Chapter 450: WoodBurning Armor

Chapter 450: Wood-Burning Armor

Su Mo had once again exposed him, and the Fire Taoist had half a mind to bolt.

However, the next moment, he sighed and turned back, managing a strained smile:

"I, uh... gotta take a leak."

"Hold it in."

Su Mo waved his hand, clearly unwilling to expose his little ruse.

"Just one more thing."

"...Why not ask everything in one go?"

The Fire Taoist let out a resigned sigh, spreading his hands:

"Fire away. I’ll spill everything."

Su Mo had gotten most of his questions out of the way today.

Now, only one question remained:

"What’s the deal with the Qi family?"

"The Qi family?"

The Fire Taoist was taken aback. "You’re in the dark? Qi Dingtian didn’t fill you in at the Idle Cloud Pavilion?"

"No."

Su Mo shook his head slightly.

The Fire Taoist tsk’ed in disbelief:

"Maybe he’s trying to keep you out of it?

"Is Qi Dingtian that soft-hearted, or is he scared of you? No guts to say it straight to your face...

"Besides, if he didn’t say anything, why bother grilling me?

"This ain’t your business. Why stick your nose in?"

"You’re the one asking all the questions, Taoist."

Su Mo glanced at the Fire Taoist calmly.

The Fire Taoist’s heart tightened, seethed silently—who’s been grilling me all night?

Now I’m the one asking too much?!

Despite his thoughts, he let out a hollow laugh:

"Nah, nah. Can’t blame a guy for being curious.

"Well, if you want to know about the Qi family, I’ll lay it out for you."

"Do you know that the Southern Sea Alliance possesses a great treasure?"

"The Golden Sun Blade?"

Su Mo blurted out these four words.

On Dragon Tree Island, the Poison Lord had once mentioned it to him.

The Southern Sea Alliance had the Golden Sun Blade, Guixu Island possessed the Infinite Cosmos, and the Dragon King Hall held the Dragon King Mirror.

All were extraordinary treasures.

Su Mo had already witnessed the Dragon King Mirror, which now rested securely inside his robe.

This object responded to the sacred relic within the White Tiger. Su Mo suspected it might be related to the fragments of sacred artifacts taken from the White Tiger lineage years ago.

After all, the techniques used by the Dragon King Hall, whether the Nine Yin Mysterious Ice Manual or the Arcane Ice Seven Ultimates, were all reminiscent of the four great martial arts masters of the Da Xuan era.

The Fire Taoist smiled faintly:

"Exactly, the Golden Sun Blade!

"But do you know its origin?"

Su Mo arched a brow and clasped his hands:

"My understanding is limited. I humbly ask for your guidance, Senior."

"Ahem... No need for formalities."

Only then did the Fire Taoist remember that this man before him was not someone to keep in suspense.

He promptly spoke earnestly:

"This tale has been passed down for so long that its truth is now untraceable. So, I'll tell it as I've heard it, and you may listen as you will.

"Legend has it that centuries ago, a rare treasure appeared in the martial world, shaking the martial world and sparking a bloody conflict.

"The South Sea ran red with blood, its waters dyed crimson.

"And this object... was called the Solar Gold Stone!

"The Solar Gold Stone fell from the heavens.

"Rumors say it was first obtained by a martial arts master, who used it to master an unmatched martial art.

"He dominated the Southern Seas unchallenged, leaving the martial world in awe.

"Ambitious factions, through espionage, concluded it was the power of the Solar Gold Stone and thus sought to claim it.

"While this master was away, they kidnapped his wife and children, forcing him to surrender the Solar Gold Stone.

"In the end, the master refused to yield, and his family was executed before him.

"Blinded by rage, he cut down every last assailant on the spot.

"Once this news spread, knowledge of the Solar Gold Stone could no longer be suppressed."

"Every warrior in the martial world sought to seize the Solar Gold Stone from this man's grasp, hoping to achieve legendary martial prowess. Yet, anyone who came for the Solar Gold Stone was met with no quarter given from him."

"Thus, the more he killed, the bloodier it got, drawing the entire martial world into chaos."

"Nearly the entire South Sea was dragged into the fray."

"It is said the final battle lasted a full month."

