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Chapter 747: Meteor, Butterfly, Sword (Part 2)
Chapter 747: Meteor, Butterfly, Sword (Part 2)
"
"For my own peace of mind, I also want to promote a ceasefire between you," Nan Gong Yuan said with a smile. "Sun Yubo is already old. Why risk a battle that could lead to mutual destruction?"
Ten Thousand Eagles King fixed his gaze on Nan Gong Yuan, a hint of self-satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
However, he shook his head and said coldly, "Perhaps you're right, but the Nan Gong Clan has been passed down for hundreds of years without external enemies, and they've forgotten the rules of the martial arts world."
Ten Thousand Eagles King stood up. "Regardless of whether Lu Xiang Chuan betrayed Sun Yubo, he is still under Sun Yubo's command. By killing my horse, he has declared war on me on Sun Yubo's behalf. If I don't strike back, what will the world think of me?"
Nan Gong Yuan's ears twitched as he heard the bustling yet orderly footsteps outside. In a calm voice, he said, "What about me?"
Ten Thousand Eagles King narrowed his eyes, staring at Nan Gong Yuan, his large hands clenched into fists. "The Nan Gong Clan has been passed down for hundreds of years, and I've long wanted to witness the true martial arts of a great clan!"
Nan Gong Yuan smiled. "Perhaps you're a formidable hero, capable of rising from a humble escort agency to become the leader of a massive gang, proving your ability and ambition. But your martial arts..."
Ten Thousand Eagles King was already prepared to strike, but he couldn't help but ask, "How are my martial arts skills?"
"You're a bit too full of yourself, not knowing your place," Nan Gong Yuan said calmly.
Ten Thousand Eagles King's eyes widened, and in the next moment, Nan Gong Yuan's figure flickered, appearing in front of him.
He was well aware of Nan Gong Yuan's exceptional lightness skill, and he was prepared. As Nan Gong Yuan flew towards him, he unleashed his signature move, the Phoenix Forty-Nine Postures.
But he only felt a flash before his elbow went numb, his wrist felt light, and his punch inexplicably curved, smashing into his left arm, which he was using for defense.
"Crack!"
The sound of a bone breaking echoed, and his left arm was shattered by the right punch.
Ten Thousand Eagles King broke into a cold sweat, and when he looked up again, Nan Gong Yuan was already outside the hall.
"Ten Thousand Eagles King, I'm not threatening you. I'm just advising you to think carefully and not let your pride and ambition harm innocent people," Nan Gong Yuan's voice came from a distance, but it seemed to resonate in his ears, heavy as Mount Tai. "I mean it!"
Along with Nan Gong Yuan's voice, there were also chaotic footsteps, the clashing of weapons, and disorganized cries...
Not even the combined might of the entire Phoenix Fortress, including Ten Thousand Eagles King, could stop Nan Gong Yuan's steps!
Ten Thousand Eagles King's eyes flashed with anger, then turned to fear. His face paled, and his hands trembled.
"What kind of martial art is that?"
"How could there be such a powerful person in the world?"
"The Nan Gong family truly lives up to its reputation as the number one martial arts clan. They are indeed unfathomable!"
"Someone, come here!" Ten Thousand Eagles King's face darkened, and he immediately shouted, "Inform Tu Dapeng. The mission to Zhen Wu Escort Agency is canceled. Let him take Wang Erdai and Night Cat back to the Flying Phoenix Fortress immediately!"
Ten Thousand Eagles King somewhat regretted taking action against Nan Gong Yuan, as Nan Gong Yuan clearly knew who the traitor was among his men that had colluded with Lu Chuan. However, he did not reveal this information to him.
But he soon regained his confidence, believing that he could definitely find this traitor.
...
Nan Gong Yuan returned to his carriage.
The book boy heaved a sigh of relief when he saw Nan Gong Yuan coming back.
Nan Gong Yuan climbed into the carriage, took another sip of wine, and only then did he comfortably cover himself with the fur blanket and found a comfortable position to lie down. He instructed the carriage driver, "Head to the Sun Mansion's garden."
The carriage rattled as it started, turned around, and headed back the way it came.
The book boy curiously asked, "Master, have you managed to persuade Ten Thousand Eagles King?"
Nan Gong Yuan replied leisurely, "If he's not foolish, he won't dare to act recklessly again."
As the saying goes, you don't cry until you see the coffin. When the sword was not at Ten Thousand Eagles King's neck, he would never easily back down.
In other words, when a sword is at your neck, if you still don't submit, then there won't be many people like that in this world.
Nan Gong Yuan had already demonstrated the martial arts skill to kill Ten Thousand Eagles King at any time. If Ten Thousand Eagles King dared to take action against Wu Lao Dao, Nan Gong Yuan would truly admire his courage.
Hmm, and by the way, he should also light a stick of incense for him.
