Chapter 1739 - 641: Unexpected Reunion During Overnight Stay (Part 3)

Is this reasonable?

Su Mo looked at Hua Shiyi in shock.

Hua Shiyi responded matter-of-factly:

"What’s the big deal? I did this too when I was being chased back in the day.

"Which is more important, life or dignity?

"This place is unfamiliar, and if you get lost, it’s a life-threatening matter.

"If you really want to go, I’ll go with you so we can look after each other."

"No need, no need!"

Su Mo quickly waved his hand: "I can still hold on."

"Really?"

Hua Shiyi looked at Su Mo, then suddenly smiled:

"You’re embarrassed."

During this conversation, the rain intensified.

The convoy sped up, otherwise, the rain soaking the ground would make it slippery and even harder to travel.

After rushing for about one incense stick’s time, they finally arrived at the estate Hua Shiyi mentioned.

Su Mo looked up, examining the estate. Above the main gate hung a plaque with three large characters: Lihetang!

The name didn’t suggest anything suspicious.

Chen Dinghai asked someone to knock, and soon, a slit opened in the gate.

A young man revealed a smiling face, glanced at the group, then stepped out, slightly cupping his fist:

"Greetings, esteemed guests."

His attitude was polite, with a smile before he even spoke.

His gaze showed no surprise when looking at the group.

Chen Dinghai’s mind stirred, and he immediately smiled while cupping his fist:

"Young brother, we encountered sudden rain while traveling and happened to pass by. We humbly seek shelter for the night.

"Please go inside and inform the host to see if it’s allowed."

"It’s allowed, it’s allowed."

The young man nodded repeatedly, smiling all the while.

Upon hearing this, Hua Shiyi’s face darkened. She suddenly flickered and appeared in front of the young man, pressing his neck with a hand:

"Why are you laughing?"

The young man seemed startled, his smile turning into a frightened grin:

"I... I wasn’t trying to laugh... I, I have had a strange ailment since childhood—no matter when or where, my face always has a smile.

"I don’t want it either, please spare me, esteemed heroine!"

"Oh?"

Hua Shiyi sneered:

"Is that so? Or are you lying in wait, seeing fat sheep at the door and losing your composure due to greed?"

"Ah, falsely accused, falsely accused!!"

The young man hurriedly said with a smile:

"We’re an honest family, our ancestors were officials.

"How could there be traps laid in the estate?

"This is truly an unjust accusation!"

"Then why did you show no surprise upon seeing us? As if you expected us to come?"

Hua Shiyi questioned relentlessly.

To this question, the young man quickly responded without a moment’s thought:

"To be honest, many travelers have passed this way recently to seek lodging.

"Even today, before you arrived, a few guests had already come.

"The family head instructed us not to neglect any passing travelers seeking lodging.

"Please, esteemed heroine, believe me, every word is true, without a single falsehood!"

His answers seemed fluid and sincere, appearing truthful.

Lu Renjia Ming coughed lightly at this point:

"Shiyiniang, quickly release this young brother, we are guests here and cannot act like this. It’s simply absurd!"

Hua Shiyi snorted and finally let go.

Chen Dinghai also laughed and said:

"Young brother, please don’t be upset. Jianghu people inevitably mistrust each other, please forgive us."

The young man couldn’t speak immediately, touching his neck with a look of lingering terror.

Yet, despite the tense moment, he was still smiling.

It looked oddly cheerful.

After a while, he regained his composure and spoke softly:

"It’s alright, it’s alright... just hope you won’t act like this again.

"The family head is a benevolent person, always doing good deeds.

"But he can’t withstand such scares.

"The rain is getting heavier, please don’t wait outside, I’ll guide you inside to rest."

With that, he opened the large gate and led the convoy inside.

Chen Dinghai and Lu Renjia Ming exchanged glances, nodded, and directed the convoy into the courtyard.

After entering, staff came to help stable the horses, leading them to a side courtyard.

The perpetually smiling young man spoke softly then:

"Alright, you can rest here tonight.

"I’ll have someone bring hot water and food to you shortly. After eating and drinking, rest well and leave in the morning."

After saying this, he turned to leave.

Chen Dinghai’s ears perked up slightly, and he suddenly spoke:

"Hold on."

"Does this guest have further instructions?"

The young man, still smiling, was puzzled in his tone.

Chen Dinghai smiled:

"Travelers shouldn’t impose.

"But we’re so warmly received by your host; if we don’t pay our respects, it would be exceedingly rude.

"Please introduce us so we can thank your host in person."

The perpetually smiling young man let out a dry laugh:

"Please don’t make things difficult for me.

"The family head is reclusive, even we see him only a few times a year, let alone esteemed guests.

"Instructions are always passed through the steward.

"Please forgive us."

"I see."

Chen Dinghai nodded slightly at the explanation:

"Earlier you mentioned others were also here seeking lodging, where might they be now?

"Traveling the same path, there’s a chance we may know each other.

"It would be good to meet."

"This..."

The young man hesitated but eventually nodded:

"Those two are currently in the main hall having tea. Please follow me for introductions."

Hearing this, Chen Dinghai sighed in relief, glanced back at Su Mo, and coughed:

"Xiao Wu, come with me to meet some Jianghu friends."

Su Mo smiled and quickly agreed, following behind Chen Dinghai.

Hua Shiyi followed Lu Renjia Ming.

The others stayed with the horses as the group followed the young man.

Through corridors and courtyards, they quickly reached the main hall.

Just after Chen Dinghai and Lu Renjia Ming crossed the threshold, the latter froze.

Instantly, cold sweat appeared on his forehead.

In the hall, two people were seated at the front.

One old and one young, the elder had a single blade by his side.

His raised gaze was domineering, clearly an extraordinary person.

But upon seeing them, Su Mo suddenly smiled...

These two were not strangers.

One was Mad Blade Xing Hao, and the other was his nephew, Xing Zhan Young Master Xing!