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

Chapter 535 Like a Dream, Like Reality
Huang Rong is undoubtedly one of the most popular female protagonists in Jin Yong's martial arts world, and she would definitely be in the top three.

She is beautiful, intelligent, and deeply affectionate. She is skillful and decisive, and occasionally she may act coquettishly or be a little temperamental, but she is always understanding. In addition, she has the best cooking skills in the world of martial arts novels.

Such a woman is simply the epitome of an ideal partner in the world of martial arts. Without Huang Rong, the simple-minded Guo Jing would never have achieved what he did later in life. This girl is actually very lucky for her husband.

The girl who regained her female form on the small boat, with bright eyes and a shy demeanor, when she called out "Brother Jing" in a clear voice, moved not only Guo Jing, but also millions of old friends who had read the original novel or watched the TV series.

Of course, when Wu Chengyu read The Legend of the Condor Heroes and The Return of the Condor Heroes in his previous life, the character that most stirred his imagination was Li Mochou. He preferred the tall, voluptuous, and aloof mature woman type, and her apricot-yellow Taoist robe was simply wonderful, with a touch of uniform allure.

Someone as petite and cute as Huang Rong, with a rather slender figure, wasn't really his type back then.

Cuteness always pales in comparison to sexiness. His feelings for Huang Rong were more of pure admiration, without much romanticizing.

Moreover, according to the factory settings, the two of them were actually cousins, within the fifth degree of kinship, and thus close relatives.

Although there was a saying in this era that "cousins ​​are even closer than relatives," and Xu Shilin in "The Legend of the White Snake" even married his own aunt's daughter, Wu Chengyu, who came from a later era and had received nine years of compulsory education, naturally had no feelings for Huang Rong.

However, putting aside the filter of his past life, when Wu Chengyu actually saw this charming and lively little girl, he couldn't help but feel a surge of tenderness and affection in his heart.

After transmigrating and becoming Wu Mianfeng, he not only received the memories of his predecessor, like flipping through a short biography, but also truly inherited the emotions that belonged to Wu Mianfeng, which can be seen from his long-standing resentment towards Huang Yaoshi.

Years later, Wu Chengyu had long forgotten the pain of his broken leg. In the end, Huang Yaoshi broke Wu Mianfeng's leg, but Wu Chengyu bore the subsequent pain.

As for Feng Heng's desire to seek revenge on Huang Yaoshi for his death, that was Wu Mianfeng's resentment. Feng Heng was not Wu Chengyu's aunt, but Wu Chengyu always had this obsession and could not get rid of Wu Mianfeng's influence.

Over the years, Wu Chengyu has been running around causing trouble everywhere, but he has never forgotten this matter. He also vaguely feels that his resentment towards Huang Yaoshi has become a hindrance in his heart, as if his heart will never be at peace if he does not avenge this grudge.

When Wu Chengyu saw Huang Rong at this moment, a sense of closeness deep in his blood arose spontaneously. It was still from Wu Mianfeng. This feeling might not be rational, but it was extremely real, and it was something Wu Chengyu could not get rid of.

Therefore, he had to make this trip to repay Huang Rong's kindness and avenge Huang Yaoshi, so that he could truly get rid of his obsessions. Otherwise, if his heart was not at peace, he would never have any hope of achieving enlightenment.

At that moment, Huang Rong was staring down at the skewers in his hand, secretly swallowing her saliva.

Wu Chengyu naturally handed over the skewers: "These are freshly grilled thirteen-spice lamb skewers, specially saved for you. Try them."

Huang Rong was somewhat surprised. The scene before her was like a dream, and she was even a little confused about why she was there and who Wu Chengyu was.

But seeing the three parts kindness and seven parts closeness in Wu Chengyu's eyes, she, who should have been wary of food from strangers, unknowingly accepted it.

Her eyes were very special, loving and affectionate. Her father, Huang Yaoshi, would look at her with that same gaze, as would her three senior brothers, Qu Lingfeng and the others.

Apart from that, she had never seen such a look in anyone else's eyes. When she met Mo Ku during the day, although she didn't know why, she only felt closeness and curiosity when she looked at her, without any kind of affection.

Moreover, there seemed to be a trace of reminiscence hidden deep in Wu Chengyu's eyes, as if the older brother in front of her was looking at someone else through her.

Regardless, Huang Rong's intuition always told her that the person in front of her meant no harm.

Of course, this was also because she was naive and inexperienced at the time. If she were the future leader of the Beggars' Sect, known as the female Zhuge Liang, she would never have been so easily convinced.

Huang Rong unconsciously reached out and took the skewer, gently biting a piece of mutton with her pearly teeth, lightly flicking her wrist, carefully chewing a couple of times, and immediately beaming with joy.

The lamb was roasted to perfection, tender and juicy with a hint of char. The spices were so rich and flavorful that they were eye-catching, yet just right, not masking the original taste of the lamb but complementing it perfectly, with no trace of muttony smell.

