Someone immediately laughed and said:
"Today, Su, the Chief of the Escort Agency, made it clear in his conversation with City Lord Zeng that he came here simply to pass through.
"In his possession, there must be some artifacts to escort. That’s why he’s personally safeguarding it.
"Speaking of which, one can’t help but admire him.
"His martial arts skills are supreme, already making him the number one person in the world.
"Yet he still remembers his original intention, caring for the escort agency. He can truly be a role model for our generation.
"No matter how outstanding you are in the future, you must never forget your roots."
The others nodded in agreement.
The person at the next table seemed at a loss for words, but then chuckled, "Do you gentlemen know what Su, the Chief of the Escort, is escorting?
"He’s the top expert of Donghuang, and anything he personally escorts... must be extraordinary."
Hearing this, several people became a bit puzzled.
But then they became curious.
"Do you know what it is?"
They exchanged glances and then asked in unison.
The man smiled and poured himself another cup of wine:
"This is a long story. Since you all know of Jing Hong Feixue, it’s clear you’re people who have seen much and know much.
"You must know about Yiqi Qianqiu!"
"Yi Qi Qian Qiu Ji Shu Hua!"
Several people immediately paid their respects:
"If we talk about people in the world today who deserve our admiration, besides the suddenly famous Su, the Chief of the Escort, Ji Shuhua is definitely one of them."
"That’s right, this person values righteousness and keeps his promises, making friends everywhere. It’s a pity that we haven’t had the chance to meet him."
Upon hearing this, the person at the next table sighed:
"Even if you want to meet this man, I’m afraid it’s no longer possible."
"Why do you say that?"
The person lifted his head and glanced at them: "Because he’s dead."
As soon as these words came out, not only the people at this table were stunned, but everyone on the second floor of the tavern who heard this changed color.
They turned to look at the person, and some turned pale and shaky, barely able to hold their wine bowls:
"What did you say? Brother Ji... Brother Ji is... dead?"
The man nodded gently: "He’s dead, and he died at Ziyang Escort Agency!"
"What exactly happened?"
Ji Shuhua had a reputation that, though not as celebrated as Su Mo today, held a different significance for those present.
His martial arts skills were ordinary, but he was greatly honorable.
He had friends everywhere in Jianghu, even among those in this tavern.
Upon hearing this bad news, they were overwhelmed with sorrow.
Someone immediately leaped to their feet and approached the person:
"You... you... tell me in detail what happened. Why did he die at Ziyang Escort Agency?
"How... How did he die?
"Could it be... Could it be..."
As they spoke, their faces became pale, verging on despair.
Their biggest fear was that Ji Shuhua had been killed by Su Mo.
If that were the case, even if they desired to take revenge, they would be powerless against the murderer.
"Don’t jump to conclusions."
The person who knew the news hastily said: "This has nothing to do with Su, the Chief of the Escort... In fact, Hero Ji actually went to Ziyang Escort Agency seeking help."
"Ah? What... what happened?"
"Alas... You are unaware."
The person pondered for a moment before speaking:
"As you all know, Hero Ji made friends everywhere, whether they were martial arts masters or mere pedestrians, he had friends everywhere.
"Not long ago, he encountered a friend by chance.
"This person was also a strange figure in Jianghu, unconcerned with fame and fortune, only enjoying traveling through extraordinary mountains and lands, admiring the scenery, and collecting exotic treasures."
As soon as he said this, someone immediately asked:
"Is the brother speaking of the ’Sihai Cloud Traveler, leisurely traversing the sky’ named Leng Tianyun?"
The man immediately nodded: "This Sihai Seeker, perhaps not many people know of him.
"He searches for exceptional locations, with extremely discerning eyes. No odd treasures can escape his notice.
"However, he has known Hero Ji for a long time, and on a recent encounter, entrusted a treasure to Hero Ji.
"It’s an exotic treasure hard to find in Jianghu... and it is a sought-after artifact that many in martial arts world can only dream of obtaining."
Saying this, he looked around, and seeing everyone’s attention on him, he finally spoke the name of the treasure:
"Xinghai Relic Sand Iron!"
Even in the bustling nightlife of Jinyang City, there are places untouched by lantern light.
In a narrow alley enveloped by dark night, a person leaned against the wall, barely meditating.
Suddenly, the meditating person opened his eyes and saw two figures approaching in the dark.
These two people of short stature were both dressed in white wide-sleeved robes.
Their steps were steady and silent.
"...Is it the Store Manager who sent you?"
The meditating person was Wang Dingsheng.
The newcomers looked at each other and nodded in unison.
Wang Dingsheng seemed relieved: "This Su Mo..."
He had just started speaking when his pupils suddenly constricted.
Two short swords, silent and swift, had already pierced through his throat.
Following that, the two slightly shorter swordsmen spun around, their longswords vanished into the night.
Hiding their swords back in their robes, only Wang Dingsheng’s head was flung into the air.