Chapter 379: Traces

Chapter 379: Traces

Leaving aside Little Situ Taoist following the Wang father and son back to their residence to retrieve the medicine.

Inside a cabin on the Ziyang Escort's main ship.

Yin Xiaoyu lay sprawled on the floor, her heart filled with despair.

Her attempt to seize the *Poison Dragon Alchemy Scripture* had been solely to cure her cultivation backlash.

Now that hope was gone.

And she had been captured by the mysterious Su Mo...

Who knew what he'd do to her?

Yang Xiaoyun looked at the woman before her and tsk'd in amazement:

"How'd she get so messed up?"

Indeed, she was in a pitiful state.

She'd lost several teeth, and half the bones in her body were broken.

She lay on the ground like a broken doll.

Blood seeped into her wedding dress, turning it an even deeper red, until you couldn't tell between the dress's original red and the fresh blood's vivid hue.

Su Mo chuckled but before he could speak, Wei Ziyi had already jumped in with a quick rundown of the events on Qiuping Mountain:

"Listen, Yang Xiaoyun, you really need to help your Old Su fix his habits.

"He always enjoys sneaking up on people.

"Not cool..."

"You always have to butt in."

Su Mo glared at her.

Yang Xiaoyun sighed and looked between them before her gaze settled on Yin Xiaoyu again:

"So why did you bring her back?"

If there was no reason, running into someone like her would just kill her on the spot.

Why bother bringing her onto the ship?

Though the *Slayerheart Demon Sutra*'s cultivation backlash had driven Yin Xiaoyu to a random killing spree, killing is killing.

That alone was enough for Su Mo to put her down right then.

The fact that he hadn’t meant he had other plans for her.

Su Mo gave a small nod:

"I wanted to ask *Boss Yin* about the Dragon King Hall."

"Dragon King Hall?"

Yin Xiaoyu, focused on how to exit the situation, couldn't help but glance up at Su Mo upon hearing these words:

"Dragon King Hall is one of the three most powerful factions in the South Sea. If you want to inquire about it, why ask me?

"Or perhaps... what you want to know is something ordinary people don't know?"

"You're sharp, Boss Yin."

Su Mo nodded:

"You've operated in the South Sea for years, and you know far more than ordinary local fighters.

"So, I'd appreciate your help this time."

Yin Xiaoyu sighed:

"Go ahead, then. What do you want to know?"

"Everything."

Su Mo said softly:

"The martial arts of Dragon King Hall—what kind of technique is the Seven Mysteries of Absolute Frost?

"Are there any other forbidden techniques?

"All the rumors and secrets about Dragon King Hall from recent years."

"Whether it's rumors or hard evidence.

"What common folk know, or even what they don't know but Boss Yin does.

"I want to hear everything."

"What?"

Yin Xiaoyu was stunned, then suddenly realized:

"You don't even know if the matter you're inquiring about is related to the Dragon King Hall?"

Because he didn't know, he wanted to know everything.

Then, from all this information, he could find the real answer he wanted.

Su Mo was silent for a moment, then smiled without hiding it:

"If Boss Yin is willing to speak truthfully, not only will I let you live,

"But I will also treat your wounds, and even... if you seek the antidote in the Poison Dragon Alchemy Scripture to cure your internal qi deviation, I might even agree to that.

"So, whether to speak or not, the decision is yours to make, Boss Yin."

"Really!?"

Yin Xiaoyu was stunned.

Su Mo nodded lightly:

"Although this is Su Mo's first time in the South Sea, he has a well-established reputation in the Eastern Wastes."

"When I give my word, it's unbreakable."

"You can trust me, Boss Yin."

Yang Xiaoyun and Wei Ziyi listened to these words and watched Su Mo's earnest expression, they could only sigh in resignation.

This was total fraud!

While Su Mo indeed kept his word with upright men, he often turned his back on scheming scoundrels without hesitation the next moment.

Yet no one faulted him for this.

After all, those he betrayed were all deserving of death and were already dead.

Who could deny that he was the word-is-bond Chief Escort Su?

Yin Xiaoyu, having roamed the South Sea for years, wasn't born yesterday.

