Chapter 138: What Can Be Done Today

Chapter 138: What Can Be Done Today

The decisive and efficient Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun found themselves in a quandary as soon as they reached the dock.

At this moment, with the Jiaolong Association causing trouble on the waterways, who would dare to take them across?

Therefore, despite the fact that the news of Yunyang Merchant House's ship being intercepted by the Jiaolong Association had drawn many people to the dock... finding a boat was out of the question.

After searching around, they finally found an old man who, for the sake of silver, sold them a small sampan.

As for taking them to the Jiaolong Association?

The old man was quite sure he still wanted to live a few more years.

Once the sampan hit the water, Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun stood on the boat, looking at each other.

They then looked at the oars...

Silence fell between them.

"Xiaoyun, do you know how to row a boat?"

Su Mo broke the silence first.

"While it's true that Sunset City borders the South Sea and most of the Fallen Phoenix Alliance's business is maritime trade,

"the Iron Blood Escort Agency has always only dealt with land transport. In this aspect, I am... well, nine-tenths of the way there."

Yang Xiaoyun shrugged her shoulders at Su Mo.

Su Mo's lips twitched, throwing back at her the words she had once said to him: "When are you going to stop making such cheap jokes?"

Then he fell into deep thought, staring at the sampan and the river.

Yang Xiaoyun pondered for a moment, "Shall we ask again?"

Just as she finished speaking, she felt the boat sway, and before she knew it, they were already drifting away from the shore.

Looking up, she saw Su Mo pressing his palm down, clearly using his internal energy.

"You're using your internal energy to propel the boat?"

Yang Xiaoyun was taken aback, "Is that safe?"

"Let's try."

Su Mo replied, "There's no other choice now. Besides, being on the water is different from land; we must be alert for any enemy attacks. If we spot anything, we strike first and ask questions later."

"..."

What's the point of asking after killing them?

Yang Xiaoyun couldn't help but laugh and cry, yet she admired Su Mo's extraordinary internal skills.

This wasn't something that could be achieved merely through brute force.

Most importantly, one needed to have a fine control over their internal energy; otherwise, too little force wouldn't move the boat, and too much would capsize it.

The boat's stability now showed Su Mo's exceptional control.

After the initial trial, Su Mo crossed his arms behind his back, standing at the bow of the boat, his internal energy flowing through his feet into the water, propelling the boat forward, gradually increasing its speed.

At first, Yang Xiaoyun stood on the boat, feeling the cold, damp wind rush past.

Later, worried about Su Mo capsizing the boat, she quickly sat down, holding onto the gunwale to steady herself.

Su Mo's feet seemed rooted to the spot.

On the Three Rivers Bay dock, those who couldn't sleep all night occasionally looked up to see a small boat gliding on the river.

It moved like an arrow, as steady as a mountain!

A young girl sat quietly on the boat, while at the bow stood a man with a sword case on his back, one hand behind him, his hair fluttering in the cold wind, cutting through the waves with remarkable grace.

"Who is that?"

"How is his boat moving without oars?"

"He's using internal energy, what a marvelous technique!"

"The Jiaolong Association has been acting recklessly; is there a master going to settle accounts with them?"

"He's moving so fast!"

Amidst the chatter, Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun had already left the Three Rivers Bay dock, heading east along the river.

Once they entered the main waterway, the current became much stronger than near the dock.

For a moment, even with Su Mo controlling the boat with his internal energy, the boat swayed a few times.

But it stabilized quickly.

As they continued downstream, the river surged, and the boat, like a leaf in a storm, danced on the crest of the waves.

Gradually recovering from her initial panic, Yang Xiaoyun watched the scenery fly past, feeling a sense of exhilaration.

She stood up, stretching her arms wide.

Though the cold wind pierced to the bone in the harsh winter, she was unbothered due to her accomplished internal skills. As she circulated her energy, she felt as if she were one with the wind, gliding over waves with grace and ease.

"Xiao Mo!"

