Chapter 436: Taking the Escort

Chapter 436: Taking the Escort

No one knew what medicine the Poison Lord was preparing.

Thus, no one knew how long they would have to wait.

By the time Zhou Wenjing, Xia Qiuliang, and the others appeared on the ship, the Poison Lord had already locked himself in the room for half an hour straight.

"Hero Su."

Xia Qiuliang cupped his hands:

"We've already searched the town once. The entire Lone Gourd Island, from top to bottom...

"Regardless of age or gender... no survivors whatsoever!"

This came as no surprise.

Whether those who died on Lone Gourd Island were killed by the *BloodWeeping Sword Slave* or not, such a manner of death would inevitably point to that sword.

And under that sword, there were never any survivors.

If someone behind this truly intended to pin the incident on that sword and that person, they'd hardly leave evidence.

Knowing is one thing, but when faced with the reality, it was hard not to feel anger.

Su Mo paused briefly before asking:

"Have the bodies been examined?"

"Yes, they’ve all been examined."

Xia Qiuliang nodded. "All victims were pierced through the heart by a single sword strike, with no other injuries."

Hearing this, Su Mo let out a quiet exhale and said quietly:

"Your efforts are appreciated."

Xia Qiuliang shook his head:

"It’s not about hard work. It’s just that there’s this burden weighing on us, and we must voice this.

"We martial artists battle in the martial world, be it for glory or gain, and blood on our hands is inevitable.

"But what does that have to do with these common people?

"Hero Su, with so many dead, this sits heavy with us now.

"We feel all this energy but don’t know where to direct it, no outlet for it.

"So, we all want to follow your lead."

Su Mo didn't hesitate. After brief consideration, he said:

"The incident on Lone Gourd Island is nothing trivial, but its roots run deeper."

"During my journey here, I encountered several similar incidents, including one involving the Bo Hai Association from the Hundred Merchants Association."

"All evidence points to one thing..."

"This matter can't be explained in a few words."

"In that case, I’ll trouble Young Hero Xia to gather everyone in the city for a discussion."

"I still have some matters to attend to here. Once finished, I’ll join you all."

"I wouldn't presume to command, but I'll share what I know. When many heads come together, we can devise a plan."

Xia Qiuliang nodded immediately upon hearing this:

"In that case, we’ll await Hero Su's arrival in the city!"

"Good."

Su Mo returned the salute.

After seeing off Xia Qiuliang and Zhou Wenjing, Yang Xiaoyun turned to Su Mo:

"This situation isn't what we expected."

"Hmm."

Su Mo nodded slightly. "But this makes me even more concerned."

"Would you share your thoughts?"

Yang Xiaoyun glanced at him.

Su Mo hesitated for a moment:

"Earlier, when we encountered the Tiger Cang Flag and the sea snake Ceng Chou, the deaths and Ceng Chou's dying words suggested the killer was undoubtedly the BloodWeeping Sword Slave."

"But the people on Gu Piao Island... may not be his doing."

"The Poison Lord is no ordinary figure. Since he asserts the islanders were poisoned with 'Once and for All,' then there can only be two explanations."

"First, the BloodWeeping Sword itself has poison properties like 'Once and for All,' causing victims to bleed profusely upon being stabbed through the heart."

"Second, someone deliberately set up the BloodWeeping Sword Slave by using this poison to mimic his methods."

"My thoughts exactly."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded. "But slaughtering an entire island just to frame someone seems extreme?"

"Perhaps..."

Su Mo looked at her. "We should consider this: if it truly is a frame-up, who could imitate the BloodWeeping Sword Slave’s methods so perfectly?"

"Although Gu Piao Island may not be well-known, a fair number of ordinary folks call this place home.

"It wouldn't be difficult to kill them all.

"But to run every last one of them through with a single thrust, without leaving a trace—

"Your average jianghu fighter wouldn’t be capable of this.

"Whoever did this must have serious backing, with plenty of skilled fighters at their disposal, to achieve such a feat."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded immediately:

"Makes sense!

"Then there’s the motive.

"The BloodWeeping Sword Slave is tied to the BloodWeeping Sword.

