Chapter 340: Autumn Rain

Chapter 340: Autumn Rain

Wei Ziyi was drunk, but not entirely.

Her threat to bite Su Mo to death came to nothing after he warned her, "I'll knock every tooth out of your head."

The autumn rain started gently but soon became a downpour.

After a brief hesitation, Su Mo wasn’t in a hurry to move on. Instead, he led Wei Ziyi to duck under a nearby roof.

Though he could have activated the Golden Bell Shield and headed straight to the city lord’s manor without issue, it wasn't necessary.

After seating Wei Ziyi on the steps, Su Mo glanced at the escort agency and remarked,

"This rain came too suddenly. Xiaoxiao and the White Tiger probably didn’t get to finish their fight."

When he received no response from Wei Ziyi, he turned to look at her.

She was sitting on the steps, chin in hand, staring fixedly at him.

Su Mo touched his face and asked,

"Like what you see?"

"...Shameless."

Wei Ziyi rolled her eyes, then muttered drunkenly as she rubbed her ankle,

"Drinking always causes problems. I shouldn’t have gone on a bender."

"Now you figure that out?"

"What do you mean?"

Wei Ziyi muttered drunkenly,

"If I hadn’t heard about your upcoming wedding and been so genuinely happy for you, why would I have gone on a bender?

"Normally, I’m the ice princess of the Fallen Phoenix Alliance.

"The top disciple of the Cold Moon Palace.

"When I travel the martial world, I tower over everyone."

"Yeah, yeah, you're amazing."

Su Mo’s tone was utterly devoid of sincerity. He glanced at her and asked,

"Does it still hurt?"

"A little."

As she spoke, Wei Ziyi removed her shoe and sock, exposing a nasty swelling.

Frowning, she reached down to feel it but flinched as pain shot through her. With a pleading look, she admitted,

"I... I can't do it myself..."

"Men and women shouldn’t have improper contact."

Su Mo didn't even glance at her.

"You’re just letting me die here."

Wei Ziyi rubbed her forehead, the alcohol-induced dizziness making her queasy, though it had dulled her ankle pain a little.

"If I wanted you dead, you would be."

Su Mo sighed, glanced back at her, hesitated, then crouched down.

As a warrior of Cold Moon Palace, Wei Ziyi naturally hadn’t bound feet. Her feet were petite, barely filling his palm, and he placed one on his knee, his fingers probing the injury.

Wei Ziyi watched quietly, maybe the liquor loosening her tongue, and spoke—whether she meant to or not:

"Are they pretty?"

"..."

Su Mo suddenly remembered the Little Situ Taoist in the cave that day. She had asked something similar back then. His answer at the time had been "yes."

Now, Wei Ziyi’s face was flushed, her eyes slightly hazy with a faint shimmer.

Her whisper, mingling with the autumn rain, seemed almost ethereal.

Su Mo froze for a moment, his grip reflexively tightening, prompting a yelp of pain from Wei Ziyi.

"Sorry, sorry."

Su Mo quickly apologized.

Wei Ziyi glared at him, wounded.

Su Mo gaped at her:

"Quit with the nonsense questions. 'Are they pretty?' How shameless.

"Pretty or not, they reek to high heaven."

"That’s bullshit!"

Wei Ziyi immediately protested. "I scrub them daily—they don’t stink!"

"Feet, trapped in shoes all day—of course they stink!

"Thankfully, we’re outdoors, and the wind’s blowing the stench away.

"If we were indoors, I’d keel over right then."

"...you...!"

Wei Ziyi went pale with rage, and jerked her foot away.

But the jolt just sharpened the pain.

"Quiet down for a bit."

Su Mo held her calf and said softly:

"Performing the Moon-Treading Immortal technique is extremely difficult. That ankle roll did some real damage."

"If not properly treated, it might leave you with a limp in the future."

"Hmph."

Wei Ziyi pouted, "Then I should thank Chief Su for putting up with my disgusting feet and going to all this trouble to prevent me from limping in the future."

"Glad you realize it. Show some gratitude."

"...I'd love to punch your lights out."