She couldn't help but say, "In the future, when you row the boat, can we take a trip around the sea?"

"The South Sea?"

Su Mo asked.

"Exactly."

Yang Xiaoyun said, "Although it's called the South Sea, in reality, it's a journey southwest from the estuary. I've heard that the islands of the South Sea are also home to various sects, each with their own rules. The world is vast and boundless. In the past, Ziyang Escort Agency only operated in the Eastern Wasteland. Now, with us here, who knows if we can travel the whole world?"

"Ha ha ha."

Su Mo laughed, "If Sister Xiaoyun has such a refined interest, how could I not accompany you? In the future, we will travel together, roaming the four corners of the world, not just the South Sea, but also the Northern River and Western Province."

"Good, it's a deal!"

Yang Xiaoyun smiled, "In the future, wherever we go, you mustn't leave me behind."

"That goes without saying."

Su Mo turned to look at Yang Xiaoyun and extended his hand.

Yang Xiaoyun blushed slightly but still walked over.

The sampan was small; if ordinary people were to stand at the bow, the boat would likely capsize with two people on it.

However, Su Mo's skills were formidable, and he wouldn't let the boat capsize.

He took Yang Xiaoyun's hand, and they stood side by side at the bow, riding the wind and flowing water downstream.

In the blink of an eye, the Three Rivers Bay dock was far behind them.

Their method of travel was much faster than riding a horse.

Later on, Su Mo didn't even need to exert much internal strength; he merely stabilized the boat, and the current naturally propelled them forward at an arrow-like speed.

After no more than half an hour, Yang Xiaoyun reminded him:

"Ahead lies the territory controlled by the Jiaolong Association; we must be cautious."

Su Mo nodded, and as he circulated his internal strength, the boat slowed down.

In the distance, under the night sky, a string of firelight seemed to connect the two banks, undulating on the water.

Straining his eyes, he saw a series of small boats.

They were linked together, blocking the entire river.

"Boats chained across the river!"

Yang Xiaoyun, looking from afar, snorted coldly, "The Jiaolong Association truly doesn't intend to let anyone pass."

"Boats chained across the river?"

Su Mo was somewhat puzzled.

"This is a tactic used by major pirates, known as 'iron chains across the river.' Only, instead of iron chains, they use small boats connected together. They link the two banks, using the boats as a line to intercept all passing vessels."

"What if a large ship tries to force its way through?"

"Then it would break through, but further down, there is the Jiaolong Association's water fort. Beyond that, larger ships would block the way, and stones and hidden weapons would already be prepared. They wouldn't even bother to greet you; they'd attack directly. There are also divers hiding underwater, ready to drill holes in the hull, leaving you nowhere to go."

Yang Xiaoyun explained to Su Mo one by one.

Su Mo was greatly surprised: "This is indeed very different from land travel."

"And this is just a river."

Yang Xiaoyun smiled, "At sea, there are even more tactics. However, ... in fact, few people use the 'boats chained across the river' technique. In the martial world, it's always wise to leave a way out for others, so you can meet again in the future. Blocking the river with boats leaves no room for survival. Therefore, unless in special circumstances, it is rarely used."

"But this makes things easier for us."

Su Mo urged his internal strength, and in a moment, they were already before the line of small boats.

On the boats, some were sleeping, others keeping watch.

Occasionally, they looked up and saw Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun approaching by boat.

For a moment, they almost couldn't believe their eyes.

Regaining their senses, one of them shouted loudly:

"Halt! Who goes there!"

But the intruders did not stop. Instead, with a single step, they leaped into the air, reaching him in an instant. With a casual flick, the man was sent flying, splashing into the water.

Su Mo laughed aloud:

"Borrowing your boat for a moment!"

As he spoke the first word, the Dragon Chant Sword behind him shot up and landed in his hand. As he finished speaking, two beams of sword light split left and right, and two cracking sounds echoed.

The two chains connected to the front and back of the small boat were instantly severed by the sword light.

