Chapter 294: Confrontation

Chapter 294: Confrontation

The young lady of Wusheng Hall, Wan Yilan, is getting married!?

Upon hearing this news, both Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun were taken aback.

How could such a big event happen without any prior notice?

After further inquiries, they learned that the marriage was actually arranged half a month ago.

The wedding is scheduled in just three days.

It is considered an auspicious day, but doesn't it seem a little too sudden?

The groom is Li Xuechun, son of Li Zhongming, the First Hall Master of Wusheng Hall!

Neither Su Mo nor Yang Xiaoyun had heard of him before.

But in the southwestern region, he is a big deal.

As the eldest son of the First Hall Master and Wan Yutang's chief disciple, he is the picture of privilege and prestige, and he grew up with Wan Yilan since childhood.

It is said that they have a deep affection for each other and have long been secretly promised to each other.

The recent rumors about Wan Zangxin and Wan Yilan within Wusheng Hall are utterly baseless.

After this incident, Li Xuechun, concerned for Wan Yilan's reputation, had Li Zhongming propose on his behalf.

The Hall Master Wan Yutang, impressed by his sincerity and resolve, approved the marriage.

Of course, all of this is Wusheng Hall's official version of events.

As for whether outsiders buy it, Wusheng Hall couldn't care less.

In reality, most people do not believe it.

When you think about it, Li Xuechun is indeed Wan Yilan's childhood sweetheart. If there were any rumors, they should be about them.

How could there be any connection between Wan Zangxin and Wan Yilan?

If there were no such connection, how could Wan Zangxin have fought one against three, killing a Hall Master and severely injuring two others? And why would he flee to East City?

According to Wusheng Hall's statement, all of this is completely unfounded, so wouldn't the Hall Master have died with unfinished business?

Taking a step back, if Li Xuechun and Wan Yilan truly have a deep affection, then Wan Zangxin must have been driven mad because he couldn't have her.

After this incident, Li Xuechun should be the one most on edge.

Instead, others are hunting down Wan Zangxin for the Wusheng Order.

As for this young master Li, he is fine, sipping wine leisurely, listening to tunes, and occasionally going out to do some chivalrous deeds.

He turns a blind eye to the events in between.

As if the whole thing doesn’t concern him... and now, out of nowhere, there’s talk of deep affection and unwavering resolve.

But who can say where it all came from?

After hearing the rundown, Su Mo and the others thought it all sounded pretty wild.

Yang Xiaoyun glanced at Su Mo:

"Is Wusheng Hall rushing because they want to use this to bury the issue of Wan Zangxin?"

Su Mo, however, shook his head:

"If that were the case, they should have married Wan Yilan off before Wan Zangxin left for East City.

"Why wait until things got this bad?

"This sudden twist probably means something went sideways."

"Then what should we do..."

"We’ll just play it by ear."

Su Mo pondered slightly: "But honestly, I’m more worried about someone else in this whole mess."

Yang Xiaoyun, catching the hint, immediately knew who Su Mo meant.

It had to be Wan Zangxin!

Although Wan Zangxin supposedly tried to kill himself in Tianqu City to atone for his sins but failed... he was eventually killed by Su Mo with a single palm strike.

Actually, Su Mo had slipped him the Yin-Yang Resurrection Pill, saving his life.

Later, Wan Zangxin opened up to Su Mo, and after a little 'pep talk,' he decided to go back to Wusheng Hall to dig up the truth.

But who knows if he’s even in Wusheng Hall right now?

If he finds out the girl he’s been pining for is about to marry someone else, how’s he gonna take it?

At this thought, Yang Xiaoyun’s expression turned a little strange.

She had never met Wan Zangxin, but she felt that his life up to this point had been nothing but bad luck.

From day one, he’s been getting screwed over.

His dad ditched him and his mom, and then his mom died young.

He wandered the streets, met a so-called benefactor, and got scammed for years.

He finally found a mentor, but thanks to trusting the wrong guy, his mentor got killed.

He fell for a girl who might actually be his sister.

Someone even tried to steal his name to pull off their own scheme.

Now, after cheating death and coming back to Wusheng Hall, the girl he loves is about to marry someone else.