"Seems like you not only need to show more gratitude but also work harder and quit your wishful thinking."

Su Mo rolled his eyes at her, "Want to beat me to death? What else are you thinking?"

"Come on... I'm hurt here. Can't you say something nice?"

"Hmm... What counts as nice?"

That stopped Wei Ziyi cold. After thinking for a while, she couldn't even imagine what it would be like for Su Mo to say something nice to her, so she just sighed in resignation.

As Su Mo channeled his qi to help stimulate blood flow and heal the injury, he casually asked,

"You don't know who these people are, so why are you so sure nothing can be learned from them?"

"Haven’t I told you before?"

Wei Ziyi frowned slightly, enduring the slight pain as Su Mo's inner energy worked on her injury, and said,

"Since I was little, I’ve experienced countless similar assassination attempts. I’m used to it by now."

"There were a few times we captured some alive, but no matter how hard we pressed them, if they didn’t know, they truly didn’t know."

"All we got for our trouble was wasted time."

"Hmm..."

Su Mo nodded, "This whole mess... it's almost over."

The Fallen Phoenix Alliance's conclave would undoubtedly bring an end to all this chaos surrounding the Wei family.

Then they lapsed into silence.

With nothing left to argue about and the matter of the assassins already discussed, all they could do now was listen to the autumn rain as Su Mo treated Wei Ziyi's injury.

To be honest, Su Mo still had something he wanted to say.

But how to say it?

Just come right out and ask Wei Ziyi, "You into me or something?"

"That why you're acting all weird tonight?"

If he put it that way, what would Wei Ziyi even say?

Was it running away in defeat?

Or confessing openly?

Or perhaps denying it?

No matter which one, Su Mo felt overwhelmed, unsure how to respond.

In truth, he was already convinced. Even if Wei Ziyi denied it, would Su Mo really believe her?

In this world, no matter how intricate the schemes, no matter how cunning the plots,

the hardest to handle would always be romantic entanglements.

Su Mo's thoughts were a jumble, while Wei Ziyi was just as restless.

After drinking, the assassination attempt, and using his inner energy, she had sobered up considerably.

Now, her mind was much clearer.

Watching Su Mo as he lowered his head to knead her ankle and channel energy to improve circulation, she instinctively felt a flutter of shyness and wanted to take her foot back.

Yet, she was also unwilling to let go, greedy for this moment.

When this thought surfaced in her heart, she suddenly realized something.

Her binge-drinking earlier was likely not from happiness.

Even while drinking earlier, she had thought she was happy.

But for some reason, the more she drank, the hollower she felt inside—as if she wanted to fill the void with wine, yet it remained a bottomless void, impossible to satisfy.

Instead, it felt as though she’d drowned her heart in liquor.

By the end, she didn’t even know why she was drinking so much.

Now, with this reluctance to take her foot back from Su Mo, she finally understood that she wasn’t the same anymore.

This change might have started long ago.

When exactly?

Was it when she used Yang Xiaoyun as an excuse to stop Su Mo from looking at those alluring women from the Blissful Heavenly Palace?

Or was it even earlier?

Once she realized it, Wei Ziyi felt a wave of self-loathing.

The guilt that welled up made her feel as though she was snatching another’s beloved.

She gazed quietly at Su Mo, her eyes shifting through a storm of emotions, but in the end, only a lingering softness remained.

Her lips quirked briefly, only to vanish in an instant.

She didn’t dare to think further—or perhaps, she would let herself imagine, just a little.

At least for this moment, this was all she needed...

The autumn rain chilled the air, yet her heart was strangely calm.

No matter how peaceful or reluctant, with a soft 'click,' the dislocated bone was finally back in place.

The process of realigning the bone and soothing the injury didn’t take long, and it soon concluded.

Su Mo nudged her foot aside:

"Hurry and put on your shoes and socks. I can finally breathe easy."

"Do you have to talk like that?"

Wei Ziyi realized that when he stayed quiet, he was almost likable—but the moment he opened his mouth, she wanted to throttle him.

Su Mo glanced up at the autumn rain, about to speak, then paused, his gaze shifting toward the street.

