With this thought in mind, Fang Ze couldn't help but carefully check the omens around Councilor Huang again.
What let Fang Ze relax a bit was that the omens around Councilor Huang had not changed at all and were very calm. This indicated that, at least for the short term, Councilor Huang did not intend to harm him.
Moreover, considering the Huang Family's vast wealth and strong roots in Xida State, any action must be taken with great caution and care to give the Security Bureau and other relevant departments enough time to handle things. So, after a moment's hesitation, Fang Ze decided to take the risk alone.
Of course, taking the risk alone did not mean he was playing with his life.
While pretending to contemplate, he decisively maximized his life-saving abilities: directly borrowing Jiang Cheng's [Saving the Chariot] ability.
This ability allowed Fang Ze to bind with an extraordinary creature under his complete control. If he encountered a fatal injury, the extraordinary creature would swap places with him and take the hit.
Once he was transferred away, he could also use [Summon] to pull Bai Zhi and Bai Ling away, removing the three of them from danger.
Having set up these life-saving measures, Fang Ze came back to his senses. He then smiled at Councilor Huang and said, "Since Councilor Huang is so inviting, it would be rude to decline."
"I'll be troubling you for dinner tonight."
Seeing Fang Ze agree so readily, Councilor Huang beamed with joy. He said to Fang Ze, "No trouble at all, no trouble at all. Councilor Fang's arrival is a great honor for our humble abode!" He then turned to the butler and instructed, "Have the kitchen start cooking now, at the highest standards. We must entertain our distinguished guest!"
Once the instructions were given, he turned back to indicate to Fang Ze, "Councilor Fang, this way, please." He led Fang Ze and his group into the manor.
Seeing his warm attitude, Fang Ze further confirmed that he did not seem to plan any harm tonight, thus he relaxed a bit more.
Even so, Fang Ze remained vigilant, ready to escape at any moment while he and his companions followed Councilor Huang into the Huang Family Manor, chatting and laughing.
The group strolled through the Huang Family Manor.
Bai Ling, innocent and oblivious, noticed nothing unusual. Eating a lollipop, she hopped beside Fang Ze, wide-eyed, curiously examining the manor, which was even more luxurious than her own home.
Bai Zhi, having spent the day with Fang Ze and being the only one aware of the secret mission and next steps, sharply sensed something amiss.
After all, on the way to the Huang Family home, Fang Ze had been frowning and pondering excuses to visit more council members.
Yet now, after meeting Councilor Huang, he suddenly seemed unhurried!
This clearly indicated something was wrong.
'Could it be….. Councilor Huang is a believer of Dahei Jialuo?'
The thought startled Bai Zhi. She was both surprised by this truth and Fang Ze's investigative method.
After all, Fang Ze had interacted with Councilor Huang in full view, without asking questions or doing anything special. How had he investigated…? It was incredible!
With Bai Zhi still in shock, the group arrived at the Huang Family's mansion.
At this point, Councilor Huang was unaware of his exposure. His ability to hide for so many years relied on never showing himself as a traitor, prioritizing the interests of the Huang Family and Councilor Huang in all actions.
From the Huang Family and Councilor Huang's perspective: Fang Ze was the last of the Si Family, with great fortune. The moment they met, Huang sensed his exceptional presence, recognizing him as extraordinary. Moreover, the Huang Family had no grudges with the Si Family; they even had some old connections, so they naturally wanted to foster a good relationship!
Therefore, after inviting Fang Ze to the manor, Councilor Huang was genuinely hospitable, involving his children and bringing out treasured wine. The dinner was prepared to the highest standard traditionally reserved for honored guests.
Fang Ze noted Councilor Huang's hospitality. Honestly, if not for the [Black Panther] ability confirming Councilor Huang's identity, Fang Ze might have been fooled.
Whenever he got the chance, he would check the omens around Councilor Huang and his family.
If the omens of one person resembling those of a believer might be a coincidence, the entire family having similar omens could not be just coincidence…
With this in mind, Fang Ze began to probe, "Uncle Huang, let me tell you something sincere. Today, I met many councilors, but few I felt I could trust."
"Only you. The moment I saw you, I felt you were trustworthy."
Hearing Fang Ze, Councilor Huang laughed heartily and replied, "My dear nephew, you have trusted rightly. Let me tell you, you can go out and verify; the Huang Family's success is built on two words: 'trust' and 'righteousness.'"
"In the future, if you need any help or have questions, come and find me. I will never turn you away!"
Hearing this, Fang Ze smiled and raised his tea in a toast, "Then I thank you in advance, Uncle Huang."