Chapter 269: The Hidden Kill Pavilion

Chapter 269: The Hidden Kill Pavilion

Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron.

According to fragments in the ancient book *Treasures of Heaven and Earth* from the Celestial Academy, this deep-sea treasure is a rare find.

Adding two or three qian (a small unit of weight) to a weapon grants it the power to cut through gold and jade.

In the current world, only the Heaven-Slaying Sword is made from a whole piece of Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron.

Thus, it ranks first among the Ten Great Swords in sharpness.

It also grants any wielder, even an ordinary martial artist, instant mastery.

However, most Ten Great Swords are said to be ominous.

The Sword of Longing is toxic, and the Heaven-Slaying Sword curses its master.

Its owner will never know peace.

The Heaven-Slaying Sword once sparked bloody conflicts.

Ultimately, the owner died, and the sword vanished.

Who knew such a treasure could be found today!

In the tavern, Ji Shuhua admired the two elderly men’s authoritative quotes.

Afterward, he asked for their names, and they revealed their identities.

The crowded tavern forced Ji Shuhua, now sober, to leave quickly, realizing the trouble he’d caused.

The news spread, sparking pursuits and assassinations.

He ultimately died at the Ziyang Escort Agency.

After Hu Sandao finished speaking, Yang Xiaoyun instinctively looked at Su Mo:

"This… doesn’t seem right.

"Master Ji, a veteran of the martial world, wouldn’t forget 'wealth should not be exposed,' even after a few drinks.

"Besides, why would he show the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron entrusted by a friend?"

Su Mo nodded slightly and looked at Hu Sandao:

"So, Master Ji’s death is widely known?"

"Correct."

Hu Sandao nodded: "Now, many in the inn claim to be Master Ji’s friends and want to meet the head."

Yang Xiaoyun furrowed her brows:

"Why do they want to see him?"

"...Some of them claimed they wanted to inherit Master Ji's legacy and protect the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron."

As Hu Sandao spoke, his expression turned peculiar.

"When someone loses all shame, they’ll say just about anything."

Yang Xiaoyun snorted coldly: "This rumor is full of holes; I don’t believe they can’t see through it."

Su Mo smiled: "Seeing through it is one thing, but a top-tier material capable of forging one of the Ten Great Swords is far more enticing than the rumor’s truth. Especially with Master Liaoyuan’s endorsement... it carries a different weight."

"With just a few words, they’re bold enough to stir up trouble?"

"Who said they’re provoking trouble..."

Su Mo shook his head: "They just want to reclaim their old friend’s possessions and carry on his legacy, not to take it by force."

Yang Xiaoyun shot Su Mo a look: "So, what’s the plan?"

"Old Hu, how many are at the inn? How many asked for me?"

Su Mo asked.

"Quite a few, but only a handful asked to see you."

"Hmm, most are still playing the waiting game."

Su Mo walked to the window, pushed it open, and the morning-lit streets of Jinyang City came into view.

With a quick glance, Su Mo shook his head:

"The news is spreading fast, and this is just Jinyang City.

"If he’s trying to muddy the waters to fish in troubled waters... his sights aren’t set solely on Jinyang City."

Yang Xiaoyun wasn’t surprised by what he said.

The 'he' Su Mo mentioned could only be the great manager.

This rumor is a mix of truths and lies.

The rumor’s purpose isn’t to reveal the Heaven-Slaying Sword’s powers or the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron’s uniqueness.

The main goal is to disrupt Su Mo’s calm escort mission.

The entire martial world will be fixated on Su Mo because of the Star Sea Legacy Sand rumors.

He’s already the Eastern Wasteland’s top master, and now with the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron...

The combination of these two will undoubtedly cause a huge reaction.

As for whether they’ll be scared off by Su Mo’s title as the 'Eastern Wasteland’s Number One Master'...

In a few years, maybe.

But for now, it’s too soon.

