ragginovel Chapter 1 Ouyang Ke
Chapter 1 Ouyang Ke
The East China Sea, an isolated island hanging in the ocean.
The sky was a clear, azure blue, with wisps of white clouds hanging idly where the horizon met the sea, and not a trace of land in sight. The waves gently lapped against the rocks, their crashing sound carrying an ancient, serene solitude.
A man in white sat reclining on a boulder about half his height, letting the sea breeze tousle his clothes and loose hair. He looked dazed, gazing blankly into the distance, his eyes revealing a hint of bewilderment and melancholy, as if he had not yet awakened from a long, dreamlike state.
After a long while, he sighed softly and lowered his head.
As far as the eye could see, there was a shallow puddle left after the tide had receded.
The water's surface was like a mirror, clearly reflecting an unfamiliar face—sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, a nose like a hanging gall bladder, a handsome face with distinct features, and an air of nobility and elegance that emanated from a distinguished family.
But at this moment, his face was completely bloodless, pale to the point of being almost transparent, clearly showing signs of serious injury that had not yet healed, and also suggesting that he had been indulging in excessive drinking and debauchery.
Ouyang Ke stared blankly at the face in the puddle, the sense of unfamiliarity in his eyes growing stronger.
This is him.
Ouyang Ke.
The young master of White Camel Mountain, the direct nephew of "Western Poison" Ouyang Feng, and also his only successor.
And he...
Three days ago, he was working overtime until late at night in an office building in the city. When he woke up, he found himself lying on this deserted island, his legs crushed and bloodied by a boulder. Beside him was a middle-aged man with a high nose and deep-set eyes, exuding a fierce aura, looking at him with concern.
Through.
This word, which I had only ever seen in online novels, is now truly happening to him.
He looked down at his legs. The broken bones were fixed in place by rough wooden boards and wrapped with strips of cloth soaked in medicine, but the excruciating pain that went deep into his bones constantly reminded him: this was not a dream, this was real.
Suddenly, a series of clanging calls came from afar, like the scraping of metal, yet filled with barely concealed anxiety: "Ke'er! Where are you?"
Ouyang Ke felt a warmth in his heart, looked in the direction of the voice, and called out loudly, "Uncle, I'm here!"
He knew it was Ouyang Feng's voice.
The "Western Poison" in the original book, who is sinister and ruthless and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals, is cruel and heartless to others, but he truly loves his nephew. He felt this love very clearly during these three days.
A white shadow flashed through the woods, and in the next instant, a tall man in white appeared three feet in front of him. The man had a high nose, deep-set eyes, a sallow beard, and a sharp, piercing gaze. His brows were full of the fierce aura of a tyrant, but at this moment, his eyes were full of undisguised concern as he looked at Ouyang Ke.
It was none other than "Western Poison" Ouyang Feng.
His gaze swept over Ouyang Ke's pale face, then fell on his mud-covered hands. His brows furrowed slightly, but his voice remained as firm as metal: "Ke'er, your injuries haven't healed yet. How could you leave the cave on your own? The sea breeze on this island is fierce. What if you catch a cold...?"
Hearing the deep concern hidden beneath that cold tone, Ouyang Ke felt a warmth in his heart and said softly, "Uncle, I've been cooped up in the cave for too long and wanted to come out for some fresh air."
He wasn't lying.
For three days, he lay in that damp, dark cave, listening to the sound of the waves outside, thinking for a very long time.
Since we're here, let's live.
Moreover, it should live a better life than the original owner.
Ouyang Feng, however, misunderstood his meaning. He assumed his nephew was disheartened by the loss of his legs and had come out alone to clear his head. He stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Ke'er, don't worry. Your uncle will definitely heal your legs!"
His tone was firm and unwavering, leaving no room for doubt.
Ouyang Ke smiled bitterly to himself.
As a person from later generations, how could he not know his own fate?
