"Why do this?"

"Because it's sweet."

Su Mo smiled, "We are running an escort agency, how much does a single escort trip earn? The tribute from an entire city like Baihu City in one year far exceeds our annual income. Moreover, this tribute can increase over time...

"People will never be satisfied with what they gain; they will always feel it's not enough.

"If a single Baihu City cannot fill my appetite, then what should I do?

"Should I then swallow Luofeng Alliance as well?

"Then head north to the Heavenly Blade Sect, west to Wusheng Hall, and sweep east to encompass all the Dongcheng Sects, bringing the vast Donghuang into the palm of my hand?"

"This..."

Yang Xiaoyun's face darkened slightly:

"If that were to happen, not only would we lose the original purpose of the escort agency, but we would also make countless enemies.

"Moreover, while the intention might be sinister, it's indeed undeniable.

"All of it is simply a continuation of what we did today."

Human nature is unfathomable, and the human heart is inscrutable.

Because within every person's heart, lies a dark side, filled with greed, lust, laziness, and various vices.

Even a gentleman, when faced with temptations, may find it difficult to uphold his integrity.

"Her methods may be useless to others.

"But if I consider myself the first in Donghuang, arrogance is sure to sprout in my heart.

"Leading me to harbor ambitions of seizing all four directions.

"By then, the essence of Ziyang Escort Agency would exist in name only.

"And I...

"Even if the whole Donghuang is willing to have a first among escort agents walking the Jianghu.

"They wouldn't want someone who can encompass all of them, make them pay tribute year after year, and declare allegiance one year after the next as the first of Donghuang!

"Once the situation escalates to such a point, we would truly never find peace again.

"Looking back now, it seems impossible for things to develop to that extent.

"But things often go wrong when you take the first wrong step, and without being aware, it becomes irreversible when turning back.

"Just like a compulsive gambler.

"Every compulsive gambler was not so crazy at first.

"In the gambling den, they intended to bet lightly, just to get a taste and stop.

"But after winning and enjoying the taste of success, they crave more, unwilling to accept even a loss.

"Always feeling they can win it back in the next round.

"So in and out, they delve deeper, descending into madness.

"Even when they occasionally come to their senses, seeing their destitute home, they weep bitterly.

"Yet the only method they conceive for a comeback, remains the fortunes within the gambling den.

"Once they become accustomed to such routines, they can no longer derive satisfaction from hard work to earn their keep."

Yang Xiaoyun exhaled:

"Xiao Mo, you must guard yourself vigilantly, and be careful not to fall into such madness."

"Of course... however, this is only one aspect, and it's only about me."

Su Mo said, "Secondly, it might concern the Ziyang Escort Agency. Now that our relationship with Wusheng Hall is established, we will inevitably move along the western line."

"Naturally, when traveling to Wusheng Hall, we must pass by Baihu City...

"What if any one of us from the escort agency receives unprecedented treatment in Baihu City?

"Then what?

"If they don't receive such treatment elsewhere, would there be a sense of disparity in their hearts?

"Anyone from Ziyang Escort Agency represents us when outside.

"If they feel dissatisfied, believing that the Jianghu people don't respect us, thinking they have undermined my stature as the first in Donghuang...

"Then what?"

Hearing this, Yang Xiaoyun furrowed her brows tightly:

"She did mention tonight, anyone from Ziyang Escort Agency passing through Baihu City would be treated as honored guests, without the slightest bit of disturbance.

"Although your viewpoint may manifest slowly, once it takes root in people's hearts...

"It could cause lasting trouble in the future."

"For a thousand years, Baihu City has persisted, their family methods are foreseeable."

Su Mo smiled and said, "They can spend hundreds of years doing one thing... simply because their will is unified. The High Priest reigns supreme, controlling the entire clan with the Emperor Heart Technique.

"The succeeding High Priests inherit the legacy of their predecessors, and so it continues generation after generation...

"Their patience far surpasses ordinary people.

"Even if their methods are useless against us.

"But after a century, what about our successors?

"If the descendants prove unworthy and the family declines.

"Who could stop them if they wish to reclaim this Holy Artifact?"

Yang Xiaoyun sighed lightly upon hearing this, as if already seeing a century into the future.

Her brows knitted tightly together for a moment:

"What can be done about this?"

"...Isn't this precisely a good thing?"

Su Mo suddenly laughed.

"Hmm?"

Yang Xiaoyun was taken aback, a possibility suddenly dawning amidst her furrowed brows:

"You want to use Baihu City as a mirror, to always reflect upon yourself.

"And also as a perpetual reflection for your descendants?"

Su Mo gazed at Yang Xiaoyun with a gentle look, softly saying:

"I hope that the descendants of my Su Family, would all possess a heart that is neither swayed by worldwide praise, nor discouraged by global criticism.

"I also hope their vision can be as long-term as Baihu City.

"To adopt their strengths, and abandon their weaknesses.

"Not fighting for fleeting moments, nor being concerned with transient honor and disgrace.

"Although it cannot be spoken of as lasting a thousand years, eventually it wouldn't just fade after three generations."

Yang Xiaoyun turned to look at Su Mo, a spark of realization flickered in her eyes.

As their gazes met, they suddenly burst into laughter:

"Neither swayed by worldwide praise, nor discouraged by global criticism.

"This phrase, I must have you write it down and hang it in the study.

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