Chapter 424: The Wind Rises

Chapter 424: The Wind Rises

The following day!

Inside the scripture cave, before the long table.

Su Mo stood before a group of physicians, holding forth eloquently without pause.

The physicians who had entered the cave to interpret the scriptures were all stunned, hanging on his every word.

Among the crowd, the most shocked was the Dragonwood Island disciple who had been waiting outside the cave where he interpreted scriptures...

"How could this be?"

He muttered to himself.

That morning had begun no differently from the previous day.

Everyone entered the cave to interpret the scriptures, and everything was proceeding normally.

Yet, unexpectedly, Su Mo—who had been bluffing for the past two days—suddenly erupted wildly, shouting:

"I've solved it! I've solved it!!"

Then, waving two sheets of paper, he rushed out of the cave.

The Dragonwood Island disciple waiting outside attempted to gently dissuade him:

"Sir, perhaps you should review it for any errors?"

Su Mo immediately shot him an angry glare:

"You don’t believe me?"

The disciple didn't dare argue.

He quickly apologized, though inwardly, that was exactly what he thought.

He had no idea what Su Mo was really here for, but what he had written had absolutely nothing to do with interpreting the scriptures.

The pages were pure gibberish—far from genuine scripture interpretation, it was pure deception.

Yet, seeing Su Mo in such a state, he couldn't bring himself to call him out. He figured that if Su Mo wanted to make a fool of himself, let him.

But to his surprise, once they reached the long table,

Su Mo launched into his explanation effortlessly.

He explained the details of the scripture he had deciphered with crystal clarity.

When challenged, he fielded every question without hesitation.

Once everyone fell silent, he then delved deeper into his interpretation, leaving the physicians completely spellbound.

As the saying goes, you can recognize true mastery at a glance.

Despite his youth, this man’s medical expertise was truly extraordinary.

The Dragonwood Island disciple assigned specifically to attend to Su Mo was completely baffled.

He wondered if the absurd words written all over the pages were simply beyond his knowledge of medicine, making him unable to discern the true essence of the scriptures.

Perhaps, with more careful study, he could uncover some clues?

With this thought in mind, he resolved that once tonight was over, he would hand over everything this man had written to the island's senior members for thorough examination. Maybe they could decipher something meaningful.

And with Su Mo’s successful scripture interpretation today as proof, he likely wouldn’t be given a hard time this time.

Little did he know, Su Mo was also counting the minutes.

The agreed-upon duration with Ye Youchen was one hour.

The day before, Su Mo had visited Little Situ Taoist and discussed in detail the content of the interpreted scriptures.

Little Situ Taoist explained it to him character by character, line by line.

Then, anticipating possible questions from various angles, she provided additional responses.

Finally, they fleshed out all the material to ensure Su Mo could speak for over an hour.

Only then were they done.

So now, not only were the physicians present gaping in astonishment, but even Su Mo himself was in awe.

It wasn’t until the figure of "Zhen Suren" appeared in the crowd that Su Mo added a few more remarks and concluded this "performance."

Even though he had experienced many big shows, this one still left him a bit nervous.

After all, his material was limited, while the questions posed were boundless. A single misstep could turn "displaying brilliance" into "making a fool of himself."

But seeing the expression on "Zhen Suren’s" face, Su Mo allowed himself a small smile:

"Well? Learn anything?"

"...Nothing at all."

Ye Youchen’s voice also came to Su Mo’s ears:

"Chief Escort Su, when you were in the Lost Caverns, have you ever encountered an... Abomination... who used Extreme Cold Internal Strength?"

"Brother Ye, why do you ask?"

Su Mo put on a surprised expression as he turned to "Zhen Suren," then replied:

"Never came across one."

"...It's nothing."

Ye Youchen’s voice came to Su Mo’s ear:

"Should anything happen to my master, he might turn into an Abomination.

"Hence my question."

"I understand."

Su Mo replied with a smile:

"Don’t worry, there's still time. I'll help you look again tomorrow..."

"No..."

Ye Youchen's voice reached Su Mo's ear:

"Time is running out..."

"Huh?"

"The wind’s picking up."

