The fog is thick and it is difficult to distinguish between friend and foe
Chapter Quote: Having just driven away the three evil stars who wanted to kill me, I now encounter Liangshan’s roadblocks. The intention of offering help is unpredictable, and I have to ponder where the future lies.
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Hua Rong's words were as cold as ice, resounding to the ground. The atmosphere in the forest froze instantly, and the sick man and the monk's expressions turned extremely grim.
"Hua Rong, are you from Liangshan going to be the enemy of my 'Underworld Palace'?" The sick man's voice was hoarse and filled with suppressed anger.
The Netherworld? Yan Qing's heart skipped a beat; this was the first time he'd heard of that name. From the tone of their voice, it seemed like an unknown, secretive organization whose strength should not be underestimated.
Hua Rong remained expressionless. He simply raised his iron bow slightly, the arrowhead gleaming coldly in the sunlight as he aimed at the sick man. "I won't repeat what I said a second time."
Lu Zhishen laughed heartily, his voice as loud as a bell. "You bastard! Why are you talking so much nonsense? If you want to fight, then fight. If not, get out! This sword of mine hasn't tasted meat in ages!"
Liu Tang also grinned, revealing his sharp white teeth, and swung his broadsword: "The military advisor has ordered us to take Yan Qing back! Anyone who dares to stop us will be an enemy of Liangshanpo!"
The sick man and the monk exchanged glances, each seeing fear and reluctance in the other's eyes. Though the three of them were formidable, facing Hua Rong's arrows, Lu Zhishen's bravery, and Liu Tang's ferocity, they had no guarantee of victory. Furthermore, their target, Yan Qing, was no easy task. Continuing the struggle would likely lead to disaster.
"Great! What a great Liangshan Marsh!" the sick man gritted his teeth. "I, Netherworld, will take note of today's events! We'll meet again someday, even if the mountains are high and the rivers are long!"
After saying that, he glared at Yan Qing fiercely, and exchanged a glance with the monk. The three of them did not stay any longer, and with a few jumps and falls, they quickly disappeared into the depths of the dense forest, without even bothering to clean up the bodies of their companions.
It came suddenly and left abruptly.
Only Yan Qing and the three Liangshan men who were watching them covetously were left in the forest.
Yan Qing, enduring the pain and exhaustion, gripped his dagger tightly, watching Hua Rong and the others warily. He didn't believe Liangshan was coming to rescue him. Wu Yong had gone to great lengths to eliminate him, but now he was sending a general like Hua Rong to "take him back." There must be something more sinister going on!
"Brother Hua Rong, why are you wasting time with this guy! Just tie him up and take him back to the stronghold!" Liu Tang raised his broadsword, eager to try.
Lu Zhishen also stroked his sword and looked at Yan Qing: "You young man, your skills are quite good! You have been able to hold out against those three killers for so long. I like you! Come with us obediently, or you will suffer physical pain!"
Yan Qing sneered, "I appreciate Liangshanpo's kindness. However, I have important matters to attend to, so I cannot go. Please return."
Hua Rong frowned slightly and said, "Yanqing, I know there's some misunderstanding between you and the military advisor. But Brother Gongming personally ordered you to come up the mountain for a discussion, and I have no intention of harming you. You've repeatedly opposed Liangshan and deserve death according to the law, but Brother Gongming appreciates your talent and wants to give you a chance."
Song Jiang? Yan Qing was even more puzzled. Song Jiang was known as "Timely Rain" and "Protecting Righteousness," skilled at winning over people. His outreach was more in line with his style than Wu Yong's direct assassination. But behind this "opportunity," he was probably still trying to recruit or exploit the enemy.
"I, Yan, am unworthy of Chief Song's kindness," said Yan Qing, neither humble nor arrogant. "Our paths are different, and we cannot work together. I only want to protect my master and live a peaceful life. I have no interest in the 'great cause' of Liangshanpo."
"You are so ungrateful!" Liu Tang said angrily, "Brother Gongming is such a distinguished person, and he personally invited me, and you dare to refuse!"
Lu Zhishen was also a little impatient: "Young man, don't refuse a toast and then drink a forfeit! My patience is limited!"
