Chapter 298: Beyond Expectations

Chapter 298: Beyond Expectations

The air was thick, and even the cool autumn breeze couldn't lift the heavy atmosphere.

Xing Lan looked at Li Zhongming in astonishment:

"Hall Master Li, what are you implying?

"Others might not know Hall Master Wu's character, but you certainly do, don't you?

"Though he could be impulsive, he was upright, magnanimous, and always ready to help others.

"I've never heard of him doing anything to earn anyone's hatred.

"Who else but Su Mo would have a reason to kill him?

"The one who killed him—could it be anyone other than Su Mo?"

Su Mo snorted coldly:

"Hall Master Li, is it Wusheng Hall's way to slander someone's innocence without proof?"

"Hold your tongue!"

Xing Lan glared at Su Mo.

Su Mo narrowed his eyes slightly:

"Hall Master Xing, I have some advice for you.

"Think before you speak and act. Remember, 'Look before you leap.'

"Out of respect for Wusheng Hall, I held back with that last strike. Don't push your luck.

"Otherwise, do you really think I wouldn't dare to kill?"

"Of course, you would dare!"

Xing Lan laughed angrily: "Didn't you kill Hall Master Wu?"

"Xing Lan!!!"

Li Zhongming couldn't take it anymore and shouted angrily: "If you keep spouting such nonsense, don't blame me for not holding back."

"...You!"

Xing Lan looked at Li Zhongming in disbelief:

"You're actually siding with an outsider? How utterly absurd.

"Our Wusheng Hall stands strong in this region. Though we have no ambition to dominate the world, no one has ever dared to challenge us.

"Now, just because of this so-called First of Donghuang, you're groveling like this, completely disgracing our Wusheng Hall.

"Even if he were the First of Donghuang, what of it? Even if he were the best in the world, so what?

"If he kills someone from our Wusheng Hall, he must answer for it."

Li Zhongming felt his head spinning.

Xing Lan is the Hall Master of the Seventh Hall, which serves as the disciplinary division of the entire Wusheng Hall.

Xing Lan has always been known for his uprightness, impartiality, and inflexibility.

However, he is also stubborn, and once he sets his mind on something, it is extremely difficult to change it.

Li Zhongming has pleaded with Wan Yutang on more than one occasion, believing that Xing Lan's leadership of the Seventh Hall is detrimental.

But the hall master, Wan Yutang, has never heeded his concerns.

Now, this man is convinced that Su Mo is the murderer of Wu Yong, which is a serious problem.

It is still too early to draw definitive conclusions about tonight's events. If it were an ordinary person, even if they suffered some injustice, it wouldn't be a big deal.

But... who stands before us? Su Mo, the First of Donghuang!

Wusheng Hall cannot afford to bear such a grievance.

Xing Lan can be single-minded and narrow-minded, but Li Zhongming cannot.

Taking a deep breath, Li Zhongming said:

"Hall Master Xing, I am speaking to you properly, so do not speak recklessly.

"Although what you say is true, Hall Master Wu has always been known for his temperament.

"But... who can guarantee that he didn't unknowingly offend someone?

"As the Hall Master of the Seventh Hall, how can you make hasty judgments so easily?

"Not to mention that the person you are accusing today is Chief Escort Su, a man of great reputation. Even if it were an unknown disciple within our Wusheng Hall, how could you so confidently accuse someone of murder without evidence?

"Hmm... Speaking of which, Hall Master Xing, let me ask you, do you have any solid proof that Chief Escort Su committed the murder?"

"No," Xing Lan admitted reluctantly.

Then you claim that Wu Yong secretly offended someone, but you don't know who it was?"

"Well... I was just speculating," Li Zhongming replied hesitantly.

Li Zhongming was taken aback. Why is Xing Lan acting like a rabid dog, biting at anyone he sees?

Xing Lan, however, laughed heartily:

"You accuse me of lacking evidence, yet all you offer are baseless speculations.

"I say Su Mo is the murderer, at least based on the incident in the hall earlier today.

"But Hall Master Li... Do you think a casual remark can clear Su Mo of all suspicion?

"That is truly the most absurd thing in the world!"

"You..." Li Zhongming stammered, his face pale with anger.

By now, Su Mo seemed to have become an outsider.