Sect Leader Youquan and Night Lord fell too easily, even as the news spread like wildfire.

But the possibility of something hidden keeps people guessing.

Otherwise, Su Mo wouldn't have faced so many challenges after earning this title.

Now, things have taken a turn for the better.

There was already a motley crew eager to challenge Su Mo, and now that the challenge has succeeded, not only can they claim the title of the top fighter in the Eastern Wasteland, but also get a piece of Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron as a bonus.

With this news spreading, the top fighter in the Eastern Wasteland has become a prime target.

Yang Xiaoyun furrowed her brow:

"Xiao Mo, what’s your plan?"

Su Mo has always been kind to others, though he never hesitated to kill when necessary.

But the current situation is tricky.

Those seeking the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron include some claiming to be friends of Ji Shuhua, while others come under the pretense of a challenge...

They’re not outright villains, but killing them ruthlessly would surely tarnish our reputation.

Su Mo smiled:

"The martial world is no game. Once you’re in, no matter your original stance, if you aim to climb over others to succeed,

"You’d better be ready to pay the price...

"The beauty of rivers and lakes, green mountains that bury white bones. Beneath this splendor lies a sea of blood."

Yang Xiaoyun’s eyes widened as she realized Su Mo’s killing intent had surfaced.

But she wasn’t afraid; instead, she felt a thrill.

Even Hu Sandao beside her couldn’t resist rubbing his hands:

"Chief Escort, should we fight our way out?"

Su Mo glanced back at Hu Sandao and shook his head lightly:

"Enough with the nonsense. Our Ziyang Escort Agency stands for justice and integrity—how can you call it killing?

"Alright, it’s not time yet. Let’s wait a little longer.

"Xu Lu isn’t back yet. Hmm, call Xiaoxiao over; we’ll have breakfast in the room."

Before breakfast was over, Xu Lu had already slipped in through the window.

Before he could even steady himself, he blurted out:

"What’s happening downstairs? Why’s there such a crowd?"

Looking up, he saw everyone seated and was taken aback: "Everyone’s here?"

"Come on, eat."

Su Mo beckoned to him, and Xu Lu sat down.

Zhen Xiaoxiao, ever the enthusiastic one, loved to eat but never alone. She grabbed a greasy pork knuckle and handed it to Xu Lu:

"Dig in!"

"..."

Xu Lu had been up all night working, and staring at the big pork knuckle, he just couldn't stomach it.

However, seeing Zhen Xiaoxiao's small eyes fixed on him with a look that said if he didn't eat it, she might just take a bite out of him, he had no choice but to take a bite, bracing himself:

"It's really good."

Zhen Xiaoxiao immediately nodded in agreement.

She felt a little disappointed, thinking that if Xu Lu didn't eat it, she could have it.

But Xu Lu had helped the Boss out yesterday and hadn't eaten at night, so it was only fair to treat him to a pork knuckle.

Xu Lu picked up his bowl and was just about to speak, but Su Mo waved his hand:

"Finish your meal first."

"Okay."

Following the rule of no talking during meals, everyone stayed quiet and focused on eating.

Breakfast was over quickly, and Xu Lu then said:

"On the Chief Escort's orders, I went back to that house last night and finally got a handle on their situation.

"Their owner's surname is Cai, a prominent family in Jinyang City, running inns and restaurants.

"The inn we're staying in is one of their properties.

"Last night, I didn't go straight to their house but asked around the neighborhood.

"The info I got was pretty consistent.

"They all said that Boss Cai is a kind-hearted man, always treats people well, and rarely makes enemies.

"After that, I returned to the Cai family compound...

"However, Manager Cai was pretty spooked last night. After waking up in the middle of the night, he wailed like a banshee for a while.

"Once he calmed down, I went in to ask.

"Then I found out... even though Manager Cai is a good guy, he's not without enemies."

