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

Chapter 536 As if facing a formidable enemy
Huang Rong's bright and clever eyes were fixed on her three senior brothers, as if she wanted to imprint every subtle change on their faces.

The shocking news she had just received revealed that she actually had a cousin she had never heard of. She was extremely anxious. The truth was right in front of her, how could she let it go?

"Cousin? My cousin?" Huang Rong's voice was clear and bright, carrying an undeniable question. Her gaze swept intently over the faces of her three senior brothers in turn. "Who exactly is he? Why have I never heard Father mention him? You must know, tell me quickly!"

However, she was met with a suffocating silence. Qu Lingfeng, Lu Chengfeng, and Feng Mofeng all had different expressions, but none of them spoke.

The air seemed to freeze. This unusual silence weighed heavily on Huang Rong's heart like a stone, making her even more convinced that there must be a shocking secret hidden within.

Feng Mofeng pursed his lips, his expression the most complex and indescribable. Huang Rong knew that this senior brother had the softest heart and loved her the most.

Without hesitation, she reached out and grabbed Feng Mofeng's sleeve with her slender fingers, shaking it gently. Her tone carried a hint of her usual coquettishness: "Senior Brother Mofeng! You love Rong'er the most, don't you? Tell me, please."

Normally, if she were to plead and beg like this, Feng Mofeng would immediately surrender, asking her to pluck stars or the moon.

But today, he seemed rooted to the spot, his honest face now only showing an indescribable bitterness, a forced smile that looked more like a grimace. His deepest fear had finally come true.

He and Wu Mianfeng (Wu Chengyu) were brought to Peach Blossom Island by their master Huang Yaoshi almost one after the other.

At that time, both of them were just five or six-year-old children, innocent and ignorant.

Although Peach Blossom Island is large, for the two young children who have suddenly left home, the warmest support is not their strict master, but their gentle and kind master's wife, Feng Heng.

It was Feng Heng who personally tailored and mended their clothes; it was Feng Heng who hummed lullabies to lull them to sleep late at night; it was Feng Heng who, like a real mother, soothed their anxieties about leaving home for the first time with her meticulous care.

Feng Mofeng had long regarded his master's wife as his own mother. Later, when Feng Heng died and Peach Blossom Island suffered a great upheaval, how could he not feel resentment? However, this resentment was suppressed by Huang Yaoshi's boundless kindness in teaching him, and buried deep in his heart.

He was kind and honest by nature, and his respect for his teachers was ingrained in his very bones. His loyalty to his master, Huang Yaoshi, was unwavering.

For the sake of loyalty and filial piety, he almost forced himself to forget the deep-seated pain and regret brought about by the passing of his mistress, Feng Heng.

That's precisely why he understands Wu Mianfeng better than anyone else. Feng Heng is Wu Mianfeng's only loving mother after losing his father, and they are also blood relatives. What does Wu Chengyu want from his return? It goes without saying!

Thinking of the profound kindness and care that Madam Feng Heng had shown her in raising him, Feng Mofeng felt he had no right to stop a son who was seeking revenge for his loving mother.

But on the other side was his master, whose kindness was as heavy as a mountain! For a moment, he could hardly breathe, truly caught in a dilemma, torn between two options.

Senior Brother Qu Lingfeng's face was ashen, his jawline taut. His gaze was deep, seemingly piercing through the teacup before him, directed towards the frail figure from his distant memory who often followed behind him, calling him Senior Brother.

He subconsciously shook his head slightly, the movement gentle yet carrying an unspeakable heaviness and sorrow.

As the eldest disciple, he cared deeply for his two younger brothers back then. Now, fate has played a cruel trick on him, and his younger brother, filled with hatred, has suddenly returned. How should he cope, or can he only sigh helplessly?

As for Lu Chengfeng, he always imitated his master Huang Yaoshi's mannerisms and demeanor.

