Chapter 259: How Dare They

Chapter 259: How Dare They

By now, the streetlights were just starting to come on.

To Su Mo's surprise, even at this hour, there were people still guarding the back entrance of the escort agency.

And as you’d expect, the front entrance was packed with people.

For a moment, Su Mo felt a massive headache coming on.

These people weren’t all martial artists from the jianghu looking to challenge him.

Most of them were wealthy merchants from Sunset City, bringing gifts, hoping to get an audience.

After all, building a connection with this rising star in the martial world could only be a good thing.

Yang Xiaoyun watched in amazement:

"It wasn’t like this yesterday. Before you came back, although some people came to deliver gifts, they didn’t dare block the escort agency’s entrance.

"Now that you’re back, they’re bolder."

"They’re just testing the waters," Su Mo lightly shook his head. "I’m still young, and whether I like grand gestures or this kind of vanity, they have to take their chances.

"What if I actually like them crowding in, bringing gifts? Wouldn’t that just suit my taste?

"Even if I don’t, at least they’ll know for sure after trying."

"Aren’t they afraid they’ll completely piss you off?" Yang Xiaoyun asked with a grin.

Su Mo gave her forehead a tap: "Wouldn’t that just be perfect? It’d give them a reason to come back and apologize…"

"…You’ve got their motives figured out perfectly."

Yang Xiaoyun found it amusing and curious: "So what’re you gonna do? Judging by their appearance, they have no intention of leaving tonight. I saw several of them with bedding."

For a moment, Su Mo was at a loss. This kind of human relationship and social customs were sometimes like the storms of the jianghu.

You can’t avoid it, no matter how hard you tried.

He immediately led Yang Xiaoyun to the main entrance of the escort agency.

Interestingly, when Su Mo appeared so openly, these people momentarily failed to recognize him.

As Su Mo walked forward with Yang Xiaoyun, a kind-hearted person spoke to him:

"Don't worry, the brothers at the escort agency aren't letting anyone in. They say the chief hasn't returned yet."

"Oh."

Su Mo nodded. "Thank you for telling me."

"Eh? Are you trying to curry favor?"

That person was acting overly familiar. Upon seeing the sword box on Su Mo's back, he said, "But this box of yours looks pretty good, though it's kind of small. I heard Chief Escort Su carries two single-legged bronze men in his box. I prepared a huge box to give to the old man."

He pointed off in the distance, and indeed, there was an enormous box placed there.

Su Mo's mouth twitched in response, and he carefully studied the man's face for a moment, memorizing his features. He made a mental note to have the escorts break this guy's legs later... That's a box? That's clearly a coffin!

Two single-legged bronze men?

Who the hell would use weapons like that?

Do they really think everyone’s like Zhen Xiaoxiao?

Sure, he could use them too... but seriously, who walks around the jianghu with a coffin full of single-legged bronze men?

Su Mo steadied Yang Xiaoyun, who was laughing so hard she could barely catch her breath, and made his way through the crowd to the front.

Though these people didn’t immediately recognize Su Mo, a few of them did recognize Yang Xiaoyun.

Who else but Su Mo would parade Yang Xiaoyun around like that?

For a moment, gasps and wide-eyed stares filled the air, but not a single person dared to step forward.

A person's reputation casts a long shadow.

Before they met Su Mo, they had no problem shouting loudly.

But now that they saw him, who would dare act recklessly?

Looking around, they all decided it would be best if someone else went up first, to see if Su Mo would either smash their head or greet them with a smile.

Their reactions hinged on Su Mo's attitude.

The two escorts at the entrance grew even more excited when they saw Su Mo.

But they forced themselves to maintain a composed expression.

Nowadays, the Ziyang Escort Agency was different from before, and they stood there representing the agency. They couldn't let others look down on them.

So, they just clasped their fists and greeted him loudly:

"Greetings, Chief Escort Su!!"

There was still some negligence, as they overlooked Yang Xiaoyun.

Fortunately, Yang Xiaoyun didn’t mind; otherwise, they would definitely not have gotten off lightly later.

Su Mo nodded and stood on the steps, turning to look at the crowd.

