The Legend of the Condor Heroes: From Being Expelled from Peach Blossom Island

Chapter 470 A date with the beautiful woman
Wuchang is not a large area, but suddenly a group of outsiders appeared. There were quite a few of them, and they all spoke with a northwestern accent. They were all carrying weapons and looked fierce and menacing. They were not to be trifled with at all.

Putting these characteristics together, and given the Beggars' Sect's intelligence-gathering abilities, they quickly discovered that these people were currently gathered in a large mansion in the southern part of Wuchang.

The people in the house are very mysterious; they don't interact with outsiders, and even supplies can only be delivered to their door.

Among the beggars were some with rich experience in the ways of the world. Although they could not get close, they could quickly calculate the approximate number of people in the house from the supplies.

There were about forty or fifty people. They consumed a lot of food every day and bought a lot of mutton. If you passed by the house, you could easily smell the mutton. It has to be said that people in Northwest China love to eat mutton.

In addition, he bought a lot of medicinal herbs from several pharmacies in Wuchang City, including Cyperus rotundus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Astragalus membranaceus, Rehmannia glutinosa, Poria cocos, etc. Although he did not know the specific prescriptions, he could tell at a glance that they were for treating internal injuries and meridian problems.

In addition, almonds, fritillaria cirrhosa, perilla leaves, loquat leaves, pinellia, and arisaema are all used to treat coughs.

Clearly, these medicinal herbs were prepared for the Ming Cult leader, who was suffering from severe internal injuries and coughing up blood incessantly.

Apart from that, they only bought the most basic necessities. The only unusual thing was that these people actually bought a large amount of face powder from the cosmetics shop.

This perfume powder is usually used by women. Among the people Wu Chengyu saw, only Fang Yu's daughter, Fang Yaning, was present. However, Wu Chengyu has a very good sense of smell. When they fought before, Fang Yaning did have a fragrance, but it was not strong. It was just a faint body fragrance, somewhat like orchids.

These face powders are common, mass-produced products with a strong, indistinct scent that's hard to identify. They're even a bit pungent. They're cheap, come in large quantities, and are not something any girl with a modicum of taste would use, let alone Fang Yaning, who is, after all, the cult leader's daughter.

Moreover, they bought a considerable amount, enough for Fang Yaning to use for several months, enough to last her several days as a meal.

Wu Chengyu stared at the list of perfumes and powders, and he and Hong Qigong looked at each other, unable to understand why the Ming Cult would buy these things.

"Old beggar, is it because he's a germaphobe and thinks you beggars smell too bad, so he's cleaning you up before we fight?"

Ah Ku, what's so great about being a beggar? It's become a stereotype. Listen to your brother, leave the Beggars' Guild as soon as possible, otherwise, this clean and pretty little girl of yours will one day be tainted by its stench."

"You brat, you're slandering me out of thin air. I'm as clean as an old beggar. I just took a bath in the river last month. Look how white my arms are. I have to work hard to scrub off any dirt."

"That poor girl is my heir. She was born a beggar, and all the big and small beggars in the Beggars' Clan like her. She'll be the future leader of the Beggars' Clan, so don't even think about taking her away."

"You promised me that you would only take on disciples and pass on your skills, and you wouldn't let A-Ku join the Beggars' Sect."

"Did I agree? I don't remember. Besides, the poor girl agreed herself. I just didn't object."

The two gradually veered off-topic from discussing the uses of the face powder, and then started arguing about who A-Ku belonged to. This had become the norm in their conversations. A-Ku actually liked this atmosphere, but she didn't take sides and just smiled without saying a word.

Before they could finish arguing, a beggar suddenly ran in from outside, holding a note in his hand.

"Reporting to the leader, someone has sent a visiting card from outside."

"Where are you from, friend?"

"The invitation card said it belonged to the Ming Cult, but the person who came was a young woman."

Hong Qigong scratched his head: "That's strange. We just discovered their stronghold, how did they know we were here?"

