Chapter 930: The Scent of Home
Editor: Henyee Translations
Zeng Huo had come specifically to convey this news to Hong Feiyun, “He’s back, and he will probably summon you soon.”
As the saying goes, speak of the devil and he appears. A man flew in and landed in front of them, “Red Hall Master, Left Emissary requests your presence.”
The title of Hall Master was Hong Feiyun’s rank within the Yun Organization, known to all as the Red Hall Master.
Hong Feiyun nodded, “Lead the way.”
In the room, Left Emissary sat prominently, exuding an icy aura, his eyes dark and cold, more terrifying than those of a venomous snake, “Hong Feiyun, how do you explain yourself this time?”
Hong Feiyun clutched her chest to feign severe injury, coughing twice, “Left Emissary, I did not anticipate that Tang Jinghong would use himself as bait to set a trap, nor did I expect Lan Qiongzhen’s feigned allegiance when she actually did not assassinate Tang Jinghong but sought his help instead.”
It was unexpected for such endurance from this woman. Left Emissary looked at Hong Feiyun, “You said you would take your own life as penance for this failure.”
Hong Feiyun quickly responded, “I did say that, but I’ve ‘died’ once before, and now I no longer wish to die. Left Emissary, I have a proposal to exchange for my life, if you would hear it?”
“Speak,” Left Emissary’s gaze was icy, seeing her as good as dead, someone had to be accountable.
Hong Feiyun hinted, “The individual Left Emissary asked me to find has been located, and his medical skills are unparalleled. He could cure your son’s paralysis…”
At the mention of “curing paralysis,” Left Emissary’s gaze sharpened instantly, “Do you understand what you are saying?”
Hong Feiyun calmly stated, “I do, which is why I wonder if Left Emissary would grant me an opportunity.”
The matter of his son was a sore spot for him. If there was a chance to resolve this issue, he would pay any price. Left Emissary promised, “If you can indeed bring this person into our organization, then I will consider this matter resolved.”
Hong Feiyun straightforwardly said, “It’s a deal!”
But Left Emissary was not so easily fooled and demanded sternly, “How much time?”
Hong Feiyun showed a slightly troubled expression, “I will go speak to him tomorrow.”
Left Emissary fixed his gaze on Hong Feiyun, “I await your news.”
“Yes.” Hong Feiyun bowed and left.
Exiting the room, Hong Feiyun glanced back slightly; she understood Zeng Huo’s feelings now. Left Emissary was like a dangerous block of ice, ever ready to crash down upon you.
Back at her residence, Zeng Huo approached, “How did it go?”
Hong Feiyun glanced at Zeng Huo, her gaze lingering on a nearby daffodil, “When have I ever failed to handle a situation?”
Zeng Huo breathed a sigh of relief but quickly grew anxious again, “Where are we going to find this mysterious person?”
Hong Feiyun pointed at herself, “Aren’t I the obvious choice?”
Zeng Huo was taken aback, “What about Hong Feiyun?”
Hong Feiyun pointed at Zeng Huo, a playful smile on her face, “Who better than you?”
Zeng Huo squirmed, “I’m a man.”
Hong Feiyun crossed her arms, looking at Zeng Huo, “Changing appearance isn’t changing gender, don’t overthink it.”
Zeng Huo was overwhelmed, “Can’t we find someone else? I don’t want to do this…”
Hong Feiyun cut him off, “Enough, stop complaining. Don’t you want to leave this place sooner?”
Zeng Huo had no comeback. He dreamt of the Yun Organization falling apart so he could leave this bloody and dangerous life behind.
Hong Feiyun whispered, “If you want out, follow my lead. Otherwise, you and your wife might be separated forever.”
Zeng Huo knew she spoke the truth. After struggling internally for a moment, he relented, “Alright, I agree.”
Hong Feiyun spoke louder intentionally, “Since we’re prepared, let’s go invite that person right away.” There were spies nearby, hiding behind a house.
Zeng Huo looked around subtly, “Alright, I’ll get ready.”
…
Hong Feiyun and Zeng Huo moved swiftly through the dense forest, disappearing in the blink of an eye. The person tracking them lost their trail and stepped out of hiding.
Hong Feiyun appeared behind him and knocked him out with a palm strike.
Zeng Huo was puzzled, “We had already evaded him, why did you come back to knock him out?”
Hong Feiyun explained, “If he realizes he lost our trail, he’ll immediately report back to Left Emissary, and that would arouse suspicion. By knocking him out, he won’t dare mention losing us later. The person we bring back will then be more credible to Left Emissary.”
“People tend to trust their preconceptions. Once those are set, it takes a lot of effort to turn them around.”
Hong Feiyun pointed at the unconscious man, “Hide him. He’ll wake up when it gets dark. We’ll head back first, and everything will fall into place.”
Zeng Huo, admiring Hong Feiyun’s cunning, nodded in agreement, “Right.”
He dragged the man into a dense thicket, hiding him well.
After ensuring the man was well-hidden, Zeng Huo emerged from the bushes and asked Hong Feiyun, “What’s our next move?”
“Follow me.” Hong Feiyun led Zeng Huo to the top of a peak, then sat down cross-legged, waiting for the sunset.
Zeng Huo looked at Hong Feiyun, “Shall I go get some food?”
Hong Feiyun waved her hand, “Go ahead, bring back some peanut candy too, and make it a generous amount.” Peanut candy was brought by traders to this region, and she was feeling nostalgic for Chu village.
“Okay.” Zeng Huo took off, leaving the peak.
…
Mu Xiao went looking for Hong Feiyun, but found she wasn’t in her house, “Where is the Red Hall Master?”
The maid at the door replied, “She went to help Left Emissary find someone.”
Mu Xiao frowned, concerned about Hong Feiyun’s wellbeing as she was supposed to be recuperating from serious injuries. The thought of her venturing out worried him further, “Find someone? When did she leave?”
“Half an hour ago,” the maid responded. “She said it was to find someone who could treat Left Emissary’s son.”
“Who are they looking for?” Mu Xiao knew Left Emissary’s son was paralyzed; he had visited several times himself without success, “Who could possibly cure him?”
The maid lowered her head, “I don’t know, only the Red Hall Master knows.”
Something felt off to Mu Xiao, “Which direction did they go?”
The maid pointed, “Northwest.”
Without hesitation, Mu Xiao pursued them.
After he had left, Red Feiyu approached, speaking briefly with the maid before following in Mu Xiao’s direction.
On the mountaintop, Hong Feiyun saw Mu Xiao approaching and muttered under her breath, annoyed, “Why is Mu Xiao getting involved now? And now Red Feiyu is coming too?”
Hong Feiyun massaged her temples, “What are they up to?”
Suddenly, she realized Mu Xiao was nearing the place where they had hidden the unconscious man. Mu Xiao was perceptive and deep-thinking; if he discovered the knocked-out man, he might suspect her.
With no choice, Hong Feiyun quickly descended to intercept him, “Why are you here?”