What kind of messed-up life is this?

But obviously, she couldn’t say any of this out loud—Wusheng Hall’s entrance was packed, and it wasn’t the time or place.

They sent Xu Lu to deliver a calling card to Wusheng Hall.

Su Mo from the Ziyang Escort Agency!

The appearance of these six words indeed caused a stir within Wusheng Hall.

How could the gatekeepers dare to slack off?

Wusheng Hall's entrance was bustling with people delivering congratulatory gifts, all preparing to attend the wedding banquet three days later.

They couldn't afford to waste time on them.

They immediately passed the visiting card up the chain of command while escorting Su Mo and his companions through the gates.

This special treatment naturally drew the attention of others.

However, most of those present had spent their entire lives in Wusheng Hall.

Su Mo and his group seemed unfamiliar to them.

They had surely heard of Su Mo, but they didn’t recognize him in person.

So, they were curious—where did this young man come from to command such respect?

To have Wusheng Hall’s people skip over others and invite them in first?

Of course, more people were looking at Ding Wugong, tied to Zhen Xiaoxiao’s one-legged bronze figure.

Some were just curious, but when someone recognized Ding Wugong, they gasped in shock.

"Am I seeing this right? Brother Liu, isn’t that tied to the one-legged bronze figure... could it be...?"

The man nodded repeatedly: "Ding Wugong!"

Who is Ding Wugong?

Anyone who’s spent time in Wusheng Hall knows this man is their lackey.

He specializes in doing Wusheng Hall’s dirty work.

Wusheng Hall has always had his back.

Even if he caused a huge mess, they’d clean it up for him.

No matter how many wanted him dead, they’d still shield him!

But now? He was strung up on a one-legged bronze figure, paraded through the streets!

What’s more, he looked like he’d been tortured to the brink of death.

"Who are these people, really?"

"Capturing Ding Wugong is one thing, but bringing him to Wusheng Hall?"

"Judging by their faces, they don’t seem local. Are they powerful outsiders?"

"Whoever they are, they’re clearly up to no good. The real question is, do they know about Ding Wugong’s ties to Wusheng Hall?"

"If they don't know, they might soon find out. But if they do know..."

"Hehe, looks like Wusheng Hall is in for another spectacle."

"Shh, watch your words..."

As a few people casually discussed, a group emerged from Wusheng Hall.

The appearance of this group caused an even greater stir among the crowd.

Everyone knows Wusheng Hall has Twelve Halls, managed by their Hall Masters under Hall Master Wan Yutang.

Leading the group was none other than the First Hall's Hall Master, Li Zhongming!

Beside him was a handsome young man, the groom-to-be in three days... Li Xuechun.

Also present were several Hall Masters and Deputy Hall Masters.

Some recognized all of them, but most could only recall a few names.

Mentioning any one of them was like seeing a dragon's head but not its tail.

At first, some instinctively looked back, thinking the Grand Alliance Leader of the Fallen Phoenix Alliance, Wei Ruhan, might have arrived.

But on second thought, they realized it couldn't be.

Currently, Wusheng Hall and the Fallen Phoenix Alliance are at peace.

But the news of Wan Yutang's daughter's marriage came too suddenly. It was already a stretch for the Fallen Phoenix Alliance to receive the news, let alone rush over at such short notice.

Even if the news reached them, given Wei Ruhan's status, sending a gift would be the most he'd do.

How could he come himself?

Looking further, they realized these Hall Masters had come for the young men who had just arrived.

Before Li Zhongming reached them, he clasped his fists and laughed heartily:

"Chief Escort Su's presence brings great honor to Wusheng Hall!"

At this, the crowd erupted.

"What? Chief Escort Su? Which one?"

"Who else? Who else could make all Twelve Halls of Wusheng Hall come out in full force but him?"

"Su Mo from the Ziyang Escort Agency!"

"I heard the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron incident caused a huge stir in the martial world. To this day, those he's helped still patrol the martial world, watching for anyone foolish enough to target him.

"Who'd have thought he'd come here?"

"I've heard about him too. Despite his youth, Chief Escort Su is already the Eastern Wasteland's Number One.

