Chapter 166: I Will Marry No One But You

Chapter 166: I Will Marry No One But You

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun exchanged a glance, silently listening to Yang Yizhi's words.

Yang Yizhi let out a light breath, turned around, and looked at the stream in the small valley, speaking softly:

"A hero's son is bound to be a hero. I thought that since Su Tianyang was such a remarkable man, his son could not possibly be a good-for-nothing.

"But it turns out, the roles of the boy and the girl have been reversed.

"My daughter, Yang Xiaoyun, has a straightforward and unyielding nature, not inferior to any man. In contrast, Su Tianyang's son is nothing more than a mediocre scion of a noble family."

Yang Xiaoyun instinctively glanced at Su Mo, seeing no displeasure on his face, only some awkwardness.

Just as she was about to remind Yang Yizhi, he continued:

"However, this is not a problem.

"You two grew up together, childhood sweethearts. Xiaoyun is naturally righteous, inheriting more of my traits than her mother's.

"With Xiaoyun by your side and us two old men watching over you, your life can still be comfortable.

"Who would have thought, the sky can be unpredictable, and misfortune can strike at any moment.

"Su Tianyang... quietly and secretly passed away.

"This matter is far more complicated than you can imagine.

"Even the Three Absolute Sect is not the ultimate mastermind behind it all.

"Therefore, from the day he died, I have been investigating this matter..."

At this point, he turned to look at Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun: "And the reason I didn't tell you is that I didn't want you to be dragged into this overwhelming storm.

"Especially you, Mo... back then, you were truly incompetent.

"But even so, you are his son, just like my own.

"I and your father were sworn brothers, a friendship forged in the heat of battle. Even if you achieve nothing, how could I stand idly by?

"However... if I treat you too well, the actions I take will inevitably bring great disaster to you and Xiaoyun!

"Do you understand?"

Su Mo nodded lightly. He had already understood Yang Yizhi's intentions without needing to hear this much.

But he was still taken aback by the enormity of the matter, and the fact that the Three Absolute Sect was not the ultimate mastermind.

Although from the way Yang Yizhi and Yu Lingxin set up their plan to capture the leader of Heavenly Gate, one could see the complexity of the situation.

But... the Three Absolute Sect had grown to such a formidable size that it could be considered a behemoth in the entire Eastern Wasteland.

If even the Three Absolute Sect had someone pulling the strings behind it, what exactly did Su Tianyang do in the past?

And who was the true culprit behind his downfall?

As Su Mo pondered these questions, he heard Yang Xiaoyun say:

"Then... what do you mean by saying you owe me?"

"… My friendship with Su Tianyang was between us. If Mo had remained incompetent, with Su Tianyang around, you wouldn't have been wronged.

"But Su Tianyang is dead. Now, only Mo is left, alone and destitute...

"I must consider your future.

"Su Tianyang's matter is no small affair. If I get deeply involved, you two must stay clear of it.

"So, before this, I worked hard to develop the Iron Blood Escort Agency.

"I made it one of the three major escort agencies in Sunset City—not because I couldn't make it bigger, but because I feared that a larger organization would attract too much attention and bring trouble to you.

"Thus, being one of the three is just right.

"When the time is right, I will hand over the agency to you and Mo, giving you a means of livelihood.

"I don't seek fame or fortune, only that you can have enough to eat.

"Even if you sell the agency in the future, the wealth accumulated over the years will ensure you live comfortably.

"And with you, Xiaoyun, by his side, you will prevent him from squandering the family fortune. This gives me some peace of mind.

"The other half of my concern lies with the Fallen Phoenix Alliance.

"This is why I involved myself in the internal struggles of the Fallen Phoenix Alliance.

"I have an agreement with them. If this plan succeeds, anything that happens to you two within the boundaries of Sunset City, especially in the territory of the Fallen Phoenix Alliance, they cannot ignore.

"I expect that if I die, it won't be known in the martial world.

