Chapter 1420: Chapter 540: Wooden Bird (Part 3)

The reason Su Mo was able to open this mechanical bird was due to the benefit of the third part of the Heavenly Craft Treasure Record given by the Hidden Sword Hermit that day.

At that time, the Hidden Sword Hermit mentioned that apart from the methods of weapon and hidden weapon forging, it also contained solutions for various mechanical locks.

In addition, it also included half the methods for making mechanical puppets and the full content regarding the mechanical bird.

It was believed that the entirety of the mechanical creations must still be in other remaining volumes.

However, this mechanical bird was precisely within the part of the remnants controlled by the Hidden Sword Hermit.

On that day, Yi Qi Qian Qiu Ji Shu Hua died at the Ziyang Escort Agency to uphold a friend’s promise.

The Hidden Sword Hermit, to avenge his lifelong friend, picked up his box and left the Hidden Sword Hut where he had lived in seclusion for years.

Since then, there has been no more news.

Unexpectedly, the next trace found of him would be above the South Sea.

However, with this, it was evident that the Store Manager was indeed on that ship.

Otherwise, the Hidden Sword Hermit absolutely couldn’t have mixed with them.

He made the mechanical bird to send a message to Shi Shengtian, which showed that one of the purposes of that ship coming to the South Sea was to deal with the Nanhai Martial Elder.

Thinking of this, he gently let out a breath.

His heart involuntarily stirred with complex feelings.

Ji Shuhua upheld a promise without regret, even at the cost of his life.

The Hidden Sword Hermit, to avenge his friend, dared to brave dangers, even without martial arts.

Both inevitably inspired admiration in others.

Shi Shengtian was perplexed, unable to resist seeking the truth.

Su Mo, however, didn’t speak plainly, just smiled gently:

"You might find it hard to believe, Senior, but the person who sent this wooden bird with a message to you is a friend of mine.

"But as of now, he is in a perilous situation, and I ask you not to inquire further, Senior."

He trusted everyone present.

However, caution is a must.

The Hidden Sword Hermit is currently in peril; it’s essential not to let any intelligence slip.

Shi Shengtian immediately understood, nodding repeatedly:

"I understand, but since this person could also be considered to have saved my life, if there’s anything I can help with, Lord Su, feel free to say so."

"Alright."

Su Mo nodded lightly.

Shi Shengtian continued:

"Just now, I mentioned that undercurrent, and I’ve thought it over; I fear these people’s purpose is far from simple.

"Now there’s much turmoil in the South Sea, and their unclear intent in the midst raises suspicion.

"Therefore, I suspect these clandestine affairs are their doing."

Su Mo smiled slightly:

"Since you’re curious, Senior, why not stay aboard my ship as a guest?

"When the course reveals itself, you can see it clearly, Senior."

Upon hearing Su Mo’s words, Shi Cheng slapped his forehead.

Shi Shengtian laughed heartily:

"Indeed, I’m not sure if I’m truly poisoned or not.

"Now that Lord Su has invited me, it would be rude to decline.

"So, I’ll linger on your ship for a few days and partake in your dry provisions."

"... All expenses on board, Senior, you’ll have to handle yourself."

Once Su Mo heard about the food, he immediately got serious:

"Furthermore, your son has been eating and drinking on this ship for quite some time, shouldn’t you, Senior, account the costs with me?"

"???"

Shi Shengtian was startled: "Lord Su, your family’s wealth is significant; how can you be so stingy?"

"As they say, without being so stingy, where would I get such great wealth?"

Su Mo raised an eyebrow.

Shi Shengtian was rendered speechless and suddenly said:

"If someone troubles me next time, can I ask Lord Su to help?"

"Hmm? Is there anyone on the South Sea you can’t handle, Senior?"

"Not necessarily... I’m mainly interested in Lord Su’s clever words.

"Beat them thoroughly, then mock them, letting them collapse from within, wouldn’t that be satisfying?"

Shi Shengtian boarding as a guest was thus decided.

The conversation turned more relaxed.

Only Shi Cheng was helpless, feeling like his father mistakenly boarded a pirate ship.

Easy to board, tough to disembark; who knows how Su Mo will put them to use next.

However, at this point, there was no choice.

Su Mo and Shi Shengtian clicked immediately; saying anything chance risking a beating from both of them.

The matter of him calling Su Mo "Old Demon" might not have passed yet; who knows what future grudges might arise.

Better to say as little as possible now, lest it remind Su Mo, so he remained silent and let it be.

In the days following, the ship sailed smoothly.

It proceeded as planned towards the Cui Xin Temple.

Su Mo, with nothing else to do, drank tea and chatted with Shi Shengtian.

They found more to talk about as time went on.

Shi Cheng watched with apprehension.

Because Shi Shengtian suggested more than once forming a brotherhood with Su Mo.

He never imagined that his father’s ship journey would entail such danger?

Unjustly lowering oneself, how could such a thing happen?

Fortunately, Su Mo always found excuses to refuse.

Otherwise, he would have another Uncle Su for no reason.

And so they continued, and in a blink of an eye, more than a month passed.

Su Mo’s Messenger Eagle had gone to Donghuang and returned.

Bringing news from Donghuang.

All was well at home, and according to Uncle Fu, Xu Lu seemed to have met a martial world heroine.

The two showed signs of mutual affection.

She had been brought to the escort agency several times, and Uncle Fu found her to be a fine lady.

Investigations revealed she was from the Yuan Shan Sword Sect, a respectable lineage, a suitable match.

He asked Su Mo for his opinion, and if he agreed, they could temporarily settle the marriage.

Nevertheless, Su Mo went over the letter several times and noticed nothing from Xu Lu, suspecting this might just be Uncle Fu’s wishful thinking.

He decided not to bother about it for now.

As the ship sailed closer to the Cui Xin Temple, the environment grew increasingly desolate.

For half a month now, there had been no islands in sight along the way.

One day, Song Yuanlong found Su Mo and mentioned an uninhabited island ahead.

He asked Su Mo if they should make a temporary stop.

While there were currently no shortages on board, it wasn’t a permanent solution.

The desert island, though deserted, could provide fresh water to supply.

If there were wild beasts, even better; hunting a few would surely delight Zhen Xiaoxiao and White Tiger.

Su Mo gazed at the sea map for a long while, lost in thought.