Chapter 235: An Unexpected Situation

Chapter 235: An Unexpected Situation

"Don't forget about me!"

The voice still lingered in the air, but the echo of her presence had already vanished without a trace.

Su Mo stood in place, standing there unsure of what to do.

Somehow, Wan Zangxin had appeared by his side.

"Chief Escort Su?"

He spoke softly.

Su Mo sighed and shook his head slightly. "Am I... caught up in some kind of emotional debt?"

"..."

Wan Zangxin was speechless and could only sigh along with Su Mo.

Seeing this, Su Mo gave him a curious look. "Brother Wan, why are you sighing?"

Wan Zangxin hesitated for a long time before blurting out, "We're both lost souls..."

Su Mo's eyebrows twitched slightly as a thought suddenly struck him.

There had been rumors of a romantic connection between Wan Zangxin and the little princess of Wusheng Hall.

The Wusheng Order was issued because of this.

But everything that followed made Su Mo almost forget how it all started.

"Are you thinking about the girl from Wusheng Hall?"

Su Mo's eyebrows rose slightly, a hint of gossip in his tone.

However, upon hearing this, Wan Zangxin's expression darkened instantly.

His expression was a complicated mix of emotions.

It wasn’t the look of someone reminiscing about a loved one, but rather one filled with deep, profound regret.

Moreover, Su Mo wasn't sure if he was imagining it.

There was also a hint of something like disgust hidden deep in Wan Zangxin’s eyes.

This left Su Mo puzzled.

"Brother Wan?"

Su Mo called out softly.

At the sound of this, Wan Zangxin’s expression instantly shifted back to his usual scarred and distant demeanor.

But after looking at Su Mo, he realized that there was no need to put on an act now.

In the end, all he could do was sigh, "Chief Escort Su... I’m sorry."

"No."

Su Mo shook his head. "If I've brought up something that Brother Wan doesn't wish to recall, then it's my fault."

"Don't dare..."

Wan Zangxin forced a smile. "It just reminded me of how deeply sinful I truly am."

After saying that, he said no more and turned to leave.

Su Mo watched his back with a furrowed brow.

He recalled every word Wan Zangxin had said ever since they met that night, letting them flow through his mind.

Suddenly, his expression changed, and he looked at Wan Zangxin with surprise.

"No way, right?"

He muttered to himself, only to gently shake his head afterward.

He looked back in the direction where Little Situ had left.

He couldn't help but sigh once more.

Su Tianyang was a guy weighed down by a lot of emotional baggage.

Even though he loved his wife back home, he still left many others lonely and heartbroken.

Su Mo had heard enough about him to know he needed to keep his distance from other women.

Yang Xiaoyun had been so kind to him—how could he possibly hurt her?

But... how did things get so out of hand?

How was he supposed to explain this to Yang Xiaoyun later?

Keeping quiet would be easier, but Yang Xiaoyun will find out eventually.

This wasn't like Wei Ziyi, who only had unrequited feelings for Wei Ruhan.

After what happened in the cave, Su Mo couldn't honestly deny having some connection with Little Situ Taoist.

This whole situation... had left an impression on Little Situ's heart.

How could Su Mo stay totally unaffected?

But if he told Yang Xiaoyun...

Who knows what shocking thing Yang Xiaoyun might say?

He glanced one last time at the token, tucked it away, and rejoined Master Red Cloud and the others.

The monks were starving and not in the mood for small talk.

Master Red Cloud and his group right away left Fog Forget Forest and found a nearby inn.

Of course, while it was called an inn… in reality, it was a shady joint.

This place was already considered to be under the control of the cult, yet there were still folks living here.

After all, even the cult understood the concept of not exhausting the resources at hand.

But life for folks in this kind of environment wasn’t exactly peachy.

Fights and killings happened all the time, and lopping off someone’s head was easier than slicing veggies.

In this kind of place, running an inn didn’t mean you made your cash from guests staying over.

But what happened next depended on how intimidating the guests looked.

If the travelers seemed formidable, then it was just an ordinary inn.

