Chapter 244: The Scheme of the Night Lord

Chapter 244: The Scheme of the Night Lord

The Heavenly Spring Heart-Cleansing Sword!

This secret manual was actually in his possession?

Su Mo looked at Wan Zangxin and felt that this man was indeed extraordinary.

Everyone in the martial world knows that the dangers of the jianghu are more than just talk. Carrying a secret manual on you is a big no-no.

If something were to happen and someone searched your body, your sect's martial arts would be completely exposed.

So, the idea of killing someone, looting their body, and finding a secret manual is something you only see in games.

Martial artists go to great lengths to keep their unique skills from spreading.

What can be passed down by word of mouth is never written down, and even if it is written down, it is often exaggerated, using cryptic language to hide the true essence.

A true transmission is just one sentence, but a false one fills ten thousand scrolls.

If ordinary folks try to follow these manuals blindly, they often miss the true method.

Only when truly desperate, with no other option, and unwilling to let their unique skills be lost, might they leave behind the essence.

In normal times, even when a master teaches a disciple, secrets are often kept.

And why do some traditions get weaker with each generation?

It's because everyone holds something back.

Originally, there were three techniques, but after two generations, only one is left.

This one technique can't compare to the original three, and whether to pass it on or not becomes a big dilemma.

This is also why many unique skills eventually die out.

From this, you can see how important passing down secret manuals really is.

Walking around with a secret manual on you...

If your sect found out, a beating would be the least of your problems.

Wan Zangxin also felt a little embarrassed:

"I wrote this manual secretly during the journey, while Old Hu was asleep.

"Ever since I heard about the Heavenly Path Sword Discussion, I thought of using this event to wrap things up.

"But as Chief Escort Su said, the Heavenly Spring Heart-Cleansing Sword must not lose its lineage because of me.

"That's why I wrote the manual in secret.

"Actually, according to my original plan, I should have found a way to get the manual to your room earlier.

"Given Chief Escort Su's character, whether you practice it yourself or find a suitable successor, I'd be fine with it.

"But I didn't expect so many twists and turns last night.

"My intentions were completely transparent in Chief Escort Su's eyes."

"This manual... I just couldn't bring myself to hand it over."

Last night, Su Mo went to assist Wan Zangxin, a fact he only shared with Wei Ziyi.

Thus, Wan Zangxin had no idea that Su Mo wasn't in his room at the time.

After reuniting with Su Mo, although he intended to hand over the manual, he struggled to find a suitable reason.

He couldn't simply tell Su Mo that he intended to take his own life, could he?

So he had no choice but to keep it with him.

He assumed that after his death, given Su Mo's nature, Su Mo would likely handle his remains.

At that time, retrieving the manual would be a natural outcome.

He never expected Su Mo to see through his intentions and give him a Yin-Yang Rebirth Pill.

At this point, he had no more secrets from Su Mo.

That's why he finally produced the manual:

"Chief Escort Su, I wish to re-enter Wusheng Hall.

"This journey is fraught with life-and-death uncertainties. As for the Tianquan Heart-Cleansing Sword, I leave it to your judgment, Chief Escort Su."

Hearing this, Su Mo frowned slightly:

"You intend to go to Wusheng Hall again?"

"That's right."

Wan Zangxin took a deep breath: "Your words have stirred waves in my heart once more. Looking back now, the events in Wusheng Hall were probably orchestrated by the Night Lord long ago.

"Like a leaf obscuring the view, how could I see the truth?

"Now that I am 'dead', it's the perfect opportunity to act covertly, to see if I can uncover the key to the matter."

Su Mo exhaled softly, his gaze suddenly shifting to the distant Liuyin City.

"Aren't you going to seek clarity from the Night Lord?"

"What?"

Wan Zangxin was startled: "The Night Lord?"

Su Mo gave a slight nod: "If I'm not mistaken, the Night Lord will launch a surprise attack on the Chimei Forest tonight."

His words were delivered with unusual calm, yet they stirred a tumult in Wan Zangxin's mind.

At this point, he glanced around and couldn't help but ask:

"Where are we?"

Su Mo smiled and said, "Yuhan Valley."

"..."

Wan Zangxin then remembered that he had previously asked Su Mo where Wei Ziyi and the others had gone.

Su Mo's response was Rainchill Valley.

