Chapter 128: Return Journey

Chapter 128: Return Journey

Reflecting on the series of events involving the Heavenly Blade Sect, it all began with Ji Wanli from the Tianmen Escort Agency delivering a consignment.

Tong Yun, due to this consignment, became distracted and disoriented, ultimately going missing.

Following this, the Crescent Moon Saber was stolen, leading Nangong Yu to conclude that the mastermind behind these incidents intended to target the Jade and Gold Cone, thus strengthening the defenses.

Fu Hanyuan's challenge, which can now be confirmed, was part of their plan.

The purpose was likely to provoke Nangong Yu into using his saber.

At the same time, someone disguised as a disciple of the Heavenly Blade Sect set fires throughout the sect, causing the Heavenly Gate disciples to be preoccupied.

Worried about the safety of the Jade and Gold Cone, Nangong Yu went to investigate and was subsequently followed.

Upon his appearance, the intruder opened the treasure vault in front of him and stole the Jade and Gold Cone.

More alarmingly, they attempted to kill Nangong Yu on the spot. If not for Su Mo's timely presence, Nangong Yu would have been doomed!

Several key points emerged from the entire incident.

First, the identity of the person who stole the Crescent Moon Saber!

This individual was well-versed in the Heavenly Blade Sect's martial arts, moving freely within the Ten Thousand Peaks Pool, taking the Crescent Moon Saber and leaving without a trace despite the sect's extensive search efforts.

This suggests that the person was also intimately familiar with the terrain around the Heavenly Blade Sect.

Second, the identity of the person who pursued Ji Feiyang!

This person was proficient in the Heavenly Blade Sect's martial arts, using the sect's saber techniques to chase Ji Feiyang. As a result, even now, Ji Feiyang still believes that Ji Wanli's death was orchestrated by the Heavenly Blade Sect.

Indeed, the Seven Emotions Immortal Saber is extremely difficult to imitate.

Third, the identity of the person who guided Fu Hanyuan!

This individual had an in-depth knowledge of the Heavenly Blade Sect, not only mastering its martial arts but also being aware of the weaknesses of every member.

This level of knowledge could only be possessed by someone very close to the sect.

Moreover, while the person knew the weaknesses of everyone in the Heavenly Blade Sect, they overlooked Tong Yun.

To call this a coincidence would be too much of a stretch.

Considering these three points, Su Mo has always felt that Tong Yun's role in the matter is far more complex than he initially imagined.

It is highly likely that the person who revealed the weaknesses of the Heavenly Blade Sect members is the same one who might have leaked the sect's martial arts.

If this conclusion holds, it implies that Tong Yun and the mastermind behind the scenes were colluding to plot against the Jade and Gold Cone...

But this is where the problem lies!

Nangong Yu mentioned that the Crescent Moon Saber was the key to the treasure vault, and only he and Tong Yun knew its location.

This revelation undermines all of Su Mo's previous speculations.

If Tong Yun truly colluded with the mastermind, why would he reveal everything except the location of the treasure vault?

Instead, they resorted to setting fires within the Heavenly Blade Sect to lure out the intruder?

This adds a layer of uncertainty to what seemed like a clear situation for Su Mo.

Could it be that after betraying the Heavenly Blade Sect for so many years, Tong Yun suddenly had a change of heart?

Of course, such a thought could not be voiced in front of Nangong Yu.

At this moment, Liu Mo asked, "May I ask, Sect Leader Nangong, what exactly is the Jade and Gold Cone? Why would someone plot for years to obtain it?"

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun also turned to look at Nangong Yu.

Unexpectedly, the old man smiled sheepishly:

"To be honest, I don't know either."

"..."

The three of them were speechless. Not knowing is acceptable, right?

"In fact... it doesn't really matter."

Nangong Yu chuckled, "We of the Heavenly Blade Sect cultivate the Supreme Concealment of Emotions, dedicating our entire beings to the saber. Thus, we have no other concerns beyond the saber.

"The Jade and Gold Cone seems to be quite significant, yet it has never been held in high regard by our predecessors.

"It was something brought back by our seventh-generation ancestor when he ventured into the world and personally supervised the construction of the treasure vault, hence the notion that the Crescent Moon Saber is the key.

