News and a Plea for Help

The night was as dark as ink, and the chirping of insects gradually subsided.

Inside the guest room, the lamplight flickered. Lu Shaoyou was preparing to undress and rest.

"Knock, knock, knock."

A slightly urgent knocking broke the silence of the room.

Lu Shaoyou frowned, wondering who it could be at this hour. He asked in a deep voice, "Who is it?"

"Young Hero Lu, it's me, Wei Tuo," came Wei Tuo's slightly hoarse voice from outside the door.

Lu Shaoyou's heart stirred, and he opened the door. He saw Wei Tuo standing outside, his expression solemn, unlike his usual composure during the day.

"Helmsman Wei visits so late at night, is something the matter?" Lu Shaoyou asked, stepping aside to let him in.

Wei Tuo strode inside. Without pleasantries, he got straight to the point: "Young Hero Lu, I have some news regarding the matter you asked me to investigate."

Lu Shaoyou's eyes sharpened, and the thought of resting vanished instantly. "Ling Mo?"

Wei Tuo nodded, walked to the table, and sat down. He poured himself a cup of cold tea and drank it in one gulp before slowly saying, "That's right. The people I sent out have reported back. Ling Mo has indeed joined the Blood Saber Sect."

"The Blood Saber Sect, which branch?"

This news was within Lu Shaoyou's expectations. His expression remained unchanged, though his gaze turned a few degrees colder.

"Thunderclap Hall."

Wei Tuo looked at Lu Shaoyou, his tone growing heavier. "Furthermore, the leader of Thunderclap Hall, Lei Xiaotian, was an old acquaintance of that Ling Batian."

Lu Shaoyou's hand unconsciously tightened, his knuckles turning slightly white. Ling Batian's old acquaintance – this meant that Ling Mo's position in Thunderclap Hall was likely more than just a simple defection.

"It seems he has already established a firm foothold in the Blood Saber Sect," Lu Shaoyou said calmly, but those who knew him could detect the suppressed killing intent in his voice.

Wei Tuo sighed. "Most likely. Lei Xiaotian is considered a strong and influential figure among the ten hall masters of the Blood Saber Sect. With his patronage, Ling Mo's life there should not be difficult."

A wisp of icy killing intent flashed and vanished from Lu Shaoyou's body, so quickly that Wei Tuo thought he had imagined it.

"What is the strength of Thunderclap Hall? How much do you know about Lei Xiaotian, Helmsman Wei?" Lu Shaoyou pressed, each word laced with coldness.

Wei Tuo pondered for a moment, then suddenly changed the subject, a hint of bitterness and annoyance appearing on his face. "Young Hero Lu, we can discuss this later. To be frank, I've also encountered a troublesome issue recently."

Lu Shaoyou turned his gaze to him, waiting for him to continue.

Wei Tuo slapped the table heavily and said with resentment, "A few days ago, our branch was escorting a batch of extremely valuable cargo. When we passed through Stony Shoals, we were ambushed by a mysterious master! Not only was the cargo lost, but seven or eight of our gang members were also killed, including two of my trusted deputies!"

He picked up the teapot and poured himself another cup, his voice filled with anger and helplessness. "That scoundrel's methods were ruthless, and his martial arts were eerily powerful!"

As Lu Shaoyou listened, his thoughts raced. Wei Tuo bringing this up now was certainly not just to complain.

Indeed, Wei Tuo put down his teacup and looked intently at Lu Shaoyou. "Young Hero Lu, I know your martial arts are formidable, especially your movement techniques; I am inferior in that regard. I came today not only to inform you about Ling Mo but also to ask for your assistance."

"Oh?" Lu Shaoyou raised an eyebrow. "What do you want me to do, Helmsman Wei?"

Wei Tuo took a deep breath, his eyes filled with anticipation and seriousness. "I hope Young Hero Lu can lend me a hand to retrieve that cargo and deal with that mysterious master! As long as Young Hero Lu is willing to help, once this matter is resolved, I, Wei Tuo, will reveal all the information about Li Mo and Thunderclap Hall, without any concealment whatsoever!"

