Chapter 107: The Pact of Three Palms

Chapter 107: The Pact of Three Palms

Returning from Heavenly Feather City, Su Mo brought back twenty-five thousand taels in silver notes.

This money naturally had to be entered into the accounts of the escort agency.

Things in the martial world were complicated and hard to explain, but Uncle Fu had served the Su family for three generations, and he had experienced too much to need explanations.

So he didn't ask about the origins of the money; as long as Su Mo was safe, more money was always better.

After the pleasant surprise, they began to manage the household affairs.

Servants, maids, stable hands, cooks.

Everyone got busy with their tasks.

Otherwise, if Uncle Fu had to handle everything alone, how could he possibly attend to both Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun?

When not cooking, he would already be waiting at the gatehouse.

Although Ziyang Escort Agency's business had yet to truly begin, people still came to visit. Someone needed to manage these visits, or it would be embarrassing for such a large escort agency to have no one answer the door.

The new servants, however, were still unfamiliar with their duties.

They reported matters hesitantly, as if afraid that Su Mo might eat them.

This made Uncle Fu somewhat dissatisfied, thinking he would need to teach them properly later.

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun exchanged a glance.

"Already here?"

Yang Xiaoyun was surprised. They had just mentioned them, and now they were here.

"Where are they?"

Su Mo asked the servant.

The servant hurriedly replied, "In the gatehouse having tea."

Su Mo slightly shook his head. "Who is here? Do they have a calling card?"

"Yes."

The servant paused, then quickly took out a card from his chest pocket and handed it to Su Mo with both hands.

Su Mo glanced at it and passed it to Yang Xiaoyun.

"Feng Wuxiang came personally?"

Yang Xiaoyun was surprised. "That's unexpected."

Su Mo looked at the servant and said to Uncle Fu, "Qijue Hall is no ordinary place. Having tea in the gatehouse isn't proper hospitality. Uncle Fu, please go and bring them to the front hall for tea. I'll join you shortly."

"Sure thing."

Uncle Fu acknowledged and led the servant out, giving him instructions along the way.

Su Mo then looked at Yang Xiaoyun. "Qijue Hall is in the west, so Feng Wuxiang's visit is not simply to see me."

"To see you is just an excuse; their real purpose is likely Heavenly Feather City, to meet Huaqian Yu... But we need to settle this matter eventually."

Yang Xiaoyun pondered. "Xiao Mo, do you have a plan on how to handle this?"

"Sparing someone when you can is noble, but it's not the way of the martial world.

"But ultimately, how we deal with it depends on how Qijue Hall conducts itself."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded in agreement.

"Earlier, you mentioned that three major events happened recently in Sunset City. We've dealt with two, what's the third?"

Su Mo wasn't in a hurry to meet Feng Wuxiang. It would take Uncle Fu some time to lead the guests in and serve tea, so they had a moment to chat.

"You should have anticipated this."

Yang Xiaoyun smiled. "Why don't you guess?"

Su Mo was taken aback by this sudden challenge.

But after a moment's thought, he realized, "If it's something I can guess, it must be something I know about. Hmm... Wei Miss officially taking charge of Fallen Phoenix Alliance?"

"That's right."

Yang Xiaoyun sighed. "I only realized now that the gift she gave us at Jade Willow Villa was useful for us, but even more so for herself. It was less a grand gift than a favor."

Su Mo was speechless. "The person behind the attempt on my life must be one of the eight leaders of Fallen Phoenix Alliance. Wei Miss hadn't joined because there wasn't a suitable position for her.

"Her status is significant, so she couldn't start from the bottom. Otherwise, when would she become the leader?

"Therefore, uncovering the culprit became necessary.

"I suspect that although Wei Miss has joined Fallen Phoenix Alliance, she hasn't assumed any role yet... She might wait until Lady Huacheng consolidates things and then descend upon Heavenly Feather City as the new deputy city lord... Though she might be ranked eighth among the leaders."

"The future events haven't happened yet, but it's quite possible."

