Chapter 328: Hall Order

Chapter 328: The Hall Master's Order

By the time Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun returned to Wusheng Hall, the eastern sky was nearing dawn.

However, Wusheng Hall was far from calm. The halls buzzed with activity, as figures rushed about everywhere.

For the disciples, it had been a truly sleepless night.

The day had already been eventful—starting from the assassin sent to kill Su Mo, who had brought Ding Wugong along, to the public interrogation of the assassin in the main hall, and then the showdown at the back mountain.

This culminated in "Wan Yutang" being wounded and snatched by Dark Hall operatives.

Just when they thought the matter had come to an end, the events of the night turned out to be even more shocking.

Members of the Dark Hall suddenly appeared within Wusheng Hall, cutting down anyone in their path. Four Hall Masters, along with allies from Ziyang Escort, joined the hunt to root out the Dark Hall.

In the end, it was discovered that beneath Wusheng Hall lay an Endless Prison.

Out crawled another Wan Yutang.

Reality and deception twisted together, leaving ordinary disciples of Wusheng Hall with their heads spinning.

It was even said that this true Wan Yutang—their Hall Master—had been imprisoned in the Endless Prison for the past twenty years.

No wonder, all these years, Wusheng Hall had been torn by infighting, with rampant factionalism and corruption, while their Hall Master stayed holed up in the back mountain, indifferent to it all.

Now, the pieces finally came together.

The imposter on Wusheng Hall’s throne had never been the real Wan Yutang.

Of course, he couldn’t care less about addressing the disorder within Wusheng Hall.

But now, the true Hall Master had returned.

He also revealed that beneath the Endless Prison, Madam Wan, Hall Master Wen, Hall Master Qin, and Hall Master Rong had fallen to the mastermind’s schemes in their attempt to rescue him.

Had it not been for Chief Escort Su’s intervention, the true Hall Master would never have escaped alive.

For the latter half of the night, torches burned late into the night in the main hall.

After the true Hall Master emerged, he poured over every detail with the remaining Hall Masters while simultaneously ordering a thorough search for traces of the Dark Hall throughout Wusheng Hall.

Even now, the efforts had yet to cease.

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun flagged down a passing disciple and got the full story from them.

For a moment, the two locked eyes, at a loss for words.

In the end, Wan Yutang had spared the shame of Madam Wan and the three Hall Masters by choosing not to reveal the full truth.

It must be said that this was the wisest move.

For the sake of the sect, house secrets were best kept within.

Torches still flickered in the dim corridors as dawn approached.

Although both Wusheng Hall and the Fallen Phoenix Alliance have their own troubles,

the chaos within Wusheng Hall inevitably creates an opening for exploitation.

Now, with Wan Yutang's golden words, stating that Madam Wan had devoted all her efforts these years to rescue him,

the complex situation has been simplified.

As long as the remaining Hall Masters are rallied and the organization consolidated, even with only four Hall Masters left, Wusheng Hall can still remain unshaken in the southwestern region.

After thinking it over, the two figured Wan Yutang would still need some time to handle these matters.

They decided to return to their rooms and wait for a while.

Unexpectedly, word of their return had already reached Wan Yutang.

Before they could make it back to their guest courtyard, Wan Zangxin arrived:

"Chief Escort Su."

"Brother Wan."

Su Mo clasped his fists with a smile and introduced Yang Xiaoyun to him.

"Brother Wan, this is my fiancée, Deputy Chief Escort of Ziyang Escort Bureau, Yang Xiaoyun."

Wan Zangxin froze for a moment before automatically returning the salute and saying,

"Greetings, Madam Yang."

Yang Xiaoyun blushed, gave Su Mo a sidelong glance, and then replied,

"Brother Wan, you're too kind. Since you are older than our Xiao Mo, the title 'Madam Yang' is far too inappropriate."

"Ah..."

Wan Zangxin paused before letting out a bitter laugh.

"The way Chief Escort Su carries himself always keeps people guessing.

"My apologies, my apologies."

Su Mo waved his hand. "Why aren’t you in the main hall in the meeting? What brings you here?"

Hearing this, Wan Zangxin looked somewhat embarrassed.