These legs were struck by a massive boulder from a great height, breaking the leg bones inch by inch, making ordinary treatments impossible.
Even with Ouyang Feng's superb martial arts skills and profound internal energy, he couldn't mend the shattered bones. In the original story, Ouyang Feng took him to seek medical treatment along the way, but ultimately failed to cure his legs. Finally, in Niujia Village, Yang Kang took advantage of his crippled legs and limited mobility to launch a sneak attack and kill him.
If his legs hadn't been broken, would Yang Kang have dared to lay a hand on him?
Thinking of this, Ouyang Ke simply shook his head, his tone calm: "Uncle, my injury... there's no rush. Let's talk about it after we're out of trouble."
Ouyang Feng looked at him, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
This nephew seems a little different than before?
But he didn't think much of it, simply viewing the ordeal as a means of growth. He nodded and said, "Don't worry, your uncle has already had that fool Guo Jing cut down trees to build a ship. Once the ship is finished, your uncle will kill him first to avenge you!"
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Ke shook his head: "Uncle, there's no need."
"No need?" Ouyang Feng raised an eyebrow.
Meeting his sharp gaze, Ouyang Ke slowly said, "My nephew's misfortune this time was due to his own lust and improper conduct, and he has no one to blame but himself. Even if he hadn't suffered this calamity today, he would have inevitably suffered an even greater setback in the future. This is a lesson my nephew should learn."
As soon as he finished speaking, two beams of light suddenly flashed in Ouyang Feng's eyes.
He stared at Ouyang Ke for a long time, as if he were seeing his nephew for the first time. After a long while, a smile of satisfaction appeared on his face, and he nodded, saying, "Good! Ke'er, you've seen through this; you're sure to achieve great things in your martial arts future!"
He meant it sincerely.
Ouyang Ke had been learning martial arts from him since childhood and was quite talented, but he was frivolous and obsessed with beautiful women, and could never settle down to study martial arts. He was anxious about this, but because of his guilt towards his sister-in-law, he could never bring himself to discipline her strictly, so he let her live a dissolute life.
Now that I see him having survived this ordeal, he seems to have been reborn. How could I not be happy?
But he immediately snorted coldly and said, "However, this matter cannot be left like this. Your uncle promises you, we won't kill them yet. We'll prepare them properly after we get ashore!"
Ouyang Ke knew his uncle's temperament; he was vindictive and vengeful. The fact that he had agreed to spare Guo Jing and Huang Rong for the time being was already an exception out of consideration for him. He pondered for a moment, then said, "Uncle, could this matter be handled by your nephew?"
Ouyang Feng was taken aback again: "You'll handle it yourself?"
"Yes." Ouyang Ke's gaze was calm and firm. "This is my nephew's tribulation, and it is my nephew's responsibility to resolve it."
Ouyang Feng looked at him, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, and finally nodded: "Alright!"
He paused, then said, "The sea breeze is strong here, and your injuries haven't healed yet. Your uncle will take you back to the cave first."
"Thank you for your trouble, Uncle."
Ouyang Feng reached out and gently grabbed Ouyang Ke's shoulder, his body suddenly rising into the air. Ouyang Ke felt the wind whistling past his ears, the scenery rushing past his eyes, and he felt as if he were riding on clouds.
He was secretly amazed: This was the "Instant Thousand Miles" lightness skill of White Camel Mountain. He could naturally know it too, but he could never do it as effortlessly as his uncle. To be able to move at such speed while carrying a person, Ouyang Feng's martial arts were truly unfathomable.
In less than the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, the two arrived at a pine forest.
Ouyang Feng stopped and looked up at the canopy of two large trees in the forest. There, a simple treehouse was built, with several thick branches spanning across it and covered with a thick layer of leaves. A figure could be vaguely seen sitting cross-legged.
Ouyang Feng said coldly, "Huang girl, get down here!"
