Chapter 127: The Plan Fails

Peng Yu followed the list of those who had been poisoned and, using Peng Li’s identity, personally delivered the invitations one by one. Everything proceeded in an orderly fashion, exactly as planned.

The next morning, the Peng family compound was bustling with activity. Lanterns and decorations hung everywhere, and lavish banquets had been laid out. The entire estate was filled with laughter and cheerful voices.

The guests arrived one after another, raising their cups and exchanging toasts in an atmosphere of peace and harmony. It was not until noon that Peng Yu finally made his belated appearance.

“Thank you all for coming, uncles and elders. I offer my father’s gratitude as well!”

A middle-aged man rose to his feet. “Who are you? Where is the family head? Why have we not seen him?”

Peng Yu bowed slowly. “Uncle Peng Feng, I am Peng Yu. My father has suffered a health problem, so he sent me to receive everyone and convey his wishes.”

Seeing that Peng Yu had shown him sufficient respect, Peng Feng was delighted. “So you’re Peng Yu! You’ve finally returned! Hahaha, your uncle didn’t recognize you just now. Don’t take offense!”

Peng Yu smiled faintly. “You are too serious, Uncle. I left home when I was young to cultivate under my master. After so many years, it is only natural that you did not recognize me. How could I possibly blame you?”

“Little Yu, why did the family head summon all of us here?”

Peng Yu waved his hand, and servants carrying various dishes and wines came forward.

“Let us eat while we talk, everyone.”

After filling a cup, Peng Yu rose and held it aloft. “I am deeply grateful for the favor all of you elders have shown me and for giving your nephew this opportunity. Every one of you is a pillar of the family. The Peng family would never have achieved what it has today without your support and dedication. I raise this cup to all of you.”

After setting down his cup, Peng Feng could not restrain himself any longer. “Nephew, we have drunk your toast. Now tell us why you summoned us here today!”

Seeing the curiosity on everyone’s faces, Peng Yu rose and spoke slowly.

“Uncles and elders, have any of you noticed anything unusual about your health recently?”

“What do you mean?”

“Hahaha, it is like this. A few days ago, I received word that my father was gravely ill, so I returned with the steward. On the way, I was attacked by him. If Heaven had not been watching over me, I fear I would never have had the chance to meet any of you today.”

“Afterward, I secretly investigated the matter from every angle. In the end, I uncovered a shocking conspiracy.”

Having said this, Peng Yu stood with his hands behind his back and smiled without another word. Peng Feng rose and walked over.

“And what does this have to do with our health?”

“Uncle, please hear me out. I discovered that Hua Nong of the Hua family has secretly poisoned all of you. That is why I asked about your health just now.”

The moment they heard that they had been poisoned, the guests erupted in uproar. They rose to their feet, staring at Peng Yu in disbelief.

“Hua Nong is the head of the Hua family, and our two families have always been on good terms. Why would he do such a thing? Nephew, surely someone has deceived you!”

“Exactly! We have no conflict of interest with him. He would gain nothing by attacking us!”

While echoing Peng Feng’s words, the guests also berated Peng Yu for showing disrespect to his elders. Peng Yu, however, remained completely calm.

“I understand how you feel. Why not examine your inner reservoirs carefully? The poison lies hidden within them. Once the time comes, Hua Nong need only trigger it to control your lives and deaths. You will know the truth as soon as you try.”

The guests exchanged glances and began examining themselves, half believing and half doubting his words. After a quarter of an hour, their expressions changed dramatically, and they instinctively turned toward Peng Yu.

“Nephew, since you discovered this conspiracy, do you have an antidote? And what is his purpose in doing this?”

Peng Yu took out the antidote and distributed it to them one by one. “After swallowing it, circulate your internal power to refine the medicine. The poison will be completely neutralized.”

After hearing Peng Yu’s explanation, they closed their eyes in unison and used their internal energy to refine the antidote. In an instant, the entire banquet hall fell utterly silent.

“I apologize for disturbing your festivities. Allow me to make amends—hahaha!”

At the sound of that voice, everyone opened their eyes in astonishment. Peng Feng pointed angrily at the newcomer and began cursing.

“Hua Nong, you despicable wretch! How dare you come to the Peng family? Today, I will make you pay for poisoning us!”

With that, Peng Feng raised his palm and struck at Hua Nong. Hua Nong frowned, while Peng Yu hurriedly shouted to stop him—but it was already too late.

“Uncle, don’t be rash! The poison has not yet been neutralized!”

“Hmph! Do you think that just because you were not poisoned, you can defeat me? Ridiculous.”

Hua Nong crossed his hands and rapidly changed his gestures. A surge of spiritual energy shot toward Peng Feng. Peng Feng desperately twisted his body, but the spiritual energy still forced its way into him.

His palm had been about to strike the top of Hua Nong’s head, but it suddenly stopped. Pain twisted Peng Feng’s face, and large drops of sweat rolled down his brow. In that brief moment of hesitation, Hua Nong raised his foot and kicked him flying.

“Hmph. You overestimate yourself.”

Peng Feng lay on the ground, his body curled up and trembling uncontrollably. His eyes were tightly shut, and a trace of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth.

“Not good!”

The moment Peng Yu saw Peng Feng’s condition, he knew the poison had taken effect. The antidote had not yet been fully refined and could not suppress the poison. Peng Yu hurried forward, helped Peng Feng up, and used his own internal power to accelerate the medicine’s effects.

“Brat, I should have listened to my younger sister from the beginning and taken your worthless life. Then none of this would have happened. But it is not too late. Let us see who can save you now!”

As he spoke, Hua Nong clenched both hands into fists and attacked Peng Yu. Watching those fists draw closer, Peng Yu closed his eyes in despair. He knew that no one present could save him.

“Bang!”

A thunderous impact rang out. Peng Yu hurriedly opened his eyes and saw Hua Nong hurled backward through the air. Before him, a massive greatsword soared skyward.

A handsome young man caught the greatsword in midair, then descended and landed in front of Peng Yu.

“How are you? Are you hurt?”

“Big Brother, you always arrive at exactly the right moment! That’s wonderful! But how did you know I was in danger?”

The newcomer was Yao Ye. He turned around and smiled. Hua Nong stared at the figure standing not far away and spoke grimly.

“You again. It seems they failed. Very well—I shall take your life myself. I deliberately let you leave last time, but since you insist on wading into these troubled waters, do not blame me for showing you no mercy!”

“Heh. You are underestimating me. Do you think two experts in the late Spirit Communion stage are enough to take my life? Wouldn’t that be far too simple? Peng Yu, take them and leave first. I will deal with this.”

“Yes, Big Brother. Be careful.”

Peng Yu knew that this was no time for reckless pride. He quickly led everyone toward the side hall. But just as they reached the entrance, he retreated.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

An old man dressed in brocade robes had arrived with a group of men, surrounding Peng Yu and the others. Peng Yu gently set Peng Feng down and drew his weapon.

“Looks like today will bring yet another bloody battle.”

After letting out a soft sigh, Yao Ye released an overwhelming battle intent. His reddened eyes shone with a bright, sinister light. Gripping Sky Scar in his hand, he launched the first attack against Hua Nong.