Chapter 145: Where Is the Vital Point?

Chapter 145: Where Is the Vital Point?

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun naturally didn’t need to waste words.

The people of Cold Moon Palace, like Chu Qiuyu, were all from prestigious sects, so Master Hongyun naturally treated them with special regard.

Moreover, they spoke about the chief of Xuanlong Water Village.

"The chief’s reputation is remarkable; this old monk has heard much about you. It's commendable that you can benefit the people along the river, earning their praise."

"Ha ha ha!"

Hearing Master Hongyun say this, the chief laughed as if he could devour someone.

"I am a child of the people along the river. Once I became successful, I couldn’t let those who raised me continue to suffer.

"But this line of work isn’t well-regarded... However, without my Xuanlong Water Village, there would still be others like Xuanbing Water Village, Xuangui Water Village, and Xuantian Water Village. The business on this river will always be the same, and no one can change it.

"So I might as well do it, ensuring no loss of life. When I’m short on funds, I can still tolerate them a bit, which is better than others."

He usually wouldn’t say such things, but he hadn’t expected the notorious Master Hongyun to speak so highly of him, and thus couldn’t help but talk more.

"Truly commendable."

Master Hongyun’s words were sincere, making the chief even more pleased: "Good monk, if anyone ever calls you a demon monk again, I’ll tear their mouth apart."

Then they mentioned the leader of the Red Leaf Gang.

Master Hongyun sighed softly: "The orphans and widows suffer the most. For the leader of the Red Leaf Gang to provide them a place to rest is truly admirable. However, her methods are rather ruthless, which somewhat diminishes her good karma."

The leader of the Red Leaf Gang raised an eyebrow and huffed, saying nothing more.

Finally, it was the turn of the leader of the Green Snake Alliance.

But just as he said 'leader of the Green Snake Alliance,' the compassionate smile on Master Hongyun’s face suddenly turned stern.

"Are you the leader of the Green Snake Alliance?"

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance smiled humbly: "Yes, indeed. Has Master Hongyun heard of me?"

"Hmm."

Master Hongyun nodded lightly: "The Green Snake Alliance is well-known, especially for its notorious reputation along the river. Your alliance is particularly skilled in using poison, and once tested your poisons by poisoning the water the fishermen drink. As a result, over three hundred people in a village died in agony.

"Do you know if this is true?"

His eyes half-opened, a fierce light flashing within, clearly angered.

This sudden change stunned everyone present, instinctively looking at the leader of the Green Snake Alliance.

The chief of Xuanlong Water Village was the first to speak:

"Master Hongyun must be mistaken. This snake may be quite ruthless, but he rarely harms the common people."

The leader of the Red Leaf Gang remained silent, lost in thought.

Zhuge Changtian looked at the leader of the Green Snake Alliance: "What do you have to say about this?"

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance sighed:

"Listening to Master’s description of their actions, though brief, it shows a deep understanding. At that moment, I knew it would be unwise to stay here.

"But I still harbored a glimmer of hope... Now it seems I was wrong.

"Master speaks the truth, every word is accurate."

"What did you say?"

The chief of Xuanlong Water Village flew into a rage, slapping the table hard and trying to stand up, only to find his body floating as if weightless.

His internal strength had vanished completely. He looked up sharply: "You... you tampered with the tea?"

"What?"

"Rogue!"

Zhuge Changtian and the leader of the Red Leaf Gang simultaneously tried to gather their internal energy, finding none.

Zhuge Changtian’s face turned black as iron: "...You, I rarely trust you, but you... you truly are a viper in the grass, a sting in the tail of a hornet... What poison did you use?"

"A viper in the grass, a sting in the tail of a hornet, both are extremely venomous, but the most venomous... is a woman’s heart. The poison in the tea you drank is precisely this."

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance smiled lightly: "This poison tastes slightly bitter at first but then becomes sweet, complementing the tea. Normally, it would be difficult to make you believe me and drink something I offered. But today, with our shared goal of repelling the enemy, after surviving such a crisis, you naturally lowered your guard.

