Chapter 440: Uninvited Guest

Chapter 440: The Uninvited Guest

"Chief Escort Su, name your price. The Tianji Pavilion never haggles."

The middle-aged man smiled faintly, his expression calm.

"Never haggle?"

Su Mo shook his head slightly. "Since the Tianji Pavilion operates as a business, it naturally wouldn’t engage in unprofitable deals.

"I’m just curious—who is buying this information from you, and what price have they offered?"

The middle-aged man’s smile flickered briefly before he chuckled again.

"This particular information is even more expensive."

Yang Xiaoyun’s expression remained unchanged, but inwardly, her mind was racing.

The man’s words undoubtedly made one thing clear—someone was paying top dollar to uncover Su Mo’s purpose in coming to the South Sea.

This meant their arrival in the South Sea had already caught the attention of certain parties.

And they cared enough to pay such a steep price for this information.

But who could be so concerned about them?

Subconsciously, she glanced at Su Mo and saw the corners of his lips curl slightly as he said quietly,

"Then forget it. Being evasive isn’t the way to make money.

"Might I know your name?"

The middle-aged man stood up and gave a slight bow.

"I am Iron Brush Yu Lu."

"Iron Brush?"

"Not a martial arts nickname, but a rank within the Tianji Pavilion."

Yu Lu smiled. "Under the Pavilion Master, the Tianji Pavilion is divided into four tiers: Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Iron. I belong to the Iron Brush rank, handling all affairs on *Twin Heroes Island*.

"Chief Escort Su, don't worry that the information you seek isn’t available here.

"Even if it isn’t, another representative will reach out to you."

"I see."

Su Mo nodded. "In that case, let’s be direct. I'm interested in a certain pill formula."

"Hmm?"

Yu Lu looked surprised, confused. "What kind of pill formula?"

"*Once and for All*."

"......"

Yu Lu hesitated briefly before speaking softly:

"Chief Escort Su, have a seat—I’ll be right back."

Not waiting for Su Mo’s reply, he stood up and weaved through the bookshelves.

Su Mo sat down with Yang Xiaoyun, while Cheng Suying scanned the nearby shelves with interest.

The records were sorted in various ways—some labeled "Unverified Rumors," others "Confirmed Rumors," along with titles like "Registry of Legendary Blades," "Annals of Famous Swords," "Log of Major World Events," and "Profiles of the Southern Sea’s Big Three"...

Some were mere pamphlets, while others filled entire shelves, even spilling into sequels marked "Part Two" or "Part Three." The amount of intel was staggering.

Meanwhile, Su Mo picked up a faint, familiar smell in the air—Western Province’s Fire God Oil.

He surmised that if this place got raided, this oil would likely ignite instantly to prevent any leaks, torching every shelf and reducing everything to ashes.

While he mused, Yu Lu returned, holding a bamboo scroll. He sat back down behind the desk and said:

"'Final Rest' is a strange drug indeed—hell, you could call it a deadly poison.

"However, the Tianji Pavilion does not possess its formula.

"In the current Southern Sea, barely anyone’s got this recipe.

"As far as we know, only three places still retain it..."

Here, he paused slightly and looked at Su Mo:

"Chief Escort Su, what’s your offer for this intel?"

Su Mo’s eyebrow twitched slightly:

"Only three?"

"Indeed."

Yu Lu nodded gently. "If you’re after this formula, Chief Escort Su, you’ll likely have to approach one of these three."

Su Mo smiled faintly:

"And what’s the buzz around this formula?"

"Are you perhaps trying to verify its efficacy, Chief Escort Su?"

Yu Lu chuckled. "That’s not difficult. We have records here—it’s not exactly top-secret. I can share it with you freely...

"The most recent news about this formula dates back three years.

"A wealthy merchant from the Southern Sea shelled out a fortune for it from one source, intending to use it against a rival."

"In the end, it ended in defeat.

"It wasn’t due to the medicine’s lack of potency, but because the opponent, though publicly claiming no martial arts ability, had secretly trained in internal strength.

