Chapter 421: The Connection

Chapter 421: Ties That Bind

The elderly man studied Su Mo with a blank stare.

Though he dared not voice the possibility in his heart, his gaze became bolder by the second as he pored over Su Mo's features, searching for any resemblance to himself.

Su Mo sighed and ignored him, turning instead to Li Mosheng:

"Senior Li, how do you feel?"

"This…"

Li Mosheng took a steadying breath and nodded in astonishment. "Indeed… there is some improvement."

He promptly bowed deeply to the elderly man.

"Many thanks, good sir, for saving my life!"

"Impossible…"

The man in blue robes burst out,

"No damn way!

"The poison concocted by Old Ghost himself—how could it be countered just like that? You… you must be pulling my leg!"

"The hell?"

The elderly man immediately glared at the man in blue robes.

"What would you know?"

"I—"

The man in blue robes wanted to retort, but with his head gripped in Su Mo’s hand, the moment he tried to speak, he felt his skull start to crack under the pressure.

His proud Great Brahma Golden Body was like wet tissue paper in Su Mo’s grasp, utterly useless.

"Mister Tough Guy, better pipe down,"

Su Mo said with a smile. "Save your energy—I still have questions for you later."

Then, glancing at Li Mosheng and the elderly man, he added,

"Gentlemen, that fight made quite a racket.

"This is not safe to stick around—who knows when the people of Dragonwood Island might arrive? Any minute now.

"Moreover, Senior Zhang Quan has already walked right into their trap with the fake Heavenly Monument.

"We must make tracks."

Li Mosheng gave a quick nod.

But the Poison Lord, who had lost his memory, shook his head.

"Why should this old man care?"

"Old-timer, do you really not wish to know who you are? Or to leave this place?"

Su Mo said with a smile.

"...Brat, do you truly have a way to send me away?"

"Naturally."

Su Mo nodded slightly.

The Poison Lord fell silent for a moment before sighing. "Fine, fine. You’re no saint yourself, kid... But this geezer has no other choice now. Guess I’m stuck with you."

"Much obliged, old-timer."

Li Mosheng’s hand was injured, with several fingers lopped off by Jian Yi.

Yet, at this moment, he had no time to fuss over it. After gathering the severed fingers and slapping a bandage on the wound, the group followed Li Mosheng’s lead to track down Zhang Quan.

"We’ve been scheming on this island for many days.

"If Zhang, our junior brother, returns, he will surely wait for us near our hiding spot to regroup."

Along the way, under Su Mo’s inquiries, Li Mosheng gave him the rundown of their situation.

Only then did Su Mo learn that the connection between Dragonwood Island and the Shattered Star Sect was way messier than imagined.

Strictly speaking, they were blood enemies!

According to Li Mosheng, their origins traced back to before the people of Dragonwood Island settled on the island...

The specifics were not entirely clear to Li Mosheng either.

He only knew from scraps of records and word of mouth that the ancestors of Dragonwood Island were once pursued and fled to Shattered Star Bay, seeking help from the Shattered Star Sect.

The Sect Master of that era had left a single sentence explaining why they aided them:

"Once wandered the Southern Sea, cut down bandits single-handedly, exhausted and nearly perished, I owed them my hide. Now they face calamity—how could I look the other way?"

Because of this connection, they hid Dragonwood Island’s ancestors within the Shattered Star Sect.

Li Mosheng said the paper trail on this matter was thin.

Much of it seemed to have been erased by the Sect Master of that generation. Even the word-of-mouth information was incomplete.

After all, the phrase "passed down orally" was often unreliable.

The same story, retold three times, would barely be recognizable.

Only because they treated these matters as secrets reserved for Sect Masters, guarded like hell, did they manage to pass them down without straying too far from the truth.

Yet even so, shit happened.

For instance, one generation’s Sect Master took to the jianghu, was ambushed by some devil, and barely dragged himself back to the sect to spill the story.

But he only managed half before he kicked the bucket...

