Chapter 354: Small Meeting

Chapter 354: A Private Discussion

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Wei Ziyi’s face froze, while the Third Palace Master wore a grave expression.

The Second Palace Master frowned deeply, clearly stumped.

Yet Su Mo suddenly thought of the Yixuan Divine Art.

He wasn’t sure if it could save her.

The Yixuan Divine Art could fuse the martial arts of all sects into a single system.

Theoretically, it should work.

But no one could say for sure without trying first.

Another issue remained—teaching the Yixuan Divine Art would require explaining its origins to Wei Ziyi.

Doing so would inevitably pull her into the Jinglong Society’s mess.

That was not something Su Mo wished for.

After a pause, he looked up at the Third Palace Master and asked:

"Master, is the condition within Ziyi’s body truly that dire?"

"Right now, it’s not too bad," the Third Palace Master shook her head.

"But if this continues, the outcome is uncertain… Hmm, though with your Pure Yang Energy helping her, it could slow the yin-yang imbalance significantly, and she can still use her martial arts normally."

"She can fight?"

Su Mo nodded. "Show me how."

"Easy enough," the Third Palace Master replied immediately.

"You two sit cross-legged on the bed. Ziyi, remove your outer robe, then he can transmit his energy into you."

"Shifu…"

Wei Ziyi was speechless.

Now of all times—could Shifu at least be serious?

"What's wrong?"

The Third Palace Master seemed innocent.

"His Pure Yang Energy is like a blazing furnace. If you don’t take off your clothes, how will you release the heat?"

Wei Ziyi didn’t speak, only gave her a deadpan stare.

Under her glare, the Third Palace Master finally relented:

"Fine, fine. It’s not that bad yet.

"Keep your clothes on. "But let me make one thing clear—this is just a temporary fix."

"The internal energy he channels into your body is rootless and transient. What you need is his Pure Yang Energy to counteract your internal deficiency of Yang energy.

"However, this means you must receive daily transfers without fail...

"Well, if time truly doesn't permit, skipping one day is tolerable, but never more than three days."

Su Mo listened on, increasingly at a loss for words.

The Third Palace Master's remarks were loaded with suggestive implications.

He immediately turned to the Second Palace Master instead.

As expected, the Second Palace Master was much more practical:

"Your Pure Yang Energy also conflicts with Wei Ziyi’s Mystic Moon Jade Kun Art.

"Therefore, absolutely no daily transmissions should occur at first.

"At minimum, you must wait seven days between each transfer.

"Otherwise, Wei Ziyi’s meridians can’t endure your Pure Yang Energy.

"But the exact situation remains uncertain for now.

"We’ll have to monitor the results."

"Yes, thank you for your guidance."

Su Mo clasped his fists in acknowledgment, understanding their points clearly.

Transmitting Pure Yang Energy into Wei Ziyi’s body would help balance her internal Yin and Yang energies.

However, Su Mo’s energy could not remain permanently within her.

Like rootless duckweed, it would naturally dissipate after several days.

If not replenished in time, the balance of Yin and Yang within Wei Ziyi would deteriorate further.

This was why the Third Palace Master referred to this method as a stopgap that worsens the problem.

Yet its advantage lay in allowing Wei Ziyi to employ her martial arts while in this state.

As long as she avoided practicing the *Cosmic YinYang Mill Disc*—which would further disrupt the balance of Yin and Yang within her—

she could preserve equilibrium and stay stable indefinitely.

But because Su Mo’s Pure Yang Energy conflicted with the Cold Moon Palace’s pure Yin kung fu,

it was completely unwise to transmit energy into Wei Ziyi daily, as the Third Palace Master had suggested.

That approach would certainly cause harm.

At the earliest, they must wait seven days between sessions—and the precise interval would depend on how long Su Mo’s energy lasted in Wei Ziyi’s system,

as well as how well her internal Yin and Yang energies adjusted to the changes, along with other variables.

Therefore, closer monitoring of the situation was necessary.

With these thoughts, Su Mo glanced toward Wei Ziyi.

