Chapter 411: Nine Yin Mysterious Ice Manual

Chapter 411: Nine Yin Mysterious Ice Manual

"Scripture interpretation?"

Su Mo raised an eyebrow slightly.

"The exegetes in the Scripture Cave—because of the Good Thought Pills, scripture interpretation has become their sole obsession, an inner demon.

"If someone were to decipher a passage of scripture and restore part of the original Medical Classic text,

it would undoubtedly capture the interest of all the exegetes.

"Those who are stubborn would try to find flaws in the deciphered scripture.

"Even the convinced ones would want to see the translated section for themselves.

"Even the interpretation method could serve as a reference...

"So, whenever a scripture is deciphered, it will inevitably draw the attention of all the exegetes,

triggering massive chaos.

"Amidst this, stirring up debates and arguments,

buying an hour or two would be easy."

Ye Youchen went on eloquently, while Su Mo propped his chin on his hand, watching the man who was so long-winded.

Only after he finished speaking did Su Mo smile and say:

"I see. That is indeed a plan.

"But unfortunately... you'll probably be disappointed."

"...Chief Escort Su, you won't help me?"

Ye Youchen’s face immediately showed disappointment.

Su Mo shook his head:

"It’s not that I’m unwilling to help you, but I truly can’t.

"In his current state, the Sick Prince is in no shape to handle the 'exegesis' responsibility."

"What’s wrong with the Sick Prince?"

Ye Youchen was startled.

"Since he came aboard my ship, you didn’t expect me to roll out the red carpet, did you? He’s not the type to take advice."

Su Mo sighed helplessly:

"He’s reeling from backlash from the Five Poisons, and his Five Transformations Demonic Art is all but ruined.

"On top of that, he’s been pumped full of Bone Broth...

"His entire toxin balance is already in total chaos.

"Keeping him hanging on by a thread is already a miracle as it is."

"Expecting him to enter the cave, decipher the scriptures, and outdebate all the physicians..."

"Brother Ye should just pray he can live a few more days..."

"......"

Ye Youchen remained silent for a long while before finally sighing:

"Isn't this just pitiful?"

"After all, Sick Prince was once an infamous demon lord who roamed the martial world. How could he have fallen to such a state now?"

"But there's no use crying over spilled milk."

"Given Sick Prince's current condition, he truly is in no shape to help. Yet without him, a key piece of my plan falls through."

"Originally, I considered two people who could handle this part."

"One was Poison Lord, the other was Sick Prince."

"However, Poison Lord's whereabouts are impossible to pin down. I couldn't track him down on Gupiao Island."

"It wasn't until reaching Longmu Island that I finally located him."

"But he distrusted me completely, choosing to scout out the Labyrinth Cavern alone rather than cooperate."

"Had no other option, I had to seek out Sick Prince."

"And now, even Sick Prince has been reduced to this state..."

"Where does that leave us now?"

At this point, he suddenly sighed again:

"Never mind, perhaps it wasn't meant to be... Well, I'll be going then."

Su Mo smirked as he watched him:

"Suit yourself."

Ye Youchen rose, cupped his hands, and turned to leave.

Su Mo picked up his teacup and took a sip, didn't even look up as Ye Youchen opened the door to leave.

Finally, Ye Youchen sighed once more:

"Chief Escort Su, spit it out - what do you want?"

"Let's swap roles."

"What do you mean?"

"I'll investigate, you decipher the scriptures."

Su Mo peered up with a knowing grin.

Trapped? No options left?

A living man won't be beaten by his own piss.

Since Ye Youchen could come to this ship to search for the Sick Scholar,

it meant he knew that the Sick Scholar had already fallen into Su Mo's hands.

His visit today was indeed to find the Sick Scholar.

If the Sick Scholar was unharmed, then they could proceed with the plan as he suggested.

As long as Su Mo agreed to help him...

But if something had truly happened to the Sick Scholar, then he needed to confirm one thing.

That is... whether there was also a master of medicine on Su Mo's ship?

Now, he already knew.

There was one on Su Mo's ship!

And not an ordinary one at that.

Although he did not understand the relationship between Poison Master and Su Mo, he knew that since the Sick Scholar had suffered from the backlash of all five poisons and his Five Transformations Demonic Art had become chaotic, he could still survive...

