txolops Chapter 2 Hong 7 Gong
Chapter 2 Hong 7 Gong
The next day.
Morning light slanted in through the cave entrance, casting a warm glow over the dark stone cave. Perhaps because Ouyang Feng had struck his sleeping acupoints the day before, Ouyang Ke slept exceptionally well that night, and even the excruciating pain in his broken leg had lessened considerably.
He opened his eyes, tried to move his body, and found that he felt much better than the previous two days. So he supported himself with his hands and barely managed to move himself halfway against the stone wall, letting out a long breath.
My gaze inadvertently swept across the other side, but I couldn't help pausing slightly.
Huang Rong leaned against the opposite stone wall, still not awake.
He was in excruciating pain last night, and although she was unwilling, she took care of him for half the night. She must have been exhausted, because she is now sleeping soundly.
The sparse morning light filtered in, casting a soft glow on her profile.
Ouyang Ke's gaze remained quietly fixed on her face.
That face was as white and smooth as jade, so delicate it seemed like it could be broken with a touch.
In the morning light, the fine downy hairs on my cheeks shimmered with a faint glow.
Her eyebrows were arched, not like those of an ordinary woman, but possessing a natural charm; her eyes were closed, making her long eyelashes particularly striking, slightly upturned, fluttering gently with her even breathing, like two resting butterfly wings. Her nose was straight and delicate, her lips naturally red, and now they were slightly pursed, with a hint of subtle coquettishness lingering at the corners.
The sunlight fell on her, making her pale blue dress appear even softer. She slept there without any guard up, her usual vigilance and cunning gone, revealing the innocence and tranquility that a girl her age should possess.
A strange feeling suddenly arose in Ouyang Ke's heart.
No wonder his predecessor, having seen countless beauties from the Western Regions, couldn't forget this girl. The face before him, though still somewhat childish, already hinted at the beginnings of an unparalleled beauty. It was a natural, unadorned beauty, so captivating that one couldn't look away.
He was engrossed in watching when he suddenly saw Huang Rong's delicate brows furrow slightly, her lips part slightly, and she mumble something in a daze. Her voice was extremely soft, yet exceptionally clear in the quiet morning:
"Brother Jing... come help me... kill that wicked Ouyang Ke..."
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Ke was slightly taken aback, then burst out laughing.
Sure enough.
In her dreams, he was always the character who was to be "beaten to death".
The laugh, though soft, was enough to startle the sleeping woman awake. Huang Rong's eyelashes fluttered, and she abruptly opened her eyes. Her clear black and white eyes were initially a little hazy, but when she saw that the person opposite her was Ouyang Ke, she instantly became alert, instinctively shrinking back, her eyes full of vigilance.
"you--"
Seeing her reaction, Ouyang Ke felt no displeasure, but rather found it amusing. He feigned ignorance, slightly tilting his head and asking calmly, "Miss Huang, what's wrong? Did you have a nightmare?"
Huang Rong stared at him for a moment, and seeing that he was merely leaning against the stone wall and hadn't moved an inch closer, the wariness in her eyes subsided slightly. She composed herself, recalling the words in her dream, a hint of unease flashing across her face, before she quickly regained her usual indifference and said calmly, "It's nothing."
Seeing her cold attitude, Ouyang Ke didn't take it to heart. He already knew his image in this young girl's eyes; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he was "hated by everyone." He remained silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Miss Huang, I know I have a history of bad deeds, so it's not surprising that you dislike me. But please rest assured, from now on, I will never appear before you again."
"Won't appear before me?" Huang Rong's lips curled into a mocking smile upon hearing this. She stared coldly at Ouyang Ke, not replying, but her eyes clearly said: You think I'd believe that?
Ouyang Ke understood the meaning in her eyes and sighed inwardly.
It's no wonder she didn't believe it. This original owner of the body had committed too many sins; on this isolated island alone, she had repeatedly tried to harm Huang Rong. However, Huang Rong was strong-willed and incredibly intelligent, and the original owner was unwilling to take her life, which is why she was repeatedly thwarted. Putting herself in Huang Rong's shoes, she wouldn't easily believe that someone who had repeatedly treated her badly would suddenly change their ways.
But he decided to finish what he had to say.
He straightened his expression and his voice became serious: "Miss Huang, first of all, I want to thank you. Thank you for rescuing me from under that boulder without holding a grudge."