Yang Xiaoyun continued, "That day, Zuo Qiuyang mentioned rumors that Wei Miss couldn't bear to see innocent people hurt by internal strife within Fallen Phoenix Alliance. These rumors spread more fiercely than expected, causing changes within the alliance and favorable public opinion towards Wei Miss.

"With popular support and being Wei Ruhan's granddaughter, becoming the deputy city lord of Heavenly Feather City, though unconventional, is reasonable."

Speaking of which, Yang Xiaoyun glanced at Su Mo: "I assume you've already seen through this. How much did that play into your decision not to meet Huaqianyu?"

"Hmm... about half."

Su Mo slightly shook his head: "The Fallen Phoenix Alliance is in chaos. Left Qiuyang alone isn't the end of it. Having some acquaintance with Wei Ziyi is one thing. But meeting Huaqianyu, who knows what other trouble might arise.

"Less contact means fewer troubles.

"However, if Wei Ziyi can succeed as the deputy city lord of Heavenly Feather City, then they would have control over the entire city's power.

"With Wei Ruhan... three out of the eight alliance leaders are now aligned.

"This game feels like they always have a move ready, not something hastily planned."

"They're all shrewd individuals."

Yang Xiaoyun couldn't help but sigh.

Su Mo was both amused and exasperated: "In the martial world, if you only rely on martial arts without any wit, you'll eventually be deceived. Especially in organizations like these, where the competition is fierce and lethal. One must never underestimate anyone... well, it's time we met Director Feng."

"Let's go."

Without further delay, they got up and headed towards the front hall.

Although the main hall of Ziyang Escort Agency hadn't been renovated, it was spotlessly clean.

A group had already taken their seats, but the tea on the table remained untouched.

As Su Mo approached, he clasped his hands and said with a bright smile:

"Director Feng of Qijue Hall, I apologize for not greeting you properly. Please forgive me."

As he spoke, he entered the hall.

Everyone inside looked up at him simultaneously.

Some scrutinized him, others showed hostility, and some were cautiously on guard...

Su Mo noted their gazes but paid them no mind, focusing instead on the leader.

This person was elderly, with white hair and a rosy complexion, looking vibrant despite his age.

He stood up and laughed heartily: "Director Su, please don't be so formal. We came uninvited, so please don't take offense."

"Not at all."

Su Mo looked at the man: "When Qijue Hall was renowned in the martial world, I was just a child. It's an honor to meet Director Feng today."

Pausing briefly, he introduced Yang Xiaoyun: "This is Yang Xiaoyun, the young chief of Iron Blood Escort Agency."

"Greetings, Director Feng."

Yang Xiaoyun also bowed respectfully.

Regardless of whether Qijue Hall had a valid reason, since Feng Wuxiang had come personally, he was still a senior in the martial world.

Etiquette was essential, and Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun, as juniors, could not neglect it.

Feng Wuxiang laughed heartily: "So you're the daughter of Iron Dragon Spear. In recent years, your reputation has spread far and wide, and I've heard much about you."

After exchanging pleasantries, Su Mo gestured for everyone to sit down.

"Director Feng, your visit from afar brings great honor to our humble Ziyang Escort Agency. May I ask what brings you here?"

Su Mo smiled warmly.

Feng Wuxiang was momentarily speechless. Despite being a junior, Su Mo's words and actions were very astute.

He conducted himself with grace and clarity, yet deliberately feigned ignorance.

His aim was clearly to stand firm on the principle of 'right.'

While considering how to respond, there was a loud "bang" as someone suddenly stood up, pointing at Su Mo:

"Why do you pretend not to know?"

Feng Wuxiang frowned, glanced at the person, and said coldly: "Sit down!"

"Director, this kid is using his reputation from Profound Theory Valley to act like a seasoned veteran in front of us!

"He pretends to be ignorant, trying to confuse us. It's really infuriating."

The man shouted: "Even if I sit down, I won't be convinced."

A cold glint flashed in Feng Wuxiang's eyes as Su Mo began to laugh.