Back on the island, Huang Yaoshi disliked Wu Mianfeng for his dullness and rarely spoke to him kindly. Consequently, Lu Chengfeng also looked down on this good-for-nothing junior brother and often ignored him.

Between the two, the affection was extremely weak. At this moment, Lu Chengfeng's face showed little difficulty, but rather a hint of arrogance and indifference.

The last time he saw Wu Chengyu was several years ago when they were besieging the Black Wind Duo at Xiaoling Mountain. At that time, Wu Chengyu was ruthless and his martial arts were indeed extraordinary, but Lu Chengfeng was too prejudiced. In his eyes, Wu Chengyu was still not capable of great things.

He firmly believed that his master, Huang Yaoshi, was the only god in the world, whose martial arts and wisdom were unparalleled and unmatched by anyone.

This deep-seated adoration made him absolutely refusing to believe that anyone in this world could truly threaten his master in the slightest. Wu Chengyu? Just a child burdened with old grudges, nothing to be concerned about.
Seeing that the three remained silent, Huang Rong's patience finally ran out. She suddenly stood up, her pretty face frosty, and her voice rose sharply, carrying an undeniable determination.

"Fine! Since none of you will tell me! I'll set off back to Peach Blossom Island right now and ask Father myself! I want to see what kind of cousin you all are so tight-lipped about!"

"No!" "Absolutely not!" "Junior sister, wait!"

The four words "return to Peach Blossom Island" were like three thunderclaps, exploding simultaneously in the ears of Qu, Lu, and Feng!

Their bodies trembled violently, and they cried out in unison to stop them. Qu Lingfeng and Feng Mofeng, in particular, turned deathly pale, their eyes filled with terror.

In their minds, Huang Yaoshi's power had long surpassed ordinary understanding, bordering on godhood, making him a truly invincible being.

Even if Wu Chengyu's martial arts skills improve further, he will never be a match for his master!
However, that is precisely why Huang Rong must not be allowed to return! If Huang Yaoshi is alarmed, given his righteous yet wicked, decisive and ruthless nature, how could he possibly show mercy to his former disciple Wu Chengyu, who has come seeking revenge?
The camaraderie of the past and the kindness of the master's wife would likely be reduced to dust in the face of the master's thunderous wrath.

Cherishing the old friendships that were long gone but still remained in their hearts, they had to settle things here, in Gushan, and stop Wu Chengyu from setting foot on Peach Blossom Island!
They knew their master too well and were convinced that Wu Chengyu's journey was like a moth drawn to a flame, certain to die—an outcome they absolutely did not want to see.

Most importantly, Wu Chengyu's arrival on the island means bringing up the old story of Feng Heng's death again, and reopening the deepest wound on Peach Blossom Island. When Huang Rong learns about the past, she will not know how to get along with her father, and Peach Blossom Island will never be peaceful again.

Qu Lingfeng quickly comforted her, "Rong'er, don't worry. There is indeed such a person who was on Peach Blossom Island back then, but he left many years ago and has had no contact with us. It's just that you suddenly brought it up, which surprised us a bit."

Huang Rong was taken aback: "He was also on Peach Blossom Island back then, so why did he leave?"

Lu Chengfeng said, "In a sense, he was just a discarded disciple of Peach Blossom Island. His aptitude and comprehension were not enough to inherit the unique skills of Peach Blossom Island. In the end, he left alone out of shame. Rong'er, you don't need to worry about him. He is already a stranger to us now."

Huang Rong was incredibly intelligent. If it were really that simple, her three senior brothers wouldn't have looked so serious just now. She turned her gaze to Feng Mofeng, who had the most honest and kind personality.

Feng Mofeng smiled bitterly again: "He was called Wu Mianfeng on Peach Blossom Island, but now he should be called Wu Chengyu. Your mother is his aunt. When his parents died, he was taken to the island by his master's wife and raised there. He also became a disciple of his master."

Later, after his master's wife passed away, he left Peach Blossom Island. Rong'er, that's all we can tell you. You don't need to know anything else.