While the truth wasn't quite so dramatic, the version passed down to this day has clearly degraded significantly compared to the original.

As for how Longmu Island's inhabitants eventually found the island and settled there—Li Mosheng remained ignorant of these events.

All he knew was that for decades afterward, there was no further communication between them.

It wasn’t until a Shattered Star Sect elder, while roaming the jianghu, suffered grave injuries and was afflicted with an exotic poison—one that even the finest healers of the South Sea could not cure—that that generation's Sect Master instructed the sect to bring gifts and accompany the wounded to Longmu Island for aid.

Given their shared history, they assumed the people of Longmu Island wouldn't refuse to help.

Yet, to their shock, none of the envoys returned.

They waited for months, then years, until finally, that generation's Sect Master could wait no longer.

He personally led a group of disciples to Longmu Island to investigate.

In the end, out of the dozens who went, only the Sect Master returned—and he was fatally injured.

On his deathbed, he bequeathed the sect's leadership and entrusted certain secrets to the new Sect Master.

"Longmu Island repaid kindness with betrayal. All who went from the Shattered Star Sect met tragic ends."

"The Twelve Forms of Shattered Star Fingers were not defeated—it was the Celestial Stele’s supernatural power, beyond human resistance!"

"To avenge this, first seize the Celestial Stele!"

"To avenge this, first seize the Celestial Stele!"

Li Mosheng murmured with a sigh:

"This matter has become an obsession passed down through successive Sect Masters of our Shattered Star Sect."

"But how could such a task ever be easy?"

"Yet to rely on others is not what we desire."

"If the Celestial Stele truly possesses such power, word of it spreading through the martial world would inevitably ignite a bloodbath."

"Even if we could lure the martial world to Longmu Island, the South Sea would still run red with blood, with corpses numbering in the millions."

"For the sake of the world, for the sake of all living beings—"

"Our Shattered Star Sect cannot be the ones to shift the calamity elsewhere."

"But without doing so, we must act in silence, scheming in secret."

"From that generation to now, our sect has made repeated attempts here—yet... we have always failed."

Sometimes the timing was wrong, sometimes the method was flawed...

Attempt after attempt, failure after failure—over the years, they gradually pieced together certain patterns.

During the transition when the Lord of Longmu Island passes between generations is when his martial arts are most vulnerable.

Previously, if there were a way to steal the Celestial Stele,

and then kill him afterward, it would count as success.

Recently, the Poison Dragon Alchemy Scripture circulated through the South Sea, drawing various figures to Solitary Gourd Island.

This unexpectedly opened an unprecedented opportunity for Longmu Island.

Though in the past, they would use various means to lure people onto the island for different attempts,

they had never attempted anything on this scale before.

Because of this, the Sect Master of the Shattered Star Sect viewed this as critically important,

believing it to be a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

He dispatched multiple teams under the guise of seeking the "Poison Dragon Alchemy Scripture" to Longmu Island.

However, these operatives could not show themselves carelessly.

They had to carefully conceal themselves on the island, build their forces, and wait for the right moment to launch their attack.

To maintain secrecy, and to ensure no leaks, none of them—except their leader—knew the details before boarding the island.

Only after arriving did they learn the real purpose.

As for Li Mosheng...

Before setting off, anticipating the dangers, he wrote a letter to the Canglan Divine Blade.

Naturally, the letter did not disclose the specifics of his journey—not even mentioning "Longmu Island."

He merely mused vaguely about life's uncertainties...

Yet, the Canglan Divine Blade caught the subtle hints between the lines.

Realizing something was amiss, he eventually followed his trail.

Unaware of the full story, the Canglan Divine Blade blundered into the trap and was captured.

His right hand was severed and given to the blade-wielding Law Marshal.

Though Li Mosheng knew the Canglan Divine Blade had arrived on the island, regret was futile—haste would jeopardize their mission.

He could only hope for a quick conclusion to rescue his old friend.

This urgency, however, led him to move too soon.

