Chapter 288: Blowing Things Out of Proportion

Chapter 288: Blowing Things Out of Proportion

Su Mo never considered himself a gentleman.

He wouldn’t even dare call himself a good person.

Things like righteousness and chivalry? Just labels others slapped on him.

He didn’t have Su Tianyang’s sense of chivalry, nor could he match Xu Lu’s self-sacrifice.

Therefore, when Ding Wugong and his ilk plotted against Yang Xiaoyun, Su Mo’s only thought was to make them beg for death!

So, he never planned to keep his word with Ding Wugong.

At first, his plan was straightforward: use the Tormenting Mantra to make this guy suffer for life.

But now, he had an even more convenient method.

The Brew of Separation… truly a good thing.

And given the questions about Ding Wugong’s identity, he was also perfect bait.

So, for both emotional and logical reasons, he couldn’t just give him a quick death.

Even if he couldn’t wring every last drop out of Ding Wugong like Ye Jun did with Wan Zangxin, he still had to extract whatever value was left in this guy.

Break his limbs, destroy his meridians, shatter his martial arts foundation.

Once he’d done all three, Su Mo shouted:

"Xiaoxiao."

"Boss, I wasn’t asleep!"

Zhen Xiaoxiao, who had been leaning against the corner, jolted awake and sprang to her feet, her small eyes red with exhaustion.

"..."

Su Mo’s fierce demeanor faltered, so he simply said:

"Hand this person over to you, don’t kill him, he’s useful."

Zhen Xiaoxiao immediately nodded and took Ding Wugong in hand, holding the one-legged bronze statue in one hand and dragging Ding Wugong with the other. She thought for a moment, finding it rather cumbersome.

Her eyes scanned the hall and suddenly brightened.

She quickly walked to one side of the hall, where someone had left behind a bundle of rope, which happened to be useful now.

She set the one-legged bronze statue on the ground and then placed Ding Wugong on top of it.

Using the rope, she tied the two together.

When she picked up the one-legged bronze statue again, she now had a one-legged bronze statue X2.

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun exchanged glances, watching Zhen Xiaoxiao swing the one-legged bronze statue, the wind whistling as Ding Wugong, tied to it, wept in the breeze. For a moment, they were torn between amusement and disbelief.

Without further ado, they began to loot the bodies scattered across the courtyard.

However, the job wasn’t exactly a walk in the park.

These corpses were mostly in a mangled state, with few remaining intact.

Searching through them proved to be quite troublesome.

After a cursory search, nothing particularly useful was found, except for some banknotes and elixirs.

They were sorted and packed accordingly, with the banknotes handed over to Yang Xiaoyun for safekeeping.

"Although Master Ji doesn't pay much per job, the wealth he brings is considerable," Yang Xiaoyun remarked, looking at the banknotes in her hand with some emotion. "These people are really loaded."

The lineage of the Wangxuan Mountain Lord was relatively poor, having little money on them.

However, the people from Wusheng Hall that Ding Wugong brought were either wealthy or of high status.

All together, they amounted to several thousand taels, equivalent to what Liu Mo would earn from a trip to Wufangji.

"Since they could follow Ding Wugong, they must be tightly connected to Wusheng Hall.

"In this region, hitching their wagon to Wusheng Hall surely means living well..."

Su Mo said, "Let's go, clear the poison outside, bring back the villagers, and deal with the corpses here tomorrow. This night will pass."

On top of that, Su Mo remembered that there was still one matter he hadn't settled.

He wondered how the spooky lady, who liked to play tricks, was considering it now?

...

...

"The matter entrusted by Chief Escort Su is really tricky."

Outside Tihu Village, on a hillside, the entire village could be seen at a glance.

The spooky lady was adept at playing tricks, with her red sedan chair and eerie lanterns, truly creepy under the night sky.

Su Mo decided to take her out of the village to talk, so her creepy appearance wouldn't freak out the villagers.

However, the first sentence she spoke caught Su Mo off guard.

Su Mo sat on a large rock, glanced at the red sedan chair, and gave a faint smile:

"Shadowkill Pavilion is in the business of killing. Now that a job has come your way, you're refusing it?"

