Chapter 216: Ninth Day of the Ninth Month

Chapter 216: Ninth Day of the Ninth Month

This was a modest courtyard, located in a corner of the Purple Sun Sect.

There were three large houses and a courtyard, with a well in the middle. Beside the well were two square fields. The soil in the fields seemed to have just been freshly turned. It was early spring, and they likely planned to plant something in the courtyard.

This was where Su Mo would be staying tonight.

It was also the place where Su Tianyang, his father, had lived when he was studying at the Purple Sun Sect.

Su Mo was staying in the main room, while Wei Ziyi was staying in the side room.

Other than the two of them, the courtyard was empty.

Duan Song had already taken his leave earlier, and Su Mo lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

He got up, intending to meditate, but his mind was too cluttered, keeping him from settling into meditation.

He opened his eyes and let out a sigh.

He knew it was because he had come to the Purple Sun Sect.

To him, and to the Su family, the Purple Sun Sect held a special significance.

Though Su Mo seemed indifferent on the surface, his body's memories and lingering emotions made this place feel different to him.

Unable to sleep, he decided not to torment himself further.

He got up and opened the door to his bedroom.

The main house had three rooms, where he was now staying.

Besides the main bedroom, there was also a study.

With nothing else to do and unable to sleep, Su Mo came to the door of the study and pushed it open.

The room was silent and dark, but starlight filtered in, allowing Su Mo to see a candle stand on the table.

With a flick of his finger, a thread of pure Yang energy ignited the candle’s wick in mid-air.

The small flame instantly illuminated the entire study.

There was a desk and bookshelves on three sides. A painting was hung on the wall.

By the light of the flame, Su Mo first looked at the painting.

It depicted an old man leading a young child in martial arts practice. The old man looked ethereal and graceful, while the child was serious, following the movements meticulously. However, there was a glint of mischief in the child’s eyes.

What exactly the child was looking at was not depicted in the painting, so Su Mo couldn’t tell.

Looking at the painting, Su Mo couldn’t help but chuckle softly. But when he saw the inscription on the painting, he was taken aback.

There was no date, only two characters: "Self-Reflection!"

Su Mo pondered for a moment, then smiled and walked over to the bookshelf to casually browse.

There were quite a few books on the shelf, but most of them didn’t interest Su Mo much.

Among them were some martial arts manuals from the Purple Sun Sect, but these were all things Su Mo had already learned.

As he reached the second shelf, he accidentally knocked a book to the floor.

As he crouched down to pick it up, he noticed something stuck underneath the bookshelf.

He reached out, pulled it down, and it landed in his palm.

It was a package wrapped in brown paper.

Due to its age, even though it was hidden under the shelf, it was covered in dust.

He pinched it with his fingers, and the object inside felt square, as if it were a book.

After a moment’s thought, Su Mo tore open the brown paper.

Inside was a notebook with a blank cover. As he casually flipped through it, the handwriting was childish, clearly from a mischievous kid.

However, as he read the content, Su Mo’s eyebrows twitched slightly, and a smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

"Today there was no wind, and the sun was shining brightly. I practiced with Junior Brother Duan using the Great Open Yang Scattering Palm and accidentally pushed him into a pile of manure.

"Although it was unintentional, I still feel ashamed for causing my junior brother to stink for half the day.

"So, the matter of him secretly placing a non-venomous snake in my room the other day is now evened out..."

"Could this actually be Su Tianyang's diary?"

Su Mo’s expression turned somewhat strange. If that was the case, it was no wonder it was hidden so secretly.

He turned back to the first page and saw the words: "Having nothing to do, I picked up paper and pen during my studies and jotted down a few things. This stuff isn’t meant for outsiders."

The more it wasn’t meant for outsiders, the more interested Su Mo became.

He simply took the diary, not knowing from what year it was written, and sat down in the study chair to read it.

As he read, Su Mo realized that Su Tianyang had been quite the troublemaker as a kid.

And the grudges between him and Duan Song certainly weren’t because of a single incident with a snake.

