Chapter 274: Invitation

Chapter 274: Invitation

Hu Sandao’s words left Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun completely baffled.

It had never occurred to them that White Tiger City had such a profound origin.

Yang Xiaoyun couldn’t help but ask:

"If they’re so formidable, why do they stay in one place and not expand?"

Hu Sandao shrugged: "How would we know? There are rumors that they can’t leave this place, or else the power of the Emperor’s Heart Sutra would be greatly reduced. Others say they have no ambition for expansion and just want to rest and recover here, staying out of the world’s troubles..."

Su Mo looked over at White Tiger City and shook his head lightly:

"We’re just passing through. Follow local customs and avoid offending any taboos.

"As long as we can get through smoothly, that’s all that matters."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Su Mo couldn’t help but look at Xiaoxiao and noticed that she seemed lost in thought, as if she hadn’t paid any attention to his words.

He had to ask her again: "Xiaoxiao, did you hear me?"

"Huh?"

Zhen Xiaoxiao sniffled and swallowed:

"Boss, you think this Tiger King’s so big, could we eat it for days?"

"..."

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun both rolled their eyes, knowing full well that the girl's thoughts were definitely off.

Hu Sandao's face turned pale: "Miss, you better not say anything like that once we're inside."

"Got it."

Zhen Xiaoxiao patted her chest and said, "Don't worry, I get it. I’m just thinking about it, I won’t actually do it, and I won’t say a word!"

"Good, keep that in mind."

Su Mo glanced at Yang Xiaoyun, who nodded in understanding.

He wanted her to watch Zhen Xiaoxiao, so she doesn’t blab and stir up trouble.

With that, they stopped talking and entered White Tiger City.

Even though White Tiger City had a mysterious reputation locally, going in was uneventful.

The remnants at the gate were used to outsiders.

And once inside, everything seemed normal.

The city had a lively, bustling vibe with people buying and selling everywhere.

The vibe was kind of like Wufangji.

But this was to be expected, as White Tiger City occupied a special position, serving as a hub for the flow of goods, naturally making it bustling and vibrant.

Su Mo and the others didn’t want to linger in White Tiger City, so they entered through the east gate and planned to exit through the west gate.

However, this step took an unexpected turn.

The Yizu clan gatekeepers informed them that lately, White Tiger City has allowed entry but not exit.

To leave, they would have to wait for three days.

When they asked why, it turned out that Su Mo and his group had arrived at a bad time, just as the Yizu clan's festival was happening.

White Tiger City holds two festivals each year.

There’s the grand festival, which takes place at the end of the year.

It lasts for a full seven days, when the city is closed for solemn rituals.

The other is a smaller festival, which is happening now.

Unlike the grand festival, during the smaller festival, White Tiger City allows entry but not exit.

After entering the city, one can observe the ceremonies during the festival, and everyone who attends gets blessed by the Tiger Lord.

There are even rumors that those who receive the blessings will have their wishes come true and everything goes smoothly for the following year.

Some regular travelers are aware of this and even wait for the festival to attend the ceremonies.

However, during the grand festival, the city is emptied of anyone not from the Yizu clan.

Even if one wanted to observe the ceremonies, it would be impossible; otherwise, there would be even more observers.

The Yizu clan members were very polite to outsiders, realizing Su Mo and his group didn’t know about the festival, and they explained in detail.

They also apologized, stating that it was the clan's rule and hoped the guests would understand.

Su Mo didn’t push the issue but instead took Yang Xiaoyun and the others back into White Tiger City to find a place to stay.

Because of the festival, most inns were packed.

After checking a few places, they finally found an inn with three rooms left.

……

……

Inside the room, Yang Xiaoyun opened the window and looked at the bustling White Tiger City, frowning slightly:

"A three-day delay isn’t a huge deal.

"But isn’t it a little too convenient that we arrived during the festival?

"Why did we show up right when it’s happening?"

She turned to Su Mo: "Now that we have the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron with us, word might have already reached White Tiger City. Every day we stay here increases the risk."

