Chapter 452: Requesting an Audience

Chapter 452: Seeking an Audience

After sending Fire Taoist away, Su Mo did not leave.

Instead, he hid in the nearby woods and waited.

The night had been fruitful.

The Qi family’s problem now had an answer.

He also had a lead on Mr. Zimu of the Seven Slayers Hall.

Moreover, he had taken the chart from Xi Menhuai.

Sending Fire Taoist had one purpose, however: not for the Seven Slayers Hall but for the Imperial Office.

Though up to now, no real conflict had emerged between the Imperial Office and Su Mo.

Yet, their fates were always tangled together.

No matter what, he couldn’t avoid them.

And still, the Imperial Office’s motives were still unclear…

There was something else.

Whether it was the Imperial Office or the Dragon Startle Society, both were powerful forces spanning the world.

So why stay hidden?

They were wary of each other.

But what was the difference between secret battles and open wars?

The Imperial Office’s goals were unclear, and what about the Dragon Startle Society’s real goals?

What role had Su Mo’s ancestors played in all this?

These questions swirled in his mind at this moment.

Before he knew it, dawn approached.

Su Mo finally sighed:

“Waited all night for nothing, and still no one came.

“They really are careful…”

Of course, he wasn’t just wasting time thinking here—how much better would it be to go home and talk it over with his wife?

The reason he waited here was to see if anyone from the Seven Slayers Hall or the Imperial Office would show up to investigate.

But nothing came of it.

Only the temple’s charred ruins remained, burned all night.

Su Mo gave a slight shake of his head, pushed off and vanished.

As he reached the Qi family’s gate, someone stood at the entrance.

It was none other than Xi Menhuai.

Su Mo couldn't help but smile at the sight:

"Brother Xi Menhuai, why are you standing here?"

Xi Menhuai seemed to have been standing all night. When he turned to look at Su Mo, he looked a little out of it.

Only after clearly recognizing Su Mo did he brighten up:

"Su... Brother Su?

"You're only returning now?"

"Yeah."

Su Mo chuckled. "Last night’s events were complicated. But rest assured, Brother Xi, the Fire Taoist won’t be a problem anymore."

"Thank you, Brother Su."

Xi Menhuai looked miserable.

Su Mo cocked an eyebrow. "What’s wrong? Were you barred from entering?"

As he spoke, he couldn’t help but glance at the guards at the door.

The Qi family guards knew Su Mo.

Duty-bound, they couldn’t step away, but they still shook their heads repeatedly, making it clear they weren’t stopping him.

Of course, Su Mo wasn’t bothered.

Even if they truly refused entry, it was their duty—only right.

As a guest, he had no business complaining.

Xi Menhuai quickly explained:

"No, Brother Su, you’ve got it wrong... It’s... Jingjing won’t see me."

"Oh?"

Now Su Mo understood.

Xi Menhuai, after stewing all night, finally unloaded on Su Mo.

Once Su Mo had filled him in last night, Xi Menhuai had immediately headed to the Qi residence, meaning to apologize to Shangguan Jingjing face-to-face.

He’d been stopped at the gate, but upon learning he was there to see someone, the guards didn’t brush him off.

Though the Qi family ruled the roost here, standing as top dogs on Tianqi Island, the higher the status, the stricter the manners.

The ordinary folks’ peace and quiet in Tianqi City said a lot about the Qi family’s ways.

Someone hurried inside to deliver the message.

At that time, Shangguan Jingjing hadn't slept either, her mind filled with worries—how could she possibly rest?

But when she heard it was Ximen Huai, she refused to see him without hesitation.

Seeing this, the guards went back to inform Ximen Huai.

Ximen Huai begged earnestly, and the guards, feeling sorry for him, went in to relay his message twice more.

The last time they returned, one guard handed Ximen Huai a piece of jade, saying it was from Miss Shangguan, along with a message:

"Let's forget each other in this wide world."

Upon hearing this, Ximen Huai froze like a statue, utterly speechless.

It wasn’t until Su Mo returned that he finally told him everything.

Su Mo listened, feeling as though he were watching some ancient period drama, and couldn’t help but shake his head slightly:

"Brother Ximen, to be honest, this isn’t something I should interfere with. But seeing how sincere you are, why don't you come in with me?

"Even if you’re meant to forget each other, it should be said in person.

"How can such words be passed through a messenger?"

Ximen Huai’s eyes lit up with hope: "Brother Su… you… you’re truly so forgiving.