Someone was approaching under an umbrella.

Dressed in white, her long hair cascading down, swaying with her sleeves.

Even in the rain, she looked perfectly composed.

Hua Qianyu.

Su Mo watched her, and she, in turn, noticed Su Mo and Wei Ziyi. Her steps seemed unhurried, yet she closed the distance quickly.

"Chief Escort Su."

Hua Qianyu chuckled softly, "Long time no see."

"City Master Hua."

Su Mo gave a respectful junior’s bow. "Here for this troublemaker?"

Hua Qianyu glanced at Wei Ziyi, who was scrambling to put on her shoes and socks.

When their eyes met, Wei Ziyi immediately explained:

"I sprained my foot. Chief Escort Su helped reset the bone."

Hua Qianyu chuckled. "Thank you, Chief Escort Su. She really is a handful."

"...Why did they both have to be so infuriating?" Wei Ziyi stared at the two of them, clenching her teeth in frustration.

"Now that City Master Hua’s here and the rain’s letting up, I’ll be on my way," Su Mo clasped his hands in farewell.

But Hua Qianyu spoke softly, "Chief Escort Su, hold on."

"Hm?"

Su Mo turned back to her.

"Did you need something else?"

She let out a soft sigh. "Our connection has always been kept hidden. Right now, bringing her back would raise suspicions."

"Tonight’s been a mess—All her escorts were slaughtered in a back alley."

"Under the cover of this rain, the city has left even more corpses.

"Now, I must trouble Chief Escort Su to go out of your way and escort this girl back to the City Lord's residence."

Su Mo thought for a moment, then nodded.

"Very well. Flower City’s Lord makes a fair point—it was my oversight."

After speaking, he glanced at Wei Ziyi. "Hop on, I’ll give you a piggyback."

"No need—"

Wei Ziyi hurriedly tried to stand, too proud to look helpless in front of her mother.

But though her ankle was no longer seriously injured, she still couldn’t walk. The moment her foot touched the ground, a searing, needle-like pain shot through her, sending her stumbling.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Hua Qianyu standing nearby and felt slightly relieved.

Yet when she leaned against the figure, she realized—for some reason—her mother's body felt as hard as a fortress wall.

Turning her head, she saw Hua Qianyu had already slipped away unnoticed, and it was Su Mo standing before her instead.

Wei Ziyi immediately shot her mother a dirty look.

Hua Qianyu ignored her, speaking only to Su Mo.

"Sorry to put you out, Chief Escort."

"Don’t mention it."

Su Mo glanced at Wei Ziyi. "Do your mom a favor—quit acting up."

With that, he hoisted her up.

Hua Qianyu handed over an umbrella. "It’s just a cheap oil-paper umbrella—nothing much. Since Chief Escort is carrying you, least you can do is hold his umbrella."

"Then I’ll be off."

Su Mo gave a quick salute and continued toward the City Lord's residence with Wei Ziyi.

Wei Ziyi, slumped wordlessly against him, couldn't help but look back at Hua Qianyu.

She saw her mother standing in the rain, still looked effortlessly elegant, rain or not.

But when her daughter turned to look, Hua Qianyu sneakily flashed a thumbs-up, her eyes full of encouragement...

"..."

Wei Ziyi wished the ground would swallow her.

Turning back, she settled silently against Su Mo's back, the rest of the trip was dead silent.

Soon, they arrived at the City Lord's residence.

The guards at the gate did a double-take at the sight of Su Mo carrying Wei Ziyi.

Some rushed over to help, while others ran inside to alert the household.

Su Mo set Wei Ziyi down, two servants steadied her. Just as he was about to come out, Huang Yuan emerged from within.

"Chief Escort Su."

Huang Yuan quickly clasped his fists and said, "Since you're here at the City Lord's residence, won't you come in?"

Su Mo glanced at the sky and smiled.

"It's already late, and I shouldn't impose. When I have time later, I'll make a proper visit."

After exchanging pleasantries, Su Mo turned and left.

Huang Yuan watched him leave before turning to Wei Ziyi.

