Chapter 165: A Bountiful Return

Chapter 165: A Bountiful Return

The strike of the Celestial Being left everyone in awe!

When the Master of Heavenly Gate unleashed his attack, everyone present was stunned.

Yang Yizhi and Yang Xiaoyun were ashen-faced, utterly disbelieving what they saw.

"Xiao Mo!!!!"

Father and daughter roared in unison, ready to rush forward.

Yu Lingxin and the Qilin Swordsman followed closely behind.

A flash of red light, and Ling Hongxia appeared like a bolt across the sky!

Wu Daoyou, Liu Mo, Feng Baichuan, Ji Feiyang, Fu Hanyuan, and the others were slightly slower but quickly caught up to lend their aid.

Before they could move forward, the ground rumbled.

It seemed as if earth dragons were writhing. Turning their heads, they saw Zhen Xiaoxiao, who had just wreaked havoc among the black-clad figures, charging over with a furious expression, wielding a one-legged bronze man.

Everyone's attention was focused on Su Mo and the Master of Heavenly Gate.

Their only wish was to save him!!!

However, before they could reach him, the spreading force of the attack already prevented everyone except Yang Yizhi and Ling Hongxia from getting any closer.

The Master of Heavenly Gate's "Celestial Being Strike" transcended the limits of technique, merging the infinite with the finite.

The Celestial Inner Power, combining the Pure and Clear Law and the Three Thousand Red Dust Paths, had reached its pinnacle.

Under the sweeping internal energy, how many could stand against it?

Yang Yizhi roared in anger, his hands weaving through the light.

Ling Hongxia's dual blades sliced through the air, advancing within three zhang of the two.

At this moment, Su Mo, who had been standing motionless with lowered eyes, suddenly lifted his head.

Looking at the Master of Heavenly Gate, whose lips curled in a twisted smile, he sneered:

"Is that all?"

The words were not loud.

Yet they echoed in everyone's ears.

Yang Yizhi and Ling Hongxia paused, standing still, their faces filled with shock.

The others were momentarily frozen in place.

How astonishing was the Master of Heavenly Gate's strike!?

None of those present had even heard of such a powerful attack, let alone seen it.

Yet, after such a devastating blow, Su Mo seemed completely unharmed?

The words "Is that all?" dripped with mockery!

The Master of Heavenly Gate's twisted smile froze, his eyes filled with disbelief as he looked at Su Mo:

"This is impossible..."

As he spoke, Su Mo suddenly took a deep breath. In an instant, the remaining force of the Celestial Being Strike, which had been seeping from his back, gathered around him!

With a shake of his arms, the Master of Heavenly Gate's eyes widened in horror.

An overwhelming force surged back, reversing along his meridians.

In the next moment, the Master of Heavenly Gate, who had been pressing forward with formidable internal energy, was sent flying.

In mid-air, blood erupted from various acupoints on his body!

A mouthful of blood spewed out, staining the sky.

Like a meteor, like lightning, he crossed the void.

His palm had sent Su Mo flying twenty-three zhang, directly out of the battle circle.

But his flight carried him over thirty zhang, from the edge of the rear mountain back to the front of the Yu Clan Ancestral Hall.

On either side of the hall stood several stone pillars, and the Master of Heavenly Gate crashed into one of them with a resounding crack.

The sound of breaking stone echoed as he was embedded deeply within it, cracks radiating outward from the impact point.

Finally, with a loud crash, the stone pillar and the Master of Heavenly Gate fell to the ground.

In a blur, Su Mo was already there.

He casually lifted the Master of Heavenly Gate out, shook him slightly, and looked at Yang Yizhi:

"Uncle Yang, he still has a breath left."

"..."

Yang Yizhi was speechless.

After a moment, he reacted, immediately flying over and taking out a pill from his robe, which he forced into the Master of Heavenly Gate's mouth.

The leader of Heavenly Gate merely glared at the two, determined not to speak.

Even if he were to lose this battle and die by Su Mo's hands, having witnessed such divine martial arts, he would be able to die content.

But these people clearly did not want him to die... They wanted him to live.

To live and fall into their hands would inevitably mean enduring endless humiliation.

His nature was proud; how could he possibly accept that?