Inside the treehouse, Huang Rong and Guo Jing were guarding the seriously injured Hong Qigong. Upon hearing the shout, the two exchanged a glance, their expressions changing simultaneously.
Guo Jing clenched his fist and whispered, "Rong'er, let's fight him!"
"What are you competing for!" an old voice rang out from behind them.
The two turned around and saw that Hong Qigong, who was sitting cross-legged, had opened his eyes. His face was sallow and his breath was weak, but his eyes still revealed the arrogance and magnanimity of a master of the Five Greats.
He whispered, "Old beggar, I've lost all my martial arts skills. Even if you two kids combine your strength, you're no match for that old poisoner. Hurry, run towards the back mountain, don't worry about me!"
Huang Rong shook her head, her eyes slightly red: "Master, we're not going anywhere!"
She was incredibly intelligent; how could she not know that whether she fled or fought, she would only endanger her master's life? The only option now was to endure.
She took a deep breath and called out loudly, "Okay, I'm coming down right now!"
As soon as she finished speaking, she leaped lightly down from the treehouse.
The sea breeze lifted her dress, and her light blue robe fluttered in the air, making her look like a fairy on the water, gracefully landing in Ouyang Ke's sight.
Ouyang Ke looked up and was slightly taken aback.
The girl landed on the beach, her face as white and smooth as jade, her skin as radiant as snow, delicate and flawless. Her eyes were incredibly bright and lively, clear and bright, their every glance revealing a clever and cunning nature. Her eyebrows were like painted strokes, her nose was straight and elegant, her lips were naturally red, and her hair was naturally black.
A sea breeze swept by, and a few wisps of hair on her forehead fluttered gently, making her look even more radiant and stunning.
nice.
really beautiful.
Even though Ouyang Ke had seen all kinds of beauties in later generations, he had to admit that Huang Rong in front of him truly deserved the title of "exquisite beauty".
His gaze lingered on her for a moment, then he casually looked away.
Because he saw the wariness in Huang Rong's eyes, and a fleeting look of disgust.
That was the impression the original owner left on her.
Ouyang Ke smiled bitterly to himself. He had "inherited" all of the original owner's behavior: relentlessly pursuing Huang Rong, being frivolous and rude, and even attempting to sexually assault her upon arriving on the island. Huang Rong probably wanted to tear him to pieces right now, but she had to force a smile because of Ouyang Feng's imposing presence.
He certainly wouldn't be like the original owner, knowingly fawning over someone who disliked him.
It should be understood that some things cannot be forced.
After Huang Rong landed, Ouyang Feng snorted coldly again, looking up at the treehouse: "You brat surnamed Guo, you get down here too! You still want a peaceful night's sleep?"
Guo Jing swallowed his anger and leaped down. He was tall and strong, with thick eyebrows and big eyes. His face was honest yet firm, and he exuded an aura of unyielding integrity.
Ouyang Feng stood with his hands behind his back and said coldly, "Tonight, go and get me a hundred large logs. One less, and I'll break one of your legs; two less, and I'll break both!"
Huang Rong couldn't help but ask, "What do we need the wood for? Besides, it's getting dark, where are we going to get it?"
Ouyang Feng's gaze sharpened: "You talkative little girl! You just serve my nephew and mind your own business. If you dare to be negligent in the slightest, you'll suffer the consequences!"
Huang Rong bit her lip and gave Guo Jing a wink, signaling him to be patient and not to act rashly.
Guo Jing slowly relaxed his clenched fist and said in a deep voice, "Yes."
Ouyang Feng was satisfied and turned to Huang Rong: "Huang girl, come and help Ke'er."
Huang Rong was taken aback, her gaze falling on Ouyang Ke.
She had expected to see those familiar, lecherous eyes staring at her, but to her surprise, Ouyang Ke's gaze merely swept across her face before falling away, seemingly showing little interest in her.
Huang Rong was slightly surprised, but she didn't think much of it, assuming he was just putting on an act in front of Ouyang Feng. She stepped forward and took Ouyang Ke's arm from Ouyang Feng's hand.