Zhen Suren stood arms crossed, gazing toward the cave entrance as his voice whispered to Su Mo:

"The Island Master selection ends today or tomorrow.

"The passing of the torch begins!

"This is my last shot!"

"So, Brother Ye... what’s the plan?"

"Tonight, the island's defenses will undoubtedly be concentrated around the Island Master.

"The Scripture Cave matters, but not as much.

"I’ll have to go in to search for my master's whereabouts."

Zhen Suren shot Su Mo a faint smile before turning and walking toward another cave entrance.

His retreating figure looked strangely lonely.

Su Mo watched briefly, then smiled slightly and went the other way.

Throughout the entire afternoon, the Dragonwood Island disciple on duty outside the cave remained exceptionally respectful and diligent, which surprised Su Mo.

Not that he cared much.

By evening, when Su Mo left the Scripture Cave, he encountered Xie Yun arriving with a group.

Seeing this, Su Mo waited by the cave entrance.

After a while, Xie Yun came back out, accompanied by several physicians who had been deciphering scriptures inside.

Surprisingly, Zhen Suren was among them.

Yet Zhen Suren ignored Su Mo completely, silently following behind Xie Yun.

Su Mo raised an eyebrow slightly and said quietly:

"Secretary Xie!"

At that, Xie Yun turned to look at Su Mo:

"Ah... you there?"

"Where is Secretary Xie heading?"

Su Mo asked with a smile, "I see many fellow scholars who were deciphering scriptures in the Scripture Cave among your group. Could it be that there are other texts elsewhere, kept hidden from us?"

"You’ve got it wrong, sir," Xie Yun quickly replied. "Truth be told, we are here on another urgent matter."

"Do tell."

Su Mo gave a respectful bow.

"..."

Xie Yun sighed helplessly before explaining,

"The Island Master’s health has taken a turn for the worse.

"Since there are many master healers in the Scripture Cave, we’ve been tasked with inviting them to examine the Island Master."

"Ah, I understand."

Su Mo’s face turned serious.

"The Island Master’s well-being concerns the safety of the entire island—indeed, we can’t afford any slip-ups.

"Though my medical skills are humble, I’d be happy to lend what help I can.

"After you, Secretary Xie."

"Huh?"

Xie Yun was taken aback and hastily clasped his hands.

"Your kindness and skill are commendable, sir.

"However, this trip was ordered by the Island Master to invite only the listed physicians...

"You weren’t on the list. My apologies."

"Hmm?"

Su Mo raised an eyebrow.

"Does the Island Master think so little of my skills?"

"Of course not!"

Xie Yun hurriedly added,

"Your skills are undoubtedly extraordinary, but... I’m just doing as I’m told.

"If the Island Master did not mention it, who am I to go against orders?

"Please don’t be upset."

"Hmph."

Su Mo waved a hand dismissively. "Fine then. Life and death are written in the stars, wealth and honor are heaven’s will. Fortune and misfortune don’t knock—they’re invited by one’s own deeds. Since the Island Master has made this choice, he’s sealed his own fate. Even if I could truly turn the tides of fate, in such circumstances, I couldn’t save a man hellbent on dying."

"I take my leave!"

Xie Yun's face cycled between pallor and fury.

Watching Su Mo depart with a swagger, he finally let out a soft sigh:

"You haven’t even taken the Good Thought Pill, how could we dare to rely on you, even if you truly had the ability to decipher the scriptures?

"Truly, a man of unpredictable temper...

"Hmph, you may pride yourself on your extraordinary talent, but how could you ever fathom the Island Master's unfathomable might?

"Once the great matter is settled, we’ll settle today’s grievances!"

After uttering these words, he turned and left.

Meanwhile, Su Mo walked back toward the courtyard where he was staying, his gaze drifting to the streaks of clouds that had appeared in the sky at some unknown time.

A chill wind curled through the mountain haze, carrying a hint of dampness.

"The winds of change stir."

Su Mo stretched out his hand, clutching at the air, then smiled slightly:

"The hour of departure nears..."

***

Beneath the night’s veil, before Qilong Hall, on the duelling grounds!

After several days of relentless bouts, only two masters stood undefeated.

One of them was Shi Cheng.

