Chapter 173: The End of the Gathering

Chapter 173: The End of the Gathering

The night passed without a word, and the next day dawned.

However, by morning, Su Mo noticed that Yang Yizhi’s gaze held a certain resentment.

It was as if there was a mountain of grievances.

Yang Xiaoyun, on the other hand, looked as if she wanted to say something but stopped after glancing at Yang Yizhi.

Su Mo couldn’t understand what kind of ghostly matter was going on between the father and daughter.

Not seeking to fully understand, time was of the essence, and this was precisely the moment to race against time.

Yang Yizhi, Ling Hongxia, Yu Lingxin, the Kirin Swordsman, and Ji Feiyang were all packed and ready to leave at any moment.

Their destination this time was Xuanhu Pavilion.

Although Yu Lingxin and her brother, along with Ji Feiyang, wouldn’t be able to enter Xuanhu Pavilion, they could wait outside.

Unable to hold back, Yang Xiaoyun said,

“Since the Three Extremes Sect has already been destroyed, why continue to travel so urgently?”

“The destruction of the Three Extremes Sect isn’t the first time it’s happened. As long as the powers behind it still exist, the sect will be like wild grass. With the spring breeze, it will sprout again.”

Yu Lingxin softly added, “So, this matter is far from over.”

Yang Xiaoyun sighed, “Then you must be careful.”

After a pause, she looked at Ling Hongxia again, “Ling… I’ll follow Xiao Mo’s lead and call you Aunt Ling. Aunt Ling… I have a request to make, if you don’t mind.”

Ling Hongxia looked at her and said with a smile,

“Feel free to say whatever you need.”

Yang Xiaoyun glanced at Yang Yizhi in the distance and said in a low voice,

“I would appreciate it if you could look after him during the journey… Don’t be fooled by his age; he still has a fiery temper.

“Although he has learned to be patient over the years, there’s always the fear that in some unexpected situations, his true nature might surface again.

“Please help to advise him when necessary. If it comes to it, you can send a letter to Ziyang Escort Agency, and I’ll have Xiao Mo go over personally to persuade him.”

Ling Hongxia raised an eyebrow, feeling that this ‘persuasion’ might not be what she had initially imagined.

With a half-smile, she glanced at Yang Yizhi and then nodded, “Rest assured.”

At this moment, Su Mo approached and first looked at Ji Feiyang.

The young Chief Escort of Tianmen Escort Agency followed Yang Yizhi for two reasons.

Firstly, her understanding of Yang Yizhi and the others was far superior to that of Liu Mo and the others. Moreover, she was the weakest in martial arts, and if she were to be captured by someone, she might inadvertently reveal crucial information.

Secondly, her father's revenge had not yet been fully avenged. Since the Heaven Gate Master and the Patriarch of the Man Sect were the same person, it was undoubtedly the Patriarch of the Man Sect who had killed Ji Wanli within the Tianmen Escort Agency on that day.

Now, whether it's the Heavenly Gate Master or the Patriarch of the Man Sect, both are alive and well, so his vengeance is not fully avenged, and naturally, he cannot return.

Su Mo nodded to the people present and then cupped his fists, saying:

"Everyone, we part ways today not knowing when we shall meet again. I wish you safety on your journey."

"Very well."

Ling Hongxia scrutinized Su Mo carefully, then smiled lightly, "You all take care as well, and don't follow the example of your father."

Su Mo felt a bit embarrassed.

Yu Lingxin glanced at him, her eyes cold, "Take care."

The Kirin Swordsman looked at Liu Mo and others, then said to Su Mo, "They know only so much, so while there's no need for excessive worry, you still need to remind them not to reveal Lao Yang's secrets."

"I understand."

Su Mo nodded slightly.

"Since that's settled, then it's a long journey ahead, until we meet again!"

The Kirin Swordsman and Yu Lingxin cupped their fists in farewell.

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun returned the gesture, seeing them off.

Yang Yizhi only looked at Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun once more before leaving with Ling Hongxia, each taking hold of the Heavenly Gate Master and the Liuyun Scholar respectively, disappearing in no time.

Even after they had completely vanished, Yang Xiaoyun continued to stare blankly. Su Mo took her hand and said,

"Don't worry, Uncle Yang is highly skilled in martial arts, and Yu Lingxin is meticulous. The Kirin Swordsman is also formidable in martial arts.

