Chapter 132: Coming Clean

In the blink of an eye, the two had returned to the Peng family estate. At this moment, the courtyard was in utter disarray. Peng Yu looked at Yaoye and couldn’t help but examine him carefully.

Yaoye’s expression was grave as he lightly patted Peng Yu. Seeing the unusual look on Yaoye’s face, Peng Yu straightened up.

“Big brother, what’s going on?”

“Peng Yu, listen to me carefully. You must keep my whereabouts a secret. The Cloud Soaring Sect must not find out, or I will be in grave danger!”

“Don’t worry, big brother. I’ll handle it.”

Peng Yu led Yaoye to a secluded chamber. “Big brother, rest here for now. I’ll go take care of things.”

Just then, a booming voice echoed, “Where is the head of the Peng family? Come out and face me!”

“Big brother, stay calm. Leave everything to me!” Peng Yu hurried out, soaring into the sky toward the distant figure. Seeing Peng Yu approach, Peng Feng quickly introduced him.

“Peng Yu, this is Ling Yun, the Sect Leader of the Cloud Soaring Sect. Come, pay your respects.”

Peng Yu bowed respectfully. “Junior Peng Yu greets Sect Leader Ling.”

Ling Yun waved impatiently. “What happened here? Why all this commotion?”

“This place—”

“In response to Sect Leader Ling, a fierce battle took place here!”

Peng Yu quickly cut off Peng Feng, concerned he might reveal Yaoye’s presence. Peng Feng frowned but said no more.

“A battle? Who was responsible? Where is the head of the Peng family?”

“Huanong, accompanied by a demon elder, came to exterminate the Peng clan. Fortunately, an elder stopped them. My father sustained serious injuries and cannot meet you personally. I hope Sect Leader understands.”

Ling Yun frowned and turned to Peng Feng. “Is that so? Who was this elder?”

“Sect Leader Ling, everything Yu’er says is true. This mess was caused by their battle. As for the elder’s identity, I do not know.”

“And the upheaval in the world’s energy—what caused that?”

“That energy surge resulted from forbidden techniques used by the demon general and the elder. Our abilities were too weak to intervene; we could only watch from afar.”

“Where is this elder now? I want to see him.”

“After killing the demon general, the elder was severely wounded. I wanted him to stay and recover, but before we could speak, he soared into the sky and disappeared.”

“Hmph, you better not be lying to me. If I find out you are, I’ll take your life.”

Seeing no progress, Ling Yun exploded in anger. Peng Yu straightened and coldly snorted.

“For so many years, the Peng family has served the Cloud Soaring Sect loyally. Today, in the face of disaster, you—the sect leader—do nothing to stand up for us. Instead, you rage over baseless accusations. Does that not chill the heart?”

Peng Feng was shocked. “Peng Yu, enough! How can you speak to Sect Leader Ling this way? Sect Leader, forgive him; young men have hot tempers. But everything we have said is true. We hope you will investigate.”

Ling Yun waved a hand, intrigued by Peng Yu. “You are the young master of the Peng family?”

Peng Yu nodded silently. Ling Yun smiled approvingly.

“Good. To have the courage to speak so boldly before me—that is the mark of a man with spirit. The Cloud Soaring Sect looks forward to your arrival.”

“Thank you, Sect Leader. Peng Yu will not disappoint you.”

“Enough. Since the elder is gone, let it be. As for the Huan family traitors, I will send elders to assist you.”

With that, Ling Yun flew toward the Cloud Soaring Sect. Watching his departing figure, Peng Yu wiped the sweat from his brow. Peng Feng looked at him curiously.

“Uncle, let’s talk when we get back. This is no place.”

Peng Feng nodded. They landed and headed to an intact building. Barely inside, Peng Feng couldn’t wait to ask.

“Yu’er, what’s going on? Why hide the truth?”

“Uncle, please instruct everyone not to reveal any news about big brother. Otherwise, it will be trouble. This is what big brother repeatedly told me. He saved us all; we must not be ungrateful.”

“Understood. Leave it to me.”

After the instructions, Peng Yu hurried to Yaoye’s quarters. Entering the secret room, he laid down a set of clothes.

“Big brother, I found you some clothes. Change into these.”

Yaoye nodded gratefully. “Peng Yu, who was that visitor with such authority?”

“That was Ling Yun, sect leader of the Cloud Soaring Sect. Don’t worry, big brother, I handled everything. He suspected nothing.”

Yaoye looked at Peng Yu seriously. Peng Yu followed his gaze, puzzled.

“Big brother, what is it?”

“Peng Yu, what I’m about to tell you, you must keep to yourself.”

“Big brother, what’s wrong? If there’s trouble, just say it. We’re brothers—we face it together.”

Yaoye smiled, patting Peng Yu’s shoulder. “Peng Yu, I’ve never told you my real name, though you’ve asked many times. Now I will tell you everything. My original name is Yaoye. I escaped from the Northern War Zone.”

Hearing the name, Peng Yu was stunned. “Big brother, you—you’re joking, right? Weren’t you captured by the demons?”

“Why would I lie? If not for the Cloud Soaring Sect, I wouldn’t have been captured or endured such torture. Though I escaped by a hair, you know their ambitions—they covet the Creation Cauldron. So I’ve had to hide my identity.”

“Now you know. I’m leaving tomorrow. I’m glad to have met you.”

“Big brother, you’re leaving tomorrow? Fine. I’ll go prepare and say goodbye to father for you.”

“No, Peng Yu, listen. Don’t follow me. You’ve come so far; following me puts your life at constant risk. Stay here and develop yourself. When I need you, you will come to help.”

Peng Yu had been about to leave but stopped, his expression darkening as he stared at Yaoye.

“Big brother, I know I’m not on your level. It’s natural you look down on me. I don’t deserve to be your brother.”

“Peng Yu, what are you saying? When Fang Li attacked me, if not for you, I would have died. You are the brother I’ve risked my life to protect. If you’re unworthy, then no one is.”

With hopeful eyes, Peng Yu said, “Big brother, don’t send me away. I will train hard and catch up to you.”

“Sigh, don’t you understand? I have too many enemies. If I’m exposed, my life will be in danger at any moment. Do you know that?”

“Big brother, I refuse to live a mediocre life. A man must strive. I can’t wait to fight strong opponents.”

Yaoye shook his head in silent disbelief but was deeply moved by Peng Yu’s passion.

“Brother, since I can’t persuade you, then we’ll face the world together and build our power.”

“Yeah!”

Peng Yu crouched on the ground, envisioning the future with a wicked smile. Unknown to Yaoye, Peng Yu would become an indispensable right-hand man in his future endeavors.