Whether to channel inner energy still depends on Wei Ziyi's decision.

Wei Ziyi paused briefly in thought before exhaling softly:

"Then I must trouble Chief Escort Su."

"It's nothing."

Su Mo did not lead her to the bed but instead placed his hand on her back on the spot.

Following the Second Palace Master’s guidance regarding the meridian pathways within Wei Ziyi’s body, Su Mo slowly directed a stream of Pure Yang energy into her.

Within moments, Wei Ziyi’s face flushed with two contrasting hues—green and red.

Perceiving the change, Su Mo immediately ceased channeling his energy.

At the same time, both the Second and Third Palace Masters spoke out:

"Stop."

Su Mo moved before Wei Ziyi and saw her hands moving rhythmically—one palm up, one palm down. The yin-yang energies on her face gradually blended together and faded from view.

As she slowly opened her eyes, all three held their breath watching her.

Under such intense scrutiny, Wei Ziyi’s cheeks colored slightly:

"I'm fine..."

Without another word, the Third Palace Master took Wei Ziyi’s pulse, then nodded:

"The yin-yang energies have indeed stabilized. The technique is effective."

With that, she let out a relieved breath.

While the principle made sense in theory, without testing, no one could be certain.

Now that Wei Ziyi’s internal energies had returned to balance, she could breathe easier.

Though she had failed to trick Su Mo and Wei Ziyi, at least her disciple was out of immediate danger—for now, a fortunate outcome.

"Next, we must focus on finding a Pure Yang treasure," the Third Palace Master continued.

"When I return to Cold Moon Palace, I will send disciples to scour the land.

"If we succeed, this misfortune may prove fortuitous for Zi Yi."

"Are there no other alternatives?" Su Mo asked.

Before the Third Palace Master could reply, the Second Palace Master cut in:

"There are, but they are no less challenging...

"If one could obtain a cultivation technique capable of balancing yin and yang, it could also avert this calamity."

"The problem is, the yin-yang energy balance within Miss Wei's body is currently in a dangerously unstable state."

"One wrong move could cause a breakdown, and a single misstep might lead to death."

"All martial arts training must start from nothing."

"But any attempt to work with these energies could spell disaster."

"Therefore, ordinary techniques like this simply won't work."

Su Mo took these words to heart:

"I understand. If I ever come across similar martial arts in the future, I'll figure out how to get them."

"Hmm."

The Third Palace Master gave him a look: "That's thoughtful of you."

After chatting briefly with the others, Su Mo left the room.

He'd only taken a few steps when he heard Wei Ziyi call after him:

"Chief Escort Su."

Su Mo turned back. Their eyes met, and Wei Ziyi sighed:

"Bothering you again."

"Hmm?"

Su Mo looked at her in surprise: "Did Miss Wei catch a cold today?"

"??"

"Unless you're running a fever and delirious, why would you say something like that?"

He smiled: "This isn't like the Wei Ziyi I know."

"...So the Wei Ziyi you know is so stubborn she ignores help?"

She smirked slightly.

"Not exactly."

Su Mo chuckled: "But the Wei Ziyi I know is almost never this calm."

"What's that supposed to mean? I've always been quiet and icy, you know."

Wei Ziyi glared at him, showing no trace of iciness whatsoever.

Su Mo let out a soft laugh:

"Not staying to talk more with your master?"

At this, her face turned red instantly:

"I'm done with her for now."

"Hmm?"

Su Mo froze: "Why?"

"As soon as you left, Shifu started berating me."

Wei Ziyi sighed: "She said I was useless, with the chance right there and not knowing how to seize it. She even told me that next time you transmit internal energy to me, I should pretend to feel burning inside and then shed my clothes... you know what she meant."

"She probably thinks you, in the prime of youth, couldn't resist someone like me."

"It was mortifying—I couldn’t bear to listen any longer..."

"..."

Su Mo was silent for a while: "For someone of her standing, giving such advice to her disciple is hardly appropriate."

And there were some things he didn’t say aloud.

He wanted to say that if her methods had worked back then, how could Su Tianyang have gotten away?