"Young miss, what's wrong?"

Wei Ziyi shook her head. "Let's go inside first."

Two maids helped her through the gates of the City Lord's residence. The moment the doors closed behind them, Wei Ziyi immediately asked,

"Has Grandfather gone to bed yet?"

"With so much happening tonight, the elder hasn't retired yet."

"Take me to see him."

"Of course."

Without further delay, Huang Yuan led Wei Ziyi to Wei Ruhan.

Wei Ziyi set aside thoughts of Su Mo—what he had told her today was far more important than personal matters.

The alliance conference would begin in just one more day.

At this moment, serious matters came first.

……

……

Back at the Ziyang Escort Bureau, the night's celebration had been cut short by the autumn rain.

By the time Su Mo returned, the long tables in the courtyard had already been put away.

The white tiger had been left in his courtyard for now, where Uncle Fu had quickly put up a shelter for it.

The tiger wasn't fussy about its surroundings and lay there sleeping soundly.

A light was still on in Yang Xiaoyun’s room, so Su Mo walked to her door and gave a gentle knock.

A moment later, Yang Xiaoyun opened it.

Seeing Su Mo soaked and bedraggled, she hurriedly pulled him inside, scolding gently, "Why didn't you wait for the rain to stop before returning?"

"Didn't want you worrying."

Su Mo wiped his face and shook himself dry, while Yang Xiaoyun brought a towel to dry him.

After cleaning the dirt from his hands and face, Yang Xiaoyun looked at the water stains on his clothes:

"Shall I have someone heat water for you to take a bath?"

"No need."

Su Mo shook his head. "The weather's so unpredictable. Let them rest."

As he spoke, he sat down and circulated his inner energy. The Pure Yang Energy of the Purple Sun Sect works perfectly for drying clothes and warding off the cold.

In just a short while, steam began rising from Su Mo’s body, and his clothes were completely dry.

Standing up, he saw Yang Xiaoyun handing him a cup of hot tea:

"How is Miss Wei?"

"She was attacked by assassins."

Xiao Mo took the teacup, sipped, and continued, "Three attackers, but none could stand against Young Miss Wei. Unfortunately, she drank too much tonight...

"The move 'Stars in Turmoil' from the Feixing Swordplay relies on the Moon-Treading-Immortal Steps, which is inherently intricate and profound.

"Normally, she pulls it off perfectly, but tonight she sprained her ankle."

As he spoke, he shook his head slightly.

Martial artists are human too.

You can't train yourself to be a machine.

Nor is it like playing a game, where hitting a button uses a skill.

You perform every move yourself, and your condition is inherently tied to the effectiveness of your martial arts.

"Is she alright?"

"Nothing serious."

Xiao Mo replied, "I set her bones and helped circulate her energy."

"Mmm."

Yang Xiaoyun sighed in relief. "That's good."

After a brief pause, she said quietly,

"The Fallen Phoenix Alliance is going through turbulent times now, so getting attacked isn't surprising.

"But I'm sure the alliance can handle it.

"Xiao Mo... I feel like things have been too quiet on our end?"

Su Mo glanced up at Yang Xiaoyun and suddenly smiled:

"Good point, Xiaoyun.

"As long as I remain in Sunset City for even a day, whoever's hiding will make their move..."

"So, Xiaoyun, what do you think happens next?"

Yang Xiaoyun thought it over carefully, then said gravely:

"Chief Liu’s out on the road right now..."

"Right."

Su Mo nodded. "Chief Liu’s away, and Uncle Fu said today he’s due back any day now.

"But say something happens to him...

"Something that keeps him away a little longer...

"What then?"

"Chief Liu’s no pushover in a fight. If they try to take him down, it’ll cost them."

"The trick is to trap him, not fight him."

"Then what should we do?"

"Did you see Xu Lu tonight, Xiaoyun?"

"...Where did he go?"

"He went north."

Su Mo smiled. "By dawn, we’ll know the score. It’s now or never for them.

"If nothing goes down by dawn, I’ll be impressed by their guts.

"For now, let’s just see what tomorrow brings."