As the two drew closer, a faint, delicate fragrance wafted into Ouyang Ke's nostrils. It was the unique scent of a young girl, mixed with the salty dampness of the sea breeze, making it exceptionally pleasant.
His heart stirred slightly, but that was all.
He turned his head and said to Huang Rong in a low voice, "Thank you for your trouble, Miss Huang."
His tone was calm, polite, and even somewhat distant.
Huang Rong was taken aback again.
She had expected Ouyang Ke to take advantage of her and get close to her, and she was even prepared to throw him face-first into the dirt at any moment. However, Ouyang Ke deliberately propped himself up and kept his distance from her, showing no intention of taking advantage of her.
Huang Rong was secretly amazed, but also became more vigilant.
Is this person up to something?
She supported Ouyang Ke, walking step by step towards the cave. Throughout the journey, Ouyang Ke maintained the same posture, trying his best not to let his body touch her. However, with both legs broken, each step was excruciatingly painful, and Huang Rong, being weak, inevitably caused some bumps and stumbles. By the time they reached the cave entrance, Ouyang Ke's face was deathly pale, and cold sweat poured down his forehead.
Seeing his behavior, Huang Rong felt a pang of guilt.
Regardless of the circumstances, he ultimately broke his own leg.
She gently helped Ouyang Ke onto the bed made of dry grass, her movements much softer than before. Ouyang Ke closed his eyes, clenched his teeth, and the veins on his forehead throbbed slightly, clearly trying his best to endure the pain.
He didn't say a single word to Huang Rong.
Huang Rong stood to the side, looking at his pale face and furrowed brows, her sense of guilt growing stronger. After hesitating for a moment, she poured a bowl of water and brought it to Ouyang Ke's lips.
Ouyang Ke felt a cool sensation on his lips and swallowed instinctively. He opened his eyes and met Huang Rong's bright, lively gaze. In those eyes, there was wariness, defensiveness, but also a fleeting hint of guilt.
Their eyes met, but only for a moment before Huang Rong withdrew her hand, took a few steps back, and created distance between them again.
Ouyang Ke knew that she harbored deep prejudice against him, but he didn't care. He simply nodded slightly and said, "Thank you, Miss Huang."
After saying that, he closed his eyes again and said nothing more.
Night was falling.
Outside the cave, the sound of waves crashed, while inside, a single lamp shone dimly. Ouyang Ke lay on a bed of dry grass, the pain in his broken leg growing increasingly intense, as if countless needles were piercing his bone. He gritted his teeth, trying not to make a sound, but ultimately couldn't help but groan softly.
Huang Rong sat not far away, watching him writhe in pain, his handsome face contorted with agony, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead.
She felt even more guilty, but didn't know what to say. She could only get up from time to time to feed him water or wipe the cold sweat from his forehead with a damp cloth.
That night, the two remained silent facing each other.
Late at night, Ouyang Feng came in to check on him. Seeing that Ouyang Ke was in great pain, he frowned and pressed several acupoints on him. Ouyang Ke felt a wave of drowsiness wash over him and finally fell into a deep sleep.
Ouyang Feng turned and glanced at Huang Rong, his gaze icy: "Take good care of him. If anything goes wrong, you know the consequences."
Huang Rong pursed her lips and remained silent.
Ouyang Feng snorted coldly and turned to leave.
Outside the cave, the sea breeze howled.
Inside the cave, the lights flickered.
Huang Rong looked at Ouyang Ke's still furrowed brows as he slept, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
She suddenly felt that this Ouyang Ke seemed different from before.
But she couldn't quite put her finger on what was different.
Perhaps... it's just an illusion.
She shook her head, stopped thinking about it, and leaned against the cave wall, gradually closing her eyes.
The night was long and quiet.
And dawn is quietly brewing where the sea meets the sky.