The atmosphere became tense again.
Yan Qing knew that today would not end peacefully, so he secretly adjusted his breathing and prepared to fight to the death. Even if he was defeated, he would never surrender!
Just as the situation became tense, Hua Rong suddenly raised his hand, stopping the impetuous Liu Tang and Lu Zhishen. He gazed deeply at Yan Qing and spoke slowly, "Yan Qing, do you understand your current predicament? The imperial court considers you a Liangshan spy and wants to eliminate you as soon as possible. That 'Netherworld House' is the most mysterious assassin organization in the Jianghu, working for pay and pursuing your enemies to the death. And while Liangshan may have a grudge against you, Brother Gongming is willing to treat you with sincerity. This world is vast, but apart from Liangshanpo, where else can you find a place?"
His words were calm, but every word struck Yan Qing's heart. Wanted by the imperial court and pursued by assassins, it was indeed a murderous situation, making it difficult to move forward.
"What's more," Hua Rong changed the subject, lowering his voice slightly with a hint of meaning, "Although Mr. Lu Junyi has been temporarily released from prison, his charges remain unexamined, and he is still recuperating in the inn. Who ultimately has the final say on his safety and his innocence? The imperial court? Or... someone else with the power to influence the situation?"
Yan Qing's pupils suddenly shrank! Hua Rong's words were clearly a threat to Lu Junyi's safety! If he didn't obey, Liangshan would probably use their connections in the court to harm Lu Junyi again!
What a vicious strategy! Using both soft and hard tactics!
Yan Qing's chest was boiling with rage, and he wanted to fight Hua Rong and the others to the death. But he couldn't! His master's safety was his biggest weakness!
He clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging into his palms, and almost bit his teeth off.
Hua Rong saw his expression change and knew he was moved... or rather, that he had been caught in a weak spot, so he continued, "Brother Gongming promised that if you are willing to come up to the mountain, all past grudges will be wiped out. Liangshan can also mediate in the matter of Mr. Lu and help him clear his name. Then, whether to go or stay is entirely up to you. What do you think?"
After the coercion, comes the inducement. Give a seemingly bright promise.
Yan Qing was silent for a long time, his mind racing with options. A head-on fight would lead to his own demise and implicate his master. Feigning obedience, and joining Liangshan would be a dangerous and dangerous place, where life and death were uncertain. But perhaps… perhaps there was a glimmer of hope, perhaps even a chance to sabotage some of Liangshan's plans from within?
This is undoubtedly a huge gamble! It's a gamble on Song Jiang's sincerity, and it's a gamble on one's own wisdom and luck!
He raised his head, looked at Hua Rong, and said in a hoarse voice: "Chief Song...are you serious?"
Hua Rong nodded: "Brother Gongming is as good as his word."
"Okay!" Yan Qing seemed to have used up all his strength and slowly sheathed the dagger. "I... will go with you."
"Brother Xiaoyi is straightforward!" Seeing this, Liu Tang laughed and put away his machete.
Lu Zhishen also grinned and said, "That's right! Let's go back to the stronghold. I'll treat you to a drink!"
Hua Rong's face remained expressionless, he simply said, "In that case, please come in."
Yan Qing silently walked to his horse and mounted. Hua Rong and the other two also mounted their horses, forming a triangular shape with him in the middle, and headed towards Liangshan Lake.
Along the way, Yan Qing remained silent, but his heart was filled with turmoil. He didn't know whether his decision was right or wrong, and whether the road ahead would lead to an abyss or a chance for success.
How will Wu Yong deal with him when he learns he's gone up the mountain? How genuine is Song Jiang's sincerity? Will the mysterious "Netherworld" let him go?
Countless questions linger in my mind.
He turned his head and glanced towards Daming Mansion, muttering to himself, "Master, take care. Xiaoyi will definitely take care of everything."
The sound of horse hooves rustles, kicking up a trail of dust. Is this journey to Liangshan a sign of submission, or another form of resistance?
Yan Qing didn't know the answer, he only knew that for the people and things he wanted to protect, he had to live and keep going, even if the road ahead was full of dangers and dangers.
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Chapter 35 End
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