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

Chapter 484 Thorough and Thoughtful
The son of Fox King Zhou Quan is named Zhou Dao, which sounds quite like a chain restaurant brand from later times. It mainly sells porridge, and it would be too late to cook it fresh after you order. However, it is unknown how long the shelf life is. Wu Chengyu has eaten it many times and can only hope that it is not pre-made.

However, Zhou's current status is somewhat awkward. He was born to Zhou Xuancheng and a woman in Jiangnan. He never went to Bright Peak in his life, and the Ming Cult knew little about him, except that he once received Yang Xu on behalf of his father.

But after Zhou Xuancheng's undercover identity was exposed, he also became a traitor hunted by the Beggars' Sect. He and several of his father's confidants went into hiding. Later, they learned of the movements of the Ming Cult's main force and followed them all the way.

He didn't really have any feelings for the Ming Cult; his background determined his identity. However, joining the Ming Cult was inevitable. As a traitor, he couldn't escape the Beggars' Sect's search, whether in the Song or Jin Kingdom.

until…….

The words of Wu Du, the Green-Eyed Serpent King, made Yang Xu's eyes flicker.

Zhou Xuancheng's current identity is somewhat awkward. Yang Xu followed Nangong Luan in rebellion, and Zhou Xuancheng resisted with all his might but was killed by Nangong Luan. Therefore, Zhou Xuancheng must be a loyal subject of the Ming Cult.

Now that Yang Xu has succeeded to the position of leader, it is still a usurpation of power, and he is also one of Zhou Dao's father's murderers. However, according to the dying wish of the former leader Fang Yu, Yang Xu is to set things right and the legitimacy of his succession has been acknowledged.

Yang Xu and Zhou Quan belong to the same camp, and it is only natural that Zhou Quan would return to the Ming Cult.

Yang Xu thought for a moment and said, "Let him in to see me."

He then said to Wu Du, "Although the Fox King has been lying low for a long time, he still has a strong foundation within the sect. His son wants to return to the Ming Cult. Regardless of whether he has ulterior motives, I cannot stop him."

Wu Du nodded. The Ming Cult could fall apart at any moment, and any possibility that could cause turmoil within the Ming Cult must be avoided.

Now that things have been nominally set right, there is indeed no reason to refuse the return of Zhou Xuancheng, the Fox King, a loyal minister who died resisting the chaos in Nangong, to the Ming Cult.

A short while later, a young man with a limp, his left leg supported by a crutch, his clothes tattered and looking extremely disheveled, entered the inner hall.

His condition was very bad, but Yang Xu still recognized him at a glance. He was the same little beggar who had taken him on a tour of Jiangnan years ago, full of spirit and witty.

At that time, Zhou Dao was unwilling to accept his identity as a beggar. After all, he was a member of the Clean Clothes Faction and dressed very properly, just like a student of an academy. He only had a patch on the corner of his clothes. But now he looked even more miserable than a beggar.

Zhou Dao stared blankly at Yang Xu, as if recalling something, or as if suddenly realizing something. He wanted to throw away his cane and kneel down to pay his respects, but Yang Xu stopped him.

“Brother Zhou, it’s been three years since we parted ways in Jiangnan. It feels like a dream to see you again today. Back then, we didn’t have so many formalities. Since you have an injury on your leg, don’t force yourself to bow. I know your intentions.”

It seemed difficult for Zhou Dao to kneel down and pay his respects. Yang Xu wasn't pretending to stop him; his hand supporting him was quite strong. Zhou Dao stopped insisting and showed a look of deep gratitude on his face at the right moment for Yang Xu's approachability.

“The Right Envoy Yang, no, the leader of the Yang Cult, is even more charismatic than before. I, on the other hand, have gone from a fake beggar to a real homeless dog.”

Having fallen to this state in just three short years, I am ashamed to face the leader again. However, the Beggars' Sect is relentlessly pursuing me, and I was left all alone with five or six brothers.

If I hadn't met the brothers of the Thick Earth Banner, I probably wouldn't have had the chance to see the leader again. Now, I have no choice but to shamelessly beg the leader to take me in and let me return to the Ming Cult.

Yang Xu didn't mind Zhou's disheveled appearance at all. He patted Zhou's shoulder and helped him sit down to the side.