The boat naturally turned in the river and continued downstream.

"Stop them!!!"

A roar echoed, and people on the surrounding boats stood up, each throwing hidden weapons at Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun.

Su Mo turned around, pulling Yang Xiaoyun behind him, and his long sword spun.

Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!

All the flying weapons stopped before his sword, then with a flick of his sword:

"I dare not accept this; I return it to you all!"

Swish! Swish! Swish!

In an instant, the weapons reversed direction, faster and more urgent.

Many were hit on the spot and fell into the water.

Those still standing on the boats tried to attack again, but Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun's boat had already sailed far away.

One person pulled out a fire signal from their pocket and casually lit it, pointing it towards the sky.

A streak of fire shot up and exploded in mid-air, transforming into a dragon with bared fangs and claws.

"A black dragon signal."

Yang Xiaoyun glanced at it and said to Su Mo, "Trouble is coming."

"Quite a sight."

Su Mo, however, looked at the fireworks in the sky with delight and said to Yang Xiaoyun, "There are many skilled craftsmen in this world. To create such beautiful fireworks is truly remarkable."

"Huh?"

Yang Xiaoyun was taken aback; she had never associated these signals with beauty before.

She knew that whenever they appeared, trouble would follow.

Hearing Su Mo's words, she looked more closely and indeed found them magnificent, though fleeting, as the night quickly returned to its calm.

"Beautiful, yes, but so brief."

Yang Xiaoyun shook her head lightly.

"Even a fleeting moment of beauty is precious and worth cherishing."

Yang Xiaoyun disagreed: "Fleeting moments leave only regret. True peace comes from what lasts long in one's hands."

Su Mo blinked and tilted his head to look at Yang Xiaoyun.

Yang Xiaoyun felt puzzled by his gaze and touched her face, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, just that I think what you said makes sense."

"??"

Yang Xiaoyun was momentarily confused. When she turned back, she saw three large ships approaching from afar.

On the largest ship, a black dragon was painted on the sail. Someone called out:

"Who are you, friend from which path?"

The voice, amplified by inner strength, spread far across the river.

Su Mo laughed heartily, his voice echoing through the wilderness:

"Long have I heard of the Jiaolong Association's reputation. Today, I come to pay a visit. May I ask if Great Leader Zhuge is on board?"

For a moment, there was no response from the opposite ship.

After a short while, a voice came:

"Our Great Leader is away on business. Who might you be, and could you state your name?"

At this, Su Mo raised an eyebrow and suddenly took Yang Xiaoyun's hand, leaping into the air.

As they leaped, there were two cracking sounds, and the small boat beneath them shattered.

Lowering his head, he saw two chains shoot out of the water, aiming for their ankles.

Su Mo laughed and reversed his sword, producing two clanging sounds as the chains recoiled. The sword qi plunged into the water.

Without looking at the results of his strikes, he landed, his toes lightly touching a wooden plank on the water, and together with Yang Xiaoyun, they walked on the waves toward the large ship.

Only then did blood start to churn in the water, and two bodies surfaced.

Before Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun reached the large ship, a cold voice commanded:

"Bring them down!"

Immediately, a rain of hidden weapons flew through the air, though not as beautiful as flowers, they were even more deadly.

"Back!"

At this moment, Su Mo did not wield his longsword but instead flicked his sleeves, causing the myriad of hidden weapons to instantly fly back.

A few of them did not return and were instead used as stepping stones by Su Mo.

He lightly tapped the hidden weapons with his toes, using them to propel himself forward once again.

Many on the boat were struck by the returning hidden weapons, and the leader's face darkened; Su Mo's martial arts skills far exceeded his expectations.

He immediately waved his hand, "Fishing nets!"

Seeing Su Mo approaching, several members of the Jiaolong Association stepped forward, holding fishing nets which they fiercely threw out.

Ordinary fishermen cast their nets onto the water surface.

But these members of the Jiaolong Association, all skilled in martial arts, could throw their nets wide into the air.

