Chapter 305: Assassination

Chapter 305: Assassination

"Oh?"

Su Mo was a bit taken aback by this.

Not because Xiao Feng already knew who the murderer was, but because of his frankness.

After giving the man a once-over, he nodded lightly:

"Hall Master Xiao, please come in. The door's a bit busted, so pardon the mess.

"Ah, I haven't introduced yet. This is Yang Xiaoyun, my deputy chief escort and fiancée."

Yang Xiaoyun clasped her fists:

"Nice to meet you, Hall Master Xiao."

"No need for formalities."

Xiao Feng thought for a moment before saying, "Even out in Wusheng Hall, we've heard of Deputy Chief Escort Yang's exploits.

"A prodigy who dominated Sunset City in her youth, a true heroine, matching any man in skill—truly impressive."

Yang Xiaoyun was momentarily speechless: "Has my notoriety reached even Wusheng Hall?"

"Ah..."

Xiao Feng was stunned, and after a brief silence, he spoke earnestly:

"Your reputation precedes you, echoing far and wide."

It was clear Xiao Feng had chosen his words carefully, and speaking them wasn't easy.

Su Mo thought it odd but didn't press further.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, he led Xiao Feng inside and seated him.

Su Mo poured a cup of tea for Xiao Feng:

"What exactly did you mean earlier, Hall Master Xiao? You already know who the murderer is... So, have you come here to clear my name?"

Xiao Feng nodded:

"There's no need to clear your name. In Wusheng Hall, even someone like Xing Lan, or all the hall masters and deputies of the Twelve Halls, plus the grand hall master, none could likely stand against Chief Escort Su.

"Moreover, last night, the young miss herself vouched for Chief Escort Su, so your innocence is known to all."

He spoke deliberately, carefully choosing each word.

He exuded an air of maturity and composure.

Su Mo nodded lightly: "Hall Master Xiao is a reasonable person. If Hall Master Xing took a page from your book, it'd be a relief."

"Hall Master Xing's a bit hot-headed, and once he gets an idea in his head, it's hard to shake.

"With no solid leads to go on, he's naturally fixated on Chief Escort Su.

"But don't worry, Chief Escort Su. Once this is over, I'll have a word with Hall Master Xing and make sure you get a fair resolution."

At this point, Xiao Feng flashed a very sincere smile.

Su Mo shifted his focus back to the man.

He was a man in his late thirties, with sharp facial features, deep-set eyes, and a smile on his lips.

Although he tried his best to appear open and honest, Su Mo could still see that this man had a deeply guarded nature.

Su Mo lightly tapped his fingers on the table twice before saying:

"So, what does Hall Master Xiao want?"

Xiao Feng's smile faltered a little.

Then he paused, hesitating...

His hesitation, however, left Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun a bit confused.

Xiao Feng had clearly come prepared for this.

He had straight out said that he knew who the real culprit was.

But if he knew who the culprit was, why hadn't he told Xing Lan? Instead, he came to Su Mo to bring it up.

Obviously, he knew that Su Mo was in a bind over this matter.

His visit was clearly intended as 'timely assistance.'

However, while delivering this 'timely assistance,' he also had some of his own ulterior motives.

This was something that was understood.

Su Mo didn't mind this. If he could come to an understanding with Xiao Feng through this, it would actually align with his own goals.

But now... after the conversation had reached this point, his sudden hesitation was a little surprising.

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun shared a look but didn't rush him.

After a moment, they heard Xiao Feng sigh:

"Alright, Chief Escort Su, rest assured. I will go find Hall Master Xing now and explain the matter clearly.

"I will not let Chief Escort Su be wrongfully accused...

"I apologize for the disturbance today. Goodbye."

After saying this, he stood up and made to leave.

Su Mo quirked an eyebrow and chuckled:

"Hall Master Xiao, hold on a moment."

"Yes?"

Xiao Feng turned back to look at Su Mo: 'Is there something else, Chief Escort Su?'

This question left Su Mo unsure how to reply.

Is that really the question you should be asking?

You came here, left everyone baffled, and now you think you can just walk away?

