https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-423-The-White-Dragon-and-the-Pink-Swallow/12536653/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-425-Speculations-on-the-Actions-of-Yuling-Manor/12536656/
Chapter 424: Hua Manlou Begins to Have Doubts
Chapter 424: Hua Manlou Begins to Have Doubts
A slight smile played on Hua Manlou's face, but he remained silent.
Though Powder Swallow was repulsive, in Hua Manlou's heart, his crimes did not warrant death, especially since Hua Manlou was not in the habit of killing without reason. He always gave others a chance.
Ye Guhong stood to the side, his expression somewhat solemn. Putting himself in Powder Swallow's position, he realized that he would have struggled to counter Hua Manlou's graceful and unpredictable Cloud-like Flowing Sleeves technique.
As a member of the Wudang Sect, he felt that even the renowned elders of Wudang Mountain might not be able to match Hua Manlou's fluid and formidable display.
It's a good thing I use a sword! Ye Guhong thought.
With that in mind, he couldn't help but ask, "Has Young Master Hua ever seen Ximen Chuixue's sword skills?"
Hua Manlou shook his head. "I've never seen Ximen Chuixue draw his sword. His murderous aura is too heavy, and it affects my mood."
Ye Guhong was a little surprised. He had intended to ask Su Shaoying as well, but his pride prevented him from voicing another question. Instead, he merely nodded to the two of them and retreated into the forest.
"Troubles abound in the martial arts world," Hua Manlou sighed.
Ouyang Qing was curious. "To think that Ye Guhong of the Wudang Sect and Powder Swallow of the underworld would join forces to pursue someone. That person they're chasing must be no ordinary character."
Although Powder Swallow had been repelled by Hua Manlou in just a few moves, he was indeed a formidable figure in the underworld's martial arts community. Their earlier exchange only served to highlight Hua Manlou's strength and did not necessarily indicate Powder Swallow's weakness.
However, Su Shaoying had little interest in the person they were pursuing, Dugumai, or Sun Bubuian. They were merely pawns in the covert conflict between Shi Yan Zhenren and Mu Daoren.
"Is Ye Guhong a disciple of Mu Daoren?" Hua Manlou asked suddenly. "I recall that Mu Daoren had a disciple named Ye Lingfeng, the Jade Tree Swordsman. He married Mu Daoren's cousin, Shen Yan Shen San Niang."
Mu Daoren, Ye Lingfeng, and Shen San Niang—this was a well-known incident in the martial arts world. Although it had happened over a decade ago, the case was so sensational that many people still remembered it vividly.
However, because this incident involved the renowned Mu Daoren of the Wudang Sect, people only discussed it behind closed doors and never dared to bring it up openly, especially not in front of disciples of the Wudang Sect.
"Indeed," Su Shaoying replied. "Ye Lingfeng is Ye Guhong's paternal uncle. It was through Ye Lingfeng that Mu Daoren became acquainted with the Ye family of Nanhai. That's how he met Ye Gucity and visited Baiyun City as a guest."
After getting to know Ye Gucity, Su Shaoying had done some research and learned that the Ye family of Lingnan was quite influential, with Ye Gucity of Baiyun City being just one branch. Ye Lingfeng and Ye Guhong belonged to another branch of the family.
Ouyang Qing had also heard of this incident, and she shuddered as she spoke. "It's said that Shen San Niang cheated on Ye Lingfeng, so he killed her and dismembered her body into ninety-three pieces before committing suicide. He didn't even give Mu Daoren a chance for revenge."
"The rumors are indeed like that," Hua Manlou acknowledged.
"But Mu Daoren is someone who distinguishes between gratitude and grudges," Ouyang Qing continued. "Despite what happened, he kept his promise and took Ye Guhong as his disciple, entrusting him to another disciple."
"That's why Mu Daoren has always had a good reputation in the martial arts world," Su Shaoying added. "Even the aloof and proud Ye Gucity invited him to Baiyun City as a guest."
Ouyang Qing glanced at Su Shaoying, speechless. "But you still suspect him."
Su Shaoying laughed. "You're accusing me of being overly suspicious, and now you're suspecting Ye Guhong too?"
"Their sudden appearance in the mountains of Jiangxi makes me wonder if it's just a coincidence," Hua Manlou said.
Hua Manlou was indeed overthinking this.
Based on the original novel's description, it was indeed a coincidence. However, Hua Manlou's suspicion wasn't entirely unfounded, as Ye Guhong was indeed affiliated with Youling Manor, and even Sun Bubuian, disguised as Dugu Mei, was an insider planted by Mu Daoren within the Wudang Sect.
The Wudang Sect was full of holes!
Nonetheless, Ye Guhong was still Ye Xue and Ye Ling's cousin, and they were determined to avenge him. Mu Daoren didn't seem to have a motive to sacrifice Ye Guhong... or did he?
Su Shaoying stroked his chin, looking uncertain as well. After all, in Gu Long's stories, the villains often had complex personalities.
"If Ye Guhong is also from Youling Manor, following him might lead us straight to their headquarters," Ouyang Qing suddenly suggested.
"But that could also get Lu Xiaofeng into deep trouble," Su Shaoying countered with a smile.
"Moreover, we have no evidence," Hua Manlou added calmly. "That's their home turf. While we're confident we can deceive Ye Guhong, we certainly can't pull the wool over the eyes of the other experts in the manor."
Su Shaoying chuckled. "So, the best thing we can do is nothing."
Hua Manlou nodded. "This way, they'll trust Lu Xiaofeng even more."
By deliberately missing Lu Xiaofeng even when they were so close, Su Shaoying and Hua Manlou were actually reducing the suspicions on him.
"In that case, let's set sail!" Su Shaoying exclaimed with a smile.
As the passenger ship slowly pulled away from the shore, the fish soup in the clay pot had already come to a boil. Ouyang Qing skillfully ladled the soup, serving Hua Manlou first, then Su Shaoying, and finally herself.
A leisurely boat ride on the lake, savoring the fresh catch of the day.
"I wonder how Lu Xiaofeng is doing now?"
"He's probably not having any fish."
"But there should be plenty of mountain delicacies in the deep forests. Maybe he's enjoying some mushrooms with roasted wild rabbit?"
"Are you sure he'd have the luxury of such a meal while being chased by Gong Jiu?"
Laughter drifted across the lake. Powder Swallow, leaning against a tree trunk, glared at the departing ship and muttered, "Emei Su Shaoying, Jiangnan Hua Manlou... I'll kill them both sooner or later!"
"Before that, it would be best to find that old beast," Ye Guhong said indifferently.
"I know!" Powder Swallow huffed, shooting Ye Guhong a sideways glance. "You challenged Ximen Chuixue to a duel. That Su Shaoying once escaped your cousin's sword, and he's also a renowned swordsman who has witnessed Ximen Chuixue's skills. Why don't you test your sword against him?"
Ye Guhong gently caressed the hilt of his sword. "Do you think I'm like you?"
"Noble scion, pointless stubbornness," Powder Swallow scoffed, turning to leave. "Follow me. I've found that old beast's trail."
A mysterious smile played on Ye Guhong's face. "Don't you need some rest?"
"After I kill him, I'll have all the time in the world to rest!"
(End of Chapter)
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