Chapter 74: Chapter 74 Departure to Xuanji Valley Chapter 74: Chapter 74 Departure to Xuanji Valley Editor: Atlas Studios Atop the Sword Tasting Tower.
Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun sat shoulder to shoulder.
Wei Ziyi, however, had already disappeared without a trace.
Her reason for coming here, the words she had to say, the things she had to do, were all completed.
Afterwards, the three of them exchanged a few words about the changes at Xuanji Valley and Yuliu Manor, with Su Mo particularly inquiring about how to save the Blood Slave. Suddenly, he entrusted Wei Ziyi to do something for him.
Wei Ziyi was clearly surprised that Su Mo would so casually give orders, yet she agreed to it all the same.
She only told Su Mo, “Yu Liu Sword Heart Liu Sui Feng’s favor is not so easily encountered, nor will I let it go lightly. You walk in the light, I will follow in the shadows. Should the need arise, you can contact me at any time.”
Su Mo cheerfully accepted, and only then did Wei Ziyi say goodbye and leave.
Yang Xiaoyun, looking at the boundless night, softly spoke:
“Can we trust what she said?”
“Fifty percent.”
Su Mo spoke with a smile, “Her sincerity seems genuine, but if all this truly wasn’t her doing, then unearthing the person behind it all would only benefit her. Talking to us about it is just gaining favor where the currents take her. What’s more…”
“Hmm?”
Yang Xiaoyun glanced at Su Mo, only to see him toying with the Phoenix Order in his hand.
Yang Xiaoyun gazed intently at the Phoenix Order, her brows slightly furrowed, “What’s wrong?”
“This is a good item…”
Su Mo spoke with a smile, “Yet, it’s not entirely a good item. On one hand, she gave this to me because it facilitates communication with her, but on the other… where in the Luofeng Alliance’s territory would I use this Order without her being able to track my whereabouts using its movements?
“And if I actually used this token for something, what could possibly remain hidden from her?
“This person, though somewhat forthright, has a depth of cunning that cannot be underestimated.
“Fortunately, as it stands, there is no truly malicious intent.”
After listening, Yang Xiaoyun came to a realization and couldn’t help but let out a soft sigh, “Baited with advantage… To be truly blinded by it, one would be controlled by another.”
“Exactly.”
Su Mo nodded with a smile, “Hence, if we can avoid using this thing, we better do so. I’d rather lock it away in an attic… pretend it never existed. Unfortunately, we do need manpower for this trip to Xuanji Valley, so let’s consider it a slight use, shall we? Being too cautious can be unseemly.”
Yang Xiaoyun looked at Su Mo, “Your mindset is so clear, I’m growing more and more impressed. But… why did you ask her to do that?”
“Because, there’s something peculiar about this matter.”
Su Mo sighed, “But without solid proof, everything is just conjecture. I hope I’m just overthinking it.”
“Hmm…”
As they spoke, Yang Xiaoyun gently leaned against Su Mo.
Su Mo’s entire being tensed, instinctively wanting to pull away.
“Don’t move…”
Yang Xiaoyun wrapped her arms around Su Mo’s arm, “Let me lean on you for a moment, to rest a bit. We have to depart early tomorrow.”
“…Yes.”
Su Mo simply stayed put, leaning with Yang Xiaoyun, watching her breathing gradually stabilize. His lips seemed inclined to curve upwards, but he quickly stifled the gesture, deciding instead to close his eyes and silently practice his Inner Strength.
…
…
Yuqing Mountain, Yujing Lake!
This was the darkest point of the night.
No one was supposed to be here at this time.
Yet, someone was standing here now.
This person was clad in black, hands behind their back, his gaze piercing past Yujing Lake as he peered towards Yuliu Manor.
A flash of red suddenly appeared behind the person.
She spoke softly, “He has taken me by surprise.”
“I hadn’t anticipated it either.”
The black-clothed man did not turn around, “That’s why I had you come to see.”
“I’ve seen him; he’s doing well.”
After Ling Hongxia finished speaking, the two fell into silence again.
Moments later, Ling Hongxia turned around: “The matters here have come to a temporary close. I will stay at Yuliu Manor for support.”
“Alright.”
The black-clothed man didn’t even turn his head.
“Aren’t you going to tell him?”
Ling Hongxia suddenly turned back.
The black-clothed man, however, fell silent.
“He is no longer a child.”
Ling Hongxia seemed to think of something, her lips curling up into a smile that clearly came from her heart.
“Let’s wait and see.”
The black-clothed man sighed.
“As you wish.”
After leaving these words, Ling Hongxia, like a red shadow, disappeared in the blink of an eye.
Her movement technique was far superior to what she had demonstrated within Yuliu Manor.
The night was silent, leaving only the black-clothed man quietly standing on the bank of Yujing Lake, gazing at Yuliu Manor, motionless for a long time.
…
…
Before the first rays of the morning sun had spilled over, everyone inside Yuliu Manor had already finished breakfast.
Liu Qingkong had found everyone’s weapons and personal belongings the night before, and now, each holding their own weapon, they all gathered in front of Yuliu Manor, ready to depart.
Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun, together, saluted everyone with clasped hands:
“In that case, the two of us will take our leave first.”
“Lord Su, please be careful on your journey!”
“Do not act rashly upon arrival; wait for us to join you before making any calculations.”
“Lord Su, let me accompany you.”
The last to speak was Guo Chong.
Ever since being saved by Su Mo at the Sword Tasting Tower, he had regarded Su Mo as a Heavenly Person, eager to attend to him.
Su Mo smiled: “Hero Guo, we discussed this last night. Everyone here has been recorded by the Youquan Sect, and they would naturally know if people from Yuliu Manor show up. Compared to that, only the two of us have not made an appearance and thus have a chance to blend in.”
Guo Chong sighed helplessly.
After a discussion last night, they knew that charging in recklessly was far from foolproof.
So, they planned to split into two groups.
On one side were Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun, two fresh faces who could quietly infiltrate Xuanji Valley to investigate.
On the other side, the group would proceed with caution and then look for ways to rendezvous upon arrival.
Moreover, someone had to stay behind to guard Yuliu Manor.
With a continual influx of people from Xuanji Valley, someone needed to impersonate Youquan Sect Disciples to liaise with them.
And this task naturally fell to Liu Qingkong, who was well-suited for it.
Little Vajra Chu Xiong was seriously injured and therefore stayed at Yuliu Manor for support, along with high-level masters like the Blood Mandarin Duck Saber Ling Hongxia, ensuring complete security.
After Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun investigated the situation within the valley, they would discuss with the others the next steps, striving for internal and external coordination to take down Xuanji Valley in one fell swoop.
Master Cang Ming stepped forward: “Lord Su, do you have the valley’s geography committed to memory?”
“I have committed it to memory.”
Su Mo nodded his head.
“That’s good. According to my calculations, the likely location hiding Liu Suifeng is the Xuanji Cave behind the mountain. I have already explained all the mechanisms within the cave. Young Hero, proceed with caution and do not be careless!”
“I understand fully.”
Su Mo saluted: “Well then, everyone, we shall meet again at Xuanji Valley.”
As his words fell, he mounted his horse alongside Yang Xiaoyun, scanning the surroundings. Still, not seeing the sword borrower, he then took the lead in riding off with Yang Xiaoyun!