Wu Chengyu immediately began to mock: "A bunch of beggars are gathered in this dock warehouse, going in and out, occasionally stealing a dog stewed with fragrant meat, or digging a pit and burying a fire to make beggar's chicken. Anyone can guess that they are from your Beggars' Gang."

Hong Qigong ignored him: "When two countries are at war, envoys are not to be killed. Please invite this young lady in."

A moment later, a familiar face appeared before Wu Chengyu. It was Fang Yaning. Now she was finally not deceiving herself by pretending to be a man. She hadn't put anything on her face. This girl was really fair-skinned, with a cool, radiant complexion.

Compared to A-Ku, she was two shades lighter. There was nothing she could do about it; after all, A-Ku was a member of the Beggars' Sect, and not having any ash on her face was considered whitening. However, A-Ku never cared about these things, but Fang Ya-Ning was quite curious about them.

One was the daughter of the leader of the Ming Cult, and the other was the disciple of the leader of the Beggars' Sect. In terms of status, the two girls were evenly matched.

As soon as Fang Yaning walked in, she stared intently at Wu Chengyu and secretly rolled her eyes before turning to look at Hong Qigong.

Wu Chengyu raised an eyebrow. During their last encounter, when they were not far apart, Wu Chengyu's sense of smell was extremely keen, and he could confirm Fang Yaning's body scent at that time.

This time, however, he smelled the scent of the perfume powder mentioned in the list on Fang Yaning. Although it was only a faint scent, it did not escape Wu Chengyu's nose.

It is certain that the perfume powder was not for Fang Yaning's own use; it must have been applied to her body by someone else. Fang Yaning was not far from that person, so it was inevitable that she would get a little bit on her. It wasn't much, but Wu Chengyu still recognized it.

"Fang Yaning of the Ming Cult has met Chief Hong of the Beggar Clan. He has long heard of the Northern Beggar's reputation among the Five Greats of the world, which is as famous as thunder in his ears."

Hong Qigong chuckled: "He's just a beggar leader, he doesn't have any real reputation. Beggars are easily bullied, and he just got the short end of the stick recently."

Fang Yaning acted as if she hadn't heard: "I've come today on the orders of my sect leader, to deliver a visiting card, hoping to resolve the previous misunderstanding with the Beggars' Sect. If our two sides can turn hostility into friendship and join hands to create a great cause, it would be a beautiful story in the martial arts world." "Is that so? Just a misunderstanding? I thought you were here to issue a challenge to our Beggars' Sect. After all, the Ming Cult has challenged several of our branch sects without even a word, and we've never had any enmity before."

This is completely against the rules of the martial arts world, and now that they've gained an advantage, they want to seek peace—that's even more unethical.

"Whether it's a declaration of war or a plea for peace, it's all up to Chief Hong. If Chief Hong wants war, our Ming Cult will never back down."

“Well said. Although she is a woman, she has not diminished the reputation of the Ming Cult. Whatever your leader’s plan is, our Beggar Clan will accept it.”

"Chief Hong is indeed generous. My leader has invited the Beggars' Clan to meet at Phoenix Mountain outside Wuchang City at noon three days from now to discuss important matters."

"Very well, the Ming Cult is indeed qualified to compete with my Beggars' Sect. Tell your leader, Hong Qigong, that he has accepted this challenge."

As soon as the words "challenge" were uttered, Fang Yaning knew that the Beggars' Sect would absolutely not let the Ming Cult off easily. She immediately bowed to Hong Qigong, turned to leave, but couldn't help but look back at Wu Chengyu as she left, leaving behind a single sentence.

"Hey Wu, do you dare to meet me at the Hankou Wharf tonight at 7 PM?" He said, but didn't give Wu Chengyu a chance to reply. He used his lightness skill to leave immediately.