But at this moment, his entire meridians were severed, his bones shattered, his flesh nearly disintegrated, his dantian broken, and his internal organs damaged from the exchange with Su Mo’s punch.

Even if he wanted to grit his teeth, he had no strength left to do so, wishing only that he could die with one last effort...

Unfortunately, his wish remained unfulfilled as Yang Yizhi casually pried open his jaw and forced a pill into his mouth, guiding it down with his inner strength.

A casual palm strike landed on the chest and abdomen of the Heavenly Gate leader, dispersing the medicinal power.

The leader’s deathly pale face gradually regained a hint of redness.

"…You… This is… the Life-Reviving Pill from the Pavilion of the Hanging Pot?"

He stared at Yang Yizhi in shock: "This pill, even an entire city, would not be enough to trade for it, and they gave it to you?"

Yang Yizhi let out a light breath but ignored the Heavenly Gate leader’s words, instead turning anxiously to Su Mo.

He reached out, touching Su Mo’s chest to ensure it hadn’t caved in, and that no bones were broken, though his clothes were torn by the palm force, leaving two holes.

But there wasn’t even a red mark on his skin.

Only then did he exhale deeply, looking at Su Mo with a complex expression.

Before he could speak, Yang Xiaoyun and the others had already arrived, disregarding any embarrassment due to the crowd, she threw herself into Su Mo’s arms.

She was a woman who could match any man, but her heart was not made of iron.

Seeing the peril Su Mo faced in this battle, she felt her heart shatter into pieces, only to slowly return to its place when she tightly embraced the person in her arms.

Her scattered soul and spirit also returned to her body.

"Sister Xiaoyun, don’t be afraid."

Su Mo held Yang Xiaoyun with one arm: "I’m fine. His martial arts may look powerful, but it’s all just a show."

"…"

Ling Hongxia, Yu Lingxin, and the others rolled their eyes.

Even Liu Mo and Fu Hanyuan thought Su Mo was just talking nonsense.

Only Feng Baichuan’s eyes revealed a look of understanding.

Noticing this, Ji Feiyang was stunned: "You can’t be serious, right?"

"Head of the Escort Bureau, Su, wouldn’t lie."

Feng Baichuan believed this firmly.

"…"

Ji Feiyang’s lips twitched. Wouldn’t lie?

He’s just trying not to worry Yang Xiaoyun, isn’t he?

It’s just comforting words.

Although it’s true he’s fine, it’s because of his high martial arts skill!

If you went up against him, you’d be shattered into pieces!

What kind of people does the Heavenly Blade Sect have?

Only after her heart fully settled did Yang Xiaoyun realize everyone was watching.

She quickly released Su Mo, feeling a bit reluctant, but turned back and saw Yang Yizhi, subconsciously biting her lower lip:

"Father..."

"…Xiaoyun."

Yang Yizhi sighed: "Forget it, forget it. This isn’t the place to talk. Let’s clean up and find somewhere else to discuss."

As he spoke, he picked up the Heavenly Gate leader.

The leader’s face remained cold, and he said nothing.

He knew that at this point, no matter what he said, it would be useless. Instead of wasting words on pride, it was better to remain silent.

Su Mo looked at Liu Mo and the others, lightly clasping his fists:

"Gentlemen… It’s been a few days, and I didn’t expect our next meeting to be under such circumstances."

"Head of the Escort Bureau, Su!"

"How did you end up here?"

Liu Mo and the others greeted Su Mo with clasped fists.

Su Mo glanced at Yang Yizhi and shook his head lightly: "There’s a long story behind it, but I wonder how Fu Hanyuan ended up being captured by… that Deputy Palace Master of Paradise Palace?"

Liu Mo and the others exchanged glances, also finding it hard to laugh or cry: "This is a long story."

"Then let's talk as we walk."

Yang Yizhi spoke up and instructed Wu Daoyou’s men to clean up the battlefield.

Wu Daoyou cheerfully agreed, bowed to Su Mo, and then turned to get to work.

Immediately, everyone turned around and headed back. The Qilin Swordsman carried Gu Biyuan, while Yang Yizhi carried the leader of Heavenly Gate.

The group returned with a full load.

On the way, Liu Mo briefly recounted their journey.