He had no choice but to say:

"This matter isn’t urgent. What I’m more curious about is, Hall Master Xiao, why did you hesitate just now?"

"..."

Xiao Feng went silent again.

Su Mo found talking to this guy pretty draining...

As he was trying to figure out what to say, Xiao Feng murmured:

“Don’t do to others what you wouldn’t want done to you...

“If I were wrongly accused, and someone had proof but wanted to exploit it for their own benefit,

“I wouldn’t feel great about it, either.

“That’s how anyone would feel.

“This trip was a mistake on my part. Please don’t hold it against Chief Escort Su...

"Just act like I was never here.”

After saying this, he smiled, turned around, and was about to leave again.

This answer caught Su Mo completely off guard.

After a brief pause, he quickly added:

"Hall Master Xiao, hold on a second."

Xiao Feng complied, turning back to Su Mo:

"Is there something else, Chief Escort Su?"

"You haven’t even finished your tea. What’s the rush?"

Su Mo motioned for him to stay.

Xiao Feng paused, then said, "True."

With that, he returned to the room, sat back down, and took a sip of his tea.

Yang Xiaoyun, noticing his behavior, shot a glance at Su Mo.

She thought his personality seemed pretty unusual…

Su Mo also noticed that the guy wasn’t great with words and seemed really guarded.

He had his own agenda, but he was holding back.

Was he speaking so carefully because he was afraid of slipping up?

Or had he always been like this?

Su Mo hesitated for a moment before speaking:

"Since Hall Master Xiao knows who the murderer is, would you be so kind as to share that information?"

"Hmm..."

His 'hmm' wasn't an agreement but rather a moment of deep thought. After a while, he finally looked up at Su Mo:

"Chief Escort Su is the top figure in the Eastern Wasteland. In principle, I shouldn't deceive you.

"But this matter is an internal affair of Wusheng Hall, so I regret that I can't disclose it..."

Su Mo nodded:

"So the murderer is from within Wusheng Hall, then."

"..."

Xiao Feng was taken aback and then firmly shut his mouth.

But how could he drink tea with his mouth shut?

Su Mo picked up the teapot and poured him another cup. Xiao Feng looked at the tea, his expression turning slightly bitter.

He seemed to have had his fill of tea.

Su Mo smiled:

"Hall Master Xiao mentioned earlier that you had a request... May I ask what it is?"

"Hmm..."

Xiao Feng pondered for a moment and said, "This matter might be a bit of a hassle for Chief Escort Su. I originally intended to ask for a favor in return for a kindness, but now I feel deeply ashamed... At this moment, I'm not sure if I should even bring it up."

"Go ahead and speak."

Su Mo smiled: "Hall Master Xiao is a righteous man, and Su Mo can't accept favors without good reason.

"As long as the request doesn't go against the principles of the martial world and is within my capabilities, I certainly have no reason to refuse."

"Well..."

Xiao Feng thought for a moment and sighed softly:

"This matter is a bit of a long story.

"If Chief Escort Su is interested, I'll fill you in.

"The final decision is entirely up to Chief Escort Su. Regardless, I'll go to Hall Master Xing and clear everything up with him."

"Alright."

Su Mo nodded.

Then Xiao Feng fell silent once more.

Yang Xiaoyun could barely stand to look at this guy...

His temperament could no longer be described as slow, mature, or steady.

Su Mo was also at a loss for words, watching Xiao Feng as if gathering his thoughts. To pass the time, Su Mo poured a cup of tea for himself and Yang Xiaoyun.

After pouring the tea, Xiao Feng finally spoke in a leisurely tone:

"Chief Escort Su, perhaps you are unaware...

"My father, Xiao Xiong, was originally the Hall Master of the Second Hall.

"However, twenty years ago, he vanished without a trace..."

His words were slow, but Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun were already aware of this.

It was about the disappearance of Xiao Xiong, the Hall Master of the Second Hall, and Bei Zhangzhi succeeding him as Hall Master of the Second Hall.

In his narration, he spoke without any emotional bias, simply recounting the events.

