Chapter 133: Returning Home

Chapter 133: Returning Home

Su Mo had crossed over to this world and, although he inherited the memories of his predecessor, at first, he did not truly bind himself to it.

The sense of detachment unique to a crossover, besides instilling a strong sense of oppression and crisis, also sparked an impulse to strengthen himself and protect himself.

Therefore, when the system appeared, Su Mo considered how to use it to make himself powerful.

As for what his father had experienced in the past, in his view, it had already become a settled matter.

The deeper one delved into the world of martial arts, the more one understood its dangers; it was entirely normal for someone to meet their end due to unforeseen circumstances.

Thus, Su Mo had never deeply pondered whether there were any unknown factors involved.

Now, with the scroll of mandarin ducks, he found himself entangled with Yang Yizhi.

Yang Xiaoyun's words reminded Su Mo that all of Yang Yizhi's changes began after his father's death.

What... had really happened back then?

What has Yang Yizhi been trying to do all these years?

These questions inadvertently crept into Su Mo's mind.

If it were as before, he could have ignored everything.

However, as his interactions with Yang Xiaoyun deepened, the feelings between them became increasingly genuine, and he could no longer consider himself a detached crossover.

A crossover who has attachments is thoroughly integrated into this world.

So, some things could no longer be ignored.

However, he did not share these thoughts with Yang Xiaoyun. The discussion of the day came to an end here.

The night passed quietly, and before they knew it, it was already dawn the next day.

Su Mo and his companions continued on their journey, the only difference being that there was now a thief in the group.

They had already learned about this person's background.

His name was Xu Lu, with the nickname 'Fleeting Snow.'

These four characters seemed more fitting to describe swordsmanship, but applied to him, they meant 'a fleeting shadow, snow that does not startle,' describing his lightness of movement.

Like a fleeting glance, like a silent shadow, passing through a sky full of flying snow without stirring a speck of dust.

This skill was indeed a high praise.

So when Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun heard the name Fleeting Snow, they were genuinely surprised.

They had both heard of him; while ordinary thieves might be considered lowly, this man was undoubtedly the king among thieves. No wonder others dared not act rashly in front of Su Mo, yet he dared to target Su Mo.

But recalling the pitiful sight of him kneeling and begging for mercy, shouting about his eighty-year-old mother and hungry children, Su Mo suddenly felt that the name Fleeting Snow was being tarnished.

Throughout the journey back to Sunset City, this man did not make a single rash move.

Whatever Su Mo said, he obeyed, behaving extremely obediently.

Of course, Su Mo did not believe this.

His compliance was merely because he had not found the right opportunity; if he had, he would certainly try to escape.

After another ten days or so, they finally entered Sunset City under the glow of the setting sun.

Su Mo greeted Yang Xiaoyun, asking her to take the escort agency's staff back to the agency, while he led the guards to visit the head manager of Wanxin Trading Company.

It was only proper to report back after completing the escort mission.

Additionally, Liu Mo's matter needed to be concluded.

Unfortunately, the head manager was not at Wanxin Trading Company, nor even in Sunset City. According to the people at Wanxin, the head manager had gone to Central Capital to inspect the business.

Su Mo did not feel it necessary to make a special trip to Central Capital, so he handed the letter to the people at Wanxin, asking them to pass it on to the head manager, thus concluding the matter.

Leaving Wanxin Trading Company, Su Mo returned directly to Ziyang Escort Agency.

The gates of Ziyang Escort Agency were wide open. As soon as he arrived at the entrance, he heard someone shout:

"Head of the Escort Agency is back!!!"

Su Mo's lips twitched. Did it need to be so loud?

They had just parted ways a short while ago; why did it feel like he had been away for years?

Stepping inside and turning past the screen wall, he saw a group of people waiting for him on the training ground.

Uncle Fu saw him and immediately smiled widely, "Young Master, you're back! Everyone is waiting for you to wash your face."

"Alright."

Su Mo was momentarily at a loss, leading everyone to wash up, marking the completion of the escort mission.

"Alright, Uncle Fu, tonight, please take care of organizing a feast. The brothers have worked hard, and we should reward them properly tonight."

"Sure, Young Master, leave it to me."

Uncle Fu nodded repeatedly.

Su Mo leaned in and whispered a few more words to him, and Uncle Fu nodded in understanding.

Su Mo then turned to the crowd and said, "We'll rest at the escort agency tonight. Tomorrow, I'll give you all three days off. You've worked hard on this trip."

"Chief, you've worked hard too!"

"Thank you, Chief."

"Let's drink until we drop tonight!"

For a moment, the courtyard was filled with the shouts of these young, spirited, and vigorous men.

Yang Xiaoyun frowned at the scene, pondering that after three days, she would have to make Xiaochuan supervise their martial arts practice diligently to ensure they didn't waste their vigor.

After settling this matter, Su Mo took Yang Xiaoyun and left the Ziyang Escort Agency.

Without much delay, they headed straight for the Iron Blood Escort Agency.

Li Siyun's 'thanks' could not be delayed, and they needed to know where Yang Yizhi was now.