No drugged wine, no human-meat buns, and definitely no midnight grinding of guests into beef paste.

They’d be as polite as can be, treating you like royalty—or even better, like family.

However… if the lodgers were ordinary people.

Then things got dicey.

Whether they’d take a bite out of this juicy morsel depended on the innkeepers’ mood.

Killing and robbing were just part of the daily grind.

Of course, there were occasional moments of great compassion, and they might not necessarily kill everyone they encountered.

So, regular travelers usually steered clear of places like this.

Staying there was like playing Russian roulette with your life!

Su Mo and his group arrived in the latter half of the night.

Banging on the door at midnight didn’t exactly win them any points with the innkeepers.

But upon seeing such a large group of people, they immediately and obediently opened their doors to welcome them.

Especially when they saw a group of monks led by Master Red Cloud, they became even more attentive and fawning.

It would have been better if they hadn’t drugged the food with the 'Bone Corrosion Powder.'

In the end… the monks had to remake the food.

The two-story inn had no guests at all, apart from the innkeepers and some hired thugs they employed.

In the back kitchen, many bones could be found, and it was not clear whose they were.

A large yellow dog in the yard was gnawing on a half-remaining hand from somewhere unknown, its eyes bloodshot.

The innkeeper and several thugs were already kneeling on the ground.

Around them were the corpses of their companions.

By this time, they had already explained why they had put the Bone Corrosion Powder in their food.

This place belongs to the territory of the Heavenly Paradise. Naturally, they couldn't befriend anyone that the Heavenly Paradise wanted to deal with.

Master Red Cloud and his group were already a thorn in the flesh of the Heavenly Paradise.

Once they arrived, there was no way they could be allowed to leave.

If they didn't poison Su Mo and the others today, the next day the people from the Heavenly Paradise would come and they would be fed to the dogs.

This matter was quite understandable, so Su Mo didn't press further.

He simply let the group of monks eat while casually chatting with Master Red Cloud.

The content of the conversation was nothing more than catching up on recent events.

Su Mo didn't have much to share about his experiences, and many things couldn't be told to others.

Master Red Cloud, on the other hand, was quite honest and recounted his various deeds after entering East City and venturing deep into the heart of the cult's territory.

Su Mo then realized that the old monk had endured considerable hardship.

The place where the cult resided was naturally different from the areas controlled by the righteous path.

Here, people were inclined towards evil.

This wasn't because people were inherently evil from birth, but because they were surrounded by villains.

If you weren't bad, others would take your life.

Even an ordinary farmer would resort to nefarious methods for more land.

Such situations aroused deep compassion in Master Red Cloud. The people living in this environment had no idea what the world should be like.

The monks behind Master Red Cloud thought they were already quite vicious.

But upon arriving here, they realized there were far worse people out there.

Fortunately, as long as their personal interests weren't involved, no one would really go after a group of monks.

Moreover, the monks behind Master Red Cloud looked like they weren't easy to mess with.

Taking advantage of this, Master Red Cloud actually managed to spread the Dharma to the ordinary villagers.

However, this led to strong resistance.

The people living here trusted only themselves, so how could they believe in gods and Buddhas?

Compared to the compassion of the monks, they relied more on the knives in their hands.

They would do anything to achieve their goals and would never put down their weapons and turn back.

There was no shore for them to rely on behind; they could only keep moving forward, either by climbing over piles of corpses.

Carving out a mountain of blood and bones that belonged to them.

Or... drowning in this sea of blood.

Therefore, what Master Red Cloud said was like talking to a chicken and a duck; it had no meaning at all.

Once Master Red Cloud's identity and reputation spread here.

Some people even dreamed of capturing them and turning them in to Paradise Heaven Palace for a reward.

As expected, their attempts failed miserably.

Master Red Cloud decided to lead his disciples through this region instead.

They faced multiple interceptions and chases by members of Paradise Heaven Palace.

Honestly, I still find the actions of Paradise Heaven Palace baffling and hard to predict.