“Your father, Dharma King Zhou, is both a Dharma protector and my senior. Logically, we should address each other as peers.”

You are not returning to the Ming Cult; you have been a member of the Ming Cult since birth, and naturally you are under the protection of the Ming Cult.

However, you are already aware that Nangong Luan rebelled and usurped the throne a few days ago, and your father fought bravely to the death and sacrificed his life.

Zhou Dao struggled to his feet again, clasped his hands together, and bowed deeply to Yang Xu.

“I know everything. When Nangong Luan rebelled, on the one hand, my father fought to the death and died a martyr. On the other hand, the leader of the Ming Cult saw that Nangong Luan was too powerful to resist, so he pretended to surrender and finally seized the opportunity to kill the traitor and restore peace to the Ming Cult.”

Those who risk their lives to protect the faith are admirable, but those who can endure humiliation and hardship to restore order are the most precious. They are fearless and wise. I, Zhou, would like to thank the leader for avenging my father's death. From now on, I am willing to follow the leader and go through fire and water for him.

May the Lord Yang be accomplished in both literature and martial arts, enjoying eternal bliss and longevity equal to that of Heaven.

These words brought a smile to the face of even a deep-thinking man like Yang Xu. As long as the flattery is skillful enough, both a hero and a schemer will enjoy it.

What pleased Yang Xu the most was that Zhou Dao had given a reasonable explanation for the killing of the Golden-Faced Fox King and Yang Xu's betrayal with Nangong Luan. Such an explanation would be hard to convince others, but when it came from the mouth of Zhou Xuancheng's son, the effect was completely different.

Yang Xu patted Zhou Dao on the shoulder again, and sighed with emotion: "Three years ago, we had a very pleasant conversation in Jiangnan. Only today, three years later, do I realize that Brother Zhou is actually my confidant. Only you can understand my previous efforts, even at the cost of ruining my own reputation, to protect the orthodoxy of my Ming Cult."

Your injuries are quite serious. You should go downstairs early to wash up and rest, change your clothes, and catch up properly tomorrow after you've rested. Go ahead.”

"In that case, I, Zhou, will take my leave now."

Yang Xu watched as Zhou Dao's limping figure disappeared from sight, and behind him came the sinister voice of Snake King Wu Du.

"What a smooth talker! He's a master of flattery. The cult leader says he's very shrewd and cunning, which sounds like a compliment. But in my opinion, he's just a shallow person."

Yang Xu withdrew his gaze: "This Zhou Dao appeared just in time. In the future, if any disciples in the sect spread rumors, we can use Zhou Dao to deal with them. His identity is most suitable for silencing those with guilty consciences." But Wu Du was not at ease: "The Fox King is good at planning. When Nangong Luan suddenly launched his rebellion, it was too sudden. The timing, location, and people were all in place. Otherwise, we really would have no way to deal with this cunning old man."

So, whether the Fox King's son's words were sincere or malicious, a master of disguise, who can know? I urge the Master to be careful.

Yang Xu nodded: "If we're talking about forbearance, I, Yang Xu, have some experience. Whether Zhou Dao sincerely submits or pretends to get close, he's just a nobody with low martial arts skills. He can't turn the world upside down."

"It's a pity about my junior sister. If she were as thoughtful and perceptive as I am, even if it was just for show, it would greatly benefit my control of the Ming Cult."

Yang Xu and Wu Du were helpless against Fang Yaning, and the two fell silent again. After a few breaths, Wu Du's cold eyes changed.

"Master, I have an idea. How about we have Zhou Dao try to persuade Miss?"
On the surface, Zhou Xuancheng died for the cult leader, a fact that Miss knows best. Therefore, in Miss's eyes, Zhou Xuancheng's son should be on the same side, and not as resistant to our people as he is to them.

Furthermore, the young lady is filled with resentment and unbearable frustration. She will inevitably say things to Zhou Dao that she wouldn't normally say. We'll see how Zhou Dao responds then, which will also serve as a way for the sect leader to assess whether Zhou Dao has ulterior motives.

Upon hearing Wu Du's words, Yang Xu didn't say anything, but just laughed loudly, then patted Wu Du on the shoulder, indicating that he should act accordingly from now on.

The next morning, Zhou Dao had already gotten up. After washing up and resting overnight, he looked much better. He wasn't exactly radiant, but he wasn't as disheveled as he had been the day before.

