Chapter 49 Arrival

Chapter 49 Arrival

Their journey had been relatively peaceful so far.

The only incidents were the encounter with the Ghost Lord of Yin Mountain at Yi Zhaung in Funiu Mountain, and the visit from Qijue Hall.

However, these two events were significant—one involved the Fallen Phoenix Alliance, and the other was no less important.

Someone using the name of the True Master of Profound Theory Valley had widely distributed invitations, inviting various figures to gather at Profound Theory Valley for discussions, citing the resurgence of hidden turmoil in the martial world that needed attention.

The brother and sister from Falling Star Gate received such an invitation and were heading to Profound Theory Valley when they encountered the Ghost Lord of Yin Mountain near Funiu Mountain.

Did... did Liu Suifeng receive this invitation?

If he did, what changes might have occurred since then?

Could it be related to the gathering of people in Pingfeng Town, looking toward Yuqing Mountain?

But even if Su Mo voiced his doubts now, it would not change anything. He decided to remain silent, knowing that everything would become clear once they reached Jade Willow Villa tomorrow.

...

...

They had initially expected trouble in the inn, given the mix of people there, but the night passed without incident. Apart from occasional figures running across the rooftops, nothing troubled them.

As for who those night runners were and what they were doing? The same advice applied—mind your own business!

By dawn the next day, Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun had breakfast at the inn and then left under the watchful eyes of the martial artists, riding straight toward Yuqing Mountain.

Everything seemed normal, except for one unusual thing—the mysterious person who always appeared every morning to borrow a sword did not show up today.

Although Su Mo found this odd, he was relieved and did not pursue the matter further.

Yuqing Mountain stretched out green and lush, with paths winding through the forest where horses could travel.

Yujing Lake lay nestled in the mountain hollow, shimmering like a mirror under the sun, emitting a jade-like glow.

Beyond Yujing Lake stood Jade Willow Villa.

Jade Willow Villa was built against the mountainside, with Yujing Lake in front and towering cliffs behind. Its position made it easy to defend but hard to attack—a good location indeed.

Unfortunately, they arrived late in the evening.

The journey from Pingfeng Town to Yuqing Mountain took a full day, and it was just nightfall when they arrived.

They had barely walked along Yujing Lake when they were stopped by two disciples of Jade Willow Villa dressed in green, their swords crossed in front of them.

"Halt! This is Jade Willow Villa. No unauthorized entry!"

"Oh?"

Yang Xiaoyun glanced at Su Mo before pulling on the reins, making the horse step forward slightly.

"Jade Willow Villa is renowned in the martial world, and Lord Liu's martial arts are unparalleled. But I've never heard of any rule forbidding martial artists from visiting!"

"This..."

The two men exchanged glances, frowning slightly. One of them asked, "May we know your names, esteemed guests?"

Yang Xiaoyun looked at Su Mo, who nodded slightly and said, "I am Su Mo, head of Ziyang Escort Agency in Sunset City. This is Yang Xiaoyun from Iron Blood Escort Agency. We were entrusted a month ago to deliver goods here. Is Lord Yuliu Jianxin available?"

After introducing themselves and stating their purpose, the two men exchanged another glance. One muttered, "Never heard of Ziyang Escort Agency. How did they end up with Iron Blood Escort Agency?"

"Do you have any proof?"

The other man looked at Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun.

Su Mo took out the written contract signed with Ji Shuhua and flicked it with his finger. The thin paper flew swiftly toward the man, carrying a sharp whistling sound.

The man was startled, recognizing the strength of the sender's inner energy from this leaf-flying technique.

He thought he was about to be hit but was surprised when the paper gently floated down in front of him.

He quickly caught it, calmed down, and said respectfully:

"Please wait a moment. I need to report this."

"Go ahead."

Su Mo frowned slightly and waved his hand.

The man turned and left with the contract, while the other watched Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun cautiously.

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun exchanged a look, confirming that something was indeed amiss within Jade Willow Villa.

Otherwise, the disciples wouldn't be so lacking in hospitality.

After all, Jade Willow Villa has gained considerable fame because of Liu Suifeng.

While visitors from the martial world don't come continuously, there are certainly many who do.

If everyone at Jade Willow Villa had such an attitude, their reputation would have long been ruined.

High martial arts skills are indeed fundamental, but if one doesn't know how to conduct oneself, no one would speak well of them, and they wouldn't enjoy the current prosperity.

However, the two did not say much more. Regardless of what changes had occurred within Jade Willow Villa, their task was simply to deliver the goods in hand, and then their job would be done.

Waiting a little longer was fine for now.

The wait wasn't too long; after just a short while, someone returned.

It wasn't just the person who had gone in to report; he was accompanied by another.

A man in his fifties.

This man was courteous, bowing with clasped fists and smiling before speaking: "Greetings, young heroes. This old man is Liu Qingkong."

"Ah, it's Butler Liu. Our respects."

Su Mo immediately bowed.

Though they had never met, he had heard of Liu Qingkong's reputation.

While he hadn't seen any notable achievements in martial arts, being the head steward of Jade Willow Villa alone commanded respect from the martial world.

"Too kind, too kind."

Liu Qingkong smiled slightly and took out the contract, saying, "I've reviewed this document. It turns out that Righteous Hero Ji Shuhua entrusted you two with this task. However, there are urgent matters within the villa. Could you perhaps entrust these goods to me?"

Su Mo sighed inwardly. If possible, he would like to settle this matter quickly.

But the system clearly stated that the item must be personally handed to Liu Suifeng.

Handing it over to Liu Qingkong might render the past month's efforts futile. He could only bow again:

"Butler Liu, please understand. To be honest, the document states that this item must be personally delivered to Lord Liu. I am young and inexperienced, newly appointed as the chief of Ziyang Escort Agency. Having promised Ji Shuhua, I cannot go back on my word."

"Is Lord Liu in the villa?"

"This..."

Liu Qingkong hesitated, his expression conflicted. After a moment, he sighed, "Very well, since Chief Su finds it difficult, follow me."

"Thank you, Butler Liu, for your understanding."

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun dismounted and led their horses, following Liu Qingkong towards Jade Willow Villa.

The journey was uneventful, and upon arrival, though they couldn't see the scenery of the Jade Crystal Lake, Jade Willow Villa, nestled against the mountain, looked grand and imposing.

At the main gate, guards stood on either side, their gazes sharp, giving off an air of aloofness.