However, you also need to tell us how you suddenly became aware of his existence, or where you met him.

Huang Rong recounted her seemingly dreamlike encounter from the previous night, leaving Qu, Lu, and Feng looking at each other in bewilderment.

"The sound of the suona. Last night, the three of us brothers stayed at Guiyun Manor. How could someone playing the suona in the middle of the night have escaped our ears?"

"The handsome young man you mentioned must be Cheng Yu. It was almost ten years ago, back in Chang'an of the Jin Kingdom, that I last saw him with Mo Feng."

At this point, Qu Lingfeng's expression tightened, and he adopted the authority of the second-generation senior disciple of Peach Blossom Island, saying solemnly, "Rong'er, you should stay in Gushan for the time being and not go back to Peach Blossom Island. Yun'er, take your junior aunt down there and don't run around."

Huang Rong was filled with resentment, but seeing that her three senior brothers all had long faces, she was about to speak when Qu Yun, who had been watching the drama unfold, grabbed her and forcibly dragged her out.

After Huang Rong and the other person had gone far away, Qu Lingfeng spoke again: "Junior brothers, Gushan is in a turbulent time now. The young leader of the Beggar Clan, Mo Ku, has come with unclear intentions, and Cheng Yu has also suddenly returned. For now, we must find him first and make sure he doesn't return to Peach Blossom Island under any circumstances."

Junior Brother Lu, send out all your men to search for information around Gushan. You must find Mianfeng first. Also, do not let Rong'er return to the island. Keep a close watch on the docks. If Rong'er returns to the island, she will surely ask our master about Mianfeng.

As for the Beggars' Sect, Senior Hong's disciples probably won't really be our enemies. There are priorities; let's put that aside for now.

Huang Rong, who had been dragged away by Qu Yun, vented her anger on Qu Yun: "Xiao Yun, I still have questions to ask you, why are you dragging me?"

Qu Yun smiled bitterly, "You saw the expressions on their faces just now. You won't get anything out of them no matter how much you ask. Besides, that's my father. How could I dare disobey his orders?"

Huang Rong's eyes lit up: "Let's go, let's go to the dock right now and take a boat back to the island."

"It's no use. Since they told you not to go back to the island for the time being, the dock must be under guard now."

"This won't work, that won't work, what should I do?"

"Don't rush, tell me again about your meeting with your cousin last night, and I'll help you think it over."

Huang Rong recounted the events of the previous night, but with a different focus than Qu, Lu, and Feng. Due to her girlish nature, she couldn't help but show off a bit.

"Now I know that he really is my cousin. It's so good that, besides my father, there is someone in this world who is connected to me by blood."

"Xiaoyun, you don't know, my cousin is incredibly handsome. Even my dad wasn't as good-looking as him when he was young. Yeah, after seeing him, Guanying really seems ugly."

The reason for saying this is that Lu Guanying also ran over at this moment, and when Huang Rong saw his face, she immediately came to this conclusion after a brief comparison.

Lu Guanying looked bitter. They had just met and hadn't even said a word when he was told he was ugly, especially in front of his fiancée.

Qu Yun, however, sensed something amiss: "Little Martial Aunt, you said you saw him at night, and he grilled meat for you, and you just took it and ate it? Aren't you afraid he's a bad person?"

Huang Rong shook her head slightly: "You don't know, the moment I see his eyes, it's the same way my father looks at me when he's in a good mood—kind and affectionate. I unconsciously want to trust him. Now it seems it's because of our blood ties."

Lu Guanying was unaware of the cause and effect and looked confused. He wanted to interrupt, but Qu Yun forcibly interrupted him: "How strange. Yesterday, Uncle Feng said that the female knight Mo Ku Mo looked at you very kindly, and then last night you had another kind cousin."

"Lady Mo holds a high position and wields great power in the Beggars' Sect, and must have many things to manage, yet she suddenly came to Gushan, and your cousin also suddenly appeared. Do you think there might be something between them?"