"This move was perfectly timed.

"Chief Su, what do you think?"

Su Mo was now slumped in his chair, his face full of disbelief: "You... what do you mean by that?"

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance carefully examined Su Mo, seeing that his expression was genuine, and sighed:

"How disappointing. Chief Su, who broke the Youquan Cult in Profound Theory Valley, is renowned for his martial prowess and wisdom.

"I thought you would understand my purpose today.

"But it seems you are still confused."

Su Mo’s expression was uncertain.

But then Master Hongyun gently shook his head: "Layman, it's not too late to turn back. Do not make the same mistake again."

Hearing Master Hongyun speak, Zhuge Changtian and the others suddenly came to their senses.

Then they heard the chief of Xuanlong Water Village hurriedly say: "Master Hongyun, you alone did not drink that tea. Now is the time to save the collapsing building!"

"Yes, Master, now only you can do something. This person is highly skilled in martial arts; my brothers in the Jiaolong Association may not be a match for him..."

Zhuge Changtian also spoke urgently.

But before Master Hongyun could respond, footsteps sounded from all directions.

It was the half-dozen fierce-looking monks who had been guarding outside who rushed in.

Zhuge Changtian's face lit up, and he quickly said: "Great Monks, seize this beast!!"

He pointed at the leader of the Green Snake Alliance.

To everyone's surprise, the monks exchanged glances and then burst into laughter with the leader of the Green Snake Alliance!

The laughter was thunderous, without the slightest restraint.

In an instant, Zhuge Changtian's heart sank like a stone to the bottom of a well.

"You... you... you?"

The monks ignored him and looked at the leader of the Green Snake Alliance:

"Head Escort Su has great prowess, causing us to plot such a grand scheme. It was no easy feat under this old monk. The Painful Sutra... hey, it really hurts. If not for our firm resolve, we might have truly entered the Buddhist path out of fear.

"Now that we have taken what we need, this monk must be taken away. As for Head Escort Su and his companions... they must not be left alive."

"Is it a pity to admire oneself in solitude?"

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance stepped forward and looked at Su Mo: "Head Escort Su, do you understand now?"

"You are here for the Mandarin Ducks Scroll?"

Su Mo took a deep breath: "Could it be... you are all from Evernight Valley?"

His words were shocking, and everyone present turned to look at the leader of the Green Snake Alliance.

But the leader of the Green Snake Alliance sneered: "Evernight Valley? They are merely a tool in our hands.

"They want to control this waterway, cutting off the river. They gather the power of the river pirates... talking mysteriously about connecting with the southwest and making plans that could cause the various sects of East City to vanish in an instant.

"To me, it's nothing but delusional fantasies.

"Reality is scarce, but conjectures fill the basket. How can one dispel the fog and see the true self?

"But, thanks to their delusional fantasies, they have given us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"A chance to join forces?"

Su Mo let out a light breath, his face slightly pale: "Since the Mandarin Ducks Scroll came into my possession, someone has always been watching. I've been waiting for your move, but I never expected that when you acted, it would be so ruthless.

"You knew my movements and the plans of Evernight Valley.

"It wasn't hard to deduce when I would come to the Jiaolong Association.

"Just before I arrived, you staged that scene... to make me believe that you were really here just for the Jiaolong Association, and not for any other reason."

Hearing Su Mo's words, the leader of the Red Leaf Gang suddenly understood:

"I thought, you venomous fang... why did you suddenly become so concerned about the Jiaolong Association."

"Wasn't he acting out of self-interest?"

The chief of Xuanlong Water Village said: "This fits his character."

"True or false... it's hard to tell. Human hearts are like ghostly realms, hey... we have all become tools in others' hands."

The leader of the Red Leaf Gang sighed deeply, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

"Brilliant!"

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance nodded repeatedly: "That you could see through this, the breaking of the Youquan Cult by you is not unjustified. And it was not in vain that I accompanied them on a trip to the water dungeon, enduring this calamity, knowing full well what Evernight Valley was doing here."