"This legend of the South Sea probably isn’t just known to us or that Ceng Chou.

"Plenty of others must’ve heard of it.

"So why pin this on the BloodWeeping Sword Slave?

"Unless…"

She paused here, shaking her head:

"I was about to say the mastermind’s trying to rile people up—

"Get everyone to gang up on the BloodWeeping Sword Slave.

"But from the legend Ceng Chou mentioned earlier, the Sword Slave’s bound to a single purpose in its lifetime.

"After that, the sword takes over completely.

"In other words, once the Sword Slave kills its intended target,

"it’s all over.

"Riling people up might just make the Sword Slave even harder to stop."

The BloodWeeping Sword feeds on blood—the more it kills, the stronger it gets—so stirring up a frenzy might just make it even deadlier.

If the mastermind’s trying to get others to take it out, this plan’s backfiring.

Su Mo chuckled at that:

"You just gave me an idea…"

"Hmm?"

Yang Xiaoyun blinked. "What’s on your mind?"

"What if the mastermind’s goal is to let the BloodWeeping Sword feast on the South Sea’s martial world?"

Su Mo dropped the bombshell.

Yang Xiaoyun’s breath caught. "You’re saying…?"

Su Mo shook his head lightly:

"It's too soon to tell for sure. This is just one possibility.

"It's also possible that these people are the ones the BloodWeeping Sword Slave wants to kill, hence the attempt to use others to do the killing."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded slightly but soon furrowed her brows again:

"If this hunch is right, what should we tell the others when we see them later?

"Word of this will inevitably spread across the martial world.

"Martial artists harming civilians is already a huge taboo in the martial world.

"For now, at least, that’s the general rule in both the South Sea and the Eastern Wasteland.

"Once the BloodWeeping Sword is mentioned, it will inevitably rile up those South Sea masters.

"Even though you saved their lives, it might still be hard to control how their minds might change."

Xia Qiuliang had made a good point earlier.

In the martial world, it’s all about fame and fortune.

For fame—if one could kill the BloodWeeping Sword Slave, their name would skyrocket.

For profit—the BloodWeeping Sword, one of the Ten Great Swords, is a powerful draw.

Though the wielder of the BloodWeeping Sword would become its slave,

unless they’ve seen or held it themselves, who wouldn’t cling to some hope?

Until it’s all over, there will always be those who believe they are the chosen ones—

the BloodWeeping Sword’s true master, not its slave.

Plenty of folks think that way.

Yet Su Mo merely smiled:

"Love, if we meet them later and avoid mentioning the BloodWeeping Sword entirely,

you think they won’t figure it out?"

"...No chance."

Yang Xiaoyun had already pointed out that the knowledge of the BloodWeeping Sword might not be limited to them. The South Sea’s huge—everyone’s well-traveled—who knows what gossip they’ve picked up?

To anyone paying attention, the events on Gupiao Island would inevitably raise eyebrows.

"Exactly."

Su Mo chuckled. "Even if we keep quiet, this news will spread across the South Sea as these martial artists leave Gupiao Island.

"If the BloodWeeping Sword Slave had never appeared, we could’ve let it slide.

"But with things as they are, it seems the dice are loaded.

"So, this is a trap in broad daylight—no way around it."

"If that's how it is, then let's just give them what they want."

"You'd really just let this happen?" Yang Xiaoyun raised an eyebrow.

Logically speaking, although many people had died in this incident, it had no direct connection to Su Mo and his group.

Whatever the mastermind's reasons for doing this, they weren’t targeting Su Mo’s group specifically.

If they wanted to keep their heads down and stay out of it, it wouldn’t be difficult.

But Yang Xiaoyun actually understood Su Mo better than he knew himself.

Su Mo often claimed he wasn’t truly a knight-errant, lacking the sense of justice of Su Tianyang or Yang Yizhi.

In the jianghu, as long as he wasn’t dragged into the mess, he'd rather not get involved.

Yet, after spending so much time together, Yang Xiaoyun knew that deep down, her husband possessed an unspoken chivalry.

If those who died on Gupiao Island today had been martial artists, he wouldn't have batted an eye.

But… today, all the victims were ordinary folks.