At this point, Master Red Cloud's brows knitted together in frustration:

"They keep claiming that I abducted their deputy leader."

"It’s truly bizarre; everyone is right here. Even if I had kidnapped someone, where could I possibly hide them?

"Besides, my intention was to guide and enlighten, not to kidnap anyone. This whole situation has left me utterly confused."

After some thought, Su Mo figured it was best to let Master Red Cloud stay puzzled for now.

The mess with the Fallen Phoenix Alliance was still unresolved.

For now, it wasn’t the right time for him to speak up.

Master Red Cloud's account had mostly concluded by this point.

With Su Mo’s rescue, the entire story had become common knowledge.

Upon hearing this, Su Mo pondered softly, "Master, forgive me for speaking bluntly, but your current approach, for this place, is like trying to put out a fire with a cup of water."

Master Red Cloud sighed, "This old monk is well aware...

"This place is deeply entrenched in its ways, but we cannot stand by and watch them sink into such dire suffering.

"This situation, how is it different from the Hell of Nasal Suffering?

"If I hadn't come here myself, I would never have dared to believe that such a place exists in the world."

Su Mo nodded. It wasn't just Master Red Cloud.

Even though Su Mo had long heard that the places controlled by the cult were vastly different from those governed by the righteous sects,

he hadn't expected such dire conditions.

After a moment of thought, he said, "What are your plans next, Master?"

"Sigh... after this ordeal, this old monk realizes we must proceed cautiously.

"The current plan is to establish a Red Cloud Temple outside Tianqu City and gradually guide the cult members towards enlightenment."

"Your words are most profound," Su Mo replied, nodding immediately. "With the strong presence of various sects stationed in East City within Tianqu City, even the cult members wouldn't dare to attack recklessly.

"Since you, Master, intend to subdue the demons in East City and lead all beings to enlightenment,

"It is indeed best to rely on Tianqu City, confront the demons, promote Buddhism, and relieve suffering and danger!"

"This way, we can set up a position where we can attack when advancing and defend when retreating.

"Even if those three cult factions attacked, they might not stand a chance against us."

"That's the reasoning..."

Master Red Cloud furrowed his brow and shook his head slightly:

"It's just that I have no connections in East City to start with.

"We don't know each other at all.

"Moreover, given my previous reputation...

"This matter isn't as straightforward as it looks."

"Are you worried that the eastern factions in East City won't accept a monk from the west?"

Su Mo smiled: "When it comes to enlightening sentient beings and subduing demons, I, Su, am truly unable to help.

"But getting the eastern factions to accept you and helping you build a temple outside Tianqu City? That’s something I can help with."

"Oh?"

Master Red Cloud was taken aback and quickly said: "Chief Escort Su, please enlighten me."

"It's quite simple."

Su Mo said: "After you and your disciples enjoy a good meal here, head straight to Yuhan Valley. If you arrive by evening, you’ll find what you’re looking for."

Master Red Cloud couldn't help but smile wryly: "Chief Escort Su, are you speaking in riddles?"

"Amita Buddha."

Su Mo pressed his palms together, and finally couldn't help but laugh heartily.

Seeing this, Master Red Cloud remarked, "Chief Escort Su truly has wisdom."

Su Mo was taken aback and chose not to engage.

After some casual conversation and another hearty meal, Master Red Cloud immediately bid farewell to Su Mo and Wan Zangxin along with his many disciples.

He trusted Su Mo’s words completely. If Su Mo said there was destiny in Yuhan Valley,

Why not check it out for himself?

After seeing off Master Red Cloud and his group, Su Mo stood outside the inn and gestured with his hand:

"The rain has stopped."

"Hmm."

Wan Zangxin nodded: "What will Chief Escort Su do next?"

"Nothing much."

Su Mo said with a smile: "Now that the east is showing signs of dawn, I wonder how far Lord Liu has gone?"

"...the Tianqu City Sword Debate."

Wan Zangxin gently exhaled, his face showing signs of having made a significant decision.