The Lord of Longmu Island's plan to lure them out was not particularly clever,

yet Li Mosheng walked right into it.

Now, his face was filled with anguish and remorse, feeling he had failed both his friend and his sect.

After hearing this, Su Mo appeared to understand something:

"So, none of you actually know what the Celestial Stele is?"

"...No, we don't."

Li Mosheng shook his head: "This old man only knows that the Celestial Stele is not of this world. It has deep connections to the Great Xuan Dynasty of old.

"But beyond that, I know nothing more.

"The sect’s records stop here—not even the Sect Master knows more."

"I see."

Su Mo nodded, then shook the green-robed young man in his grip:

"You alive?"

Li Mosheng and the Poison Lord couldn’t help but steal a look.

They couldn’t help but feel this green-robed young man had the worst luck in the world.

His Great Brahma Golden Body was an outstanding martial art, making him one of the best martial artists in the South Sea.

Yet, before he could make his mark, he was brought low on Dragonwood Island.

Now, with Su Mo holding his head like a limp doll, he had no strength left to resist.

Blood trickled down his face from his scalp, all traces of his former dignity gone.

Then, looking back at Su Mo, the two elderly men couldn’t help but quietly tsk in disbelief.

This young man appeared polished, graceful, and well-mannered.

Who’d think someone so refined could be this brutal?

Every one of those who had surrounded Li Mosheng earlier was a martial arts master.

Yet, Su Mo snapped their lives away with a flick of his wrist, without so much as a blink.

This was what it truly meant to kill without blinking!

Now, the green-robed young man was shaken awake from unconsciousness.

He managed to crack his eyes open and glared at Su Mo:

"You... just get it over with..."

"Don’t rush, don’t rush."

Su Mo quickly replied, "I’ve always believed in showing mercy—if I can avoid killing, I will."

"..."

The green-robed young man thought with a bitter laugh—this guy lies smoother than he breathes.

"Then let me go?"

"Not happening."

Su Mo smiled. "Truth is, I’ve got questions for you. Normally, I’d take you somewhere quiet for a chat.

"But time’s tight, so we’ll talk on the move."

"If I’ve offended you along the way, I hope you'll forgive me...

"First question—you mentioned the Thirty-Two Laws earlier. Does that mean there are thirty-two others like you on this island?"

"Hmph..."

The green-robed man sneered and closed his eyes.

Su Mo nodded. "Still refusing to talk, huh? In that case... don’t blame me for playing rough."

Li Mosheng and the Poison Lord both turned their eyes to Su Mo, waiting to see what vicious tricks this kid had in store.

Yet, nothing seemed to change...

Su Mo continued holding the man’s head with one hand, racing ahead without slowing.

The man’s face had gone ashen, his teeth clattering nonstop, but otherwise, he appeared no different than before.

The Poison Lord, puzzled, couldn’t help but ask, "I thought you were gonna get rough? Why does it seem... not so ruthless?"

Su Mo smiled. "Senior, what’s *your* idea of ruthless?"

"With scum like this, no method’s off the table."

The Poison Lord waved his hand dismissively. "This body’s stolen anyway. Why not take it apart?

"Along the way, we could leave an ear behind, hack off a leg... Won’t leave much evidence. There are plenty of wild beasts in these mountains—let the wildlife clean up."

"..."

Su Mo blinked. "Senior’s *really* twisted."

"??"

The Poison Lord was stunned. You kill without batting an eye, and the man in your hands was beaten into this state by you—yet now you call *me* cruel?

Got no shame, huh?

"This is the place."

Li Mosheng suddenly spoke up, slowing his steps. "Up there."

But as soon as he finished speaking, he scanned their surroundings.

"Something’s off. It was agreed earlier that someone would be keeping watch nearby.

"Yet now, there’s not a single guard around..."

Su Mo switched the green-robed man to his other grip.

"Not entirely. There are three people in the cave."

