Chapter 145: Chapter 116 Hongyun Temple_3

“Who says it’s not? Heavenly Blade Sect claims to seal the Five Directions Gathering, and so they sealed it. Numerous merchants are trapped inside, unable to leave; no one knows when they’ll ease the restrictions. Ten days to half a month might still be bearable, but if it drags on, the cost of feeding men and horses and maintaining a caravan will have those shopkeepers crying into their pillows, unable to sleep at night.”

Su Mo slightly raised his eyebrows, gave Yang Xiaoyun a look, and signaled her to listen carefully.

After listening to a few words, Yang Xiaoyun called Xiao Chuan over and whispered something to him.

Xiao Chuan nodded, left the shelter of the awning, and went to greet other caravans with a clasped fist.

Since these people knew about Su Mo and his group’s background, they naturally wouldn’t underestimate Xiao Chuan.

The two parties exchanged greetings with a clasped fist, and after briefly introducing themselves, Xiao Chuan made up an excuse to start a conversation with them.

During the conversation, he deliberately and subtly steered the topic towards the Five Directions Gathering.

This was to subtly probe for details.

Su Mo and his group had traveled to this point, and they were about ten days’ journey from the Five Directions Gathering.

If there were indeed unexpected changes at the Five Directions Gathering, it would be bad news for them.

Xiao Chuan, who had been honed exceptionally well over the years, quickly managed to extract all they knew about the Five Directions Gathering in a short period of time.

Unfortunately, these people were not very clear about the internal affairs of the situation.

They only knew that about ten days ago, the disciples of Heavenly Blade Sect suddenly descended from Heavenly Gate Mountain and sealed off this important town located at its base.

However, the specific reasons were unclear.

This group of people, thanks to their well-informed nature, had left before the Five Directions Gathering was sealed.

Otherwise, they would be trapped there as well.

After Su Mo heard this, he furrowed his brows and said to Liu Mo:

“Chief Liu, since the Wanxin Trading Company has branches operating within the Five Directions Gathering, there must be some news. Have you heard any rumors?”

Liu Mo seemed a bit distracted; Su Mo had to repeat the question before he came back to his senses, shaking his head:

“No, but before I left, I brought a carrier pigeon. How about I write a letter to inquire about the situation?”

“That would be good.”

Su Mo nodded.

The status of the Five Directions Gathering was unknown; if there were restrictions on either entering or exiting, or if both were not permitted, it would be a predicament.

The former scenario would still be manageable – after delivering the goods, at most they would be delayed for a few days within the Five Directions Gathering.

In the latter case, being unable to enter would mean a wasted effort.

If it truly came to that, they would need to figure out a plan as soon as possible.

Whether it meant finding a mediator or considering other methods, it would be better than recklessly bumping into an unknown situation.

Liu Mo nodded, thought for a moment, and then asked the monk in charge of reception at the temple, the little monk: “Little master, does the temple have writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone?”

“Yes,”

The little monk said with a smile: “But the temple’s writing supplies are offerings for Buddha. If you wish to use them…”

“How much incense money?”

“One cent.”

The little monk was clearly a money-grubber, stretching out a finger.

Liu Mo casually took out one cent and tossed it to the little monk, who immediately led Liu Mo into the temple.

It didn’t take long; Liu Mo soon came out of the temple.

However, he emerged with a somewhat odd expression on his face.

After placing the written letter into a bamboo tube, he tied it to the carrier pigeon’s leg and released it.

The pigeon flapped unsteadily at first, seeming a bit uncomfortable with the autumn weather, but after a moment, it flew steadily and gradually disappeared from sight.

At this time, Liu Mo whispered to Su Mo: “Something’s not right in the temple.”

“Hm?”

Su Mo was somewhat surprised, glancing at Liu Mo: “What’s wrong?”

Liu Mo’s face held an odd expression: “I have traveled this road many times and am familiar with several Green Forest figures, such as Black Gold Blade Zhao Cheng and Ma Daqing of Ma Wangzhai— all considered masters on this path. They’re also who we might face ahead…”

As he spoke, he glanced at the temple and continued in a low voice:

“But these individuals, along with some other strongmen, are all inside Hongyun Temple right now.”

“…”

Su Mo raised his eyebrows slightly: “What are they doing in the temple?”

“Being monks…”

Liu Mo’s expression became even more peculiar: “These robust and rough men, full of belligerent aura, have now all shaved their heads, donned monk robes, and are busily serving the merchants in the main hall with tea and water… It’s truly bizarre.”

As Su Mo was about to respond, he suddenly heard the sound of hoofbeats coming from afar.

Looking over, he saw about twenty fast horses galloping towards them.

The horses splashed mud and water, with an imposing momentum.

The man in the lead was a tower-like fellow.

His unkempt hair stood on end, and despite the chilly autumn rain, his chest was bared, revealing his sturdy muscles.

He had a mountain axe hanging on each side of his waist.

Those who followed behind him on several horses also had their quirks.

There were young ladies, pale-faced scholars, men as strong as oxen, and some as gaunt as monkeys.

They approached rapidly and soon arrived.

The twenty fast horses formed a line, blocking the downhill path.

The lead man glanced at the people present, and when his gaze fell on the banner of Su Mo, his expression briefly paused:

“Ziyang?”

He snorted and revealed a defiant smile: “To come upon such a prize without effort.”

After this remark, he ignored Su Mo and the others, and headed straight to the entrance of the temple.

The monk in charge of reception, the little monk, though greedy for money, had an eye for the situation.

When he saw Su Mo and his group arrive, he shamelessly hustled over for incense money.

Seeing this brash man, however, he recoiled, hiding behind the temple’s large doors.

Of the oddly assorted four, one person stayed outside with the remaining fifteen riders, while the other three followed the leader directly into the temple.

Su Mo looked up and heard the man shout loudly:

“Where is that Thief Monk? Ban Tiankuang has come at your invitation; come out and meet me!”

His voice thundered, shaking the surroundings with his Inner Strength.

Having said this, he added another comment: “I heard that Su, the Chief of the Escort from Ziyang Escort Agency, is also here. Previously, one of my younger brothers received your ’care.’ Not to mention killing them, even the whole mountain villa was razed by fire… Now that we’re both here, why not come out and meet? I’d like to return the favor and express my appreciation for such profound kindness!”

Su Mo’s mouth twitched at this sudden outburst – the man had just passed in front of him, ignoring him completely, and now he was shouting so loudly for what reason?

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