"I… I’m deeply ashamed of myself. I was truly wrong before.

"I… let me bow to you."

He dropped to his knees with a thud, but Su Mo swiftly stopped him:

"Brother Ximen, you're too kind. We were strangers before—just a misunderstanding, nothing more.

"Besides, a man’s dignity is priceless. I can’t accept such a gesture.

"To be honest, when I brought Miss Shangguan to Tianqi Island, I even met Senior Ximen Xiong of the Ximen Family.

"Senior Ximen’s martial skills are exceptional—truly admirable.

"Come on, follow me for now."

Seeing Su Mo leading him in, the guards naturally didn’t stop them.

However, once inside, someone still had to guide them.

The Ximen Family’s estate was vast, and Su Mo and Ximen Huai were unfamiliar with the place—they could easily get lost.

With daylight now breaking, it wouldn’t be proper to come and go as they pleased.

So the two just followed their guide, chatting as they walked.

Ximen Huai’s mind was completely focused on Shangguan Jingjing, and now he trusted Su Mo completely, realizing how foolish he had been to ever suspect such an extraordinary man of trying to take his beloved.

Thus, he answered all questions Su Mo had without hesitation.

As they walked, Su Mo learned much more about the Ximen Family.

They knew that their family's Jade Crown Heart Tempering Sutra had long been warped beyond all recognition compared to its original form.

However, the core techniques had always been held by the Main Lineage.

Though Ximen Xiong was formidable, the martial arts he practiced were derived from it.

Though still called the Jade Crown Heart Tempering Sutra, its power was night and day different.

Now, within the entire Ximen Family, only Ximen Zhengyan and Ximen Huai possessed the purest form of the Jade Crown Heart Tempering Sutra.

This revelation struck Su Mo: the Seven Slayers Hall’s hunt for Ximen Huai might not be without reason.

They wanted that chart to locate the ancestral site, which was most likely the Southern Sea Heart Forging Temple.

Could the secret be that only Ximen Huai, who practiced the Jade Crown Heart Tempering Sutra, could find it?

Yet, there were still some puzzling aspects.

If that were truly the case, why had the Ximen Family’s repeated expeditions all ended in failure?

These thoughts flashed through his mind and were quickly set aside.

Arriving at their lodging, Su Mo casually pushed open the courtyard gate and heard the howling wind within. Yang Xiaoyun’s Dragon Abyss Spear danced through the air, its energy surging and sweeping in all directions.

Glancing up and seeing Su Mo enter, she didn’t hesitate before shouting challengingly:

"Have at you!"

As her voice fell, a dragon's roar erupted, the spear tip wrapped in dragon-qi, rushing toward him.

Before the spear arrived, the wind struck first. Ximen Huai was momentarily stunned, his eyes watered from the force.

Through slitted eyes, he felt as if the world around him had blurred, clouds swirling as a mighty celestial dragon roared to the heavens and lunged with its claws.

The crushing pressure left no room for resistance.

What divine spear art was this?

What kind of martial arts?

Ximen Huai was terrified—was he about to die just one step inside, without even seeing Shangguan Jingjing?

Yet the next moment, a shockwave blasted outward, sending Ximen Huai reeling backward. Su Mo’s laughter rang in his ears:

"Nice move!"

Well struck?

Ximen Huai was completely lost. Struggling to open one eye, he saw Su Mo reach out to seize Yang Xiaoyun’s spearhead.

His movements appeared deceptively simple yet profound, but for a moment, he couldn't quite catch it.

The two exchanged blows in a blur of motion, scores of blows passing in the blink of an eye.

Every move they unleashed was deadly and precise.

Ximen Huai could do nothing but watch, his heart hammering in his chest.

"Are these two mortal enemies or what?"

He considered himself quite skilled in martial arts among the younger generation.

But against Su Mo, he was completely outclassed.

Now, it seemed this woman wasn't much older, yet she was way above his level too.

What the hell kind of people are these?

The shockwaves from their battle alone made him afraid to get involved—one wrong move, and he'd lose his life on the spot.

Yet Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun seemed to share a wordless understanding. After exchanging fierce blows, they each struck one last move before leaping back in unison.

Once they steadied themselves, Su Mo chuckled:

"My wife is as sharp as ice, gifted beyond measure, and her martial arts have improved yet again."

"Pfft."

Yang Xiaoyun shot him a glare.