Just then, someone knocked on the door. Zhou Dao opened it and saw the same person who had been standing behind Yang Xu yesterday, silently observing him with cold eyes.

"Haha, Brother Zhou, you seem to have had a good rest and are much more energetic than yesterday."

I didn't introduce myself yesterday. My name is Wu Du, and I am the Jade-Eyed Serpent King of my Ming Cult.

Zhou Dao's expression turned serious, and he immediately bowed: "It was my oversight. I was too excited when I saw the sect leader yesterday and did not pay my respects to the Snake King."

"No, we're all on the same side. Although we're both the Four Great Dharma Kings, King Zhouhu is of a higher generation than me, so we should address each other as brothers."

However, I am not here today to reminisce. It is truly presumptuous of me. I would like to ask Brother Zhou for a favor. If this can be accomplished, I will certainly repay you handsomely when we return to Bright Peak.”

“You’re too kind, Venerable Wu. There is a difference in rank. Since it is the Venerable Wu’s order, I, Zhou, will certainly do my best.”

"It's not really an order. It's like this: during the Nangong Rebellion, the old sect leader died, and the young lady, heartbroken, blamed the rebellion on Sect Leader Yang."

Leader Yang was also very concerned about this junior sister, but unfortunately, the young lady had a strong personality and wouldn't listen to his explanations at all, only wallowing in sorrow. If this continued, her body would surely suffer, so I thought…”

Zhou Dao, understanding the implied meaning from the song, said: "The Snake King means that he wants me to comfort the young lady. After all, I am the son of the Fox King, and I am sure that the young lady is different in my heart."

"Snake King, rest assured, I will certainly persuade Miss to clear up the misunderstanding between her and Leader Yang, and also ask her to help Leader Yang stabilize the Ming Cult as soon as possible."

"Hahaha," the Snake King laughed, "Brother Zhou, you truly live up to your reputation as the son of the Snake King. Sect Leader Yang said you are shrewd and resourceful, but I think you are insightful and perceptive."

"Snake King, please do not praise us. Success or failure is still uncertain. I, Zhou, cannot guarantee that I can persuade Miss to change her mind. I can only say that I will do my best."

"Just do your best. Both Master Yang and I are indebted to Brother Zhou for this favor."

~~~~~~~~~~~
The innermost room of the inn was also the best furnished. In the past, it was reserved only for high-ranking officials and nobles who occasionally passed by. The room was quiet and silent, but there were more than twenty guards protecting it from the outside.

Fang Yaning was sitting upright in the room, holding a pair of short blades that resembled triangular military daggers. She was holding a piece of deerskin, which she was dabbing with tea seed oil, and carefully wiping and maintaining it. Her eyes were sometimes sad and sometimes filled with resentment.

She woke up early in the morning and had already dismissed the maid who brought her breakfast, having lost all appetite. But then someone came to knock on the door.

"I'm not saying I don't want to eat, so please stop bothering me."

"You still need to eat, otherwise you'll harm your health and make the late sect leader rest in peace, senior sister."

Upon hearing the words "Old Master," Fang Yaning, who was initially impatient and on the verge of cursing, stopped herself because of the title "Senior Sister."

Within the Ming Cult, her father, Fang Yu, only accepted one disciple, Yang Xu, Fang Yaning's senior brother. No one ever called her "senior sister," nor did anyone dare to be her junior brother.

"Who are you, and why do you address me like that?"

“My father, Zhou Xuancheng, was originally the Golden-Faced Fox King of my Ming Cult. He and the old leader studied under the previous leader when they were young, and they were true fellow disciples. I am a year younger than you, so I should really call you senior sister.”

At this moment, Fang Yaning suddenly realized that Zhou Xuancheng was Fang Yu's loyal follower and they were indeed fellow disciples back then. So it was not wrong for Zhou Xuancheng's son to call her senior sister. She had also heard that Zhou Xuancheng had a son when he was hiding in Jiangnan, but she had never seen him.

However, considering that Zhou Xuancheng had died protecting the sect leader after Nangong Luan's rebellion, Fang Yaning could not treat his son coldly now.

The person outside didn't care whether Fang Yaning agreed or not, and pushed the door open with a creak.

(End of this chapter)