Chapter 264: Xu Lu Makes a Move

Chapter 264: Xu Lu Makes a Move

The friend Ji Shuhua previously mentioned, who likes to wander the world and collect exotic treasures, is quite the anomaly in the martial world.

The reason this exotic iron caught his attention must be due to its extraordinary qualities.

Ji Shuhua was tasked with delivering this item to Yi Jian Jushi, but Su Mo isn't clear on the connection between them.

However, it is evident that something went wrong on Ji Shuhua's journey this time, which ultimately led to the information being leaked about the exotic iron.

This, in turn, drew the attention of those looking to steal it.

Given the limited information, the so-called great manager has considerable financial resources and is not an ordinary figure in the martial world.

If he were just an ordinary figure in the martial world, getting his hands on this exotic iron wouldn't be very useful.

Unless he knew a top-notch blacksmith who could forge this exotic iron into a divine weapon.

Otherwise, it's no better than a regular stone for hitting people.

In the martial world, it's all about fame and fortune.

Since this great manager is already rich, he doesn't need to forge a divine weapon to gain fame.

So, it's almost certain he's after this item for something other than fame.

What else would someone want with this thing?

You can't eat or drink it, and the only thing Su Mo can think of is to sell it.

Either selling it directly or turning it into a divine weapon before selling it.

The fact that this 'great manager' is willing to spend so much on this suggests this rare item is worth a lot.

Otherwise, why would he go to so much trouble?

Of course, it's also possible the one after this item is a blacksmith.

Looking to get his hands on such fine material to forge a weapon that rivals the top ten famous swords in the world.

If he could manage that, it'd be a great way to make a name for himself in the martial world.

However, regardless of which scenario it is, it wouldn't make much difference to Su Mo.

Yang Xiaoyun, on the other hand, was pondering Su Mo's words and eventually nodded slightly.

"You're right, he is very likely a businessman."

"A businessman would naturally value his business," Su Mo said softly. "That Ji Shuhua came to Ziyang Escort Agency before he died is no secret and cannot be hidden from those who are interested. Now, the one whose path I have blocked is none other than myself... What do you think he will do next?"

"What do you think... he will do?" Yang Xiaoyun looked at Su Mo.

Su Mo looked helpless. "Xiaoyun, when did you become so cunning? It feels like I'm the one being asked."

"...This isn't cunning."

Yang Xiaoyun said with a smile, "I'm lacking in wisdom and really can't come up with anything."

"I can't either."

Su Mo lightly raised an eyebrow. "However, if it's the dirty tricks commonly seen in the jianghu, we'll need to stay on guard throughout this journey."

"Hmm."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded in agreement.

Not only that, if the other party is indeed as wealthy as rumored, there are many in the jianghu who'd be willing to die for money.

And among them, there's no shortage of skilled fighters.

In short, no matter how good your martial arts skills are, you still need to be cautious.

The two didn't bring up the topic again. Another day went by, and after Ji Shuhua's burial, Su Mo set off for Wusheng Hall.

Joining him, besides Yang Xiaoyun, were Zhen Xiaoxiao and Hu Sandao.

After getting back from East City, Su Mo saw that Zhen Xiaoxiao's condition was worsening.

The trip to the South Sea couldn't be put off any longer.

Having her along let him help activate the internal energy building up in her body, offering some temporary relief.

Hu Sandao was originally from the area around Wusheng Hall. Although he might not have in-depth knowledge of this region, he knew more than Su Mo and the others, making him a good guide.

Apart from the personnel from the main escort bureau, the only extra person was Xu Lu.

Since Su Mo was heading to Wusheng Hall on this trip, Xu Lu also wanted to go along.

Now that this person's injuries have completely healed, it's unclear why he hasn't left, and he still plans to join this trip...

If not for the fact that this person had also taken Su Mo's 'poison,' Su Mo would have suspected him of having ulterior motives regarding the rare iron.

As for the matters at the escort bureau, they were entrusted to Zhang Biaotou to manage for the time being, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

After the trip to East City, Fu Hanyuan had gained Su Mo's trust.