"After the seventh-generation ancestor passed away, the Crescent Moon Saber was placed in the Ten Thousand Peaks Pool, and since then, no one has paid much attention to it.

"Throughout the generations, only two people have known about the treasure vault: the sect leader and the guardian, who is, in this case, my junior uncle, Tong Yun."

Hearing this, Su Mo's expression turned peculiar, "So, when you mentioned earlier about increasing the number of guards... what did you mean?"

"Well, ordinary disciples don't know the exact location of the treasure vault, but it is somewhere within the Heavenly Blade Sect's territory. All I need to do is increase the patrols in that area," Nangong Yu shook his head and said, "Who would have thought that Fu Hanyuan's challenge would draw some disciples to watch, and then those people secretly set fires, causing most of the disciples to rush to extinguish them. As a result... the Jade and Gold Cone was lost.

"But perhaps it's for the best. It wasn't originally ours, so losing it is no great loss."

He was quite carefree, seemingly having lost all patience with the golden jade cone long ago.

For a moment, Su Mo was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, and he chuckled lightly, "Patriarch Nangong's realm is lofty."

"It's not really about being lofty or not."

Nangong Yu sighed, "I simply have no interest, but what our ancestors passed down cannot be ignored. Now that it’s lost, it’s a relief. I will send my disciples to investigate and do what we can. In the future, when I meet the seventh-generation ancestor in the afterlife, I will have something to report."

"..."

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun exchanged glances, both wanting to laugh.

The mastermind behind this probably never expected Nangong Yu to have such an attitude toward the golden jade cone.

At this point, Liu Mo asked, "Does the patriarch have any leads?"

"Hmm?"

Nangong Yu looked at Liu Mo, somewhat puzzled, "Leader Liu seems quite concerned about this matter?"

Liu Mo thought for a moment, then sighed and repeated what he had told Su Mo and the others.

In the end, he said, "I don’t care about the golden jade cone, but I must find Tong Yun. No matter what, this matter needs to be resolved. I ask Patriarch Nangong to help me."

"I see."

Nangong Yu stroked his beard and nodded, "That makes sense. Although your father had no reason, this matter has fallen on you, and it indeed cannot be left unresolved. Searching for Little Uncle is also reasonable."

"Here’s what I suggest: Feng Baichuan and the others will go to 'Yuejiang Pavilion' tomorrow to investigate clues. They will try to follow the map and find traces of Little Uncle. You should go with them.

"Inside are the records collected by Heavenly Blade Sect’s predecessors over the years. Among them, the seventh-generation ancestor’s accounts about the golden jade cone should be included.

"If Little Uncle is indeed connected to the golden jade cone, investigating its origins might yield some clues.

"However, since everything has been peaceful for so many years, these records may be hard to find."

"Thank you, Patriarch Nangong."

Liu Mo was delighted and immediately bowed deeply.

"No need, no need."

Nangong Yu waved his hand and then looked at Su Mo, "Chief Su’s righteousness reaches the heavens. This time, we invited you to Heavenly Blade Sect, but instead, you were made to witness a farce and even saved my life."

As he spoke, he took out a black iron plaque from under his pillow.

On one side of the plaque was engraved a sharp single blade, and on the other side were the words 'Heavenly Blade'.

"This is the Heavenly Blade Order."

Nangong Yu handed it to Su Mo, "Within the territory of Heavenly Blade Sect, with this order, Chief Su can come and go freely among the mountains and villages. If it doesn’t work, I’ll personally deal with them."

"This..."

Su Mo hesitated slightly but accepted it, "Thank you, Patriarch Nangong."

"This is just a token of gratitude for saving my life. Compared to that, a mere plaque is nothing."

Nangong Yu smiled, "Chief Su is young but mighty, truly admirable. If you don’t mind the cold faces of us in Heavenly Blade Sect, feel free to visit us when you pass by. They are all people who can’t express themselves well, especially towards you, they admire and respect you greatly.

"Especially Feng Baichuan. When he heard that he needed to invite you, he disregarded his status as the senior disciple and insisted on going himself, hahaha!"

"..."

Su Mo was speechless, where did this come from?

