Chapter 279: Clueless

Chapter 279: Clueless

"No children..."

Hu Sandao paused, momentarily stunned, instinctively thinking the absence of children might not be unusual.

But on second thought, he realized something was amiss...

How could there be no children!?

A village without kids is a dying village.

Moreover, along the way, they truly hadn't seen a single child.

This tiny detail was easy to miss.

But once noticed, Hu Sandao felt a cold shiver crawl down his back.

As Su Mo pulled a porcelain bottle from his pocket and handed out pills, he glanced at Hu Sandao: "Old Hu, when you were here last, did you see any kids?"

"..."

Hu Sandao paused, then thought hard:

"I think there were, but maybe not..."

It was a non-answer, really.

Su Mo shot him an exasperated look, then urged everyone to take the pills.

The pills were called White Jade Pills.

They were the same pills Little Situ Taoist handed out outside the Misty Forest that day.

They could fend off all poisons, hence the name 'Hundred Avoidance,' later shortened to White Jade Pills.

The medicine was incredibly effective, offering extra protection.

As they swallowed the pills, footsteps approached, and the middle-aged woodcutter entered.

He lugged a bundle of firewood and scooped water from a nearby jar into a big pot.

While boiling water, he kept glancing at Su Mo and his group. Su Mo grinned, "What's the water for?"

"Scalding the feathers."

The burly man grinned, "My wife's out back killing a chicken. Gotta scald the feathers or they won't budge."

"Oh."

Su Mo nodded, "What's your last name, brother?"

"Oh, no need for that."

The burly man quickly replied, "I'm Qi, Qi Dashan. This place was once Qi Village, and we're all Qis here."

"My father told me that later there seemed to be a disaster in the village. A passing feng shui master took a look and said the village's feng shui was bad, so he rearranged it."

"He even went as far as changing the village's name."

"Ah, I see."

Su Mo glanced at Hu Sandao. The burly man claimed his surname was Qi, which matched what the elderly man had said earlier.

Still, the whole story seemed plausible, but it was hard to tell if it was true or not.

Besides Hu Sandao, no one else had been here, so naturally, they had to ask Hu Sandao for information.

Hu Sandao was still racking his brain, trying to remember if there were any children here the last time he came... When he noticed Su Mo’s gaze, he looked utterly bewildered.

Su Mo gave a slight shake of his head, realizing the old man was no help.

Not that it was surprising—Hu Sandao wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. Occasionally, he would think hard, but whatever he came up with usually ended up being a trap for himself.

Once the conversation got going, Qi Dashan opened up more.

He showed a keen interest in the world beyond the village.

He inquired where Su Mo and the others hailed from, why they were armed, and whether they were martial artists. He admitted he’d idolized those legendary martial arts masters since childhood, but unfortunately, he never had the chance to learn martial arts.

It didn’t sound like a lie, but when he asked to touch their weapons, Su Mo refused.

The burly man flushed with embarrassment and felt like he had made an inappropriate request.

Right then, the water he’d been boiling was ready. He excused himself and carried the basin to the backyard.

A short while later, the old woman returned, along with the elderly man who seemed to have gone to the outhouse. They quickly urged Su Mo and the others to dig in, saying the chicken would be ready soon.

Su Mo had already inspected the food earlier, and it was safe.

Plus, everyone had taken a White Jade Pill, so they dug in without hesitation.

Midway through the meal, Xiu Lan and Qi Dashan entered, carrying a basin to stew the chicken for everyone.

The elderly man rummaged through the cabinets, unearthed a jar of wine, and insisted on sharing it with everyone.

Su Mo didn’t refuse, though he had no intention of drinking a single drop.

But whatever suspicions they had about the family, they weren’t ready to confront them yet, so they played along.

Here, the escort agency’s attire proved useful.

They clinked cups and made small talk. By the time the chicken was served, more than half an hour had passed.

