Chapter 1785 - 657: Someone on the Beam

Su Mo currently worries greatly about Sikong Hua Ji, fearing this hall master might meet an untimely death before his coming-of-age ceremony.

If this person dies prematurely, the Shunfeng Escort Agency’s deal may fall apart, but that’s a lesser concern.

The important thing is that my mission would also fail.

This cannot happen.

After much thought, I decided to deliver the escort to Weiyang Palace tonight directly.

In the worst-case scenario, I’ll deal with Sikong Hua Ji after handing over the escort.

Bringing Hua Shiyi-niang is precisely for this reason.

They originally came for Sikong Hua Ji, and she probably knows best about any intrigue hidden in this escort business.

If there truly is a secret mechanism, she can surely deploy it.

Simultaneously, this can highlight Shunfeng Escort Agency’s style of mission fulfillment.

Of course, it’s crucial that Sikong Hua Ji can die, but it’s best if he doesn’t die by Su Mo’s martial arts.

Therefore, bringing Hua Shiyi-niang also makes perfect sense.

After listening, Hua Shiyi-niang was taken aback:

"Are you truly from Shunfeng Escort Agency?"

"Absolutely genuine."

"... Then why don’t you dare show your face?"

"You and Lu Ren are also hiding your intentions to get close?"

"Lu Ren?"

Hua Shiyi-niang’s heart tightened, and she suddenly looked up at Su Mo.

Seeing his eyes filled with laughter, she took a deep breath:

"I don’t know who you’re talking about..."

"Lu Ren, Jia Ming..."

Su Mo shook his head lightly:

"Honestly, you seem somewhat dismissive of me.

"You’re using these fake names, clearly not putting any thought into it.

"When Lu Ren came to us, he probably didn’t realize that saying he didn’t know martial arts was the biggest flaw.

"Firstly, he came to request an escort, then staged a scene on our inevitable route.

"So, logically, we’re traveling together.

"Do I need to explain further?"

Though Hua Shiyi-niang had already anticipated this, listening to Su Mo assert it so unequivocally, she couldn’t help but sigh:

"Did we reveal our hand from the very start?"

"You exposed the entire horse, not just its hoof."

"..."

Instantly, Hua Shiyi-niang shifted from despair to anger:

"Not as incompetent as you say!

"If it weren’t for your sharp eye to see through Lu Ren’s martial arts skills.

"We could’ve hidden at least..."

"... Do you recall what they called me?"

Su Mo asked calmly.

"Called you... Chief?"

Hua Shiyi-niang ventured.

But in the next moment, she realized:

"Baisui Sword Emperor!"

As soon as these four words escaped her lips, she felt numb.

The name Baisui Sword Emperor is known throughout Jianghu because he heralded from Baisui City.

Even if he wasn’t familiar with the Xing Family, he would know something about them.

Lu Ren used the Xing Family from Baisui City as an excuse when things were already beyond concealment.

How comical they thought they were only at risk of exposure upon meeting the Xing Family.

They didn’t realize they couldn’t hide from the start.

Moreover, the behavior of both Shunfeng Escort Agency and Xing Family that night in Lihetang was indeed strange.

Chen Dinghai didn’t react at all to a significant threat to the escort.

And the Xing Family seemed somewhat respectful.

These anomalies were apparent but hard to comprehend at the time.

Only after Su Mo pointed it out today did her understanding dawn:

"What’s your relationship with the Xing Family?"

"That’s not for you to know."

Su Mo smiled slightly.

"..."

Hua Shiyi-niang frowned:

"Since you knew our intentions from the start, why pretend nothing happened?"

"Your goal wasn’t my concern. You strive for your purpose, and we took this escort to strive for ours.

"At best, our goals are partly aligned.

"Naturally, we can join forces."

"We thought we were using Shunfeng Escort Agency, but truly, it’s Shunfeng Escort Agency using us."

Hua Shiyi-niang chuckled to herself and sighed.

As for why someone who knew everything didn’t disclose their knowledge.

Hua Shiyi-niang understood this too.

Judging by the martial prowess of the person before her, he far surpassed Sikong Hua Ji.

Not to mention individual fights, even combined, her group stood no chance against him.

With their standing, what qualification do they have for open discussions with the other party?

Reflecting on this, a sense of disinterest washed over her, causing a soft sigh:

"In that case, why bring me tonight, Senior?"

"You’re a good person; though unclear regarding your conflict with Sikong Hua Ji.

"However, I suspect Sikong Hua Ji may not survive the night.

"Hence, I offer you a chance to end your grievances.

"Of course, if you’re willing, I won’t force you.

The decision is yours."

After saying this, Su Mo heard Yu Lingxin speak:

"Let’s go."

"Are you finished talking?"

Su Mo glanced at Liu Yuying, then nodded:

"Let’s head out now."

With those words, the two were about to leave.

Seeing this, Hua Shiyi-niang instinctively replied:

"I’m coming too."

"Alright."

Su Mo nodded, reached out, and grasped Hua Shiyi-niang’s shoulder.

With a twist, a gust of wind suddenly rose. Liu Yuying and Wang Dengyun stared wide-eyed, unable to see how they left.