Huang Rong was a little glutton, and she ate with gusto, her head bobbing and her eyes smiling. She ate two skewers before letting out a soft exclamation of praise:
"Big brother, your barbecue is so delicious! Not only is the heat perfect, but the spices are also wonderful."

I think I've heard of "Thirteen Spices". My senior brother Lu said that there used to be a restaurant called Deshenglou in Shaoxing that specialized in it and had a great reputation. It's a pity that Deshenglou disappeared for some reason, so I missed out on this delicious treat.

So, big brother, you're actually from Shaoxing?

As expected of Huang Rong, even though she inexplicably lowered her guard against Wu Chengyu, she still didn't forget to find out the background of this older brother who made her feel close to him.

Wu Chengyu's gaze remained indulgent: "The owner of Deshenglou is my friend, and I taught him the recipe for Thirteen Spices."

It's a pity my friend is no longer here. He was also a glutton, always saying, "Good food should never be wasted." If he were still alive, we would definitely get along well.

Huang Rong put down the skewer: "Is that so? What a pity. You're willing to give away such a rare recipe. It seems you two must be very close."

Wu Chengyu lowered his gaze slightly. Facing Huang Rong, he seemed to be able to let down his guard. His gaze involuntarily drifted towards the bright moon in the sky—the moon was there then, but Yu Xiaowu had been gone for many years.

"Let's not talk about him anymore. If you like this recipe, you can have it. In fact... many things can be given to you."

Huang Rong finally became alert. She leaned forward slightly, tilted her head, and carefully examined Wu Chengyu:

There's a saying, "One should not accept rewards without merit," and another, "Those who offer unsolicited favors are either treacherous or thieves."

My older brother called me over late at night and treated me to barbecue. I was very happy, but why is he being so nice to me for no reason...? What do you want from me?

"What if I'm not doing this for no reason? Or what if I'm being nice to you because it's my duty, and you just need to accept it?"

Wu Chengyu's voice was calm: "After all, I owe someone a debt of gratitude."

Some debts of gratitude must be repaid, and in this lifetime... I'm afraid I can only repay them to you.

Huang Rong's big eyes were full of confusion: "Whose favor do you owe me? Why are you giving it to me?"

Wu Chengyu took out a scroll from his bosom and handed it to Huang Rong. Huang Rong unfolded it and saw that the painting depicted a woman in a green robe, with an elegant and beautiful appearance and a gentle and refined temperament.

Though only a few strokes were used, the kindness in the woman's eyes and her ethereal spirit leaped off the page.

Huang Rong immediately felt that the person in the painting looked exactly like herself, especially her delicate features and her lively spirit. However, the age was wrong. The woman in the painting was about twenty years old, not her own young age.

She frowned slightly, and upon closer inspection, suddenly asked in surprise, "How do you have a portrait of my mother? However, it's not quite the same as the one in my father's room. That one makes her look more refined and intelligent, while this one is more gentle and approachable. Who... exactly are you?" Wu Chengyu smiled. Huang Rong, Feng Heng, and Mu Qingyin—the three were indeed remarkably similar, just as he could immediately think of Mu Qingyin and Feng Heng when looking at Huang Rong.

"This painting doesn't depict your mother, but my own mother. My mother's name is Mu Qingyin, and she has a cousin named Feng Heng, which is also your mother's name."

The sisters already bore a striking resemblance, and you, in particular, look remarkably like your mother. Seeing you reminds me of my own mother.

Huang Rong's eyes were wide open, and her lips moved a few times, but no sound came out.

Her mother had passed away when she was still an infant, and she had no memory of Feng Heng. Which child who has lost their father at a young age has never imagined what their mother looks like?

Huang Rong was intimately familiar with the portrait of Feng Heng in her father's room, and her mother's appearance was etched into her very being. She lowered her head again, carefully examining the woman in the painting, and finally discovered some clues.

"This person... is definitely not my mother. My mother's face is rounder, and she likes to tie her hair with gold rings, just like me. She rarely uses hairpins, but apart from that, this person is just too similar."

So, you're saying your mother is my mother's cousin? Then wouldn't you be my cousin? Huang Rong's voice trembled with disbelief.

When Wu Chengyu heard Huang Rong call him cousin, he nodded silently, and his eyes warmed as he looked at Huang Rong.

However, what if a cousin suddenly appears out of nowhere? Even if Huang Rong always felt that Wu Chengyu was friendly and harmless, how could she easily believe him?

"Then why have I never heard of having a cousin? Even my father has never mentioned you?"

“Because my aunt has done me a great favor, while your father, Huang Yaoshi… has a grudge against me.” Wu Chengyu said calmly, “He has never thought highly of me, so why would he mention me to you?”

Huang Rong's little brain went blank again. Did he owe her mother a debt of gratitude? Did he have a grudge against her father? This cousin who suddenly appeared was so mysterious and unpredictable, and his entrance was so unusual. He came to repay a debt of gratitude, so…could he also be here for revenge?

She stood up abruptly, about to ask more questions, when she saw Wu Chengyu pick up the suona and start playing that shrill tune again.

Several sound wave techniques are mixed with ultrasonic suggestions, and even incorporate the soul-shifting technique.