They ate a lot of rice and drank a lot of wine with the chicken. Zhen Xiaoxiao felt she’d only nibbled but knew she couldn’t indulge fully—it would’ve been impolite.

The elderly man seemed to have drunk his fill and went back to his room to lie down.

Qi Dashan had also drunk quite a bit, and his speech was slurred. He asked Xiu Lan to lead everyone to the side rooms.

Xiu Lan was much younger than Qi Dashan, seemingly only in her early twenties. Although her clothes were quite rustic, they couldn't hide her graceful figure.

Walking ahead, her waist swayed gently, catching everyone's attention.

Yang Xiaoyun arched a brow and shot a quick glance at Su Mo.

She noticed Su Mo was staring fixedly at Xiu Lan.

She was momentarily stunned, sensing something was amiss... Upon closer inspection, she realized Su Mo's gaze was mostly fixed on Xiu Lan's hands.

Her hands were pale and slender, with delicate, almost ethereal fingers.

Yang Xiaoyun instinctively glanced at her own palm. Years of spear practice had once left her hands covered in calluses.

But as her mastery of the Great Upper Xuan Scripture deepened, the calluses on her hands had vanished.

Lost in thought, she felt her hand enveloped by a warm, large hand. She turned to see Su Mo smiling at her.

Yang Xiaoyun rolled her eyes, gently tried to free her hand, but gave up when it didn’t budge.

The courtyard was small, so they reached their destination quickly.

The door stood open, and the interior layout was similar to the previous house.

Two rooms flanked the space, one on the left and one on the right. Xiu Lan guided them to the left room’s door:

"You two..."

As she began to speak, she noticed Su Mo holding Yang Xiaoyun's hand and immediately understood:

"You two should rest here."

"Alright."

Su Mo nodded.

The room across was, of course, assigned to Zhen Xiaoxiao.

Finally, Old Hu was settled in another house at the far end of the courtyard.

With that, the rooms were settled.

Once Xiu Lan departed, everyone gathered in Su Mo's room.

Su Mo glanced around and said with a smile, "Old Hu, go get some rest first."

"..."

Hu Sandao hesitated: "Chief Escort, this place feels off. Shouldn’t we leave before nightfall?"

Su Mo shook his head: "Do you recall if there was a child when we were here last?"

"Yes."

Old Hu nodded firmly: "There was a child. Last time, we stayed in the big house to the east. The family spanned three generations... But it was late, and the rain was pouring. The child had gone to bed early, and being strangers, we barely saw him.

"But now that I think about it, the child did peek out from the door. He looked drowsy and was startled by the sight of so many of us.

"The man of the house then told the child to go back to rest, and then they arranged dinner for us."

Such small details are indeed easy to forget.

Su Mo nodded gently: "Alright, Old Hu, get some rest. It’s been a long day."

"...Alright."

Seeing that Su Mo remained adamant, Hu Sandao didn’t press further, cupped his fists, and turned to leave.

Su Mo then directed Zhen Xiaoxiao to the adjacent room, and Yang Xiaoyun was quick to follow.

But Su Mo yanked her back.

Once inside, Zhen Xiaoxiao turned and shut the door.

The room had a kang, sparing them from sleeping on the floor. She climbed onto the kang and drifted off to sleep.

Yang Xiaoyun turned her gaze to Su Mo:

"Xiu Lan’s hands are rather lovely."

"Indeed, they don’t look like they’ve done hard labor."

After a brief exchange, they shared a smile.

But then, Yang Xiaoyun’s brow furrowed:

"She isn’t from this village...

"And she’s no peasant woman.

"Otherwise, her hands wouldn’t be this soft and delicate.

"At first, I thought you were checking her out, but then I realized you were studying her hands."

As she spoke, she couldn’t help but admire him.

Su Mo had always been keenly observant, able to glean useful insights from the tiniest details.

This sharpness had been part of him since she began traveling with him.

She thought she’d picked up a lot from him, but now she saw how much she still had to learn.