When he mentioned that Bei Zhangzhi became Hall Master and he himself took over as Deputy Hall Master at a young age, his speech speed increased slightly.

In his description, although he had taken over as Deputy Hall Master, he was too young to earn the respect of his peers.

He often spoke recklessly, sometimes offending people unintentionally.

For this reason, although he didn't suffer major setbacks, he became more cautious in his words and actions.

Over the years, he never gave up on finding his father.

After all, while others might abandon the position of Second Hall Master, how could he abandon his own father?

But as his investigation deepened, many unexpected developments occurred.

Xiao Feng did not share these details with Su Mo because they involved the internal affairs of Wusheng Hall.

However, he mentioned that someone was held captive in a secret location within Wusheng Hall.

"I don't know if this person is my father.

"And I lack the strength to investigate this place.

"The situation in Wusheng Hall is chaotic, making it hard to discern truth from lies. Seeking help would be nearly impossible.

"So when Chief Escort Su arrived at Wusheng Hall, an idea came to me...

"Chief Escort Su, renowned for his chivalry, is the First of Donghuang among martial arts masters.

"Moreover, he has no ties to Wusheng Hall, making him an outsider.

"If this matter could be assisted by Chief Escort Su, it would be easily resolved.

"But since we are strangers, how could I request such a favor?

"Yesterday in the main hall, Hall Master Wu suddenly killed someone to silence them.

"That's when I knew the chance to meet Chief Escort Su had arrived.

"So I secretly kept an eye on the Fourth Hall.

"Although last night's events were unexpected, they gave me the courage to come here today."

"However, when push comes to shove, it's ultimately hard to keep going.

"I must have embarrassed myself in front of Chief Escort Su."

He gave a bitter laugh, his face full of resignation.

After hearing this, Su Mo felt a pang in his heart and glanced at Xiao Feng:

"Hall Master Xiao, from what you're saying, have you already located this mysterious place you mentioned?"

"Yes... yes," Xiao Feng nodded.

"Where exactly is this place?" Su Mo asked softly.

"This..."

Xiao Feng thought for a moment, then looked at Su Mo:

"Why do you ask, Chief Escort Su?"

Su Mo looked at Xiao Feng and smiled lightly:

"Because I agree to help with what Hall Master Xiao is asking for.

"Though I don't know much about the former Second Hall Master, Hall Master Xiao has been tirelessly searching for his biological father for many years.

"This devotion to your father is truly moving.

"I, too, am a son, and if I were in your position, I could easily understand how you feel right now.

"So, not only has Hall Master Xiao come with good intentions to seek help, even if Hall Master Xiao had no evidence to prove that I didn't kill anyone,

"If this matter were brought to me, I certainly wouldn't refuse."

Xiao Feng's eyes gradually brightened as Su Mo spoke.

After Su Mo finished speaking, Xiao Feng quickly stood up, clasped his hands in a deep bow:

"Xiao... Xiao is truly grateful beyond words!"

"Hall Master Xiao, there's no need for this. We all share the same feelings, and within my abilities, I certainly wouldn't stand by idly.

"Hall Master Xiao, where exactly is this place?"

"It's beneath Wusheng Hall."

This time, Xiao Feng was much more straightforward, speaking without hesitation:

"There are actually many entrances to this place, but all of them are well-hidden.

"After much investigation, I discovered that one of the entrances lies beneath yesterday's hall.

"To be honest, I've also used my position to sneak in...

"But the internal mechanisms are deadly, and the environment is labyrinthine—one wrong move, and you could get lost."

"With my martial arts and abilities, exploring this place is truly a matter of life and death.

"Chief Escort Su, with your unparalleled martial prowess, you surely won't meet the same fate as I did... However, this matter is of utmost importance, so I ask Chief Escort Su to consider it carefully.

"Tonight at midnight, I will be waiting in the main hall of the Wusheng Hall.

"If Chief Escort Su still decides to help by then, come find me."

After he finished speaking, he said with utmost sincerity:

"Regardless of Chief Escort Su's decision, I am deeply grateful for your words just now.

