C21 Bluff

The black bear harbored no fondness for these offspring of officials, finding their spineless demeanor particularly irritating.

He bellowed, "Head Honcho, since he's the enemy's son, why waste words? Just finish him with one slash!"

Brandishing his steel blade, he poised to decapitate Hu Cheng.

"Hold on, I have a better idea," Zhao Ruyu interjected, halting the black bear's advance. She leaned in and whispered something to Lee Fei.

Pondering briefly, Lee Fei swiftly concurred, clapping his hands in agreement, "We'll go with your plan."

With Lee Fei's approval, Zhao Ruyu squatted down, a pale chrysalis pinched between her fingers, and held it to Hu Cheng's lips, cooing, "Eat this, and you're free to go."

Hu Cheng was petrified at the thought of eating the chrysalis, his face contorted in revulsion as he clamped his mouth shut with his hand.

But his preferences were of no consequence. Two figures stepped forward, prying his hands away, while the black bear crouched down, gripping Hu Cheng's jaw to force his mouth open.

Seizing the moment, Zhao Ruyu pushed the chrysalis past his lips, and together, they compelled him to swallow it down.

Hu Cheng's complexion turned ghostly pale as he frantically tried to dislodge the chrysalis from his throat, to no avail.

Irritated, the black bear delivered a punishing kick to his abdomen, snarling, "The second-in-command personally fed you, and you dare to spit it out? You're asking for it."

Grimacing in agony, Hu Cheng clutched his belly, rendered speechless by the pain.

"His face is vexing. Get rid of him," Lee Fei commanded with a dismissive wave of his hand, fearing he might succumb to the urge to end Hu Cheng's life himself.

Yun Yan snickered, signaling to the others. They each grabbed a leg and dragged Hu Cheng off like hauling away a lifeless dog.

Before long, Yun Yan returned, this time with two captives in tow—a man and a woman. The man bore an unsightly visage, while the woman's beauty was akin to that of a blooming flower.

Yun Yan approached the Head Honcho with a report, "We've apprehended a couple skulking in the back and brought them here. How should we proceed with them?"

Lee Fei glanced over and couldn't suppress a chuckle. It was none other than Wu Dalang and Pan Jinlian. What brought them to this place?

With a wave of his hand, he signaled for his men to lower their weapons. Lee Fei, with a friendly expression, inquired, "What brings you to this place?"

Despite his usual timidity, Wu Dalang mustered a protective stance, shielding his wife behind him as he met Lee Fei's gaze. Fearful yet resolute, he stood tall.

In a hushed tone, Wu Dalang explained, "Master, we hail from Wreah and are on our way to resettle in Eyhuburn. I am prepared to leave all my wealth behind in exchange for safe passage."

Lee Fei nodded, understanding the man's desire to escape the idle chatter of others and start anew with his wife.

Without revealing his insight, Lee Fei offered a warm smile and reassured him, "My friend, there's no need for concern. We at White Dragon Fort are all honorable heroes; we do not prey upon the innocent."

Wu Dalang, ever the simple soul, asked earnestly, "Do you truly mean that?"

Pan Jinlian, exasperated, scolded him, "You oaf, show some gratitude for the mercy shown by this noble warrior!" She yanked his ear, forcing them both to kneel.

Wu Dalang blurted out gratefully, "Thank you, great king, for your mercy. Once we settle in Eyhuburn, you simply must try my..."

Before he could finish, Pan Jinlian clamped a hand over his mouth, smiling awkwardly, "Please forgive us, sir. My husband isn't the best with words."

Wu Dalang, undeterred, removed her hand and protested, "How can you be so heartless, woman? My steamed cakes are of the finest quality. Surely the great king would enjoy them?"

Suppressing his amusement, Lee Fei replied with a straight face, "Stand up now. As for your steamed cakes, I'll make it a point to try them someday."

Upon rising, Wu Dalang, reassured by Lee Fei's gentle demeanor, felt at ease.

Pan Jinlian, however, was terrified, catching the covetous glances of the surrounding men.

She had encountered many such leering gazes before, each one coveting her body.

She clung tightly to Wu Dalang's arm. Though he was ineffectual, at that moment, he provided her with a semblance of safety.

Lee Fei's mind raced with possibilities. Now that he had encountered Wu Dalang, it seemed like destiny was at play. It would be a shame not to take advantage of the situation.

If Wu Dalang were to join White Dragon Fort, then perhaps Wu Song would follow suit for the sake of his brother.