Little did he know, the Third Palace Master Yun Jiuying had been living alone in the Cold West Tower for many years.

Lost in her thoughts, she believed the reason she and Su Tianyang were never meant to be was because she had once been too pure, aloof, and indifferent.

Otherwise, how could someone like Su Tianyang have slipped through her fingers?

After long deliberation, she reconsidered her past actions, playing out countless scenarios in her mind.

What she taught Wei Ziyi now was the method she had imagined.

Both Wei Ziyi and Su Mo could only sigh as they reached this point in the conversation.

So they simply changed the subject and began discussing other matters.

"Sister Yun told me about your plan to unite all the escort bureaus in the Eastern Wasteland. Right now, the head escorts from bureaus across the Eastern Wasteland have gathered in Sunset City."

"When are you going to propose this to them?"

"Tomorrow."

Su Mo said: "Tonight, under my name, I’ll invite the leaders of various factions to my Ziyang Escort Bureau to talk. If things go smoothly, tomorrow before the wedding banquet, I’ll convene the inaugural Eastern Wasteland Escort Alliance Conference."

"Escort Alliance Conference."

Wei Ziyi looked at Su Mo:

"Do you have confidence?"

"It's all about effort."

Su Mo smiled: "We can only do our part. Though I believe we're stronger together, people see things differently. Who knows what might happen then."

"Mmm."

Wei Ziyi nodded: "But I think the eastern factions in East City likely won't object."

"Then it all comes down to tonight."

"Am I on the guest list tonight?"

"Naturally."

Su Mo smiled. "I hope Alliance Leader Wei and Alliance Leader Hua will both come to the Ziyang Escort Agency at that time."

"Alright."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Su Mo escorted Wei Ziyi out of the Ziyang Escort Agency.

He watched her figure gradually disappear down the street, his brow slightly furrowed.

The Second Palace Master had made it clear—having Wei Ziyi practice other martial arts now to restore the balance of yin-yang energy would be extremely risky.

Whether or not he should have Wei Ziyi learn the Yixuan Divine Art was something he needed to consider carefully.

Moreover, this wasn't his decision alone to make.

First, he had to discuss it with Yang Xiaoyun, then seek Yang Yizhi's opinion.

On this front, Su Mo was fairly confident.

However...

One issue was that the yin-yang energy imbalance in her body could become life-threatening.

The second was the shadowy Jinglong Society and its schemes.

Given Wei Ziyi's personality, she'd dive right in if she ever found out about this.

If he lied and claimed the Yixuan Divine Art came from some other source—saying it could only be practiced but never used—he didn't know how to sell that lie.

But in any case, this problem had to be resolved.

Given their friendship, he couldn't let Wei Ziyi come to harm over this.

Deep in thought, he turned around and returned inside the Ziyang Escort Agency, going straight to find Li Zhengyuan.

He wanted to run this by Li Zhengyuan first.

As Li Zhengyuan was cutting a large red double-happiness character, he heard Su Mo arrive.

Then the old man looked at Su Mo and said with a smile,

"Ever since your forebear Su Chengyu, the Sus have been in the escort trade.

"But you're the first to think this way.

"A-Mo, tell me—what put this idea in your head?"

Su Mo thought it over for a moment before answering honestly,

"Because of the Jinglong Society."

"As I thought."

Li Zhengyuan showed no surprise as he softly continued,

"Bringing all the escort agencies together, having them work for you—but not through force or exploitation.

"Therefore, these agencies won't become your personal power."

"They will only become your eyes."

"Through them, your vision can reach every corner of Donghuang."

"And they will also provide a steady stream of wealth for the Ziyang Escort Bureau."

"Well played—such cunning, such calculation."

As he spoke, he set down the scissors, gave a light shake, and blew on the large red double-happiness character, making it flutter in the wind:

"Mo'er, what do you think?"

"Master Li's craftsmanship is truly extraordinary."

Su Mo's words were not mere flattery—it was indeed much more refined than the ones Uncle Fu had someone else cut.