"Ji Feiyang may be a bit shallow, but he shouldn't be underestimated.

"The three of them acting together will surely prevent any mishaps.

"With what you said earlier, Uncle Yang cannot completely ignore what comes after, so you can rest assured."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded lightly and squeezed Su Mo's hand tightly, signaling him not to worry.

Su Mo smiled and turned to Wu Daoyou and the others, his gaze sweeping over everyone before he cupped his fist at Wu Daoyou and said with a smile,

"What are your plans next, Lord Wu?"

"I'll return to Haoran Academy first."

Wu Daoyou said, "The two of you can return directly to Sunset City. I expect that after the 'death of Yang Yizhi,' someone from Haoran Academy will go to Sunset City to report the death. When you return, you can wait at home for a while. I'll bring the 'body' back."

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun were momentarily speechless, knowing that what Wu Daoyou said was perfectly reasonable.

But it still felt a bit odd.

"Then we'll have to trouble Lord Wu."

"No trouble."

Wu Daoyou smiled. "You two still need to compose yourselves a bit. There are still developments to come regarding this matter. Although the list that Chief Escort Su learned about from the Patriarch of the Man Sect isn't entirely true, it's not completely false either. It's the mix of truth and lies that makes it hard to guard against.

"In that situation, whether the Heaven Gate Master harbored ill intentions or the Patriarch of the Man Sect spoke without reservation, both need further investigation.

"I will present this matter to the Grand Master of the Alliance for a decision once I return.

"You two need to continue playing your parts in this drama.

"We understand."

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun clasped their fists and said, "Since that's the case, Mayor Wu, please take care on your journey."

"Alright, see you again in Sunset City."

With a wave of his hand, Wu Daoyou left with the trusted members of the Fallen Phoenix Alliance, taking the lead.

At this point, only Su Mo, Yang Xiaoyun, Liu Mo, Feng Baichuan, Fu Hanyuan, and Zhen Xiaoxiao remained.

Su Mo looked at them and before he could speak, Liu Mo already said,

"Rest assured, we will keep this matter confidential, no matter what."

"Leader Liu truly understands me."

Su Mo smiled.

"Sigh... This matter is of great importance. We only understand it partially for now, but we all understand the danger of speaking out."

Liu Mo said, "Even if it means death, I will not reveal a single word about this."

The others also expressed their commitment to secrecy.

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun thanked them solemnly. Then Su Mo asked, "Speaking of which, Leader Liu, what are your plans next?"

Now that his internal conflict was resolved and Tong Yun was dead, the shackles that had bound him for many years had vanished in an instant.

It was truly a time of boundless freedom.

But when asked by Su Mo, Liu Mo felt a bit lost for a moment.

"I joined the Wanxin Trading Company mainly because I could frequently visit Wufangji and, incidentally, make a living.

"Now that the job in Wufangji is no longer an option, I truly don't have a place to stay."

Seeing this, he suddenly looked at Su Mo, blinked, and asked,

"Um... Chief Escort Su, I have a request to make…"

"Hmm?"

Su Mo looked at him curiously. "Feel free to say what's on your mind."

"I wonder if there's a position available in your escort agency? I was hoping to find a place under your wing, Chief Escort Su. Would you be willing to take me in?"

"This..."

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun exchanged glances. Su Mo smiled and said, "Leader Liu, you're too polite. With your formidable martial skills, if you're willing to lower yourself to join us, I would welcome you with open arms. How could I possibly refuse?

"However, if you join the agency, you would likely only be appointed as a regular escort. I hope you wouldn't find that too demeaning, Leader Liu?"

"Of course not!"

Liu Mo laughed heartily: "Chief Escort Su is unparalleled in martial arts. The Ziyang Escort Agency is bound to become famous throughout the jianghu in the future. If one were to become an escort in the Ziyang Escort Agency, there's a chance they might also become renowned alongside the agency in the future.

"This one, Liu, pays his respects to the Chief Escort!"

As he spoke, he dropped to one knee and offered a solemn bow.

Su Mo quickly stepped forward and helped him up: "Escort Liu is too polite."

He changed his manner of address swiftly.

Though Liu Mo appeared to be a man of few words, his heart was clear and perceptive.

For the sake of his personal morality and filial piety, he had endured hardships for decades. Though somewhat conflicted, he was still admirable.