Su Mo, meanwhile, tugged Yang Xiaoyun onto the kang. The weather was warm, so heating the kang wasn’t necessary.

The bedding, clearly sun-dried, carried the warmth of the midday sun... though some might call it the stench of dead dust mites.

Su Mo paid it no mind and murmured:

"They’re outsiders..."

Yang Xiaoyun thought for a moment: "Because of... the vanished children?"

"Yes."

Su Mo nodded: "I kept asking Old Hu about the children to clarify this point.

"Desperation breeds lawlessness. In a place like Tihu Village, located in the wilderness with few travelers passing through, even farmers might turn into bandits if they encounter a small group of weak and unskilled people.

"During the day, they farm the land, and at night, they wield knives and kill.

"They bury the bodies in the mountains, and who would know what happened here?

"So, initially, I suspected that this village was actually a den of thieves."

"But in that case... there's no reason for them to be afraid of having children.

"This is how it’s been passed down through generations—why should they shy away from it?

"This is how they survive.

"But Xiu Lan's hands, and Old Hu mentioned that he actually saw children the last time he was here...

"That makes the situation completely different."

At this point, Yang Xiaoyun finally understood Su Mo’s point.

According to Old Hu, the villagers were kind and helpful when he and his friends were in trouble.

But now, something’s clearly changed in the village.

Xiu Lan and her people have taken over the village like intruders.

The most likely reason there are no children in the village is that they’re dead.

The whole village was wiped out, and a new group took their place.

Disguised as villagers, they’re lying in wait here.

As for whom they are waiting for...

Su Mo didn’t want to assume they were waiting for him, but now, it’s hard not to think so.

"Old Hu suggested we leave tonight... why didn’t you agree?"

Yang Xiaoyun looked at Su Mo.

Su Mo frowned slightly and sighed softly:

"If they’re only after us, bring it on—whatever they’ve got.

"But if they harm the innocent, especially kids, I won’t let them get away with it."

He spoke calmly, without anger.

Yang Xiaoyun glanced at Su Mo twice, then suddenly asked:

"Xiao Mo, you’re fond of kids, aren’t you?"

"Ah?"

Su Mo was caught off guard, feeling the conversation had taken an odd turn.

He was momentarily at a loss for words.

Yang Xiaoyun leaned into Su Mo’s arms, and he held her, watching her play with his fingers as she said:

"So, how many kids should we have?"

"...How many? Seriously?"

Su Mo was speechless: "Having kids isn’t easy—it’s like going through hell. And you want more than one? One’s enough—why go through that twice?"

"..."

Yang Xiaoyun looked up at Su Mo and said, "You're making it sound so intense, but I'm a martial artist."

"...When the time comes and you're in pain, just don't blame me in the delivery room."

"How many women would blame their husbands in the delivery room?"

Yang Xiaoyun shot him a glare. "Besides, I've heard from the old ladies at the bureau that giving birth is only really difficult the first couple of times. After that, it gets easier... I even heard that some women gave birth right in the fields."

"..."

Su Mo was puzzled. Why does this kind of story pop up everywhere?

He had heard this before in his previous life. How come he could still hear it in this martial arts world?

How does the multiverse stay so in sync?

His mind started to drift.

Then he heard Yang Xiaoyun say with a smile, "Besides, if you really care about me, you should find a few more women who get along with you. Like Little Situ Taoist, or the Wei family girl... That way, each of us can have a child with you..."

Su Mo quickly covered her mouth.

She was getting way out of hand.

Yang Xiaoyun pulled his hand away. "Why won't you let me finish what I’m saying?"

"A man and a woman alone, talking about this—don’t you think it’s a little risky?"

Su Mo suddenly let out a sly chuckle.

"..."

Yang Xiaoyun silently took Su Mo's hand, which had just covered her mouth, and placed it back over her own mouth. "I’ll stop talking..."

Su Mo smirked to himself. Can’t take it, huh?

