After seeing Leng Ling'er off into Jianghai High School, Gu Yan glanced at the crimson figure that had mysteriously taken a seat in the back row.
He spoke calmly, "Mei Xue, report on the current situation."
Mei Xue pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "The Black Tortoise Gate has taken an interest in a boy named Deng Feng from Ling'er's class as their heir."
"It seems Deng Feng has a crush on Ling'er and has had some academic interactions with her in the past."
Gu Yan nodded slightly upon hearing this.
Indeed, in the original story, Deng Feng was a character who endured constant bullying and humiliation.
One day, after a particularly brutal bullying session, the head of the Black Tortoise Gate took notice of him and chose him as the heir.
The reason? Deng Feng possessed a pure aura of the Black Tortoise, which signified he was the prophesied chosen one of destiny!
From there, the plot unfolded as expected.
Deng Feng displayed astonishing talent in cultivation. Upon his return, he embarked on the classic "Dragon Ao Tian" storyline.
He sought revenge on those who had bullied him, transforming from a timid, submissive individual into someone courageous enough to stand up against evil.
Later, he met the protagonist, Xiao Lin, and the two hit it off instantly, becoming sworn brothers with a shared mission to fight injustice and protect the world!
However, the driving force behind Deng Feng's desire to become stronger was his love for Leng Ling'er, whom he wanted to protect.
But tragically, until his death, Deng Feng never learned that the very person he admired, Leng Ling'er, was actually killed by his sworn brother, Xiao Lin.
During their conversations, they would often mention how Deng Feng's strength was driven by a girl he loved, who was tragically murdered by a criminal.
Xiao Lin, filled with righteous indignation, vowed to find the killer for Deng Feng.
It was, in essence, a darkly ironic twist.
Since the plot was progressing as expected, with the Black Tortoise Gate now targeting Deng Feng as their heir,
it was likely that other storylines involving the protagonist, Xiao Lin, would begin to unfold as well.
...
...
Jianghai Hospital.
In a private, top-tier ward.
Wang Yulan gazed excitedly at the report in her hands.
"It's been so many days already..."
"Finally, I can be discharged!"
Wang Yulan placed the report down, her mood greatly improved.
However, the moment she thought of that particular figure in her mind, she couldn't help but sigh.
Ah...
Leaning back on the hospital bed, she gazed out the window and murmured, "What is Gu Yan doing now? It feels like he hasn't come to see me since he arranged this ward for me."
Though it sounded absurd, Wang Yulan found herself developing a peculiar feeling for Gu Yan, her mother's student.
His image lingered persistently in her thoughts.
No, no!
Wang Yulan shook her head vigorously, her expression conflicted. After all, Gu Yan was not only her savior but also her mother's student.
Moreover, with her age and the responsibility of caring for her mother, how could she even entertain such thoughts?
The gap between them was simply too vast.
Sighing, Wang Yulan reminded herself that Gu Yan was young and accomplished, while she had her mother to look after. Such matters were not to be considered.
However, thinking of her mother brought her some solace.
The attending physician had mentioned that with proper treatment, her mother's condition was steadily improving. If things continued this way, there was a chance she might regain consciousness!
This was all thanks to the mysterious benefactor who had paid for their medical expenses.
Wang Yulan was deeply grateful to that person, though she had no idea who it was...
Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind, and her eyes filled with hesitation.
Could it be... could it be that the one who paid for her mother's medical fees was also Gu Yan?
"No way..."
Wang Yulan clutched the blanket tightly. If Gu Yan was indeed the one behind this, how could she ever repay him?
At that moment, the sound of a door opening echoed through the room.
A woman dressed in a pink trench coat entered with a cheerful smile.
Upon seeing her, Wang Yulan's expression turned slightly exasperated.
"Tao Ying, I really don't want to join whatever organization you're talking about. It sounds like a pyramid scheme to me."
Tao Ying was the granddaughter of an elderly patient Wang Yulan had met during her stay. However, the girl seemed to have a touch of "mid-life crisis."
She constantly spoke of strange things to Wang Yulan.
Tao Ying shook her head lightly upon hearing this. She sat beside Wang Yulan's bed and urged, "Sister Yulan, the world is changing, and the Peach Blossom Society is no longer what it once was."
"You possess the power of the Flower Goddess; you are the chosen one! You are the future leader of the Peach Blossom Society!"
"Only you can lead us back to our former glory!"
Here she goes again...
Wang Yulan sighed helplessly, looking at Tao Ying with pity. "Tao Ying, you're talking nonsense again. What's with all this talk of martial artists, the ancient martial world, the Peach Blossom Society, and the Flower Goddess's energy? You've been brainwashed way too much."
Tao Ying had come to persuade her multiple times already, and Wang Yulan was growing impatient. If not for her grandmother's insistence that she approach Wang Yulan, she wouldn't have bothered humbling herself to interact with such an ordinary person.
So, she changed her tactic, saying, "Don't you care about your mother?"
"Her treatment costs are exorbitant. If you join the Peach Blossom Society, we can provide the funds for her continued care."
This statement caught Wang Yulan off guard. Her mother was her weak spot, and the prospect of securing her mother's future treatment was incredibly tempting.
Moreover, she wanted to repay the mysterious benefactor who had cleared their medical bills.
Thus, this time, Wang Yulan didn't reject the offer outright. Instead, she considered it for a moment before saying, "I'll think about it."
Seeing this, Tao Ying's eyes flashed with impatience. After saying all that, she still needed to think about it?
She took a deep breath, maintaining her cheerful facade. "That's great, Sister Yulan. Just give me a call if you're interested."
"But I must warn you, this world truly has extraordinary powers. Besides us, there are even Demonic Martial Artists."
"Their methods are ruthless! They will stop at nothing to achieve their goals!"
Wang Yulan nodded, treating it like a story she was hearing.
Tao Ying didn't say anything more. She stood up, bid farewell, and walked out of the room.
Once outside, her previously amiable expression turned vicious in an instant.
"Tao Ying, the leader never mentioned paying for her mother's medical expenses."
"You know our sect's situation, don't you?"
A man watching her exit said calmly.
“Hmph, of course I know,” Tao Ying replied irritably, flicking her hand. Who would have thought that the once-mighty Peach Blossom Society, the top force in the Demonic Martial Realm, would fall to such a state?
If not for their attempt to take advantage of the situation and hunt down that existence years ago, they wouldn't be in this predicament.
Thinking of this, Tao Ying sneered coldly, "Let's handle this the way we Demonic Martial Artists do."
"She's always so hung up on her mother, isn't she?"
"Then... let's help her let go of that."
The man nodded calmly, "Understood."
He made a gesture, "For the Peach Blossom Society."
Tao Ying mirrored the gesture, "For the Peach Blossom Society."
Yes, for the revival of the Peach Blossom Society, Wang Yulan must join them!