He would never simply turn a blind eye.

Sure enough, Su Mo gave a slight smile:

"Of course not…"

As he spoke, he produced a token from his robe.

"The Tianji Pavilion’s token?" Yang Xiaoyun was startled.

Su Mo then said quietly,

"Perhaps it’s time to reach out to these people and see what they want."

"You—"

Yang Xiaoyun was about to say more when suddenly, there was movement from inside the room.

Everyone turned to look, just as the door creaked open, and there stood the Poison Lord.

However, compared to when he had entered earlier, the Poison Lord now looked noticeably more haggard.

Little Situ’s face fell at the sight:

"Senior, you—"

The Poison Lord managed a weak smile, and tried to take a step forward, but his legs buckled, and he slumped to the ground.

Su Mo stepped forward to assist, but the Poison Lord waved him away:

"Never mind, let this old man sit here and rest for a while...

"I thought there was still a chance to return the item, but I never expected brewing this pill would be even more taxing than imagined."

He let out a soft sigh and pulled out an embroidered box from his robes.

Lifting his gaze to Su Mo, he said:

"Su Mo, boy... you are no ordinary person.

"This old man now sees death's star rising, and my days are numbered.

"I wonder... if I could trouble you with one final request?"

Su Mo glanced at the box and shook his head slightly:

"What is this?"

"The Fansheng Pill."

The Poison Lord took a deep breath. "This pill is made from an ancient formula, and can cure any illness. If consumed by a martial artist, it can even boost their inner power.

"It was a formula I obtained years ago from a secret realm.

"But one of its key ingredients had long gone extinct.

"Though I collected many substitute ingredients, I never truly believed I could one day actually make this pill.

"And now..."

At this point, he seemed to run out of energy. After another deep breath, he shook his head faintly.

From his sleeve, he pulled out a greasy chicken leg, bringing it to his lips as if to take a bite. Yet, for some reason, he sighed and just couldn't bring himself to eat.

Holding the chicken leg, he leaned against the doorframe and said to those present:

"I am the Poison Lord of the South Sea, a man who has spent his life brewing poisons, wielding them, leaving countless dead.

"Yet, I have also healed just as many with my mastery of medicine.

"In my early years, I wandered the mortal world, never gave a damn about anyone or anything...

"Until I met my wife.

"Back then, she was the prized daughter of the South Sea Alliance.

"Kind, quiet, and dignified.

"She was just coming into her beauty, while I was already middle-aged.

"Meeting her, I couldn't help but feel like dirt beneath her feet."

His eyes lost focus, as if he was years away in memory.

His words now seemed less for Su Mo and the others, and more for himself.

He sighed, "I intended to keep my distance, yet fate brought us together time after time.

"The South Sea Alliance wasn't exactly safe. Though she was the apple of everyone's eye, she always had targets on her back.

"That night... she was taken from me.

"I sprinted three hundred miles without stopping, finally intercepting them.

"In that fight to the death, I actually forgot to use poison.

"It was a fury unlike anything I'd ever known in my entire life.

"I was so consumed I lost all sense.

"And the reason was simply... that she had been frightened.

"That night, I brought her back to the South Sea Alliance—bloodied and broken.

"That night, I first realized there could be someone in this world who could move me so profoundly.

"That night, I had intended to leave the South Sea Alliance and never see her again, but in the end, too wounded to leave, I had no choice but to stay and recuperate there.

"Yet, I never expected that, on that very night, I had also burned myself into her memory.

"During my recovery, she often came to visit me.

"The South Sea Alliance Leader let it slide.

"After all, with such an age gap, who’d think anything of it?

"But... the fire inside me grew into an inferno.

"By the time I realized what was happening, it was already too late to undo.

"I thought it was my lust clouding my judgment and meant to die for my sins, but she wished to die with me.

"Only then did I understand her feelings.

"The woman I loved... loved me in return.

"Having known such happiness, what fear is there even if death were imminent?"

At this point, he looked at Su Mo and smiled faintly: "As for what happened afterward... I’ve already told you...

"The South Sea Alliance Leader went berserk, and the three major forces on Black Island, all plotting in the shadows, yet in the end, they only sealed my name as the Poison Lord.

