Chapter 22: Chapter 22 Luofeng Alliance Chapter 22: Chapter 22 Luofeng Alliance Editor: Atlas Studios “Is this really feasible?”
In the pavilion, Su Mo sat down and took a sip from his teacup.
It seems that today’s visit didn’t accomplish much, apart from drinking tea.
“What’s not feasible about it?”
Yang Xiaoyun sneered, “Although Wu Daoyou is the Deputy City Lord of Luoxia City, our Iron Blood Escort Agency is not someone to be trifled with either. Proposing a ten-year term is already giving enough face to Wu Chengfeng. If they really anger me, watch as I take up my spear, storm into Wu Mansion, and leave him with a face blooming like peach blossoms?”
Su Mo nodded, actually believing that Yang Xiaoyun was capable of doing such a thing.
The Iron Blood Escort Agency, with Yang Yizhi, the Iron Blood Dragon Spear, as their banner, indeed need not fear others.
But he was curious, “What came over Wu Chengfeng this time?”
“Ah, that’s a long story.”
Yang Xiaoyun rolled up her sleeves and poured more tea for Su Mo, “In recent years, Luofeng Alliance has risen significantly. Initially, it was just an offensive and defensive alliance formed by the City Lords of Luoxia and another city, Tianyu, to withstand the storms of Jianghu. But as time passed, the Alliance’s influence expanded. Smaller factions flocked to join, and even the cities of Zhongfu and Jinyang joined. With its influence now covering four major cities and encompassing Three Rivers and two bays,
to the west lies Wusheng Hall, to the south—the Endless Sea, to the north—Heavenly Blade Sect, and to the east, well, there’s no need to mention the bustling Dongcheng with its myriad of Sects. Although the Luofeng Alliance’s power is significant, they have no foothold there.
Thus, a somewhat stable situation has formed. While it may not be possible for them to expand further, anyone who thinks of provoking the Luofeng Alliance must consider whether their own head is hard enough.”
She took a sip of tea to moisten her throat after speaking so much and saw that Su Mo wasn’t impatient. Her mouth curled slightly as she continued,
“Originally, this would’ve resulted in peaceful coexistence, but in the past two years, Wei Ruhan, the Alliance Leader of Luofeng Alliance, is getting on in years. Old and frail, he may depart this world at any time.
Although he intends to step back, the position of Alliance Leader can’t be left vacant.
Among those remaining, whether it’s Wu Daoyou or the other Alliance Hierarchs, they are all of equal fame and experience. Choosing someone to take over the flag of Luofeng Alliance is as difficult as reaching the sky.”
Su Mo nodded, “Indeed, that is a difficult situation. If it’s decided rashly, no one will be convinced by the other, and it would take but a moment for the great Luofeng Alliance to crumble.”
“That’s exactly what I mean.”
Yang Xiaoyun smiled and glanced at Su Mo, “Do you understand now?”
Su Mo was startled, understand what?
But then something came to mind, “I remember Uncle Yang once thrust his Dragon Spear eastward, deep into Three Mountains and Seven Villages, eighteen gangs, not only establishing the golden signboard of ‘Iron Blood Dragon Spear’ but also strengthening many notable masters. This foundation laid the groundwork for the Iron Blood Escort Agency… Could it be that they want to take this network for themselves?”
“Luofeng Alliance finds it very difficult to expand by force now. The natural course of action would be to blaze a new trail. Who knows which childless person gave Wu Daoyou such a foolish idea, suggesting that his dunce of a son gets betrothed to me. By making this connection, they aim to tap into the network my father controls, in turn allowing the Luofeng Alliance to tear open a hole to the east.”
Yang Xiaoyun was grinding her teeth, wishing she could crush the ‘childless one’ on the spot when she mentioned this,
“With my temperament, the first time that Wu Chengfeng appeared before me, I should have skewered him on my spear’s tip and hung him on the city gate to dry for three days and nights. However, the Luofeng Alliance is no small matter, and I can’t just put the Iron Blood Escort Agency on the line over this.
After beating him a few times, he was quiet for a couple of days. But I never expected him to dare come over today and pester me.
He really doesn’t know how to avoid death. If you’re unhappy about it, I can sneak into Wu Mansion under the cover of darkness and silently take the lad out.”
“Those are just angry words.”
Su Mo couldn’t help but laugh and cry, “Aren’t you afraid of falling into someone else’s trap?”
“Oh?”
Yang Xiaoyun was taken aback, “What do you mean by that?”
“Regardless of how sincere her intentions truly are, there’s one thing she should be aware of. Between you and me, a marriage promise exists. Uncle Yang might not have thought highly of me over the years, yet he never tore up that marriage contract.”
At this point, Su Mo subconsciously paused. He hadn’t intended to bring this up, but now he had inadvertently mentioned it in the flow of conversation.
He stole a glance at Yang Xiaoyun and saw no displeasure or any odd expression on her face, as if what Su Mo mentioned was nothing out of the ordinary…
He shook his head slightly and continued, “As for Wu Chengfeng’s persistent pestering, whether he achieves his aim or not, there’s a suspicion of spoiling one’s reputation. From this, I start to feel that the person advising Wu Daoyou behind the scenes may not have good intentions.”
“This…”
Yang Xiaoyun’s brows furrowed, “That does seem to make sense, but wouldn’t Wu Daoyou be able to see through this?”
“Who knows…”
Su Mo said with a smile, “The schemes and machinations of these people are hard to fathom, and they may not take affairs of the young and in love to heart. Even if we step back ten thousand paces, it’s possible that Wu Daoyou holds some hope…”
“Then he’s deluding himself.”
Yang Xiaoyun snorted coldly, “Everyone in Luoxia City knows that we have been betrothed since childhood. I am your wife-to-be, it is known to all. Yet they regard me, Yang Xiaoyun, as someone who could easily change affections?”
“…”
Su Mo was speechless for a moment, truly sensing how Yang Xiaoyun differed from ordinary women.
When it came to matters of betrothal, she didn’t exhibit the usual shyness of a woman; her demeanor and tone almost made it unclear who was marrying whom.
Watching Yang Xiaoyun’s changing expressions, Su Mo couldn’t tell what was on her mind.
“What is it?”
He asked casually.
Yang Xiaoyun took a deep breath, “Father also remains silent on this matter; could he too be harboring such a faint hope?”
“Ah, this…”
“A man conducting himself in the world should regard a single promise as heavy as a thousand catties. In past years, it was he who personally made the marriage promise. Now that Uncle Su has passed, and they were sworn brothers, at such a time, he should be caring for you even more, supporting you, teaching you to become successful, only then does he not fail the virtue of a true man.
“But these recent years, his actions have become ever more incomprehensible to me.”
Yang Xiaoyun said this and couldn’t help but sigh deeply, her eyes reflecting some indescribable disappointment.
Su Mo thought for a moment and said, “Perhaps it’s too early to speak such words; maybe Uncle Yang has his own reasons?”
“I hope so. He raised me as he would a son when I was young, saying that a man should act with purpose and restraint in the world, and in Jianghu, one must uphold morality and honor promises, without being deceitful. Only then can he embody Unity of Knowledge and Action.”
Yang Xiaoyun shook her head slightly, then with a lift of her eyebrows, said, “But if I were to kill Wu Chengfeng, or if the Iron Blood Escort Agency and that Wu Daoyou become enemies… who would benefit the most?”