"That martial arts master drank blood when thirsty and ate human flesh when hungry."

"Standing atop a mountain of corpses in a sea of blood, he threw back his head in mad laughter, striking terror into all who witnessed."

"By then, most had forgotten why they had joined the battle in the first place."

"Everyone was seeing only red."

"As for that martial arts master, despite his unmatched skills, he was only human. How could one man take on the whole world?"

"In the end, he was brought down by a coalition of numerous martial arts masters of the time."

"This battle left the South Sea martial world in shambles, with countless martial arts masters killed or maimed."

"After the war, people discovered that the Solar Gold Stone did not possess the miraculous power to make one's skills skyrocket."

"It was merely an extraordinary stone, scorching to the touch."

"Some attempted to channel the stone's fiery energy into their bodies, only to be burned to cinders."

"Forget about boosting their internal energy."

"This truth was even harder to accept."

"It sparked some disturbances, though nothing worth noting."

"Finally, someone handed it over to a master craftsman to forge into a weapon."

"This craftsman, with extraordinary skill, forged the stone into a blade."

"All its fiery energy was locked inside the blade."

"Outwardly, it appeared as an ordinary golden blade, even less sharp than a common iron blade from a blacksmith's shop."

"Over time, the blade faded into obscurity."

"That was until the South Sea Alliance burst onto the scene, its leader wielding the Golden Sun Blade, ruling the waves unchallenged."

"Only then did people learn that someone had created a special blade style to harness the Golden Sun Blade."

"Using this technique, one could unleash the fiery energy hidden within the Golden Sun Blade, manifesting immense divine power."

"But by then, the South Sea Alliance had already conquered half the South Sea."

"Who would dare to seize the treasure of the South Sea Alliance?"

Su Mo frowned after hearing the tale:

"What does this have to do with the Qi family?"

The Fire Taoist seemed quite pleased with Su Mo's inquisitive demeanor and replied with a smile:

"Over the years, the South Sea Alliance has dominated the South Sea with the Golden Sun Blade, commanding awe and unmatched.

"However, the Golden Sun Blade, having been passed down for so long, has naturally worn down over time, and its power is said to have greatly diminished.

"Thus, the South Sea Alliance Leader is now like a cat on a hot tin roof, pacing anxiously.

"Without the Golden Sun Blade to uphold dominance, the foundation of the South Sea Alliance is unstable.

"And at this very moment, another rumor started spreading in the martial world."

"What rumor?"

"That the master craftsman who forged the Golden Sun Blade back then didn’t craft just one weapon from the Solar Gold Stone.

"He split the Solar Gold Stone into two—the larger piece was used to craft the blade.

"The smaller piece was spun into threads and combined with other precious materials to create soft armor as thin as a cicada’s wing.

"It was named the WoodBurning Armor!

"And this WoodBurning Armor… is the family treasure passed down through generations of the Qi family."

Hearing this, Su Mo put it together:

"The Golden Sun Blade is damaged, so the South Sea Alliance wants the Qi family to hand over the WoodBurning Armor to reforge it?"

"Exactly!"

The Fire Taoist smirked:

"The Qi family owes its current prestige to the South Sea Alliance.

"Qi Dingtian, as the Third Elder of the South Sea Alliance, has reaped plenty of rewards from them over the years.

"Now that the Golden Sun Blade is damaged, it’s only fair for the South Sea Alliance to ask Qi Dingtian to hand over the WoodBurning Armor.

"But… how could Qi Dingtian just hand over his family’s heirloom treasure?

"That’s why we, catching wind of this, have come to visit the Qi family.

"We wanted to see if we could turn this to our advantage."

"So that’s how it is."

Su Mo sighed softly. Turns out, the whole thing was no secret.

At least in the eyes of many, it was already an open secret.

From the current situation, Qi Dingtian couldn’t refuse outright the South Sea Alliance’s proposal.

And as long as he didn’t refuse, the Alliance would have no reason to take extreme action.

But what underhanded moves might happen behind the scenes—no one could predict.

The Fire Taoist, Demon Ghost Sword, Iron Granny, and even Tang Feng had all come to the Qi family precisely because they smelled an opportunity in this affair.

