang Zhiyong and Rang Ruliu appeared outside the All Is Well Forest.

“My apologies, master, but Ye Qing’s aura has already disappeared. I am unable to confirm where he’s gone to!” Fang Ruliu said apologetically.

“It’s not your fault.” Fang Zhiyong had anticipated this outcome. Since Ye Qing dared to set the location at the All Is Well Forest, he must have been fully prepared. Besides, Papersmith had not shown his face from the start until the end. He must have been waiting outside the forest to support Ye Qing. His only real chance at catching Ye Qing and killing him was when they were still present at the All Is Well Forest. Since he chose to let it slip through his grasp, he knew he wouldn’t get a second chance.

It was at this moment the bronze mirror Fang Zhiyong was carrying in his lap flew into the air and floated. The draconic and phoenix patterns shifted for a moment, and Emperor Jing Run stepped out of the mirror.

“We greet you, Your Holiness. Long live His Holiness!”

Fang Zhiyong and Fang Ruliu hurriedly dropped to their knees.

“Please save the pleasantries, Grand Mentor.” Emperor Jing Run made a lifting gesture. “Thank you for your hard work.”

“I’m glad to have fulfilled my mission, Your Holiness,” Fang Zhiyong raised the Earthly Sovereign Bell with both hands and presented it to Emperor Jing Run.

Emperor Jing Run made a beckoning gesture, and the Earthly Sovereign Bell floated into his hand. He fake caressed[1] it twice while announcing his delight, “Good, good...”

Fang Zhiyong clasped his hands together and congratulated the emperor. “Congratulations, Your Holiness. Now that the Earthly Sovereign Bell is yours, Chu will surely prosper for another thousand autumns, thrive for another ten thousand years, and exist for eternity.”

“Hahaha! Good! Good!” Emperor Jing Run could barely conceal his joy. “The greatest merit goes to you, Grand Mentor. However, the greatest grievance belongs to you as well. I will not forget what you have done today, nor will I forget my promise to you.”

“The day the Heavens’ Eye is restored is the day you claim vengeance. I will fulfill my promise.”

“This old subject is not aggrieved at all, Your Holiness. It is my honor to be able to serve you. To that end, this old subject will not hesitate to die a million times over.” Fang Zhiyong’s eyes reddened with gratitude.

“Oh right. There is one more thing I need you to do for me, Grand Mentor.”

Emperor Jing Run looked down on Fang Zhiyong and declared, “I don’t wish too many people to find out about my possession of the Earthly Sovereign Bell just yet. Do you understand, Grand Mentor?”

Fang Zhiyong bowed deeply. “This old subject understands. No one besides this old subject and Ruliu will find out about this.”

“I must mention something, however. What if Ye Qing himself leaks this news to others?”

“He is a traitor and a rebel. Who would believe him?” Emperor Jing Run said uncaringly. “I’ll be taking my leave now. I trust you to deal with the aftermath.”

“As you command, Your Holiness.”

Fang Zhiyong saluted Emperor Jing Run, and the man stepped back into the bronze mirror. The bronze mirror then took off into the sky and disappeared like a star.

After Emperor Jing Run left, Fang Zhiyong ordered, “Kill everyone who participated in this mission, Ruliu. All of them.”

Fang Ruliu hesitated, “Spirit, Demon, Sprite and Fairy too?”

“I said all of them,” Fang Zhiyong repeated pitilessly and emotionlessly.

“This old servant understands.”

Fang Ruliu saluted Fang Zhiyong and took a step backward. The next moment, willow trees began shooting out of the ground, waving their green leaves and spreading their white seeds everywhere like spring.

Fang Zhiyong whispered while staring at the sky full of white willow seeds, “Are you seeing this, Ye Qing? All these people will soon be dead because for you.”

“That is why your sin has become even greater, don’t you agree? Don’t you agree?”

1. I don’t know how to describe it, but it’s like his lifting gesture. He didn’t actually touch the bell, he just ran his fingers above its surface. ☜