They had to decide whether to wait for him or go find him.

At that moment, the Iron Blood Escort Agency had its gates tightly shut.

Yang Xiaoyun glanced at Su Mo, hesitated for a moment, and then went up to knock on the gate.

A moment later, the gate creaked open, and someone poked their head out:

"Who is it... Miss!?"

At first, the person looked somewhat gloomy, but upon seeing Yang Xiaoyun, they immediately perked up.

Without another thought, they turned and ran into the agency.

"Miss is back, Miss is back!!"

The previously lifeless agency suddenly came alive.

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun exchanged a glance, both momentarily speechless.

This also showed how the death of the Cloud-Catching Hand Xu Ruoshen in East City had a significant impact on the Iron Blood Escort Agency.

The Chief Escort and the Head Steward had left the Iron Blood Escort Agency, and the Head Steward died, leaving the Chief Escort unable to return for the time being. The escorts and heads of the Iron Blood Escort Agency were clearly at a loss.

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun stepped over the threshold and entered the agency.

Before they had taken a few steps, they heard footsteps approaching.

Leading the way were two middle-aged men, whom Su Mo had met before.

They were the two heads who had accompanied Yang Xiaoyun on the escort mission when he met her again at the Ten Mile Pavilion.

He remembered one was surnamed Zhang and the other Li.

Sure enough, Yang Xiaoyun spoke up: "Uncle Zhang, Uncle Li, everyone..."

"Deputy Chief."

Everyone greeted them in unison, then looked at Su Mo with different expressions but still bowed respectfully: "Greetings, Chief Su."

"You're too kind."

Su Mo returned their bow.

Uncle Zhang then looked at Yang Xiaoyun: "Deputy Chief, are you here to take charge of things for us?"

Yang Xiaoyun shook her head immediately: "Uncle Zhang, Father made it clear that day. Once I left the Iron Blood Escort Agency, I am no longer part of it. I only came today because there's something important... Otherwise, I wouldn't dare come without permission."

Uncle Zhang and Uncle Li exchanged glances and sighed simultaneously.

"Deputy Chief, those were just words spoken in anger. Please don't take them to heart."

"Yes, how can our agency do without you?"

"Chief Su... please try to persuade Deputy Chief. It's not good for the Chief and Deputy Chief to remain at odds like this."

Everyone started talking at once.

Yang Xiaoyun felt overwhelmed and, after a glance at Su Mo, turned and walked away.

The crowd was about to chase after her but was stopped by Su Mo:

"Everyone, please calm down. We all know Uncle Yang's temper; once he says something, it's like spilt water, not easily taken back. However...

"They are father and daughter, and there's no real enmity between them... How about this: you all speak well of Sister Xiaoyun from time to time, and I will also try to persuade Deputy Chief.

"After all, blood is thicker than water, and they won't really turn against each other."

Hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, especially Uncle Zhang and Uncle Li, who quickly bowed:

"Thank you, Chief Su."

"With your words, Chief Su, we are much relieved."

"What brings you here, Chief Su? If there's anything we can help with, we will do so without hesitation."

Yang Xiaoyun had run off, but Su Mo couldn't, so he was invited into the living room and offered tea.

Uncle Zhang and Uncle Li did not dare to sit on equal terms with Su Mo and stood to converse.

"Where is Uncle Yang now?"

Su Mo did not beat around the bush and came straight to the point.

The two head escorts exchanged glances, both somewhat puzzled: "What does Chief Su mean?"

"Let me be frank."

Su Mo then recounted the incident in Wufangji with Li Siyun and his grandson in detail.

The two head escorts listened, still somewhat confused: "We haven't heard Chief Su mention this before. But since it's a token of gratitude for Chief Su, why not leave the items at the Iron Blood Escort Agency?"

"Ah, the person who entrusted me specifically requested that I hand the items directly to Uncle Yang. I know Uncle Yang is not at home, and it would be inappropriate to visit unannounced. If I just leave the items and go, that would be even more unreasonable... Please understand."

Moreover, if he left the items at the Iron Blood Escort Agency without Yang Yizhi being there to oversee things, they might be lost later.

Zhang and Li nodded upon hearing this; as escort guards, they naturally understood Su Mo's concerns.

"Chief Su makes a valid point."

"We were too hasty... However, Chief Su sent a message back some time ago, saying he was staying temporarily at Haoran Academy. Our Head Escort Xu also had an incident nearby..."

At this point, Head Escort Li looked worried: "We still haven't found any trace of our enemy. If Chief Su goes, perhaps you can lend a hand..."

"Wonderful!"

Head Escort Zhang's eyes lit up: "Old Li, what you said is truly insightful."

"Huh?"

Head Escort Li looked bewildered.

Su Mo gave Head Escort Zhang a strange look.

Head Escort Zhang smiled and said, "In the end, the conflict between Chief Escort and Young Chief Escort is essentially a conflict between Chief Escort and Chief Su."