"As long as they cannot confirm whether I am alive or dead, they cannot ignore you and Mo.

"Otherwise, should I ever return, I will make sure the Fallen Phoenix Alliance suffers greatly!"

When Yang Yizhi said this, there was a hint of tenderness in his eyes: "This move ensures that Mo will have support in the future, and I can fulfill my duty to Su Tianyang, honoring our bond of life and death.

"The only thing that often troubles me is... pushing you into this fire."

"If Xiao Mo continues to be as ignorant as he is, you will inevitably have to worry and toil over everything in the future.

"If I were to find you another heroic young man, you wouldn't have to work so hard...

"This is where Father has wronged you."

Yang Xiaoyun let out a long breath, her eyes slightly reddening, and shook her head gently:

"Father, who are you underestimating?

"Your words belittle your own daughter... Whether Xiao Mo is a good-for-nothing or a capable person, he is my husband for life.

"How can a daughter of the Yang family marry into two families?

"Moreover... you are also underestimating Xiao Mo.

"He is no longer the same as he used to be; he is no longer the frivolous young man of the past.

"He is highly skilled in martial arts, with a keen mind, and even an old hand like you might not be able to control him."

As she said this, Yang Xiaoyun could no longer hold back her sorrow and threw herself into Yang Yizhi's arms:

"Father... I was wrong. On that day, when I accused you of breaking your word, please don't take it to heart.

"I was just so disappointed, but I didn't realize how much you had struggled for Xiao Mo and me.

"Even if you bear the blame, you do so without regret.

"Father, please don't blame Xiaoyun, alright?"

Yang Yizhi was taken aback, reaching out his hand and placing it on Yang Xiaoyun's head, patting it gently, his face full of warmth.

He said softly, "Since you were five years old, I have never seen you cry...

"But now, you are saying foolish things.

"To have a daughter like you, I am truly content.

"On that day, when you said I broke my word, although I looked unhappy, I was secretly pleased.

"The more disappointed you were, the more it showed that you could distinguish right from wrong.

"In my life, I may not be a paragon of virtue, but I have no regrets about what I have done. However... only for you, I toss and turn at night, unable to sleep.

"When you beat up Xiao Mo in the street and had a big argument with me afterward,

"If you had shown any reluctance to marry him, I... might have considered other options.

"But I never expected that your resolve was as firm as iron, and you had already decided on this boy.

"But back then, you didn't understand love. Now, I must ask you one thing..."

At this point, he held Yang Xiaoyun by the shoulders, gently pushing her away, and looked at her seriously:

"Do you truly believe that you belong to Xiao Mo for the rest of your life?"

Hearing this, Yang Xiaoyun turned to look at Su Mo, then turned back, smiling:

"For the rest of my life, I will marry no one else.

"In the past, it might have been because you promised me to him from a young age.

"I am straightforward, and you have always taught me that a gentleman's promise is as heavy as a thousand catties. Therefore... even if I had no feelings for him, I was willing to marry him without complaint.

"But now, after spending so much time together, I... I truly have fallen in love with him. For this life and this world... I will marry no one else!"

Her voice was soft but resolute, with no trace of hesitation.

Yang Yizhi was stunned, his face a mix of joy and sorrow, the joy overwhelming, the sorrow inexplicable.

Perhaps every father, upon hearing such words from his daughter, feels a myriad of emotions, indescribable.

But he finally laughed heartily, nodding deeply, though he found Su Mo somewhat less appealing now.

In the end, he sighed softly:

"Good, good, very good!"

Hearing Yang Xiaoyun's words, Su Mo was also deeply moved.

Although he felt that the conversation had clearly veered off course today.

Originally, he wanted to inquire about the events of the past with Yang Yizhi, but somehow, they ended up discussing these matters.

But thinking back to when he first arrived, inheriting the memories of his predecessor, his feelings for Yang Xiaoyun were mostly fear, and he wanted to keep his distance.