After Xu Lu found Manager Cai again last night, Manager Cai was naturally suspicious of this stranger who showed up late at night.

Xu Lu figured that once he mentioned he was the one who tossed the body in and saved the couple, Manager Cai would at least show him some respect.

But after he said that, Manager Cai almost jumped up.

He started yelling and wanted to have Xu Lu arrested.

Manager Cai hadn't noticed the two white-robed swordsmen at the time, thinking it was Xu Lu playing tricks, and now he was showing off in front of him? How could that be?

Fortunately, Xu Lu was quick and covered Manager Cai's mouth, explaining the situation in detail. Only then did Manager Cai realize that he had truly walked a circle around the gates of hell.

After that, whatever Xu Lu asked, Manager Cai answered truthfully.

It turned out that the cause of all this was because Manager Cai had a precious daughter.

At sixteen, she was blossoming into a graceful and elegant young woman.

In the past, matchmakers practically wore out the doorstep with their marriage proposals.

Manager Cai, however, always treated his daughter like a precious gem, naturally being very picky, wanting to find the perfect match for her.

Young Miss Cai rarely ventured beyond the inner courtyard, staying mostly indoors.

She lived in a secluded tower with a few maids, her only pastime sitting by the window, veiled in light gauze, watching the bustling streets below.

It was precisely this that caught the eye of a young master from another family in Jinyang City.

This young master, surnamed Qi, came from a family that ran a pawnshop in Jinyang City.

Their business was just as large, if not larger, than the Cai family's.

On one of his outings, Young Master Qi caught sight of Young Miss Cai and immediately sent his father to propose marriage.

Manager Qi thought it would be a done deal, as the union of the two families would be a perfect match, a tale to be told.

However, he didn’t expect Manager Cai to nearly chase him out with a broom.

The reason was simple: Young Master Qi was a notorious playboy.

Leveraging his ties with the Fallen Phoenix Alliance, he acted with arrogance and recklessness in Jinyang City.

Frequenting brothels was the least of it; if he spotted a beautiful young woman or a married lady on the street, he’d find a way to bring her to his mansion.

This had caused many injustices.

The ordinary folks had no choice but to grit their teeth and bear it.

But Manager Cai was no ordinary man; how could he stand by when it came to his own daughter?

After this incident, Manager Qi was livid, and the two families became sworn enemies.

The Qi family’s ties with the Fallen Phoenix Alliance were shallow, and the Cai family’s ability to hold their ground in Jinyang City hinted at their own connections.

The two families clashed several times, but it always ended in a stalemate.

This, however, drew the attention of the Fallen Phoenix Alliance, who urged them to make peace.

With the Fallen Phoenix Alliance stepping in, the two families naturally didn’t dare continue their feud, but the hatred lingered.

Manager Cai thought it would be fine as long as the Qi family gave up their intentions and left his daughter alone.

But then, in the dead of night, someone broke into his room, intent on killing him...

After Xu Lu questioned him, he thought it over and realized that no one but the Qi family could hate him so much.

Upon hearing this, Xu Lu didn’t hesitate.

Taking advantage of the remaining night, he quickly found his way to the Qi family to investigate.

The security at the Qi family was on par with the Cai family’s, capable of stopping ordinary martial artists and even some skilled ones.

But how could they stop a master of light-footed skills like Xu Lu?

Xu Lu slipped into the room, yanked Manager Qi out of bed, and without preamble, sneered coldly:

"Old crook, your dirty deeds are out in the open."

These seven words snapped Manager Qi out of his drowsiness, leaving him terrified.

He quickly asked, "Which one are you talking about?"

Xu Lu almost laughed, realizing there wasn’t just one incident.

He snapped, "Figure it out yourself."

Manager Qi, being straightforward, listed all his recent misdeeds one by one.

Most of these were pretty minor, honestly.

After all, they wouldn’t dare kill anyone with the Fallen Phoenix Alliance watching over them.