Upon hearing this, Huang Rong suddenly felt a pang of guilt. She turned her face away and said stiffly, "You don't need to thank me. I was the one who set up that trap; didn't you already know that?"
Ouyang Ke shook his head, his expression calm: "The young lady was only forced to resort to this tactic to protect herself. It's all my fault for being lustful and greedy; I have only myself to blame."
Huang Rong was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.
She couldn't help but glance at him sideways. His pale face held no trace of pretense. A strange feeling suddenly arose in her heart: what this man said seemed... to be true?
She recalled the day Ouyang Feng suddenly appeared. Ouyang Ke could have easily identified her, but he chose to remain silent. She had always kept this feeling in her heart, but she simply refused to acknowledge it.
Ouyang Ke continued, "I know that these few words alone are hardly enough to convince you, Miss Huang. But these are truly my heartfelt words. I hope Miss Huang... can forgive my past rash actions."
After saying that, he supported himself with his hands and performed a deep bow to Huang Rong with great difficulty.
Huang Rong looked at him, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes.
She should have remained suspicious and vigilant. But for some reason, looking at the pale, weak, yet earnest man before her, the wall of defense in her heart began to loosen slightly.
Ouyang Ke raised his head and said, "Miss Huang, I have another request. Please help me out; I'd like to pay a visit to Senior Hong."
"You want to see Master Qi?" Huang Rong's eyes became wary again.
Ouyang Ke gave a bitter laugh, pointing to his broken legs: "Miss Huang, both my legs are now broken, and my uncle isn't around. If I were to plot against Elder Hong, wouldn't I be courting death?"
Upon hearing this, Huang Rong had to admit there was some truth to it. However, her doubts remained, and she asked in a strange tone, "Then why do you want to see Master?"
Ouyang Ke suddenly smiled, a smile containing a hint of relief, a touch of self-mockery, and a certain firmness that even he couldn't quite define: "Miss Huang, if I said I wanted to change my way of life, would you believe me?"
……
Sunlight filters through the gaps in the branches and leaves on the treehouse, casting dappled shadows on the rough wooden planks.
Hong Qigong sat cross-legged, his complexion slightly rosier than a few days ago, but his eyes still revealed the sharpness and clarity of a master of the Five Greats. He scrutinized the young man who had been helped up by Huang Rong, his gaze sharp as lightning.
"Rong'er said you wanted to see me?"
With Huang Rong's support, Ouyang Ke managed to stand steadily. After letting go, he leaned against the pillar of the wooden house and bowed with difficulty to Hong Qigong: "Junior Ouyang Ke greets Elder Hong. At the same time, I thank Elder Hong for his great kindness in rescuing my uncle despite past grievances."
These words were spoken solemnly, and the manners were performed with utmost respect.
Hong Qigong raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
Huang Rong stood to the side, her expression unchanged. She had already heard Ouyang Ke say these things in the cave, so she wasn't surprised at the moment.
Hong Qigong glanced at her, then looked at Ouyang Ke, and suddenly laughed: "This is strange indeed. Has the sun risen in the west? That old poisoner is ruthless and merciless, never caring about morality. And you, little poisoner, are actually performing such a grand ceremony for him? Am I, this old beggar, dreaming?"
This statement was half true and half false, containing both a joke and a test.
Ouyang Ke knew his reputation was tarnished, and these words were entirely true. His expression remained unchanged as he cupped his hands again and said, "This junior knows his reputation is bad, but what I say now is truly from the bottom of my heart, to thank Senior Hong for helping my uncle."
"Sincere?" Hong Qigong narrowed his eyes.
"Indeed." Ouyang Ke met his gaze, his tone resolute. "I ask that you bear witness, senior. I have decided that, starting yesterday, I will no longer harass Miss Huang."
Upon hearing this, Huang Rong's pretty face flushed slightly. Although she didn't have much affection for Ouyang Ke, she was, after all, a young woman, and it was inevitable that she would feel a little embarrassed to hear him say such things to her face.
Hong Qigong remained unmoved, his suspicion undiminished. Like Huang Rong, he was accustomed to the treachery and deceit of the martial world, and he was unwilling to easily believe that a person with a notorious reputation would suddenly change his ways. He simply assumed it was another of Ouyang Ke's sweet talk.
Ouyang Ke saw through their thoughts, but he wasn't annoyed. Instead, he smiled and said, "It seems that you don't want to believe what I'm saying, senior."
Hong Qigong remained noncommittal. Huang Rong did the same.