"Always with the sweet talk to flatter me. Did you even use ten percent of your strength just now?"

"Far more than that!"

Su Mo hastily shook his head.

"Then how much did you use?"

Yang Xiaoyun pressed.

Su Mo was momentarily speechless. His wife was perfect in every way—except for her relentless competitiveness, which had never changed a jot.

He gestured with his hand:

"Eighty percent."

"As if I'd believe that."

Yang Xiaoyun huffed indignantly. "I didn't even use eighty percent myself!"

"Ahem, ahem…"

Su Mo coughed awkwardly. "By the way, my dear, we have a guest."

Yang Xiaoyun glanced at Xi Menhuai, who stood dumbfounded at the door.

Their casual debate over percentages had left Xi Menhuai questioning his entire existence.

So, after all that, they were just sparring?

Since when did sparring look like that?

It was as if they had some irreconcilable blood feud—yet they were husband and wife?

At the same time, Xi Menhuai recalled Su Mo’s earlier remark about admiring Xi Menxiong’s martial arts.

Now, those words felt almost unbearable to think about.

Xi Menhuai knew exactly how skilled Xi Menxiong was in martial arts.

He wasn't even worthy to tie Su Mo's shoes.

Yet Su Mo repeatedly praised him, to the point where even Xi Menhuai believed it.

Such modesty was truly rare to find, making him admire Su Mo even more.

Just then, Yang Xiaoyun spoke:

"Young master from the Ximen Family, Miss Shangguan went to bed late last night and hasn’t woken up yet.

"If you wish to see her, please take a seat in the courtyard for a while."

"Yes, thank you, ma'am."

Xi Menhuai hastily bowed his thanks.

Yang Xiaoyun gave Su Mo a puzzled glance—how could this young man’s attitude change so much in just a day?

Su Mo shook his head slightly:

"Young men are bound to make mistakes. When they discover beauty, they naturally pursue it.

"In such uncertain times, we shouldn't be too harsh on them…

"They should be given a chance.

"Besides, even if things truly end, it’s better to have a clear conversation face to face."

"Hmm."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded. "My husband is quite right."

After exchanging a few words, the couple took their leave from Xi Menhuai and returned to their room.

Alone in the courtyard, Xi Menhuai thought about figuring out which room belonged to Shangguan Jingjing.

But realizing this was where Su Mo and his group were staying, he decided it would be improper to snoop around without knowing the situation.

So he just sat quietly and waited.

As morning brightened, Wei Ziyi, Zhen Xiaoxiao, and others got up to wash and train in martial arts.

Occasionally spotting Xi Menhuai sitting there, they just nodded hello before continuing with their routines.

……

……

At Yang Xiaoyun's strong insistence, Su Mo caught some sleep.

When he woke up, the sun was already well up.

Yang Xiaoyun was meditating beside him, and smiled when she saw he was awake:

"How was last night?"

"More than I could have imagined."

Su Mo rubbed his face and sat up, gathered Yang Xiaoyun into his arms.

Yang Xiaoyun blushed and pointed outside:

"It's broad daylight—don’t get any ideas.

"Ziyi’s so impulsive—what if she barges in?"

"What? I just wanted to hug you."

Su Mo put on a wounded expression. "We’re husband and wife, two hearts beating as one. Since when can’t we even hug?"

Yang Xiaoyun couldn’t withstand that.

She quickly nestled into Su Mo’s arms. "Alright, alright, just a hug… *no mischief*."

She thought with a private sigh.

Her husband was an unrivaled martial artist, always the picture of refinement and gentlemanly in public. Who in the martial world wouldn’t speak of Chief Escort Su of the Ziyang Escort Agency without admiration?

Yet who could have imagined that the First of Donghuang, this preeminent martial artist, would be so full of whimsy and mischief in private?

Every time she thought about it, her heart felt as if it had been drenched in honey—sweetness rippling through her chest.

It made her blush and her heart race, stirring feelings she could scarcely control.

Thinking of this, she couldn’t help but shoot Su Mo a glare and pinch his arm hard.

Su Mo, baffled by this sudden assault, was momentarily puzzled but didn’t dwell on it.

Instead, he laid out last night’s events piece by piece.

Yang Xiaoyun pondered briefly before frowning:

"So, the Qi family is facing no ordinary trouble.

"But given their status, open warfare seems improbable.

"These martial arts masters the Qi family has gathered are a double-edged sword to them.

"Master Qi Dingtian is walking a dangerous tightrope."