Wu Chengyu was originally going to refuse. This wasn't modern society with its vibrant nightlife. In ancient times, people wouldn't wander around aimlessly at night. But before he could utter the words "I'm not going," Fang Yaning had already vanished.

Wu Chengyu was getting a headache. He was annoyed by these self-righteous women who thought they could boss people around just because they were pretty, as if everyone had to listen to them.

But before he could finish complaining in his mind, Hong Qigong seemed to have finally found something to criticize about Wu Chengyu.

"Look, I told you that your face is too beautiful. When you were a child, you could only be described as handsome, but who knew that when you grew up, your face would become completely unbearable to look at. It makes people angry, and you attract attention like bees and butterflies whenever you go out."

That young lady is so beautiful, her skin is dazzling, and she's the daughter of the Ming Cult leader, yet she still can't resist asking you to meet her.

However, you mustn't do anything to betray A-Ku. That Ming Cult girl is quite pretty, but my A-Ku is no less so.”

Wu Chengyu rolled his eyes at Hong Qigong: "We've only met twice, okay? I'm not that promiscuous, and I have no interest in this woman."

Besides, if she wants to see me, I have to go. Old beggar, remember this: after you grow up to have my face, you must be reserved in front of women, because women are often the least reserved, and I must protect myself.

"But it's pointless to talk to you. Looking like you—a bit old, a bit ugly, and most importantly, a bit smelly—you'll never understand my level of understanding."

Hong Qigong was disgusted by Wu Chengyu's words, but Aku next to him agreed wholeheartedly, his two big, curved eyes blinking as if he were thinking about something.

When the night was deep and quiet, Wu Chengyu set up a hammock in the warehouse and lay on it, swaying back and forth. Hong Qigong had meat buns wrapped in lotus leaves in his hand, taking two bites at a time, talking as he ate, his mouth full of oil.

"You're really not going, huh?"

"Why would I go there? Besides, Hankou Wharf is so big, and there's no specific location. 戌时 (Xu Shi) is a whole hour, and without knowing the exact time, how can you make an appointment like that? Let that silly girl get some fresh air at the wharf; maybe it will clear her head."

"Don't blame the old beggar for not reminding you. If you don't go, that poor girl will sneak off just now."

"Hmm, what is Ah Ku playing at?" Wu Chengyu exclaimed in surprise and immediately sat up from the hammock.

"How would I know? Kuyatou was originally so sensible and obedient. I entrusted her with many things in the gang. But since you came, all she does is play all day long."

I've never understood women's minds in my entire life. I guess it's because when a girl asks you out, you can't help but go and see what tricks she's up to.

These are turbulent times. If you're worried, go check on things. Anyway, the old beggar doesn't get involved in matters of men and women.

Now Wu Chengyu had no choice but to go. A-Ku's martial arts were quite good; at such a young age, he had reached the top tier and had mastered the essence of the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms.

The four great Dharma Kings of the Ming Cult were all on par with her, and only the Cult Leader and the Left and Right Bright Envoys could defeat her. Logically speaking, these three people would not attack her because of their status.

Moreover, the Ming Cult and the Beggars' Sect had just agreed to a battle, and both were powerful forces. Other sects would at least adhere to some martial arts rules.

But the Ming Cult doesn't mingle with the martial arts world; they're rebels and don't follow martial arts rules at all. Wu Chengyu didn't know why Fang Yaning suddenly invited him.

Logically speaking, this woman doesn't seem to be as love-struck as Qiu Qianchi. She wouldn't be so easily swayed by Wu Chengyu's handsome face. She should really be looking for someone to meet after dusk.

Therefore, this woman must have something up her sleeve tonight, and there might even be an ambush. It would be quite dangerous for Ah Ku to go alone.

Thinking of this, Wu Chengyu did not hesitate any longer and used his lightness skill to rush towards the dock.

Only Hong Qigong remained, with a steamed bun in his mouth, leisurely lying on Wu Chengyu's hammock.

(End of this chapter)