He paused, then emphasized his tone. "Not only that, but in the future, if Young Hero Lu makes any moves in Qingzhou, including dealing with the Blood Saber Sect, our Giant Whale Gang's Dragon Snake Crossing branch will wholeheartedly support you!"

These terms were undeniably generous. For one act of assistance, he would gain detailed information on Li Mo and a powerful ally in Qingzhou from the Giant Whale Gang. For Lu Shaoyou, this was undoubtedly a worthwhile deal.

Lu Shaoyou tapped his fingers lightly on the table, contemplating. "To cause you such distress, Helmsman Wei, to the point that you couldn't even recover the cargo, that mysterious master must indeed be extraordinary."

Wei Tuo gave a wry smile. "More than extraordinary! That person's lightness skill is superb, and his movement techniques are extremely strange, like a phantom. I personally led men to pursue him several times, but he always escaped using his profound lightness skill. His tracking methods are also extremely elusive; we couldn't even discern if he was male or female, old or young."

"We only know he calls himself Ghost Shadow."

He looked sincerely at Lu Shaoyou. "I have personally witnessed Young Hero Lu's skills. Especially your mastery of lightness techniques; I believe you are no less skilled than that scoundrel. If we join forces, we will surely be able to capture and kill that fellow!"

Lu Shaoyou weighed the situation in his mind.

Wei Tuo, this man, possessed considerable strength and a deep mind, showing the demeanor of a powerful figure.

Even he couldn't catch up to that mysterious master, clearly indicating the opponent's formidable skills and movement techniques.

However, Lu Shaoyou was not afraid. His Lingbo Weibu (Wave-like Steps) had reached a state of perfection, and his movement techniques were now incomparable. Coupled with the Dragon-Elephant Power, he was confident he would not fear any Super First-rate Master.

He raised his eyes, meeting Wei Tuo's expectant gaze, and a slight smile curved his lips. "Alright, Helmsman Wei, I, Lu Shaoyou, will help you with this."

Wei Tuo was overjoyed upon hearing this and slammed the table. "Good! Young Hero Lu is indeed straightforward! With your help, the task can be accomplished!"

He stood up, looking somewhat impatient. "There's no time to delay. That scoundrel has been seen prowling near Dragon Snake Crossing recently. I've already set up informants; as soon as his trace is found, we'll act immediately."

Lu Shaoyou nodded. "I will follow Helmsman Wei's arrangements."

"Young Hero Lu, get some rest and conserve your energy," Wei Tuo said, cupping his hands. "Tomorrow morning, I will come to fetch you. We will set off by boat and head towards the Stony Shoals area, where the scoundrel is most likely to appear, to set an ambush."

"Okay."

After seeing Wei Tuo off, Lu Shaoyou closed the door, his usual calm replaced by a deep intensity in his eyes.

Li Mo, Blood Saber Sect, Thunderclap Hall, Lei Xiaotian.

It seemed this journey to Qingzhou would not be peaceful from the very beginning. However, this was also good; the more chaotic it was, the more opportunities there might be for him.

The next morning, as dawn broke.

Lu Shaoyou tidied himself up, carrying the Qi Mei Cudgel. As he pushed open the door, he saw Wei Tuo waiting downstairs with several capable subordinates.

"Young Hero Lu, are you ready?" Wei Tuo appeared invigorated, clearly full of confidence for the day's action.

Lu Shaoyou gave a slight nod.

"Set off!" Wei Tuo waved his hand, and the group strode out of the inn, heading straight for the dock.

Dawn was breaking faintly, and the Yunmeng River was shrouded in mist. Several medium-sized fast boats were already prepared, manned by numerous Giant Whale Gang members armed with sharp blades, their expressions vigilant.

There weren't many people, but each one was skilled, with the lowest being second-rate martial artists.

Lu Shaoyou and Wei Tuo stood side-by-side at the bow of the boat. The fast boat cut through the waves, leaving Dragon Snake Crossing behind and speeding towards the perilous waters downstream known as Stony Shoals.