Chapter 95: Healing Wounds

Lord Yu Yang let out a hearty “Heh” but did not directly answer. He simply said, “The current arrangement of the noble clans has remained unchanged for nearly a century, spanning three dynasties. Indeed, it has been too peaceful for too long.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Feng Lei suddenly understood, “If His Majesty decides to shake up the court and create some space for the new nobles, choosing who to target will be very strategic.” He then added with some regret, “So, it turns out that this battle is crucial. It’s a pity that Rain Cherry got injured at such a critical moment!”

Lord Yu Yang replied, “There’s no need to worry about the overall situation. Even though Rain Cherry is injured, with Jun Du around, nothing catastrophic will happen. However, overpowering the Zhang clan in this battle is now impossible. Bo Qian Zhang has also arrived in Eternight, and while he won’t interfere in the younger generation’s battles, there’s no chance of taking shortcuts under his watchful eye. You’ll have to earn your war achievements honestly and diligently.”

As he spoke, Lord Yu Yang sighed lightly and said, “However, this means that all the glory of our Zhao clan will fall on the side of the Duke Cheng En. Do you understand?”

Zhao Feng Lei’s face showed a hint of guilt as he said in a low voice, “It’s my fault for being too weak.”

Lord Yu Yang shook his head, “Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re already quite good. At your age, even we old bones were not much better. Rain Cherry’s talent is one in a hundred years, and Jun Du is a chosen one. It’s normal that you can’t match them. However…”

Seeing him hesitate, Zhao Feng Lei couldn’t help but ask, “However, what?”

Lord Yu Yang shook his head, “You don’t need to know so much yet. Just focus on preparing for the battle.”

Zhao Feng Lei nodded, and then had a sudden thought, “Uncle, I have an idea.”

“Oh? Tell me.”

“Rain Cherry’s injury, if handled properly, could turn into a good thing. I’ve heard about Nan Gong Xiao Feng. He’s eccentric and reckless. The Nan Gong family from Yi River and our Yan Yun Zhao family have no grudges. It’s likely that he acted on his own accord when he injured Rain Cherry.”

Lord Yu Yang made a sound of agreement, indicating for him to continue. Zhao Feng Lei went on, “Regardless, it’s undeniable that the Nan Gong family is at fault. Nan Gong Yuan Bo’s situation isn’t as rosy as it seems. There are many problems within his family and in the court. If we apply enough pressure and offer some additional benefits, it won’t be difficult to make him yield. At least, he can provide us with some covert support. With the full assistance of the Nan Gong family, our Zhao clan can not only suppress the Zhang clan in this bloody battle, but both our Yan and Yun branches can also prevent the Duke Cheng En’s branch from monopolizing the glory.”

Lord Yu Yang nodded slowly, approvingly, “You’re thinking big without letting emotions get in the way. You’ve matured a lot. I was pondering how to report Rain Cherry’s injury to the family, and what you said is exactly what I was thinking. Hmph! Nan Gong Yuan Bo won’t be able to refuse.”

Zhao Feng Lei seized the opportunity, “If this works out, it will be a great achievement for our branch. If our Yan and Yun branches can become even closer, supporting each other, the next patriarch… might not go to another branch.”

Lord Yu Yang looked at Zhao Feng Lei, seeing the enthusiasm in his eyes, and said with a smile, “Your idea is good, but the chances of success are slim. You can’t control Rain Cherry. Who will be the master, and who will be the servant?”

Zhao Feng Lei lowered his gaze and said, “I genuinely like Rain Cherry. After marriage, she will understand. Besides, being the patriarch isn’t just about having strong combat power, like Duke Cheng En… I’m sure the elders see it clearly, right?”

At first, Lord Yu Yang didn’t take it seriously, but then he fell into deep thought, closing his eyes and remaining silent. There was one more thing that both of them knew but didn’t say out loud: although the Yan and Yun branches seemed to be in the same position, they were actually closer in blood ties to the Duke of Yu than to the Duke of Yan. This was the hidden worry of the Yan branch, so any path to strengthen the alliance between Yan and Yun was worth exploring.

After a long time, Lord Yu Yang finally said, “Alright, it’s worth a try.”

A smile appeared on Zhao Feng Lei’s face, “Then I’ll go contact the Nan Gong family and make sure Nan Gong Yuan Bo yields!”

Lord Yu Yang nodded, “Go ahead.” Although he was the one in charge, this trip was meant to train the younger generation, so he naturally let Zhao Feng Lei take the lead.

Just then, hurried footsteps echoed in the corridor outside, and someone knocked on the door, saying, “Urgent news!”

Zhao Feng Lei recognized the voice of one of his trusted followers and went to open the door. He took the note and, after a glance, exclaimed, “The Nan Gong family’s base has been destroyed, and Nan Gong Xiao Feng is seriously injured and missing?! What’s going on?”

This news was so sudden that even the usually calm Lord Yu Yang was startled and stood up.

After Rain Cherry’s incident, although they hadn’t decided on a course of action, the meticulous Lord Yu Yang immediately issued secret orders to the nearby Zhao clan branches and related organizations to keep an eye on the Nan Gong family’s properties and search for Nan Gong Xiao Feng’s whereabouts. He didn’t expect such a quick and shocking response.