"Yang Xiaoyun is right."

Su Mo nodded: "So, everyone should rest well now. Tonight, I plan to take you all and secretly leave White Tiger City."

Yang Xiaoyun paused, then laughed.

"I was wondering why you suddenly became so compliant, turning back just because they said we couldn't leave. Turns out you had this in mind all along."

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right?"

Su Mo sighed, "Since we're already here, it's better not to confront them directly. A more indirect approach is better than forcing our way and risking harm."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded repeatedly, indicating she understood.

They promptly ordered a table full of dishes, and after a hearty meal, everyone retired to rest.

During the day, there wasn't much casual chatter. Su Mo sat on the bed meditating while also keeping an ear on the situation in the inn's lobby.

He discovered that the news about the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron had indeed reached White Tiger City.

Many patrons in the inn were discussing it.

However, those discussing it were mostly ordinary folks or traveling merchants.

They were more concerned with the item's value and who it should be sold to...

Su Mo was momentarily at a loss for words, as if the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron was already in their possession.

He then tuned out and closed his eyes to meditate.

As night fell, White Tiger City grew even more vibrant.

The entire city was aglow with lights.

Fire basins burned around the city, creating a ring of intertwined flames.

Every household emerged, dressed in special attire, dancing through the streets.

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun stood by the window, watching and noticing many people on the rooftops and in rooms with open windows like theirs, all quietly observing.

Melodious songs echoed throughout the city, sometimes soft, sometimes loud.

Faintly, a tiger's roar seemed to linger in their ears.

Yang Xiaoyun marveled, "There's truly something extraordinary about this."

Su Mo looked in the direction the crowd was heading, "That must be the Tiger Lord's Temple Old Hu mentioned. Their so-called small festival involves singing and dancing, circling the city, and ultimately arriving at the Tiger Lord's Temple to pay homage. In the end, everyone returns home... This small festival likely lasts several days."

"If I'm not mistaken, the Grand Priestess is probably in the Tiger Lord's Temple overseeing the proceedings."

He smiled slightly, "It's actually quite fascinating. If we weren't so busy, we could stay a few more days to experience the unique aspects of their clan."

Yang Xiaoyun also nodded, but just as she was about to speak, she noticed a group of remnant disciples who stood out, not participating in the festival, but making their way towards the inn.

At first, she didn't pay much heed, but soon, footsteps echoed on the inn's stairs.

After a while, there was a knock on the door.

Yang Xiaoyun glanced at Su Mo and went to open the door.

Standing outside were several remnant disciples, led by a young man.

He glanced at Yang Xiaoyun and then asked:

"I heard that the Chief Escort of Ziyang Escort Agency is staying here in Sunset City, so I came to visit. May I ask which one is Chief Escort Su?"

"You're too kind."

Su Mo moved beside Yang Xiaoyun and smiled, saying, "I am Su Mo. May I ask who you are?"

"So you are Chief Escort Su."

The visitor seemed to show immediate respect, clasping his fists and saying, "I am Bai Yong. My master is the Chief Attendant of the Imperial Court. Upon learning of Chief Escort Su's arrival, he specifically tasked me with inviting you."

Chief Attendant of the Imperial Court!?

What kind of title is that?

Su Mo was momentarily taken aback and asked, "Does this master know me?"

"Of course not."

Bai Yong smiled and said, "However, we have heard that Chief Escort Su is the number one expert in the Eastern Wasteland. With such a distinguished guest arriving, my master naturally wouldn't miss the chance to meet you. That is why he sent me to invite you. Please, Chief Escort Su, follow us."

Yang Xiaoyun's brow furrowed slightly. Although this person spoke quite politely, there was an air of command in his words.

He didn't even consider whether Su Mo wanted to meet this so-called Chief Attendant...

It couldn't help but leave a bad taste.

Su Mo, however, smiled lightly: "I see. Since we have come to your esteemed place, it would be rude not to meet. Please, lead the way."

"Good, Chief Escort Su is direct. Please."

Bai Yong gestured with his hand, and the people behind him made way.