According to Su Tianyang, the two of them entered the sect together.

However, one was accepted as a disciple under the master, while the other was taken in by the master’s junior brother.

Because of this, Duan Song was utterly resentful and unwilling to accept his senior brother.

Young Duan Song, unaware of the world’s dangers, constantly provoked Su Tianyang.

Either by making snide comments or setting traps behind his back.

But his most vicious trick was still placing a non-venomous snake in Su Tianyang’s room, hoping to scare him.

However, the snake became an unexpected meal for Su Tianyang and his master, who cooked it into a pot of snake soup and enjoyed it thoroughly.

But this incident set the stage for Duan Song’s childhood nightmares.

According to what is recorded in this diary, Duan Song had repeatedly provoked Su Tianyang. As his senior brother, if Su Tianyang didn't teach him the dangers of the jianghu and the complexity of human nature, Duan Song would surely suffer great losses in the future when he ventured into the jianghu.

Therefore, Su Tianyang meticulously plotted one scheme after another in this diary to let Duan Song experience the conspiracies and tricks of the jianghu in advance.

Even more, Su Tianyang devised a 'Ten-Year Grand Plan.'

He intended to spend ten years engaging in a battle of wits and courage with Duan Song.

Su Mo found this part particularly amusing, causing him to clap his hands and laugh from time to time.

However, this also attracted an unexpected visitor...

As he was engrossed in reading, someone pushed the window open from the outside, and Wei Ziyi appeared, her face dark with irritation:

"What's so funny?"

Su Mo was startled and glanced at Wei Ziyi, "Why aren't you sleeping?"

"Who can sleep with you laughing like that in the middle of the night?"

Saying so, Wei Ziyi climbed in through the window.

"They say martial artists who can leap great heights don't bother with doors. But your window-climbing skills could use some work," Su Mo said with a twitch at the corner of his mouth.

"None of your business."

After landing, Wei Ziyi gave Su Mo a side-eye, "Why aren't you sleeping? What are you up to?"

"Reading some notes."

Su Mo said with a smile, "Do you want to read along?"

"Whose notes?"

As she spoke, she moved closer to Su Mo's side.

"My father's."

Su Mo said with a smile, "The stories here are even more dramatic than anything in the jianghu."

"Really?"

Wei Ziyi was somewhat skeptical.

Su Mo simply showed her the previous content, and sure enough, upon reading it, Wei Ziyi immediately became engrossed.

In no time, she burst into laughter, "I didn't expect that old Chief Escort Su was so mischievous in his childhood, but is Senior Duan really that dull?"

Recalling how Duan Song had been tricked by Su Tianyang's words 'three kneels and nine kowtows, and the mechanism will reveal itself,' leading him to actually perform the ritual at his bedside, Su Mo shook his head firmly.

"Uncle Duan is truly that simple-minded."

"This..."

Wei Ziyi was taken aback for a moment, "It shouldn't be the case. Although Master is strict with him, Senior Duan is renowned and no ordinary person. He is known for his calmness and composure, able to handle any situation with a cool head..."

"Do you think... is it possible that, because he endured a great deal of suffering when he was young, nothing seems to faze him anymore?"

"Now that you mention it, it does seem quite reasonable."

Wei Ziyi gave a wry smile. "That's surprising."

Su Mo smiled and casually flipped through the notes again, but his brows slightly rose, and he pushed the notes forward.

He said to Wei Ziyi, "What's on your mind in the middle of the night?"

"..."

Wei Ziyi pouted. "You're perceptive and brilliant. There's probably nothing I can hide from you. Why don't you tell me what I'm thinking?"

"The letter that the Third Palace Master gave to Duan Song?"

"Hmm..."

Wei Ziyi glanced at Su Mo. "I didn't really think much of it before, but after this trip, it seems like everyone around us is trying to push me onto you...

"There's clearly something fishy about the letter from my master.

"Duan Song was watching our reactions closely as he read the letter.

"What do you think is written in this letter?

"I have a really bad feeling about this."

"Oh?"