Huang Rong's eyes momentarily went blank. Amidst the sound of the suona, she slowly turned and left, just as she had come. Wu Chengyu, playing the suona, silently followed behind her.

Following the sound of the suona that only she could hear, Huang Rong returned to Guiyun Manor alone. As if she had a premonition, she took a roundabout way to avoid the night patrol guards and finally returned to her boudoir, where she fell into a deep sleep.

Wu Chengyu watched Huang Rong's figure disappear into the room, shook his head with a smile, and quietly turned and left.

The next day, at midday, Huang Rong was awakened from her deep sleep by a rapid knocking on the door. Qu Yun's clear voice came from outside: "Little Martial Aunt! Get up quickly! Breakfast time is almost over!"

Huang Rong sat up groggily, feeling as if something unusual had happened to her. She shook her head, and the events of the previous night immediately flooded her mind.

But was it just a dream? Or did such an encounter really happen? It makes no sense that a complete stranger would appear in a dream, someone who is very close to me and claims to be my cousin.

If it really was a dream, why did I leave Guiyun Manor without any warning? Besides the guards, there were three senior brothers in Guiyun Manor, all of whom were true masters. How could they not have noticed me? And how did I inexplicably return without any awareness?

If it wasn't a dream, then this experience felt both bizarre and real, so vividly real.

Urged on by the constant knocking at the door, she opened it in a daze, and Qu Yun skipped in: "Hey? Little Martial Aunt, you get dressed pretty quickly!"

Huang Rong woke up instantly. She had clearly taken off her clothes to sleep last night, but now she was fully dressed!
Immediately afterwards, Qu Yun wrinkled her nose and sniffed closer: "Little Martial Aunt, why do you smell so meaty? It smells so good, it's the smell of mutton. Did you sneak some good stuff to eat behind my back last night?"

Huang Rong unconsciously licked her lips. The spices were quite special and wouldn't dissipate easily. She immediately recalled the roasted meat from last night and even drooled.

At this moment, Huang Rong finally realized that last night was not a dream. She had indeed unknowingly left Guiyun Manor and met a man who claimed to be her cousin.

"Xiaoyun, did you hear any sound last night? It was that kind of awful, piercing suona sound."

Qu Yun shook her head and said, "Of course not. I'm a very light sleeper. I'll wake up at the slightest sound. Besides, who would dare to come to Guiyun Manor at night to play the suona and cause trouble? They would definitely be kicked out."

Huang Rong shook her head. She was certain that last night's dream was not real, and the sound of the suona was real. How could no one have heard it?

"Hey, slow down! Where are you taking me?" Qu Yun was being pulled away by Huang Rong and almost stumbled.

At this moment, in the main hall of Guiyun Manor, Qu Lingfeng, Lu Chengfeng, and Feng Mofeng had already gotten up. After having breakfast, they were drinking tea and discussing the purpose of Mo Kulai from Hongyun Restaurant coming to Gushan.

Huang Rong rushed in, panting, and asked, "Three senior brothers, can you tell me if my mother has a cousin and a son who is my cousin? But why have I never heard of her?"

Qu Lingfeng and the other two immediately exchanged glances, their expressions turning somewhat grim. Of course, they knew about this, since Wu Chengyu had joined Peach Blossom Island through connections back then.

However, after killing the Black Wind Duo, Wu Chengyu had a big argument with Qu Lingfeng and Lu Chengfeng because of his attitude towards Huang Yaoshi, and vowed never to return to Peach Blossom Island.

Logically speaking, Wu Chengyu and they had become enemies, but after all, they still had some friendship back on Peach Blossom Island. Moreover, without Wu Chengyu, they wouldn't have been able to kill the Black Wind Duo, and naturally wouldn't have had the chance to return to Peach Blossom Island.

Feng Mofeng was also saved by Wu Chengyu, who treated his leg injury with the Black Jade Broken Leg Ointment, and he was no longer disabled. From this point of view, Wu Chengyu was also kind to them.

The two words "grudges" are the hardest to explain and the hardest to let go of, so Qu Lingfeng and the other two never knew how to deal with Wu Chengyu and consciously avoided mentioning him on ordinary days.

Years later, the three of them had indeed forgotten about Wu Chengyu. When they suddenly heard Huang Rong mention her cousin, they were at a loss for words.

Feng Mofeng and Wu Chengyu were the closest of friends. They were close in age and understood each other's character. When he heard Huang Rong's question, he instinctively remembered that Wu Chengyu had once said that he would return to Peach Blossom Island one day to settle their scores.

Thinking of this, he suddenly stood up and grabbed Huang Rong: "Where did you hear this news from?"

Huang Rong was incredibly clever; she immediately discerned the clue from her three senior brothers' expressions: "So, I really do have a cousin?"

　I had things to do during the day and didn't get back until very late. I thought of many plans for Wu Chengyu and Huang Rong's first encounter, but I wasn't satisfied with any of them. I barely managed to write this chapter. It was really difficult.

　　That's all for today's chapter, four thousand words. I'll keep working hard tomorrow.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)