But with her back against the wall, she had no choice but to yield.

Rather than provoking Su Mo and risking his temper or worse, it was better to play along for now.

If Su Mo truly healed her injuries, she might still figure out a way to escape later if he broke his promises.

Otherwise, with her severe wounds, she would remain powerless.

She nodded and said:

"Fine, I believe you."

"But the matters concerning the Dragon King Hall are complicated as hell. Speaking them aloud would take all damn day."

"Please give me some time, Chief Escort Su, to get my strength back a little. Then, with pen and paper, I’ll write down all the information for you."

"This way, any omissions can be spotted while writing."

"Only then can I ensure nothing is left out."

Su Mo eyed Yin Xiaoyu for a moment before nodding:

"Very well, as Boss Yin suggests."

With that, he stood up and had Yang Xiaoyun help Yin Xiaoyu to the cabin to rest.

Upon opening the door, they found the two disciples of the Canglan Divine Blade still there.

Duan Renjie and Cheng Suying.

The moment they saw Yin Xiaoyu, both did a double-take.

They didn’t recognize her as the infamous Four Seas Enchantress, but shared a worried look.

Had Su Mo now sunk so low as to steal another man's bride?

And to beat the poor girl so severely—was it because she wouldn't give in?

Compared to that, Cheng Suying was even more worried. Though she had some charm, would Su Mo really...?

But upon second thought, she felt it unlikely.

She'd been his captive for over a year, and he'd never touched her.

He wouldn’t just snap like that.

Indeed, Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun simply placed Yin Xiaoyu on the bed before turning to leave.

The two looked at each other, then looked at Yin Xiaoyu together:

"Miss, did you cross Chief Escort Su too?"

"......"

Yin Xiaoyu glanced at them, a thought crossed her mind.

They had no idea who she was, but she recognized their identities at once.

After a pause, she remained silent.

The Canglan Divine Blade wasn’t some evil cult, and his two disciples were known for their upright conduct.

If she spoke carelessly and revealed her identity,

no telling if these two wouldn’t play heroes, choking the life out of her right then to clean up the martial world.

To die by their hands instead of Su Mo’s—now that’d be a cruel joke.

Seeing her silence, the two exchanged another glance, both fuming.

"Su Mo’s gone too far this time. Last time, capturing Ceng Chou was one thing,

but now he’s brought back a poor mute girl and beaten her like this...

"What kind of monster does this?"

"Lower your voice. Don’t let anyone hear."

Cheng Suying sat down beside Yin Xiaoyu and sighed:

"She’s just a girl—who could hurt her like this?"

Right then, the door swung open again, and a whole crowd barged in.

The two looked up, their jaws dropped.

"Zong Ming—the Surging Wave Palm himself!

"Lan Wangyu—the Ghostly Gale!

"Wen Dongye of the Thousand Hands!

"Shu Jing—the Lover’s Sword!

"And—no way—the Laughing Daoist!?"

This time, every newcomer was a legend.

Moreover, they all hail from the same origin.

Under the command of the Pirate Queen of the Four Seas!

Yet, with just a glance, it seemed someone was still missing.

Not to mention the Pirate Queen of the Four Seas Yin Xiaoyu, even Crimson Shadow Diao Heming was nowhere to be seen.

However, with all these people suddenly captured and brought aboard the ship, did Hero Su raid the pirate vessel of the Pirate Queen of the Four Seas?

Where is Yin Xiaoyu now?

Just as the thought crossed their minds, they heard Zong Ming and the others let out a desperate shout:

"Boss!!!"

Then they bolted to the bed.

Cheng Suying jumped up from the bed in alarm.

She and Duan Renjie stared at each other in shock.

The bride on the bed was Yin Xiaoyu, the Pirate Queen?

Yin Xiaoyu swept her gaze over them and waved her hand:

"Enough noise..."

Zong Ming and the others immediately fell silent.

Turning back, they saw Su Mo still standing by the door and couldn't help but glare at him angrily.

Su Mo just grinned:

"Everyone, though this room’s a tight squeeze, it should suffice for rest.

"I’ll have them clear out some space later in the lower deck for you all, and you can move there then.