Outside the inn, Wan Zangxin asked Su Mo why he sent Master Red Cloud and the others to Rainchill Valley.

But Su Mo didn’t tell him.

The answer was right here all along!

The Night Lord planned to launch a surprise attack on the Forest of Demons!?

So Su Mo had already stationed people here in preparation?

But Wan Zangxin was confused: "Chief Escort Su, how did you know the Night Lord would attack the Forest of Demons?"

"It’s a long story."

Su Mo looked up at the sky: "But it's not dark yet, and the Night Lord... naturally operates at night, so we’ve got some time to spare.

"A few months ago, a major incident happened along the river in East City.

"I happened to be there and got caught up in it.

"Zhuge Changtian, the head of the Dragon Society, was captured by the shadow envoys sent by the Night Lord and thrown into the water prison.

"It was only later that we discovered the Night Lord actually wanted to control the area along the river.

"This move was tied directly to the plans in the southwest, but I stumbled upon it by chance.

"The incident unfolded, but it also drew the attention of the eastern factions of East City to the river routes.

"At the time, the Night Lord seized this opportunity to lead an attack on Tianqu City.

"On the surface, it seemed logical.

"It even turned the river incident into a diversion, a feint to the east to strike the west."

He paused here: "But when I heard this rumor back then, something felt off.

"Once something happened along the river, East City would handle it right away.

"But anyone could see that this might be the Night Lord’s feint to the east to strike the west.

"Making the seven major sects and the eastern factions of East City focus their attention on the river.

"He himself led an attack on Tianqu City.

"This plan couldn’t fool anyone, otherwise, the leaders of the seven major sects wouldn't have rushed to Tianqu City overnight.

"As soon as the Night Lord arrived, a fierce battle broke out.

"At this point, Evernight Valley retreated in defeat, and everything almost came to a halt.

"But... was this matter really that simple?

"The leaders of the seven major sects are all cunning, and the Night Lord had made significant plans in the Eastern Wilderness.

"They’re all crafty old foxes—who could outsmart whom?

"So, at that time, I felt that the Night Lord seemed to have another plan."

"After that, I entered the Purple Sun Sect and had a detailed discussion with the great master about this matter.

"It was only then that I realized... when the Night Lord attacked Tianqu City, the people from the seven sects stationed at Green Show Mountain and Rain Cold Valley also dispatched forces to intercept.

"Moreover, only a very few people were left to guard the mountain city of Green Show Mountain.

"Fearing that the Chimei Forest might take the opportunity to counterattack, most of the forces, apart from those sent to intercept the Evernight Valley, came to Liuyin City to guard against a countercharge from the Youquan Cult.

"Thus, the mountain city of Green Show Mountain was left wide open, like inviting thieves in.

"If the Night Lord's plan wasn't really aimed at Tianqu City, and it wasn't a diversion to the east while attacking to the west...

"All the scheming was actually a ruse to distract while secretly advancing his true plan, then... what do you think he would take the opportunity to do?"

Wan Zangxin felt a chill run down his spine: "Are you saying that the Night Lord had already secretly stationed troops, taking advantage of the empty gates of Green Show Mountain City to infiltrate and lie in wait?"

After saying this, his first thought was why the Evernight Valley didn't seize the opportunity to take Green Show Mountain.

But upon reflection, it became clear.

Because of Tianqu City!

Although the Night Lord ostensibly attacked Tianqu City, drawing most of the attention.

If a conflict broke out at Green Show Mountain, once the Night Lord was repelled, the Evernight Valley disciples inside Green Show Mountain City would be caught between forces from Tianqu City and Rain Cold Valley, trapped on two fronts!

Thus, this scheme would have been completely pointless.

Moreover... judging by the Night Lord's current tactics against the Youquan Cult.

The three cults were not at all united.

If he merely wanted to reclaim these two places for the Youquan Cult, he could have allied with the Youquan Cult to confront the enemy.

First, take Green Show Mountain, then join forces with the Youquan Cult to besiege Rain Cold Valley.

But the problem was, the Night Lord even plotted against Sect Leader Youquan, so how could he allow the Youquan Cult to regain these two places?

Furthermore, once this plan was executed, the Evernight Valley forces attacking Rain Cold Valley might never return.

How could the Night Lord be so self-sacrificing?

