Bab 29: Chapter 29: Blocking the Way

Editor: Atlas Studios

It's still the same table of uneaten food.

Once the matter at hand was resolved, one still needed to continue eating. Uncle Fu, however, had been out of sight since earlier, obviously having gone to clean up Yang Xiaoyun's room.

Su Mo devoured his meal with a bowl in hand, placing beside him the Dragon Roar in the Box.

Yang Xiaoyun glanced at him but seemed to have lost her appetite.

Su Mo looked at her and smiled slightly: "Are you worried about the strangeness of this escort mission?"

"Not long after you were almost assassinated, this escort task comes along. Ji Shuhua indeed spoke correctly, Iron Blood, Yangwei, and Heavenly Gate—these three major escort agencies have large enterprises and demand high fees.

"Yet, if this mission were given to Liu Suifeng, even if it were done for free, he would likely accept it."

Yang Xiaoyun put down her chopsticks: "Ever since Liu Suifeng emerged from seclusion three years ago, he has been famous throughout Martial Arts with his Sixteen Forms of Heavenly Rainbow Heart Sword. However, in recent years, he has kept a low profile and seldom ventured into Jianghu. If we could forge a relationship with him through this, it would be worth more than ten thousand gold."

"Indeed."

Su Mo nodded: "Therefore, no matter how I think about it, he shouldn't have chosen Ziyang Escort Agency."

"This..."

Yang Xiaoyun hurriedly said: "I'm not saying that Ziyang Escort Agency is not good..."

"The decline is a reality. We're just discussing facts. It's not like I'm that delicate."

"Mhmm... What is 'glass'?"

"Uh..."

Su Mo thought for a moment: "Silicate non-metallic materials?"

"???"

Yang Xiaoyun was completely baffled. Each of these words made sense on their own but combined together seemed utterly foreign to her.

"Never mind, it's not important."

Su Mo waved his hand: "This escort task is indeed a bit strange. But the sword that Liu Suifeng asked to be forged doesn't seem fake. If anything, it suggests someone in the dark deliberately facilitating this affair."

"Since you thought of this, why did you still accept it?"

Yang Xiaoyun was taken aback.

"It's an interesting opportunity, one that cannot be wasted."

Su Mo continued: "Waiting idly at home, I have no idea when it might end. On the other hand, Uncle Fu lacks martial arts skills and would certainly be endangered if we truly encountered danger. Although I am confident, I can't guarantee absolute safety for him. Now that I'm drawing these troubles out, their focus will be solely on me. Moreover, killing me might not even be their aim, so naturally, they won't go out of their way to hurt Uncle Fu."

Apart from drawing out the danger to bring an end to matters, Su Mo had another reason he did not voice.

During yesterday's assassination, apart from the four assassins, there was yet another person hidden in the shadows.

Friend or foe?

If an enemy, they might come in contact during this journey, which would present a fine opportunity for a breakthrough.

If a friend, then all the better.

In any case, this escort mission served as a touchstone, and perhaps all uncertainties would find their answers.

Having contemplated this, Su Mo turned to Yang Xiaoyun after a brief pause: "However, just to be on the safe side, Sister Xiao Yun, I would like to ask for your help in looking after Uncle Fu while I'm away."

"No way."

Yang Xiaoyun shook her head without even thinking.

"??"

Su Mo was taken aback and had a suddenly uneasy premonition.

As expected, Yang Xiaoyun then spoke with a serious tone:

"I'll accompany you on this escort mission."

"..."

Su Mo blinked: "This mission is dangerous."

"It's precisely because it's dangerous that I must accompany you."

"What about Uncle Fu..."

"I will make arrangements."

"Uncle Yang won't agree..."

"A grown child can't be dictated by their father!"

"..."

Su Mo's mouth twitched involuntarily, finding himself a bit at a loss with this woman.