They claimed to help, but each had their own agenda.

After all, forget about the Golden Sun Blade—treasures like the WoodBurning Armor were worth scheming for.

The Qi family’s sheer size alone—if it were to collapse, the gains to be made from it are simply unimaginable.

And after Qi Dingtian heard about my actions on Dragonwood Island, he clearly had a favor to ask of me.

His change of heart later—could it really have been because of Wei Ziyi?

After a moment’s consideration, he sighed.

This was no longer a matter for behind-the-scenes probing. Time to lay things bare with Qi Dingtian.

The WoodBurning Armor couldn’t be lost, no matter what.

Wei Ziyi’s life depended on this.

Their aims weren’t entirely at odds.

But... wording it right would take some finesse.

With that in mind, he turned his gaze back to the Fire Taoist.

The Fire Taoist’s whole body tensed up:

"You... what do you want now?"

Su Mo smiled. "No need to be jumpy, Senior? I’ve gotten most of my answers already.

"Now, feel like helping me grill these guys?"

He pointed at the four members of the Seven Slayers Hall.

The Fire Taoist raised an eyebrow.

"Seven Slayers Hall types don’t spill easily."

Su Mo nodded. "Figured as much."

After speaking, he approached the group, forced their jaws open, and indeed found a poison tooth in each.

Then, with swift finger strikes, he hit their Jade Hall pressure points.

The Fire Taoist watched but saw no visible change in their posture—only their eyes turning bloodshot—which only deepened his confusion.

Su Mo chuckled.

"Senior, you got played over Xi Menhuai.

"So what’s your move now?"

"..."

The Fire Taoist frowned deeply. "This whole thing burns me up. I’ve been around the jianghu for decades, seen my share of fights.

"And yet, I almost got buried in this damn mountain shrine.

"Makes my blood boil!"

He spat the words like poison, like he’d tear into any Seven Slayers Hall man who crossed him.

But in the next moment, his voice took a sharp turn:

"But I'm all alone. Opposing them would be suicide.

"Even if I joined forces with these seven, victory wouldn't be guaranteed.

"Let alone the rest?

"In my youth, I was truly hot-tempered and reckless.

"But now... staying alive and savoring the comforts in front of me is more important than anything else."

"Hmm, I see."

Su Mo smiled. "The Senior’s scared."

Fire Taoist’s eye twitched.

"No need to spell it out so harshly."

"What if I told you, Su Mo knows how to wipe the Seven Slayers Hall off the map...

"But I’d need Senior’s help with something. I wonder if Senior has the guts?"

"Oh?"

Fire Taoist looked at Su Mo.

A slight smirk tugged at his lips—not confidence, but cool detachment.

Like the Seven Slayers Hall was nothing to him.

He could obliterate them with a snap of his fingers.

This made Fire Taoist frown despite himself.

"Are you serious... or just bluffing?"

"Try it and find out."

Su Mo said with a light chuckle, "Of course, Senior could also stick his head in the sand.

"And wait for the blade of the Seven Slayers Hall to suddenly descend from the heavens and take that handsome head off your shoulders."

"This..."

Su Mo’s words hit Fire Taoist where it hurt.

After tonight’s events, the Seven Slayers Hall won’t let this go.

Seven came, none left—yet here’s Fire Taoist, still breathing.

No way the Seven Slayers Hall would let him go scot-free.

Su Mo showed up out of nowhere.

He’s not on their radar.

Even if, after being found by them, Fire Taoist told them about Su Mo, he’d still end up dead.

There was a no-win situation here, with no way out.

To make matters worse...

Su Mo had already figured this out—would he really wait for the Seven Slayers Hall to come and kill him?

Wouldn’t it be smarter to silence me right here?

So, those words earlier weren’t actually asking whether I’d help deal with the Seven Slayers Hall.

What he really wanted to ask was... whether I wanted to live or die!?

At this realization, the Fire Taoist’s defiance evaporated, and he mumbled dejectedly:

"Just tell me, what do you want me to do?"

"Has Senior seen reason?"

Su Mo glanced at the Fire Taoist with a smile:

"But what you’ll do, Senior, depends on their answers...

"Hmm, it’s about time."