He hadn’t noticed anything like that at all.

With this exchange, their conversation came to an end.

Nangong Yu, still seriously injured, lay back down to rest.

Since Nangong Yu didn’t care about the golden jade cone, Su Mo naturally didn’t either.

After all, to him, it was just a show.

But thinking of Ji Feiyang, Su Mo reminded Liu Mo that the situation needed to be clarified.

Liu Mo nodded, promising to mediate and prevent Ji Feiyang from acting rashly, ensuring that Heavenly Blade Sect wouldn’t mistakenly kill him.

They had set out in the morning, and by now, it was completely dark.

Feng Baichuan appeared from somewhere, leading Su Mo and the others to dinner and arranging accommodations for them.

Su Mo observed carefully but found no trace of the ‘little fanboy’ demeanor in Feng Baichuan; he remained as aloof as ever!

Su Mo eventually gave up.

The night passed without incident, and the next morning arrived.

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun first bid farewell to Nangong Yu, then bowed to everyone at Heavenly Blade Sect at the foot of Tianmen Mountain.

Ordinary people would bow and wish each other well, with appropriate expressions and gestures.

However, when the members of Heavenly Blade Sect bowed to Su Mo, their aura was chilling, "May you be safe on your journey, Chief Su!"

It felt as if they were planning to ambush him along the way.

Fortunately, Su Mo had grown somewhat accustomed to such situations, and after Nan Gongyu's words from the previous day, he did not take offense. With a chuckling smile, he pulled Yang Xiaoyun aside, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then turned to leave down the mountain.

As for Liu Mo... Although he couldn't be taken back, there were now two letters in his arms.

The matter was thus settled.

This trip back to Wufangji, it was time to lead the team back to Sunset City.

But as they walked, Yang Xiaoyun still frowned in confusion:

"Tell me, what role did Tong Yun play in all this?"

Hearing this, Su Mo shook his head:

"It's hard to say. Tong Yun is a renowned expert; logically, there's no reason for him to betray the Heavenly Blade Sect and spread its martial arts externally. However, looking at the entire Heavenly Blade Sect, no one else but him could have done this.

"There's another key point to this matter, which likely falls on Ji Feiyang. That's why I advised Liu Mo to mediate. The people of the Heavenly Blade Sect are cold and aloof; even with good intentions, they can easily be misunderstood, let alone when Ji Feiyang feels deep-seated enmity towards them."

"Haha, that's indeed unexpected about the Heavenly Blade Sect. As for the point you mentioned... is it about that escort mission?"

Yang Xiaoyun nodded: "Exactly. Sect Leader Nan Gong said that the Heavenly Blade Sect's martial arts conceal emotions within. But after taking that escort mission, Tong Yun's skills were completely broken. What could have so disturbed his mind is truly intriguing."

"Forget it, don't think about these things. Ultimately, this is the Heavenly Blade Sect's business. We're just spectators in this matter. Over-analyzing it doesn't make much sense."

At this moment, Su Mo turned to look in the direction of the Heavenly Blade Sect, then took out the Heavenly Blade Token from his chest with a strange expression.

"What's wrong?"

Yang Xiaoyun looked at the token in Su Mo's hand, then at his peculiar expression.

"Nothing, I just feel that when traveling through the jianghu, it's indeed better to carry a larger backpack. Otherwise, where would I put all these tokens?"

Su Mo said with a wry smile: "Wei Ziyi gave me a Phoenix Chime Token, the Sword Borrower gave me a Sword Division Token, and Nan Gongyu gave me a Heavenly Blade Token... I'm thinking that in a few years, I might be able to cultivate the King's Treasure Tokens."

"???"

Yang Xiaoyun was utterly confused: "What do you mean?"

"A very powerful martial art."

Su Mo replied casually.

Yang Xiaoyun rolled her eyes: "Speaking of which, how is your lightness skill? Have you made any progress with the Great Marvelous Technique?"

"Uh-huh."

Su Mo nodded: "I recently comprehended a lightness skill, quite simple actually. I can teach it to you."

"Lightness skill?"

Yang Xiaoyun nodded: "Sure, thanks, Xiao Mo."