Su Mo glanced at him. "Earlier, our conversation was interrupted by Little Situ and her group."

"So, let me ask you again—what exactly has happened to you?

"And how do you explain the martial arts of Evernight Valley that you possess?"

Wan Zangxin looked up at Su Mo, his eyes continuing to flicker with brilliance, before finally giving a light smile of relief. "Today, Chief Escort Su will know soon enough, but for now, let me leave you hanging."

"……”

Su Mo laughed heartily. "You're really not on the right path, are you?"

"You know what they say—birds of a feather flock together."

Wan Zangxin smiled. "Chief Escort Su, are you interested in witnessing the Tianqu Sword Debate?"

"Just a moment..."

Su Mo bowed slightly and turned back into the inn. In one swift motion, he dispatched the innkeeper and the others. Only then did he turn and leave.

"Their actions here can be somewhat excused, given the circumstances.

"But it's not for me to ultimately forgive them."

Su Mo shook his head slightly. "I'm not Master Red Cloud, who has the grand aspiration to enlighten all beings. In situations like these, killing can solve a lot of problems."

"Exactly."

Wan Zangxin nodded. "That's why he is the master, and we are just wandering martial artists."

"That's the thing."

Su Mo smiled. "Come on, let's move."

"Huh..."

Wan Zangxin paused thoughtfully, then couldn't help but ask, "What exactly is going to happen in Yuhan Valley?"

"You sent Wei Ziyi, Fu Hanyuan, and that dimwit to Yuhan Valley."

"And now you've guided Master Red Cloud there... Is something going to go wrong?"

"Whether there will be a mishap depends on how things play out at the Tianqu Sword Debate."

Su Mo smiled. "You just held back a bit earlier. Now, let me keep you guessing too."

"... Talk about instant karma!"

Wan Zangxin was momentarily speechless but didn't press further.

They leapt into the air, making their way to Tianqu City.

...

Within Tianqu City!

Luo Changsheng walked along the long street, his brow furrowed as he observed the dense crowd surging around him like a tidal wave.

It had been rumored that Liu Suifeng was heading towards East City, battling anyone he encountered along the way.

In other words, as soon as he arrived in Tianqu City, the Tianqu Sword Debate would commence at once.

Liu Suifeng would definitely arrive in Tianqu City today.

The Tianqu Sword Debate would start as soon as he arrived!

Because of this, the entire city of Tianqu was practically buzzing with excitement today.

Everyone was eagerly waiting for Liu Suifeng’s arrival.

Some were just curious about the Tianqu Sword Debate, eager to witness the thrilling clash between two elite swordsmen.

Others had placed heavy bets, which made them particularly concerned.

However, amidst the surging crowd, Luo Changsheng felt a faint heaviness in his heart.

With so many people gathered, chaos was inevitable.

If it were just the eastern factions of East City and the independent heroes of the jianghu, it wouldn’t be an issue.

What really concerned him was whether the East City cult might seize this chance to cause trouble in Tianqu City!

The Distant Mountain Sword Sect was now in charge of overseeing the affairs in Tianqu City.

This significant responsibility rested on his shoulders.

However, the Tianqu Sword Debate was an extraordinary event, and they had already anticipated such situations.

Thus, after discussing it, the seven major sects had also allocated manpower to help maintain order for today’s event.

However, for some reason, the Purple Sun Sect, which was supposed to send over two thousand disciples, now had fewer than a thousand.

The person in charge of the Purple Sun Sect provided an explanation that no one found credible.

They also said that it would take another two or three days to gather enough people.

But by then, the Tianqu Sword Debate would be over, and having enough people would be pointless!

Luo Changsheng almost cursed out loud.

But in the end, he didn’t.

Fortunately, even though the other sects didn’t provide as many people as initially promised, it was still sufficient.

So for now, they could still manage.

Luo Changsheng’s only wish now was that the Tianqu Sword Debate would start and end smoothly, without any accidents or waves.

But just as he was thinking this, the first accident occurred.

Someone spotted signs of the cult outside Tianqu City!