"It's not that we're refusing it, but that we can't."

The spooky lady's words caught Su Mo off guard even more.

"Who exactly is this great manager? Is his martial arts beyond Shadowkill Pavilion's capabilities?"

"I've heard he isn't skilled in martial arts."

"Really?"

Su Mo laughed: "Then why can't Shadowkill Pavilion take him out?"

"Two reasons."

The Ghost Lady let out a long sigh:

"The first reason is that no one can find him.

"I know why Chief Escort Su knows of the great manager's name. Shadowkill Pavilion indeed took on the task of protecting him.

"However... that is not the real great manager.

"The great manager has countless incarnations, but the real one is only one.

"This one is so deeply hidden that almost no one in Donghuang can find him."

Su Mo was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter:

"This is getting even more intriguing. What's the second reason?"

"The second reason is... this person is incredibly wealthy!

"Money can move even the gods, and this god of wealth is not someone Shadowkill Pavilion is willing to cross.

"Please, Chief Escort Su, be merciful and stop putting me in a tight spot."

Su Mo went silent.

The Ghost Lady in the red sedan chair also stayed silent.

Only the mountain breeze, which had been blowing continuously, suddenly stilled at some point.

"Countless incarnations, money that can move even the gods.

"This person... could it really be?"

The Ghost Lady sighed:

"He is the great manager...

"The great manager of the Great Wealth Bank!"

The mountain wind suddenly roared, lifting the sedan curtain and tousling Su Mo's hair.

The Great Wealth Bank!

In Donghuang, you might not know the Seven Sects of East City or the Three Great Demon Sects.

You might not even know the current First of Donghuang, Su Mo...

But you absolutely must know the Great Wealth Bank.

The origins of the Great Wealth Bank are shrouded in mystery. In an era of constant martial conflict and chaos,

it has managed to earn the recognition of all factions for its existence.

As long as you carry the banknotes of the Great Wealth Bank, you can exchange them for silver at any branch in Donghuang.

There are many banks in Donghuang; almost every city and faction has its own.

But the only banknotes universally accepted across Donghuang are those of the Great Wealth Bank.

At first glance, this might not seem significant.

However, upon careful reflection, it always gives one the chills.

"The Wealthy Bank..."

Su Mo turned his head and looked down at Dihu Village beneath him:

"I should have realized it sooner...

"A great manager so wealthy that even the Shadowkill Pavilion dares not touch him.

"Truly, he is a man whose wealth can sway the heavens.

"And in the entire East Wasteland, who could rival the Wealthy Bank... in riches?"

"Yes."

The Ghost Lady appeared to smile, though her voice betrayed a touch of resignation:

"The Shadowkill Pavilion has a unique background, and this great manager of the Wealthy Bank has numerous business dealings with the Shadowkill Pavilion.

"If the Shadowkill Pavilion were to eliminate him, the repercussions would be beyond comprehension.

"Moreover, although the Shadowkill Pavilion is widespread across the East Wasteland with many eyes and ears, to this day, we have never been able to uncover where this great manager hides or who he truly is.

"Chief Escort Su asking the Shadowkill Pavilion to kill him is really overestimating us.

"It's akin to someone commissioning our Shadowkill Pavilion to assassinate Chief Escort Su; our immediate response would be to eliminate the requester.

"The Shadowkill Pavilion is in the business of killing, not suicide.

"We implore your understanding, Chief Escort Su."

"So, someone has hired your Shadowkill Pavilion to kill me?"

Su Mo glanced at the grand red sedan with a sly half-smile.

"Yes."

The Ghost Lady gave a definite answer: "Ever since the news spread throughout the martial world that the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron is in Chief Escort Su's possession, numerous adept martial artists have reached out to the Shadowkill Pavilion through diverse channels, hoping we would take on the task of eliminating Chief Escort Su."

"I guess my head's worth a pretty penny, huh?"

Su Mo chuckled.

"Exponentially more valuable than the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron."

The Ghost Lady shook her head gently: "Yet, none could meet that price."

"And what if someone were to meet that price?"

Su Mo seemed genuinely curious.

"..."

The Ghost Lady noticed that Su Mo appeared to relish complicating matters.