"By using his energy to stem the bleeding, the medicine’s effects were neutralized.

"Once the potency wore off and he restored his blocked qi and blood flow, he was completely unaffected."

He paused briefly here before continuing:

"Given Chief Escort Su’s martial arts prowess, I assume you aren’t seeking this formula to harm others, are you?

"Wouldn’t that be excessive?"

"Of course not."

Su Mo smiled. "But I wonder, does Tianji Pavilion buy information as well as sell it?"

"..."

Yu Lu was taken aback, the sudden shift left him reeling.

Just moments ago, Su Mo had seemed earnest about purchasing information—how had it now shifted to selling it?

His brow furrowed, he cautiously asked:

"May I ask what sort of information?

"And what price does Chief Escort Su have in mind?"

Su Mo tapped his fingers lightly on the table and replied with a smile:

"I’m not in the business of trading information, so its value is hard to gauge.

"How about this—I’ll trade this information for another piece of news.

"As for whether it’s a fair trade, let Tianji Pavilion decide."

"This..."

Yu Lu wavered.

Outsiders might not know, but as part of Tianji Pavilion, he was well aware of Su Mo’s background.

Not only did they know of his numerous achievements since entering the martial world, but they also understood that despite his youth, he was shrewd and known for his cunning.

Now, after interacting with him, the reputation held true.

By this point, Yu Lu fully realized that Su Mo hadn’t come to buy information at all.

Yet, nor did he seem here just to sell a piece of news either...

His real goal was anyone’s guess.

And if Yu Lu agreed to this exchange, what information Su Mo might offer in return?

What would he ask for in return?

For a moment, he was unsure whether to agree or not.

Finally, he heaved a long sigh:

"Chief Escort Su, please get straight to the point. I can agree to this condition.

"However, if the information you wish to sell isn't of equal value to the one you seek in return...

"Then we'd have to ask you to propose another condition.

"Either exchange it for hard currency, or swap it for another piece of information.

"As for the valuation criteria, that will be up to our Heavenly Secrets Pavilion to determine."

"Fair enough."

Su Mo smiled: "This information concerns the BloodWeeping Sword."

"The BloodWeeping Sword..."

Yu Lu paused, surprised: "Indeed, there have been people recently looking into the murders by the BloodWeeping Sword Slave. Chief Escort Su is offering..."

At this point, he suddenly glanced at the scroll in his hand.

He couldn't help but slap his forehead: "Ah, I see. Is this truly the case?"

"Absolutely true."

Su Mo said with a smile: "What's this information worth?"

"Well..."

Yu Lu hesitated for a moment.

This information was extremely valuable!

To ordinary people, it might not matter whether there was someone behind the BloodWeeping Sword Slave's actions.

But for certain others, this matter was crucially important.

As a member of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, Yu Lu was well aware that in the eyes of some, they would be willing to pay top dollar for this information.

Not only that, but anyone who purchased this information would also make the three locations he had just prepared to sell to Su Mo into 'high-demand items.'

From there, an entire chain of valuable information could emerge.

Since the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion was in the business of selling secrets, Yu Lu truly couldn't honestly say that Su Mo's information was worthless.

In the end, seeing no alternative, he reluctantly nodded:

"Chief Escort Su, what information do you wish to exchange for?"

"The Southern Sea... Martial God Temple."

Su Mo glanced up at Yu Lu.

Yu Lu started slightly, then gave a small nod:

"Ah, I see. Indeed, our Heavenly Secrets Pavilion does possess intelligence regarding the Southern Sea Martial God Temple."

"In my personal opinion, Chief Escort Su's information is certainly valuable enough for an exchange.

"But I cannot make the decision on my own.

"Please give me a few days, Chief Escort Su, to report back before the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion decides."

"Since the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion is an open business, surely you wouldn't cheat me out of this one piece of information, would it?"

Su Mo said, smiling.

"Of course not."

Yu Lu said solemnly, "Regardless of the outcome, you'll get a proper answer."