The nets were hollow, making it extremely difficult to blow them back with internal energy.

However, Su Mo merely smiled and, along with Yang Xiaoyun, charged straight into the net.

Those on the boat were momentarily delighted.

If these two fell into the net, they only needed to tighten it and sink it into the water. No matter how great one's martial arts, death would be inevitable, a matter of time.

But the next moment, their smiles faded as Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun slipped through the net.

Upon closer inspection, a tear was visible in the net, though no one knew when Su Mo had sliced it open.

Still in shock, they saw Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun already aboard the ship.

"The Jiaolong Association's hospitality is truly unique and quite amusing," Su Mo's voice echoed, causing the man's face to change dramatically:

"Who exactly are you? Has our Jiaolong Association offended you in any way?"

"Offended? Isn't it too late to say that now?"

Yang Xiaoyun raised her eyebrows slightly, then suddenly paused, "I have met the three major leaders of the Jiaolong Association... who are you?"

As she spoke, Su Mo's sword was already out, its tip flashing.

The man's reaction was even faster, clearly feigning conversation to launch a surprise attack.

Wearing clawed gloves on both hands, he lunged forward, aiming low at Su Mo.

But the sword light was already upon him, piercing every gap, as if striking him a thousand times in an instant.

Startled, he hastily retreated.

Yet no matter how far back he went, he remained within the range of the sword light. He crossed his iron claws to block.

A metallic clang rang in his ears.

Looking up, he saw Su Mo turn and charge towards others.

Confused, he couldn't understand why Su Mo hadn't killed him.

This was his last thought.

In the next moment, half of his head slid off.

He died without realizing it.

This time, Su Mo did not use the Heavenly Rainbow Heart-Questioning Sword, nor did he intend to probe their hearts.

The Thirteen Deadly Swords were unleashed, and who could withstand their edge?

Wherever they went, there was no need for a second strike.

Yang Xiaoyun's Dragon Spring Spear was also out, its dragon-like roars sweeping across all directions.

The ship was filled with screams of agony.

Bodies flew and fell into the water like dumplings being dropped.

More iron chains and figures leaped from the two nearby large ships.

But no matter how many came, they faced certain death.

Su Mo had truly decided to kill.

The Jiaolong Association had broken the rules, and from the start, they had tried to kill him at every turn.

Such actions left no room for mercy.

In the world of martial arts, if rules were not followed, life and death were the only outcomes.

In less than the time it takes to burn an incense stick, not a single living soul remained on the three ships.

Su Mo led Yang Xiaoyun to a small boat, kicked it into the water, and leaped in, using his internal energy to propel them directly toward the Jiaolong Association's water stronghold.

Now that the masks were off, Su Mo intended to see what was really happening at the Jiaolong Association's water stronghold.

Not only was it uncertain whether they could leave directly, but even if they could, the journey downstream was long, and anything could happen.

Moreover, returning to East City would still require passing through here. Since a confrontation was inevitable, Su Mo decided not to delay.

What can be done today should not be postponed until tomorrow; it's a good habit.

Where there is much to say, it is long; where there is little, it is short. In the time it takes for a boat to travel, the Jiaolong Water Village comes into view.

Further ahead lies the river fork, from which tributaries branch out, leading to various parts of East City.

The location of the Jiaolong Water Village is here.

Tall trees form a bridge, extending over the riverbank to create a waterside dock.

Following the dock inward leads to the Jiaolong Water Village.

Half of it is in the water, supported by wooden piles sunk beneath the surface, forming structures above the water.

The other half stands on land, with buildings visible in neat rows.

Boats are moored at the dock, their sails adorned with various designs.

Most bear the black dragon emblem, belonging to the Jiaolong Association.

In addition, several large ships with different designs can be seen, their origins unknown.

At the entrance of the water village, things are not calm, with the sounds of weapons clashing rising up.

A voice carries from afar:

"Zhuge Changtian, get out here!!!"