Chapter 124: Rescuing Peng Li

"Peng Yu, have you vented your anger? Don’t come near me unnecessarily—be careful of being followed. We must be cautious with everything now. Return early to monitor Hualin closely; we can’t let her act recklessly when cornered."

"Big brother, thank you. Once this matter is settled, I am willing to serve you faithfully, no matter the hardships or dangers."

Yaoye stepped forward to support Peng Yu. "Good brother, no need to be so sentimental. Go ahead; I’ll hold down the fort here."

Peng Yu nodded and turned toward the Peng family residence. Meanwhile, Hualin was pacing anxiously, utterly distraught.

"What should I do? Should I tell big brother? No, Peng Yu is not one to shy away from trouble. What now?"

At that moment, Peng Yu knocked again on Hualin’s door. She reacted like a startled bird, her emotions fraying.

"Who is it?"

Peng Yu hadn’t expected such a strong reaction and instinctively scratched his ear.

"It’s me, your aunt."

Upon hearing Peng Yu’s voice, Hualin’s face darkened. Angrily, she opened the door and turned back inside.

Peng Yu shook his head with a wry smile, closed the door behind him, then sat down on a stool, leisurely sipping his tea.

"Aunt, you don’t know—earlier, I went to see big brother. He had serious objections to me, his younger brother. I had no choice but to teach him a lesson on how to behave. You won’t be angry, right?"

Hualin grabbed Peng Yu fiercely. "What have you done to Fei’er? I promised you—I won’t tolerate this any longer!"

"I don’t want anything. I’m just reminding you, aunt, my patience is limited. If I lose my temper, I might kill Peng Fei at any moment. I won’t disturb your rest any longer. Goodbye—ha ha ha!"

Having said that, Peng Yu pushed open the door and left. Hualin collapsed into a chair, distraught. Then, her door knocked again.

Fuming, Hualin approached the door and opened it, demanding, "What do you want?"

"Big brother? It’s you!"

Hua Nong pushed the door open and stepped inside. "Hualin, what’s going on? Has anyone bullied you?"

Hualin forced a smile and came forward. "No, nothing. Big brother, did you come for something?"

"Hmm, I came to tell you that someone from Yunxiao Sect has arrived. I have to go back and attend to it. I’m leaving now. Please keep an eye on Peng Li, understood?"

"Don’t worry, big brother. With me here, nothing will happen!"

Hua Nong said no more and turned to leave. Hualin closed the door and quickly patted her chest.

"That was close—I almost slipped up."

After hearing Hua Nong was leaving, Hualin’s mind sharpened. She sat quietly, lost in thought.

Night descended like a thick, inky pool—deep and unfathomable. The sky was dotted with twinkling stars, stirring endless reveries. Yaoye sat alone in the courtyard, gazing at the starry sky, murmuring to himself.

"Senior brother, are you well? Senior sister, how are you now? Was there some unspeakable hardship you endured back then? Sigh..."

Recalling senior sister, Yaoye grew sorrowful, feeling the matter was far from simple. He lowered his head as the pale moonlight bathed his slender figure, emphasizing his profound solitude.

Tonight was destined to be sleepless. Hualin, accompanied by two trusted aides, arrived at Peng Li’s residence. She gave a subtle signal, and without hesitation, her aides dragged Peng Li outside.

Watching Peng Li board the carriage, Hualin exhaled deeply and turned toward Peng Yu’s room. Unbeknownst to her, someone was watching her every move from the shadows.

"Hmph, luckily big brother ordered me to stay and monitor Peng Li. Hualin, what on earth are you up to?"

Hualin knocked on Peng Yu’s door. Peng Yu looked up and smiled teasingly at her, hooking her chin with a finger.

"Aunt, not resting tonight? What brings you here? Lonely and seeking company, perhaps?"

"Hmph! Peng Yu, you vile scoundrel! If I rescue Fei’er, you’ll pay with your life."

Though seething with hatred, Hualin had to bite her tongue for now.

"I don’t have time for your nonsense. I’ve arranged for the master to leave the city. When will you release my son?"

"Don’t be impatient, aunt. Come with me to see father. As long as he’s safe, I’ll free Peng Fei."

Seeing Peng Yu’s change of heart, Hualin’s teeth itched with rage, but she was powerless. Clenching her fists, she had no choice but to relent.

The two left the Peng family compound in single file. Peng Yu sent a secret signal to Yaoye and followed Hualin out of the city.

They arrived at a wooded area. From afar, Peng Yu spotted a carriage and two figures lying on the ground. Panicking, he rushed forward and flung back the carriage curtain.

"Ah!"

As soon as he pulled the curtain aside, Peng Yu was flung backward, clutching his chest as blood spattered from his mouth.

"Haha, didn’t expect that, Peng Yu."

"So it’s you, Hua Xiong."

Peng Yu struggled to his feet, pointing at Hualin with fury. "Fine! You dare deceive me, then you’ll never see your son again!"

Hualin hurried forward, waving her hands. "Peng Yu, listen! I didn’t know Hua Xiong was here—I swear!"

"Hmph! Hualin, if it weren’t for big brother’s orders to secretly watch Peng Li, would you have freed him?"

"No, no! Hua Xiong, it’s Peng Yu who captured Fei’er. That’s why I had no choice but to act this way. Please believe me!"

"Hmph! Peng Yu, hand over Fei’er, and I might spare your life. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being ruthless."

"Hmph! Don’t count on it. If you have the guts, kill me now. We’ll meet again on the road to the afterlife—Fei’er and I together! Ha ha ha!"

"Very well, I’ll grant your wish!"

Hua Xiong tapped the carriage lightly with his toe, then struck toward Peng Yu with his palm. Knowing he was outmatched, Peng Yu forced a bitter smile and slowly closed his eyes.

"Ah!"

Hearing a scream, Peng Yu felt no harm and blinked open his eyes in confusion. Standing before him was a tall, slender figure. Excited, Peng Yu called out.

"Big brother!"

Yaoye turned and smiled at Peng Yu, then charged at Hua Xiong, who had just stood up. Hua Xiong barely had time to raise his palm to block Yaoye’s attack.

"Ah!"

Another cry of pain. Hua Xiong was sent flying again. Before he could recover, Yaoye rushed forward and stomped on Hua Xiong’s neck.

"No, don’t hurt me, Hua Xiong!"

Hearing this, Yaoye glanced at Hualin and gave a cruel smile. Pressing down hard, he crushed Hua Xiong’s neck. Hua Xiong’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Hualin ran forward, clutching Hua Xiong’s lifeless body, weeping bitterly. Peng Yu hurried to the carriage and lifted the unconscious Peng Li down.

"Let’s go back and talk there."

Peng Yu nodded, carrying Peng Li as he and Yaoye headed toward the city. Hualin held Hua Xiong’s body, unable to let go of her anguish for a long while.