Since the day they parted ways outside the teahouse, they had rushed to Blue Wind Valley.

They were eager to track down Tong Yun, so their pace was naturally quick.

However, they never expected to encounter a tragedy along the way.

While passing through a town, they discovered that an entire wealthy family had been brutally murdered, with the bodies hanging from the rafters, having suffered immense humiliation before death.

The young master of the household had been kidnapped and was nowhere to be found.

Seeing this, Liu Mo was instantly enraged. Feng Baichuan, who came from the Heavenly Blade Sect, was outwardly cold but inwardly warm-hearted. How could he stand by and do nothing when faced with such injustice?

To their surprise, even Fu Hanyuan was indignant.

Upon inquiry, they learned that the northern martial world was in chaos, and Fu Hanyuan, born a farmer, had seen too many injustices in his early years.

After entering the martial world, he had also harbored the desire to right wrongs.

Unfortunately, he was later manipulated and found himself unable to act freely.

At this moment, everyone was in agreement.

They followed the trail and discovered that the perpetrators were also heading to Blue Wind Valley.

After tracking them for a long time, they finally caught up with the group.

Although they did not know who was at the Paradise Pavilion, it did not stop them from taking action against evil.

After discussing it, the three decided to act at night, each handling their own tasks—rescuing and eliminating the villains.

However, when they engaged in combat in the forest that night, Gu Biyuan’s martial arts proved to be truly terrifying.

After a fierce struggle, they not only failed to eliminate the villain but almost fell captive to Gu Biyuan.

At a critical moment, the one who saved them was someone they never expected.

It was none other than Tong Yun, the Endless Blade!

Unfortunately, Tong Yun had already been at the end of his strength.

In the end, he managed to take Liu Mo and Feng Baichuan away, leaving Fu Hanyuan helpless.

Su Mo was somewhat surprised upon hearing this: "You found Tong Yun?"

"Yes."

Liu Mo nodded and sighed: "Unfortunately, he is already dead."

Su Mo glanced at Feng Baichuan, the eldest disciple of the Heavenly Blade Sect, whose face was now cold and stern, revealing nothing of his inner thoughts.

Su Mo raised an eyebrow: "Did Tong Yun say anything to you?"

As he spoke, he subconsciously looked at Yang Yizhi, who was walking ahead.

But he saw no reaction from him, as if he hadn’t heard at all.

However, these old hands in the martial world could all win Oscars for their acting. They appeared calm, but who knew what they were thinking inside.

"No."

Liu Mo shook his head: "When he saved us, he was already at the end of his strength. After bringing us to safety, he barely managed to say a few words before passing away."

"This..."

Su Mo was taken aback: "He didn’t say anything at all?"

"He seemed to have something he wanted to say."

Liu Mo sighed: "But perhaps we weren’t the ones he was waiting for."

"..."

Su Mo nodded, unsure of what to say.

"Before my uncle passed away, he left a letter for me to deliver to the sect leader. He also gave me his personal sword and the Hanging Moon Sword to return to the Ten Thousand Peaks Pool."

Feng Baichuan suddenly spoke up.

"I see. Brother Feng, please accept my condolences."

Feng Baichuan shook his head: "Although my uncle was on his deathbed, he seemed at peace, as if he had achieved what he sought. There is nothing to grieve over."

Su Mo was momentarily at a loss for words.

He discovered that the Yu family and the people of the Heavenly Blade Sect were, at times, truly broad-minded in their attitudes toward certain matters.

After this battle, Liu Mo found Tong Yun, thus resolving a long-standing heartache.

Years ago, the mighty Liu Changyang narrowly lost to Tong Yun; now, Liu Mo was saved by Tong Yun, and thus the grudge was naturally settled.

However, they couldn't return at that time because Fu Hanyuan had been captured by Gu Biyuan.

They had no choice but to pursue again, cautiously sneaking to the outskirts of the Blue Wind Valley.

Before today, Gu Biyuan had always been outside the Blue Wind Valley, which was why Yu Lingxin's patrol of the valley entrance had yielded nothing.

It wasn't until today that Fu Hanyuan finally showed his face.

They had intended to rescue him immediately, but to their surprise, Ji Feiyang, who hadn't been seen for months, was the first to act.