Therefore, from that moment on, the Night Lord's true target was actually locked on the Youquan Cult!

Thinking of this, Wan Zangxin felt his hands and feet turn cold.

Su Mo smiled:

"However, when I discussed this matter with the great master at that time, some things were still not entirely certain.

"So, the great master gave me a Purple Sun Token, allowing me to act as I saw fit at the appropriate time.

"But by then... I had already basically confirmed Brother Wan's identity.

"The Five Demons Heavenly Demon Qi on the great master was identical to that on Brother Wan, only more fierce and ruthless.

"Clearly, it was the work of the Night Lord.

"Brother Wan's injuries were inflicted by the Five Ghosts Heavenly Net."

"From this incident, I can pretty much deduce that Brother Wan is deeply connected to Evernight Valley.

"After all, your injuries make it clear that you were first struck by the Five Demons Heavenly Demon Qi, and then ambushed by those lowlifes who had received the Wusheng Order.

"If not for the internal damage from the Five Demons Heavenly Demon Qi, how could those guys even stand a chance against you?

"Back then, I didn’t know that the person who injured you was from the Five Ghosts Heavenly Net, but I did know that this technique originated from Evernight Valley.

"Evernight Valley is based to the east of East City—why would they risk entering East City so recklessly?

"Even if they entered, why wouldn’t they lay low and plan carefully, but instead have a conflict with Brother Wan?

"Could they have been after the Wusheng Order too?

"Moreover... even though Wusheng Hall and those lowlifes were after you because of the Wusheng Order.

"You survived the Five Demons Heavenly Demon Qi. If you’d gone to the seven major sects for help back then.

"If you’d tipped them off about Evernight Valley operatives sneaking into East City and acting in secret.

"That would’ve earned you some goodwill in East City.

"The Wusheng Order wouldn’t have done you much good in this situation, and it would have been the most reasonable way to protect yourself.

"But... you didn’t.

"Even after recovering, you kept up the act of being crazy.

"That’s when I realized you were tied to Evernight Valley, and the reason you were injured by the Five Ghosts Heavenly Net was because of another layer of relationship between you.

"Of course, I didn’t understand the details at that time, so I couldn’t directly ask Brother Wan."

By the time Su Mo finished, Wan Zangxin was at a loss for words.

He thought he’d covered his tracks perfectly, but how could he have imagined that Su Mo had already seen through so much at that time?

No wonder Su Mo didn’t bat an eye when he saw the Heavenly Spring's Twelve Swords last night.

He’d seen it all coming.

Su Mo had been biding his time these past few days, waiting to see what Wan Zangxin would do.

And to see how the Heavenly Spring's Twelve Swords would make their move.

On the surface, he seemed uninvolved, but really, he was just watching the chaos unfold.

For a moment, all he felt was admiration.

"Since I knew about the connection between Brother Wan and Evernight Valley, it wasn’t hard to guess where the 'Wan Zangxin' that Lord Liu saw came from.

"Thus, I confirmed another thing.

"The Tianqu Sword Discussion was Night Lord’s doing, one of its purposes being to attract most of the attention to Tianqu City.

"And within Tianqu City, after seeing that sword fanatic, I knew that what Night Lord truly aimed for was the Phantom Forest.

"Today, Sect Leader Youquan was lured to Tianqu City by a letter from Night Lord to watch the Tianqu Sword Discussion.

"And what I really want to know is, did Night Lord actually show up?"

"When I saw the Night Lord on the Cloud Cleansing Platform, I thought, if he were fake, the Night Lord would surely come to the Phantom Forest to lead the attack himself.

"If he were real, then all my earlier guesses would probably be off the mark."

Su Mo smiled as he spoke: "Brother Wan, you asked me outside the inn why I had Master Red Cloud and the others go to Rain Cold Valley.

"Do you remember what I told you then?"

"Chief Escort Su said... whether Rain Cold Valley would see any changes depends on how the Tianqu Sword Discussion unfolds."

How could Wan Zangxin forget something that just happened today?

And now, he also understood that the main variable in the Tianqu Sword Discussion lies in whether the Night Lord himself would come!

This entire setup, starting from the river route plan to the Tianqu Sword Discussion, has been meticulously planned.

First, to boost "Wan Zangxin's" reputation.

Second, to ensnare Sect Leader Youquan.

Third, to use Wan Zangxin's background to plot against Wusheng Hall.