He stood with his hands behind his back, quietly watching the scene unfold.

Xing Lan was like a rooster ready to fight, full of high spirits.

Li Zhongming was truly helpless and could only sigh:

"Hall Master Xing, you... let's take a moment to talk privately."

"Nothing needs to be hidden!"

Xing Lan raised his voice on purpose when he said this, and for a moment, the disciples of Wusheng Hall who were patrolling and searching in the distance heard his loud voice.

From afar, they looked over.

They heard Xing Lan shout loudly:

"Why can't we talk here... muffled..."

The rest of his words were finally silenced by Li Zhongming, who covered his mouth, and he couldn't speak anymore.

Li Zhongming gave Su Mo an apologetic smile:

"Chief Escort Su, I apologize, I need to have a few words with him over there. Please wait here for a moment.

"I'll bring him back later to make amends."

Su Mo snorted dismissively, "A guest follows the host's wishes. Everyone can do as they please."

"Yes, yes, I apologize, I apologize."

As Li Zhongming spoke, he pulled Xing Lan away forcefully. As they walked, Xing Lan kept shouting:

"Why can't we talk here? If we leave, aren't you afraid Su Mo will run away?"

Li Zhongming snapped, "Shut up!"

Amidst their arguing, the two disappeared around the corner.

Su Mo stood in place, his gaze calm, only occasionally lingering slightly longer on the few people following Xing Lan.

The Wusheng Hall disciples in front looked at each other, at a loss, and could only remain silent.

Su Mo also said nothing, waited in silence.

This wait lasted about the length of an incense stick's burn.

After about an incense stick's worth of time, Li Zhongming and Xing Lan emerged from the shadows.

From a distance, Li Zhongming cupped his hands and said:

"Chief Escort Su, apologies for the delay, my apologies."

"Think nothing of it."

Su Mo said coolly, "Wusheng Hall is mighty and influential, who in the martial world dares to bully it? Su Mo is merely a guest, and now, besides accepting my fate, what other path is there to take?"

"It was only a short wait; how could I dare to be presumptuous?

"Do you think I'm not afraid that Wusheng Hall might pin another major murder charge on me?"

Li Zhongming was momentarily speechless and could only say:

"Chief Escort Su, please forgive us; don't take it to heart.

"Hall Master Xing is straightforward by nature and certainly means no offense..."

At this point, he glared fiercely at Xing Lan and said, "Aren't you going to apologize to Chief Escort Su?"

"What should I apologize for?"

Xing Lan stiffened his neck.

Li Zhongming's face darkened, realizing that all his earlier persuasion had been in vain.

For a moment, a faint sense of killing intent stirred within him.

Then he heard Xing Lan snort and say:

"Although you've said so much, making me realize that Su Mo might not be the one who killed Hall Master Wu.

"But... the suspicion surrounding him hasn't been completely cleared yet.

"Even if you want me to apologize, at least wait until he is completely cleared of suspicion.

"By then, if I have indeed wronged an innocent person, even if I have to kneel and bow down, I, Xing Lan, won't hesitate for a second."

"Ha ha ha."

Hearing this, Su Mo burst into laughter.

"What's so funny?"

Xing Lan turned to glare at Su Mo.

"Haven't you heard that if you want to accuse someone, excuses are never in short supply?"

Su Mo said coldly, "The incident happened in your Wusheng Hall. When did Hall Master Wu die? How did he die? I, Su Mo, know nothing about it."

"Under such circumstances, isn't it all up to your Wusheng Hall to decide?"

"So what do you suggest?"

Xing Lan asked angrily.

"...I want to join you in investigating this matter."

Su Mo's words were surprising.

Xing Lan immediately nodded and said, "Good!"

"No way!"

Li Zhongming instinctively objected.

"Huh?"

Su Mo turned to Li Zhongming: "Hall Master Li, what are you getting at?"

"This... Chief Escort Su is our guest; we can't possibly burden him with such matters."

Li Zhongming quickly smiled and said: "Our Wusheng Hall will take care of this matter."

"Hall Master Li... you're not wrong, but... now this matter has involved me, Su Mo."

Su Mo said coolly: "Your Wusheng Hall is notorious for twisting the truth, slandering the innocent with baseless accusations. I, Su Mo, simply can't trust you. If you don't let me investigate this myself, no matter the outcome, I won't accept it!