Su Mo smirked and shot her a look:

"I thought you’d mention the Seven Slayers Hall first?"

"The Seven Slayers Hall is connected to the Jinglong Society—of course, it can’t be ignored."

Yang Xiaoyun knitted her brows tighter. "But the immediate priority is still Ziyi’s condition. She can’t go on like this for long.

"We must resolve it soon… lest it leave lasting damage.

"As for the other matter, didn’t you let the Fire Taoist handle it with the strategy of setting a wolf to catch a tiger?

"For us, that should suffice.

"Besides, it also serves to smoke the snake from its den. I wonder how long it’ll take to show results?"

Yet as she spoke, she couldn’t help but glance at Su Mo again:

"Are you suspecting the Tianji Pavilion?"

Su Mo was genuinely surprised this time.

He couldn't help but glance at Yang Xiaoyun: "Darling, you're getting smarter all the time."

"So, only this time is genuine, and all the previous times you were just playing along."

Yang Xiaoyun pursed her lips playfully, which set Su Mo's heart ablaze.

She had always been fierce and fearless, matching any man in courage.

Only in front of him would she display such a playful, feminine side.

It was truly maddening.

However, this was not the right moment—not only was it full daylight, but they were also sharing the same courtyard with others, and people were milling about outside. How could they let outsiders see such a scene?

Unable to resist, he lowered his head and pecked Yang Xiaoyun’s lips.

At first, it was a teasing peck, then a hungry kiss.

Finally, he broke away, reluctant.

Yang Xiaoyun, breathless, grabbed Su Mo's arm and bit it hard:

"I told you, no funny business."

"Being astute doesn't mean you get to use it for naughty schemes."

"Then what should I use it for?"

Su Mo asked with a smile.

Yang Xiaoyun's face flushed crimson, and she covered it with her hands:

"You... you're terrible."

"Nonsense. People in the martial world all say Su Mo is a paragon of virtue, upright and honorable."

"That's because they don't know your true nature."

Yang Xiaoyun grumbled: "Miss Wei had it right—you're just Demon Su."

"If I'm Demon Su, then what does that make you?"

"Marry a chicken, follow a chicken; marry a dog, follow a dog; marry a monkey and roam the mountains... If you're Demon Su, then I suppose I'm just a demon’s wife."

Yang Xiaoyun whispered softly.

Su Mo chuckled and held her even tighter before saying:

"Whatever we suspect, we'll soon have answers."

"I just hope the Fire Taoist doesn't disappoint me."

"That man is a spineless coward—he may not measure up to your expectations."

Speaking of serious matters, Yang Xiaoyun frowned again.

Su Mo shook his head: "Precisely because he values his own skin that we can use him. If he were too hardline, it would only backfire."

"Hmm... You've got a point there."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded: "But what should we do now? Regarding the Qi family matter, Master Qi clearly has no intention of discussing it in detail with us. If it truly is because of Wei Ziyi, then it's just a paternal instinct."

Su Mo fell silent for a moment before sighing:

"Then let's cut to the chase. I want to see what choice he ultimately makes."

"You plan to lay our cards on the table?"

Yang Xiaoyun frowned slightly:

"Isn't that too risky?"

"It is... So even if we're cutting to the chase, we can't be hasty."

Su Mo said:

"For the next few days, let Old Fu and the others do some reconnaissance first."

"Moreover, if Qi Dingtian truly has any suspicions,"

"I'd wager he's bound to test us himself."

"That's exactly our chance!"

Yang Xiaoyun nodded immediately.

Just as they finished speaking, hurried footsteps sounded outside the door.

Yang Xiaoyun hurriedly disentangled herself from Su Mo's arms and smoothed out her rumpled clothes.

Then, Fu Hanyuan's voice came from outside:

"Chief Escort, I have a report, there's someone asking to see you."

"Who is it?" Su Mo asked casually as he got up from the bed, with Yang Xiaoyun helping him into his clothes.

Fu Hanyuan said in a hushed tone:

"Qi Shengxuan."

Su Mo's brow quirked slightly and he exchanged a knowing look with Yang Xiaoyun.

Qi Shengxuan was Qi Dingtian's youngest son.

He was also Qi Qiaohui—or rather, Hua Qianyu's—biological younger brother.

"That was quick?" Yang Xiaoyun arched a delicate brow.

Su Mo smiled faintly: "Just as I thought - he couldn't stay away."