"For now, make do for now.

"Additionally... during this time, Su Mo expects you all to behave and refrain from causing trouble.

"Otherwise, don’t say I didn’t warn you."

Yin Xiaoyu’s subordinates were all hardened outlaws. Hearing Su Mo’s words, they weren’t about to take orders.

But before they could speak, Yin Xiaoyu interjected:

"Hero Su, don’t worry. With my supervision, they’ll stay in line."

"That’s good to hear."

Su Mo grinned and replied, "No need to fret, Boss Yin. When my ship’s doctor gets back, I’ll have her patch you up. That’s it for now. Stay put for now. I’ll be going now."

With that, he closed the door behind him.

The crew shared uneasy looks.

Lan Wangyu stared at the door and muttered:

"He seems... not to have locked the door."

"What should we do then?"

Shu Jing of the Lover’s Sword’s eyes lit up.

Immediately, everyone nodded in agreement and was about to take action when they heard Yin Xiaoyu cough.

They turned to look at her, only to hear Yin Xiaoyu say solemnly:

"This Divine Sea-Crossing Dragon from the Eastern Desolation is no common foe.

"Given our current predicament, we must not act recklessly.

"If he dares not to lock the door, it means he isn’t worried about us escaping from here.

"The outside surely holds greater perils. It’s best... best not to make reckless moves."

Hearing this, though somewhat unwilling, they could only nod in agreement.

But when they turned their gaze to Duan Renjie and Cheng Suying, they arched their brows once more:

"Aren’t these the two renowned disciples of the Canglan Divine Blade?

"Why are you here as well?"

"We’re heretics, captured and imprisoned here—that’s understandable. But you two come from orthodox sects—how did you end up here?"

Cheng Suying and Duan Renjie, seeing the other side outnumbered them, had hoped to conceal their identities. However, their exploits in the Southern Sea were so well-known that they were widely recognized.

They were recognized instantly.

Tilting their chins up, they scoffed:

"There’s nothing to say to you heretics."

Cheng Suying also nodded:

"I advise you all—since we’re fellow captives, it’s best not to court disaster. Otherwise, beware of Chief Escort Su’s inscrutable means."

Hearing this, Yin Xiaoyu couldn’t help but glance at the two:

"Lady Cheng speaks reason. Now that we share these confines, we should coexist peacefully.

"However, regarding this Chief Escort Su, you two must know more than we do. Please share your knowledge."

The senior sister and junior brother exchanged glances, sighed, and began relating Su Mo’s origins to Yin Xiaoyu in detail…

***

Elsewhere, inside the storehouse, a group of captives were discussing Su Mo’s origins.

Su Mo, meanwhile, had already led Yang Xiaoyun and Wei Ziyi into the study.

Yang Xiaoyun prepared the ink for Su Mo, who took up his brush and began swiftly inscribing.

What he wrote, however, were passages from the Poison Dragon Alchemy Scripture.

Since he had already read the Poison Dragon Alchemy Scripture, with his perfect recall, rewriting a copy was no big deal.

Wei Ziyi, however, exclaimed in amazement:

"Old Su, your memory is truly remarkable!

"You said you didn’t want their Poison Dragon Alchemy Scripture, yet you’ve already memorized it?"

"Since the Poison Dragon Alchemy Scripture is so famous in the Southern Sea, I naturally couldn’t simply let it go.

"But taking this thing into my hands is like holding a hot coal.

"So, when I got my hands on the scripture today, I read through it once.

"It wasn’t out of greed for its alchemical formulas.

"Rather..."

At this point, he glanced at Wei Ziyi and Yang Xiaoyun:

"First, for Little Situ's leg condition; second, for Xiaoxiao’s qi imbalance; third, for Ziyi’s yin-yang imbalance...

"Honestly, I had to use some tricks to crack its code."

Wei Ziyi was taken aback, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed.

Su Mo was always looking out for them—his ailing friends—while she kept calling him "Old Su."

With a quiet sigh in her heart, she decided to cut back on the nickname from now on.

What Su Mo didn’t mention, however, was that he found the alchemical formulas downright suspicious.

