Chapter 155 - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

Chapter 155 Upon feeling the change, Su Mo immediately released the constraints on the six-winged centipede. The previously transparent wings of the centipede were now tinged with a shade of red. With a single thought, the six-winged centipede transformed into a blur, swiftly departing from the kitchen and in a flash, arrived over the restaurant, surveying the entire city of Linjiang from above. Next, the images viewed through the eyes of the six-winged centipede were transmitted back, akin to drone footage. This allowed Su Mo to experience what it felt like to fly in the skies. Moreover, Su Mo could sever the connection at any time, allowing the centipede to act purely on its instincts. To prevent it from harming others based on those instincts, Su Mo had it return and tucked it back into his inner pocket, severing the link. Resting quietly in Su Mo's pocket, the six-winged centipede lay still, and when hungry, all it needed was an infusion of Su Mo's fiery solar energy. In a way, this centipede was akin to an extension of Su Mo’s own body, akin to a finger or a toe, albeit with eyes and wings. Witnessing the mystical nature of the centipede, Su Mo pondered the second nascent soul as previously revealed through a simulation. Could it be that this was an avatar attached to a cultivator’s second nascent soul, one that he has intercepted? If that were the case, it was rather intriguing. For such a rare and precious creature to be used as a vehicle for the second nascent soul meant it was of exceptional value, nearly impossible to find in the world. However, losing such a treasure would not be likely something its owner would take lying down, and Su Mo would need to remain vigilant moving forward. Pondering this, a large sense of danger arose within Su Mo. For the first time, he felt his own power seemed insufficient. He realized that the flying swords of sword immortals were especially formidable, capable of locking onto someone’s position from a thousand miles away, with blades so sharp, there wouldn’t even be time to notice when one's head was gone. Unless he cultivated to a level like Fei Lingxue with strong perception skills, allowing for preemptive sensing before the sword arrived, there was no way to defend against such an attack. As for the invulnerability of the Yijin Jing technique, Su Mo held no hopes that it could provide defense. However strong it might be dubbed, before an unyieldingly sharp celestial sword, it was as defenseless as a wooden stake, merely waiting to be struck down. Clearly, obtaining a cultivation method from the earth immortal realm was now essential. Previously in simulations, the swift passage of time made it impossible for him to remember the Qinghua Treasure Book taught by Meng Hongshang. While he did remember the Yin Soul Technique due to its scarce content, it was a minor demonic path technique with low potential, something he wouldn't practice unless he was mad. Now, he could only hope Yu Luonang's Seven Emotions and Six Desires Net could indeed enhance his sense of justice, giving him more assurance. Thus, he could confidently hang defense talismans everywhere, feeling more at ease. While contemplating these thoughts, Su Mo concurrently finished preparing the zha jiang mian (fried sauce noodles). He had made Korean-style zha jiang mian from Earth; the sauce was not too salty, and each strand of noodle was coated in a thick meat sauce. Accompanied by side dishes like pickled radish and cucumbers, in a world sparse with resources, it was an unparalleled delight. "Miao Yin, time to eat!" ... "How could you do this, daughter?" "Do you know how much effort I've spent on this?” At this moment, in the deepest hall of the Yin Yang Bazaar, Shu Lao was admonishing his daughter, Jiang Xuan. Because of her, the progress on an artifact that required the lifespan of mortals stopped, and it wouldn't be long before it would self-destruct. Hoping to survive the upcoming three-nine heavenly tribulations would become nothing more than a dream. Facing her father’s hysterics, Jiang Xuan said nothing. She knew anything she said now would be wrong. Even without memories of a past life, she couldn't agree with her father's indiscriminate extraction of others’ lifespans. Moreover, she now knew that no matter her father's efforts, he wouldn't survive the forthcoming tribulations. "Father." "Cutting out a second nascent soul is the proper way." "This way, even if your physical form is destroyed, you wouldn't completely vanish." "You!" Shu Lao, momentarily speechless, glared