He wished he could speak harshly and dissuade her... but he felt she would probably just respond with even greater ferocity.

```

Unfortunately, the other party was entirely well-meaning, with every intention made for one's own consideration.

In such a situation, how could one drive them away?

He sighed right then and there: "All right, all right, have it your way."

"What do you mean, 'have it your way'?"

Yang Xiaoyun was quite dissatisfied with this comment: "It's as if taking me along is a burden... Well then, our Hero Su is indeed highly skilled in martial arts, so he looks down on a weak woman like me, doesn't he?"

"Perish the thought!"

Su Mo hastened with a bow: "Who dares to say you're a weak woman, I'll be the first to disagree."

"That's the right attitude."

The decision was already made, so there was no need for further discussion.

After both of them had eaten their fill, they began their preparations within Ziyang Escort Agency.

Traveling in Jianghu is not as simple as just stepping out; going with empty hands is tantamount to seeking one's own death.

The small bundle was laid out, and carrying some emergency detoxification pills was essential, an emergency set of clothes was necessary, and the often-mentioned deer skin gloves.

The methods of poisoning in Jianghu are varied, and no one dares to say that touching an unknown substance with bare hands would not result in poisoning.

Therefore, if it's possible to prepare, then one should prepare as much as possible.

Besides, it's better to carry fewer silvers and more silver notes, as notes are easier to hide, while too much silver is conspicuous.

Wealth arouses greed; it is the easiest to attract trouble.

Once everything was ready, the two decided to get a good night's sleep in Ziyang Escort Agency that evening and set out on horseback early tomorrow morning.

However, in the meantime, they each did one more thing.

On one hand, Yang Xiaoyun arranged for people to secretly protect Uncle Fu, and on the other hand, she had to send a letter to Yang Yizhi, as she couldn't just leave without saying goodbye.

Su Mo thought to himself that this meant Yang Yizhi would show up at Ziyang Escort Agency tonight to confront and accuse them?

But unexpected, the night passed without incident, and all was well.

As for Su Mo... whatever he went out to do, and whoever he met, he kept strictly to himself.

Upon his return, his face showed no change whatsoever, as if he had just gone out for a short stroll.

And by the next morning, after they had eaten breakfast and said goodbye to Uncle Fu, they set out on their journey, Yang Yizhi still did not appear.

This made Su Mo even more puzzled about what exactly Yang Yizhi was thinking.

No wonder Yang Xiaoyun had some complaints about her own father; indeed, he seemed a bit unreliable.

As a result, just as the two were about to leave the city gate, they saw someone.

Xu Ruoshen stood tall before the city gate, his face a bitter smile:

"Young Leader, where might you be heading?"

"Uncle Xu, I already sent a letter to my father last night, explaining everything. I request that Uncle Xu let us pass without delaying our pressing matters," Yang Xiaoyun said. Although she referred to 'Uncle', her tone was clearly not polite.

And there might have been anger in her heart.

She had sent a letter to her own father, and instead of coming himself, Yang Yizhi sent Xu Ruoshen to block her way, which didn't seem reasonable at all.

Xu Ruoshen sighed, said nothing more to Yang Xiaoyun, but turned to Su Mo with a light smile: "Lord Su, although you and our Young Leader are engaged, times change, and whether this matter is settled remains a topic for debate. Now, without notifying our Chief, you wish to take the Young Leader away.

"This doesn't seem quite appropriate, does it?"

Su Mo actually nodded, feeling that Xu Ruoshen made some sense.

But Yang Xiaoyun could no longer suppress her anger: "If you have something to say, let my father come and say it."

"Young Leader, the Chief went out yesterday afternoon, and where he has gone is unknown to us. I did see the letter you sent, though I dared not peek at its content, I knew it must involve Lord Su. That is why I rashly stopped you. Young Leader, although I do not know your plans with Lord Su, I only wish to remind you to think three times before acting."

"Hm? Are you teaching me what to do?"

"I dare not."

"What if I must go no matter what?"

Yang Xiaoyun's hand moved towards the Silver Spear on her back.

Xu Ruoshen sighed: "If that's the case... Lord Su, my apologies, I just wish to ask you to wait a moment!"

As his words fell, the tip of his foot moved, and instantly as if separating light from shadow, he was airborne, arriving in front of Su Mo, his hand reaching out with a palm aimed at his shoulder.

He hadn't intended to be lethal; he only sought to injure Su Mo to prevent him from leaving the city but also harbored an intent to test him.

Within the narrow alley, killing four men – was it really this down-and-out, worthless Su Mo who had struck?

But all that was seen was Su Mo letting out a light sigh, raising his hand and flipping out a palm.

With a thunderous clash, their palms met, Xu Ruoshen's body shuddered violently, and within the merit of a moment, he was sent flying backward.