Su Mo took a step forward, and Yang Xiaoyun followed behind.

Bai Yong immediately said, "My master only invited Chief Escort Su alone."

"Hmm?"

Yang Xiaoyun narrowed her eyes: "Your master only invited my husband. That is your master's thought. What does it have to do with me?"

"Insolent!"

Someone behind Bai Yong immediately shouted in anger.

"Silence!"

Bai Yong turned around and glared at them:

"Who dares to speak in front of Chief Escort Su?"

As he spoke, he looked at Su Mo.

Su Mo's eyebrows lifted slightly: "Our group from Ziyang Escort Agency is visiting White Tiger City for the first time, and we are not familiar with many of the customs here. To avoid breaking the rules of White Tiger City, it would be better for us to stay together."

As he said this, Hu Sandao and Zhen Xiaoxiao also came out of their rooms.

"Great, now that everyone's here, let's all go together to meet this prominent figure of White Tiger City."

Su Mo spoke softly, and as he turned, his sleeve flicked, releasing an unseen force. The men brought by Bai Yong were buffeted by this force, unable to resist, and they all stepped back, some tumbling to the ground.

The one who had just shouted at Yang Xiaoyun to 'shut up' inexplicably stumbled several steps back.

In an instant, he was already at the staircase railing, then he threw his head back and suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, before toppling over the railing.

With a resounding crash, he landed in the inn's lobby.

Bai Yong's expression shifted, and he rushed to assess the situation, but then he heard Su Mo's cold voice in his ears:

"Aren’t you going to lead the way, brother?"

The voice entered his ears, and Bai Yong's body trembled, a chill shot up his spine.

He felt Su Mo could end his life in an instant.

In that moment, he instinctively channeled his inner energy, and a tiger's roar surged through him.

But behind him, silence loomed.

After a moment, he stiffly turned around, his gaze heavy with apprehension as he looked at Su Mo.

So this is the Eastern Wasteland’s top expert!?

Bai Yong's heart sank, and a palpable sense of danger pounded in his chest.

Su Mo seemed capable of ending him with a mere gesture.

He instantly regretted his decision to approach Su Mo tonight...

As his eyes shifted, he subconsciously spoke:

"Chief Escort Su, maybe we should wait until tomorrow..."

Before he could finish, he met Su Mo's gaze.

In the next moment, the icy dread returned, and he involuntarily stopped speaking.

But then he saw Su Mo just smile lightly: "Lead the way."

Thinking of changing plans now? Not a chance!

Today, Su Mo was determined to meet the Chief Attendant of the Imperial Court.

"Understood."

Bai Yong's heart trembled.

Su Mo’s calm demeanor lacked any harshness, but an overwhelming fear rendered him powerless.

He subconsciously wanted to shrink his neck, but considering his status, he had to endure the prickling fear on his back and lead the way for Su Mo and the others.

"Let's go."

Su Mo took Yang Xiaoyun's hand and waved to Hu Sandao and Zhen Xiaoxiao.

"Boss, where’re we headed?"

Zhen Xiaoxiao asked as she walked.

Su Mo grinned: "Someone’s treating us to a late-night snack. You’re in for a treat."

"Really!"

Zhen Xiaoxiao’s eyes lit up with excitement as she eagerly followed.

The group came down from the second floor of the inn, where the guy who’d fallen earlier was now out cold.

Su Mo had really laid into him this time.

He wasn’t the kind of guy who’d wipe out a whole family over a single word.

But Yang Xiaoyun was special to him.

His fiancée, whom he’d never even raised his voice at—how dare this punk yell at her?

If he didn’t teach the guy a lesson, wouldn’t it make him look weak in front of everyone?

"Chief Escort Su… what about him…"

Bai Yong had someone pick the guy up.

Su Mo, though, looked confused:

"Huh? What’s up with him?"

"Wasn’t he okay a second ago?"

"He was hollering like he had all the energy in the world."

"So why’s he out cold now?"

"..."

Bai Yong had plenty to say, but one look at Su Mo’s calm face, and the words stuck in his throat.