Su Mo smiled. "Since when does Wei Ziyi have knowledge of ghostly and divine arts? Can you now predict the future?"

"...Don't start."

Wei Ziyi gave him a side-eye. "To be honest, I don't really care. After all, I don't have any man I'm deeply attached to. Nor do I have any childhood betrothal. Marriage is ultimately decided by our parents and matchmakers. Since my grandfather and master seem to think so highly of you, and you are indeed talented and strong in martial arts,

"I have no reason to refuse.

"It's you who has been rejecting this all along, isn't it?"

"This..."

Su Mo was momentarily speechless and could only sigh. "We can't control what others think or do. The only thing we can control is ourselves.

"In truth, no matter what my master or Wei Damingzhu decide, or what's written in the Third Palace Master's letter,

"As long as we don't let them manipulate us, it won't really affect us."

Wei Ziyi raised her brows. "I'm just worried that my master might interfere again..."

At this point, Su Mo suddenly raised his finger, signaling her to be quiet.

The next moment, he blew out the candle, plunging the entire study into darkness.

Wei Ziyi's heart skipped a beat. It was late at night, and being alone with a man in a secluded room, the atmosphere felt heavy.

While the candle was still lit, it didn't feel so oppressive, but Su Mo's sudden action made her heart race with unease.

For a moment, Wei Ziyi felt her heart racing like a drumbeat.

As she was panicking, she heard Su Mo's voice beside her:

"Someone is coming."

Wei Ziyi's heart skipped a beat at the sound, and she clenched her fists.

However, after clearly hearing what Su Mo said, she was confused: "Hmm?"

A moment later, she saw Su Mo had already reached the window and waved at her.

Wei Ziyi then let out a long sigh of relief and couldn't help but notice a strange gleam in Su Mo's back.

She cautiously moved closer to Su Mo and peered out the window.

Sure enough, moments later, she saw a black-clad figure land on the roof. After a leap, the figure descended.

Once on the ground, the figure glanced at Su Mo's door before stopping in front of Wei Ziyi's, hesitating to go further.

Wei Ziyi furrowed her delicate brows.

She glanced back at Su Mo and made a slashing motion across her throat.

Su Mo quickly signaled her to hold back and wait to see what was really going on.

Wei Ziyi watched with a sullen expression.

She noticed that the person stood before the door, pacing back and forth several times, as if engaged in a great internal struggle.

Finally, the figure took out a small bamboo tube from within their clothes, fiddled with it for a moment, then stuffed it back into their garment.

With a firm shake of the head, the figure stomped their foot and prepared to leave the roof.

Wei Ziyi watched with some confusion and cast a puzzled glance at Su Mo.

Su Mo, with a strange expression, shook his head lightly at the black-clad figure still lingering on the roof.

The figure on the roof lingered for what felt like an eternity.

For a full hour, they didn't move a single inch.

In the end, they sighed deeply and finally dashed away, not daring to look back even once.

It was only then that Wei Ziyi realized she had been crouched there, watching the black-clad figure for a full hour.

She couldn't help but rub her waist and asked Su Mo:

"Why didn't you let me make a move?"

"You don't even know what that person was here for. Why be in such a hurry to act?"

"That's true."

Wei Ziyi nodded. "I just didn't expect that the Purple Sun Sect, as one of the Seven Great Sects of the righteous path, would have someone skulking around in black at night, doing shady deeds. I've really seen something tonight."

"It might not necessarily be the Purple Sun Sect's issue."

Su Mo shrugged.

"…What do you mean?"

"Didn't you recognize who that person was?"

Su Mo asked.

Wei Ziyi was stunned. She had been preoccupied with the idea of a lecherous villain, and how the Purple Sun Sect could hide such filth.

She hadn't given any thought to the person's identity. With Su Mo's reminder, she started to piece things together. As she carefully recalled the person's build and movements, her brow furrowed in thought.

"Duan Song?"

"Exactly."

"…No, no."

Wei Ziyi shook her head. "There are many techniques in the world of martial arts to disguise one's appearance and movement. The best way to find out who that person was would be to capture them. What you're suggesting now is just speculation."