He has now been promoted to escort guard and is temporarily staying by Liu Mo's side, joining him on a few more trips to learn the ropes.

After returning, Li the lead escort should be able to handle things independently, with Xiaochuan by his side, filling in the gaps.

For now, if a larger group is required, these people will suffice temporarily.

Although they are a bit short-staffed, this can only be addressed after Su Mo deals with the Wusheng Hall trip and begins to expand their forces.

By comparison, the situation with Wusheng Hall is more pressing.

……

……

Setting out from Sunset City, the first stop was Jinyang City.

The journey was calm and uneventful, taking the usual seven days to reach Jinyang City.

They departed at sunrise and arrived just before sunset the next day.

For Su Mo, this was also a return to a familiar place.

Since he crossed over two years ago and reopened the Ziyang Escort Agency, the first job they took was to escort Li Yishu to Jinyang City.

Now that he thought about it, it hadn’t been that long, but quite a lot had happened in this short span of time.

It gave him a feeling as if he had lived through another lifetime.

The bustling streets of Jinyang City were as lively as ever.

But after just a few steps, shouts were heard.

The crowd quickly parted to both sides, and the sound of hooves grew nearer.

On the horse was a man dressed in splendid clothing adorned with gold and jade, exuding an air of dignity.

His face carried a sense of dignity, clearly someone of high status.

He looked over Su Mo and his companions one by one, then quickly dismounted and clasped his fists.

"I didn’t go far enough to welcome you, Chief Escort Su of Ziyang Escort Agency. Zeng Youwang deserves to die for this oversight!"

As he spoke, he started to kneel.

With a flick of his sleeve, Su Mo sent a subtle breeze that kept Zeng Youwang from kneeling.

Startled, Zeng straightened up and heard Su Mo laugh heartily.

"Chief Zeng is being too polite. I’m just an escort from the agency. How could I deserve this kind of courtesy from Chief Zeng?"

Su Mo’s response made Zeng Youwang’s heart tighten as he realized Su Mo’s formidable nature.

That subtle move just now was like death arriving unnoticed.

It was said that he had struck down Sect Leader Youquan in Tianqu City and killed the Night Demon Lord in Liuyin City.

What was once dismissed as rumor now seemed to hold some truth.

Though his heart was shaken, his thoughts didn’t slow. He simply smiled and said,

"Chief Escort Su made no attempt to hide his tracks. As soon as you entered Jinyang City, I received the news.

I hurried out to welcome you but didn’t expect you’d already be here. It was indeed my fault for being so negligent."

Su Mo nodded slightly, smiling and said,

"Chief Zeng is being too kind. On this trip, I have some cargo with me, so I’m passing through Jinyang City. Sorry for not letting you know in advance."

"Not at all, not at all."

Zeng Youwang shook his head repeatedly, about to say something.

Suddenly, a voice came from above,

"Is that not Su Mo, Chief Escort of Ziyang Escort Agency, who struck down three orders with one sword in Profound Theory Valley, killed Sect Leader Youquan in Tianqu City, and slew the Night Demon Lord in Liuyin City, the number one expert in the Eastern Wastes!?"

The voice was loud, causing a stir in all directions.

Before Chief Escort Su could speak, Zeng Youwang had already looked up angrily:

"And just who are you? Is it appropriate for someone like you to casually mention Chief Escort Su's name?"

Chief Escort Su twitched the corner of his mouth and gently shook his head.

"You give me too much credit, Zeng Allied Leader. It's just a name, there's no reason not to mention it... May I ask which friend is above?"

"Ha ha ha!!!"

The person on the upper floor burst into laughter and, in the next moment, leapt into the air, changing positions several times before landing gracefully.

His foot touched the ground without stirring any dust.

His gaze swept over everyone present before resting on Chief Escort Su.

"So, you really are Chief Escort Su?"

Su Mo nodded slightly. "I am Su Mo."

"May I ask your name?" Su Mo asked.

"I am Wang Ergou," the man stated his name without any sincerity.

"Lately, I've been hearing your name everywhere, and it's been really annoying.

