Chapter 353: Hidden Danger

**Chapter 353: Looming Troubles**

Ready or not, the days kept coming.

Before anyone knew it, it was already November twenty-fourth.

Just two days left until Su Mo’s wedding.

On this day, whether Yang Xiaoyun was willing or not—and regardless of whether she was considered a martial artist or not—she was escorted out of the Ziyang Escort Agency by Uncle Fu and sent to the Ironblood Escort Agency.

Accompanying her were several female escorts, as well as the maids who had been taking care of her at Ziyang.

Zhen Xiaoxiao made a big show of declaring herself part of the bride’s side and followed along as well.

From that day until the wedding night, tradition dictated that the couple must not meet—a strict age-old custom.

Though Yang Xiaoyun was reluctant, she still complied with the rules, waiting patiently for Su Mo to bring her home in a bridal procession.

On the same day, the masters from the East City Seven Sects also arrived.

Su Mo, having received advance word from the Fallen Phoenix Alliance, hurried to the outskirts of Sunset City to welcome them.

He wasn’t there to greet the representatives of the seven sects.

After all, given his status, even if all seven sect leaders had come together, it wouldn’t require him to personally meet them outside the city.

His main purpose was to welcome Li Zhengyuan.

The elderly sect leader, despite his great age and the raging battle in East City, had journeyed far to attend his disciple’s wedding banquet.

How could Su Mo not offer him a full ceremonial welcome?

Those accompanying Li Zhengyuan were mostly familiar faces.

The East City Seven Sects were no minor players.

Although Su Mo, as Donghuang’s First Sword, commanded great respect, there were reasons why the other sect leaders did not come in person.

First, the war in East City was still ongoing.

Secondly, they wanted to maintain their dignity and avoid appearing as if they were falling over themselves to please Su Mo.

Thus, apart from Li Zhengyuan, none of the other sect leaders attended.

However, those who came were either future successors or key figures within their sects.

From Cold Moon Palace came the Second Palace Master and Third Palace Master.

Since Cold Moon Palace first made its name in the martial world, it was rare for two palace masters to travel together.

The First Palace Master—the current sect leader—was commanding the forces fighting against Eternal Night Valley and the Youquan Cult in East City.

These two, however, carved out time from their duties to attend the celebration.

From Carefree Pavilion came Vice Pavilion Master, Romantic Scholar Xia Xuanran.

The Eight-Armed Dragon Roamer, Yuchi Meng, represented the True Martial Hall.

The Distant Mountain Sword Sect was led by an old acquaintance, Luo Changsheng.

The Serene Zen Temple sent the young monk Xuan Zhen.

Finally, the Heavenly Heart Sect’s Sacred Maiden, Xuanyuan Xiaoshan, arrived as well.

These were the very masters who had once been stationed at Tianqu City.

Meeting again now, they naturally caught up briefly.

Li Zhengyuan took Su Mo’s hand and looked him over closely before smiling and saying:

"You've got the energy of a man about to be married. Where's the bride?"

"She's waiting for the wedding at Iron Blood Security Agency, according to tradition."

Su Mo gave a helpless smile. "We martial artists aren't sticklers for formalities, but the elders insisted, so I had no choice."

"Traditions matter. The rules set by our ancestors always have their reasons."

Li Zhengyuan nodded in understanding.

"Look at how he's riding high on happiness," muttered the Third Palace Master, Yun Jiuying, whispering into the Second Palace Master’s ear.

The Second Palace Master chuckled lightly. "That's how a young hero should act."

When Su Mo had last gone to Tianqu City, the Second Palace Master hadn’t even met him yet, but she had already been furious about the letter the Third Palace Master had sent her through Duan Song.

As a result, she not only scolded the Third Palace Master for ages but also unfairly blamed Su Mo.

However, after Su Mo publicly struck down the leader of the Youquan Sect in Tianqu City, her attitude toward him did a complete turnaround.

At his age, with such unmatched skill anywhere under heaven, how could she not respect him?

So when she heard of Su Mo’s wedding, she hurried over right away.

Yet after saying that, she couldn’t help but sigh softly:

"What a pity. Your scheme fell through."

"As long as he doesn’t follow in his father’s footsteps, there’s still hope."