"Had I made my name young, I would surely have been proud and triumphant.

"But back then... what did empty fame matter to me?

"I only wished to grow old with her, to watch the seasons turn together.

"That cursed flower worked miracles—entering my mouth, taking my life, yet granting rebirth.

"If these memories faded, perhaps this old man could feel young again.

"Maybe... even turn back the clock—who’s to say?

"But... but..."

His lips curled in a faint smile:

"If I were to forget her... what’s the point of living?"

"Moreover, the reason I’ve returned to the martial world is... she has come down with a strange illness."

"She has been unconscious for nearly two years now."

"That is why I must go to Dragonwood Island..."

"Su Mo, I beg you... this old man begs you, don't set your sights on this pill."

"Please... help me get this pill to her, won’t you?"

"This old man is at death's door and can no longer repay your kindness in this life."

"If there truly is an afterlife, I would willingly serve you like a beast of burden, repaying this great debt!"

As the Poison Lord spoke these words, he attempted to kneel in supplication.

But Su Mo quickly stopped him, sighing softly:

"Su Mo runs an escort agency..."

"Senior Poison Lord, you’re giving me business."

"But I wonder, what does Senior plan to pay with for this escort?"

"Payment?"

The Poison Lord paused for a moment before inspiration struck. He pulled out two books from his robe.

Their titles were simple: one was *The Manual of Poisons*, the other *The Manual of Medicine*.

"In my years wandering the martial world, apart from my skills in medicine and poison, I have nothing else to speak of."

"These volumes contain everything I've learned in my life."

"Furthermore... all the elixirs and poisons I carry with me will be yours when I die."

"I wonder... if these can be considered payment?"

As he spoke, the Poison Lord looked at Su Mo hopefully.

Su Mo chuckled:

"Then wouldn’t this trip be a huge windfall for me?"

"The various poisons and elixirs crafted by Senior Poison Lord are priceless treasures, worth their weight in gold."

"Not to mention getting your true teachings?"

"Now, there’s just one question..."

"May I ask where your wife is?"

"Good... good boy, Su Mo... I—I thank you!"

Hearing this, the Poison Lord let out a deep sigh of relief and whispered to Su Mo:

"The island she's on doesn't have a name. We call it 'Isle of Remaining Years.'"

"We planned to spend what's left of our lives together on that island."

"You'll need to head south to reach the island. First, head to 'Tianqi Island,' and after landing there, travel a half-day's journey west to reach Yisheng Island.

"But the waterways are treacherous... you'll need someone to show you the way."

As he spoke, he pulled a whistle from his robe and handed it to Su Mo:

"When staying on Tianqi Island, you must be wary of the Qi family.

"They belong to the South Sea Alliance, and the head of the Qi family is currently the Third Elder of the alliance, with considerable power and influence.

"If they track her down, my wife will surely be found and taken back. Who knows what they'd do to her...

"Wait until nightfall, then blow this whistle at the eastern dock.

"Someone will come to guide you...

"Follow them when the time comes."

Tianqi Island... the Qi family!

Su Mo instinctively turned his head, intending to look for Wei Ziyi’s whereabouts.

However, Wei Ziyi was not on the deck at the moment.

He nodded lightly and glanced at the prompt that appeared before him.

"Mission: Escort the Fansheng Pill to Yisheng Island and deliver it to the Poison Lord’s wife."

"Accept?"

Su Mo tapped casually, then said solemnly:

"Senior Poison Lord, this escort mission... I'll take this job."

When he looked up again, he saw the Poison Lord going for the chicken leg, maybe feeling relieved after settling the important matter.

He had intended to take a bite, enjoying the flavor one last time, so that even on the journey to the afterlife, it wouldn’t feel so bitter.

Yet, in the end, he couldn't muster the strength to take a bite. With one last sigh, he muttered:

"Back then... I shouldn’t have let that storyteller tell my fortune..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was gone.

Su Mo froze. Within just a few days, he had witnessed this old man die twice.

He couldn't help feeling conflicted, but he still nodded and said:

"Yeah, having a storyteller do your fortune... what was going through your head? Obviously not his area of expertise."