Seeing you in person, you're really nothing special."

"Have the people of East City lost their minds? How can someone like you have killed Sect Leader Youquan with a palm strike and felled the Night Demon Lord with a punch?

"If that's really true, then Sect Leader Youquan and the Night Demon Lord are nothing more than frauds who don't deserve mention."

"How dare you!"

Yang Xiaoyun flew into a rage at these words, and with a clang, the Dragon's Spear was already in her hand. In one motion, the spear tip was pointed at him:

"Who do you think you are, daring to act arrogant in front of our leader?

"Our leader is generous and doesn't bother with the likes of you, but I, a mere woman with little experience, won't let you run wild today!"

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Wang Ergou guffawed. "Looks like Chief Escort Su is overrated after all. With such provocation, all you do is send a woman to handle me? Are you cowering behind her like a coward?"

Su Mo, with extraordinary self-control, still managed to smile. "Encountering random nobodies who provoke me on the street, should I, Su, really lower myself to their level and snap back?

"Your malicious words are truly perplexing, sir. Today, a little punishment is indeed in order..."

"Go ahead then! Let me see how much this so-called number one of the Eastern Wastes really weighs!"

Wang Ergou stepped back, and with one stomp of his foot on the ground, there was a loud crack as the ground tiles split.

His martial arts were light as a feather or heavy as a mountain, the balance controlled entirely by his will—certainly no ordinary man.

Zeng Youwang coldly snorted:

"Do you think the Fallen Phoenix Alliance has no one of worth? Today, I, Zeng, will teach you a lesson..."

Before he could finish, a shadow suddenly appeared next to Wang Ergou, behind Su Mo.

Startled, Wang Ergou thought he was being ambushed and instinctively threw a punch.

He didn’t know what kind of boxing technique the other person was using—the fist wind was like thunder, and the momentum was fierce.

But when his punch landed, he hit nothing but air.

He caught a glimpse of a shadow from the corner of his eye and spun around, but there was no one there.

Confused, he suddenly felt a chill around his legs.

Bursts of laughter erupted.

"What are you laughing at?"

Furious, Wang Ergou looked down and saw someone pointing at his pants.

Startled, Wang Ergou quickly crouched down to pull up his pants, furiously roaring:

"Who’s there?! Show yourself!"

"Hahahaha."

The laughter burst out from beside Su Mo. Wang Ergou turned his head and saw a skinny young man holding a large money bag.

"This guy seems to be pretty rich."

As he spoke, the young man opened the bag, revealing silver and several banknotes.

"Give it back!"

Wang Ergou stormed forward, closing the distance in one quick step.

Xu Lu, who had long since healed, now used his ethereal technique from the "Mysterious Trace Record." Though Wang Ergou's fist wind was fierce, he couldn’t catch Xu Lu’s shadow.

Frustrated, Wang Ergou flailed around, but the harder he tried, the less he could catch him.

Instead, he felt as though figures were all around him, and he kept having to bend down to pull up his pants.

It was a total disgrace, a complete mess.

But just then, Wang Ergou stomped his feet, sending out a shockwave of inner energy.

Xu Lu, who had been moving around him, felt the wave of inner energy and was sent flying.

Just as he was about to fall, Xu Lu executed an incredible mid-air twist, tapped the ground lightly with one hand, and soared into the air, circling mid-air before landing next to Su Mo.

For a moment, he felt a twinge of fear. "This guy’s inner energy is no joke."

"Now you know how formidable!"

Wang Ergou sneered. "Running away using lightness skill isn't a real skill. If you have the ability, come and fight me for three hundred rounds, grandpa!"

Xu Lu's primary skill was in *lightness kung fu*. In fist and foot techniques, he was likely inferior even to the *foot soldiers* in the *escort agency*.

Naturally, he didn’t dare to engage Wang Ergou in a prolonged fight.

Just as he was wondering how to respond, his expression suddenly changed, and he immediately nodded, lunging toward Wang Ergou's face.

He reached out with his hand to grab.

