Unwelcome Arrival

The long street, the inn.

At a table by the window, Gu Chundong was serving food to Gu Mo.

Gu Mo could only hold his bowl and eat. Although his cultivation was profound now and he could manage basic self-care, eating was still troublesome as he couldn't see the dishes on the table.

"Brother, that Yan San Niang is so beautiful. Do you think I'll be as pretty as her when I grow up?"

"You'll definitely be prettier than her."

Gu Chundong chuckled, then looked down at her chest and pouted, saying, "How can her chest grow so big?"

Gu Mo smiled faintly, not knowing how to answer the question.

"Brother, after we finish eating, we'll go upstairs to rest. I've booked two rooms, and I'll be staying right next door. You can call me anytime, and I'll be able to hear you," Gu Chundong said.

"Mm, okay." Gu Mo nodded.

"Oh, right, Brother, are you really planning to affiliate with Yan San Niang?" Gu Chundong asked.

Gu Mo nodded and said, "It's quite suitable. Neither of us has much reputation in the martial world, and I'm blind now. If we go to the established Wind Chasing Towers, we won't get much attention, and it'll be hard to get firsthand intelligence. We won't earn much money either.

Yan San Niang's Wind Chasing Tower was just established and is in need of people. Moreover, she needs to quickly build her reputation, so she'll be more dedicated. I've heard of Yan San Niang's reputation before; she has many connections in the martial world, and it's rumored she has an extraordinary background. Her intelligence capabilities should be good."

Gu Mo was going to be a Blade Catcher, so affiliating with the Wind Chasing Tower was inevitable. After much thought, he felt Yan San Niang was indeed very suitable. If it really didn't work out, he could just quit.

Although he was eager to start the Blade Catcher missions, he wasn't in a desperate hurry. With the Nine Yang Divine Skill by his side, he no longer lacked a sense of security and could proceed steadily.

Soon, the two finished their meal.

Gu Chundong helped Gu Mo up, preparing to go upstairs.

Just as they reached the staircase, a large group of people, over twenty, suddenly burst into the inn. The leader was a middle-aged man, broad-shouldered and burly, with a full beard and eyes as sharp as a falcon's. He wore a dark colored tunic, a wide belt around his waist, and a saber hung at his side, its sheath adorned with ancient patterns that exuded a chilling aura. The people behind him varied in height and build, but all possessed the distinctive sharp demeanor of martial world practitioners.

"Which one of you is Gu Mo? Come out here!"

The group barged in, slapping tables and kicking stools with aggressive force, immediately throwing the inn into chaos and drawing the displeasure of many, who began muttering complaints.

The broad-shouldered, burly middle-aged man bellowed, "I am Zhang Xiong of the Great Saber Gang! If anyone has a problem, step forward!"

Instantly, the inn fell silent.

The Great Saber Gang's name carried considerable weight in Linjiang City. It was one of the largest gangs, boasting eight hundred saber wielders. Their leader, Lu Yingchuan, was known in the martial world as Old Saber Handle, one of the leading figures in Linjiang City's underworld and a renowned top expert. He commanded four hall masters – Wolf, Bear, Tiger, and Leopard – all fearsome individuals with established reputations.

Zhang Xiong was the second-ranked among the Wolf, Bear, Tiger, and Leopard, nicknamed the Great Black Bear.

The innkeeper, seeing this, quickly emerged with a fawning smile, greeting, "Ah, Master Xiong, welcome! Please, have a seat. I recently acquired a pot of excellent wine..."

"Scram!"

Zhang Xiong slapped the innkeeper, sending him sprawling to the ground.

At this moment, a subordinate behind him pointed at Gu Mo, who was about to go upstairs, and said, "Boss, he's the only blind one here."

Zhang Xiong looked at Gu Mo, then glanced at Gu Chundong. He cupped his hands and said, "Young Hero Gu, Heroine Gu, I've heard much about you. I have a few matters to inquire about, and I hope you two will give me face and cooperate."

Gu Chundong remained silent, subtly resting her hand on her saber hilt. Gu Mo, however, cupped his hands and replied, "Hall Master Zhang, I've heard of you too. Please, ask whatever you need to. I will answer truthfully and to the best of my knowledge."

"Straightforward!" Zhang Xiong said. "I heard that you, Young Hero Gu and Heroine Gu, killed Zhou Tong and collected the bounty from the yamen. Is this true?"

Gu Mo knew that since Zhang Xiong had come looking for him, he couldn't possibly be here just to ask about this. Zhou Tong had been the most sought-after wanted criminal in Linjiang City for a while, attracting much attention.

Once the siblings turned in the head and collected the bounty, the yamen would surely publicize it immediately.

Gu Mo said, "Yes, there was such a matter. Does Hall Master Zhang have any advice?"

Zhang Xiong said sternly, "Young Hero Gu, we of the Great Saber Gang had been tracking Zhou Tong for a long time. We deployed many men to capture him and many of our brothers were injured. After much effort, we finally managed to wound and corner him, but you siblings came along to snatch the spoils at this moment. Doesn't that seem unreasonable?"

Gu Mo stated calmly, "Hall Master Zhang, your words are misplaced. In capturing and killing a wanted criminal, whoever gets the head last claims it. That has always been the rule. If it were based on who made a move, wouldn't that lead to chaos? And how would one determine who contributed more?"

Zhang Xiong said coldly, "The rules are as you say, but to capture Zhou Tong, more than a dozen of my subordinates are still lying injured. Young Hero Gu, you have taken advantage of us. You should at least offer something, a token of compensation for our troubles, shouldn't you?"

Gu Chundong immediately couldn't help but get angry, but Gu Mo held her back. Gu Mo asked with a smile, "How much does Hall Master Zhang want?"

Zhang Xiong said, "Not much. I have thirteen injured brothers, twenty taels of silver for medicinal expenses for each, totaling two hundred and sixty taels."

Gu Mo smiled slightly and said, "Hall Master Zhang, Zhou Tong's head was only worth three hundred taels in total."

"I know," Zhang Xiong said sinisterly. "Zhou Tong's head was originally meant for us, the Great Saber Gang. You siblings got lucky and received forty taels of silver, which is not a small amount. Young Hero Gu, people should learn to be content. Being too greedy can lead to disaster!"

Gu Mo nodded slightly and said, "Hall Master Zhang speaks wisely. 'A man is innocent, but his possession of treasure is a crime.' As he spoke, he reached out to Gu Chundong and said softly, "Give me the silver notes."

Gu Chundong was somewhat reluctant, but she also saw that Zhang Xiong meant trouble and wouldn't leave without the money. She worried that a conflict might arise and injure Gu Mo.

Therefore, she obediently handed the silver notes to Gu Mo.

Seeing this, Zhang Xiong revealed a satisfied smile.

Gu Mo held the silver notes and said, "The money is here. Hall Master Zhang can come and take it, but I must also remind Hall Master Zhang, do you have the qualifications to take this money?"

"You refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!"

Zhang Xiong's face turned ugly. He immediately felt played for a fool and roared, "Blind man, you're asking for death! Get him!"

Gu Chundong thought Gu Mo was going to back down, but unexpectedly, he was provoking Zhang Xiong. Seeing Zhang Xiong's anger, she quickly stood in front of Gu Mo, drawing her saber to prepare for battle.

However, just as she drew her saber, Gu Mo suddenly put his hand on Gu Chundong's, saying softly, "Little sister, step back. Watch carefully, and learn!"