"If not for this... how could I have believed you?"

Su Mo chuckled: "But there is still one thing I don't understand in this matter."

"This cannot be blamed on Head Escort Su. This point is part of the Master's plan, as unpredictable as a wild horse. Unless the outcome is just right, even those in the midst of it might not see clearly."

"Do you know what I'm talking about?"

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance did not speak but looked at Master Hongyun.

Master Hongyun sighed lightly and then said something shocking:

"It seems that the poison I have been poisoned with is also this 'woman's heart'?"

"Heh..."

The monks exchanged glances and laughed loudly: "As the master said, it is indeed this 'woman's heart.' However, unlike them, the amount you consume in your daily diet is very small. Although small, it gradually accumulates.

"And in recent times, while traveling along the river, you have not needed to use your powers.

"The toxin condensed but did not manifest, and you never noticed."

"But tonight, when you used the ethereal footwork of Lingbo Tashu, it triggered the potent poison within your body.

"Because of this, you are now unable to move."

This time, it was the large monk who had accompanied Master Hongyun in using the lightness skill to reach the Jiaolong Association's waterside stronghold who spoke. He looked fierce and unfamiliar, but it seemed he had been recently recruited along the river.

Upon hearing these words, Zhuge Changtian's face turned to one of despair:

"Master... have you also been poisoned?"

Master Hongyun only raised his eyes to look at the opposite monk and sighed softly:

"Do you know why I brought only a few of you here to the Jiaolong Association while everyone else waited on the boat?"

"What do you mean by that?"

The monk narrowed his eyes as he looked at Master Hongyun.

"Before, I once told you a story..."

"The Buddha sacrificing himself to feed the eagle?"

The monk laughed loudly: "Foolish and utterly stupid. Even if you have such intentions, you never asked if we appreciated them! Such profound teachings, you, a mere monk, would only waste. Only we can harness their true value. Now, I have learned some of its essence and plan to test my skills on my master."

He glanced at the leader of the Green Snake Alliance: "Enough of your nonsense. The plan is already set.

"We will take the Mandarin Ducks Scroll and this old monk with us, and you can escape unscathed.

"Kill Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun, and you can deal with the rest as you see fit.

"Evernight Valley... well, if they still have plans, they will surely come back here.

"The news hasn't spread yet, so you can play along for now.

"Night Lord is just an arrogant fool, ultimately no match for our Master."

Hearing this, Su Mo glanced at Master Hongyun and sighed:

"Master, the story of the Buddha feeding the eagle is noble, but we must also consider who we are dealing with..."

"..."

Master Hongyun remained silent for a moment: "I have thought long and hard about this. After meeting Su Layman, I brought them here as a precaution."

"..."

The corner of Su Mo's mouth twitched. Why did this old monk have such confidence in him?

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance laughed heartily: "Enough, enough. Chief Su, are you prepared to die?"

As he spoke, he moved swiftly and was already in front of Su Mo.

With a swift jab, like the bite of a venomous snake, he aimed for Su Mo's vital point.

Su Mo lowered his eyes, hiding his inner resolve, but just then, a thunderous sound of footsteps echoed.

In the blink of an eye, a massive figure burst in, blocking in front of Su Mo and taking the blow meant for him.

Su Mo, the leader of the Green Snake Alliance, and even Yang Xiaoyun were all taken aback.

Of course, this person was none other than the big fat man.

The blow was not ordinary; the big fat man's face contorted in pain, his body shook violently, and he immediately fell over.

"..."

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance's lips twitched: "Hit by a woman's heart, yet still able to move, you have some merit. But, is this man foolish? A bit of food, and he fights so desperately?"

He shook his head and looked at Su Mo:

"Chief Su has quite the luck, but unfortunately, it will only buy you a little more time."

"Perhaps, someone else will come to save me soon..."

Su Mo said with a half-smile.

"Chief Su is indeed fond of daydreaming?"