Ever since the entanglement of the previous night, when Xia Qiuliang inexplicably surged in power, forcing him to unleash his sect’s forbidden arts,

Shi Cheng could no longer hold back.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, holding back now would only make him appear guilty.

Thus, he had no choice but to press forward unrelentingly,

ultimately reaching this point.

For Shi Cheng, this was a battle thrust upon him, a hollow ordeal.

Yet, trapped like a tiger cornered, he had no retreat.

And if he refused to fight...

He no longer had any reason to abstain.

But his final opponent kindled a spark of anticipation in Shi Cheng.

This man, in his thirties, was revered in the jianghu as the "Falling Dust Sword." The name "Falling Dust" was derived from the saying "when the dust settles."

Meaning, no matter how chaotic the conflict, once his blade was unsheathed, all strife would cease, and the dust would settle.

"By losing to this person, my defeat would appear legitimate, and no one could criticize..."

Shi Cheng pondered inwardly, his gaze swept the area, yet he did not see the person he had hoped to find.

His brow furrowed slightly.

But his steps did not falter in the slightest as he strode onto the dueling platform, cupped his hands:

"Shi Cheng!"

Opposite him, Luo Xinyu, the Sword of Fallen Dust, observed him quietly for a moment before nodding slightly:

"Truly a rising star among heroes."

"..."

Shi Cheng raised an eyebrow, sensing something amiss, and immediately barked:

"I have long heard of the Sword of Fallen Dust’s reputation. Today, I wish to test your skills—make your move!"

"Fine then - I yield!"

"..."

If you concede, just concede—what mockery is this?!

Shi Cheng’s stomach dropped. As he looked up, the entire martial arena erupted.

The Sword of Fallen Dust’s fame was considerable—some said it surpassed even Lang Xingkong, the Sword that Shook the Northwest.

Yet here he was, facing Shi Cheng, yielding without crossing blades?

Was it because Shi Cheng’s martial arts were too formidable, forcing Luo Xinyu to admit defeat?

Or was there another reason?

Regardless, once word of tonight’s events spread across the Southern Sea martial circles, Shi Cheng’s reputation would eclipse all others.

Meanwhile, the Sword of Fallen Dust, defeated without a fight, would inevitably be forever shamed.

It was utterly baffling—why would he do this?

Just as confusion swirled in his mind, a lone lantern pierced the darkness, alighting gracefully—it was the Lanternbearing Elder.

He regarded Shi Cheng before nodding:

"This night brings great honor. After days of sparring of unmatched skill, all heroes have proven their mettle.

"In the end, Young Hero Shi Cheng emerges victorious!

"He shall assume the mantle of Island Master...

"Honored warriors, please withdraw to your chambers and rest."

"Judging by tonight’s sky, a storm is coming.

"When the hour arrives, please board the ships and depart from Dragon-Timber Island."

Upon hearing this, the crowd exchanged glances. Even the reluctant had no choice but to agree.

The training grounds cleared out in seconds.

The Dustfall Sword was already long gone.

The old man with the lantern turned to Shi Cheng, raising his lantern slightly with a smile:

"Young Hero Shi Cheng, come with me."

"Uh..."

Shi Cheng let out a strained chuckle. "After you, Senior."

Now he was truly stuck—no choice but to go along with it. He would just have to do exactly as instructed.

The old man with the lantern led the way, though not to any unexpected destination.

He took Shi Cheng straight to Qilong Hall.

Upon reaching the second floor, he opened a door.

"Young Island Master, wait here."

"Ah..."

Shi Cheng froze, taking a moment to realize the title "Young Island Master" referred to him. He flushed red, waving his hands in protest.

He sat stiffly, like a marionette. The old man with the lantern clapped his hands lightly.

A maid brought in tea.

"Have some tea."

The old man with the lantern said, "Young Island Master, wait here briefly. I’ll fetch the Island Master."

"What?"

Shi Cheng hurriedly replied, "I couldn’t impose! I should pay my respects."

"The Island Master’s orders are clear. Just stay put, Young Island Master."

Cutting off any objection, the old man with the lantern waved lightly and departed.

Shi Cheng sat frozen, barely breathing.

As for the tea, he didn’t dare touch it at all.

