Chapter Fifty-Two: Xu Yaozu Disgraced

As the old man spoke, his face overflowed with happiness, and a smile blossomed upon his lips, making him seem fifty years younger, as though he had returned to days long past.

"The woman’s name was Fang Ke’er. She was exceedingly beautiful. She came to us seeking a cure for poisoning. I sought out Sister Furong, and together we removed the poison and cared for her for more than a month."

At this point, the old man's expression shifted, his mood becoming deeply despondent.

"Little did I know that during this time, Ke’er and I grew close, and affection blossomed between us. We pledged ourselves to each other in secret. Sister Furong, who had long harbored feelings for me, noticed our bond and went to my father—who was also my master—to propose marriage. Bound by the will of elders and matchmakers, I, an orphan, regarded my master as my own father. How could a disciple dare to resist?"

Murong Yan, feeling little sympathy, asked, "Did you simply resign yourself to fate?"

The old man answered resolutely, "No. How could I betray Ke’er’s devotion? On the eve of the wedding, I escaped and eloped with her. We fled to a distant land, living a life of love and harmony, tending the fields and weaving cloth."

Murong Yan nodded repeatedly, praising, "Immortal master, you are truly a person of passion. I deeply admire you!"

The old man, however, shook his head again and again. "I was not so fortunate. Within ten years, Ke’er’s old poison returned, and she passed away, leaving me alone in misery. Time wore on, and the blows of fate transformed the once handsome youth into what you see now. I lived alone for another decade. Missing my master and Sister Furong, I returned home, only to discover my master had passed away, leaving behind the miraculous antidote, ‘Crystal Dew Nine Fragrant Pill.’ After that heartbreak, Sister Furong’s nature changed drastically; she no longer wished to heal others, especially young and beautiful women, whom she regarded as rivals in love. Having watched Ke’er perish in my arms, I became ever more committed to curing poison and saving lives. I settled here, hoping to persuade Sister Furong to abandon her coldness and rescue those in peril."

Murong Yan was deeply moved and offered a graceful bow. "Immortal master, your righteousness is remarkable. I thank you!"

The old man helped Murong Yan to her feet. "Go now; saving lives is urgent."

Murong Yan hurriedly bid him farewell, preparing to depart.

Suddenly, she remembered something and paused. "Immortal master, if I take the antidote, what will you do?"

The old man replied solemnly, "My will is strong; I can withstand for a time. Besides, having studied poisons for years, I have developed a certain resistance. I won’t succumb so easily. Go without worry!"

Murong Yan still felt uneasy. "Immortal master, could you not cease your research into poisons? I feel that this 'King Yan Flower' is not a good thing."

The old man laughed heartily. "Not so! Poisons themselves are not inherently evil; it depends on their use. Used properly, they can benefit humankind; improperly, they bring harm. My research aims for proper utilization, and one day, they will serve a purpose."

He urged again, "Go! Your beloved is waiting for the 'Crystal Dew Nine Fragrant Pill' to save his life!"

Blushing shyly, Murong Yan bowed once more and left in haste.

Ascending to the sky, Murong Yan felt exhilarated, her whole body buoyant, her willpower greatly enhanced. Riding her sword through the air, the wind howled past her ears, yet she regarded it as nothing. The fierce wind tugged at her skin, but she felt no pain. Her garments billowed about her, resembling a celestial maiden descending from the ninth heaven, and she returned in an instant to Black Earth City.

Upon seeing Ye Feng, she administered the antidote.

Soon, Ye Feng’s complexion improved. When he stood up, he was restored to health, his cheeks glowing red.

Everyone rejoiced.

Murong Yan, however, noticed her master, Xu Yaozu, looking desolate and sorrowful, slipping away alone.

The crowd dispersed. Seeing that his strength had returned, Ye Feng threw himself into intense cultivation.

This time, Ye Feng’s willpower grew rapidly, soon reaching the level of the divided self.

Not only was the Fire Dragon Mind-Enhancing Pill responsible, but by a twist of fate, Xu Zhihui’s poison played a significant role. The poison had been hidden in the core of the pill. After Ye Feng ingested it, the venom circulated swiftly through his body, forcing his organs to operate at overdrive, thereby absorbing more of the pill’s power.

Ordinary people would have died, but Ye Feng survived disaster and forged such an opportunity—it was indeed a blessing.

One day, Ye Feng was inspecting the troops in camp. Seeing everyone diligently practicing, he was pleased.

He entered Xu Yaozu’s camp but found him absent.

Ye Feng asked the soldiers, who replied, "The old hero Xu has not returned for half a month. We heard he requested leave from Marshal Murong to retire to his hometown. Marshal Murong did not approve, only allowing him to rest at home."

Ye Feng dismissed the soldiers and rushed to the city lord’s mansion to see Murong Yan and inquire about the situation.

Murong Yan sighed helplessly. "Brother Feng, our senior poisoned you this time. It broke our master’s heart. Now he refuses to see anyone."

Ye Feng replied, "That cannot be. The old hero has achieved great merit for us; how can we let him suffer? Xu Zhihui was the one who poisoned me, not him. Today, let us visit and comfort him, and ease his mind."

Murong Yan nodded eagerly. "I was waiting for you!"

The two set out at once for Xu Yaozu’s residence.

At the gate, they informed the servant they wished to see Xu Yaozu.

The servant said, "The master has been gravely ill, wrapped in his blanket and sighing day and night. He has not received guests for several days. Even if you come, he may not see you."

Murong Yan instructed, "Tell him his beloved disciple and Ye Feng wish to see him."

The servant went inside and soon returned, shaking his head. "Marshals, the master still refuses to see anyone."