Li Zhengyuan smiled with a hint of pride:

"With age comes skill—it's only natural."

"Mo'er, since you have the ambition to consolidate the escort bureaus of Donghuang, your master will naturally support you wholeheartedly."

"And I imagine no one would deny the *mianzi* of Donghuang's Number One."

"However, Mo'er, you must also remember this."

"While others may grant you face out of respect, if we show no *renqing shigu* in return, no matter if you're the First of Donghuang or the greatest under heaven, it will be difficult to sustain in the long run."

"*Renqing shigu* and social interactions must never be neglected."

"Understood."

Su Mo nodded immediately: "I understand, but at the outset, it’s hard for me to just come out and say it plainly."

"Hahaha."

Li Zhengyuan laughed: "Then I've got nothing to worry about."

With Li Zhengyuan's assurance, Su Mo breathed easier.

As for the various things witnessed in Baihu City and the matters concerning the Imperial Office mentioned by Jun Luo, after much hesitation, Su Mo still chose not to bring them up.

Night soon fell.

True to his word, Su Mo invited the leaders and decision-makers of various sects to a meeting at the Ziyang Escort Bureau.

Su Mo then asked Li Zhengyuan to take the head seat.

Though Li Zhengyuan was reluctant to overshadow the host, he couldn't say no—both out of courtesy and because his presence was meant to add weight to the meeting. Thus, he took his seat without fuss.

Su Mo cupped his hands in greeting and made the rounds with small talk.

Once the atmosphere warmed up, Su Mo spelled out his vision.

At first, the attendees were stunned silent, but soon they all nodded along.

Of course, there were some holdouts who asked questions, but Su Mo fielded every challenge.

Gradually, objections faded, and more and more people were won over, genuinely impressed.

Before the banquet was even halfway through, the matter was settled.

After the feast, Su Mo personally escorted each guest to the entrance of Ziyang Escort Agency.

One could say that he had given them both face and substance.

Regardless of what the attendees thought in their hearts, at least on the surface, everyone parted ways in high spirits.

When Su Mo returned to the escort agency, only the representatives of the seven major sects remained at the table.

Li Zhengyuan, being advanced in years and having drunk a bit more tonight, had already retired to his room for rest.

Xia Xuran and Wei Chi Meng, among others, were engaged in a fierce battle at the drinking table.

Especially Luo Changsheng and Xia Xuran, who always seemed to be at odds.

They had been competing in various overt and covert ways before, with Xia Xuran often making sarcastic remarks, while Luo Changsheng would counter with his own tactics.

Now, at the drinking table, they began to compete in drinking contests.

Little Monk Xuanzhen did not drink alcohol; instead, he held his staff and cheered for the two men.

He would support Xia Xuran one moment and Luo Changsheng the next, clearly just stirring up trouble without any real allegiance.

Xuanyuan Xiaoshan, on the other hand, was very interested in the cuisine from the southwest.

Her face veiled, she would often send food beneath her veil, and one could faintly see her cheeks puffing out. Although she didn't eat much, she tried a little of everything.

Over time, she now lay slumped in her chair, patting her noticeably bulging belly, clearly unable to eat any more.

The Second Palace Master and the Third Palace Master whispered to each other about something inaudible.

As Su Mo returned, the crowd was just beginning to disperse when he suddenly raised his hands in a gesture of respect.

"Friends, there's actually another matter I'd like to ask your opinion on today."

Upon hearing this, those present looked up at Su Mo, most appearing more understanding than surprised.

Observing this, Su Mo raised an eyebrow slightly:

"Do you already know what I'm going to ask?"

"Haha."

Xia Xuanran, clearly drunk, snapped his fan open with a sharp click:

"If I'm not mistaken, Chief Escort Su, you're referring to the matter concerning Da You Bank, right?"

Su Mo was visibly surprised.

Then the Third Palace Master spoke:

"Da You Bank is closely tied to our seven sects.

"The current manager, driven by greed, had the audacity to spread rumors about you.

"After realizing he'd made a serious enemy of you and fearing retaliation, he turned to the Heavenly Heart Sect for help..."