He uttered a single word.
But then he heard Su Mo bellow angrily: "Die, traitor!!!"
The voice thundered, shaking one’s heart.
He raised his Ziyang Divine Palm, striking a heavy, forceful blow.
In that instant, the Black-clothed Man’s expression shifted wildly with fury as he shouted, mustering all his Inner Strength to counter Su Mo’s attack.
The very next moment, his figure was sent flying through the air.
Blood scattered across the sky, but his figure merged into the night, leaving no trace to be found.
"Not good, he’s getting away!"
Luo Changsheng promptly waved his hand: "Chase him!"
Su Mo glanced at his own palm then sighed with remorse: "I’ve been tricked by this scoundrel!"
"There’s no need for self-reproach, Lord Su, the Chief of the Escort."
Wan Cangxin also approached Su Mo: "Let’s chase after him and see."
The two wasted no more words and leapt up to pursue the man.
But the man’s Qinggong originated from Eternal Night Valley, and his Shadow Magic was especially exceptional under the cover of night.
Having lost the initiative, catching him now was impossible.
After a long search, they found nothing and couldn’t help but feel regret.
Su Mo was especially self-reproachful.
However, Luo Changsheng said: "Lord Su, the Chief of the Escort, do not be so hard on yourself. This man’s martial arts are far from ordinary. If it wasn’t for your extraordinary techniques, he might have gotten away unscathed.
"But now he has sustained severe injuries, and likely dares not assault Tianqu City again."
Wan Cangxin nodded repeatedly: "Who would have thought that he could refine the Heavenly Spring Heart Cleansing Sword to such a level? And he had the aid of the Demon Technique from Eternal Night Valley... Alas, I can only hope to gain further insight during the Tianqu Sword event.
"Otherwise, cleaning up the sect might be difficult."
He sounded somewhat melancholy as he spoke.
Yet Luo Changsheng was not ready to give up and planned to continue the investigation.
Su Mo initially intended to leave directly and return to the inn, but Wan Cangxin stopped him.
"Lord Su, the Chief of the Escort, do you have time for a drink?"
The tavern was small, and it felt even quieter at this late hour.
The sleepy Shopkeeper led the two men to a window-side seat on the second floor.
Wan Cangxin repeatedly apologized:
"Sorry for the disturbance, it’s truly regrettable."
"Think nothing of it."
The Shopkeeper waved his hand: "Hero Wan’s reputation is extraordinary; in the future, I can boast that my wine is good, enticed Hero Wan to come late at night and left thoroughly drunk – wouldn’t that be a fine story?"
Su Mo laughed heartily upon hearing this:
"The Shopkeeper knows how to do business, then let me add something. Just say that the Tianqu Sword event is approaching, and Hero Wan cannot sleep, so he must drink a sip of your fine wine to be able to rest!
"I imagine once this story spreads, with Hero Wan endorsing you, your business will surely boom."
The Shopkeeper nodded repeatedly: "What the hero said is right, what the hero said... Please drink up, I will go prepare some dishes to accompany the wine."
The two men thanked the Shopkeeper profusely and then sat down again with a smile.
"This old tavern, though not large, brews Tianqu Old Wine that is second to none.
"Here, Lord Su, I toast to you.
"Thank you for your help tonight."
Su Mo smiled, lifted his wine bowl, and clinked it with Wan Cangxin.
The rich, lingering flavor touched the palate.
Su Mo’s eyes brightened slightly: "Indeed, it’s excellent wine."
Wan Cangxin finished the wine in his bowl and let out a long breath.
He picked up the wine jar and filled both their bowls.
Then he spoke: "To be candid, ever since I entered Jianghu, I’ve heard various tales about Lord Su, the Chief of the Escort. I admire you greatly, and what I said outside the forest that day was true—I admire you sincerely and wished to befriend you.
"You must know that I, too, have many connections at Wusheng Hall.
"After the Tianqu Sword event, I need to clean up my sect, and then I’ll make a trip to Wusheng Hall.
"But before that, I will likely pass through Luoxia City, and if I come to visit, I hope Lord Su, the Chief of the Escort, would not mind."
"Hero Wan speaks too seriously."
Su Mo replied with a smile: "I wanted to say the same. Since entering Dongcheng, I’ve heard many rumors about Hero Wan.
"Regrettably, we’ve barely met...
"This time, I made a special trip to Tianqu City just to meet you.
"Now that I’ve seen you, you truly live up to your great reputation, which I respect.
"But speaking of this... I do have something to ask, and I don’t know if Hero Wan would be willing to speak frankly?"
Wan Cangxin looked up at Su Mo, chuckled, and shook his head:
"Lord Su, the Chief of the Escort, you speak as if you don’t consider me a friend.
"Though we’ve just met, feel free to speak your mind. I might not promise frankness to others,
"But for Lord Su, the Chief of the Escort... there is nothing I wouldn’t share!"
Su Mo raised his wine bowl as a gesture, and Wan Cangxin immediately held his bowl up, clinked it with Su Mo’s, and drank it in one gulp.
Then he looked at Su Mo, waiting for him to ask his question.
Su Mo then raised his head, looked at Wan Cangxin, and spoke as if thunderstruck:
"Who exactly are you?"
As these five words were uttered, they truly seemed like a streak of lightning cutting through the dark sky, lighting up Su Mo’s eyes.
His eyes, under the sudden bright flash of lightning, shone brilliantly, like two Longswords, almost piercing through Wan Cangxin’s heart.
The previously calm and harmonious atmosphere was swept away by his question.