"Even if Hall Master Xing ends up on his knees begging for forgiveness, my reputation has been unfairly smeared. Do you really think an apology will make this go away?

"What do you take me for?"

"This..."

Li Zhongming was momentarily speechless and couldn't help but look at Xing Lan.

To everyone's surprise, Xing Lan didn't hesitate:

"You want to clear your name? Now that's the mark of a real man!

"But you're under suspicion and can't be left to your own devices. If you want to investigate, you'll have to do it with me—no solo missions."

"Hmm?"

Su Mo's face turned icy, his sleeves fluttering unnaturally, rustling loudly.

Xing Lan, on the other hand, stood his ground, looking up to meet Su Mo's gaze, unwilling to yield even a step.

"Well, well, well..."

Su Mo pointed with his hand: "Hall Master Xing, you're quite the paragon of virtue, aren't you? But aren't you afraid you'll end up like Hall Master Wu?"

"Hah! If I die mysteriously, case closed—you'd be the killer, Su Mo!"

Xing Lan was completely indifferent to his own life and death.

"Bold."

Su Mo sneered coldly: "Then it's a deal!"

"Good!"

Xing Lan immediately nodded.

Li Zhongming watched the two strike a deal in mere moments, his head spinning once more.

He frowned, wanting to dissuade them from this idea.

But... although Xing Lan is the Hall Master of the Seventh Hall, the Twelve Halls of Wusheng Hall have no hierarchical relationship.

The Twelve Hall Masters are equal in status.

Usually, they show him some respect only because of the three characters "First Hall." That's why they give him a bit of face.

But in matters involving Xing Lan's own character and principles, this bit of face is not enough to sway him.

Unless it's the hall master, Wan Yutang, it's unlikely anyone can change the mind of the Seventh Hall's Hall Master.

As for Su Mo...

Li Zhongming didn't dare expect him to listen either.

The fact that Eastern Wasteland's Number One has held back this long and hasn't killed Xing Lan is already hard to believe.

To expect him to take orders?

That'd be pure wishful thinking.

For a moment, worry filled his eyes, and his brows furrowed deeply.

Xing Lan noticed Li Zhongming's expression and immediately spoke up:

"Don't worry, Hall Master Li, as long as I'm breathing, I won't let him go wild."

"...It seems you're the one being reckless."

Li Zhongming's vision blurred, then he glanced at Su Mo:

"Chief Escort Su, about this... this..."

"Hall Master Li, no need to say more. Su Mo has made up his mind. If you refuse, Su Mo wants to see if anyone in all of Wusheng Hall can stop him."

"This..."

Li Zhongming sighed: "Alright then, Chief Escort Su, do as you like."

Hearing this, Xing Lan snorted and gestured:

"After you, Chief Escort Su!"

"Hmph, show me the way."

"Right."

Xing Lan didn't waste words, leading the few with him as he walked ahead.

Su Mo trailed behind.

Li Zhongming watched them go, his brow furrowed, lost in thought.

...

Su Mo followed Xing Lan, heading deep into the Fourth Hall.

Wu Yong's residence was already surrounded by Seventh Hall disciples, and no one was getting in.

Other hall masters wanted to investigate, but seeing the Seventh Hall's disciples already there, they didn't dare push their way in.

Everyone knew that Xing Lan, the Seventh Hall's Hall Master, had a fiery temper.

Right now, ticking him off could get you branded a murderer.

Even if it didn't stick, it'd still be a pain.

Furthermore, the Seventh Hall is responsible for enforcing the laws of Wusheng Hall and holds considerable authority. If Xing Lan were to bear a grudge, it would inevitably lead to some trouble.

However, Xing Lan was not always so overbearing in the past. It's only in the last six months that his actions have become increasingly unpredictable.

Therefore, seeing that the people from the Seventh Hall had already arrived, they each left, quietly waiting for the outcome.

Xing Lan led Su Mo directly through the surrounding crowd and into Wu Yong's courtyard.

When they reached the bedroom, Xing Lan spoke up:

"All right, bystanders stop here. Old Wang, Xiao Ling, you come in with me.

"...Chief Escort Su, please."

Su Mo remained silent and stepped into the room.