Zhao Feng Lei looked at Lord Yu Yang and suddenly said, “Could it be Rain Cherry’s doing? Otherwise, the timing is too coincidental.”

Lord Yu Yang frowned and remained silent, certain that Rain Cherry was severely injured and incapable of further fighting.

Zhao Feng Lei suddenly thought of something, “Could it be Qian Ye?” But he immediately shook his head, “A guy who hasn’t even reached the rank of a fighter, how could he do such a thing?”

Lord Yu Yang paced back and forth in the room, pondering, “First, go check on Rain Cherry and see what she knows. She is severely injured, so she shouldn’t be up to such mischief.”

Zhao Feng Lei realized that if Rain Cherry had used a secret method to suppress her injuries for revenge, it would have severe consequences. He quickly asked the messenger a few more questions and then rushed to the Darkflame base.

By now, it was late at night, and one room in the small building was still brightly lit.

Qian Ye was lying naked on the bed, with only a towel covering his waist. The room was filled with a strong medicinal smell, and Nan Gong Xiao Niao and Rain Cherry were on either side, treating his wounds.

In the afternoon, Qian Ye had secretly returned to Black Current City with Nan Gong Xiao Niao and almost collapsed as soon as they entered.

He had aimed for surprise, intending to strike a decisive blow. He had twice charged into the explosion range of the origin force grenades, paying a heavy price. His body was riddled with dozens of wounds, some of which had shrapnel deep into his internal organs. Fortunately, the leaf armor Wei Po Tian had given him protected his vital chest area, so although he had many wounds, none were fatal.

Additionally, the Extinction Slash and the Twin Blossom shot had drained him, and the recoil from Nan Gong Xiao Feng’s two full-force defenses had left him with both internal and external injuries. Both his dawn origin force and blood energy were completely depleted, and it was already quite a feat for him to return.

However, some of Nan Gong Xiao Feng’s origin force still lingered in Qian Ye’s body. To remove it, he needed a master, and neither Number Seventeen nor Nan Gong Xiao Niao could do it. Qian Ye had wanted to use stimulants to recover some origin force and clear it himself, but Rain Cherry caught him and scolded him. Any fast-acting origin force recovery drug had side effects, and using them for healing was, in Rain Cherry’s words, like committing slow suicide.

In the end, Rain Cherry herself had to step in and clean out Nan Gong Xiao Feng’s origin force. Then, she started treating the external wounds, painstakingly removing each piece of shrapnel and rebandaging. It was a painful and lengthy process, so Rain Cherry gave Qian Ye a special medicine, rendering him unable to use origin force for a day.

Nan Gong Xiao Niao and Rain Cherry treated Qian Ye differently. Nan Gong Xiao Niao was extremely meticulous, spending a long time on each wound. Rain Cherry, on the other hand, was harsh and quick, often jabbing the shrapnel back into the flesh before pulling it out when she got angry.

No matter how harsh Rain Cherry was, Qian Ye only smiled, occasionally responding, “How can I bear this?”

Rain Cherry glared at him, roaring, “Shut up! I haven’t even spoken yet, where’s your place to complain? If you want to die, at least pay me back first!”

“When did I owe you money?” Qian Ye was puzzled. He had already settled the dividends, and if anything, Rain Cherry, who lived in the Darkflame base, had more charges against him.

“Anyway, you owe me! Damn it, you’re already in such a state, and you still dare to talk back!”

Rain Cherry, fuming, grabbed a larger, sharp-edged shrapnel and stabbed it towards Qian Ye’s shoulder. However, the sensation was wrong. She was surprised to see Nan Gong Xiao Niao blocking with her hand, causing her to bleed.

“Xiao Niao, you…”

“He’s already like this, he can’t be hurt anymore!” Nan Gong Xiao Niao, with red-rimmed eyes, was on the verge of tears.

Rain Cherry was speechless, “This is called hurting? Don’t look at him now; these are just minor flesh wounds. He’ll be jumping around in three days. Besides, this fool got himself into this mess by charging into the origin force grenades and draining his energy. He deserves it!”

“But you’re being so rough!” Nan Gong Xiao Niao shouted.

Rain Cherry covered her face and sighed, “My cuts are just skin-deep. This guy looks delicate, but he’s tougher than a wild boar. Most people can’t even scratch his skin. You think everyone is like you? Xiao Niao, you…”

Nan Gong Xiao Niao glared at Rain Cherry, clinging to Qian Ye, refusing to let Rain Cherry touch him. Rain Cherry, exasperated, slapped Qian Ye’s buttock, “Qian Ye! Stop pretending to be dead, tell her what’s going on!”

Qian Ye, embarrassed, coughed, “Um, Xiao Niao, Rain Cherry is just clearing the dead tissue from my wounds and… giving me a bit of a lesson.”

Nan Gong Xiao Niao gasped, her face turning red.

Suddenly, there was a commotion outside, followed by Number Seventeen’s scream, “You can’t go in!”

“Get out of the way!”

Number Seventeen cried out in pain, followed by a thud, and then silence.

The door was kicked open, and Zhao Feng Lei stormed in, his eyes bulging. He laughed rather than showing anger, “Sister Rain Cherry, it’s late, and you’re quite enjoying yourselves here, aren’t you?”