"It's more than just speculation."

Su Mo smiled.

"I'm all ears."

Wei Ziyi looked at Su Mo.

"Firstly, you weren't in the room at the time. Yet, the person only lingered outside your door. From this, it's clear that they knew who was staying in that room."

"…Tonight, it was Elder Duan who arranged our accommodations."

"But we can't rule out the possibility that some disciple of the Purple Sun Sect found you attractive and acted on impulse."

"You really are something else."

Su Mo praised.

"What? Do I look ugly?"

Wei Ziyi shot Su Mo an angry glare.

Su Mo quickly shook his head. "Assuming what you said is true. However, the second point is, this is the Purple Sun Sect.

"As one of the Seven Great Sects in East City, have you ever heard of such disgraceful individuals emerging from this sect?"

"This…"

Wei Ziyi shook her head. "The relationship between Cold Moon Palace and the Purple Sun Sect has always been exceptionally close. If something like this had truly happened in the Purple Sun Sect, Cold Moon Palace would not have tolerated it and certainly wouldn't have let it drag on for so many years."

"Exactly."

Su Mo nodded. "And this leads to the third point… You are from Cold Moon Palace.

"If the person really did act on impulse, just because they found you attractive and dared to be so bold,

"Then they wouldn't just be disregarding the Purple Sun Sect. They would also be dismissing Cold Moon Palace.

"Would it really be worth risking a lifetime of being hunted by two of the most powerful sects just for a fleeting pleasure?"

Wei Ziyi's expression became somewhat strange. Saying it wasn't worth it felt like she was belittling her own beauty.

It sounds like I'm being a bit too confident...

"So, I don't think this guy is just after a quick thrill.

"And the way he hung around your door for so long, looking torn, but never even peeked inside, doesn't exactly scream 'pervert.'"

Wei Ziyi nodded in agreement. "So, he wasn't after... that?"

"Yeah... but not for himself."

Su Mo sighed. "I have a pretty good idea what your master wrote to Duan Song in that letter."

The moment Su Mo said that, Wei Ziyi's face went from curious to confused.

"No way!"

"Why not?"

Su Mo pursed his lips. "I wouldn't put it past your master to do anything."

Someone who's been guarding the Hanxi Tower for twenty years might look the same, but you can't judge them by normal standards.

And after her fight with Liu Suifeng, the Heavenly Rain Sword of Heart-cleansing made her confront some truths about herself.

Now it looks like those realizations might not have led her down the right path.

Duan Song lingering for so long outside Wei Ziyi's door, seemingly conflicted, was clearly influenced by this.

The bamboo tube in his arms was clearly intended to drug Wei Ziyi with some strange substance.

If Wei Ziyi had been ‘poisoned,’ there was no one else in the courtyard except for Su Mo... It was all too clear what would happen next.

But in the end, he couldn’t go through with it, showing that some part of him still had a conscience.

Wei Ziyi’s expression was unsettled, and after a moment, she looked at Su Mo:

“So, what do we do now?”

Su Mo pondered for a moment: “Let me think about it... This matter involves our elders from both sides. If we expose it rashly, it won’t be good for either of us.

“So, it’s best to handle this quietly to avoid any future embarrassment.”

“Hmm...”

Wei Ziyi could only nod in agreement.

Su Mo then added: “But you should still be careful. Even though Duan Song didn’t succeed tonight, who knows what your master promised him in that letter?

“If she promised that if this succeeds, they could marry... Then even if Duan Song didn’t succeed tonight, it’s hard to say about the next time.”

“Would my master really go that far?”

Wei Ziyi’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Who says she wouldn’t?”

Su Mo shook his head. After a few more words, he escorted Wei Ziyi back to her room.

He returned to the study, lit a candle, and opened the notebook, flipping straight to the last page.

The handwriting on this page was no longer youthful, clearly written after Su Tianyang had come of age, with just a few brief lines:

“Monsters and spirits, the ninth day of the ninth month.”

Below that, a sword with a serpent's head was sketched.