Seeing this, Su Mo nodded lightly. "However, I don't expect to stay on Twin Heroes Island for more than half a day before leaving..."

"Chief Escort Su, please feel free to go ahead with your business.

"No matter where you are, the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion will surely find you and get you the information you want."

"Then we're agreed."

Su Mo stood up. "Goodbye."

"Leaving so soon?"

Yu Lu was taken aback and quickly said, "Chief Escort Su, wouldn't you like to buy any other information? We know many secrets. Just ask if you need anything."

"Not for now."

Su Mo smiled. "If I require anything in the future, I'll come back."

"Very well."

Disappointed, Yu Lu could only bow as Su Mo and his companions left.

Once they emerged from the secret chamber, the scar-faced man had left the shop, and the young man was still sprawled out, snoring.

Su Mo and his two companions didn't stay either, turning to leave directly.

After exiting the alley and entering the maze of alleys, Yang Xiaoyun glanced back at the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion where Yu Lu was and looked at Su Mo.

"The Heavenly Secrets Pavilion... buying information isn't smart, is it?"

Su Mo chuckled softly at her words. "You're absolutely right, my dear."

From the very beginning of today’s conversation, Su Mo had noticed something.

Doing business with the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion often meant giving away your own secrets as well.

For example, if someone wanted to buy the reason for Su Mo’s trip to the Southern Sea.

And who would want to buy such a message?

For Su Mo, that was information he'd want to know too.

The Heavenly Secrets Pavilion profited from both sides—there was no way they could lose.

But if Su Mo truly wanted to pursue certain matters, using them to investigate would give away too much.

So, this approach won’t last.

After all her time in the martial world, Yang Xiaoyun would naturally not fail to see this point.

As for the BloodWeeping Sword and wrapping things up for good...

These were exactly what Su Mo wanted the Tianji Pavilion to leak.

If Su Mo said it himself, it wouldn’t be half as convincing as someone spending a fortune to "buy" the information from the Tianji Pavilion.

As for how the Tianji Pavilion would later define this matter, Su Mo did not care.

He was only going after those who used the BloodWeeping Sword for their open schemes.

He just wouldn’t let things go their way.

"Then why did you still mention the South Sea Martial God Temple?" Yang Xiaoyun asked.

Su Mo smiled:

"There are two reasons...

"First, news of the South Sea Martial God Temple has already spread far and wide.

"Who in the South Sea wouldn’t go looking for it?

"After all, that thing’s tied to the South Sea Martial God Temple. If we can obtain clues through this, it would save us a trip to find the South Sea Grandmaster.

"After all, Shi Cheng here is unwilling to talk, and getting him to talk won’t be easy.

"And using the Painful Mantra would just make enemies.

"Not worth it."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded slightly: "And the second reason?"

"Second..."

Su Mo glanced at Yang Xiaoyun: "Can’t you guess, dear?"

"Is it because of those who want to buy information about us?"

Yang Xiaoyun caught on.

"My wife’s as quick as ever."

No need to spell it out. Just mentioning the South Sea Martial God Temple,

it would become one of Su Mo’s purported reasons for coming to the South Sea.

Truth was, going or not was his call.

No harm in easing the minds of those hung up on his motives.

Yang Xiaoyun chuckled at this, then gave Su Mo a mock glare:

"You and your sweet talk."

"Then tell me, who exactly would be most concerned about our purpose?"

"Probably just those few."

Su Mo said softly:

"There’s hardly any contact between the South Sea and the Eastern Wasteland. Even fewer know we’re here—and fewer still care why."

"Now that they know we’re not after them, it’s all good."

Yang Xiaoyun hesitated, as if about to say something, then held back.

Not exactly the best spot for chitchat.

They left the alley and headed back to the tavern first.

However, Wei Ziyi and Zhen Xiaoxiao were no longer there, likely having finished eating and drinking.

But what about that bride contest—how’d it go?

As they stepped out, they ran into a bunch of down-and-out martial artists shuffling toward the tavern.