Turning to look at Su Mo, he saw him smiling and asking: "May I ask the name of this esteemed senior?"

"Chief of Blade Hall, Wang Xiong!"

Wang Xiong looked at Su Mo: "Youngster, even if the Sword Chief did something wrong, it has nothing to do with us. Coming here is already giving you face, yet you still act so arrogantly. Isn't that ridiculous?"

Su Mo glanced at Feng Wuxiang, noticing that the chief of Qijue Hall, though visibly angry, did not stop Wang Xiong from speaking.

He smiled and asked: "According to you, senior, what should I do?"

"Hmph, we're here not to bully you but to apologize. The incident with the Sword Chief has nothing to do with Qijue Hall. Now that the person is dead and we've apologized, if you accept it, fine. If not..."

Wang Xiong narrowed his eyes. "Don't think that Qijue Hall is easy to bully!"

"Enough!"

Feng Wuxiang said angrily, "Sit down."

Wang Xiong glared fiercely at Su Mo before sitting down.

Feng Wuxiang then turned to Su Mo. "My subordinates lack discipline; I apologize for their rudeness, Chief Su."

"No problem, no problem."

Su Mo waved his hand. "But what I've seen today has made me understand something."

"What is it?"

Feng Wuxiang looked at Su Mo quietly.

"In the past, Qijue Hall was well-known and respected in the martial world.

"However, in recent years, its reputation has declined sharply, nearing peril.

"I didn't know why until today, seeing the behavior of the members of Qijue Hall, it all makes sense now...

"The Head Elder hasn't even spoken yet, but the Blade Executor couldn't wait to act.

"I wonder if this esteemed Blade Executor doesn't take me seriously, or if you don't take Head Elder Feng seriously?"

Su Mo tilted his head and looked at Feng Wuxiang. "Or perhaps, Head Elder Feng has already passed on your position to this esteemed Wang? If so, it would make sense. In that case, congratulations to Head Elder Wang; unifying Qijue Hall and gaining fame in the martial world is just around the corner."

"You... You're talking nonsense!"

Wang Xiong hadn't even sat down when he stood up abruptly.

Su Mo's words were vicious and direct.

Not only did they implicate Feng Wuxiang, but also no one within Qijue Hall could remain unaffected.

If this news spread, even if he didn't die immediately, his future would be fraught with difficulties, and he might even be viewed with suspicion by Feng Wuxiang.

One must understand that rumors initially seem insignificant.

But hearing them repeatedly can lead to wild speculations.

Even if Feng Wuxiang had extraordinary composure and wouldn't be affected by these words, the mere existence of such a voice within Qijue Hall, and someone having such thoughts, would likely seal Wang Xiong's fate.

Thinking of this, his eyes turned red as he glared at Su Mo.

"Scoundrel, you dare to ruin my reputation!?"

As he spoke, he reached out, and with a swish, drew his single blade. In a single step, he was already in front of Su Mo, swinging his blade!

The Blade Executor's martial arts were naturally exceptional, but before the blade could land, Su Mo's Da Kaiyang San Shou had already grabbed his wrist.

Internal energy flowed through, and instead of killing Su Mo, Wang Xiong fell to his knees with a thud.

With a casual press, Su Mo raised his other hand, about to strike Wang Xiong's forehead.

"Show mercy!!"

Feng Wuxiang cried out, reaching out to stop Su Mo's strike.

Unexpectedly, Su Mo countered with a palm, meeting Feng Wuxiang's single palm.

The two palms clashed in an instant, causing Feng Wuxiang's body to shake violently. He spat out a mouthful of blood and flew backward.

Su Mo glanced at him and then struck Wang Xiong's forehead with another palm.

Wang Xiong's body stiffened, and he fell dead.

Su Mo looked at the corpse, frowned slightly, and said to Feng Wuxiang, who was staring in shock from a distance:

"Today, I've experienced Qijue Hall's method of apology. Please go back; I will soon visit Qijue Hall to apologize for killing the Blade Executor. If any of you have any dissatisfaction...