"In Profound Theory Valley, he took down three with a single sword.

"In Tianqu City, he killed Sect Leader Youquan with a single palm.

"Under Liuyin City, he punched the Night Demon Lord to death!"

One after another, these are truly shocking and horrifying events!

Even more astonishing is that his favors have reached far and wide across the Eastern Wasteland.

The Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron has set the entire martial world abuzz, with many coveting this precious treasure for themselves.

Yet, unexpectedly, these people are left with no room to act, as many others prevent them from doing so.

If Chief Escort Su were to face any real trouble, a single call from him would rally countless heroes from the Eastern Wasteland to his aid!

After these words, the gasps grew even louder.

The tension was so palpable that the air itself seemed to grow warmer.

Most of those who arrived several days early were not prominent figures.

The Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron was beyond their wildest dreams.

Rather than risking their lives for wealth against the Eastern Wasteland's Number One, it was wiser to seek favor with Wusheng Hall.

Yet, to their surprise, Su Mo had quietly arrived at Wusheng Hall without them even seeking him out.

As they were discussing, Su Mo smiled:

"Not at all, it is I, Su Mo, who have presumptuously come unannounced, disturbing everyone."

"Nonsense, Chief Escort Su is an honored guest, someone Wusheng Hall would rarely have the chance to invite."

Li Zhongming laughed heartily: "If only Chief Escort Su had informed us in advance, we would have welcomed you a hundred miles out, respectfully inviting you. As it is, we haven't had time to prepare.

"And the hall master is still in seclusion, which is truly a discourtesy on our part.

"Please, Chief Escort Su, come in and have some tea. I will send someone to fetch the hall master right away."

"Hold on, hold on."

Su Mo quickly waved his hand and said:

"Seclusion is a serious matter; how can it be easily disturbed?

"My visit is somewhat ill-timed; I dare not disturb the hall master's cultivation.

"However, it seems quite a coincidence."

At this point, he glanced around and said with a smile:

"Such a grand event at Wusheng Hall, and I arrived just in time."

"Ha ha ha."

Li Zhongming laughed heartily, glancing at Li Xuechun beside him:

"My son's trivial matter has amused Chief Escort Su."

"So this is the groom-to-be in three days' time."

Su Mo clasped his fists and said, "Congratulations, congratulations."

Li Xuechun offered a somewhat insincere smile and nodded stiffly.

"We appreciate your presence, Chief Escort Su..."

Su Mo arched his eyebrows slightly, while Li Zhongming's face fell. But this wasn’t the place to scold his son, so he forced a smile and said:

"Since Chief Escort Su has come all this way, you can’t just leave so soon.

"My son’s wedding is in three days, and having Chief Escort Su as a guest would be a great honor.

"Chief Escort Su, we’d be honored if you could attend."

"It would be my pleasure, though I wouldn’t presume to ask."

At this point, Su Mo frowned slightly:

"Unfortunately, I came in a rush and didn’t bring a gift for Brother Li. This is quite improper."

"Chief Escort Su, you’re too kind.

"Just having you here is honor enough. Please, don’t worry about it. Come, let’s head inside for some tea."

Li Zhongming gestured for them to follow, and Su Mo and his companions trailed behind.

As they walked, Li Zhongming introduced the people around them.

Of course, not all the Hall Masters and Deputy Hall Masters of the Twelve Halls were there.

For example, the Second Hall’s Hall Master, Bei Zhangzhi, was missing, while the Deputy Hall Master, Xiao Feng, remained nearby.

The Tenth Hall’s Deputy Hall Master, Ren Xiongfei, who Su Mo was keen on, was also absent.

Only some of the other Hall Masters were there, and as Li Zhongming introduced them one by one, their progress was naturally slow.

Su Mo glanced at Xiao Feng.

Xiao Feng, the Second Hall’s Deputy Hall Master, was known as the Guicang Blade.

He was the son of the former Hall Master, Xiao Xiong...

After Xiao Xiong vanished, the Great Blaze Divine Saber was lost.

But by chance, Hu Sandao had learned three of its moves.

Was this missing Xiao Xiong the one who taught Hu Sandao his skills?