Ouyang Ke, however, remained calm: "This junior does not blame either of you. I only blame myself for my past disgrace and the many unsavory things I did. But this junior believes that one day you will understand what I am saying today."
Upon hearing this, a hint of interest flashed in Hong Qigong's eyes: "Oh? You're so confident?"
Ouyang Ke said calmly, "Because I know that Senior Hong is a first-rate hero who helps those in distress and eliminates evil. In this respect, not only my uncle cannot compare to him, but even Island Master Huang and Emperor Duan of the South cannot compare to him."
This is a blunt statement, but it is the truth.
Among the Five Great Masters, their martial arts skills may vary, making it difficult to determine who is superior. However, when it comes to chivalry and righteousness, "Northern Beggar" Hong Qigong is undoubtedly the number one.
Hong Qigong couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this. Although he didn't crave empty fame, he always appreciated genuine praise. Huang Rong, listening nearby, wasn't annoyed by Ouyang Ke's mention of her father, because she knew that it wasn't meant to belittle him, but simply to state the truth.
"Ouyang Ke, don't flatter me, you old beggar." Hong Qigong said this, but his tone was much gentler than before. He no longer called him "Little Poisoner" but addressed him by his name. This subtle change might not have been noticed by others, but Ouyang Ke did.
"Elder Hong, I have only spoken the truth. How can you say I am flattering you?" Ouyang Ke shook his head and continued, "If it were anyone else, being ambushed by my uncle and having their martial arts skills dissipated would surely have caused them resentment. But you are different, senior. From beginning to end, I have never seen the slightest bit of resentment on your face."
Upon hearing this, Huang Rong subconsciously looked at Hong Qigong. She saw that her master had a smile on his lips and a peaceful expression, showing no trace of resentment.
But doubts still lingered in her mind. Her master was indeed magnanimous, but Ouyang Feng had repeatedly ambushed and framed her; did her master truly not care at all?
Hong Qigong seemed to see through her thoughts and suddenly asked, "Ouyang Ke, do you think I, an old beggar, don't hate that old poisoner?"
Ouyang Ke countered, "Does Senior harbor resentment?"
Hong Qigong was taken aback, then threw his head back and burst into laughter. The loud laughter shook the branches and leaves of the treehouse. After laughing, he nodded, his eyes full of approval: "Good lad, you guessed right. This old beggar has indeed never hated that old poisoner because of this."
"Master!" Huang Rong couldn't help but cry out.
Hong Qigong looked at her, his eyes full of affection: "Little Huang, do you know why this is?"
Even the exceptionally intelligent Huang Rong couldn't understand it at this moment. She frowned and shook her head.
"I understand," Ouyang Ke suddenly said.
Hong Qigong's eyes flashed: "You really know?"
Ouyang Ke slowly said, "Because you saved people out of your own chivalrous heart, you never thought about how my uncle would repay you. And you already knew my uncle's character. So in the end, even though you lost all your power, you only blamed yourself for being careless, but you did not resent my uncle."
Upon hearing this, Hong Qigong's seemingly dim old eyes suddenly flashed with a sharp light. He stared at Ouyang Ke as if he were seeing this young man for the first time. His gaze was sharp and piercing, carrying the majesty and scrutiny of a grandmaster.
Ouyang Ke stared at him for a moment, and couldn't help but marvel inwardly: if he hadn't known that Hong Qigong had lost all his martial arts skills due to the snake venom, he would have really thought that the "Northern Beggar" in front of him still had martial arts skills just by looking at him.
Hong Qigong stared at him for a long time, then suddenly let out a long breath, the sharpness in his eyes gradually turning into gentleness and appreciation: "Good lad, well said. In my whole life, this old beggar has saved countless people, and I've never expected anyone to repay me. I've known who this old poisoner is for a long time. It would be strange if he hadn't ambushed me!"
This is a magnanimous statement, but it is also the truth.
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Ke couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion. Looking at the elderly man with slightly gray hair and beard before him, and recalling his lifelong chivalry and sense of responsibility, he suddenly realized that his previous thoughts had been far too petty.
He said softly, "All along, I've been judging others by my own petty standards. That's why my nature has become increasingly sinister, and my actions increasingly despicable. Perhaps what I'm experiencing now is retribution."
At this point, he couldn't help but sigh deeply, his expression filled with sincere regret.
Hong Qigong and Huang Rong exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of wavering in each other's eyes.