It must be because there was another expert on this ship.

Therefore, the second purpose of Ye Youchen's visit tonight was precisely Su Mo!

This was why, from the moment he boarded the ship until now, he had never used lethal force against anyone on board.

He was worried that doing so might create an irreconcilable enmity with Su Mo.

Without understanding what kind of person Su Mo is, rashly making an enemy of him could very likely result in a devastating blow to the cooperation.

But...

Although the target was Su Mo, Ye Youchen still wished to take the lead.

The monologue just now was deliberately said for Su Mo to hear.

To let Su Mo know what was missing from his plan, so that Su Mo would volunteer himself.

At that time, as long as he maintained a certain attitude, it wouldn't be difficult to seize the initiative.

However, from the start, Su Mo didn't respond at all.

If he wanted to leave, then he left... Even when he reached the door and opened it, Su Mo didn't utter a single word.

Recalling how this man had already guessed his intentions from mere trifles,

how could Ye Youchen not realize that this person's cunning and depth were far beyond his own?

His little tricks must have been seen through by Su Mo right from the beginning.

That was why he turned around to negotiate with Su Mo.

And Su Mo's immediate response confirmed his suspicions...

This man had been waiting for him all along.

Thinking of this, Ye Youchen sighed deeply and closed the door again.

At the door, Zhou Wenjing, Cheng Suying, Bai Hu, and Fu Hanyuan traded confused looks.

Opening and closing the door like that... what's the deal?

Ye Youchen returned to his seat and sat down:

"Chief Escort Su wants to go into the Lost Cavern?

"Honestly, the Lost Cavern’s paths are a maze... Chief Escort Su, you might not be able to come and go as you please, right?"

"...Tonight, my friend here and I went down into the cavern and ran into the Poison Lord."

"..."

Ye Youchen’s mouth twitched.

Su Mo wasn’t just making small talk.

Ye Youchen also knew where the Poison Lord was.

If Su Mo could escape the Lost Cavern after meeting the Poison Lord, it meant he already knew the layout and how to get around.

The Poison Lord must have told him.

That old man... why didn’t he just choke on a drumstick!?

"Then... what about the Ghost Vine?"

Ye Youchen tried one last desperate move.

But as soon as the words left his mouth, he noticed Su Mo looking at him with a look you’d give an idiot.

Ye Youchen froze for a second before it clicked.

Su Mo had demanded the Vine Repellent right off the bat...

Did he figure out my plan from the start, or was it just dumb luck?

The second option would be easier to swallow, but if it was the former...

Is this guy’s insight so terrifying it defies belief!?

Working with someone like this—wouldn’t he just end up getting betrayed?

Behind the jade mask, Ye Youchen’s eyes darted nervously.

"Anything else?"

Su Mo rapped his knuckles on the table, drawing Ye Youchen's attention.

Ye Youchen scowled:

"But we can’t just have Brother Su going down there alone every time...

"Wouldn’t that be too much trouble?

"Moreover, I still need to look for my master’s trail, so..."

"I’ll help you find him."

Su Mo said with a smile, "Brother Ye probably doesn't know where Su Mo comes from yet. Su Mo hails from the Eastern Wastelands. While I may not be well-known in the Southern Sea, in the Eastern Wastelands, I am known to be kind and generous, always ready to lend a hand."

"......"

Who would believe that?!

Ye Youchen was inwardly furious—if someone were truly like that, how could they possibly say it themselves?

"But..."

Ye Youchen hesitated for a long while:

"I can't be the one deciphering the scriptures every time, can I? That would draw attention."

"A valid point."

Su Mo nodded, smiling at Ye Youchen.

Ye Youchen was stunned at first, then his face fell.

"Brother Ye..."

Su Mo idly swirled his teacup: "Let me advise you, if you wish to cooperate, you must demonstrate sincerity. We should deal openly and honestly.

"Scheming, unwilling to treat others with sincerity—such cooperation..."

At this point, he gave a slight shake of his head before turning his full attention to Ye Youchen:

"Do you take Su Mo for a three-year-old?"

As these words fell, the room became so silent you could hear a pin drop, and a palpable killing intent rose from outside the door.

It was Baihu.

Seemingly sensing its master's intent, it radiated menace, poised to strike.

This nearly made Duan Wenwu flee the ship.