Su Mo was genuinely pleased that this man had joined the escort agency.

Standing nearby, Fu Hanyuan blinked and looked at Su Mo and Liu Mo, feeling hesitant for a moment.

A moment later, he finally spoke:

"Chief Escort Su..."

He was extremely afraid of Su Mo, and after uttering four words, he immediately felt a twinge of regret.

When Su Mo turned his gaze over, he instinctively shrank his neck.

"Do you need something?"

Su Mo asked.

He instinctively wanted to shake his head, but after shaking it twice, he quickly nodded.

Su Mo was speechless: "Do you want to shake your head or nod? Speak clearly."

"I... I have a request, ah, forget it, forget it!"

Fu Hanyuan gritted his teeth: "I want to join the Ziyang Escort Agency, please allow me, Chief Escort Su."

"Oh?"

Su Mo was surprised: "You want to join my humble Ziyang Escort Agency?"

"...With you around, who dares say the Ziyang Escort Agency is small?"

Fu Hanyuan carefully glanced at Su Mo: "I sincerely want to join the Ziyang Escort Agency, please grant me your approval, Chief Escort Su."

Su Mo thoughtfully looked at Fu Hanyuan and suddenly smiled:

"Alright, what's your reason? Don't lie to me, speak the truth!"

The last four words were spoken with a stern tone.

Fu Hanyuan involuntarily shuddered, stammered for a moment, and then sighed: "I... I also want to make a name in the jianghu!"

Everyone looked at each other, momentarily speechless.

Su Mo was both amused and exasperated: "I think you might be mistaken, this is an escort agency... If you want to make a name in the jianghu, you should continue challenging experts as you did before."

Fu Hanyuan shook his head repeatedly:

"Before, I thought challenging experts was the fastest way to fame.

"However, my martial arts skills are somewhat lacking in true understanding...

"They are sufficient against ordinary people but fall short against experts.

"The Heavenly Frost True Qi is indeed extraordinary, but what I can bring out is lacking."

When he said this, feeling that he had expressed himself somewhat clearly, he simply continued:

"Moreover, after this incident, I realized that surviving in the jianghu isn't just about martial arts.

"The schemes behind the Three Extremes Sect are too ruthless...

"I was sold out by them without even knowing.

"Today, they used me to challenge the Heavenly Blade Sect.

"That's still fine... at least no major mistake was made.

"But in the future, if I encounter even more ruthless people, under their schemes, I... if I harm innocent people, what then?

"I am just a commoner, and when it comes to schemes and depth, I am no match for these people.

"Rather than stumbling around the jianghu and being used as a tool by others, I'd rather find a master to serve loyally, and perhaps there will be a future."

Fu Hanyuan's words were sincere, which made Su Mo find it somewhat interesting.

After a brief ponder, he glanced at Yang Xiaoyun.

Yang Xiaoyun smiled: "This Fu Hanyuan is indeed an expert, it would be a pity to let him go.

"Since he has this thought... I think, Xiao Mo, you should seriously consider it."

Fu Hanyuan's eyes gradually lit up, his sudden thought stemming from hearing Liu Mo's words just now.

He found them very reasonable.

What martial arts does Su Mo possess?

The Heaven Gate Master's Heavenly Strike, yet Su Mo was unharmed, while Liu Mo ended up with severed meridians.

Such a person, being meticulous and hard to scheme against, would inevitably become famous in the jianghu in due time.

Since he couldn't do it himself, it would be better to rely on someone else, follow orders, and at least not be used without knowing.

"However..."

Yang Xiaoyun paused, then continued: "However, he is ultimately different from Leader Liu... oh, no, it's Escort Liu now.

"He lacks leadership experience, and... he is completely unfamiliar with the rules of the martial world.

"In my opinion, even if we take him in, he should start as a footman."

"A footman..."

Su Mo looked at Fu Hanyuan: "Do you know what a footman is?"

Fu Hanyuan looked bewildered. He had never been involved with an escort agency before, so how would he know what an errand handler was?

"In simple terms, they are responsible for running errands and scouting within the escort agency."

"They scout the path ahead, check for ambushes, and see if there are any obstacles like bandits... After scouting, they cannot make decisions on their own; they must return to report."

"They are also responsible for calling out signals during escort missions."

"Of course, you can't avoid doing odd jobs and errands either. Do you understand?"