Could it be that Ouyang Ke is truly turning over a new leaf?
Hong Qigong pondered for a moment, then suddenly exclaimed loudly, "Excellent!"
His gaze was piercing as he stared intently at Ouyang Ke, saying each word clearly, "A prodigal son's return is more precious than gold! If you can truly repent and reform, you might just become a legendary figure in the martial world!"
Ouyang Ke bowed respectfully, his expression solemn: "This junior will remember Senior Hong's teachings."
"snort!"
A cold snort suddenly came from afar, interrupting the conversation on the treehouse.
Ouyang Ke turned his head and saw a figure in white standing with his hands behind his back by the pine forest a few feet away. The man had a high nose, deep-set eyes, a brownish-yellow beard, and a sharp gaze like a knife; it was Ouyang Feng.
"Uncle!" Ouyang Ke remained calm and bowed respectfully.
When Hong Qigong saw Ouyang Feng, he laughed heartily: "Old Poisoner, you've arrived!"
Ouyang Feng moved swiftly and arrived at the foot of the tree. He looked up at the three people in the treehouse, his gaze first sweeping over Hong Qigong and Huang Rong, and finally landing on Ouyang Ke, his eyes softening slightly.
He said coldly, "Old beggar, you have no right to lecture my nephew, Ouyang Feng!"
Hong Qigong shook his head and laughed, "It's not really a lesson. It's just that it's rare for an old beggar like me to see a young prodigal son turn over a new leaf, so I couldn't help but say a few words."
Two old rivals, one known as the "Northern Beggar" and the other as the "Western Poison," had been locked in a lifelong battle of wits. These few words, though sounding tense and confrontational, were in reality just their most ordinary form of communication.
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from afar, accompanied by a young man calling out, "Rong'er! Seventh Master!"
Guo Jing leaped out of the woods and headed straight for the pine forest. He had thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a burly build, his face filled with anxiety and worry. In a few leaps, he was already at the foot of the tree.
He looked up at the treehouse, his gaze fixed on Ouyang Feng, full of vigilance. It was as if he would immediately rush forward and fight to the death if Ouyang Feng made the slightest move.
Ouyang Feng glanced at him, then at Hong Qigong and Huang Rong in the tree, and suddenly laughed: "Old beggar, you've taken in a pair of fine grand-disciples."
Hong Qigong laughed heartily: "I, an old beggar, have wandered the world my whole life, making my home wherever I go. Who would have thought that in my old age I would have such a wonderful pair of grand-disciples!"
His words were full of pride and satisfaction.
Ouyang Feng, unusually, didn't argue with him. He merely glanced at Hong Qigong, then moved swiftly, landing beside Ouyang Ke. He reached out to support Ouyang Ke and said in a deep voice, "Let's go, Ke'er."
As soon as they finished speaking, the two of them drifted away and disappeared into the depths of the pine forest.
Guo Jing flew onto the treehouse and breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing that Hong Qigong and Huang Rong were both safe and sound. However, he still had doubts and couldn't help but ask, "Rong'er, Qigong, are you alright? What's Ouyang Ke doing here?"
Huang Rong smiled sweetly, a smile as bright and beautiful as spring flowers in bloom: "Brother Jing, we're alright."
She then recounted what had just happened.
Upon hearing this, Guo Jing's eyes widened in disbelief. That lecherous and immoral Ouyang Ke had actually apologized to Rong'er, bowed to Qi Gong, and uttered such words?
"This...how is this possible?" He scratched his head, his honest face full of confusion.
Hong Qigong gazed in the direction Ouyang Ke had disappeared, muttering thoughtfully, "What is impossible in this world?"
……
Inside the cave, sunlight streamed in at an angle through the entrance, casting a patch of light and shadow on the ground.
Ouyang Feng gently placed Ouyang Ke on the straw mat, then stood with his hands behind his back, gazing intently at him. After a long silence, he suddenly spoke, "Ke'er, your uncle knows what's on your mind."
Ouyang Ke was slightly taken aback and looked up at him.
Ouyang Feng continued, "Since you are determined to marry Huang Yaoshi's daughter, your uncle will surely grant your wish."
His tone was resolute, as if it were a matter of course. He would make sure his nephew wanted it.
However, Ouyang Ke shook his head.
His gaze was calm and firm as he looked at the light outside the cave and slowly said, "No need, Uncle."
Ouyang Feng frowned, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes.
No need?
Has his nephew really suddenly changed his personality?