Inside the room, Ye Youchen finally gave a long sigh:

"Very well, then let's take turns.

"One person at a time, how about that?"

"Good, I'll go first."

"...Fine."

Ye Youchen nodded through gritted teeth.

"Brother Ye must provide the deciphered content."

"Of course, that's acceptable."

"Then we're agreed."

"Hold on."

Ye Youchen quickly raised a hand:

"Chief Escort Su, what's in it for us after the job's done?"

"That depends on what you mean by 'the deed is done.'"

"Of course, it means killing the Island Master."

Su Mo paused, then smiled:

"I didn't come here to kill. We're only working together on the Scripture Cave...

"Beyond that, Su Mo will not interfere.

"If Brother Ye wishes to kill the Island Master, that's your business.

"I'll be your biggest cheerleader."

"..."

Ye Youchen gave a hollow chuckle. "Then I thank Chief Escort Su."

"Don't mention it. After you."

With that, he raised his teacup in the traditional gesture of farewell, a clear dismissal.

Ye Youchen said nothing further and rose to leave.

"Eldest Brother Su..."

Little Situ Taoist couldn't resist glancing at Su Mo.

Su Mo, however, gently waved his hand, motioning for her to hold her tongue, then spoke:

"Everyone, you may come in now."

Zhou Wenjing, Cheng Suying, and Duan Wenwu, visibly on edge, quickly entered.

"What happened?"

Su Mo turned to Zhou Wenjing.

Zhou Wenjing collected herself and laid out her and Cheng Suying's experiences in detail.

When she finished, Su Mo nodded:

"There's no need to worry about Duan Renjie. I've already seen him.

"At the very least, he's safe for tonight."

Hearing this, Cheng Suying breathed a sigh of relief.

Duan Wenwu blurted out:

"Chief... Chief Escort Su, where exactly did you see Duan Renjie?

"Have you seen another young man?"

Su Mo glanced at Duan Wenwu. As Zhou Wenjing had explained, Duan Wenwu had come to the island in search of his son, Young Master Jade Dragon.

Su Mo gave a slight shake of his head:

"Your son has been missing on the island too long, and his current situation remains unknown for now.

"Tomorrow, I will re-enter the Scripture Cave and venture into the Labyrinth Grotto to search."

Duan Wenwu never dreamed that Su Mo would say such words.

For a moment, he stood frozen in place. When he regained his senses, he hastily rose to his feet, disregarding any notions of seniority or juniority, and dropped heavily to one knee:

"Duan Wenwu thanks Chief Escort Su for your heroic assistance—this... words cannot express my gratitude, words cannot express my gratitude!

"If Chief Escort Su is willing to lend a hand, then regardless of the outcome, from this day forth, whatever your command may be, Duan Wenwu is willing to pledge my life to you."

Su Mo gave a quiet chuckle.

He wasn’t particularly moved by this. Though Duan Wenwu had some skill, he wasn't particularly impressive by Su Mo's standards.

Moreover, his trip into the grotto tomorrow wasn’t for the sake of saving Duan Yulong.

Looking for his son was just a side task.

Of course, he couldn't say that out loud.

He quickly stood up and helped Duan Wenwu rise from the ground:

"Senior Duan, you're too kind. Su Mo does not deserve such honors.

"Besides, we both belong to the way of heroes. If I were unaware, that would be one thing, but now that I know, how could I stand idly by?"

Hearing this, Duan Wenwu was overwhelmed with gratitude in his heart.

Su Mo's martial arts were formidable and unfathomable; even someone like the Sea Witch was brought to heel by him.

For someone so young, you'd expect him to be arrogant and aloof.

Previously, he had been uneasy, fearing that Su Mo would be difficult to get along with.

Yet, to his surprise, Su Mo turned out to possess such a strong sense of justice and integrity.

By now, he couldn’t help but genuinely admire him.

Su Mo motioned for him to sit before speaking:

"I will investigate and search for Young Master Jade Dragon’s whereabouts.

"Senior Duan, there’s no need to rush for now…

"Compared to that, everyone’s safety at present is of greater urgency.

"While my ship offers some safety, the White Tiger’s roar tonight was sure to alert Dragonwood Island.

"We haven't looked into it yet—perhaps there’s another reason…"

He suspected this reason might be related to the White Tiger.