The grab seemed ordinary, with no hidden complexity.

Wang Ergou sneered, "You're dead!"

He threw a punch to strike Xu Lu's outstretched hand.

But in that instant, Xu Lu suddenly stopped, circled around, and found himself behind Wang Ergou, his palm aimed at the vital point on Wang Ergou's back.

Before it could land, Wang Ergou already felt the acupoint throbbing.

Knowing his *lightness kung fu* was far inferior to Xu Lu's, he realized catching him was impossible.

So, he simply channeled his internal energy, neither defending against nor blocking Xu Lu's palm. He was confident that since his internal energy had repelled Xu Lu once, it could do so again.

Sure enough, when Xu Lu's palm landed, Wang Ergou remained unharmed, but Xu Lu's palm immediately turned red and painful.

The force caused him to stagger back several steps.

Instinctively, he glanced at Su Mo.

Su Mo smiled, his lips barely moving.

He was using *telepathic sound*.

Just as Xu Lu hesitated, he heard Su Mo's voice in his ear.

Su Mo told him to stop being afraid and just attack Wang Ergou directly.

Encouraged, Xu Lu acted boldly, following Su Mo's guidance on the fight.

The only move Xu Lu came up with on his own was targeting the vital point on Wang Ergou's back. But Wang Ergou's internal energy repelled him, and he lost the upper hand.

Just then, he heard Su Mo's voice again:

"No need to engage in *evasive maneuvers*. Just go straight for his face and hit him."

Hearing this, Xu Lu obeyed.

He shifted and reappeared in front of Wang Ergou, hand raised to strike. Again, he heard Su Mo's voice in his ear:

"Fake a strike, dodge to the left, and watch out for his left leg."

The sentence was spoken quickly, and upon hearing it, Xu Lu immediately retracted his outstretched hand.

Since he wasn’t skilled in attacking and his fist techniques were rather soft, he had no trouble retracting his move. He truly could stop at will. After pulling back, he immediately dodged to the left, just in time to see Wang Ergou's fist whizzing past his nose.

Xu Lu felt a surge of shock, danger, and excitement in his heart.

But just then, he still remembered Su Mo's advice to keep an eye on Wang Ergou's left leg.

He saw that as the punch landed, Wang Ergou’s left leg was already coiled and ready.

As the fist wind missed, the left leg snapped up with lightning speed.

"Jump!"

Xu Lu immediately leapt up, and at that moment, he heard Su Mo's voice again.

"Feint at his face, then bend your elbow, use your inner energy to strike his Qu Chi acupoint, and keep your left hand ready."

These two sentences were confusing. Given his position, aligning his bent arm with the Qu Chi acupoint seemed impossible.

However, Su Mo’s words probably had reason behind them, so Xu Lu didn’t overthink it and simply followed his instructions.

Thanks to his exceptional light skill, this jump landed precisely as Wang Ergou’s leg finished its old move but hadn’t yet begun a new one. Balancing on Wang Ergou’s leg, Xu Lu looked down and struck at his face.

Wang Ergou crossed his arm to block, sweeping upward.

If the strike connected, even someone as skilled as Xu Lu would have been sent flying.

At that moment, Xu Lu suddenly bent his elbow and struck Wang Ergou’s Qu Chi acupoint dead-on.

This sudden move, driving his elbow with inner energy, shattered Wang Ergou’s protective inner energy.

Even with all of Wang Ergou’s skills, he couldn’t adjust in time.

Struck squarely by the elbow, the impact left Wang Ergou’s arm numb and powerless.

At that moment, Xu Lu heard Su Mo yell, "Slap him, now!"

With Wang Ergou’s right arm momentarily useless, he was completely exposed.

Xu Lu’s left hand, already prepared, swung with full force. The slap, filled with inner energy, tore through the air with a whistling sound and landed fiercely on Wang Ergou’s face.

The sound was sharp and vicious.

Wang Ergou spat blood, and several teeth flew out.

As Xu Lu retreated mid-air, he looked down and burst into laughter.

"Indeed, a dog’s mouth doesn’t spit out ivory!"