Then he leaned toward the window, his ears perking up.

"What's wrong?"

Yang Xiaoyun asked softly when she saw this.

"I should’ve had Old Hu stay across the hall, so you wouldn’t have a chance to run off tonight."

Su Mo said.

"So why didn’t you?"

Yang Xiaoyun blinked her eyes.

Su Mo whispered, "When Xiu Lan brought us here, she was putting on an act, like she was up to something."

"So that’s why you grabbed my hand."

Yang Xiaoyun's eyes widened.

Su Mo then said, "I also made sure Old Hu stayed across the hall."

"...You took my hand, and we were in the same room. If Xiu Lan really had any ulterior motives, she would naturally know that this approach wouldn't work with you.

"But Old Hu is different. He's alone, staying in that house by himself, which makes it very convenient."

Yang Xiaoyun gasped, "Then isn't Old Hu in great danger tonight?"

"Exactly, we’re using him as bait to see what tricks these people are up to."

...

...

The night was deep, but Hu Sandao tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

Even a tough guy like him can have worries. He had kindly led Su Mo and the others to find a place to stay, never expecting things to turn out this way.

Had the strange occurrences in this village been there since the last time, or did something change afterward?

Whatever it was, it had put the two leaders in danger.

He sighed, let out a long breath, and sat up.

He reached out to push open the window, propped it open with a wooden stick, and leaned out to look, hoping to see the stars and calm his mind.

But outside, the sky was overcast, not a single star visible, and it looked like it might start raining any minute.

The day's scorching heat had given way to an eerie chill.

The cold wind sharpened his mind. Now he was even more wide awake...

Then, he couldn’t help but start pondering what he should do next.

Su Mo had done him a huge favor.

Not only had he given him a chance to shine, but he’d also taken care of the village’s elders and children.

He’d given them shelter, clothes, and food to survive.

But looking back at how he’d handled things, it was hard to put into words.

He’d handled plenty of small-time thugs, but against real martial arts masters, he stood no chance.

Leading them to find shelter had landed them in this mess...

"Ah..."

A soft sigh broke the silence, and Hu Sandao froze—it wasn’t him.

He followed the sound and saw no one, but then the main room creaked, and out stepped someone.

It was none other than Xiu Lan.

But now, Xiu Lan was clad only in a sheer gauze, her undergarments faintly visible beneath.

The mountain breeze made the gauze cling to her, highlighting her slender frame.

Hu Sandao, a man in his prime, couldn’t help but gulp at the sight.

Xiu Lan was delicate and beautiful, with a graceful and alluring figure, and her current appearance was enough to be the death of anyone.

But then he remembered who he was—and that Xiu Lan was Qi Dashan’s wife. It was already improper for him to glance at her in the middle of the night when he couldn't sleep, let alone have any wild ideas.

Most importantly, this place was off, and he needed to be extra cautious.

He immediately ducked back, but in his haste, he moved too quickly and accidentally bumped into the window frame.

With a loud thud, Hu Sandao froze, and so did Xiu Lan, who had been standing at the door letting out a wistful sigh.

When their eyes met, Hu Sandao's face turned red, and he let out an awkward chuckle before retreating.

Still, he stayed on edge, watching Xiu Lan closely. He was worried that she might suddenly shout and attract the attention of the chief escort.

If he were labeled as a pervert, he would never be able to clear his name, even if he jumped into the South Sea.

Just then, footsteps came his way.

Before he knew it, they were at the window. Hu Sandao didn't want to look out, but Xiu Lan softly spoke up:

"Big brother... why, why aren’t you asleep yet?"

Her voice was close, and Hu Sandao was flustered. In his panic, he yanked down the wooden stick supporting the window.

With a bang, the window shut...

Hu Sandao finally let out a long sigh of relief.

But outside, Xiu Lan was stunned.

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun, who had been watching coldly, ready to enjoy the spectacle, were also completely stunned.