Chapter 114: A Small Banquet

Chapter 114: A Small Banquet

The escort vehicles traveled on the road, with banners fluttering in the wind.

Overall, apart from encountering those foolish bandits earlier, they hadn't faced any significant trouble.

Especially along the route from Sunset City to Heavenly Feather City.

This region, encompassing four cities, three rivers, and two bays, was all under the jurisdiction of the Fallen Phoenix Alliance.

In this territory, there weren't many major bandits; those who dared to stand out had long been eradicated by the Fallen Phoenix Alliance.

After that previous battle, the guards were extremely impressed with Su Mo.

Though the fight lasted only a few moves, it was clear that Su Mo's martial arts were far superior, making it impossible for the opponent to even touch him.

It was evident that the young and accomplished Chief Escort, Su Mo, truly possessed exceptional skills.

For a moment, the morale of the convoy soared.

After traveling for several more days, Su Mo's figure swayed with his horse, while he gently practiced hand movements.

"Is it the saber technique that person used?"

Yang Xiaoyun glanced over and rode closer. "That person's martial arts aren't refined, but these three saber techniques look quite good."

"More than just good."

Su Mo smiled. "These three moves seem simple, but upon closer inspection, they leave a lasting impression. Unfortunately, he seemed to know only these three moves. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to grab his blade so easily."

"That is indeed a pity. I wonder where he learned those three moves."

"Unexpected encounters in the martial world are common."

Su Mo shook his head slightly. "Let's not talk about him anymore. We're approaching Heavenly Feather City soon."

"Mm, shall we rest in Heavenly Feather City tonight?"

"Sure, let's inform Leader Liu. So far, this journey has been manageable. After leaving Heavenly Feather City and crossing the Hui River to the north, we'll be entering unfamiliar territory."

"As the leader of Wanxin Trading Company's guard team, Leader Liu should be familiar with this route, right?"

"It's hard to say."

Su Mo pondered for a moment. "This man is taciturn. Although I've talked to him a lot these past few days, he hasn't provided much useful information. In the past, when they escorted goods, they only needed to watch out for potential dangers along the way. The arrangements for lodging were handled by the escort agency."

"Some inns that Tianmen Escort Agency can stay at might not be suitable for us..."

"That's true."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded slightly. As she looked up again, Heavenly Feather City came into view.

They exchanged glances and smiled, thinking of Miss Wei.

They wondered how Miss Wei was faring in Heavenly Feather City.

However, they found out soon enough.

Before they reached Heavenly Feather City, they saw a group of about ten riders waiting by the roadside.

Liu Mo, seeing them from afar, immediately called out for caution.

He rode up beside Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun, hearing Su Mo say:

"Leader Liu, don't worry; they're not enemies."

Liu Mo was puzzled, unable to see clearly who the distant figures were.

At that moment, the group of riders suddenly galloped forward, reaching them in an instant.

Only then did Liu Mo realize that the leader was a woman dressed in purple, smiling as if welcoming an old friend.

She called out from a distance, "Chief Escort Su, you didn't even tell me you were passing through Heavenly Feather City. Do you still consider me a friend?"

Su Mo couldn't help but laugh. "You're a busy person; I didn't want to bother you with such a trivial matter. Besides, it's just passing through."

As they spoke, Wei Ziyi had already arrived.

Her gaze swept over Su Mo before turning to Yang Xiaoyun. "Young Chief Escort Yang."

"Ally Leader Wei."

Yang Xiaoyun smiled and clasped her fists. "I'm no longer the Young Chief Escort of Iron Blood Escort Agency. I'm now the Deputy Chief Escort of Ziyang Escort Agency."

"Deputy Chief Escort?"

Wei Ziyi was taken aback, then burst into laughter. "Then congratulations are in order!"

Turning to Liu Mo, she glanced at the twin purple-gold concave flails behind him. "You must be Liu Mo, the leader of Wanxin Trading Company's guard team."

"Greetings, Ally Leader Wei."