"Where are you going now, Master?" The book boy asked.
Nan Gong Yuan nodded and smiled, "Since I've persuaded Ten Thousand Eagles King, I should naturally go and talk to Sun Yubo. The martial arts world is not just about fighting and killing; it's about human relationships and social norms. As long as there are no ambitious people, this world will remain harmonious."
...
The carriage traveled down the road, and Nan Gong Yuan drank wine inside.
The fifteen-year-old Shaoxing Daughter Red wine in the flask had already been finished. It was a Huadiao wine he bought from an old shop along the way.
A rapid sound of horse hooves passed by the carriage, and the book boy lifted the carriage curtain, saying to Nan Gong Yuan, "Master, it's Sun Jian, Sun Yubo's son. He seems to have an urgent matter and is returning to the old man's garden."
Nan Gong Yuan nodded, "Lu Chuan made a mistake, so Sun Yubo is naturally preparing to make amends immediately."
Not far ahead was a fork in the road, and under a cluster of trees were several shops where a group of people were resting, eating, and drinking, creating a lively atmosphere.
Then they saw Sun Jian somersault and leap from his horse, landing beside the road.
Nan Gong Yuan, looking through the carriage window, saw Sun Jian.
This was a tall and robust young man, full of vigor, like a leopard, brimming with vitality.
Sun Jian waved and called over a person, asked a couple of questions, and then strode towards a man squatting by the roadside eating a beef pie.
This person looked miserable, with a bruised left eye, a sunken nose bridge, and his left hand seemed to be broken, suspended by a cloth band around his neck.
But he was actually smiling triumphantly, as if he had something to be proud of.
Nan Gong Yuan, of course, knew who this was.
In the south was a place called Happy Grove, a den of luxury, owned by a woman named Gao Da La, who was so alluring that one could easily overlook her age. But what she was most famous for was being the leader of the most mysterious assassin organization in the south.
Under her were four top assassins, all orphans she had raised since they were young.
Ye Xiang, Meng Xinghun, Shi Qun, and Xiao He.
At this time, Ye Xiang had lost his confidence after falling in love with Sun Die and being beaten by Han Tang.
Meng Xinghun, on the other hand, was betrayed by Gao Da La and used as a tool to pressure Sun Yubo, giving Lu Chuan greater power and trust.
Shi Qun went to the southwest and wouldn't be back for another year or two.
The person in front of him was Xiao He, who, out of jealousy for Meng Xinghun, had taken his mission. He was deliberately released by Sun Yubo and was now on his way back to Happy Grove, feeling triumphant.
Seeing Sun Jian's actions, Nan Gong Yuan knew that Gao Da La had betrayed Xiao He and lured Sun Jian to capture him again.
Nan Gong Yuan did not stop Sun Jian.
In "Meteor, Butterfly, Sword," there were many people who should not have died, but Xiao He was definitely not one of them.
So he watched as Sun Jian first punched and broke Xiao He's right hand, then, taking advantage of the momentum, struck Xiao He's face, knocking out all his teeth and completely shattering his nose bridge, causing his face to sink in.
Sun Jian grabbed Xiao He's hand, pulling him over and, at the same time, smashing his elbow into Xiao He's spine.
Even though Nan Gong Yuan was still several zhang away from Sun Jian, he could hear the crisp sound of Xiao He's spine breaking.
"Tsk tsk, that's brutal." Nan Gong Yuan sighed and called out to Sun Jian.
"Sun Jian!"
"Nan Gong Yuan?"
To be honest, Sun Jian did not like Nan Gong Yuan, just as he did not like Lu Chuan.
One was a sunny and cheerful young man, the other a gentle and elegant young man. They were natural enemies, opposites in style.
"Are you going home?" Nan Gong Yuan asked.
"So what if I am?" Sun Jian asked.
"I also want to see the old man. Shall we go together?" Nan Gong Yuan smiled.
Sun Jian glanced at Nan Gong Yuan's carriage, threw Xiao He onto his horse, and then mounted his horse, "I have an urgent matter to attend to. You know the way, so just take your time!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Sun Jian rode off, not giving Nan Gong Yuan any face.
"Still young!" Nan Gong Yuan shook his head and sighed, "After Sun Yubo passes away, who knows who will inherit this legacy?"
Ten Thousand Eagles King was already in his forties and had no heir, and Sun Yubo's descendants were also unreliable.
Although the Twelve Phoenix Gang and the Sun Mansion dominated the south, their power seemed boundless and their influence was on the rise, appearing to be in full swing. However, the major forces in the area did not consider them a threat, and there was a reason for that.
As the saying goes, when they rise, it is rapid, but when they fall, it is sudden. Once these two men die, these two major forces are destined to crumble and disappear. What threat could they pose?
"Follow me," Nan Gong Yuan said indifferently.