By transcribing them, he could later have Little Situ examine them to check if they’re legit.

Yang Xiaoyun then asked:

"Why did you suddenly inquire about the Dragon King Hall?"

Wei Ziyi also jumped in immediately:

"Right, what does the Dragon King Hall have to do with us?

"Why would you go poking around?"

Su Mo fell silent for a moment before looking at Yang Xiaoyun and speaking softly:

"My love, do you remember how Xiaoxiao said her master died when we first met her?"

"Well..."

Yang Xiaoyun thought for a moment before recalling:

"She said her master was old and died after a 'winter monkey' touched his chest!?"

As soon as these words left her lips, Yang Xiaoyun’s expression changed:

"You’re saying...?"

Su Mo let out a slow breath:

"Truthfully, I hadn’t considered this before.

"But, back when Xiaoxiao mentioned it, we had already speculated.

"We figured the 'winter monkeys' story was just a trick to take advantage of her naivety.

"The truth is, Xiaoxiao’s master was wounded by an ultra-cold inner energy, causing the ailment to flare up every winter.

"While cold-based inner energies exist in this world, they’re far from commonplace.

"Otherwise, why would Fu Hanyuan’s Frostflame True Qi keep getting confused with a Dragon King Hall master’s skills?

"So... who could have injured Xiaoxiao's master?"

Wei Ziyi only then realized there was such a detail involved.

She shot Su Mo a look: "Are you suggesting that the one who injured Xiaoxiao's master was a martial arts master from the Dragon King Hall?"

Su Mo shook his head lightly:

"At this point, I can’t be sure.

"But... first, the Devouring Art that Xiaoxiao practices originates from the South Sea.

"This implies Xiaoxiao’s tied to the South Sea in some way.

"Second, there's the detail of her master being injured by an ultra-cold inner energy.

"Put together, these clues point straight to the Dragon King Hall.

"If we dig deeper, we might crack both Xiaoxiao’s past and her danger."

His words left the study silent.

After a beat, Yang Xiaoyun gave a slow nod:

"So that's it. You’ve got a sharp eye—even after all this time, you remember every detail.

"I suppose when Zong Ming, after being injured by Fu Hanyuan, blurted 'Dragon King Hall,' you’d already connected the dots?"

"Xiaoxiao’s stuck with us for almost two years. She might be naive, but she’s fiercely loyal.

"I can’t just turn a blind eye to her troubles."

Su Mo drummed his fingers on the table. "But if the Dragon King Hall’s really involved, some pieces still don’t fit."

"Hmm?"

Yang Xiaoyun quickly asked, "What’s the issue? Lay it out, and let’s hash it over."

Su Mo sighed:

"I’m not trying to be vague—it’s just most of this is guesswork.

"But since you asked, I’ll spill it—take it with a grain of salt.

"If—big if—Xiaoxiao’s really from the South Sea, and her master took her away to dodge Dragon King Hall enforcers.

"Then a Dragon King Hall attack adds up."

"That theory holds water, but... why did he teach Xiaoxiao the Whale Devourment Art?

"This martial art is so ruthless!

"If he was from the South Sea, how could he be ignorant of its dangers?"

Yang Xiaoyun and Wei Ziyi locked eyes, and Wei Ziyi said softly:

"Suppose Xiaoxiao originally belonged to the Dragon King Hall.

"But she was abducted by this self-proclaimed master of hers, and those who tried to retrieve her were injured by the martial arts masters of the Dragon King Hall.

"And for reasons unknown to us, he wanted to take revenge on someone, which is why he taught Xiaoxiao the Whale Devourment Art...

"Doesn't that fit better?"

Su Mo nodded: "Yeah, that tracks.

"But to go to such lengths for revenge—fleeing from the South Sea to the Eastern Wastes, spending over a decade, even exhausting his own life just to retaliate against someone...

"That's some serious hatred.

"Then, in his daily treatment of Xiaoxiao, he wouldn't have treated her well.

"Yet, from Xiaoxiao’s words, it’s clear that her master doted on her with great care.

"Even on his deathbed, he gave her heartfelt instructions, without a hint of bitterness.

"So how do we square that?"