From just those few words, Liu Mo knew exactly who Wei Ziyi was.

The only granddaughter of Wei Ruhan, the Deputy City Lord of Heavenly Feather City, and the Eighth Ally Leader of the Fallen Phoenix Alliance.

The territory of four cities, three rivers, and two bays was essentially her domain.

But he was somewhat surprised. How did Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun have such a close relationship with Wei Ziyi?

"Too kind."

Wei Ziyi smiled gracefully. "Although I learned my skills at Cold Moon Palace in my early years and rarely appeared after returning, I have heard of Leader Liu's pair of purple-gold concave flails. I've heard that Leader Liu's flail techniques are unique, fierce, and powerful. However, they are seldom displayed, so not many people know about them."

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun couldn't help but glance at the taciturn man.

Liu Mo remained silent for a moment before slightly shaking his head. "Just trivial skills, not worth mentioning. I hope I haven't embarrassed myself in front of Alliance Leader Wei."

"Not at all."

Wei Ziyi said with a smile, "Let's not stand here talking. I know you're busy with escorting the cargo, so I didn't wait for you to enter the city. Let's go; I've prepared a feast at my residence to welcome you."

Su Mo glanced at Wei Ziyi. "Your residence?"

"Yes."

Wei Ziyi nodded lightly.

"In that case, we wouldn't want to refuse."

Without further ado, everyone headed straight for Heavenly Feather City.

Despite being the deputy mayor and the eighth alliance leader of Fallen Phoenix Alliance, Wei Ziyi still queued up to enter the city, showing no intention of any special treatment.

Later, when this was mentioned as a joke, Wei Ziyi said with a helpless expression:

"Since I got my position through the reputation I built, I can't just turn around and deny it now.

"Otherwise, someone might use it against me and kick me out."

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun merely smiled without responding.

Wei Ziyi didn't bring it up again.

After entering the city gates, they went directly to Wei Ziyi's residence under her guidance.

However, upon arrival, Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun exchanged glances.

While it was called "Wei Residence," it was simply the original house with a new sign.

They recognized it as Zuo Qiuyang's old residence.

"This place is spacious enough for carriages to drive into the backyard. You can gather your things here for easy departure tomorrow.

"The guards and escort agency staff can rest nearby to watch over the cargo.

"What do you think, Chief Su?"

Wei Ziyi asked with a smile.

"This arrangement is perfect, thank you for your thoughtfulness, Alliance Leader Wei."

"Of course, I've been thinking about it for several days since I heard you were coming."

Wei Ziyi continued, "After all, once you leave, who knows where you'll be next time. Meeting again won't be easy."

The world is vast and unpredictable; parting could mean never meeting again.

Now that Wei Ziyi was the deputy mayor of Heavenly Feather City, she was practically tied down here. If Su Mo and the others had no business coming, meeting again would be difficult.

Yang Xiaoyun understood Wei Ziyi's sentiment and smiled. "In that case, let's make tonight a good gathering. But we have a condition..."

"No drinking!"

Wei Ziyi laughed heartily. "I understand the rule."

"Alliance Leader Wei truly understands the ways."

Su Mo said with a smile, "If one day you step down from your position, you could join our Ziyang Escort Agency as a scout."

"How absurd!"

Wei Ziyi exclaimed indignantly, "As the eighth alliance leader of Fallen Phoenix Alliance, how dare you offer me a mere scout position?"

"Then what do you expect?"

Su Mo looked at Wei Ziyi with a half-smile.

Wei Ziyi huffed. "At least a guard."

"No way."

"You're too stingy. Even Yang Jiejie became the deputy chief. I don't ask for that much, but at least a guard."

"Just stick to being the alliance leader of Fallen Phoenix Alliance and stop causing trouble in my escort agency."

Amidst laughter, the atmosphere lightened.

Since her last visit, Wei Ziyi's interactions with Su Mo and the others had become more natural, her youthful exuberance shining through.

Once everything was settled, night fell.

Su Mo looked at the sky and called Xiaochuan over, giving him some instructions. Xiaochuan nodded slightly to show he understood.

