Chapter 157: The Visit

Seeing that the Hong Sect's recruitment hall was quite busy, Cheng Feng felt relieved.

Next, it was time to go meet Wu Feng, that injured swordsman.

Cheng Feng walked slowly toward a street-side tavern in the Chengbei District, calculating the upcoming meeting in his heart.

Although this tavern was not large, its location was prime, making it a gathering place for well-informed people.

Pushing open the door, a wave of wine aroma mixed with the sound of conversation rushed toward him. His gaze passed through the crowd and landed on Wu Feng, who was sitting alone in a corner.

Wu Feng wore a green robe; though it was somewhat worn, his temperament remained undiminished. His left hand held a bowl of wine, steady and powerful, his movements natural.

Cheng Feng wore a smile, walked over slowly with steady steps, cupped his hands in a bow toward Wu Feng, and greeted him politely: "Brother Wu, why didn't you go return that favor today?"

Hearing the voice, Wu Feng raised his head. A flash of surprise crossed his eyes, but they quickly returned to calm. He also cupped his hands in return, responding in a flat tone: "Brother Cheng is truly too polite. I wonder why Brother Cheng is so interested in my affairs? Could it be that you have some special instruction?"

The corners of Cheng Feng's mouth lifted slightly, revealing a smile, and he continued to press: "Instruction is out of the question, I am just a bit curious—whose favor was it exactly that Brother Wu returned last time?"

Wu Feng's gaze suddenly turned stern, a cold glint flickering in his eyes. He replied coldly: "The matter has been settled, so the favor naturally dissipated. As for who you ask I returned it to, I can only say I have nothing to say."

Cheng Feng maintained his smile, seemingly unbothered by Wu Feng's cold attitude. He laughed softly: "So that's how it is, Brother Wu doesn't intend to give me this face?"

Wu Feng looked Cheng Feng up and down carefully, then sneered, saying sarcastically: "When I saw you last time, your strength was nothing more than this. It was only for the sake of your master that I let you off. I didn't expect you to take the initiative to come to my door today. Do you think you have improved and have enough confidence to fight me?"

Facing Wu Feng's provocation, Cheng Feng only smiled slightly and did not respond. He calmly walked to the opposite side of Wu Feng and sat down, then ordered the waiter to bring over good wine and food. Throughout the process, Cheng Feng appeared very calm and composed, as if he had not taken Wu Feng's threat to heart at all.

After three rounds of drinks, the expression on Wu Feng's face remained cold, like an iceberg, making people afraid to approach easily. Cheng Feng ate a few bites of food and saw his subordinate nod to him. Cheng Feng felt confident, ate even more happily, and from time to time invited Wu Feng to eat.

Wu Feng was a bit confused by Cheng Feng's actions, but having walked the jianghu for many years, he felt an inexplicable sense of urgency in his heart. Just then, Cheng Feng spoke slowly: "The world knows that you, Wu Feng, saw injustice on the road and drew your sword to help, paying the price of a severed hand after being retaliated against, and never using a sword again. But no one knows that after you retired, you actually lived a life like an Immortal couple with that old man's daughter. It is truly enviable!"

Hearing these words from Cheng Feng, Wu Feng finally understood the source of his unease. He slammed the table and stood up, shouting angrily: "Cheng Feng, you dare to touch my family? Watch out that you die a horrible death!"

Cheng Feng was not afraid at all and interrupted Wu Feng: "They are fine for now. If you don't want anything to happen to them, I will give you one more chance to speak. You had better consider it carefully."

Wu Feng's complexion became very ugly. He clenched his fists tightly, flames of anger flickering in his eyes. He knew that since Cheng Feng dared to say such things, he must have something to rely on. He absolutely could not let his family suffer any harm.

He took a deep breath, struggling to calm himself down, and then said: "Cheng Feng, what exactly do you want? If there is something, we can discuss it properly."

Wu Feng sat down slowly, his eyes revealing a deep exhaustion and helplessness. "Back in the day, I was just an ordinary swordsman in the jianghu." He sighed lightly, his voice carrying a hint of bitterness, "But because of an unprovoked accident, I was dragged into a meaningless dispute. Now, I am already down and out, not what I used to be..." Wu Feng's words were filled with endless sighs.