```

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KIRIM HADIAH

Bab 30: Chapter 30 Heaven and Earth Great Secret

Editor: Atlas Studios

Xu Ruoshen came quickly, and left even faster!

But Su Mo had already been merciful. Otherwise, taking his life with that palm strike would have been as easy as reaching into a bag.

Yet even so, Xu Ruoshen had to tumble several times in mid-air before he narrowly managed to land.

His feet touched the ground, but he couldn't stand steady, retreating three zhang away.

Barely steadying himself, his face was a mask of shock and confusion.

"My apologies."

Su Mo clasped his fists and strode away.

Yang Xiaoyun was certainly full of astonishment, but she followed suit.

Xu Ruoshen wanted to speak, but as soon as he opened his mouth, his face changed, and he instinctively clutched at his chest, feeling oppressive discomfort and a faint sweetness in his throat, a clear sign of having sustained an internal injury.

"What profound Inner Strength! This young master of the Su family is truly not as the outside world speaks of him."

He inhaled sharply, daring not to pursue any further. After a moment of silent contemplation, he stomped his foot and turned back to Iron Blood Escort Agency.

...

Inside Luoxia City, there is a large estate.

Within the estate, a secret chamber.

A middle-aged man sat cross-legged, in front of him on the tea table, two cups of clear tea were spilled.

However... there was nobody sitting opposite him.

Yet voices emerged, coming from behind a screen.

"They are on their way."

"I know."

"Are you sure of it?"

"I presume there's some chance of success."

"You're playing a dangerous game!"

The emphasis in the voice from behind the screen grew stronger.

The seated middle-aged man merely smiled gently and poured himself more tea: "Aren't you curious to try those new trinkets from the Endless Sea?"

The person behind the screen didn't speak, but there was a subtle presence of murderous intent spreading.

The middle-aged man continued: "Although it's risky, it is indeed the right move. Once they leave, the opportunity arises, not only visible to you and me."

There was still no response from the person behind the screen, but the murderous intent intensified.

So much so that the air in the entire secret chamber became thick, almost suffocating.

The hand of the man drinking tea also slightly paused due to this.

Then he heard the person behind the screen finally speak: "But remember this well."

"Please, do tell."

"If Su Mo encounters the slightest mishap, I will ensure that not a single soul of the Luofeng Alliance will find peace!!"

As those words fell, a fierce internal breath surged within the secret chamber, and when he looked up again, the person behind the screen was already gone.

The middle-aged man, holding the teacup, paused several times before he sighed gently:

"I'm not getting any younger; how is it that my temper is even less steady than the younger people?"

He intended to continue drinking his tea, but after a moment of contemplation, he set it down again.

He gently tapped on the table surface and murmured to himself: "Su Mo..."

...

"Su Mo..."

Following behind Su Mo, after leaving Luoxia City, Yang Xiaoyun kept her eyes glued on him.

Su Mo felt goosebumps all over from being stared at: "When are you going to stop watching me?"

"People say, 'a man can be judged anew after being away for just three days.' As for you, I feel like I need to replace my eyeballs," she said.

Yang Xiaoyun clicked her tongue: "Xu Ruoshen is not someone to mess with; that title of Cloud Catcher isn't for nothing. His martial arts abilities are incomparably greater than those of Wu Chengfeng. And yet... you still repelled him with a single palm strike. Where exactly does your Inner Strength come from?"

"Ah... that's a long story."

Su Mo sighed: "It happened one day as I was strolling down the street when I suddenly encountered an old beggar who dragged me into a corner, insisting I had exceptional roots and was a once-in-a-lifetime martial arts genius. He was determined to sell me a Martial Arts Secret Manual, saying that if I achieved anything significant, the responsibility to save the collapsing Martial Arts world would fall on my shoulders."