at his daughter. "Do you want me to give up everything I've painstakingly built over the past two millennia?" "How unfilial!" "Asking me to abandon it all? Impossible!" "The Yin Yang Bazaar is my proudest creation." "Which monster, demon, monk, or cultivator from this chaotic world doesn’t wish to come to trade here?" "Who hasn’t heard the might of Shu Lao!” Indeed, over these two millennia, he had amassed a fortune. So much so that even some prestigious sects in the earth immortal realm paled in comparison. Asking him to simply forsake everything was easier said than done! Seeing her father’s obstinacy, Jiang Xuan decided not to press further. Instead, she changed tack. "Father, do you really think you can pass the three-nine tribulations?" “Over these two thousand and five hundred years, how many have you harmed? How many karmic entanglements have you acquired? How much negative karma?” “Letting go is the way.” “What harm if this Yin Yang Bazaar disappears?” "You should let go." "Otherwise, your cultivation wouldn't be stalled since a few centuries ago, even regressing at times." "If you were constantly advancing, why fear the three-nine tribulations?" “Wouldn’t you pass it effortlessly?” Shu Lao was hit right where it hurt most. "Enough, stop talking!" "I'll figure it out." "I don't need your guidance!" "Go back to Shushan, keep your Huangting Pills, I don’t need them!" After finishing his words, Shu Lao tossed a bottle of pills back to Jiang Xuan. Seeing her father like this, Jiang Xuan helplessly left. She planned to inform her master about this, hoping for some assistance. Otherwise, the tragedy from her previous life might unfold once more! ... Days went by. During this period, Su Mo closed the restaurant and moved in with Xu Miaoyin to Fei Lingxue's residence. Practicing swords by day, and cultivating the Yi Jin Jing by night. Using his fiery solar energy, he also refined the six-winged centipede bit by bit. Over time, the centipede's golden hue completely vanished, transitioning entirely to a reddish-gold color similar to Su Mo's fiery solar energy. From afar, its color resembled the afterglow of the sunset, and its power surpassed its former self. After the restaurant closed, the happiest person was Huang Qingwan. After all, the restaurant was busy with many people around, and she couldn't often visit Su Mo. But everything changed now; in the privacy of the residence, no outsiders knew what happened. With the population of Linjiang City more than halved, to just a few thousand, families lived behind closed doors, minding their own business. Meanwhile, Bai Suzhen successfully built a formation. Initially planned for the restaurant, but upon Su Mo’s suggestion, it found a home in Fei Lingxue's residence. With this teleportation formation, a journey from Linjiang City to Hangzhou City hundreds of miles away took merely seconds. Should anyone come seeking vengeance for losing the six-winged centipede, this formation would allow for a swift retreat. Surviving was much easier. However, the ease with which Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing could now come to find Su Mo couldn’t be ignored. Secrets eventually come to light... ... In Fei Lingxue’s residence was a pretty garden, flourishing under ample sunlight, needing only daily watering. Su Mo practiced his swordsmanship and absorbed the sun here by day. A day of basking in the sun replenished his fiery solar energy, boosting his vitality. However, the garden wasn’t as pleasant today. Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing hadn’t left as expected and were instead watching Su Mo and Xu Miaoyin practice swordplay from a carved stone bench. Meanwhile, Huang Qingwan, with Chun Zhu and Shao Yao, sat with a chair beside Huang Qingwan, close to Guo Lin, a charming sight. Feeling a prickling sense of unease, Su Mo dared not stop his practice. Xu Miaoyin seemed helpless. "My husband, when did you gain these new confidantes?” Noticing the look in Xu Miaoyin’s eyes, Su Mo could only give her an apologetic smile. For some reason, everyone decided to gather today, and he could only be thankful that Fei Lingxue hadn’t shown up. Otherwise, who knows what that unpredictable woman might do. Sensing the tense atmosphere, Xu Miaoyin took the initiative to break the silence. "Su Lang, let’s take a break and rest for a moment." "And have some water. You’re sweating." As she spoke, Xu Miaoyin pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat off Su Mo's forehead. Hearing Xu Miaoyin's affectionate address for Su Mo was particularly upsetting for the young Guo