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance laughed heartily, his finger curling like a snake's fang, aiming for the Baihui point on Su Mo's head.

Just as it was about to land, a gust of wind suddenly whistled through the air.

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance's face darkened; Su Mo had spoken the truth again!

He turned sharply and saw a cane flying through the air.

If he insisted on taking Su Mo's life first, his own life would be in immediate danger.

With no choice, he had to change his move. His other hand, like a snake, coiled around the cane, and with a swift flick, threw it away.

But the flying cane did not fall; instead, it spun in mid-air and whistled toward Su Mo from behind.

Behind Su Mo, someone had quietly appeared, reaching out to take the cane and plant it on the ground.

"Having followed for so long, you finally show your trace."

The man spoke softly, his voice quite aged.

Without turning around, Su Mo knew who it was: "After following for so long, Old Li is finally willing to come out and meet people?"

"If not for your lack of discernment, falling into others' traps, why would this old man have to come out personally?"

The person behind him was none other than Li Siyun from Wufangji, who had entrusted Su Mo with delivering the 'gift of gratitude' to Yang Yizhi!

But now he was alone, with Wan'er nowhere to be seen.

"It's you?"

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance glanced at him and suddenly laughed: "This is truly a case of searching high and low without success, only to find what you seek effortlessly!"

Zhuge Changtian, the leader of the Red Leaf Gang, and the chief of Xuanlong Water Village... The three of them could only exchange glances, unsure of what to say.

Who is this?

Tonight, one act follows another; what are they all talking about?

"Heh..."

Li Siyun smiled: "When did the maggots hiding in the sewers dare to show their faces?

"The golden jade cone was stolen, and I knew that you people had secretly set your sights on me.

"But finding you was no easy task.

"Now, I must thank Chief Su. Though young and naive, unaware of the viciousness of the wicked, he has ultimately lured you all out... allowing me to catch you all in one fell swoop!!"

Su Mo lightly touched his nose, somewhat disagreeing.

After saying this, Li Siyun rushed forward.

The staff in his hand employed a set of stick techniques Su Mo had never seen before.

And once this old man started fighting, where was any sign of his frailty?

The staff shadows flew everywhere, and the leader of the Green Snake Alliance found himself unable to resist for a moment.

He could only shout angrily: "Aren't you going to help?"

There were about ten monks, but only five or six entered.

The rest remained outside the hall, which was why no one stepped in at this point.

At this moment, these five or six monks all attacked, surrounding Li Siyun.

But this old man was unafraid, his staff pointing east and west, his figure elusive, his steps chaotic yet orderly.

His martial arts were truly remarkable.

Though the leader of the Green Snake Alliance and others were skilled in their own right, each with unique methods, they found it difficult to subdue this man.

For a time, the battle reached a stalemate.

Then they heard Su Mo speak:

"Sister Xiaoyun, what kind of staff technique is Old Li using?"

"This... I've never seen it either."

Yang Xiaoyun sighed: "The more I travel through the world, the more I realize my limited vision. I met the leader of the Green Snake Alliance before, knowing only that his iron fan was ingeniously crafted. I didn't expect his fist techniques to be so accomplished."

"This person's martial arts are despicable and cruel, though powerful, they are ultimately inferior."

Su Mo smiled.

Yang Xiaoyun nodded in agreement.

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance's face darkened. Everything had gone smoothly at first, how did things turn sour so quickly?

In the midst of the stalemate, as the leader of the Green Snake Alliance hurriedly pondered, he occasionally glanced back and saw Su Mo instinctively shielding his chest. His eyes lit up.

He suddenly pulled back, taking two steps to reach Su Mo.

Reaching out, he grabbed toward Su Mo's chest.

But his fingers landed not on Su Mo's clothes, but on Su Mo's hand.

Looking up in surprise, he saw Su Mo smile slightly:

"Where is your weak spot?"

As he spoke, there was a crack, and an arm was already twisted like a pretzel by Su Mo!

"You... You weren't poisoned!?"