He didn’t have the guts.

He’d been full of courage earlier, but now, just the sight of Su Mo made his bravery vanish.

He had no choice but to let others handle the guy and quietly lead the way.

But the route they took was nothing like the one they’d come by.

The whole trip had Bai Yong’s heart pounding.

He kept feeling like a blade was hovering at the back of his neck.

Any second now, his head would roll.

But when he glanced back, Su Mo and the others were just chatting and laughing, completely oblivious. When they noticed him looking, they asked, curious, what was up.

He led the way again, but soon enough, it felt like a sword had stabbed him in the back.

Like he’d been nailed to the spot, dead.

He shuddered and spun around… but nothing was there.

All in all, Bai Yong figured he’d died at least fifty or sixty times on that trip.

And each time, the manner of his death was different.

Sometimes, as he turned around suspiciously, he suddenly felt as though a long sword had pierced his skull.

After regaining his composure, he was so terrified that his legs felt weak.

The journey wasn't particularly long, but to Bai Yong, it felt interminable.

Twisting and turning, winding around, they finally arrived in front of a rather splendid building, with Bai Yong already drenched in cold sweat.

His back was soaked through with sweat.

Now, he didn't even have the courage to glance back at Su Mo.

He just wanted to dash inside as quickly as possible.

But remembering his master's orders, he suppressed his fear and led Su Mo inside.

Passing through pavilions, past small gazebos, and through gardens, they eventually arrived in front of a hall.

Just as they were about to enter, the guards halted Su Mo and his companions.

They heard the guards say indifferently:

"The Chief Attendant of the Imperial Court is of noble status; visiting guests must disarm and surrender their personal belongings before entering."

"..."

Su Mo stood there, momentarily speechless.

He glanced back at Yang Xiaoyun and saw that she also looked quite confused.

They were seasoned and experienced in the ways of the world.

But since they began their travels, they had never encountered a faction so naive, so idiotic.

Where did this confidence come from, this belief that their words must be obeyed?

The White Tiger City, capable of dominating here, shouldn't be so simplistic!

They were invited here, ostensibly to meet.

But the underlying message was all about commands.

Their companions wanted to accompany them, but they were not permitted.

They were being deliberately separated.

Now that they had arrived, they were required to leave their belongings behind.

Their intent was already clear.

Su Mo didn't know whether to be angry or to laugh in disbelief.

In all his travels, even from his humble beginnings, he had never been so blatantly disrespected.

Moreover, he now held the reputation of being the top martial artist in the Eastern Wasteland.

Was it that the White Tiger City underestimated the world, or did they possess some extraordinary ability?

Su Mo was genuinely curious to see what would happen next.

With a smile, he said:

"Alright, the sword is right here. If you think you can take it, go ahead."

He casually untied the sword case from his back and flipped it onto the ground.

The Dragon Roar Sword inside the case seemed to sense his anger, buzzing incessantly inside the case.

The two guards exchanged glances and immediately reached for the sword.

However, the moment their hands touched the sword case, their bodies stiffened and they collapsed to the ground without warning.

Seeing this, Bai Yong broke out in a cold sweat, his hair standing on end.

When he heard the words earlier, he already sensed trouble.

But this was not an inn; they were already at the Chief Attendant of the Imperial Court's residence.

For all intents and purposes, he couldn't be as meek as before.

He was also curious to see how Su Mo would handle things.

Seeing Su Mo actually take off the sword case, he assumed Su Mo was about to give in.

But... just touching the sword case? How could this happen?

He rushed to the two men, checked their breaths, and his face turned pale:

"Dead!?"

Su Mo shook his head slightly. At this point, he no longer expected the Chief Attendant to play by the rules.

But if you won't follow the rules, don't blame Su Mo for being unreasonable.

He called out loudly:

"Chief Attendant of the Imperial Court, Su Mo has arrived as invited. Please come out and meet me!"

Su Mo's voice, powered by his internal energy, made everyone in the mansion feel their ears ring and vibrate!