After Su Mo landed on the island, he and Yang Xiaoyun returned to the ship after the next morning's banquet.

Fu Hanyuan then informed Su Mo that the White Tiger had suddenly shown its power that night.

This didn't just happen for no reason.

It’s possible that back then, Dragonwood Island operatives had intended to search the ship, and it's highly likely they had Abominations with them.

After all, the famed swordsman Lang Xingkong, who once made his name across the northwest, was captured by an Abomination.

If the White Tiger sensed the inhuman aura of the Abomination and let loose its power as a warning, that would certainly make sense.

Unfortunately, though the White Tiger is intelligent, it can’t speak our language.

The exact details cannot be confirmed by its account.

Tonight, despite the White Tiger's furious roar, not a single Dragonwood Island fighter has shown up so far.

If there isn’t something fishy going on, Su Mo would never believe it.

Zhou Wenjing nodded in agreement:

"Chief Escort Su’s ship is far from the safest hideout for us.

"More likely, it would bring trouble down on Chief Escort Su and hinder his business on the island."

"Zhou’s got a point."

Duan Wenwu immediately nodded. "We should leave now."

Since Su Mo had agreed to help search for Duan Yulong, he had to avoid anything that might get in the way.

Zhou Wenjing and Cheng Suying felt the same way.

They had come here just to pass along word to Su Mo.

Now, not only had the message been delivered, but they had also filled him in on what happened.

Thus, there was no reason to stick around on board any longer.

Su Mo glanced at them and smiled:

"There’s no need to worry. That Young Hero Ye from earlier wouldn’t just let them find you so easily."

Zhou Wenjing looked at Su Mo thoughtfully and nodded lightly:

"In that case, we won’t overstay our welcome."

"Very well."

Su Mo nodded and set up a code for future contact before the three of them turned to leave.

As they vanished into the night, Su Mo suddenly turned and looked at the White Tiger.

The tiger had been shadowing Su Mo’s every step.

Even during the meeting earlier, it had camped out by the door.

This was completely pointless.

Su Mo had even tried to shoo it away, but unusually, the White Tiger had disobeyed his command.

Now, as Su Mo stared into its eyes, the massive tiger ducked its head and whined softly as it nudged his palm.

Su Mo thought it over briefly before gently stroking its massive head:

"What's gotten into you?"

The White Tiger's eyes darted back and forth, frustrated by its inability to speak, and could only keep nudging Su Mo's hand with its head.

Then it sniffed all over Su Mo with its nose.

Su Mo could only stare in disbelief:

"You're a tiger, not a dog..."

He reached into his robe and suddenly his eyebrows shot up, saying to Fu Hanyuan and the others:

"Go back and rest."

After speaking, he headed straight for the White Tiger's main cabin.

The White Tiger scrambled after Su Mo.

Xiao Daoren and Shu Jing looked at each other helplessly—what should they do now that Su Mo had entered the cabin?

Should they go in?

In the end, they were too scared to enter or leave, so they could only wait outside the cabin.

Su Mo plopped down cross-legged on the floor, while the White Tiger settled down obediently in front of him.

After a thoughtful pause, Su Mo finally pulled out the object from his robe.

It was the Dragon King Mirror.

The moment the White Tiger saw the Dragon King Mirror, it shot upright.

Its reaction was strange—partly as if it wanted to attack, yet partly as if it felt some odd familiarity.

A surge of Emperor’s Heart Sutra's internal energy automatically radiated from the White Tiger.

*Whoom!*

The Dragon King Mirror in Su Mo’s palm instantly erupted in light.

The two thrummed in harmony.

Waves of icy power suddenly surged forth from the Dragon King Mirror.

"...The holy relic of the White Tiger remnants."

Su Mo drew a sharp breath.

The Dragon King Mirror; frigid internal energy; the four great martial arts masters of Da Xuan; fragments of the holy relic of the White Tiger remnants.

"Could this be..."

Su Mo had a sudden realization. With a twist of his hand, the light emitted from the Dragon King Mirror immediately cast onto the wall.

Upon closer inspection, the light revealed rows of characters.

They had been inscribed into the Dragon King Mirror through esoteric means—only when the mirror emitted light and projected it onto the wall could they be seen.

Looking up, Su Mo saw five towering characters:

Nine Yin Mysterious Ice Manual!