Many people finally woke up from their daze, stood up, and were about to crowd forward.

Su Mo smiled lightly and spoke, his voice reaching everyone's ears perfectly.

Hearing this, they immediately stopped and looked up at Su Mo, wondering what he was going to say.

Then they heard Su Mo laugh and say:

"I, Su, have only just returned from East City today, and it is a great honor that all of you have come.

"I should be properly opening the doors to welcome you all and inviting you in for a cup of tea.

"However, firstly, it is already late in the day, and secondly, I have been traveling all this way, looking unpresentable and covered in dust. I would be too embarrassed to meet anyone in this state.

"I originally planned to find a place to hide, clean myself up, and then visit each of you in an orderly fashion.

"But I didn’t expect all of you to wait here patiently for me… It truly embarrasses me."

Before he finished speaking, someone below interrupted.

"Chief Escort Su is being too humble. We are happy to wait here."

"Chief Escort Su is a dragon among men, elegant and upright, making people take notice."

"It is actually we who were reckless, coming without notice and causing trouble for Chief Escort Su."

Su Mo gently waved his hand, quieting the crowd, before continuing.

"Alright, I am grateful for the thought everyone has shown today.

"However, since it is already late, I must ask you all to return home and rest.

"Before you leave, if you are willing, you may leave your names, and I will personally visit each of you when I have the time."

"No, no, we wouldn’t dare."

"We came to visit you, how could we let you bother to visit us?"

"Then we will come again tomorrow to visit."

With this, there was finally some closure.

Su Mo didn’t dwell on what they said, and simply had someone fetch paper and a brush pen to take down the names. Meanwhile, Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun entered the escort agency first.

Uncle Fu and the others had already been waiting behind the door. They hadn’t come out earlier because Su Mo was still talking to the crowd.

Seeing Su Mo again, Uncle Fu’s eyes reddened.

Su Mo was at a loss for words. "Uncle Fu, what’s wrong? I’ve only been away for a trip, why all the fuss?"

"Sigh..."

Uncle Fu had something to say, but seeing that there were people around the escort agency, he held back. He simply said with a smile, "It’s good that you’re back, Young Master. The banquet is already prepared. Tonight, there will be a grand feast in the escort agency. That young man surnamed Hu said that the people with him would just find any available barn or stable to stay in for the night and wouldn’t join the dinner.

"This is not how a family should talk.

"This old man decided to invite them to join the feast."

"You did the right thing, Uncle Fu."

Su Mo then looked at Xiaochuan, Liu Mo, Fu Hanyuan, Zhen Xiaoxiao, Zhang Biaotou, and Li the lead escort.

With a gentle smile, he said, "Alright, we’re home. Have you all washed up? Tonight, we drink until we drop."

"Drink until we drop!"

Hearing him say this, the crowd immediately erupted in chaos, clamoring as they crowded around Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun to push them inside.

Uncle Fu followed behind, letting out a long sigh, his heart filled with complex emotions.

This trip to East City had elevated Su Mo's reputation to an unprecedented height.

He had served three generations of the Su family and had witnessed Su Mo's transformation from an inexperienced youngster to a prominent figure.

The complexity of his emotions was beyond compare.

With so many visitors, he was worried that Su Mo might not handle the situation well.

After all, the title of 'Number One Expert Under Heaven' had silently been bestowed upon this child he had watched grow up.

If he were to handle things improperly, although these people wouldn't dare say or do anything openly, they might secretly become enemies.

No matter how high one's martial skill is, if others deliberately made things difficult, there would inevitably be a day of decline.

Everywhere he went, he would inevitably face unnecessary constraints.

In matters that were neither major nor minor, if others were courteous but poured out their grievances to you, refusing to do what needed to be done just to make things difficult, could you really lash out and kill them?

But if the news of 'Su Mo of East Desert, the Number One Expert, killing innocents' were to spread, how many people in the world would rise against him? The answer was obvious.

After all, in the jianghu, not everyone liked having a Number One Expert overshadowing them.

Especially now, he should be cautious in his words and actions, not arrogant or overbearing.

Whatever he did, there needed to be a valid reason, and with fame, he must set an example and not give others any reason to criticize.