At this, the Third Palace Master wore a smug look—until suddenly, for some reason, she snapped:

"That useless Duan Song couldn’t even handle a simple task. What a joke!"

"…"

The Second Palace Master glared at her. "Probably for the best. Otherwise, it would’ve just been awkward."

"What's done is done—what's there to be awkward about?"

Though the Third Palace Master had lowered her voice, everyone present had sharp ears.

Li Zhengyuan sighed in resignation.

Third Palace Master Yun Jiuying wasn’t always like this.

But after years of solitude in the Cold West Tower, her temperament had shifted noticeably.

Some nearby caught the meaning, while others looked lost.

Those who understood couldn’t help but chuckle under their breaths. The young monk Xuanzhen, completely baffled, blurted out:

"What does it mean? Why are you laughing?"

They all shook their heads, as if to say, “A young monk shouldn’t meddle in worldly affairs.”

This left Xuanzhen fuming.

He turned to Xuanyuan Xiaoshan, equally lost:

"Sis Shan, you don’t get it either?"

"...No, I don’t."

Xuanyuan Xiaoshan wrinkled her brow. "I’ll ask my master later—she might know?"

"...Should I go ask mine too?"

Their back-and-forth sent everyone into fits of laughter.

The laughter just made them more baffled.

But no matter how much Xuanzhen pressed for an explanation, no one would tell him what it meant.

The young monk gripped his quarterstaff, tugging at his hair in frustration.

The others just waited to see the chaos he’d stir up at Serene Zen Temple with this question.

Su Mo mentally groaned and side-eyed the woman.

Last time, she’d clearly been scheming.

Back at Purple Sun Sect, Duan Song had shown up late at night—no doubt for this.

But the Third Palace Master caught his glance and glared, about to speak when suddenly the sound of galloping hooves rose.

Wei Ziyi rode in with her crew.

With her master here, she had to show up.

After bowing, she said:

"Master, you left the Cold West Tower? Really?

"How long’s it been since you even peeked outside?"

"Our First of Donghuang’s wedding? I’d crawl here legless if I had to."

The Third Palace Master gave Wei Ziyi a once-over and nodded:

"Pretty enough. But disappointing."

"What?"

Before Wei Ziyi could react, the Third Palace Master had already seized her wrist.

After circulating her qi for a moment, the Third Palace Master frowned slightly:

"Your uncle really was an idiot. He got what he deserved—but why'd he have to screw you over on his way out?"

"What?"

Within just a few sentences of meeting, the Third Palace Master had left Wei Ziyi speechless more than once.

Unable to hold back, she asked, "Master, what are you talking about?"

"This isn't the place to talk."

The Third Palace Master glanced at Su Mo. "Great master, surely we're not going to stand around chatting outside the city gates all day?"

"My mistake," Su Mo smiled. "Please, everyone—Ziyang Escort has rooms ready for you to rest."

"Good."

Everyone nodded and immediately headed for Sunset City.

They were all top fighters from East City, most visiting the southwest for the first time.

Having traveled all the way from Three Rivers Bay, they finally arrived at Sunset City. The bustling atmosphere piqued their interest.

Yuchi Meng, Xia Xuanran, Luo Changsheng, and even the young monk Xuanzhen promptly asked Su Mo if they could check out Sunset City.

They planned to meet up with him at Ziyang Escort when they were done looking around.

Seeing their enthusiasm, Su Mo agreed.

He just had Xiaochuan tag along—to show them around, help with purchases, and most importantly, keep them out of trouble.

East City fighters tended to think they were hot stuff.

If they tried pushing around local fighters, Xiaochuan could step in. Even if they didn't respect him, they'd at least respect Su Mo's name—might be enough to head off trouble.

Of course, that might not even be necessary.

These folks knew better—the higher their status, the less likely they'd start trouble.

Su Mo was just playing it safe.

Meanwhile, Xuanyuan Xiaoshan followed the group to Ziyang Escort.

Standing at the entrance, the Heavenly Heart Sect's Saintess looked up at the signboard bearing the words "Ziyang Escort" and was clearly surprised.

"This is the famous Ziyang Escort?" she turned to Su Mo.

"Chief Escort Su, with your big reputation, I figured it'd take up half the city. Didn't expect it to be so... modest."