"I don’t understand Wusheng Hall’s affairs well. Standing behind... him, I was just blending into the background.

"When I heard Chief Escort Su had returned, Father asked me to invite you. That’s why I hurried out—finally able to relax a bit."

"So that’s how it is."

Su Mo chuckled. "Speaking of which, starting today, you are the First Young Master of Wusheng Hall.

"Brother Wan, the first half of your life was full of hardships. Now that father and son are reunited, enjoying domestic bliss,

it truly is a case of the clouds parting to reveal the moon. Congratulations."

"If it weren't for Chief Escort Su’s help, none of this would be possible."

Wan Zangxin sighed: "Most of my life has been tormented by villains. In these twenty-odd years, I've only encountered two good things.

"The first was meeting Yilan.

"The second was getting to know Chief Escort Su.

"Truly heaven has shown me mercy..."

He paused slightly here and looked at Su Mo:

"But there's one more thing I must inform Chief Escort Su about in advance."

"Between us, we've faced life and death multiple times. Brother Wan, speak your mind freely."

"Mm. I originally intended to die in Tianqu City to atone for my sins. It was only due to Chief Escort Su's extraordinary skill that I was fortunate to survive.

"Now that I've reunited with my father, I no longer wish to go by my original name.

"This matter can't even be spoken of openly within Wusheng Hall for the time being.

"Otherwise, the performance Chief Escort Su staged before the world that day might be exploited by malicious people.

"Though Chief Escort Su is now Eastern Wasteland's Number One,

"such matters are bad for one's reputation. The person standing here now is merely Wan Yutang's son...

"Once matters in the main hall are concluded, I will ask my father to give me a new name.

"The name 'Wan Zangxin'... let it remain buried in Tianqu City."

Su Mo glanced at Wan Zangxin:

"Are the Hall Masters aware of this?"

"...My father has already informed them truthfully."

Wan Zangxin nodded.

"Mm."

Su Mo smiled. "That's good then. Let's go—let's not keep Hall Master Wan waiting."

He paused slightly again before adding, "How is the one you love?"

"She's already resting."

A slight smile appeared at the corner of Wan Zangxin's lips, but he sighed again:

"Lady Wan died before her eyes, and Jun Luo was taken away by Chief Escort Su.

"She went from being Wusheng Hall's young mistress, doted on endlessly, to now being a girl with no one to rely on...

"She's struggling with the change.

"From now on, I'll cherish her twice as much and never let her experience the slightest hardship."

"Good."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded involuntarily upon hearing this.

"That's what a true man should do."

Wan Zangxin smiled sheepishly again. "You flatter me too much, Madam Yang."

To cut a long story short, the three of them soon arrived at the great hall of Wusheng Hall.

The front gate was tightly shut, clearly indicating a private meeting. Wan Zangxin didn’t lead Su Mo and the others through the back entrance either.

For someone of Su Mo’s status, entering through the back door would’ve been unthinkable.

Standing before the gate, Wan Zangxin took a deep breath and proclaimed:

"Chief Escort Su of Ziyang Escort has arrived!"

With a creak, the gate swung open.

Su Mo stepped inside with Yang Xiaoyun, while Wan Zangxin followed behind them.

Immediately, from Wan Yutang to the other Hall Masters, everyone rose to their feet.

However, Wan Yutang was grievously injured, his body still covered in lacerations, making it difficult for him to stand.

Wan Zangxin hurried forward to support him.

Su Mo quickly said:

"Wan Hall Master, please remain seated. There’s no need for formalities, everyone."

But Wan Yutang shook his head:

"Chief Escort Su, your life-saving favor is beyond repayment. Not going to invite you in person was already rude of me—how could I remain seated?

"Please, Chief Escort Su, take the head seat."

"I couldn’t possibly."

Su Mo waved his hand. "Wan Hall Master, please sit. As a guest, how could I overstep and take the host’s place?"

"Chief Escort Su, please sit here."

Li Zhongming stepped aside to offer his seat, while the remaining Hall Masters moved down a seat accordingly.

After a moment’s thought, Su Mo nodded. "Then I thank Li Hall Master."

"Not at all."

Li Zhongming quickly ushered Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun to their seats.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, everyone finally sat down.

