Chapter 123: Succumbing

At noon, the entrance to the pleasure house bustled with activity. "Come, prepare the finest wine and food for me!"

"It's Young Master Peng Fei! Sisters, hurry up and welcome the young master!"

A group of women rushed forward, surrounding Peng Fei. Enjoying the attention, he walked toward the upper floors with his arms around them.

Peng Yu peeked through the door crack, watching Peng Fei enter the room. He ran to Yao Ye's side, excitedly tugging at his sleeve. "Big Brother, he's here. It's time to act!"

Yao Ye shook his head speechlessly. "You intend to just walk in there openly? Never mind whether you can actually catch Peng Fei, there are people everywhere. We must lure him out!"

Yao Ye sipped his wine slowly while Peng Yu paced back and forth. Watching Peng Yu’s agitation, Yao Ye chuckled.

"I have it—no, that won't work!"

"Stop pacing and stay calm. It's actually quite simple. Just watch me."

Yao Ye stood up and walked out of the room. Peng Yu watched him, bewildered. "What on earth is my brother planning?"

Peng Yu shook his head and continued to watch through the door crack. Yao Ye walked to Peng Fei’s private room, kicked the door open, and stepped inside.

"Who are you? Daring to kick in my door—do you value your life so little? If you don't give me an explanation today, you won't be leaving here alive!"

Yao Ye let out a cold snort, drew his sword, Qixue, and slammed it down onto the table. Peng Fei’s drinking companions scrambled to leave, but Yao Ye waved a hand, using his internal energy to seal the door shut.

"In the Eastern Theater, no one has ever dared to oppose the Yunxiao Sect. Are you looking for death?"

Hearing the name "Yunxiao Sect," Peng Fei bolted upright, pointing at Yao Ye in astonishment. "Are you truly a disciple of the Yunxiao Sect?"

Yao Ye sheathed Qixue, sat down slowly, poured a cup of wine, and took a slow sip. "Good wine. Tell me, is there anyone in the Eastern Theater who dares to impersonate a member of my sect?"

Seeing Yao Ye’s nonchalant demeanor, one of Peng Fei's companions pulled him aside and whispered, "Brother Fei, I think it's true. Look at that aura and that fearlessness; he doesn't look like an imposter."

Peng Fei nodded, his expression shifting instantly. He hurried to Yao Ye’s side, poured him more wine, and raised his own glass. "So, it is a disciple of the Yunxiao Sect. Please forgive my disrespect; I offer you my apologies!"

Peng Fei downed his drink in one go. Yao Ye accepted the wine poured by Peng Fei, acknowledged him with a gesture, and drank.

Peng Fei sat beside Yao Ye, looking at him with fawning eyes. "Brother, what brings you to see me? This is Peng family territory—perhaps I can be of some assistance?"

Yao Ye nodded. "I have descended the mountain under orders to escort my future junior brother back to the sect. I also have a secret mission."

"And who might this junior brother be?"

"The heir to your Peng family. Though, it seems you haven't declared your successor yet this year." Yao Ye sipped his wine and glanced at Peng Fei. "If you help me with one thing, I will take you back to the sect. How about that?"

Upon hearing this, Peng Fei was overjoyed. "Young Master, just give the order. I am at your service."

"It’s nothing so serious, just a small matter. It's simply more convenient for you to handle it than me."

"Haha, Young Master, you’ve come to the right person. Please, instruct me."

Yao Ye opened his mouth, glanced at the people around them, and Peng Fei understood. He waved his hand at the others. "All of you, get out! If anyone leaks a word of what happens today, you’ll pay with your lives."

The group nodded and bowed timidly as they exited. After Peng Fei refilled Yao Ye's cup, he waited silently.

"It’s like this: my martial uncle has ordered me to find a virgin girl to aid in his cultivation. You know that this is easy for you, but it's a hassle for me. I must consider the reputation of the Yunxiao Sect. Do you understand?"

"Haha, you really have come to the right person! Wait here a moment, Young Master; I will have it handled for you immediately."

"Good! But remember, do not let anyone know about this, or no one will be able to protect you!"

Peng Fei nodded and stepped out. Once he was gone, Yao Ye pushed open the door to Peng Yu’s room. "Let's go. The fish has taken the bait."

Peng Yu gave a thumbs-up. "Big Brother, you're truly wicked. Heh, I like it!"

Seeing Peng Yu’s sinister grin, Yao Ye turned and walked out. The two followed Peng Fei closely into the slums. Seeing that the alley was deserted, Yao Ye flew behind Peng Fei, knocked him unconscious with a single blow, and carried him toward the small courtyard Peng Yu had rented.

"Hahahaha, excellent! With Peng Fei as a bargaining chip, I don't believe Hua Lin won't submit."

After binding Peng Fei, Yao Ye walked out. "Peng Yu, the rest is up to you. Remember, don't let any complications arise; focus on saving your father first."

Peng Yu nodded, snatched Peng Fei’s jade pendant, and headed toward the main Peng estate.

Peng Yu knocked lightly on Hua Lin’s door. When Hua Lin opened it and saw Peng Yu, her face filled with impatience. "Oh? Has the sun risen in the west? You’ve come to see me? Get lost, I have no time for you!"

Peng Yu shook Peng Fei’s jade pendant slightly and walked straight into the room. Upon seeing the pendant, Hua Lin turned deathly pale.

"Peng Yu, what have you done to my son, Peng Fei? If you dare hurt a single hair on his head, I will take your life!"

"Hmph, do you think I, Peng Yu, am a coward who fears death? If you continue to scream, I cannot guarantee your son's safety!"

Hua Lin closed the door helplessly and walked in. "Tell me, what do you want?"

"Hua Lin, I won't mince words. You find a way to get my father out of the city, and I will release your son. How about that? You’re getting the better end of the deal!"

"Fine, fine, I’ll do as you say! As long as you don't hurt Fei'er, I will agree to anything!"

"I give you two days. For every day that passes, I will cut off one of Peng Fei’s limbs. Once all four are gone, that will be the end of his life. And don't you dare tell the Hua family, or I will drag your son down to the grave with me."

"Please, do not hurt my son! I promise, I promise!"

Hua Lin grabbed Peng Yu’s arm in a panic, completely losing her composure. Peng Yu pocketed the pendant and walked out.

Back at the courtyard, Yao Ye walked out. "Well? Is it settled?"

Peng Yu nodded and went into the room, kicking Peng Fei in the chest. Peng Fei groaned and opened his eyes.

"It's you, Peng Yu! I advise you to release me immediately, or I will kill you!"

Peng Yu slapped Peng Fei across the face. "I think you’ve failed to realize the situation. Don't force me to kill you!"

After the slap, Peng Fei grew terrified. "Peng Yu, no—brother! We are brothers by the same father, you cannot treat me this way! Please, I beg you, don't kill me!"

Peng Yu didn't say a word; he began to pummel Peng Fei with his fists and feet. After a long while, Peng Yu walked out, feeling satisfied. Seeing this, Yao Ye chuckled and shook his head.