Chapter 1138: 9-Star Sect Marriage Alliance
Ye Mo said guiltily, “Just call me Martial Brother, or Big Brother Ye. We’re old friends; I brought this disaster upon you.” He paused, then asked, “Where did Yun Ziyi go? Do you know?”
Luo Fei wiped her eyes. “The sect was in chaos, and the sect leader knew we were no match for the Infinity Sect. He told the sect members to scatter. Ziyi went missing.”
Ye Mo knew finding Yun Ziyi was impossible. She might even be dead. He didn't press Luo Fei further. Regardless of her fate, they were friends, and she suffered this calamity because of him. He was determined to annihilate the Infinity Sect.
Luo Fei introduced several others: Mi Zhenjie, a Hollow Spirit State level two cultivator and forgery master from Sword Valley; Miao Wuren, a Golden Core State level six youth; and Huang Lanlan, a Golden Core State level three girl. Ye Mo learned Luo Fei was Sword Valley's current sect leader.
He understood the previous sect leader's intentions in appointing Luo Fei, but he resolved to help rebuild Sword Valley. He relinquished control of the flying ship to Mi Zhenjie, changing the destination to Pill City.
Their conversation turned somber. Then Ye Mo’s face paled, a sudden thought striking him.
“What is it, Big Brother Ye?” Luo Fei asked, worry etched on her face. Her fate was intertwined with his; his misfortune would be hers.
“If the Infinity Sect dared to attack Sword Valley to find you, they'll go to Black Ice Sect for Beiwei and Susu,” Ye Mo said gravely.
He'd initially assumed Black Ice Sect's status as a 9-star sect would deter them, but his conversation with Luo Fei had changed his perspective.
“Huh.” Luo Fei realized this, her worry mirroring his. Susu was incredibly important to Ye Mo.
She tried to offer comfort, though: “Sister Susu is at Black Ice Sect. No matter how arrogant they are, they wouldn't dare do to Black Ice Sect what they did to Sword Valley.”
Ye Mo felt slightly reassured, but continued, “I’m going to Black Ice Sect. Susu and Beiwei have little support there. What if the Infinity Sect bribes or coerces Black Ice Sect? I've heard Black Ice Sect has declined; they only have one Truth Realization State cultivator and are barely stronger than an 8-star sect.”
Since the Pill King Tournament, Black Ice Sect had kept a remarkably low profile, even ceasing to contact him for pill concoction.
Ye Mo instructed Mi Zhenjie to redirect the ship to Black Ice Sect. Half a day later, he heard a booming laugh.
Ye Mo was startled. The laugh, though seemingly distant, resonated directly in his ear. A Truth Realization State cultivator! Cold sweat broke out on his brow; even at his current strength, he was insignificant to such a being.
“Kid, I just stepped out for a bit and you were gone. You leave your wife at home and chase after other girls? You're quite the playboy.” Surprisingly, Ye Mo felt relief.
An old man appeared: Lu Wuhu, the Earth Forgery God. Ye Mo wanted to laugh; he'd sought Lu Wuhu several times without success, only to have him appear now to chastise him. Respect demanded a proper greeting, however.
“Ye Mo greets Lu qian bei.” Ye Mo quickly rose and bowed.
“Haha, I never lose a deal. I know you’re thinking about your debt. Don't worry, you’ll repay me today.” Lu Wuhu turned to Luo Fei. “Girl, step aside for a moment. You can have fun with him later.”
Luo Fei blushed, replying respectfully, “Qian bei, you’re joking. Ye Mo is like a brother to wan bei.” Then, she added, “Wan bei will leave now.”
Someone Ye Mo respected so deeply must be extraordinary. Luo Fei quickly departed.
Lu Wuhu ignored her. He looked at Ye Mo and said, “You’ve made many enemies. I searched for you and found many malicious individuals watching you.”
Ye Mo smiled calmly. “Qian bei is right. Wan bei has indeed offended some people. Qian bei came from Pill City, I wonder…”
Lu Wuhu waved his hand. “No need to ask. Your wife is fine; she’s reached the Golden Core State peak. You’ve improved considerably too, reaching the Hollow Spirit State. I was invited to Black Ice Sect; are you planning to go? Were you invited as well?”
Ye Mo rejoiced. He'd wanted to go to Black Ice Sect, and now Lu Wuhu was here—how convenient! Lu Wuhu clearly wanted his help, and Ye Mo would be foolish not to leverage this.
Ye Mo laughed. “Yes, qian bei, I was planning to go, but I wasn't invited.”
Lu Wuhu stated bluntly, “Black Ice Sect is forming a marriage alliance with the Infinity Sect. Many were invited, myself included. But there’s something else important. That’s why I came.”
He took a smug sip of wine, seemingly relishing his invitation and Ye Mo's lack thereof.
Ye Mo was unconcerned. His heart sank; it was undoubtedly Susu or Beiwei, Susu most likely.
Seeing Ye Mo’s silence, Lu Wuhu said, “What, is it because the bride is South Peace State’s number one beauty? Don't worry, if you go, you have a chance.”
It was indeed Susu. Ye Mo wanted to rush to Black Ice Sect immediately, but maintained his composure. He asked respectfully, “Qian bei, what is my opportunity?”
“Wow, you really like her? Not bad, she is beautiful, you two would match…” He paused, then chuckled, “You know you owe me one.”
Ye Mo usually would be speechless at this persistent reminder, but his current mood was too grim.
Seeing Ye Mo’s distress, Lu Wuhu changed the subject. “We'll discuss the debt later. I'll help you again. Originally, she disagreed, but she eventually consented to a fighting tournament. The winner becomes her husband. You’re in the Hollow Spirit State; you have a chance.”
Ye Mo frowned. “That’s impossible.”
“Why?” Lu Wuhu asked curiously.
“That girl wouldn't agree to such a method of choosing a husband. There's something more to this,” Ye Mo said, his tone agitated.
Lu Wuhu looked at Ye Mo with surprise. “Do you know her? When she was last in Pill City, I didn't see you two being close. I only saw you with your Xue wife.”
Susu was in Pill City last time? Ye Mo was confused. It wasn’t Susu? He looked at Lu Wuhu quizzically. “What is that girl’s name from Black Ice Sect?”
Lu Wuhu glared. “When did I say she was from Black Ice Sect? She's from the Infinity Sect, Wen Caiyi. The Infinity Sect and Black Ice Sect are forming a marriage alliance, and Wen Caiyi wants a powerful husband. Black Ice Sect's genius disciples will compete. If you want to compete, I can arrange it. Just like last time, you owe me one.”
Ye Mo breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn't Susu, but Wen Caiyi. He didn’t care who Wen Caiyi married.
But then, a chilling thought struck him. This must be connected to Susu. Perhaps she refused, and they used Wen Caiyi as a pawn before taking Susu. If so, he had to act quickly.