"So, it's basically an odd job handler."

Fu Hanyuan nodded. "Then I can do that."

"Hmm... Don't you think it's beneath you?" Su Mo asked.

"I don't know anything, so it's only natural to start from the bottom. I don't feel it's beneath me."

"However, if I do well, can you make me an escort leader in the future?"

"If you perform well and gain experience, you can certainly move up step by step."

"That's good, that's good."

Fu Hanyuan quickly imitated Liu Mo, kneeling on one knee. "Fu Hanyuan pays his respects to Chief Escort."

"Get up, get up."

Su Mo helped him up. Although he was bringing him in as an errand handler, he was not an ordinary one after all. Some courtesies had to be given.

At that moment, they heard Feng Baichuan give a cold humph.

Everyone instinctively turned to look. Fu Hanyuan quickly said, "Oh, about that poison I took earlier..."

Feng Baichuan gave him a cold glance and said calmly, "That was a lie."

"..."

Fu Hanyuan was stunned for a long time. He felt like cursing but didn't dare to. He simply turned to a corner and muttered to himself, not knowing what he was saying.

Su Mo cupped his fists at Feng Baichuan and said, "Brother Feng, what are your plans next?"

"Returning to Heavenly Blade Sect to report."

Feng Baichuan said, "The Crescent Blade and Elder Uncle's saber will be placed into the Ten Thousand Blades Pool."

"That's good."

Su Mo said, "Regarding the matters here... I trust Brother Feng will report appropriately."

"Of course."

"It's fine; I'll teach you."

Su Mo had expected this and pulled him aside, giving him detailed instructions.

Finally, he asked, "Do you remember?"

Feng Baichuan nodded coldly. "Every word."

"That's good."

Su Mo smiled. "Heavenly Blade Sect is no ordinary place. Even if there are issues, they generally wouldn't dig too deeply."

"They won't... they don't have the time."

Feng Baichuan nodded in agreement.

"..."

For a moment, Su Mo didn't know what to say.

Feng Baichuan gave him a cold glance and said in a cold voice, "Chief Escort Su, after I report, may I visit the Ziyang Escort Agency?"

His voice was as cold as a blade. Though he said "visit," it sounded more like he was coming for revenge.

Su Mo was both amused and embarrassed. "Brother Feng is always welcome anytime."

"Good!"

Feng Baichuan nodded heavily. "Then I will take my leave today, but I will definitely visit Chief Escort Su in the future!!!"

"...Please."

Su Mo saluted half-heartedly, unable to tell if Feng Baichuan was coming to visit or to kill.

Feng Baichuan left as soon as he said he would, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

After he left, Su Mo remembered something and reached out, but it was already too late.

Helpless, he took out something from his chest. It was golden with jade inlay, curved and twisted—the Golden Jade Cone.

Last night, Yang Yizhi gave Su Mo a few items.

Among them were two Xuanji Buckles, a Golden Jade Awl, and a Mandarin Ducks Manual.

One of the Xuanji Buckles had originally belonged to the Yu clan. The Three Extremes Sect had stirred up a lot of trouble over it back in the day, but they never found the buckle in the end.

The main reason was that this particular buckle had always been in the hands of Yu Lingxin.

The other buckle was obtained by the Kirin Swordsman in Profound Theory Valley.

At that time, it was the Youquan Cult who acquired the buckle, but before they could send it to the main sect of the Youquan Cult, the plot was exposed.

The Kirin Swordsman had sneaked into Xuanji Cave to obtain the Xuanji Buckle and the Jade Clear Mountain View Scroll.

Liu Suifeng sliced the Jade Clear Mountain View Scroll to pieces with his sword, retrieving the map inside.

The Xuanji Buckle, however, was taken away by the Kirin Swordsman.

Now, after a series of twists and turns, it has returned to Su Mo's hands.

In the past, Su Mo would have kept his distance from these items.

But now, with Yang Yizhi and the others traveling far and wide, facing many dangers, they feared that these coveted items might be lost to other martial artists.

So, last night, they secretly handed everything over to Su Mo.

Su Mo had originally planned to have Feng Baichuan take the Golden Jade Awl back to the Heavenly Blade Sect, but the man had vanished without a trace.

Letting out a sigh, Su Mo put the items back into his robe, turned around, and said,

"Well, the performance is over and the audience has left. It's time for us to ride back to the mountains."