The carriage driver raised his short whip, and the carriage followed behind with a clatter.
...
Although Sun Jian's speed was much faster than the carriage, the Sun Mansion's garden was not far away.
So, not long after Sun Jian had returned home, Nan Gong Yuan arrived at the entrance of Sun Yubo's garden.
Compared to Ten Thousand Eagles King's unapproachability, Sun Yubo was very easy to meet.
After passing by the furious Sun Jian, Nan Gong Yuan saw Sun Yubo and Lu Chuan by his side.
"Old Sir!" Nan Gong Yuan greeted with a smile.
"Brother Nan Gong!" Sun Yubo returned the smile, "Why the sudden visit? Have you come to admire the flowers?"
Sun Yubo had already received the report from Lv Taochuan and knew that he had provoked Wan Peng Wang, who would surely seek revenge.
So he immediately summoned Sun Jian back and notified all his subordinates to prepare.
However, because Nan Gong Yuan had gone to Fei Peng Fortress, Wan Peng Wang did not take action against Zhen Wu Escort Agency, and Sun Yubo did not receive the corpses of Wu Lao Dao's family.
Sun Yubo was still on alert, but he could smile and welcome Nan Gong Yuan.
"Your garden is indeed the largest in Jiangnan, with flowers blooming in all seasons. If you're here to admire flowers, then this is the best place," Nan Gong Yuan said with a smile.
Sun Yubo's garden was not only the largest in Jiangnan but also the most varied, boasting over a dozen gardens. Besides the blooming flowers in spring and summer, there were also specialized chrysanthemum and plum gardens for autumn and winter flower appreciation.
"But I didn't come here just to admire flowers today," Nan Gong Yuan said.
Sun Yubo smiled slightly and waved at Lv Taochuan. At the same time, he said to Nan Gong Yuan, "Lv Taochuan has already told me about it. Wan Peng Wang is not an easy person to deal with. I appreciate your reminder and help regarding the Fei Peng Fortress incident."
Sun Yubo thought Nan Gong Yuan was here to take credit, so he instructed Lv Taochuan to prepare silver notes and gifts for Nan Gong Yuan.
Lv Taochuan nodded gently to Nan Gong Yuan and then retreated with a bow.
Nan Gong Yuan did not stop Lv Taochuan from leaving but waved at Sun Yubo, "Don't mention it. You're my friend, and Wan Peng Wang is also my friend. Being in the middle, I naturally don't want you two to fight."
Sun Yubo continued to smile, "I don't want to have a falling out with Wan Peng Wang either."
Nan Gong Yuan nodded and sat down on his own, "Wan Peng Wang took his anger out on me and wouldn't even offer me a cup of tea. Old Sir, you shouldn't be stingy with a cup of good tea, should you?"
Sun Yubo's eyes flashed, and he took the teapot from a passing maid and personally poured a cup of tea for Nan Gong Yuan, "Please, Brother Nan Gong!"
"Thank you, Old Sir!" Nan Gong Yuan raised the cup with both hands as a gesture of respect and then drank it in one go.
Sun Yubo stared at the steaming teapot and then looked at Nan Gong Yuan with a glint in his eyes, recalling his previous words.
"Did you go to Fei Peng Fortress again?" Sun Yubo asked.
"If I hadn't gone to Fei Peng Fortress, you would have received the corpses of Wu Lao Dao's family by now," Nan Gong Yuan put down the teacup.
"What?" This time, Sun Yubo was genuinely surprised, "Wu Lao Dao and his family aren't dead?"
Nan Gong Yuan chuckled, "Did you think they were doomed?"
Sun Yubo fell silent for a moment before saying, "Wan Peng Wang isn't the type to back down easily."
"Knowing what kind of person he is, why did you send someone to kill his horse and threaten him?" Nan Gong Yuan asked.
Sun Yubo's eyebrows furrowed, and he stared at Nan Gong Yuan thoughtfully.
Nan Gong Yuan's actions and words were vastly different from Sun Yubo's impression of him. With Nan Gong Yuan's wisdom and position, he shouldn't have been involved in the conflict between the two major gangs, nor should he have had the ability to do so.
Sun Yubo smiled as he thought, "Lv Taochuan is still too young. Young people tend to have high opinions of themselves and are prone to making mistakes."
Nan Gong Yuan interrupted Sun Yubo's words with a calm tone, "You should know better than me how intelligent and cautious Lv Taochuan is. Wan Peng Wang's character is almost an open book. Do you think he would make such a low-level mistake?"
Sun Yubo was slightly taken aback and carefully examined Nan Gong Yuan again.
His mind raced, and he had already thought of several possibilities.
"You sent Lv Taochuan to Wan Peng Wang to demand the release of Wu Lao Dao, a noble act of helping a friend. If successful, it would be a win-win situation, so I was also willing to help," Nan Gong Yuan took the moral high ground.