"Now, please allow me to take my leave and go find Hall Master Xiao Feng."

"Alright, Hall Master Xiao Feng, take care."

After seeing Xiao Feng off with Yang Xiaoyun, the two returned to their room.

The door was shattered, and for the time being, no one has come to repair it yet.

However, because of this, most of the onlookers had retreated.

After all, no matter how reckless they were, they wouldn't dare to spy on the residence of Eastern Wasteland's Number One at this time.

"When all seems lost, a new path emerges?"

Yang Xiaoyun glanced at Su Mo, her eyes shining.

"Though unexpected, it still makes sense."

Su Mo nodded: "Xiao Xiong has been missing for many years, and Xiao Feng's covert investigation is indeed plausible.

"That he would come to me for help was unexpected...

"But in his view, if Xiao Xiong is truly imprisoned beneath Wusheng Hall,

"Then the people within Wusheng Hall are indeed not to be trusted.

"Seeking help from an outsider is naturally the better choice.

"Hmm... In any case, we'll find out for sure tonight.

"He's now going to find 'Xing Lan.' Given 'Xing Lan's' temperament, upon hearing this news, he will likely head directly to the Tenth Hall.

"This fits perfectly with our previous plans."

As he spoke, he suddenly called out:

"Xu Lu!"

In an instant, Xu Lu darted out from a room, stepping lightly and arriving inside:

"Master, do you have any orders?"

"Go out and scout around Wusheng Hall. Find the location of the Tenth Hall. If there's any movement there, return and inform me."

"Yes."

Xu Lu acknowledged and turned to leave.

Su Mo watched Xu Lu's retreating figure, his brows furrowing suddenly.

"...What's up, Xiao Mo?"

Yang Xiaoyun was the first to notice the change in Su Mo's expression.

Su Mo thought for a moment, then gently shook his head: "It's nothing, perhaps... I'm overthinking it."

Then he glanced at Yang Xiaoyun and smiled:

"Later, let Xiaoxiao and Old Hu stay behind to keep an eye on Ding Wugong."

"Alright."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded.

In fact, they didn't have to wait long. Soon, Xu Lu returned with the news that Hall Master Xing Lan of the Seventh Hall had hurried off to the Tenth Hall to demand an explanation.

Su Mo immediately set off, leading them to the Tenth Hall.

Shortly after Su Mo and his group left, a Wusheng Hall disciple arrived at the courtyard gate with a group of carpenters.

Hu Sandao came out to open the door, his fierce appearance startling the group.

"What brings you here?"

Old Hu wasn't exactly friendly, his fierce eyes scanning each of their faces.

The leader quickly smiled and said:

"Isn't Chief Escort Su's bedroom door broken? We're here to fix it..."

"Oh, I see. That's kind of you. Come on in."

Hu Sandao pointed at the door: "Thanks for your help. Feel free to leave once you're finished."

"Yes, yes, yes."

The men nodded eagerly, and as soon as Hu Sandao entered a room, they got to work.

The lead disciple sat on the steps nearby, dozing off.

Unnoticed, a middle-aged carpenter nearest to Hu Sandao's room had shadows that appeared normal at first glance, but they split into several strands, spreading under the feet of the carpenters and the Wusheng Hall disciple.

Additionally, one shadow slowly extended.

Quietly creeping across the ground.

Quickly, it reached Hu Sandao's room door, slipping through the crack.

Inside the room, Hu Sandao and Zhen Xiaoxiao sat across from each other, chatting casually.

Though their conversation topics were unrelated.

Hu Sandao talked about his dreams of being a bandit.

Zhen Xiaoxiao mentioned what she felt like having for lunch.

Hu Sandao shared funny stories from his home.

Zhen Xiaoxiao mentioned what she felt like having for dinner.

Hu Sandao talked about the wealthy targets he encountered when he was a bandit.

Zhen Xiaoxiao started talking about what she wanted for breakfast tomorrow, but...

Their conversation was totally at cross-purposes, yet they were still having a lively chat.

Just then, low, muffled groans suddenly came from outside the room.