Following a brief pause, she exhaled deeply and confessed: "Then I suppose I'd have to repeat tonight's performance, locating that individual and making it clear that such a task is beyond the capabilities of our Shadowkill Pavilion."

"And what if you can't track them down?"

"...Then we can only come to Chief Escort Su Mo to inform you that someone wants to kill you, and to remind you... to be a bit more careful."

Chief Escort Su Mo sighed:

"The Shadowkill Pavilion has endured to this day for good reason."

They are so understanding and tactful, firmly avoiding those they cannot afford to provoke.

This approach, though somewhat cowardly and frustrating, and not particularly prestigious, at least keeps them safe.

However, in the end, a killer organization doesn't seem to need to make their reputation too formidable.

They are just assassins, killing for money, not seeking fame in the martial world.

A reputation that's too great not only brings them no benefits but could also become a burden.

"Chief Escort Su Mo..."

The voice of Ghost Lady sounded again:

"This time, it is due to our Shadowkill Pavilion's incompetence that we were unable to fulfill Chief Escort Su Mo's commission.

"To make up for the inconvenience caused to Chief Escort Su Mo in this matter, please accept this item."

As she spoke, something flew out of the sedan chair, whistling toward Su Mo.

However, as it approached, the strong wind around it suddenly dissipated.

Su Mo reached out and took the item in his hand, his eyebrows slightly raised—it was another token, but different.

But this token was different from the previous one.

Because... this was a golden token.

The golden token was thick and exquisitely crafted.

On it was also a sword, but this one showed no trace of blood.

Su Mo looked at the token, then glanced at Ghost Lady's sedan chair:

"What is this?"

"The most prestigious golden token of the Shadowkill Pavilion, reserved only for the most esteemed guests.

"Those who hold this golden token, whatever they request, as long as the Shadowkill Pavilion can do it, we will spare no effort to fulfill their wishes.

"And we will not charge a single penny."

Ghost Lady said: "Chief Escort Su Mo is the foremost martial arts master of Donghuang, so matters of killing, in truth, do not require the help of the Shadowkill Pavilion. However, if you wish to inquire about some news, or if there are matters inconvenient for you to handle yourself, you can always use this token to seek our Shadowkill Pavilion's assistance.

"That Xu Lu of the fleeting snow has his own ways to find the Shadowkill Pavilion.

"And if Chief Escort Su Mo needs, I can also leave the contact information for the Shadowkill Pavilion, making it convenient for you to find us at any time.

"Lastly, the holder of this golden token, as well as their family and friends, are exempt from the Shadowkill Pavilion's assassination list.

"If needed, no matter who wants to act against you, we will immediately relay the information to you."

"...No matter who?"

Su Mo's eyebrows lifted slightly.

"Except for those who hold the gold token."

After a brief pause, Ghost Lady added.

Su Mo laughed heartily:

"Your Shadowkill Pavilion certainly knows how to do business."

The big red sedan chair rocked gently, as if sharing in the laughter:

"Desiring both wealth and safety, naturally, we must navigate carefully among the powerful.

"Truthfully, Shadowkill Pavilion prefers to avoid these conflicts.

"One wrong move could mean total ruin... Yet, in the martial world, one is often at the mercy of fate. Thus, we hope Chief Escort Su understands."

In the martial world, one is often at the mercy of fate; I understand that well.

"But now, I have another question."

"Chief Escort Su, feel free to speak your mind."

"Why should I believe you?"

Su Mo raised his eyebrows and looked at the big red sedan chair:

"If human words can't always be trusted, how can ghostly words be believed?"

"These words seem to be yours, and Su Mo agrees wholeheartedly..."

The big red sedan chair, which had been swaying, now fell still.

As if it regretted its earlier words.

After a pause, it sighed:

"Chief Escort Su, as the First of Donghuang, I wouldn't dare deceive you or speak falsely.

"Otherwise, even without your intervention, I'd have no place in the martial world."

"What do you mean by that?"

Su Mo found it a bit strange.

"Chief Escort Su, are you unaware?"

Ghost Lady said: "The great manager has spread the word far and wide that you possess the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron, aiming to turn the martial world against you...