The room was tidy, with no signs of a struggle. Wu Yong's body lay on the bed, with no visible signs of injury.

The sound of the door closing was heard behind him, and Su Mo then turned to look at Xing Lan.

Abruptly, he smiled:

"You really had me fooled, I didn't see through it at all during the day."

"Chief Escort Su, what are you implying?"

Xing Lan was startled: "Why are you suddenly talking nonsense?"

Su Mo nodded: "Oh? If I'm mistaken, does that mean I can kill you?"

As he spoke, his palm was already charging with energy.

Xing Lan quickly waved his hands:

"Wait, wait..."

Seeing that Su Mo had no intention of stopping, he quickly turned to a middle-aged man beside him and whispered:

"Quick, make him stop, your son-in-law has lost his mind and wants to kill."

"Hmph, if he wanted to kill you, you'd be dead already."

The middle-aged man, referred to as Old Wang by Xing Lan, shook his head and then looked at Su Mo. Even though he tried to remain calm, a flicker of emotion couldn't help but surface in his eyes.

He reached up and removed a mask from his face:

"Mo'er... long time no see?"

The person before him was no one else but Yang Yizhi!

"Uncle Yang..."

Su Mo immediately withdrew the internal force from his palm, exhaled deeply, and then looked up at Xing Lan:

"So, the Kirin Swordsman?"

"Chief Escort Su, long time no see."

The Kirin Swordsman smiled lightly.

When Su Mo looked at Xiao Ling again, there was no hesitation left:

"Miss Yu."

"Greetings, Chief Escort Su."

Xiao Ling was, of course, Yu Lingxin.

Despite Su Mo's usual sharpness, seeing these three show up like this left him momentarily stunned.

He shook his head gently:

"How... how did you pull off this trick?"

He had been sure that if Yang Yizhi was inside Wusheng Hall, he would surely find a way to meet him.

But instead, it was Wan Yilan who showed up.

With Wu Yong gone, he figured he'd missed his chance, but he never expected these three to appear before him in such a way.

It was downright unbelievable.

What's more, these three had hidden themselves really well. If the swordsman hadn't deliberately slipped up when he made his move, Su Mo might not have realized anything.

The move he used was the Heavenly Strike, the same one the Heaven Gate Master had pulled off at Blue Wind Valley that day.

Its changes were endless and impossible to predict, making it hard for Su Mo to realize that Xing Lan was actually the swordsman.

Honestly, at the time, he couldn't tell if Xing Lan was the swordsman or Yang Yizhi, but only a few people present that day had seen the Heavenly Strike.

When 'Xing Lan' pulled this move, it was all show and no substance.

It was clear he'd seen the move before, but it didn't hold a candle to the Heaven Gate Master's version.

That's why Su Mo figured this guy wasn't from the Three Ultimate Sect, but must have been one of those present at Blue Wind Valley that day.

Knowing Su Mo had seen the move, he used it on purpose to show they were on the same team.

Sure enough, when their palms touched, this guy held back his energy, but he slipped a note into Su Mo's hand.

Later, when Li Zhongming showed up, everything they said and did was just an act for him.

The swordsman chuckled:

"It's a long story—I'll fill you in later when we've got time."

"Honestly, I was scared you'd lose it and take me out with one hit..."

"Did you catch me signaling you back there?"

"...Unless I was blind."

Su Mo was at a loss for words—his palm strike looked crazy strong, but it was all a bluff.

But it worked a little too well—the swordsman was practically throwing signals at him while throwing his palm strike.

He was signaling so hard, it looked like his eyes might pop out.

Hearing this, the swordsman couldn't help but feel a little awkward:

"Your martial arts are truly formidable.

"When I first met you, I thought you were just a novice fresh out of the gate.

"It wasn't until later that I realized you were keeping your abilities under wraps, and after the battle at Profound Theory Valley, I was utterly amazed.

"I thought that was as good as it gets, but who would've guessed that even the sect leader of the Three Ultimate Sect couldn't stand up to you...

"And then, after we parted ways at Blue Wind Valley, when we met again, you had somehow become the First of Donghuang!?

"Your martial arts keep getting stronger every day. If I hadn't recognized you and ended up offending the dignity of the First of Donghuang, and you had killed me, Wusheng Hall probably wouldn't dare to avenge me."