Huang Rong was also suddenly struck by the realization: "That's right, that Lady Mo looked at me very kindly, even though it was the first time we met."

Gushan isn't very big. Do you think my cousin might know Miss Mo? He might even be at Hongyun Restaurant right now.

As soon as she finished speaking, Huang Rong grabbed Qu Yun and, along with Lu Guanying who was still completely bewildered, took off running straight out of Guiyun Manor.

At this time, Hongyun Restaurant was opening for lunch, and the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup at the entrance would be displayed for three days, so the market was filled with a rich aroma again.

After yesterday's frenzy, there weren't as many diners waiting to feast at Hongyun Restaurant today, and there were still a few empty tables in the restaurant's main hall.

Huang Rong and her two companions rushed over from the market entrance, went straight into the main hall, found a table and sat down. Unfortunately, they looked around but couldn't find Mo Ku anywhere.

This is when Guo Jing, looking distressed, begins his storytelling. He is still telling the story of the unfaithful man. Today's story is about Sima Xiangru's use of the "Phoenix Seeking Its Mate" to move Zhuo Wenjun to elope, and how he wanted to divorce her after becoming wealthy.

He had already gotten used to the gazes of the audience and spoke quite fluently. Just as he finished telling the story, he saw Huang Rong and the other two run in, and his eyes lit up immediately.

Huang Rong looked left and right but couldn't see Mo Ku. Just as she was about to ask a waiter, she saw the honest-looking young man who had been telling stories with a bitter face yesterday coming towards her.

"Greetings to the three of you. As expected, you have arrived."

Huang Rong blinked several times: "You knew we were coming?"

“My master’s wife said you would definitely come today, and my master even cooked a special meal for you, something you’d never see before.”

"Who is your master's wife? And who is your master?"

"My master's wife is the female knight-errant Mo Ku Mo from the Beggar Clan whom you met yesterday. As for who my master is, I cannot say for sure right now."

As soon as he finished speaking, Guo Jing waved his hand, and a waiter immediately brought over a clay pot.

"Gentlemen, this is Taishi Five-Snake Soup made by my master. However, today's version is special. Taishi Five-Snake Soup is originally made with five different kinds of snakes, but today we are using a rare and precious ingredient, the Bodhi snake."

The flesh of this Bosqu snake is incredibly tender and highly nourishing, but its gallbladder is the most important part. Eating it can strengthen muscles and bones, and even improve internal energy.

Snake gallbladders are bitter, but under my master's skillful hands, not only was the bitterness completely removed, but it was also transformed into a delicious delicacy.

Such treasures are rarely seen, let alone those made by my master himself; they are even more rare in this world. The three of you must savor them carefully.”

After saying that, Guo Jing lifted the lid of the casserole, and Huang Rong and the others immediately saw sections of snake meat in the casserole. The red soup and white meat smelled wonderful. There were more than a dozen snake gallbladders that Guo Jing had mentioned. They were like pigeon eggs, with some garnish on them, which made people's mouths water.

Qu Yun and Lu Guanying were practically drooling and couldn't resist starting to eat, but Huang Rong suddenly froze, then immediately became excited.

The snake soup contained many spices, and with her culinary skills and keen sense of smell, she immediately found a very familiar aroma among the many spices—the very same Thirteen Spices that her cousin had used to grill meat the night before.

"Where are your master's wife and master? I want to see them."

"Miss, you've come at an inopportune time. I don't know where my master and mistress have gone."

But my master left a message: Hongyun Restaurant will always welcome girls, but will never accept money from them.

If there's anything the girl wants to eat that's not available here, he'll bring it to her at night; she can have whatever she wants.

　Sorry everyone, today's update is still 4,000 words.

　　The temperature in Shandong has dropped sharply, and my son caught a cold. I took him to the hospital today, which took half a day, and I had to take care of him this afternoon. I really didn't have time, so I could only rush to finish a chapter tonight.

　　I apologize again to everyone.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)