Chapter 82: Liuzhou, Pavilion of Luminescent Treasures - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

Chapter 82: Liuzhou, Pavilion of Luminescent Treasures [You stand before the Twin Snakes of the Northern Frontier, effortlessly disarming them of the two swords in their hands. These swords, belonging to your cousin and third aunt, don't belong in the hands of strangers.] [As the Twin Snakes collapse, a few individuals swiftly appear from Pleasant Oasis, tasked with clearing bodies and cleaning up the blood.] [The code of the martial world dictates that even in death, one cannot report to the authorities.] [Thus, many taverns offer corpse collection services.] [The authorities adopt a policy of neither encouraging nor prohibiting these martial world conflicts.] [As long as the innocent remain unharmed, they generally don't intervene.] [Within the tavern, the only sound is the quiet cleaning by the servants. Nobody dares utter a word.] [No one anticipated that a seemingly frail woman like yourself possessed such astonishing martial prowess.] [Yet Lei Qingtian applauds your skill.] “Well done, girl!” “May I ask which sect you belong to?” [You do not respond to Lei Qingtian’s inquiry. Instead, you sit down and focus on your drink.] [You will soon confront the Azure Gate's local stronghold, and befriending Lei Qingtian might bring him misfortune.] [Seeing your dismissive response, Lei Qingtian sits down, quietly concluding that you disdain such acquaintances.] [As others take their seats, hushed whispers fill the room once more, noticing your calm demeanor.] “I never expected the notorious Twin Snakes of the North would fall so easily.” “Indeed, I heard their swift swords were unmatched, yet today they met their end here. Truly, one must not underestimate the heroes of the martial world.” “The Elder of Withering and Flourishing recently re-emerged, alongside a young man of immense strength, reportedly having gained sixty years of martial power after consuming the millennium snow ginseng.” “There’s also a mysterious couple claiming to come from an overseas sect, inheriting skills from an ancient qi cultivator.” “Since the Su clan of Qingyang Prefecture was annihilated, many sects have encountered trouble, though it’s unclear which forces are responsible.” “That reminds me, the Taoist master Qingfeng of Wudang was killed by his senior disciple, who stole Wudang’s sacred treasure, the True Martial Sword.” “Such events are shocking.” “It’s said that this True Martial Sword is incredibly powerful, capable even in mortal hands to fight demons.” “With such a treasure in the open, it’s uncertain how Wudang will recover it.” “The martial world grows increasingly chaotic...” [Listening to these rumors, you sense they might be linked to the faction responsible for your family's massacre.] [You linger in the tavern until night, as patrons come and go in waves.] [Perceiving your antagonistic presence, the local stronghold of the Azure Gate has rallied many of its members in the courtyard.] [As the last customer departs, the server approaches you.] “Miss, we’re about to close.” “Please, take your leave.” [The server's subtle cues catch your attention.] [You immediately respond by hurling a chopstick, pinning it through the server’s hand.] [The server, with a poisoned dart through his palm, stares in horror.] [The dart is coated with a lethal blend of three swift toxins.] [Unable to take the antidote in time, the server collapses, skin turning a deathly hue.] [From the shadows emerges the tavern’s manager leading a band of menacing staff.] “Young lady.” “Since you don’t wish to leave, then don’t!” [You rise to meet them.] [The once respectful staff now brandish long blades, baring vicious intent.] [They charge at you, but you remain unfazed, pitching the bamboo container of chopsticks forward.] [The fragile chopsticks transform into lethal weapons, killing all the staff instantly, their faces pierced.] [Recognizing your technique, the manager addresses you.] “Is this the Flying Grasshopper Technique?” “How is Red-Faced Yama Ning Er related to you?” [Surprised by his recognition of Uncle Ning, you feel validated.] [Uncle Ning never misled you; the Flying Grasshopper Technique is indeed a unique skill.] [But you remain focused on your goal.] “I seek the Elder of Withering and Flourishing.” “Have him meet me.” [The manager shakes his head.] “The Elder isn’t here, but having crossed the Azure Gate, be prepared for unrelenting pursuit!” [With these words, the manager retreats.] [His agile movements, swift as the stars, make him vanish in an instant.] [His remarkable light-footedness surprises you.] [You employ the Eight Steps to Follow the Setting Sun, gracefully packing your belongings and securing the swords on your horse, Scarlet, before pursuing.] [Your light work may not match his speed, but your boundless inner strength offers endurance like no other.]    [After three hours of pursuit, the manager collapses from exhaustion.] [You've chased him to an isolated area, miles away from Lin'an Prefecture.] [His inability to shake you off leaves him shocked.] “Miss, isn’t it better to spare others and yourself? We bear no grudge.” [You calmly respond.] “Tell me the Elder’s whereabouts, and I’ll let you go.” [Cornered, the manager divulges.] “I truly don’t know the Elder’s exact location, but rumor has it he's seeking a poison creature known as the millennia-old Red Toad, crucial for perfecting his poison skills.” “Auction items at the Pavilion of Luminescent Treasures reportedly include this Red Toad. The Elder is likely to appear there.” [Realizing the manager speaks the truth, you recall your elders’ tales of the Pavilion of Luminescent Treasures, owned by Qian Tongshen of the Liuzhou Qian family.] [The Qian family flaunts both wealth and influence, with the Pavilion being their premier showcase.] [Every September 8th, they host auctions featuring rare treasures and exclusive martial arts texts.] [Heroes, merchants, and formidable figures gather to bid and exchange intelligence.] [The Elder’s presence at the auction is highly probable.] [Resolute, you decide to head to Liuzhou.] [As for the manager.] [Your options are:] [Option 1: Conciliate him and hope he keeps your inquiry confidential.] [Option 2: Depart immediately for Liuzhou.] [Option 3: Ensure secrecy by killing the manager, as dead men tell no tales.] ... [Contemplating these choices, Su Mo decides.] [As a member of the assassin faction, the manager will not guard your secret.] [Ensuring he remains silent means choosing the third option.] ... [You select the third option.] [To prevent others from discovering your search for the Elder and revealing you as the sole survivor of the Su clan, you draw your Frostblade Sword.] [Seeing you unsheath your sword, the manager is horrified.] “You poisonous woman!” “I’ve revealed all you wanted to know!” “Such actions are unworthy of a true martial hero!” [His protests fall on deaf ears. You attack him mercilessly.] [Under your flawless technique, the manager doesn’t withstand even a single strike, dying in the desolate wilderness.] [After a hasty burial, Scarlet trots over, saddlebags loaded.] [You mount and immediately set out for Liuzhou.] [It’s late August, with less than ten days until the auction on September 8th. You must hurry.] As you watch yourself racing towards Liuzhou on the screen, a sense of anticipation wells up within Su Mo. In a previous simulation with Xu Miaoyin, you never had the chance to visit the Pavilion of Luminescent Treasures. You mostly roamed the Jiangnan region. Now, with the opportunity to see it firsthand, you're keen to take a closer look. Moreover, there's a chance you might visit it in reality as well. ... The simulation continues. [Unfamiliar with the route, you take several detours, but manage to reach Liuzhou by September 7th.] [Due to the Qian family's presence, Liuzhou is a hub of trade, renowned traders hail from this city, scattered across the country.] [Upon your arrival, you're amazed by the vibrant commercial spirit, never imagining there existed such a bustling city of merchants.] [Leading your horse to an inn, you find it fully booked. The innkeeper, noticing your beauty, kindly informs you that due to the auction at the Pavilion of Luminescent Treasures, all accommodations have been claimed ten days prior.] [Accommodation options have dwindled to camping in the fields.] [The innkeeper even suggests some shops where tents can be purchased.] [You decline, deciding against it.] [As you prepare to leave the inn, a crisp male voice calls out to you.] “Young lady, if you don’t mind, would you care to join me?” “I've reserved an entire floor and there are a few vacant rooms.” [You glance up.] [Descending the staircase is a handsome figure, wearing a ceremonial jade crown, a purple robe, and holding a folding fan.] [Behind him, three diverse and exquisite maidservants follow, each embodying distinct grace and allure.] [With a smile, he appraises you with keen interest.] [However, you immediately discern the 'young man' is actually a woman in disguise, her chest tightly bound, yet the broad chest muscles betray her true gender.] [Though unsure of her intentions, you are disinclined to camp outdoors, so you nod.] “Thank you very much!” (End of Chapter)