Watching Su Mo's actions tonight finally eased Uncle Fu's mind.

Even now, Su Mo was still the same Su Mo, not letting fame go to his head, nor being overly cautious, his words straightforward, his demeanor generous, doing what needed to be done, with just the right amount of restraint.

What Uncle Fu wanted to say was to advise Su Mo to maintain this mindset, but considering there were still many of Su Mo's subordinates around.

Wouldn't saying this directly to Su Mo give the impression of overstepping his bounds, of being insubordinate?

Even with good intentions, he needed to consider Su Mo's image in the eyes of others.

Having served three generations of the Su family, he should set an example and help bolster Su Mo's authority in the security bureau, rather than show off his own seniority.

Su Mo was no longer the child who lacked experience.

Thinking of this, his heart felt both relieved and a little lost, the complexity of his emotions truly indescribable.

But ultimately, the joy outweighed the slight sense of loss.

Immediately, he gathered his emotions, followed to the banquet site, attending to Su Mo and the others as they took their seats, arranging for wine to be served, handling all arrangements efficiently.

For this banquet, almost everyone in the security bureau was present, except for those on night duty.

After not seeing him for a long time, Steward He expressed his gratitude to Su Mo repeatedly, leading his family in an attempt to kowtow to Su Mo.

How could Su Mo possibly allow such a thing?

Afterward, he asked Steward He if he had grown accustomed to life in the security bureau and how his family had been settled.

Yang Xiaoyun was planning to help him acquire property, preparing a small house outside the security bureau for them to live a stable life in Sunset City.

Steward He once again offered his heartfelt thanks, feeling deeply grateful to Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun.

Though he wasn’t making as much as when he ran the inn in the wilderness, his life was now worry-free. The monthly salary was enough to support his family, and even the children with disabilities in his family had been given work within the security bureau.

From now on, even though he might not become extremely wealthy, as a member of the Ziyang Security Bureau, no one would dare to bully him.

After what had happened, Steward He felt that his current life was truly priceless and he was extremely satisfied.

After handling Steward He, now functioning as the accountant He, Hu Sandao then staggered over, slightly drunk, leading his wife and the elders and youngsters from the mountain stronghold to toast Su Mo.

After that, Liu Mo and the others talked about the missions the security bureau had taken on during his absence, what had been done, and the various adventures they had encountered.

After a few drinks and several dishes, everyone laughed and drank together, and it was only at midnight that they parted in high spirits.

Su Mo, covered in the smell of alcohol, was supported by Yang Xiaoyun into a room.

As she placed him on the bed, she was about to get water to wash his face, but Su Mo grabbed her wrist.

Startled, she turned around and was pulled into his embrace.

Letting out a soft sigh, not bothering to struggle, she rested her head on his chest, feeling his heartbeat and breathing, which also brought her a sense of peace.

Believing he had fallen asleep, she carefully lifted her head to look at him.

Only to find Su Mo looking intently back at her.

His eyes were bright and clear, with no hint of drunkenness.

Noticing her gaze, he then put on a confused expression and was about to reach for her...

Yang Xiaoyun was both amused and exasperated, giving his hand a hard pinch:

"Don't even think about it... Ever since you returned from East City, you've become full of tricks?"

Getting up, she pulled Su Mo up as well:

"If you misbehave again, I’ll bite you, you know."

Su Mo gazed at Yang Xiaoyun quietly:

"... There's something important I need to tell you."

"...What is it? You're scaring me."

Yang Xiaoyun was startled, and her heart started to race, filled with uncertainty, upon seeing Su Mo’s serious demeanor.

Her mind raced with possibilities as she couldn’t help but let her imagination run wild.

"Is he going to propose?"

"Or... something that happened in East City?"

Just as she was anxious and confused, she heard Su Mo say solemnly:

"...There's something I've been meaning to tell you."

"I haven’t washed my face the entire journey."

"What?"

"I really couldn’t bring myself to do it."

He touched his own face.

"..."

Yang Xiaoyun was initially confused, but when it dawned on her, her face turned bright red:

"You... you... how dare you!!!"

Just before Su Mo left for East City, she had mysteriously kissed him on the cheek.

