Chapter 394: Longmu Island

Chapter 394: Dragon-Timber Island

Tonight, there were certainly quite a few people setting foot on this Dragon-Timber Island.

It was hardly surprising that someone had heard the commotion and come over.

The Poison Lord instinctively vaulted up, hiding among the treetops.

Craning his neck, he didn’t forget to repeatedly wave at Su Mo and the others.

Su Mo glanced back at the whole entourage behind him and shook his head.

The Poison Lord was momentarily speechless, muttering under his breath:

"I told you, when roaming the *jianghu*, how can you bring an entire retinue...

"At critical moments, you’re too conspicuous to hide."

Though he grumbled, he had no intention of coming down.

The newcomer closed in fast. Not long after the Poison Lord had concealed himself, the person arrived.

Yet, what emerged first was not the person but a sinister, guttering light.

Faintly, it parted the darkness on either side, like darkness peeled back by unseen fingers.

Beneath these 'curtains,' the light illuminated a face that was somewhat chillingly grotesque.

The man wore a black cloth cap, its brim hanging down with a square flap covering half his face.

The remaining half was corpse-white, the skin sagging loosely.

At a glance, it looked as though a skeleton draped in ill-fitting flesh, yet the two didn’t quite fit together.

Add to that the dim glow of the lantern,

and those weak-nerved might well be scared to death on the spot.

Su Mo and his companions, of course, were all seasoned and fearless individuals.

Only Shi Cheng among them let out a startled "Yikes!" In contrast, even Cheng Suying and Duan Renjie hardly flinched, merely watching the newcomer warily.

The two of them had long been hardened by the *jianghu*. If there was anything left in the *jianghu* that could frighten them,

in the past, it would have been their master—but now, there was only Su Mo.

With Su Mo present, they could barely manage to remain composed. What else was there to fear?

Su Mo, however, looked at the man and smiled:

"Respects, old master."

The elderly swordsman holding the lantern gently raised it, scanning the group with his lantern before speaking:

"We greet our island’s honored guests.

"Our humblest apologies. We had originally arranged for the younger disciples of our sect to receive you here.

"Alas, it seems these children are too easily distracted, spending their days frittering time on idle games, neglecting their duties entirely."

"Ah, I see."

Shi Cheng breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this:

"I knew there had to be someone to greet us! Turns out they were neglecting their duties..."

He left the rest unspoken.

The old man holding the lantern also sighed softly:

"When you live out in the sticks, loose rules are inevitable."

"We've embarrassed ourselves in front of you all..."

"I've already sent people to round up the other guests on the island. Please follow me now."

"Then we'll trouble you to lead the way, elder."

Su Mo smiled, completely unfazed.

Zhou Wenjing couldn't help but frown. This old man was obviously shady—how could Su Mo trust him so easily? Who knew what might happen if they followed him? The smart move would be to capture and interrogate him immediately!

She instinctively glanced at Cheng Suying and Duan Renjie, only to find them naturally falling in line behind Su Mo.

Baffled, she quickly whispered her thoughts to Cheng Suying through a mental message.

Cheng Suying gave Zhou Wenjing a strange look:

"Why bother with all that?"

"?"

"What's the point of torturing him?"

"Well... naturally to make him reveal their base location and what they're really up to?"

"Isn't that where we're headed?"

"But without knowing their background—"

"With Old Su around, why bother knowing backgrounds?"

Through their covert exchange, Cheng Suying casually uttered the name "Old Su":

"If they mean well, fine by me. But if they harbor ill intentions... they've got no clue who they're dealing with, having arrived on their island."

She added, her voice carried a hint of excitement:

"When we were stuck under Old Su's heel before, I never realized it."

"But now that we're on the same side, I've discovered what a rush it is to raise hell—no, I mean purge evil—alongside the old devil."

"..."

Zhou Wenjing fell silent for a moment.

But upon reflection, since Su Mo had so readily agreed to follow the other party, he clearly had some tricks up his sleeve.

However, the trust Cheng Suying and Duan Renjie placed in Su Mo seemed way beyond normal, which was rather surprising.