He continued, "Given Lv Taochuan's personality and actions, even if he failed, he wouldn't have angered Wan Peng Wang."
Sun Yubo couldn't help but nod; he had sent Lv Taochuan precisely because of this reasoning.
"But when I learned that Lv Taochuan had killed Wan Peng Wang's beloved horse and forced him to back down, I knew something was amiss," Nan Gong Yuan said calmly, "Whether it's Lv Taochuan or Wan Peng Wang, their actions were unlike their usual behavior."
"Wan Peng Wang's actions could be guessed, but Lv Taochuan's actions..." Nan Gong Yuan smiled, "I've thought about it for a long time, and I can only think of one possibility."
The only possibility was that Lv Taochuan had done it intentionally.
The only reason for Lv Taochuan to intentionally do such a thing was that he had betrayed Sun Yubo.
Sun Yubo's smile faded, and he stared at Nan Gong Yuan expressionlessly.
As the saying goes, 'a shallow acquaintance speaking deeply,' Nan Gong Yuan was merely Sun Yubo's friend, but Lv Taochuan seemed like his son.
In Sun Yubo's eyes, Nan Gong Yuan had likely sided with Wan Peng Wang, using Lv Taochuan's mistake to press pause on the plan to kill Wu Lao Dao, coming here to sow discord.
But they both overlooked the most crucial point!
Sun Yubo nodded, picked up the teacup with indifference, and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Brother Nan Gong."
Nan Gong Yuan didn't mind Sun Yubo's gesture of pouring tea and seeing him off. Instead, he poured himself another cup of tea, "Don't mention it. We're friends, after all."
Sun Yubo chuckled, with a hint of sarcasm, "It's not easy for you to persuade Wan Peng Wang not to kill Wu Lao Dao, is it?"
"It's not easy," Nan Gong Yuan sighed, "I told him that Lv Taochuan has betrayed you and is conspiring with the ambitious members of your gang to incite a conflict between the two major gangs, weakening your forces, gaining your trust, and eventually replacing you..."
Nan Gong Yuan took a sip of the fragrant tea and said calmly, "I've said all I can, but Wan Peng Wang just won't listen. So, I had to break one of his arms to make him give up his revenge."
Sun Yubo had been smiling in a noncommittal manner, but at this, he couldn't help but be taken aback, "What did you say? You broke Wan Peng Wang's arm?"
Nan Gong Yuan nodded, "I went to great lengths to prevent the conflict between your two gangs. I couldn't bring myself to visit until his injury healed."
Sun Yubo glared at Nan Gong Yuan, unwilling to believe his words.
This was a joke! Wan Peng Wang had started his career at seventeen, working as a boatman, an escort, and a constable before forming the Twelve Phoenix Gang. He had fought in countless battles, big and small, and had annexed over thirty other gangs, winning every battle.
It was said that he had obtained the martial arts manual left by the Tian Shan Hero, integrating the mighty Seven Birds Fist into his own unique Phoenix Forty-Nine Postures, creating a style unmatched in power.
Nan Gong Yuan explained that he had visited the Flying Phoenix Fortress, broken Wan Peng Wang's arm, and had now safely arrived at this place...
How could Sun Yubo believe this?
"But Wan Peng Wang is still my friend," Nan Gong Yuan said solemnly. "He lost a prized Blood-Sweating Warhorse, sacrificed a female servant from the fortress, and even though I advised him not to retaliate, he still broke his arm for this. So, of course, I have to give him an explanation."
"What kind of explanation?" Sun Yubo asked.
"First, the two major gangs will cease hostilities, and you, Elder Sun, must also stop targeting Wan Peng Wang," Nan Gong Yuan said.
Sun Yubo narrowed his eyes. "And the second thing?"
Nan Gong Yuan spoke calmly, "Second, it's the life of Lu Changchuan (Lu Changchuan)."
Sun Yubo couldn't help but laugh in anger, "Impossible!"
Using the unverified information about Wu Lao Dao's family being alive and Wan Peng Wang's broken arm, he wanted to exchange it for the life of Lu Changchuan, whom he regarded as his own son. If he agreed, wouldn't he be seen as a fool by the whole world?
"I know you won't agree," Nan Gong Yuan sighed. "But since you're still my friend, to make you feel better, I'll additionally give you two pieces of information."
"What information?"
"It's not just Lu Changchuan who betrayed you, but also his uncle, Lu Mantian (Lu Mantian). They even found an assassin to put more pressure on you and gain greater trust from Lu Changchuan."
Sun Yubo's eyes flashed with cold light as he thought of the assassin brought back by Sun Jian.
"As for the second piece of information..." Nan Gong Yuan's ears twitched, and he smiled leisurely, "Do you know why your daughter refuses to reveal who the father of her child is?
(End of Chapter)
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