When Manager Qi kept beating around the bush, Xu Lu snapped, "Think harder!"

After a long pause, Manager Qi finally blurted, "Is this about Manager Cai? Please, spare me! This isn’t my fault, I swear! It’s all my good-for-nothing son, who got mixed up with some shady characters, saying they could not only deal with Old Cai and make his daughter marry my son, but also take over his business. I got greedy, and that’s how it happened..."

Xu Lu didn’t need to hear the rest—the problem clearly started with Manager Qi.

After further questioning, it became clear.

Manager Qi’s son was a spoiled rich kid, good for nothing but chasing women.

He hung out with nothing but troublemakers.

This time, he’d hooked up with some guy who claimed to have connections in the martial world.

For a little cash, they could take care of Manager Cai, no problem.

With Manager Cai gone, Manager Qi could easily take over his business.

And the young miss would be theirs for the taking!

At this point, the matter became clear; the root of it all was here.

At first, Manager Qi brushed it off, thinking it was just another one of his son’s scams.

But then he ran into Manager Cai, and they got into a shouting match right in the street.

Manager Qi couldn’t keep up with Manager Cai’s sharp tongue and slunk away.

Back home, he stewed in anger and, desperate, told his son to reach out to that guy.

After hearing the plan, the guy didn’t ask for much—just a down payment.

After the payment, they got a token, told to keep it safe for later.

But after that, nothing happened.

After a few days of stewing, Manager Qi started to see the light.

He sent someone to track them down, but they were long gone.

Luckily, it only cost a few hundred taels for a useless token, which was pretty annoying.

After several days of peace, until tonight when Xu Lu found him. With these words, the matter was concluded.

Su Mo frowned slightly, "Where is the plaque?"

"Here it is."

Xu Lu was well-prepared and handed the plaque to Su Mo.

This item naturally couldn't be left in Manager Qi's hands, as it was a key item.

Su Mo took the plaque and glanced at it.

The plaque was an ordinary iron piece, seemingly nothing special.

However, the pattern on it was quite intriguing.

It was a sword!

The blade was faintly visible, and the tip of the sword seemed to glimmer with a bloody hue.

But Su Mo had never seen such a plaque before and couldn't help but glance at Yang Xiaoyun:

"Sister Xiaoyun, do you recognize this?"

Yang Xiaoyun also shook her head, "Never seen it before."

Both of them were puzzled for a moment but noticed that Xu Lu seemed hesitant to speak.

Su Mo smiled, "Hero Xu, do you know what this plaque is?"

"It's the Hidden Kill Order!"

Xu Lu spoke without hesitation.

"The Hidden Kill Order?"

Su Mo's eyebrow lifted slightly, "Explain."

"This is the first time I've seen this plaque, but you know I've been around all kinds of people for many years, and I've heard quite a bit about shady and clandestine dealings."

Xu Lu said, "The Hidden Kill Order comes from an organization called the Hidden Kill Tower. This organization is shrouded in mystery, lurking in the shadows, with a host of skilled assassins. They are paid to eliminate problems; their trade is assassination."

"Assassins..."

Su Mo wasn't surprised that such an organization existed in the martial world, but he was somewhat astonished, "Such an organization, and I've never heard of it?"

"Different trades, different worlds. You run an escort agency; they deal in assassinations. Unless it involves oneself, who would know about them?

"If they spread the news far and wide, wouldn't they be seeking their own demise?"

Xu Lu gave a helpless smile, then looked again at the plaque in Su Mo's hand:

"But this plaque is actually proof from the Hidden Kill Tower. After hiring an assassin, this plaque is left as a mark. After the assassination, the plaque is collected.

"However, I've heard that if the assassination goes awry... this plaque can be used to place a new order, at no cost.

"But here's the thing: if the plaque is lost through negligence, the one who loses it becomes the next target of the Hidden Kill Tower.

"And whoever gets the plaque can place a new order."