Su Mo led Yang Xiaoyun to the main hall for dinner.

Initially, he wanted to invite Liu Mo as well, but Liu Mo declined.

On one hand, he wasn't familiar with Wei Ziyi, and the reason he was staying here tonight was because Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun were acquainted with her.

What place in Heavenly Feather City could be safer than the city lord's residence or the deputy city lord's mansion?

If he still didn't know when to back off, it would only cause annoyance.

Despite Su Mo's repeated invitations, Liu Mo remained firm, so Su Mo let it be.

Exiting the courtyard, they followed Wei Ziyi through winding corridors and small courtyards until they reached the main hall entrance.

Stepping inside, they found a large round table set with various dishes.

It was supposed to be a banquet, but in reality, it was just a small dinner for three.

Su Mo was slightly surprised at this setup but smiled, "Miss Wei has gone to great lengths."

"I'm delighted you came. I wouldn't dare use the pretext of a banquet to scheme anything."

Wei Ziyi said with a smile, "Come, come, let's eat and drink today without worrying about anything else. Forget about the Fallen Phoenix Alliance disputes and the tumultuous world of martial arts."

As they chatted, they took their seats casually. Wei Ziyi lifted her teacup, "Since you don't drink alcohol while escorting goods, let's toast with tea instead."

"Cheers."

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun also raised their teacups and drank with Wei Ziyi.

As they sipped tea and ate, the atmosphere grew warm.

Their conversation revolved around trivial matters.

Wei Ziyi shared some amusing experiences since arriving in Heavenly Feather City, which made Yang Xiaoyun laugh heartily.

Yang Xiaoyun talked about preparing the escort agency, and their exchange gave them a sense of kinship.

For a moment, they seemed to have forgotten about Su Mo.

Su Mo didn't mind; he casually ate his food, gazing out at the colorful night sky, feeling a sense of peace.

"Oh, right."

Wei Ziyi suddenly pulled out a folded piece of paper from her sleeve and handed it to Su Mo. "I know you're heading north. Beyond Heavenly Feather City, the Hui River marks the boundary before entering Heavenly Blade Sect territory. You might not be too familiar with that area, but crossing the river should be relatively easy.

"I've prepared a list for you. It details people and things to watch out for along your journey."

Su Mo accepted it solemnly, not questioning how Wei Ziyi knew about their itinerary.

Given that Wanxin Trading Company operated within Fallen Phoenix Alliance territory, it was unlikely that much could remain hidden, especially with such a large convoy of fifteen carriages.

Unfolding the paper, Su Mo glanced over it and nodded slightly.

Wei Ziyi continued, "While the Fallen Phoenix Alliance may want to extend its influence into Heavenly Blade Sect territory, the chances are slim. However, there are still some connections, and the same goes for Heavenly Blade Sect. The world is dominated by major factions, entangled in complex relationships. Heavenly Blade Sect is somewhat better, being a sect.

"Wu Sheng Hall, on the other hand, is a large gang with intense internal struggles. Though the surface appears calm, conflicts never cease beneath the surface.

"The list I've given you contains all the information we could gather that might be useful to you.

"The places for rest and refreshment listed are not owned by the Fallen Phoenix Alliance.

"They are generally safer and more stable than average, but you'll still need to be cautious and discerning."

Su Mo smiled, "Thank you. I owe you one."

"Don't mention it."

Wei Ziyi pouted, "I consider you a friend. Why would I expect anything in return?"

"Hmm..."

Su Mo was momentarily speechless.

Yang Xiaoyun laughed, "I spoke out of turn. I deserve a penalty!"

"Indeed."

Su Mo poured himself a cup of tea, "Let me toast with tea as a self-imposed penalty."

"That's more like it."

Wei Ziyi nodded in satisfaction, then paused, "By the way, regarding the leader of Wanxin Trading Company named Liu..."

She hesitated, "Don't underestimate him."

"How much do you know about this person, Miss Wei?"

Su Mo asked.