Lin. She had been busy learning to manage household affairs, leaving her with few opportunities to see Su Mo. Yet each day, she longed for him more. Now, upon hearing Xu Miaoyin's term of endearment for Su Mo, the young girl couldn't hold back anymore and stood up resolutely. "What did you just call Su Gege?" Su Mo felt a headache coming on upon hearing Guo Lin's question. What was bound to happen, had finally come... Bai Suzhen, with her hands calmly folded on the stone table, stared at the teacup, lost in thought. She knew staying here would undoubtedly cause Su Mo trouble. However, she didn't want to hide or keep things secretive. Everyone was bound to meet eventually; it might as well be now. She understood that feelings needed to be pursued. Su Mo was too gentle; he would never expose their relationship on his own. Unlike Bai Suzhen, Xiaoqing was more direct and wild, her keen eyes intensely studying all the women present, looking to identify their weaknesses and flaws. This was necessary for her to assist her sister in securing her brother-in-law better. Huang Qingwan remained silent, unmoved, simply observing. She understood Su Mo's character well. With someone as beautiful as Xu Miaoyin by his side, mutual affection was inevitable. As for Guo Lin, Huang Qingwan was also aware of her feelings for Su Mo. But she was less certain about Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing. Having come to terms with the current life, which was much better than the previous life of hardship and exile, she was now content. Guo Lin, being younger, took relationships seriously and harbored a strong possessiveness. She couldn't believe that within just a couple of months, Xu Miaoyin had already developed such a deep connection with Su Mo. The way they exchanged glances while practicing swordplay was unmistakable—filled with intimacy. Seething with frustration, Guo Lin looked at the chest-out, slightly bending Xu Miaoyin standing in front of her. "I called him Su Lang." "Why?" "Is there an issue with that?" Guo Lin didn't respond but instead, with tears welling up, looked at Su Mo, tears the size of soybeans trickling down. Her mind was filled with memories from her past life, all the moments spent with Su Mo. It felt as if she was witnessing her husband’s betrayal, helpless to do anything about it. Seeing her distress, Su Mo rushed over, wrapping her in a comforting embrace. Feeling the familiar warmth, Guo Lin was immediately enveloped in a long-lost happiness, crying as she glanced at Xu Miaoyin. (It seems this picture is quite fitting for the occasion.) ... Her gaze spoke volumes of the grievance she felt. Xu Miaoyin sighed helplessly at the heartbroken young girl. The situation made it seem as if she was in the wrong. Yet, Su Mo showed no favoritism and turned to Xu Miaoyin. "Miaoyin, you’re sweating too. Go wash your face." "Alright." Not wanting to make things difficult for Su Mo, Xu Miaoyin promptly went to freshen up. Seeing this, Huang Qingwan stepped forward, exchanged a glance with Su Mo, and indicated that she would handle Guo Lin. "Lin’er, come here. Auntie wants to have a word with you." With that, Huang Qingwan gently took Guo Lin by the hand and led her towards a nearby room. Chunzhu and Shaoyao followed as well. In the courtyard, Su Mo found himself alone with Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing. Xiaoqing eyed Su Mo with interest. "Brother-in-law, you’re so fortunate." "Each of them is a stunning beauty, deeply in love with you." "I can tell their feelings for you are genuine." "I wonder what charm you have that even surpasses the allure of an emperor?" "Though an emperor may have countless beauties, which of them truly loves him?" Hearing Xiaoqing’s words, Su Mo spoke up. "When you kept barging into my room, were your feelings genuine?" "Brother-in-law!" Xiaoqing blushed deeply. Having been rejected by Su Mo not long ago had made her doubt her own allure. But upon seeing the beauties around Su Mo, she finally understood why he could easily turn her down. Next, Bai Suzhen slowly approached, carrying an air of cool elegance and dignity. Her beauty might be comparable to Fei Lingxue, Huang Qingwan, and Xu Miaoyin, but her divine aura set her far apart from them. Standing before Su Mo, Bai Suzhen said nothing. Instead, she reached out and embraced his waist. Following her lead, Su Mo held her close, his fingers tracing the exquisite fabric of her dress, feeling her silky smooth back. "Bai… Bai girl." Bai Suzhen lifted her gentle yet fiery gaze to meet his. "What did you call me?" "Suzhen!" (End of the chapter.)