From then on, the group followed the elderly man carrying the lantern as they made their way.

As they walked, Shi Cheng couldn't help but ask:

"Old timer, mind if I ask you something?"

"Ask away, young'un."

The man's voice was hoarse, carrying a sense of age and a peculiar low tone that echoed through the woods, giving everyone the creeps.

Shi Cheng blanked for a second, forgetting what he had intended to say.

Finally, he shook his head and asked:

"So tell me, has the martial arts contest for marriage already concluded?"

He still had that on his mind.

The elderly man paused slightly, glanced back at Shi Cheng, and let out a raspy laugh.

Yet the laughter sounded like a screech owl's cry, faintly tinged with a metallic edge, that set teeth on edge.

"Young Hero, did that phony marriage contest trick you?"

"Huh?"

Shi Cheng was stunned, realizing this elderly man was even more straight-shooting than him—directly calling the contest a lie.

His face fell immediately:

"Wait, it was all a scam?"

"The martial arts contest for marriage was naturally a lie."

The elderly man continued walking as he spoke:

"My Master tried every trick in the book to communicate with the outside world.

"He cooked up several stories, one of which was this martial arts contest for marriage.

"Only, My Master has no daughter old enough to marry—how's he gonna run a bride contest?

"Unless he planned to marry someone himself at the last minute?"

"This..."

Shi Cheng let that sink in and suddenly got goosebumps.

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun couldn't help but exchange a glance.

Feeling the old man was being strangely candid, they smiled and said:

"Since these are all excuses, then we assume your master has summoned us to this island for another purpose?

"Mind telling us what that purpose is?"

The old lantern-bearer did not answer immediately but turned to give Su Mo a dark look, to which Su Mo responded with a smile.

Only then did the old lantern-bearer say softly:

"My master has deceived so many people. Aren’t you angry, young hero?"

"What’s the point?"

Su Mo replied gently, "In for a penny, in for a pound. Having come this far, whatever the reason, we ought to find out what’s truly going on.

"If your master faces a dilemma that needs solving, naturally, we shall work together.

"If there are other demands, we can also figure something out."

"The young hero truly has a real hero’s spirit—impressive."

The old lantern-bearer sighed softly:

"To be frank, my master is currently in deep trouble.

"He indeed requires everyone’s assistance.

"However, the specifics cannot be relayed by this old man.

"Since the young hero remains so composed, why not wait until we arrive, gather all the honored guests in Dragon-Timber City,

"and then listen to our master lay it all out?"

"Sounds good to me."

Su Mo nodded. "However, there is something else I wanna ask you."

"Young hero, go ahead and ask. My master has said that all who arrive on the island are valued guests.

"Naturally, we shall tell you everything we know."

As he spoke, he turned to glance at Su Mo again with a smile:

"Our master, in his youth, loved making friends. Unfortunately... Dragonwood Island’s in a tricky spot.

"Surrounded by dangerous currents and rock reefs everywhere,

"unless one knows the exact flow of the sea here, it is nearly impossible to reach.

"We’re lucky to get one visitor a year.

"So he hasn’t had many friends."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Su Mo seized the chance to press further:

"The method by which we arrived at Dragon-Timber Island is indeed pretty unconventional."

"But I wonder, where exactly is Dragon-Timber Island located?"

"Hmm... this question," the old man laughed, "I’ve actually asked the guests who visited Dragon-Timber Island before. Unfortunately, none could say. Later, one of them had a theory—he believed Dragon-Timber Island lies within the Jagged Rock Sea near the Shattered Star Bay."

"The Jagged Rock Sea!?"

Zhou Wenjing blinked in surprise. "Does that mean we set off from Lone Gourd Island and ended up returning to Shattered Star Bay? The Jagged Rock Sea is actually just across from Shattered Star Bay. But that area is treacherous—even veteran sailors can't maneuver in it. There are constant treacherous currents, and many who ventured there found their ships uncontrollable once they crossed into certain waters."

"Swept by the undercurrents, they crashed into the jagged boulders."

"Thus, no one truly knows what's in those rocks."

"I see."