Cheng Feng listened silently. He put down the wine cup in his hand and looked at Wu Feng with a firm gaze: "Brother Wu, although we have never met, I have always deeply admired a person like you. As the saying goes, the human heart is hard to fathom. In this jianghu, all kinds of heroes and gallants may become our friends, or they may become our enemies. What I value is that heart of yours that cherishes loyalty and righteousness. If fate allows, I would really like to spar with you, Brother Wu. Perhaps in the future, we could even stand side by side to fight against strong enemies!"

Facing such a direct solicitation from Cheng Feng, a flash of regret crossed Wu Feng's eyes. He shook his head with a bitter smile: "Brother Cheng is indeed a straightforward person, but it is a pity that the bones in my wrist have long since fractured, and I missed the best time for treatment, so it has yet to heal. It has been a very long time since I could even pick up a sword..." Speaking of this, Wu Feng's voice gradually lowered, as if he had lost all hope.

Cheng Feng nodded, then poured wine for Wu Feng again and said: "Brother Wu, the path of Martial Dao is like a long night; we still have enough time to explore and grow. Regarding the injuries on your body, I do have some methods I can try."

Although Cheng Feng expressed this, Wu Feng was not moved in the slightest. He had heard similar words too many times; it was a pity that they had not brought any substantial help over these years.

Looking at the helpless expression on Wu Feng's face, Cheng Feng thought to himself: "After I heal you with the Black Jade Intermittent Ointment, I must take a good look at your stunned expression."

Although he thought this internally, Cheng Feng did not make an absolute promise out loud, but said tactfully: "If the prescription I provide heals your injury, would Brother Wu consider joining us?"

Hearing this, Wu Feng could not help but feel suspicious and asked: "Us? Isn't it the Tieshan Martial Arts Hall?"

Cheng Feng replied with full confidence: "I did indeed come out of the Martial Arts Hall, but I also founded the gang called the Hong Sect. Wu Feng, just say it straight: if I can heal your injuries and let you step back onto the path of Martial Dao, then I hope you will spend your whole life in the Offering Hall of the Hong Sect, acting as a Protector for the Hong Sect. So, for this deal, will you do it, or will you not?"

Seeing that Cheng Feng was so well-prepared, a ripple stirred in Wu Feng's long-dormant heart: Could he really have full certainty that he could heal the injuries on my body?

However, Wu Feng quickly regained his composure and said in a deep voice: "I, Wu Feng, can promise you: if you can heal my injury, then naturally everyone is happy. But if you fail, then we will treat this matter as if it never happened. From then on, you walk your wooden bridge, and I walk my sunny path. How about that?"

Cheng Feng's tone remained very calm, and he only replied faintly: "Agreed."

To be honest, Cheng Feng actually admired a person like Wu Feng quite a bit deep down. It was just that if he were to ask Cheng Feng to draw his sword to help whenever he saw injustice like Wu Feng did, he was afraid he couldn't do it; after all, it wouldn't be good to be framed by others.

Cheng Feng considered himself a bit greedy for money and lustful, but he was definitely not a bad person. It was just that everyone's style of doing things was different.

Just like today's matter, Wang Hu spared no effort to investigate in order to dig up information, eventually revealing all of Wu Feng's background. This behavior might be seen by some as unscrupulous, but for Wang Hu, this might just be his way of obtaining intelligence.

The more intelligence, the greater the opportunity, and the safer one is.

Cheng Feng originally had the full ability to use his family as a threat, or to force Wu Feng to reveal those enemies who had once used despicable means against the Mei Family Tavern.

Wu Feng did not speak, and Cheng Feng did not force him, only cleverly guiding Wu Feng to accept the bet he had proposed.

For a person who cherishes loyalty and righteousness, one can adopt a generous approach. If kind words are still ineffective, then that is when Cheng Feng will use hard-line methods.

Healing his injury is a favor; maintaining a good attitude is leaving room for the future.

Perhaps no clues can be seen now, but if one betrays after promising, then whoever makes the mistake should bear the consequences.