Wan Yutang shot a look at Wan Zangxin, who immediately nodded and went to the back hall. Moments later, he returned with a box and presented it to Su Mo with both hands.

Su Mo blinked in surprise and looked at Wan Zangxin.

"And this is?"

"Chief Escort Su, please take this."

Wan Yutang said quietly:

"Back in the Endless Prison, you mentioned that the items Jun Luo brought from the ruins of Da Xuan would be of use to you.

"Inside this box is that broken sword..."

"Oh?"

Su Mo stood up and opened the box, revealing the half-broken sword inside.

He picked it up, studied it for a moment before asking:

"Hall Master Wan, do you know where this sword comes from?"

"This sword..."

Wan Yutang shook his head lightly: "All I know is it’s called 'Dao.' Jun Luo once said, 'The Heavenly Dao is flawed, so this sword is broken.'

"Who knows if that’s true... but this is no ordinary blade."

Su Mo nodded, placed the sword back into the box, and closed the lid with a smile:

"Hall Master Wan, I have already taken what I needed. I’m afraid I must decline this sword.

"Your son is a skilled swordsman himself. Though this blade is broken, it remains a divine weapon.

"It’s better suited for Brother Wan."

"This..."

Wan Zangxin hesitated: "Chief Escort Su..."

"No need to argue."

Su Mo chuckled: "I already have Long Yin, and it gets lonely enough as it is. A divine weapon would just collect dust with me. Brother Wan, with your Heavenly Spring Heart-Cleansing Sword, this blade will surely help you reach new heights."

Wan Zangxin wavered, but Wan Yutang sighed and said:

"Chief Escort Su, your magnanimity is admirable.

"Very well, Xin'er, take the sword."

Wan Zangxin shot his father a surprised look, while Su Mo gave a faint smile.

Taking in the reactions around him, he marveled at the lengths Wan Yutang had gone for his son.

Now he saw why Wan Yutang had chosen this moment to summon him.

Wan Zangxin hadn’t quite pieced it together—he’d missed the deeper game at play.

Wan Yutang had two reasons for this public gift...

First, to account for the treasures Jun Luo had obtained in the Endless Prison.

This matter required Wan Yutang to give an explanation to the other Hall Masters.

Mere words wouldn’t suffice—only by clarifying the matter openly before everyone, with Su Mo's verbal confirmation, could it be settled.

After listening, everyone had to acknowledge it not just verbally, but also in their hearts.

Who would dare deny the Eastern Wasteland's Number One?

The second objective was this sword.

Su Mo had already claimed all the treasures from the Endless Prison, and none present dared voice any objection.

So who should claim this last remaining sword?

Wan Yutang could have just handed the sword to Wan Zangxin outright, but even if they accepted it on the surface, there would inevitably be some lingering resentment in their hearts.

So Wan Yutang opted to give the sword to Su Mo instead.

If the Eastern Wasteland's Number One took it, no one would dare protest.

Moreover, Su Mo and Wan Zangxin were sworn brothers who had survived life-and-death trials. If Su Mo decreed the sword was Wan Zangxin's, who would still dare to harbor any designs on it?

Naturally, no one would.

That way, no one could dispute the sword’s rightful owner.

Their bond would be clear for all to see.

In the future, when Wan Zangxin inherits the leadership, with the Eastern Wasteland's Number One backing him, the transition will be smoother.

This alone proves the former Wusheng Hall Master was extraordinary.

His schemes and shrewdness were unmatched.

The only mistake was trusting the wrong man.

Ultimately, he was betrayed and trapped in the Endless Prison, suffering twenty years of living hell.

With Su Mo and Wan Yutang both urging Wan Zangxin to take the sword, the other Hall Masters chimed in, leaving Wan Zangxin no choice but to accept it.

Wan Yutang then spoke again:

"Chief Escort Su has done Wusheng Hall and me a great service.

"Today, there’s another matter I’d like your input on."

The Hall Masters exchanged glances, and Li Zhongming said with a smile:

"Hall Master, you humble yourself too much. Whatever you decide, we’ll follow without question."

Wan Yutang sighed:

"When I first became Hall Master, before I could achieve anything, I was betrayed by a scheming traitor.