The next day, Uncle Fu told her that he hadn’t washed his face that morning.

Who would’ve thought that after all this time, he’d still make a joke out of it.

For a moment, she was overwhelmed with embarrassment, wishing she could hide her flushed face under a blanket so he couldn’t see it.

But in that moment, where could she find a blanket?

Especially since Su Mo was grinning at her, she got so frustrated that she grabbed his arm and bit his wrist...

But in the end, not wanting to hurt him, she spat, "Eww, it’s dirty, I can’t bite down."

"Should I clean up so you can have a good bite, Xiaoyun?"

"If you don’t stop, I’m not going to talk to you anymore..."

Yang Xiaoyun, her face still flushed, shot Su Mo a sideways glance and changed the subject:

"Why did you pretend to be drunk again? Now that you're back home, you should rest properly."

Su Mo took her hand and gently shook his head. "I’m afraid it won’t be possible for a while. The news from East City has spread everywhere. I’m now stuck with this huge fame... There will inevitably be some chaos in the beginning.

"All kinds of troublemakers will come out of the woodwork.

"Most of the people who came to the door today were looking to make connections. Some might show up at night.

"Whether these people mean well or not is anyone’s guess.

"I never asked for the title of number one in the Eastern Wasteland, but there’s nothing I can do to change it.

"After all, the game of chess with Night Monarch isn’t finished yet."

Yang Xiaoyun understood that this matter was of great importance and suddenly asked:

"Do you think Night Monarch will try to make a big deal out of this?"

Su Mo pondered for a moment and gently shook his head. "Even if he wanted to make an issue out of it, he would likely be unable to.

"Before I returned, the leaders of the seven major sects had already started heading towards Tianqu City.

"They are going to hold a martial arts gathering in Tianqu City to discuss how to deal with the Eternal Night Valley.

"This matter has already taken shape, and even if Night Monarch is still alive, he would be overwhelmed with worry."

"His goal is to focus on the Eastern Wilderness, so he definitely won't let his foundation be destroyed. Otherwise, what could one hope to achieve, no matter how great their martial prowess?

"For the time being, he probably won't pay attention to me... Moreover, he wouldn't dare interfere with the plans of Wusheng Hall.

"The man is extremely clever. When I used Ren Xiongfei's name to test him at the Shadow Hall, he must have realized something went wrong on Ren Xiongfei's end, and that I'd noticed.

"However, he doesn't know exactly how much I've found out. If he acts too quickly, it will surely arouse my suspicions.

"Making me suspect that he might not be dead after all.

"Right now, he doesn't dare act but has to let things play out while he recovers from his injuries.

Hearing this, Yang Xiaoyun nodded. "So, this is indeed the best chance to hit Wusheng Hall. At the very least, we can eliminate one of the Night Demon Lord's minions within the hall."

"That's right."

Su Mo smiled. "This is the most interesting part of this situation. Since he's cheated death, he'll definitely be worried about whether I know he's still alive. He'll carefully check to verify the truth. What I need to do is make the Night Demon Lord believe that I think he's dead. Only then will he feel safe to act recklessly and make bold moves.

"In doing so, it will be easier to catch his trail..."

Just as he said this, Su Mo suddenly looked up at the door, his brows furrowing slightly.

Sure enough, a voice was heard from the roof:

"It is said that Chief Escort Su is unparalleled in martial arts, having killed Sect Leader Youquan with a single palm strike and defeated the Night Demon Lord with his fists, making him the number one expert in the world today!

"I am Wang Chong. Today, I have come uninvited, requesting a battle with Chief Escort Su... Ouch!"

A surprised cry followed, along with the sound of something heavy falling.

Then Liu Mo's slightly drunken voice rang out: "Our chief escort has no time to meet someone like you. You couldn't even handle my single mace strike, yet you dare to come here and challenge us?

"Xiaoxiao, throw him outside the wall."

"Got it!"

A clear and pleasant voice responded, followed by the sound of a heavy object cutting through the air, eventually becoming faint and unheard.

Su Mo couldn't help but glance at Yang Xiaoyun. "Do you think he's dead?""