"Hmph, don't think that I'm easy to bully!"

These words echoed almost verbatim what Wang Xiong had said earlier. The entire hall fell silent.

Not only because of the words, but also because of Su Mo's martial prowess.

The Blade Executor, being in that position, naturally had considerable martial skills. Yet, he was killed without even realizing what happened, falling to Su Mo's palm.

What kind of martial arts did Feng Wuxiang possess?

He tried to save Wang Xiong but ended up spitting blood and flying backward.

The news of Profound Theory Valley had not yet spread widely, and many people were unaware of its significance.

Although they had heard rumors, they thought they might be exaggerated.

Now, although they came to apologize, their real intention was to intimidate Su Mo into backing down.

Otherwise, why would Feng Wuxiang allow Wang Xiong to act so recklessly?

But who would have thought that Su Mo possessed such unparalleled martial arts?

As for leaving... how could they leave?

If they left, the matter would be settled, waiting for Su Mo to come and settle accounts one by one.

It's not that we don't want to leave... How should I put it?

Feng Wuxiang is indeed the head of Qijue Hall, and his quick thinking is astonishing.

Seeing Wang Xiong’s corpse fall to the ground, he suddenly took a deep breath and then laughed heartily:

"Good! Thank you, Chief Su!"

Su Mo raised an eyebrow slightly: "Chief Feng, why do you say that?"

"Wang Xiong has long deserved death. He deceived those above him and indulged his disciples in doing as they pleased within Qijue Hall. He was already intolerable to Qijue Hall.

"The reason I asked Chief Su to show mercy earlier was not to save him but because someone like him is not worth dirtying your hands over."

Feng Wuxiang, with a serious expression, clasped his fists and said:

"Wang Xiong spoke nonsense just now, and his words were all over the place. Today, we are not here to apologize but to express our gratitude.

"The Sword Leader and this Blade Leader are of the same ilk. Chief Su helped us correct the wrongs, and everyone in Qijue Hall is grateful for this favor, which we can only repay with a humble gift to express our gratitude."

As he spoke, he gave a signal to the others.

Immediately, one of them understood and hurriedly took out a square box from their bag:

"Chief Su, this is a small token of our appreciation. Please accept it with a smile."

Su Mo was momentarily speechless; the change was too swift, like a storm in the rivers and lakes, catching one off guard.

"Indeed, Qijue Hall is extraordinary. That night, the Sword Leader, in front of me, twisted the truth, using underhanded means.

"At the time, I was surprised, wondering why he would resort to such tactics.

"Now, seeing Chief Feng, it all makes sense.

"As the saying goes, those in power set the example, and indeed, it does not deceive me..."

Su Mo looked at Feng Wuxiang coolly: "Are you treating me like a child, Chief Feng? Do you really think I would believe these words?"

Feng Wuxiang's expression froze. The way out he offered was not taken by Su Mo, so he took a deep breath:

"Chief Su, what do you intend to do?"

"Since you have come today, at least it shows some sincerity. If I were to detain all of you here in Ziyang Escort Agency, people in the rivers and lakes might say I lack tolerance.

"Therefore, how about this: Chief Feng, you possess extraordinary martial arts. Su Mo boldly requests three strikes from you.

"After three strikes, all grievances will be settled. What do you think, Chief Feng?"

Feng Wuxiang was stunned. From the earlier strike, he knew Su Mo's internal strength was unfathomable.

Three strikes?

Wouldn’t that mean certain death?

The best course of action now would be to flee.

However, when he glanced around, his heart sank heavily.

The remaining five Weapon Leaders of Qijue Hall were all watching him closely.

They had rushed over to support him when he was thrown away, but now, they subconsciously tightened their grip, not wanting him to leave.

Su Mo’s words were few, but the meaning was clear.

No matter what, if Feng Wuxiang accepted his three strikes, all grievances would be settled...

In other words, regardless of whether Feng Wuxiang lived or died after the three strikes, at least... they could live!