"Do we need to be so formal?"

Su Mo said this offhandedly, but only realized it sounded ambiguous after he spoke.

Yang Xiaoyun blushed for a moment, then coughed and nodded seriously: "Indeed, between us, there's no need to be overly formal."

Su Mo laughed heartily and began explaining the details while walking down the mountain.

Unconsciously, Su Mo held Yang Xiaoyun's hand and used the Divine Transformation technique.

Her talent and insight far surpassed Su Mo's.

Initially, she was slightly awkward, but after a short while, she grasped the essence.

Immediately, the two of them ran together, their steps swift and smooth, covering the distance in less than two hours, and returned to Wufangji.

...

...

Wufangji.

After Su Mo and the others left the previous day, Manager Cheng only learned about the matter. When Su Mo and the others didn't return yesterday, he came to the inn early this morning.

He waited anxiously for any news from Su Mo and the others.

Without any word, he was restless, pacing back and forth in the inn's main hall.

It wasn't mealtime, so there weren't many diners.

Those present were mainly Xiaochuan and other members of the escort agency, along with a group of guards.

These people were already anxious, and Manager Cheng's constant pacing made them dizzy, almost wishing to put a sack over his head and beat him under the table.

"Why haven't they returned yet?"

Manager Cheng looked at the door: "Did Old Liu really go to the Heavenly Blade Sect?"

Xiaochuan said helplessly: "Manager Cheng, you've asked this more than twenty times. Feng Baichuan of the Heavenly Blade Sect personally came down the mountain to invite our Chief and Deputy Chief. How could this be false?"

"This... sigh, how can I put it?"

Manager Cheng couldn't help but ask Xiaochuan: "What were the expressions of those Heavenly Blade Sect people when they arrived?"

"..."

Xiaochuan widened his eyes, thinking to himself, "Are you stupid?"

Have you ever seen them show a second expression throughout the entire Heavenly Blade Sect?

Seeing this, Shopkeeper Cheng knew he had asked in vain.

Sighing, he sat down and said, "To be frank, Brother Xiaochuan, I've been in business for half my life. Though I may not be the most skilled at reading people, I am certainly no stranger to it. Normally, with just one glance, I can guess what those who pass before me are thinking, even if not entirely accurately, at least mostly so.

"But when it comes to the Heavenly Blade Sect...

"Even if I were locked in a room with them for ten or fifteen days, I truly cannot tell when they plan to kill, or how..."

Xiaochuan nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

"No."

Shopkeeper Cheng shook his head. "We can't keep waiting like this. Have someone prepare the carriage, load it with some fine silk, and we'll set off for the Heavenly Blade Sect immediately."

"For what?"

Xiaochuan was taken aback.

"To pay our respects."

Shopkeeper Cheng replied, "And to gather some information. We can't let everyone fall into their trap."

"What kind of information?"

Just as he spoke, two people entered from outside.

When these two came in, they brought a gust of wind with them, which only dispersed once they stood still.

They were Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun.

Su Mo looked puzzled. "Where is Shopkeeper Cheng planning to gather information?"

"Oh, my Head Escort Su Mo!"

At the sight of them, Shopkeeper Cheng was overjoyed. He first examined their condition, noting that there was no blood on them, and immediately felt relieved. However, when he looked back and didn't see Liu Mo, he was momentarily stunned:

"Head Escort Su Mo... where is Old Liu?"

"He stayed at the Heavenly Blade Sect."

Su Mo took out one of the two letters from his chest and handed it to Shopkeeper Cheng. "This is for you, and the other one is for the Chief Shopkeeper. He has his own matters to attend to and won't be returning with us this time."

"Ah... alright, alright!"

Shopkeeper Cheng nodded, then walked to one side to open the letter. After a moment, he breathed a sigh of relief, recognizing Liu Mo's handwriting, and turned back to thank Su Mo solemnly.

Su Mo waved his hand and said to Xiaochuan, "Have the escort agency and the guard team get ready. We won't linger here any longer; we'll set off back to Sunset City immediately."

"Yes!"

Just as Xiaochuan's words fell, an elderly voice came from the inn's entrance:

"May I ask which of you is Su Mo, the Head Escort?"