Su Mo nodded and turned to the lantern-bearing elder.

"If outsiders can’t enter, why don’t you leave?"

"Our ancestors set the rule—our people are not to leave."

The lantern-bearing elder exhaled softly. "But this matter is a long story. If there’s time later, this old man can tell you more about it with our honored guests."

Su Mo nodded, didn't press further.

The lantern-bearing elder then asked first:

"Young Hero, what was it you wished to ask this old man earlier?"

"Ah."

Su Mo smiled. "I heard that some time ago, many others also made it to your island. I wonder if these people are still here now?"

"They are."

The lantern-bearing elder nodded. "They’re in Timberwall City. If you wish, Young Hero, you can meet them tomorrow morning."

At this, Zhou Wenjing went still.

"Is that true?"

"True or not, you’ll see for yourself tomorrow."

The lantern-bearing elder said with a smile, "Miss, do you have family or friends who also came to our island as guests?"

"No."

Zhou Wenjing shook her head gently. "It’s just that I’ve heard none of those who came to the island in the past ever returned. That’s why I’m curious."

"I understand."

The lantern-bearing elder nodded. "That is indeed something that would raise doubts. But rest assured, honored guests. Although our ancestors established the rule that descendants aren't allowed to leave the island,"

"Ordinary guests who come here are welcome to leave—we would never obstruct them."

"However, leaving this place is not so simple."

"You all should know that when you arrived, you followed the hidden currents, borne on wind and waves.

"You’ll need to leave the same way.

"However, while you came during a foggy day, leaving must wait for a rainy day.

"A drizzle won’t cut it—it’s gotta be a real storm.

"In the pounding rain and raging seas, one must sail westward, riding the storm’s power to catch the surging undercurrent.

"By harnessing its force, you can break free from Dragonwood Island’s reach."

This elderly man truly spilled everything, speaking without reservation.

He spelled out how to leave in clear and precise terms.

When Su Mo and the others had set out, it had been the dead of winter.

But now, spring had arrived, and flowers bloomed.

Waiting for a rainy day wouldn’t be difficult.

Yet Zhou Wenjing knit her brows tighter:

"But if that’s the case, why has no one ever left Dragonwood Island?"

"Simple—they don’t want to go."

The elderly swordsman gave a resigned sigh:

"Not only do they refuse to leave, but if you all were to learn what this island offers, you might not want to leave either."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Wei Ziyi perked up:

"Could it be that your Dragonwood Island is packed with beauties, fine wine, and feasts fit for emperors?

"Where one can live it up?"

"Certainly not."

The elderly swordsman chuckled. "Since our ancestors' time, we’ve tilled fertile fields, living off the land. How could we possibly waste food on wild parties?

"Our master won’t touch a drop of alcohol—even the smell makes him sick."

"Then..."

Su Mo suddenly raised an eyebrow. "Could it be that this island holds some legendary kung fu? Those who came before devoted themselves to rigorous training, improving overnight, and thus couldn’t bear to leave?"

It made him think of Hermit Island—

Though he wondered if this island had something like the *Taixuan Scripture*.

"Hahaha!"

The elderly swordsman let out a belly laugh upon hearing this:

"Young Hero, don’t get carried away. If there truly were such extraordinary martial arts, we’d hoard them like dragons—how could we possibly just hand them out?"

"The old man is frank."

"When it comes to esteemed guests, one should naturally be frank and open."

The old man with the lantern spoke of frankness, yet his next words were not so candid:

"However, as for what benefits this island holds, you will have to discover that yourselves."

"So be it."

Su Mo smiled and said, "If that's the case, we'll just wait and see."

With that, the conversation came to an end, and no one spoke further.

They followed the old man with the lantern along the path.

The forest trail was long, and shadows loomed densely, hinting at hidden secrets within.

Occasionally, the sound of something breaking through the air could be heard, indicating someone moving about in the darkness.

The old man with the lantern explained that these were the island's children, inviting the guests to their city.

However, this was clearly not as simple as it seemed.

After all, there were few as straightforward as Su Mo.

When there was much to say, the conversation stretched; when there was little, it was brief.