He bowed to Su Mo, then continued, "In my humble opinion, Chief Su is the younger one, and though your reputation is well-known, you shouldn't act superior in front of Chief Escort. If you give him a way out, when you arrive, help Chief Escort plan and capture the mastermind behind this.

"If he acknowledges you as his future son-in-law, then the issues between you will no longer be issues.

"When the issues between you and Chief Escort are resolved, the issues between Chief Escort and Young Chief Escort will naturally be resolved as well.

"The Purple Sun and Iron Blood are one family. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone got along harmoniously?"

Head Escort Li immediately clapped in approval: "Exactly, exactly! Old Zhang, your pig brain is working quite well this time."

"Shh! Nonsense, don't make Chief Su laugh at us."

Head Escort Zhang smiled at Su Mo, "But, Chief Su, don't take offense at what I said about lowering yourself... In the end, acting like a junior in front of elders doesn't really lose you any face, right? Of course, if I'm wrong, I'll slap myself."

As he spoke, he made a gesture to hit himself, but Su Mo stopped him: "Head Escort Zhang, your words are golden. How could I blame you? Yes, I'll follow your advice. When I see Uncle Yang, I'll play the role of a good son-in-law and try to make him happy. Otherwise, why would he entrust his daughter to me?"

"Ha ha ha ha, that's the spirit! If you don't please your father-in-law, why would he let you marry his daughter?"

"Right, right, right."

Both men nodded in agreement.

After this, they continued chatting, but the conversation was no longer related to the matter at hand.

Once he learned where Yang Yizhi was staying, Su Mo chatted a bit more and then took his leave. Zhang and Li escorted him to the door and watched him depart, exchanging glances and smiling.

"This Chief Su is indeed extraordinary."

"He has no arrogance, and despite his early fame, he remains humble."

"He is indeed a good match for Young Chief Escort."

"Hopefully, Chief Escort will realize soon. Such a good son-in-law is hard to find, even with a lantern."

As they chatted, they closed the gate.

After leaving the Iron Blood Escort Agency, Su Mo walked a few steps and saw Yang Xiaoyun sitting on a stone bench, swinging her legs idly.

"Oh, who is this beautiful girl? Shouldn't she be taken home and cherished?"

Su Mo circled around and suddenly spoke from behind Yang Xiaoyun.

When Yang Xiaoyun heard Su Mo's voice, she tensed up but quickly recognized him.

She couldn't help but turn around and spat at him, "You always talk nonsense. Are you trying to use all the tricks you learned in the pleasure quarters on me?"

"Would Sister Xiaoyun be pleased?"

Su Mo tilted his head and looked at her.

"Who would be pleased by that?"

Yang Xiaoyun huffed, but the corners of her mouth twitched slightly.

Su Mo smiled and sat down beside her, "They meant well."

"I know."

Yang Xiaoyun sighed, "Uncle Zhang and Uncle Li have watched me grow up and care for me as much as Father. I just didn't know how to respond. It's easy to say soft words, but I don't know what Father's attitude is. If I soften now and he insists on being unreasonable, what should I do?

"Better to remain neutral until his stance is clear.

"Besides, what you said the other day makes sense. If this is truly Father's true intention, wouldn't it be a waste to disappoint his efforts by speaking out now?"

"And this makes me unsure of how to speak with them."

"Hmm, I understand."

Su Mo nodded and took Yang Xiaoyun's hand in his: "Uncle Yang is now at Haoran Academy. I plan to set off early tomorrow morning."

"Hmm?"

Xiaoyun's heart tightened: "Is it that urgent?"

"The sooner we deal with this matter, the better than dragging it on."

Su Mo stretched his arms and said with a smile: "Besides, I just got some good news from those two escort captains."

"What good news?"

Xiaoyun was also curious.

"Uncle Yang still doesn't know who killed Xu Ruoshen."

"…?"

Xiaoyun was taken aback: "How is that good news?"

"This way, I have a chance to prove myself. If I can make Uncle Yang happy by showing him something impressive, won't he entrust you to me?"

"…"

Xiaoyun's lips twitched: "Who gave you such a bad idea?"

"You tell me?"

"Ah…"

Xiaoyun was speechless for a moment but was then pulled along by Su Mo: "Come on, we need to celebrate with the guys at the escort agency tonight. Tomorrow, after they leave, I'll set out."

"You're right, we should celebrate tonight."

Xiaoyun temporarily put aside her worries: "To celebrate the official opening of our Ziyang Escort Agency."

When the two returned to the Ziyang Escort Agency, everything was indeed ready.

Long tables were set up on the training ground, laden with various dishes. Uncle Fu was supervising the moving of wine jars, one by one, to the side, making the escort guards present swallow their saliva.

Seeing Su Mo and Xiaoyun return, everyone immediately escorted them to the main seats, with Xiaoyun sitting at Su Mo's left.

"Alright, everyone, take your seats."

Su Mo picked up a wine jar, poured himself a bowl, and raised it:

"Thank you all for joining us at the Ziyang Escort Agency. Our trip to Wufangji has established our reputation, and the future of the agency depends on all of you.

"Here's to you all!"

"To the Chief Escort Captain!!"