"This plan is clear, surely Chief Escort Su sees through it."

"Go on."

Su Mo nodded.

"However... Chief Escort Su, you have walked this path until now. Apart from some unrest within Jinyang City, which allowed you to establish your authority, have you encountered any martial arts masters who have pursued and intercepted you?"

Su Mo shook his head: "Could there be some unforeseen changes?"

"Such changes have not occurred for many years."

The Ghost Lady's voice seemed to brighten a bit:

"Chief Escort Su, have you forgotten what you have done since you started roaming the martial world?

"Not to mention the distant past, in the battle at Profound Theory Valley, do you know how many people you saved?

"These people are all prominent figures in the southwest.

"It must be said, the Youquan Cult is indeed formidable. By controlling these people, they almost had a grip on the entire southwest.

"Yet, in the end, their efforts were in vain, and it turned out to be a boon for Chief Escort Su.

"After the news of the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron spread, it did stir up some trouble in the initial days.

"But when the news reached the ears of those martial arts masters who had received your kindness, the situation suddenly changed.

"Anyone who harbored ill intentions towards Chief Escort Su, as soon as they showed any signs, would be immediately apprehended.

"Half a month ago, Shangguan Xiong, the invincible one from the Divine Fist Sect, Teng Yuxuan, the leader of the Mo Yuan Sect, and the master of the Canghai Pavilion, among others, issued sect leader decrees.

"Any disciple under their sects who attempted to seize the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron would first be stripped of their disciple status, then have their martial arts revoked, and finally, be jointly hunted down by these sects."

Su Mo blinked, recalling who they were.

"And besides them, there were also Hu Sanniang, the Fire Fox, Chu Xiong, the Little Diamond, Feng Beixiao, the Swift Wind...

"Weng Beichen, the Divine Palm, the Hermit of Green Mountain, and other renowned martial arts masters from the southwest have all taken action, stepping into the martial world to seek out anyone who intended to target the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron.

"These people, often before their plans could mature, were dragged out from various corners by these southwest martial arts masters and given a good beating.

"Only when they completely gave up their intentions towards the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron were they released..."

Hearing this, Su Mo finally couldn't help but laugh.

Thinking about it, it was quite ridiculous. People were gathered together, studying plots and schemes.

But before they could figure it out, a group of people rushed in, dragged them out, and beat them up...

The image was quite amusing.

But the Ghost Lady's words were not finished...

"If, even at this level, there were still people daring to harbor sinister intentions and ill will.

"Then since the group of killers from the Heavenly Blade Sect, carrying their swords down from Tianmen Mountain, declared that anyone who disrespects Chief Escort Su would be pursued to the ends of the earth, the martial world suddenly became much quieter.

"As for the Fallen Phoenix Alliance, needless to say, it is said that the Eighth Alliance Leader was on his way riding a horse, but was stopped by the Second Alliance Leader.

"Finally, in the name of the Fallen Phoenix Alliance, they took action to clear out potential threats."

After saying all this in one breath, the Ghost Lady took a deep breath:

Even the Seven Great Sects from the Eastern Wasteland have been mobilized, following the example of the Divine Fist Sect, the Ink Abyss Sect, and others.

To this day, everyone knows that the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron is with Chief Escort Su, yet... fewer than one in a hundred dare and are capable of coming.

And such individuals have been handled along the way by Hu Sandao.

Therefore, with Chief Escort Su's current reputation and status, a single command from him could obliterate the Shadowkill Pavilion.

Though I might dare to spout nonsense to the world, how could I dare to deceive Chief Escort Su by even a single word?"

...

Su Mo was momentarily unsure how to react.

He gave a slight shake of his head:

"It's just a simple escort job; why all the drama?"

"What did Chief Escort Su say?"

His voice was low, and the Ghost Lady missed his words.

Su Mo waved his hand:

"Never mind, there's just one final matter to attend to."

"What are your orders, Chief Escort Su?"

"Step forward, let me see your face."

Su Mo waved the golden token in his hand, saying:

"You really spooked Xu Lu; he claims you're faceless. Let's see if that's true..."

Ghost Lady: '...'