Chapter 6: Chapter 6 Invitation Chapter 6: Chapter 6 Invitation Editor: Atlas Studios “May I ask if the gentleman’s surname is Su?”
The servant approached Su Mo, looked him over carefully for a moment, and then respectfully asked.
Su Mo eyed him thoughtfully and then replied with a light smile, “I am indeed Su by surname, but how did you come to know?”
“Fantastic, it really is Master Su.”
The servant hurriedly said, “Last night, a gentleman arrived at our Wangxiang Building in Wangxiang Town, ordered a table of fine cuisine, and reserved a room of the highest class. He instructed us specifically that between tomorrow’s early morning and evening, a Master Su would pass through Wangxiang Town. This banquet is arranged precisely for Master Su.
He asked us to wait here and look for a man with sword-like eyebrows, a handsome appearance, dressed in a green robe with Ziyang embroidered on the cuffs—that would be Master Su.
He repeatedly emphasized that we must not neglect you, Master Su. So, what do you say? Shall we go to Wangxiang Building now? It’s located right at the center of Wangxiang Town.”
Su Mo then asked with a smile, “Young man, may I inquire about the appearance of the gentleman who gave these instructions at your inn yesterday? Do you remember?”
“That…”
The servant hesitated for a moment, seemingly cautious.
Su Mo couldn’t help but say with a smile and a hint of exasperation, “What is there to hesitate about? Since he ordered a fine banquet, he must be acquainted with me. I just don’t know which old friend would treat me with such generosity. You should tell me, so I can remember the favor. Isn’t it just a matter of returning favors in this world? If someone sends a luxurious sedan, surely I cannot fail to reciprocate.”
“Master speaks the truth; I have overthought it,” said the servant.
The servant quickly continued: “That gentleman is roughly in his thirties or forties, with an exceptionally dignified demeanor and meticulously chosen clothing. I dare not boast, but at Wangxiang Building in Wangxiang Town, we’ve seen many gentlemen and wealthy families, yet few possess such an air. His speech is neither hurried nor slow, but naturally commanding, especially those eyes. Upon a glance… they… they…”
He seemed at a loss for words for a moment, then finally said, “Just make you not dare to disobey his orders.”
“Oh?”
Su Mo raised his eyebrows. “Anything else?”
“Besides that… right, there was a mole under his ear, and he had a long beard in three strands. Master Su, can you recall which old friend would be so generous?”
“So it was him.”
Su Mo laughed heartily, “All right then, lead the way.”
The servant nodded, not daring to ask further, and led the way at the front.
However, Su Mo compared the man’s description to the individuals he had encountered in the forest earlier—it was one from that group.
With a light smile, a plan began to form in his mind.
At that roadside teahouse’s peculiar and bizarre death,
Now, this group has set up such an arrangement in Wangxiang Town.
Their intent was almost self-evident.
Had it been earlier, Su Mo would probably have taken a detour, to avoid complications.
But after the experience at the teahouse, he had a change of heart.
The servant led the way and shortly after, the two arrived at an inn located in the center of the town.
Three large characters were hung above: Wangxiang Building!
It was unclear how everything had been arranged last night, or what method was employed, but Su Mo indeed received VIP treatment.
The dining area was in the best private room on the second floor, where two charming young ladies accompanied him. The table was set with the finest banquet, not only exquisite in ingredients but also extremely refined.
Su Mo, wearing a smile on his face, escorted the two women out of the room.
He wasn’t exactly a paragon of virtue who could sit untouched by allure; otherwise, he wouldn’t have sent them out.
However, lust can be like a razor-sharp bone scraper, especially within Jianghu, where the saying that ‘the graveyard of heroes is often the bosom of beauty’ is more than just lip service.
When the food and drinks were served, Su Mo carefully inspected each dish.
In this regard, he had ample experience—most manuals had methods for testing whether food has been poisoned, and Su Mo took his studies seriously in this area, making him something of an expert.
After confirming that the food was safe, Su Mo enjoyed the finest meal in the best private room at Wangxiang Town’s top restaurant.
However, he did not touch a drop of the so-called thirty-year-aged daughter’s red wine.
After eating his fill, Su Mo took the opportunity to rest well in the restaurant’s most luxurious suite for the whole morning.
It was only when it was almost noon that he got up.
As soon as he was awake, there was someone waiting outside his door.
A gentle knock sounded, and a voice entered the room:
“Master Su is well, I hope. I seek an audience on a matter.”
“Come in.”
Su Mo’s eyebrows rose slightly, the door opened, and a young man came in.
Slightly hunched and with a humble and cautious demeanor, the young man said: “Master Su, my master has extended an invitation and requests the pleasure of your company.”
“Oh? And may I inquire as to who your master is?”
Su Mo asked with a hearty laugh.
“The provisions for your meal and stay today were all provided by my master.”
“I see… Is this a case of using kindness to seek a favor in return?”
“Far be it for me to dare.”
The young man quickly replied: “My master has always held young rangers in the highest esteem. Master Su is already the Chief of Ziyang Escort Agency at such a young age—my master greatly admires that, which is the reason behind the invitation today. Please do grant us the honor of your presence.”
Su Mo pondered for a moment, seemingly troubled, but eventually he sighed:
“Receiving others’ favors shortens one’s own reach. The delicious meal I’ve had is already digested, and I can’t even vomit it out if I wanted to. Having enjoyed the hospitality, it would be quite improper not to meet the host in person. So be it. Wait for me outside, I’ll get ready and follow you. After all, I do have a thing or two I’d like to ask your master.”
“Thank you, Master Su, for your kind consent.”
Amidst the conversation, the young man bowed deeply and then turned to leave, carefully closing the door behind him.
Now alone, Su Mo revealed a smile: “I thought I could dine and drink for free a few more times. Why the rush? I initially didn’t pay much attention to what’s inside the Brocade Box, but now my curiosity is piqued.
Still, trying to win me over with small favors to ultimately trap me—is rather underestimating me. Such plots are a dime a dozen in Martial Heroes novels, aren’t they?”
After a brief contemplation, he still picked up his bundle, straightened his clothes, and headed out the door.
Seeing Su Mo emerge, the young man finally breathed a sigh of relief: “Master Su, please follow me.”
“Why do you look so relieved? Don’t tell me you’re waiting for me here openly, while secretly having surrounded this place with observers, just in case I decided to slip away without notice…”
The young man was startled and instinctively looked up at Su Mo.
But Su Mo just laughed heartily: “You’re quite amusing. I was only joking with you. Why do you look as if you took me seriously?”