Murong Yan’s face darkened. "Stand aside. I will see him myself."

The servant dared not block them and let them in.

Murong Yan and Ye Feng went directly to the bedroom, where they found Xu Yaozu curled up, wrapped tightly in his blanket, sighing endlessly.

Murong Yan called, "Master!"

Xu Yaozu immediately broke into loud sobs. "I am too ashamed to face anyone! Who would have thought that after a lifetime as a hero, my own son would commit such a vile act!"

Murong Yan felt a pang of sorrow and tried to console him. "Master, why torment yourself so? What our senior did has nothing to do with you; you need not take the blame."

Xu Yaozu continued, sobbing, "As the saying goes: 'If a son is not taught, it is the father’s fault.' With a son like mine, how can an old father hold his head high?"

Ye Feng, seeing the old hero so ashamed and distraught, felt deeply unsettled. He thought, Xu Yaozu had always been cheerful, the joy of our company despite his age. Even when facing hardship or criticism on the battlefield, he would laugh it off, acting thick-skinned, never taking it to heart. Who would have expected that, for this unfilial son, he would be so grief-stricken and ashamed? Truly, 'Men do not shed tears easily—unless the sorrow is too deep.'

Thus, Ye Feng stepped forward and cupped his hands. "Senior, I bear no grudge against you. On the contrary, I thank you for granting me the Fire Dragon Mind-Enhancing Pill, helping me achieve the divided self. Please, do not be overly sorrowful or blame yourself. Even if Xu Zhihui, my brother, can turn back from his misguided ways, I am willing to forgive and treat him as a good brother once more!"

Xu Yaozu replied, "Feng’er, you are a good child, but I, old Xu, am ashamed before you!"

He continued to sob.

Ye Feng said, "Senior, you are a hero I respect. Please, do not grieve too much; take care of your health. I will need your guidance in the future!"

Murong Yan added, "Master, our senior was momentarily blinded. He will surely repent and restore your honor. Please, do not be so upset."

They comforted him for a long while, but Xu Yaozu remained ashamed and sad. They instructed the servants to care for him well, then returned home.

Thus, everyone worked diligently and made progress.

The soldiers, forged through this ordeal, improved their military skills, their morale solidified, and their determination to fight grew stronger.

Murong Yan also gathered provisions and prepared all matters for the expedition. She was about to discuss the deployment with Ye Feng when suddenly a messenger arrived, reporting that Emperor Qin Yuan of the Great Xia had sent an imperial envoy with a decree, ordering Murong Yan to receive the edict outside the city.

Upon hearing this, Murong Yan’s brows shot up and her eyes widened in anger. "Imperial envoy? Beat him and drive him away!"

The messenger was about to depart when Ye Feng called him back.

Ye Feng bowed and reported, "Marshal Murong, you must not!"

Murong Yan’s face was clouded. "Why not?"

Ye Feng replied, "Our righteous army’s banner is to drive out evil and reclaim the land. There is no need to make enemies with other powers yet. Let the envoy in and hear what he has to say."

Murong Yan nodded and instructed, "Vice Marshal Ye is right. Bring the envoy in at once!"

The messenger hurried off.

Soon, the imperial envoy, with a round belly, swaggered in. Upon seeing Murong Yan, he clasped his hands, his sparse brows forming a straight line, his frog-like mouth stretched wide in a grin. "Are you Miss Murong Yan, daughter of the old Marshal Murong?"

Murong Yan, upon seeing the envoy, was furious. She slammed the desk and shouted, "Who are you?!"

The envoy’s knees buckled in fear, and he fell to his knees with a thud.

Ye Feng quietly reminded her, "Sister Yan, you have gone too far. Whatever his station, he is the emperor’s envoy. Are you not afraid of inciting the court’s wrath?"

He quickly called to the guards, "Help the envoy to his feet."

He walked down from the platform, bowed deeply, and said, "Forgive us, Envoy. Our marshal was only jesting."

The envoy, somewhat recovered, forced a smile. "As the saying goes, 'A tiger’s cub is no dog.' Miss Murong is indeed formidable!"

Murong Yan snorted coldly. "What business does Emperor Qin Yuan have? Speak quickly!"

The envoy, thick-skinned, was not offended. Instead, he flattered her, "Miss Murong truly has the spirit of her father!"

He produced the imperial edict from his robe and proclaimed loudly, "By the mandate of heaven, the emperor commands—"

Seeing Murong Yan had no intention of kneeling, he awkwardly put away the edict and said, "The emperor’s instructions are simple: praise and reward you, posthumously confer the title of Loyal King upon the old Marshal Murong, appoint Miss Murong as Grand Marshal for the Demon-Cleansing Campaign, Ye Feng as Deputy Marshal, grant one thousand jars of imperial wine, one hundred sheep, fifty cattle, five hundred horses, and order you to set out soon to wage war against the Kingdom of Ten Thousand Demons."

Murong Yan rolled her eyes and snorted coldly, "I have no interest in such honors!"

Ye Feng was delighted, bowed, and said, "I thank the emperor for his gracious favor and am willing to die for the cause!"

The envoy, seeing Murong Yan’s displeasure, dared not linger, bade farewell, and departed.

Once the envoy had left, Ye Feng advised Murong Yan, "Marshal, don’t be angry. Though Qin Yuan harmed your father, we must unite against the enemy for now, and endure our private grievances."

Murong Yan replied bitterly, "If not for your advice, I would have killed him to vent my anger!"

After speaking, she grew worried. "Though Qin Yuan supports our campaign against the Kingdom of Ten Thousand Demons, I fear they will plot against us when the time comes."

Ye Feng frowned and agreed, "Yes, we must remain vigilant and guard against their schemes."