Fourth, to divert attention from Tianqu City and secretly take the Phantom Forest.

What seems like a seemingly simple plan is actually a web of intricate schemes.

The most critical part of this is probably the Phantom Forest.

If Sect Leader Youquan is stuck in Tianqu City and the Phantom Forest remains out of reach, wouldn’t that just hand the eastern factions of East City an advantage?

The Night Lord... isn’t exactly a saint, so why would he be so eager to do good deeds?

Of these four goals, boosting "Wan Zangxin's" reputation doesn’t need his direct involvement.

As for trapping Sect Leader Youquan, his presence isn’t even necessary.

If he were there, it would only complicate things.

Using Wan Zangxin’s background and his entanglement with Wan Yilan to stage a show is something to deal with later.

Only the Phantom Forest situation is pressing.

He must come in person!

Su Mo figured this out and knew, based on the Night Lord’s usual tactics, it would surely be another feint.

On the surface, he’d definitely head to Tianqu City, further masking his real goal.

So, once it’s clear the Night Lord on the Cloud Cleansing Platform is a fake, the real Night Lord’s location becomes obvious.

And this is why Duan Song abandoned the Tianqu Sword Discussion and went to Rain Cold Valley.

As for the Purple Sun Sect in Tianqu City, which promised Luo Changsheng to maintain the situation of the Tianqu Sword Discussion with over a thousand people...

Wei Ziyi, holding the Purple Sun Order, had already quietly arrived at Rain Cold Valley last night while the city's attention was fully drawn by the fake "Wan Zangxin" and the real Wan Zangxin.

By now, both plans are in place, and everything hinges on tonight’s showdown.

As the words ended, night had quietly fallen.

Su Mo silently observed Wan Zangxin.

Wan Zangxin's face, however, was a mask of inner turmoil.

The Night Lord's tactics against him were nothing short of devious.

He earnestly wished to confront the Night Lord and demand a clear explanation.

Yet, hesitation held him back.

With a furrowed brow and a deep breath, Wan Zangxin finally spoke:

"Chief Escort Su... I must beg your forgiveness for my inability to accompany you.

"Now, it feels as though I've entirely slipped from the Night Lord's grasp.

"Furthermore, I've managed to evade the world's prying eyes.

"This presents the perfect opportunity to delve into the mysteries of Wusheng Hall...

"I wish to investigate Wusheng Hall first."

With a gentle smile and a nod, Su Mo responded:

"Brother Wan, it's only natural to have such thoughts.

"I won't stand in your way, but before we part, I must offer you some counsel..."

Wan Zangxin nodded promptly.

By now, he held Su Mo in the highest regard. The Night Lord's mastery of schemes was nearly fearsome.

Witnessing his strategies in action was nothing short of a spectacle.

What was most alarming was that his schemes didn't always succeed, yet even in failure, he had contingencies to bridge the gaps.

Rather, he leveraged these setbacks to innovate and unveil new strategies.

Each move was executed with such finesse that predicting his next step was nearly impossible.

A single misstep into his web, and you'd find yourself trapped before realizing it!

Yet, Su Mo saw through the facade, untangling the web and striking at its core.

Wan Zangxin was left in awe of his capabilities.

With Su Mo offering advice, Wan Zangxin was all ears.

Yet, Su Mo simply stated:

"Brother Wan, always stay vigilant."

"..."

Is that all?

Wan Zangxin was momentarily at a loss for words, but after a pause, he recognized this as an immutable truth.

With a final clasp of his fists, he said, "Thank you, Chief Escort Su. Wan... takes his leave."

"Take care!"

Su Mo clasped his fists in a gesture of farewell, as Wan Zangxin took one last, lingering look at Liuyin City. With a final stomp of his foot, he leapt into the air and vanished in the blink of an eye.

Su Mo turned his attention from Wan Zangxin to the two secret manuals in his hand, stowing them carefully in his robe.

He sighed deeply.

In truth, he had reservations about letting Wan Zangxin meet the Night Lord.

If the Night Lord insisted that Wan Zangxin was the true son of Wan Yutang, should Wan Zangxin believe it?

"Now, it's just right."

Su Mo sat cross-legged and gazed upward.

Under the cover of night, Liuyin City was surprisingly peaceful.

It was like the calm before the storm.