One guy bellowed:

"Booze is the only cure for heartbreak!"

"Tonight, we drink till we drop!"

The three exchanged looks—sure, you saw down-on-their-luck guys, but this many at once? Weird.

They listened a little longer and soon learned the reason.

Turns out they were all sore losers from the bride contest.

No one was sure who’d won the Shangguan family’s prized daughter.

Just that some guy had taken on all comers and beaten Shangguan Jingjing in the end.

One big win, and the girl was his.

Su Mo wondered—was it Duan Renjie?

But a quick ask-around said no...

The guy who cleaned house was some nobody.

Name’s Zhou Chang, apparently.

No one knew where he came from or who trained him.

His moves were weird as hell, but no denying he wiped the floor with everyone.

Against Shangguan Jingjing, he finished her in three moves flat.

The whole crowd was floored.

Case closed—wedding’s tonight.

Shangguan Hongtu had invites flying all over Twin Heroes City, calling every fighter in town to a feast at his place.

However, for many people, they weren't particularly interested in the post-contest banquet.

The frustration of failing to win Shangguan Jingjing's hand drove them to drown their sorrows early at the tavern.

Of course, there weren’t actually many like them—it’s just that the crowd was so big that it seemed like many...

After hearing all this, Su Mo and his companions felt that this martial arts contest for marriage truly was none of their business.

It was just something to listen to for fun.

Now that the excitement was over, they might as well go.

As for attending the banquet, they had no interest whatsoever—in fact, it’d just stir up trouble.

Without another word, the three of them returned directly to their ship.

There, they found that Wei Ziyi, Zhen Xiaoxiao, and the others had already returned, and Duan Renjie was also waiting on the ship like he was told.

Cheng Suying asked him if he’d joined in the contest.

Duan Renjie immediately declared that he had just been there to watch the show.

No way he’d actually compete!

Cheng Suying seemed pleased with this answer, though she didn’t show it in her words.

The siblings put their heads together, murmuring, though no one knew what they were discussing.

After confirming with Song Yuanlong that they’d gotten everything they needed, Su Mo told the crew to raise the sails and depart from Twin Heroes City.

They continued their voyage across the sea, heading toward Tianqi Island.

By this point, they weren’t too far from their destination.

At most, another two weeks of travel and they’d be there.

Time to find out the truth—what kind of Pure Yang Treasure was the Qi family hiding?

……

……

That night!

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun turned in early. Just as everything was still, waves suddenly crashed.

Soon after came the swish of clothing in the wind, followed by the soft thud of landing feet—right on their ship.

"Who goes there?"

The night watch immediately detected the intruder and shouted sharply.

A deep voice responded:

"Xi Menxiong, from Twin Heroes Island—"

"Shut up!"

Before the speaker could finish, another voice snapped:

"How dare you barge in announcing your name?"

"I am Shangguan Zhiyuan, and I request the person in charge of this ship to show yourself!"

Before the words had even finished, Su Mo had already arrived on the deck.

Looking around, he noticed quite a few visitors.

At the forefront were two middle-aged men, glaring at each other as if harboring deep-seated hatred.

From their introductions, they seemed to be from the Ximen Family and the Shangguan Family of Twin Heroes Island.

However...

Just earlier in the day, the Shangguan Family had held a martial arts contest to choose a son-in-law, and the winner had been decided, with a celebratory banquet scheduled for the evening.

At this moment, instead of hosting their relatives and friends at home, what were they doing causing trouble on his ship?

Though curious, Su Mo did not neglect courtesy. He promptly clasped his hands and said:

"I am Su Mo, the person in charge of this ship. May I ask why you two Seniors have come together?"

"We're searching for someone!"

Shangguan Zhiyuan glared daggers at Xi Menxiong before addressing Su Mo:

"Captain Su, our apologies for disturbing you so late at night. The Shangguan Family will make amends later.

"But for now, we kindly ask you to grant us permission to search your ship. We suspect my young miss may have been abducted by that Ximen lecher and hidden aboard!"