"Now that I have escaped this calamity, how could I act alone?

"Of course, I must seek your counsel...

"And what I wish to discuss now is how we should repay Chief Escort Su.

"Chief Escort Su has cut out a festering wound in Wusheng Hall in this battle.

"I had originally intended to gift him the Dao Sword as a token of gratitude, but Chief Escort Su, ever honorable, declined."

"Then... I would like to present the Hall Master's Decree to Chief Escort Su. What do you all think?"

"Hall Master's Decree?"

Everyone was momentarily stunned but then nodded in unison. "It’s only right."

The so-called Hall Master's Decree is the abbreviated form of the Hall Master's official order.

Holding this decree is like standing before the hall master himself.

Since the founding of Wusheng Hall, the Hall Master's Decree has only ever been used for internal affairs within the hall.

After use, it must be promptly returned to the hall master.

Giving it to an outsider? That’s never happened before.

But if it’s for Su Mo? No one objects.

Forget his title as Donghuang’s top martial artist, this decree could put him and Wusheng Hall on good terms.

Just him saving Wan Yutang alone... And tearing out a twenty-year rot from within Wusheng Hall? Handing over the decree? Makes perfect sense.

Su Mo, though, was inwardly groaning.

Seriously? Another plaque to lug around?

In the future, when he’s out there in the martial world, maybe he should scrub titles like 'Donghuang’s Best' or 'Head of Ziyang Escort' while he’s at it.

Just call me the Badge Collector then.

He immediately demurred modestly:

"This is too generous... I couldn’t possibly."

Wan Zangxin, however, laughed heartily:

"Chief Escort Su, don’t refuse us."

He sent Wan Zangxin to the back hall, and moments later, a badge was brought out.

The badge was made of an unidentifiable metal, clearly heavy.

Wan Zangxin lifted it with both hands and offered it to Su Mo.

Su Mo sighed as soon as he took the badge—it was indeed heavier than any other badge he had ever held.

At a loss, he muttered:

"How can I accept such a thing?"

"Chief Escort Su, you might not realize," Wan Yutang explained, "since the founding of Wusheng Hall, there have only ever been two Hall Master’s Medallions.

"One is enshrined in the ancestral hall, while the other has been handed down from one hall master to the next.

"Chief Escort Su, your kindness to Wusheng Hall is as vast as the heavens and as boundless as the seas."

"Now, presenting the Hall Master's Token to Chief Escort Su is merely a token of our appreciation.

"With this token, within the boundaries of our Wusheng Hall, any request you make will be honored without hesitation by any Hall Master.

"Please, Chief Escort Su, accept it."

After speaking, he forced himself to stand and gave a deep bow.

Seeing this, the other Hall Masters all stood up:

"Please, Chief Escort Su, accept it."

"Everyone, no need for formalities..."

Su Mo quickly waved his hands. "Very well, very well. Since this is the case, I shall humbly accept this token. Thank you, Hall Master Wan, for your kindness."

He slipped the token into his robe, already pondering whether he should get a separate pouch just for these tokens.

Moreover, carrying this thing around was really heavy—wherever he went, it weighed him down.

Would he need to have a personal token carrier following him around in the future?

He had heard of old Taoists having sword-bearers...

Would he someday need a token-bearer?

Whenever he arrived somewhere new, he’d first check if he had a local token.

Su Mo’s mind wandered for a moment, but then he remembered another matter and spoke up:

"Speaking of which, I also have something to share with everyone."

Hearing this, the group immediately turned their attention to Su Mo.

Su Mo then told the story of Hu Sandao from years past.

After listening, everyone’s faces fell.

Among them, Xiao Feng went deathly pale:

"Chief Escort Su... is it... is it my father?"

Su Mo sighed.

"This matter should indeed have been brought up to Hall Master Xiao earlier. However, at the time, I was still uncertain about the identity of the person imprisoned in the Endless Prison.

"I truly didn’t dare to speak recklessly.

"Now that the Hall Master has survived his ordeal, there’s no mistaking who that person is.

"I’m sorry for not telling you sooner, Hall Master Xiao. I hope you can forgive me."