Emerging from the forest, the ground beneath their feet became firm and solid.

On both sides of the road, vast stretches of farmland could be seen, apparently already planted with young crops.

By autumn, they would surely yield a bountiful harvest.

The inexplicable gloom of the forest was now completely dispelled.

Under the starlit night, the elderly swordsman carrying the lantern carried a soft glow about him.

Following the narrow paths between the fields, they walked for the better part of an hour before finally spotting a compact, square-walled city nestled against the mountains.

In this isolated place, the lone city naturally had no visible guards.

The city gates stood wide open, completely undefended.

The streets were also pitch-black, bathed only in starlight.

The elderly swordsman explained to Su Mo and the others that there had originally been no city here.

Their forebears had established a small village, where generations had lived and thrived.

However, as the clan grew larger and more outsiders arrived—unwilling to leave—more houses were built until they finally decided to construct a city.

What was once Longmu Village had now become Longmu City.

Making their way through the city's streets toward the center, they arrived at a large estate situated right in the middle.

This was the Longmu City Lord's manor.

Here, the lights were quite bright, with servants standing ready.

Upon seeing the old swordsman, they all looked his way but did not offer any formal greetings, nor were they particularly warm to Su Mo and his companions.

"It's late now, and the household head has already retired for the night," the old swordsman said with a smile.

"Given the rather... unconventional manner of your arrival on the island, the welcoming banquet has been scheduled for tomorrow morning.

"For now, this old man will take you all to the guest courtyard to rest. We shall invite you to the feast first thing tomorrow—sound good?"

"Naturally, we'll follow our host's lead," Su Mo nodded.

The old swordsman chuckled again. "Young Hero, you're really something special. The means by which our master invited you to the island wasn't exactly honorable.

"Yet, had we extended a straightforward invitation, you probably would've ignored it.

"That is why we had to use... some tricks.

"But as a result, guests who arrive on the island often get suspicious.

"Some secretly investigate,

"while others pick fights with the locals.

"Countless have given this old man dirty looks, even threatening violence.

"We've never had a guest as cool about it as you, Young Hero."

"Not a single one?"

"Not a single one."

The old swordsman shook his head with a light laugh, leading them to a large courtyard.

The courtyard had just been cleaned, with enough rooms for everyone. The old swordsman spoke softly,

"You should all rest early.

"Tomorrow morning, I'll be back to escort you to the banquet."

Su Mo nodded and said a few more polite things with the old swordsman before the latter turned to leave. Yet, as if remembering something, he glanced back at Su Mo and the others.

"Listen to this old man's advice.

"Do not go wandering around within the City Lord's residence, and above all, do not venture alone into the darkness.

"Dark places often harbor bad stuff—you don't want it on you."

Without further explanation, he turned and departed.

Su Mo watched him walk away silently before giving a small smile.

"You can come out now, Senior. You've been spotted."

The Poison Lord sighed, emerging from atop the wall.

"That old ghost is pretty sharp."

"On this journey, I poisoned him three times.

"The first time, that mysterious girl of yours neutralized it, but the other two doses had no effect on him.

"Like he was impervious to all toxins.

"This Dragonwood Island really is something else.

"However, since he warned us not to go off alone in the dark or poke around the City Lord's Manor,

"this old man’s never been one for taking advice, but he just has to go stir things up."

The Poison Lord chuckled. "You youngsters, just rest easy. This old man will go case the City Lord's Manor."

"In that case, safe travels, Senior."

"...You're not even going to try and stop me?"

"Since Senior has made up his mind, why should I dissuade you? I only wish you swift success."

"...What a damn kid."

After hesitating, he took out a small vial from his robes and handed it to Su Mo.

Su Mo glanced at him but didn’t take it.

"It’s not poison..."

The Poison Lord grumbled.

Su Mo smiled and finally accepted it, only to hear the Poison Lord say:

"You’re a sharp kid. If this old man doesn’t return to see you by tomorrow morning,

"the contents of this vial will surely point you to where I’ve been. Might come in handy.

"Right, I’m out..."

With that, he turned and left, disappearing into the dark in a flash.