Su Mo was at a loss for words—this woman had a way with words.

Not calling it insignificant, but suggesting its hidden importance.

Su Mo chuckled:

"You're too kind, Miss Xuanyuan. Ziyang Escort is just a modest little escort agency.

"How could it possibly occupy half a city?

"Not even the Fallen Phoenix Alliance is that extravagant."

"Mmm."

Xuanyuan Xiaoshan nodded. "I spoke out of ignorance. Chief Escort Su, a truly exceptional man, yet so frugal.

"As I walked through Sunset City, I saw well-kept streets and everything in order.

"It's clear the Fallen Phoenix Alliance manages things exceptionally well—truly admirable.

"I should learn from this and not remain confined to East City, underestimating the wider world."

"Thank you for your kind words, Lady Xuanyuan."

Since the Fallen Phoenix Alliance had been mentioned, Wei Ziyi, as its current Fourth Leader, naturally couldn't pretend not to hear.

She had to show proper humility.

She also took the opportunity to mention Wei Ruhan’s efforts in managing the alliance.

As they chatted, the group entered the premises.

Meanwhile, Ziyang Escort was a hive of activity. With the wedding day fast approaching, while Su Mo seemed relaxed, Uncle Fu grew increasingly tense.

In the morning, he sought someone to write couplets; in the afternoon, he arranged fireworks; at night, he lost sleep worrying over whether to prepare blue or red baby clothes.

So even though he knew Li Zhengyuan had arrived, he was too busy for proper greetings.

Li Zhengyuan didn’t mind. At his advanced age and position, he had seen and experienced everything.

He had come here simply to attend his protégé’s wedding as an elder.

No grand reception was necessary. Instead, seeing everyone in the escort working hard for Su Mo’s sake deeply touched him.

After sitting down, his first words were:

"Is there anything I can help with? This old master may be aged, but my hands and feet are still nimble.

"Oh, and those window decorations are too plain. Others might not matter, but the bridal chamber must be properly adorned. Get me some red paper later—I’ll cut you a big 'double happiness' symbol."

Su Mo gave a wry laugh:

"I couldn't possibly trouble you with this."

"Nonsense! When the young ones marry, don't the elders pitch in?

"At my age, I probably won't be around to see your own children wed...

"I wasn't there for your father's wedding back then."

"It's a pity, but this time, we cannot act rashly.

"Since we're here, we should at least lend a hand."

Su Mo tried to dissuade him, but Li Zhengyuan paid no heed. When Su Mo refused, he got up on his own to look for red paper and scissors.

The servants, busy to the point of dizziness, had no idea who this old man was.

They only knew he was a guest and gave him what he asked for.

Then, without exchanging any more words with Su Mo, Li Zhengyuan casually sat down on the steps at the entrance and started cutting with the scissors.

All notions of martial arts grandmasters, supreme leaders of a school, or the most influential figures in the martial world were completely dismissed by him.

Seeing this, Su Mo couldn't help but be moved.

After turning the matter over in his mind several times, he swallowed his words.

Realizing he couldn't persuade him, he let him be.

He wanted to sit beside him for a while, but Li Zhengyuan waved him away, telling him to go inside and keep the guests company.

Li Zhengyuan didn't consider himself a guest.

Seeing this, Su Mo said nothing more and turned to enter the hall.

First, he had someone lead Xuanyuan Xiaoshan to her quarters, then he took the Second Palace Master, the Third Palace Master, and Wei Ziyi to the side rooms.

Once inside, the Third Palace Master gestured for Wei Ziyi to sit down.

"Master hasn't sat yet—how could this disciple dare to sit first?"

Wei Ziyi hurriedly declined.

But the Third Palace Master forced her down into the chair.

Seeing the Third Palace Master's resolute attitude and her expression darkening, Wei Ziyi finally sat and asked,

"Master... what's wrong?"

"Over the past period, during the Zi-to-Chou watch, have you felt a faint pain in your Qi gate?"

The Third Palace Master asked with a grave expression.

"Hmm?"

Su Mo started at this and turned to look at Wei Ziyi.

Wei Ziyi shot a quick look at Su Mo before nodding slightly,

"At first there was only some swelling, no pain. Then gradually it began to hurt.