Could this trip help him solve the mystery?

As they walked, Su Mo watched how people reacted to Ding Wugong.

It seemed they were used to seeing someone tied to a weapon beside the First of Donghuang.

Few paid much attention to it.

The one who seemed most interested was Li Zhongming's son, Li Xuechun.

But his look was odd, almost amused.

If there is more to say, it will be said; if not, the story will be brief.

Inside Wusheng Hall's grand hall, everyone took their seats as hosts and guests.

Wusheng Hall disciples served tea to Su Mo and his companions. After sipping his tea, Su Mo smiled and said:

"Great tea. Wusheng Hall is truly blessed with outstanding people and spiritual energy. Your disciples are extraordinary, like dragons and phoenixes among men."

"Hahaha."

Li Zhongming laughed heartily, his face beaming with pride.

Su Mo was actually a few years younger than Li Xuechun.

His seasoned tone in commenting on Wusheng Hall was somewhat odd.

But as the First of Donghuang, who would dare underestimate him?

So, his casual remarks didn’t seem strange—they actually made Li Zhongming quite proud. He quickly responded with humility:

"Our younger generation is still unpolished, making Chief Escort Su chuckle.

"By the way, Chief Escort Su, you’re not here for my son’s wedding, are you?"

Su Mo nodded:

"Indeed, I’m here for another matter.

"But before that, there’s a small matter I’d like to discuss with you all."

"Oh?"

Li Zhongming thought for a moment, glanced at the Hall Masters, and smiled:

"Chief Escort Su, feel free to speak."

Su Mo did not hesitate:

"It’s a long story. Not long ago, I took on an escort mission—I’m sure you’ve all heard about it."

No need to pretend—this incident caused quite a stir, and everyone here is well-informed.

So, everyone nodded. Wu Yong, the Fourth Hall’s Hall Master, narrowed his eyes slightly:

"The Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron?"

"That’s right."

Su Mo nodded: "Master Ji Shuhua, a man of great righteousness, entrusted me to deliver the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron to an old friend. This caused quite a stir in the martial world. Luckily, my reputation kept things from spiraling out of control.

"But while passing through a village, I was ambushed by two groups.

"One group was from the Wangxuan Mountain sect in the western frontier.

"The other group..."

He paused and smiled:

"Supposedly came from Wusheng Hall."

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall of Wusheng Hall fell into complete silence.

The atmosphere in the grand hall seemed to grow heavier.

The Hall Masters exchanged uneasy glances, each showing signs of tension.

The smile on Li Zhongming's face finally faded completely, his brows furrowed as he spoke in a deep voice:

"Chief Escort Su, what are you implying by this?

"Wusheng Hall has never had any issues with Chief Escort Su. Even though the Star Sea Legacy Sand Iron is valuable, wouldn't it be stupid to mess with Chief Escort Su over it?

"Please believe me, Chief Escort Su, this matter has absolutely nothing to do with Wusheng Hall!"

"Hahaha," Su Mo laughed heartily, "Everyone, don't worry. Naturally, I don't believe such words."

"Good, good."

Li Zhongming immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

"But..."

Su Mo suddenly spoke again:

"This guy kept saying he was from Wusheng Hall, sent by Deputy Hall Master Ren Xiongfei of the Tenth Hall to mess with me.

"He was so sure of himself that, even though I didn't buy it, I couldn't figure out how to argue with him. So, in a pinch, I just brought him here to Wusheng Hall to face you all!"

After saying this, he glanced at Zhen Xiaoxiao.

Seeing this, Zhen Xiaoxiao casually swung her one-legged bronze figure, smashing it down onto the floor of Wusheng Hall with a thunderous crash.

With a loud crack, the sheer weight of the one-legged bronze figure, combined with Zhen Xiaoxiao's monstrous strength, made the floor of Wusheng Hall instantly crack and splinter.

Ding Wugong, who had been squeezing his eyes shut and suffering through the Parting Brew, couldn't help but open his eyes.

Su Mo pointed at the guy and asked with a grin:

"So, where's Deputy Hall Master Ren Xiongfei of the Tenth Hall right now?"