After that, everyone knew what was happening.

By the time he finished speaking, they had already arrived at the cave where Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun had met before.

Stepping inside, they discovered that the cave held a different world within.

The deeper they went, the larger the internal space became.

Their final destination was a pit in the mountain.

Above them, the Heavenly Gate was wide open, and below, the rock walls provided shelter for camping.

"This place is naturally isolated from the outside world. Even if we start a fire, no one will notice. It's the perfect spot for a large group to settle."

Yu Lingxin glanced at Su Mo and the others, offering a brief explanation.

Liu Mo and Feng Baichuan, among others, then remembered that they hadn't introduced themselves to Yu Lingxin and the Qilin Swordsmen.

They immediately clasped their hands in greeting, but Yu Lingxin waved them off:

"It's better if you don't know my name. Today, you stumbled into this situation... well, not entirely, considering there's still Tong Yun.

"However, this matter has deeper implications. It's best if you don't get involved to avoid any unforeseen consequences."

Hearing this, Su Mo looked at Yu Lingxin: "I wanted to ask, why are you and Uncle Yang so determined to capture the leader of the Heavenly Gate?

"The real culprit behind the destruction of the Yu family is right here. Why capture instead of kill?"

This time, Yu Lingxin didn't answer Su Mo directly but turned to look at Yang Yizhi, who was approaching.

Yang Yizhi glanced at Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun, then sighed softly:

"Follow me."

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun exchanged a look and followed Yang Yizhi.

They continued along the cave, turning several times before reaching another opening. Climbing out, they found themselves in a small, secluded valley.

Surrounded by mountains, the valley had a unique environment with a small bridge over a stream, lush trees, and a spring-like climate year-round, making it a pleasant place.

Yang Yizhi stood with his hands behind his back, while Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun stood behind him, exchanging puzzled looks. Then they heard Yang Yizhi sigh softly:

"Moke... when did you start to suspect something?"

"...A long time ago."

Su Mo said, "Ever since my father passed away, Uncle Yang's personality changed dramatically. His actions were completely different from the Uncle Yang I used to know.

"Afterward, the events within the Iron Blood Escort Agency, especially Uncle Yang's decision to expel Sister Xiaoyun, raised many questions.

"In Wufangji, Sister Xiaoyun and I met Li Siyun.

"Uncle Yang asked earlier where Li Siyun was... he, in fact, is dead.

"In Jiaolong Water Village, Li Siyun committed suicide in front of us..."

Yang Yizhi turned to look at Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun, his eyes showing no surprise, as if this was expected.

He nodded lightly: "All these years, he hasn't changed a bit. Involving you in this, he indeed deserved death."

However, his expression became slightly peculiar:

"So, that day at Haoran Academy, you were deliberate?"

"Knowing that Uncle Yang was treating us this way on purpose, we decided to play along to see what you really wanted.

"We hope Uncle Yang won't be offended by our actions that day."

"Forget it, what's the point of being offended now."

Yang Yizhi looked at Su Mo, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

Su Mo then asked solemnly, "Why did you act this way? Uncle Yang, are you still not planning to tell us?"

Yang Yizhi's expression was somewhat dazed. He quietly looked at Yang Xiaoyun for a moment, then smiled lightly:

"In my entire life, I've never felt guilty about anything I've done. Except for one thing, I am guilty towards you..."

Yang Xiaoyun was taken aback: "...What is it?"

"It's the fact that I betrothed you to Moke."

Seeing Yang Xiaoyun about to show anger, Yang Yizhi gently waved his hand:

"Let me explain... Your Uncle Su and I are sworn brothers, bound by deep friendship. Many times, when I was on the brink of death, he carried me out from the pile of corpses.

In those days, I wandered the Jianghu. Had it not been for Su Tianyang, I might not have settled in Sunset City for so many years.

"That's why, even before Xiao Mo was born, I took it upon myself to arrange a marriage for you.

"If Su Tianyang had a son, you two would be married. If he had a daughter, you two would be sworn sisters.

"But, as it turns out, he did a fine job and gave birth to a boy."

As he spoke of these old stories, a smile that had not graced his face in years appeared on Yang Yizhi's countenance.