As he spoke, he suddenly flicked his finger, sending a razor-sharp gust of wind through the air. One of the four men convulsed violently.

When they looked at Su Mo again, his calm demeanor had completely vanished.

Like they were staring at a hellspawn!

"I ask, you answer. But don’t worry—I’m a merciful man. Even if you refuse to speak, I won’t kill you. I’ll just give you another tap."

Su Mo wore a gentle smile, his tone soothing.

The Fire Taoist couldn’t help but roll his eyes at Su Mo:

"The Seven Slayers Hall’s secrets have stayed buried till now. With your gentle approach, you’ll probably get nothing out of them."

Just as he finished speaking, the Seven Slayers Hall assassin trembled, his lips quivering:

"A-ask...

"But I don’t know everything—I may not be able to answer everything.

"Still, whatever I do know, I’ll tell you everything.

"I... I only beg that after you finish questioning me, you kill me!"

"Good."

Su Mo nodded. "Rest assured—if you’re honest, I’ll kill you."

"Thank you."

The Seven Slayers Hall member looked like he’d been spared execution, grateful tears in his eyes.

The Fire Taoist could hardly believe his eyes.

In all his years in the martial world, he’d never seen anything so bizarre.

Usually, when interrogating a prisoner, wasn’t the deal "Talk, and you live"?

Not only did Su Mo break the usual rules, but the captured individual broke the rules too.

He's trying to kill you, and you're thanking him?

What kind of game are you playing here?

Without hesitation, Su Mo asked directly:

"Why did you go after Xi Menhuai?"

"I don't know."

The man shook his head immediately.

Fire Taoist almost choked on his laughter.

He assumed the Seven Slayers Hall member had agreed readily but was just putting on an act.

Su Mo, however, didn't let it bother him and continued:

"After getting hold of Xi Menhuai tonight, where will you take him?"

"Twin Dragons City."

"What part of Twin Dragons City?"

"I don't know."

"Who does know?"

"Him."

The man pointed to the person beside him. "Out of the seven of us, he is the leader."

Apart from the first question, which he didn't know, the man answered the others without hesitation.

Fire Taoist couldn't believe his ears.

Seven Slayers Hall!

The infamously secretive Seven Slayers Hall!

If you can't even keep secrets, how's your hall stayed so mysterious all this time?

Su Mo gave a slight nod and released the pressure points of the leader.

"Where in Twin Dragons City?" Su Mo repeated the question.

Fire Taoist immediately listened intently, half-hoping the leader would prove to be a tough nut to crack.

But the result was a total letdown.

Without missing a beat, the leader answered:

"The Teng estate."

"The Teng Family?"

The Flame Taoist frowned slightly: "The Teng family of Twin-Dragon City? Are you trying to shift the blame onto them?"

"...Not the Teng family."

The man said solemnly, "Mr. Zimu killed Zhou An, the Teng family's bookkeeper, and assumed his identity.

"We kidnap targets to deliver them to him.

"Then he arranges for them to be smuggled out."

"What is the reason for capturing Xi Menhuai?"

"For the chart in his possession, and the Jade Crown Heart Tempering Sutra."

Su Mo arched a brow:

"Why?"

"I don't know either."

The man shook his head: "Just following orders."

Su Mo pondered briefly, then suddenly asked again:

"What exactly are you afraid of?"

The leader was momentarily stunned but dared not hide the truth:

"If I tell you, you've probably never heard...

"We fear a colossal power.

"Its name is..."

At this point, Su Mo suddenly drove a finger into the Flame Taoist's neck.

The Flame Taoist, caught off guard—both by Su Mo's unexpected attack and his focus on the leader's words—dropped soundlessly, his eyes fluttering shut as he was knocked unconscious.

The words he missed were three:

"...Imperial Office."

After hearing the man's earlier words, Su Mo had already suspected as much.

However, he wasn't certain whether they feared the Imperial Office or the Jinglong Society.

But whichever it was, it was not something the Flame Taoist was meant to know.

Upon hearing the words "Imperial Office," Su Mo finally let a smirk play on his lips:

"You... are with the Jinglong Society?"

The leader's eyes went wide:

"How could you know?!"