"Not much."

Wei Ziyi frowned, "All I can say is that his identity seems questionable, not as simple as it appears. His spear technique is unique and exceptionally powerful, rare in the martial world. However, he rarely shows his skills, so few people know about him.

"The Fallen Phoenix Alliance has multiple sources, which is why we gathered some information.

"I heard you did business with Wanxin Trading Company and decided to investigate. That's when I discovered that this Liu has been hiding something."

"But it's just a reminder for you.

"On one hand, this Liu has been working diligently at the Wanxin Trading Company for years, and he has a good reputation. Every time he cooperated with the escort agency, he was always cooperative and never caused any trouble.

"On the other hand, stay alert. Even if he does have some strange plans, he wouldn't be a match for you."

Su Mo nodded and asked curiously:

"How long has Liu Mo been at the Wanxin Trading Company?"

"At least ten years," Wei Ziyi replied.

Hearing this, Su Mo felt relieved: "If it's been ten years, he would have acted on his plans long ago. Perhaps... he's a world-class expert who has grown tired of the strife in the martial world and is living incognito?"

"If that's the case, shouldn't we ask him to demonstrate a few moves?"

Wei Ziyi's eyes lit up.

Yang Xiaoyun nodded vigorously.

Su Mo felt that the girls around him were somewhat unusual.

"If someone truly wants to live incognito, they wouldn't reveal their true skills. There are too many people in the martial world with hidden reasons not to expose themselves. Don't go exposing them..."

Su Mo's lips twitched.

Wei Ziyi suddenly felt embarrassed and pouted, turning to Yang Xiaoyun: "Sister Xiaoyun, your future husband is quite boring."

"No, he isn't."

Yang Xiaoyun smiled and said, "Everything he says makes sense."

"..."

Wei Ziyi was speechless; Yang Xiaoyun had just agreed with her about asking for a demonstration!

How could you change your mind so quickly?

For the rest of the time, Su Mo returned to being an observer, while Yang Xiaoyun and Wei Ziyi continued chatting enthusiastically.

It seemed that as long as no one spoke ill of Su Mo, they could become good friends.

After finishing his meal, Su Mo saw that these two were deeply engrossed in conversation, so he greeted Wei Ziyi and prepared to return to the courtyard.

Wei Ziyi had no objections but asked Yang Xiaoyun to stay and chat a bit longer.

Seeing that Yang Xiaoyun was still very much engaged in conversation, Su Mo left on his own.

...

...

At this time of night, it was already quite chilly.

Wei Ziyi had indeed treated them like family, personally leading them here earlier, but now there was no one to guide Su Mo back.

He walked leisurely, when suddenly he heard the sound of a zither.

The music was gentle and melodious, causing Su Mo to stop instinctively and follow the sound. The music then became like a flowing stream, soothing his heart.

Su Mo listened for a moment, then smiled and turned to leave.

But the music suddenly grew intense and passionate.

"..."

Su Mo's lips twitched, and he stopped, turning back towards the source of the music.

The music instantly returned to its gentle melody, soft and warm.

Su Mo's lips curved into a smile, and he turned to leave again.

But before the music could grow intense again, he turned back once more.

Sure enough, seeing Su Mo turn away, the music suddenly tightened, ready to soar, but Su Mo turned back too quickly, causing the player to falter, and the music returned to its gentle tune, somewhat clumsily.

Then came a snap—the string broke.

"Ha ha ha ha."

Su Mo couldn't help but laugh out loud and ran off.

Although he didn't know who was inviting him with the zither music late at night, why would he go just because he was invited? He wasn't that idle.

Now that he was full and satisfied, going back to sleep was the right thing to do.

Unbeknownst to him, in a corner of the courtyard on a high platform, a woman sat before an ancient zither. Her long hair was gathered behind her, tied with a thin red ribbon, and her long robe spread out on the ground.

She looked at the broken string on her zither and then at Su Mo, who was walking away hurriedly.

Her face, untouched by the passage of time, revealed a deep sense of confusion...