"???"

Three question marks rolled through Yang Xiaoyun's eyes, but she didn't forget to tease: "A Jianghu swindler, right?"

"That's what I thought too."

Su Mo nodded: "Logically, I should've just walked away. But that old man grabbed me and wouldn't let me go... He then took out several secret books for me to choose from. Seeing him in shabby clothes and appearing emaciated, I couldn't help but pity him. I thought he might be trying to make a living. The world is dangerous, life is hard, plus thinking about my own situation, I felt a bit of empathy."

"If one day I ended up in such a situation, wouldn't I also hope for a hot meal to eat?

"Perhaps I was feeling tender-hearted at that moment, so I casually chose a secret book and bought it for ten cents."

Yang Xiaoyun found this quite understandable, but she was also slightly displeased: "With what you said, would I just let you fall into destitution? When you squandered your family fortune, I wanted to knock you out and take you away. But father wouldn't allow it... these past years, you've turned over a new leaf, and didn't give me a chance to do so. But you should know that unless I die, I won't let you be left wandering the streets."

Yang Xiaoyun's words were not an oath, but they were more persuasive than any promise.

Su Mo looked at her and almost forgot how to continue his fabrications.

Fortunately, Yang Xiaoyun remained curious about the subject: "So, what secret book did you buy?"

"That secret book... it's called the Heaven and Earth Great Secret."

"…This, Heaven and Earth Great Secret? Something so Mystical?"

"How would I know."

Su Mo shook his head: "However, the introduction to this martial arts is impressive; it says that all martial arts in the world are contained within it, as vast as the sea that embraces all streams, can be considered an outline for all Martial Arts in the world!"

"Isn't that just a bunch of hot air?"

"I don't have a clue either, but below this preface, there's a statement explaining that the comprehension of this martial arts depends entirely on the practitioner's talent and comprehension. The higher the comprehension and the better the roots, the more likely one is to grasp the Absolute Skills. And throughout the text, not a single word about martial arts is mentioned. The odd thing is, once I finished reading these words, the book turned to dust.

"After that, the contents of the book kept lingering in my mind.

"Over time, it actually became something extraordinary; I really comprehended a set of Inner Strength, a set of Fist Technique, and my martial arts abilities advanced rapidly."

Yang Xiaoyun was stunned, but she didn't accuse Su Mo of making things up; she simply marveled:

"The end of the world is so far, Jianghu is so vast and immeasurable. Indeed, there are always people better than oneself, mountains beyond mountains. Your extraordinary encounter is truly incredible. That Divine Beggar who taught you this martial arts must also be a peerless master who wanders the Jianghu."

Seeing her expression, Su Mo stealthily breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that his story was a bit too over-the-top.

However, Yang Xiaoyun wasn't the type to think the world was only as big as what she's seen, mistaking her own limited perspective as the whole truth. Instead, she was more in awe of the wonders of Jianghu.

Of course, she believed wholeheartedly because it was Su Mo who told her so.

After contemplating for a moment, he asked in a low voice: "Sister Yun, would you like to learn the Heaven and Earth Great Secret and the two sets of martial arts that I've comprehended?"

"This is your fate; how could I take it for myself? Besides, the Canglong Bahuang Dianyun Spear of the Yang Family, even if I practiced it my whole life, I may not be able to reach the pinnacle. How could I be so greedy? However, if you are willing, we can spar more often."

Yang Xiaoyun looked at Su Mo: "I also advise you not to bite off more than you can chew. The path of Martial Arts is as vast as a boundless ocean; it is better to value quality over quantity. And... you must never speak of this Heaven and Earth Great Secret to a third person, or else it might bring disaster upon us, remember this well!"

Su Mo nodded eagerly, but he was actually relieved inside. After this, any martial arts he obtained from escort missions could be traced back to having an origin.

What's more, without him having to remind Yang Xiaoyun to keep their conversation secret, she was the one who commanded it, saving him quite a bit of effort.

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