Even during their first meeting at the Ten Mile Pavilion, Su Mo had a go-with-the-flow attitude.

How could one talk about love for a girl one had never truly understood? How could one easily accept her?

But as time passed, his feelings for Yang Xiaoyun grew increasingly sincere.

They were tangible yet invaluable.

Recalling that day when they traveled down the river to East City, the words exchanged by the boat's side.

How many girls in this world could be as thoughtful and considerate as Yang Xiaoyun?

On that day, for the first time in his life—whether in his past or present incarnation—Su Mo felt an intense sensation he had never experienced before.

It was a heavy feeling in his heart, as if someone had taken up residence there.

As this thought crossed his mind, he saw Yang Yizhi suddenly fix his cold gaze upon him.

"Su Mo, remember this: I have given my daughter to you.

"You must treat her well!

"In the past, you were a good-for-nothing, and although Xiaoyun's marriage to you might have been a bit of a hardship for her, she wouldn't have been bullied by you.

"But now, with your unparalleled martial arts, you are one of the few who can match anyone in the world.

"Marrying you is no longer a hardship for Xiaoyun, but... if you mistreat her, if you bully or humiliate her,

"Even though my martial arts may not be as strong as yours, I will make sure you do not have an easy time!!

"Do you understand!?"

"I understand, Uncle!"

Su Mo lifted his head and looked at Yang Yizhi.

Their eyes met, and the fierce look in Yang Yizhi's eyes gradually faded. When he looked at Su Mo again, he saw something different:

"The mischievous child, the lawless young master, has undergone a profound transformation, turning the world upside down.

"Even if Su Tianyang is in his grave, he can rest in peace.

"On that day, outside Jade Willow Villa, Ling Hongxia asked me whether I should tell you about that matter...

"I was truly hesitant.

"But now, I feel it is indeed necessary to tell you.

"However, Mo'er, you must know that once this matter is spoken by me and heard by you,

"Your actions from now on will inevitably be influenced, and it is hard to say whether you will face danger.

"Therefore, Mo'er, do you really want to know?"

At this moment, Su Mo did not hesitate much.

He simply nodded.

This was not because Su Mo had any particular feelings for his father, whom he had never met, or a burning desire to avenge him.

But...

Firstly, he had taken over the body of the original host and assumed the karmic consequences of this life.

The original Su Mo could afford to be unscrupulous; after all, if he continued living as he did, without Yang Xiaoyun's support and Yang Yizhi's planning, dying in a ditch would have been a common outcome.

But the current Su Mo could not live like that.

In the future, he would still have to navigate the world of martial arts, and with his martial skills and intelligence, achieving fame in the martial world was just a matter of time.

Some things might not find you when you are unknown.

But when you achieve success and fame, they will come unexpectedly.

Another reason was the misunderstanding that Li Siyun had harbored.

To this day, Su Mo still knew nothing about the root of that misunderstanding.

Li Siyun had even chosen to take his own life rather than reveal a single word.

But for Su Mo, this 'misunderstanding' was quite significant.

After all, if Li Siyun could have a 'misunderstanding' about him, could others also have the same 'misunderstanding,' leading to the same fate that befell Su Tianyang?

Logically, this was entirely possible.

Combining this with the first point, when he became famous in the martial world, those who had plotted against Su Tianyang might have the same 'misunderstanding' about him. If they acted with intent while he was unaware, who knows what kind of turmoil could arise?

Rather than waiting until then to uncover everything and react passively, it was better to learn more now.

No matter what he did, at least he would be prepared for the future.

Finally, it was because of Yang Xiaoyun and Yang Yizhi.

Since Yang Yizhi was determined to do this, Yang Xiaoyun could not remain uninvolved.

Understanding the events of the past might help Yang Yizhi reconsider his actions, and at the very least, it would ensure that their children would not be weak and vulnerable, facing the storms with trepidation.