In Lee Fei's eyes, Wu Song was his favorite character in Water Margin. It was unfortunate that Wu Song had aligned himself with the wrong person, resulting in the loss of an arm and ultimately taking vows as a monk. Such a conclusion was deeply regrettable.

"Brother, I've learned a few mystical arts and can generally discern a person's fortune," Lee Fei said, fixing his gaze on Wu Dalang. "You must avoid going to Eyhuburn. If you do, it could cost you your life."

Wu Dalang was torn between doubt and fear upon hearing Lee Fei's ominous warning.

Lee Fei decided to stoke the fire further: "Do you have a brother? Let me guess—his name is Wu Song."

Wu Dalang nodded naively, "Yes, yes, my brother's name is Wu Song."

Lee Fei kept up his deception, "Your fate is truly unfortunate. You've lived a solitary life, and your parents died when you were just a child, didn't they?"

Wu Dalang's eyes widened in astonishment, exclaiming, "You're a living immortal! Your accuracy is astounding."

Lee Fei sighed and continued, "Heading to Eyhuburn will not only endanger your life, but it will also bring harm to your wife and even your brother... Ah, such a tragedy."

"I warned you against moving, but you wouldn't listen. You're so stubborn and headstrong. Now look where it's gotten you," Pan Jinlian couldn't resist scolding Wu Dalang.

Wu Dalang responded meekly, "Maybe we should return to Wreah. Let's not go to Eyhuburn."

Lee Fei shook his head, "Returning is not an option either. We've stolen from Magistrate Hu, and that vindictive official will seek retribution. He knows you've had dealings with us; he will surely arrest you. Associating with bandits is a capital offense."

Wu Dalang spoke with a sense of defeat, "If this won't work and that won't work, are we left with no options at all?"

"There are always options; I'm just concerned that you might not be willing to take them," Lee Fei replied.

Pan Jinlian, growing impatient, urged, "Living Immortal, please tell us quickly. We'll follow your guidance to the letter."

Lee Fei feigned difficulty before slowly revealing, "It's actually quite straightforward. You just need to join our White Dragon Fort. By doing so, you'll find your fortunes turning and your future secured."

Upon hearing this, Wu Dalang hesitated. He had never dared to kill even a chicken in his life, let alone become a bandit. He doubted his ability to handle such a life.

Pan Jinlian, on the other hand, was resolute. She quickly responded, "We are willing to join White Dragon Fort. Thank you, Living Immortal, for offering us refuge."

"But I only know how to make pancakes; I'm not skilled in anything else," Wu Dalang protested.

Lee Fei reassured him, "Brother, you worry too much. Once you join White Dragon Fort, you can keep making your pancakes. Think of yourself as part of our support staff. There's nothing to worry about."

Convinced, Wu Dalang agreed, "Alright, I'll join White Dragon Fort."

Lee Fei was inwardly delighted but maintained a composed exterior, simply nodding in response.

Wu Dalang then turned to retrieve his bundle and pulled out his homemade pancakes, offering, "Here are the pancakes I've made. Please, everyone, have a taste."

All of them had come from humble beginnings and seeing Wu Dalang's genuine nature, they naturally took to him.

Only Yun Yan harbored discomfort, for a simple reason: he had developed feelings for Pan Jinlian.

Yet, in Lee Fei's presence, Yun Yan kept his thoughts to himself, burying them deep within.

Once Wu Dalang and Pan Jinlian were settled, Lee Fei led the group onwards to rendezvous with the black dog.

White Dragon Fort now stood empty, its inhabitants descended from the mountain, taking with them all they could carry. They awaited Lee Fei's successful return before relocating together.

Firstly, Lee Fei had been contemplating a change of location for some time. Secondly, after stealing the birthday gift Magistrate Hu had prepared for Cai Jing, it was inevitable that the authorities would come looking for him, and Lee Fei wasn't confident in his ability to confront the government forces.

Zhao Ruyu drew closer to Lee Fei and inquired, "What exactly about this couple caught your attention? Why go to such lengths to recruit them into our stronghold?"

Lee Fei, with a smile, turned the question around, "Do you think I'm deceiving them?"

Zhao Ruyu responded, "Naturally. You might fool them, but not me."

Lee Fei chuckled and replied, "Hahaha, Miss Zhao, this time you are mistaken. My words have been nothing but truthful."

"You may not tell me now, but I'll find out the reason eventually."

Zhao Ruyu, not being a time-traveller, couldn't grasp future events and therefore found it hard to trust him. She suspected he had ulterior motives concerning Wu Dalang and his wife.

Lee Fei just smiled, choosing not to continue the debate. There's truth to the adage that time reveals a person's true character. In due course, she would come to understand everything.