Chapter 126: Everything Is Prepared

Meanwhile, Peng Yu tracked down Hua Lin. Upon seeing him, her emotions flared with intense agitation.

"You despicable, shameless, untrustworthy little beast! Release my son at once!"

Listening to her vitriol, Peng Yu squinted with a satisfied smile, swaying his head from time to time, occasionally opening his eyes to glance at her. Seeing that he remained unmoved, Hua Lin dropped to her knees with a thud, clutching his legs and pleading with tear-streaked cheeks.

"Peng Yu, it was all my fault before. Punish me however you like, but Fei'er is innocent! He has never done anything to offend you. Everything was orchestrated by me alone. I beg you, let him go. Don’t you think this is too cruel?"

At the word "cruel," Peng Yu’s eyes blazed with rage. He grabbed Hua Lin by the shoulders and roared, "Cruel? I lost my mother as a child, I had a home I couldn't return to, and I wandered in exile suffering every hardship. Why didn't you talk about cruelty then? Tell me! No matter how cruel I am, can I ever match you?"

Hua Lin wept and shook her head, "I'm sorry. It was all my greed. I am willing to trade my life for his, to serve you as a beast of burden in the next life, if only you spare my son."

Peng Yu sat down, reverting to his initial, nonchalant demeanor as if he weren't the same person who had just been ready to tear someone apart. "Why must you provoke me? I am actually quite merciful. Tell you what, I won't say I didn't give you a chance. Do one last thing for me, and I will let your son go. How about that?"

"Tell me, tell me, I will agree to anything!"

Seeing Hua Lin’s state, Peng Yu felt a pang of reluctance. No matter how ruthless she had been, her devotion as a mother was something he couldn't help but respect. He pulled her up from the ground, looking at her disheveled and distraught appearance, and said solemnly, "I promise you, as long as you complete this final task, I will release your son. Now, I will take you to see him."

"Really? Thank you, thank you, Peng Yu!"

Peng Yu led the agitated Hua Lin toward Yao Ye's residence. Upon arriving at the small courtyard, he explained the situation to Yao Ye. Yao Ye frowned slightly, said nothing, and led Hua Lin toward the secret chamber.

As they reached the entrance, Peng Fei’s cursing could be heard from within. At the sound of his voice, Hua Lin was overcome with joy.

"Peng Yu, you despicable coward! You actually hired impostors to pose as disciples of the Cloud Firmament Sect to ambush me! If you know what's good for you, let me out, or I will report you to the sect the moment I leave and have you punished!"

Yao Ye opened the heavy door, and hearing the shouting, he let out a cold snort. Hua Lin pushed past him and rushed inside. "Fei'er, are you alright? Mother is here to see you!"

"Mother? Is it you? Have you come to save me? Get me out of here!"

Hua Lin ran forward, embracing the boy tied to the pillar, and wept. "Fei'er, you’ve suffered so much. Let Mother look at you!"

"You two take your time talking. I'll be outside," Yao Ye said, turning to leave.

Hearing from Yao Ye that Peng Li had awakened, Peng Yu hurried off. When he arrived at his father’s courtyard, he saw him sitting alone under a tree, sipping tea leisurely.

Hearing footsteps, Peng Li turned, saw his son running toward him, and stood up with a smile. Peng Yu rushed forward to embrace him, immediately checking him over. "Father, how do you feel? Is there any discomfort?"

Seeing such concern, Peng Li smiled warmly. "Yu'er, don't worry about me. I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time."

"That's good. Sit down, Father." Peng Yu helped him, his heart aching at the sight of his father's haggard appearance. "Father, these years have been hard on you. It was my fault as a son for not being able to protect you both, and leaving this mess for you to deal with."

Peng Yu shook his head. "It’s not your fault, Father. Besides, I’m an adult now. Leave the rest to me; I will make the Hua family pay."

At that moment, Yao Ye walked over. Peng Yu excitedly pulled him forward to introduce him to his father. "Father, let me introduce you. This is my sworn brother and the savior of our entire family. Without him, we wouldn't be standing here today."

Peng Li bowed deeply to Yao Ye in gratitude. Yao Ye quickly helped him up. "Uncle, there is no need for such formalities. Peng Yu and I are brothers; this is only what I should have done."

Seeing Yao Ye’s modest and composed manner, Peng Li nodded in approval. Yao Ye glanced at Peng Yu, who understood the signal.

"Father, please rest well. My brother and I have other matters to attend to, but I will come to see you again soon."

"Go on then, but be careful in everything you do."

"Understood!"

After leaving the residence, they went to the courtyard, where Yao Ye took out several jade bottles and handed them to Peng Yu. "You came just in time; this saves me a trip. Take these antidotes back with you." He then produced several more bottles. "And these are poisons I’ve concocted to deal with the Hua clan."

"Brother, is this poison dangerous?"

Yao Ye patted his shoulder with a laugh. "Don't worry, your brother is no murderer. This is the 'God-Sealing Soul-Severing Pill,' crafted from various rare toxins and venomous insects. Once it enters the body, it seals the internal energy and slowly devours the victim's power until they are reduced to a cripple. It cannot be forced out with internal energy; only the antidote works. Use it with caution."

Yao Ye did not know that this poison would eventually become infamous throughout the entire continent. Peng Yu carefully stored the pills away, then struck a dainty pose, fluttering his eyelashes at Yao Ye. "Brother, you treat me so well—I have nothing to repay you with. Shall I offer myself to you instead?"

"Get lost!" Yao Ye laughed, scolding him. Peng Yu chuckled and ran back toward the secret chamber. As he arrived, he saw Hua Lin walking out with tear-filled eyes.

"You've seen your son, so you should be at ease now. As long as you finish this last task, I will never trouble you or your son again."

Hua Lin nodded silently. After locking the chamber, Peng Yu brought her into a small room. "I already know that the Hua family has defected to the Demon Clan. I want you to help me keep them under control so they stop their evil deeds!"

He handed her two bottles of the God-Sealing Soul-Severing Pill. Hua Lin stared at him in shock. "You want me to poison my own kin?"

"Don't be agitated, Aunt. This poison only restricts cultivation; it won't take their lives. Once this is all over, I will give you the antidote. Besides, do you have any other choice?"

Knowing the nature of her own family, Hua Lin realized Peng Yu's actions were justified. She took the poison with a sigh of resignation and left the courtyard.

Watching her go, Peng Yu clutched the antidote and smiled. "Hua Nong, just wait to reap what you have sown!"