Scanning the room, it wasn’t particularly large, and the lanterns gave off a murky light...

The air smelled faintly sweet—incense, maybe.

"Incense... wait—"

Shi Cheng’s pulse spiked. He lurched upright.

However, the moment he moved, his legs went weak.

His entire body seemed to turn into a puddle of mud as he slumped back into the chair.

From clear-headedness to mental fog, it took no more than an instant.

"Such potent knockout drug..."

Shi Cheng struggled to stay conscious when he heard the sound of the door opening.

A lantern-bearing elder stepped in slowly:

"Young Island Master indeed did not consume the Bone Broth. Otherwise, this incense wouldn’t have had such a strong effect.

"Young Island Master, the martial arts you cultivate are extraordinary.

"They bear some resemblance to those of the undefeated Southern Sea Martial Sovereign, Shi Shengtian, who once reigned supreme over the Southern Sea...

"I wonder, how are you connected to him?"

"...I."

Shi Cheng strained to open his eyes but managed only this single word before losing consciousness completely.

In his dazed state, he seemed to hear the Lantern-bearing Elder sigh before everything faded into darkness.

***

The Maze Cavern, Medicine Man Crate!

A Dragonwood Island disciple was observing the surroundings from his hidden post.

The layout here was treacherous. Unless one possessed Su Mo’s level of *qinggong*—capable of passing by undetected even from close proximity—anyone entering the Medicine Man Crate’s vicinity would inevitably be spotted by these guarding disciples.

Exceptions existed, but they were rare.

The most recent incident involved the snake-like Abomination running amok and devouring several guards.

But by now, the matter had long since been dealt with.

The disciples continued their vigilant watch as ever, and over the past two days, nothing unusual had been detected.

The Dragonwood Island disciple quietly steadied his qi flow and concealed his presence, yet he couldn’t help but give in to a yawn.

After all, it was late, and keeping constant watch in one direction was draining on the spirit.

A yawn was only natural under the circumstances.

Yet, the moment he yawned, a finger pierced his back with pinpoint precision.

This was clearly a carefully timed strike.

Seizing the instant of his yawn, the attacker struck an acupoint, channeling internal force that instantly flooded his meridians.

The guard remained locked in mid-yawn, perishing silently.

A slender hand reached from behind, gripping his neck and carefully disposing of the corpse.

Peering out from her vantage point, she let out a soft sigh:

"This must be the last one."

She turned to look behind her, where another woman was standing.

Beside her stood several others.

An old man with a white beard and hair.

A man with a weathered face yet jet-black hair.

And a young man holding a single saber.

They were none other than Li Mosheng, the Poison Lord, Cheng Suying, Zhou Wenjing, and Duan Renjie!

After Su Mo saved Li Mosheng the night before, he had him meet up with Cheng Suying and Zhou Wenjing.

The master-disciple reunion was a lively affair.

But by now, the excitement had long since died down.

Su Mo had previously arranged with them to pose as Dragonwood Island disciples this morning, sneak into the Scripture Cave, and make their way down into the Labyrinth Cavern via the Ghost Vine.

This decision was pretty risky.

But after observing for several days, Su Mo noticed that though the exegetes were held in high esteem,

the Dragonwood Island disciples moving about in the Scripture Cave went largely unnoticed.

They timed it to coincide with Su Mo's scripture lecture to the physicians.

Most of the attention in the Scripture Cave was focused on Su Mo,

allowing them to slip in unnoticed.

Unlike Ye Youchen—who had his own motives—they went straight into hiding within the Medicine Person Box,

biding their time to strike!

Now was the time agreed upon with Su Mo.

"All the guards at the Medicine Person Box are down...

"Renjie, what’s the plan now?"

Cheng Suying looked at Duan Renjie.

Duan Renjie took a deep breath and said:

"Free the captives and raise hell!"

Everyone nodded, while Li Mosheng asked:

"By the way, where is Chief Escort Su now?"

They looked at each other, and finally, Zhou Wenjing thought for a moment and replied:

"Chief Escort Su said there’d be quite a show to watch in the past two days.

"Probably tonight...

"Right about now, he’s likely off to catch the show, right?"