Li Mosheng and the Poison Lord exchanged glances. Both were experts of inner cultivation, yet they hadn’t detected a whisper of presence of the three Su Mo mentioned.

Still, they didn't doubt him.

Underestimating anyone here’s a mistake.

Back when Li Mosheng confronted that blade-wielder, he’d missed him too.

With just a feint, they tricked them into coming out.

Now that Su Mo said there were three more people in the cave, it had to be true.

Li Mosheng let out a sigh:

"Let's get out of here..."

If they were from the Shattered Star Sect, they would surely be on guard, watching for any sign of trouble.

Yet now, only three remained in the cave, lying low.

Clearly, they were setting up an ambush.

The reason there were only three might be because they trusted their allies completely.

They merely left these three behind just in case,

in case something went wrong.

In such a situation, going further was pointless.

But just as these words were spoken, Su Mo had already shot forward:

"We’re already here—no point leaving now."

"..."

Li Mosheng froze, unsure whether these words were directed at them or at the enemies ahead.

But since Su Mo had already gone, he couldn't let him go it alone...

Well... if you could even call it a risk?

Li Mosheng found it somewhat hard to define.

The Poison Lord, on the other hand, loved stirring up trouble and eagerly followed behind Su Mo, itching to see the action.

Moving forward from here, they reached a cave.

This place was incredibly well-hidden. Without Li Mosheng leading the way, Su Mo and the others would’ve never found it.

It was a hiding spot left behind by past Shattered Star Sect members who had come to Dragonwood Island.

Now that the island's inhabitants had discovered it, any future use was clearly impossible.

Su Mo blurred forward and was already inside the cave.

Li Mosheng and the Poison Lord were a beat behind but soon caught up behind him.

The cave showed clear signs of a brutal fight.

The walls were slashed with sword cuts, as well as holes drilled by finger strikes.

Su Mo scanned the area and sighed softly:

"We’re too late after all."

"Not late—right on time."

A voice echoed from above the cave.

Perched on a narrow ledge high on the rock wall stood a figure.

Peering down at Su Mo and the others, she smirked:

"Now that you're here, you’ll be coming with us.

"However... Li Mosheng really is Li Mosheng.

"To slip free from the Seventh Law’s grasp—you’ve earned your bragging rights in the martial world."

*"The Seventh Law?"*

Su Mo glanced up at the woman.

She looked about thirty, her tight black robes hugging a striking figure. Chains coiled around her arms, their ends tucked away, masking their function.

Su Mo hoisted the green-robed man casually and grinned:

"This guy here—he’s your 'Seventh Law'?"

"What?"

The three ambushers whipped their gaze toward the man in Su Mo’s grip.

The bloodied green-robed man hung limp, like a ragdoll with every bone broken.

Su Mo had shifted his grip earlier, covering the man’s face instead of his head, hiding his identity.

When Su Mo let go, the man crumpled to the ground.

The three ambushers went pale as one:

"The Seventh Law!!!"

But the woman snapped an instant later:

"RUN!!!"

As part of the Thirty-Two Laws, they knew exactly how strong their superiors were.

The Seventh Law might’ve been seventh in rank, but his Great Brahma Golden Body meant even the First Law couldn’t have wrecked him like this.

If he’d been taken down this easily, this 'ordinary' young man was way out of their league.

No hesitation—they bolted.

Two of them blurred toward the cave mouth.

Chains rattled as the woman struck, her arm-wrapped links whipping around Su Mo’s wrists.

She yelled, "I’ve got him! Go—"

Su Mo cut her off with a laugh: "Right on time."

With those words, he grabbed the chains and seized the initiative, giving a mighty heave that sent the woman hurtling through the air.

Su Mo swung her in a full arc, and she crashed directly into the two figures rushing toward the cave entrance. A loud *crash* echoed as all three tumbled to the ground in a tangled, dazed mess.

Before they could regain their senses, Su Mo chuckled and said:

"Like I said—you’re here, so why rush off?

"Hey, hey! I have a few things I’d like to discuss with you all in detail!"