"Now, during the Zi-to-Chou watch, the Qi gate burns like needle pricks… but it eases after a few breaths."

"For now it passes quickly."

The Third Palace Master sneered, "But soon it'll last much longer.

"Wei Qixiong’s self-developed Cosmic YinYang Mill Disc is fundamentally a Yin-Yang harmonizing technique."

"This martial art places the utmost importance on the circulation of Yin and Yang energies.

Those who do not practice martial arts naturally maintain a balance of Yin and Yang within their bodies.

When learning this art, both energies gradually increase, remaining steadily harmonious.

But you are different...

You are a disciple of the Cold Moon Palace, and I have passed on to you its secret arts.

The Purple Sun Sect and the Cold Moon Palace—

One cultivates Yang, the other Yin.

The flow of Yin-Yang energy in your body has become completely different from that of ordinary people.

In the case of the Purple Sun Sect, unless one cultivates the Nine Purple Blazing Sun Art to the Ninth Realm, one cannot reach the state where Yang gives rise to Yin and the two forces harmonize.

Otherwise, any disciple's pure Yang kung fu would be like a raging furnace.

By contrast, our Cold Moon Palace, named for 'Cold Moon,' naturally cultivates pure Yin kung fu.

Whether it’s the Mystic Moon Jade Kun Art you are practicing or the sect's ultimate technique, the Moon Heart Scripture, both belong to this category.

And to achieve the state where extreme Yin gives birth to Yang, one must also cultivate the Moon Heart Scripture to peak mastery, which offers only a faint chance.

Wei Qixiong was arrogant and self-willed. Before his death, he wanted to find a successor.

Unwilling to let this skill be lost, he entrusted it to you.

Yet he never considered that this act might endanger your very life."

"This..."

Wei Ziyi was momentarily speechless with shock, automatically turning her gaze toward the Second Palace Master.

Although the Third Palace Master, Yun Jiuying, was her master, she had been heartbroken for over twenty years, making her rather temperamental.

The Second Palace Master nodded:

"In this matter, your master is correct."

"Senior, if that's the case, what should we do?" Su Mo asked quickly upon seeing this.

"Hmph," said the Third Palace Master. "At this point, there is no way to cure it completely. Unless you can practice the Moon Heart Scripture to peak mastery and rebalance your Yin and Yang, achieving natural harmony.

Otherwise, we can only adopt a compromise."

"What compromise?"

"Yin-Yang balance."

The Third Palace Master glanced at Su Mo. "Chief Escort Su practices the pure Yang kung fu of the Purple Sun Sect, making you the ideal candidate. Come, come, let us go outside. The two of you shall follow the natural way of husband and wife..."

"...Be honest!"

Su Mo frowned. The Third Palace Master was completely unreliable.

At a time like this, she was still making trouble.

Yet to his surprise, the Third Palace Master glared back at him: "Why would I, the esteemed Third Palace Master of Cold Moon Palace, lie to you?"

Su Mo ignored her completely and turned instead to the Second Palace Master.

To his even greater surprise, the Second Palace Master also nodded.

"This is just a band-aid solution—it doesn't address the root problem.

"Unless the two of you can find a dual practice method specifically designed for this purpose, otherwise… it will be entirely ineffective."

Hearing this, Su Mo shot the Third Palace Master a glare.

The Third Palace Master in turn glared at the Second Palace Master, then pressed her lips together, clearly reluctant as she said:

"As things stand, there's only one truly viable option…

"Zi Yi, you must not cultivate or use lightly the Cosmic YinYang Mill Disc.

"Each cultivation session or activation will worsen the imbalance between Yin and Yang energies within your body.

"Currently, your Yin is dominating your Yang. While outward symptoms may not appear yet, once any sign manifests, it will already be beyond remedy.

"That is First!

"Second, if you could somehow acquire a treasure containing Pure Yang Energy, it might gradually compensate for this imbalance.

"But such treasures—I haven’t even heard of them, let alone seen one.

"Third, before finding such a treasure, it would be best if someone could transfer a portion of Pure Yang energy into you daily.

"This would help you stay stable for now.

"Lastly… if worst comes to worst, you will have no choice but to release all your cultivated energy—

—to preserve your life."