This line of thought made it impossible for Su Mo to remain aloof from the matter.

"Very well..."

Yang Yizhi gave Su Mo a long, deep look, then sighed after a moment of contemplation:

"This is a long story, one that has lingered in my heart for many years. Now, when I want to speak of it, I don't know where to begin...

"But to start, you need to know what kind of person your father was."

Su Mo was taken aback. He and Yang Xiaoyun already knew that the Su Tianyang they had heard about and the Su Tianyang others saw were two different people.

Now that Yang Yizhi had brought this up, Su Mo was genuinely curious.

Yang Yizhi's eyes gradually sank into a reverie as he gently shook his head:

"Uncle Yang's background is something you know well. In those days, I was fortunate enough to be admitted to Miao Cang Mountain and ask about the ends of the earth, where my master, the Withered Wood Taoist, imparted me a set of martial arts.

"Relying on the Eight Desolate Cloud Piercing Spear, I roamed the world, hoping to carve out a career for myself.

"That time must have been about thirty years ago now.

"I met your father during that period.

"To this day, I still remember that year when I passed through a forest path and suddenly heard a woman's cries for help from within the woods.

"You should understand that the world of martial arts is treacherous, with unpredictable dangers. The area I passed through was far from peaceful.

"People were often ambushed there, killed, and robbed.

"So, this cry for help seemed suspicious, and I kept my guard up.

"But as a young man with a sense of justice, having trained in martial arts, I naturally wanted to help when I saw injustice.

"However, before I could go and check, I startled someone who was sleeping in a tree...

"It was your father."

At this point, Yang Yizhi couldn't help but shake his head slightly:

"Our first meeting was rather unremarkable.

"He was dressed in tattered clothes, with a blade of grass in his mouth. He suddenly sat up, still half-asleep.

"When our eyes met, I thought to myself that if he ventured into the world of martial arts, he probably wouldn't last three days...

"But then he spoke to me, asking if I had heard someone crying for help?

"His question made me suspect that he might be one of the bandits in the mountains.

"Such behavior could very well be a trap to lure me in and rob or kill me.

"But to my surprise, he simply thanked me and flew off without a second glance.

"Seeing him leave like that, I wasn't in a hurry anymore. I decided to wait, and after a short while, I heard the sounds of a struggle, confirming that a real fight had broken out.

"This convinced me that he wasn't part of the bandits.

"I then secretly rushed over to investigate.

"At that moment, I was hiding in a tree and saw your father protecting a woman behind him, facing a dozen bandits. While fighting, he was also trying to reason with them. His martial arts were clearly far superior to theirs, yet he refused to use lethal force.

"At that moment, I was taken aback. His skills were no less than mine.

"My judgment back then was quite good, and I recognized that he was using the Purple Sun Sect's Great Open Yang Scattering Hands, which were truly exquisite and deeply mastered.

"As I considered whether to use this opportunity to probe his true strength and perhaps challenge the Purple Sun Sect later... the woman your father had been protecting quietly took out a knife and stabbed at his back.

"Seeing his noble intentions and genuine desire to save her, I instinctively tore off a piece of bark, infused it with my inner strength, and struck the knife out of her hand.

"Your father heard the sound and sighed, finally resorting to deadly force.

"He first killed all the bandits in front of him, then turned to look at the woman. Her eyes were filled with malice, but his were full of compassion. In the end, he delivered a final blow to end her life."

Pausing here, he glanced at Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun:

"Afterward, I asked him two questions.

"The first was why he went to save her. The world of martial arts is full of deceitful people who prey on the good. This group was clearly using cries for help to lure heroes into traps. If he hadn't meddled, wouldn't he have been able to live in peace?

"He told me... in this world, how many can truly distinguish between good and evil? The world of martial arts is never black and white. Even bandits may have their reasons. Most importantly, he would rather make a thousand mistakes and be deceived a thousand times than let an innocent person suffer because he ignored their cries for help!"