Wandering Swordsman |

After hearing this, Luo Wangchen remained silent for a long while. His thoughts drifted back to the past, recalling how, out of pity, he had taken the beggar-looking Shen Mo as his disciple during his journey, bringing him out of the martial world and teaching him martial arts. Finally, the scene of their parting at the inn was still vivid in his mind.

After reflecting on everything, a smile appeared on Luo Wangchen's face. That smile held both satisfaction and pride, as if telling the world that he had indeed taken on a good disciple. "Shen Mo, I am proud of you."

Qu Yifan silently observed Luo Wangchen's changing expressions, a ripple of emotion stirring within him. He knew that Luo Wangchen's expression at this moment was not merely one of remembrance for a disciple, but also of a senior's recognition and praise for a junior. Behind that smile lay Luo Wangchen's boundless expectations and pride for Shen Mo.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps broke the silence of the dungeon. The three immediately became alert, their eyes snapping towards the direction of the sound. Two dark figures slowly approached; their forms were indistinct in the firelight, yet they exerted an invisible pressure on everyone present.

Situ Meng clenched her hands tightly, silently praying that nothing worse would happen. Her heart pounded as she watched the approaching figure. At that moment, time seemed to stand still in the entire prison; everyone held their breath, awaiting the impending change.

As the footsteps drew closer, the figures of the Azure Dragon Saint Lord and the White Tiger Saint Lord appeared in the dark dungeon. The White Tiger Saint Lord's gaze first fell on Luo Wangchen, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, revealing a cold smile.

"Oh, isn't this Hero Luo?" the White Tiger Saint Lord mocked, his voice full of disdain. "You were really something back then, managing to steal the 'Formless Sutra' right under my nose. But how come you're trapped in this prison now?" His words were clearly provocative, as if he wanted to dredge up that humiliation to provoke Luo Wangchen again.

Luo Wangchen was not moved at all upon hearing this. He merely glanced at the White Tiger Saint Lord with a hint of contempt in his eyes.

Seeing that Luo Wangchen remained unmoved by his mockery, the White Tiger Saint Lord grew angry. He took a step forward, his tone becoming impatient and sharp: "Do you think you're so great? You've still been captured by us!" He then turned to Qu Yifan, continuing his taunts: "How much longer do you think you have to live?"

Azure Dragon Saint Lord stood to the side, his brows furrowed, clearly displeased with White Tiger Saint Lord's behavior. He immediately gestured for White Tiger Saint Lord to shut up, warning him in a low voice, "White Tiger, be quiet. We'll go guard the entrance to the secret prison."

However, the White Tiger Saint Lord did not seem to have fully listened to the Azure Dragon Saint Lord's words, and still said angrily, "You all just wait, I'm too lazy to waste my breath on a dying man." His words revealed a cold and ruthless nature, as if he could already see the end of Luo Wangchen and Qu Yifan.

Seeing this, the Azure Dragon Saint Lord knew he couldn't let the White Tiger Saint Lord continue. He raised his voice and said, "White Tiger!"

Seeing the Azure Dragon Saint Lord's stance, the White Tiger Saint Lord, though unwilling, ultimately followed the Azure Dragon Saint Lord out of the secret prison. As their figures gradually disappeared from sight, the secret prison returned to silence once more.

Luo Wangchen and Qu Yifan exchanged a glance, a hint of helplessness in their eyes. They knew that the White Tiger Saint Lord's words might not be unfounded, and the Black Wind Gang might have already decided how to deal with them. At this moment, both of them were filled with heavy worry.

Qu Yifan sighed, his voice filled with deep self-reproach: "Brother Luo, I'm sorry. My capture has dragged you down with me."

Luo Wangchen gently shook his head, his tone firm yet warm: "Brother Qu, you're too kind. The Black Wind Gang's murder of Brother Qu's family is not only your revenge, but also mine. After all, besides you and Brother Qu being blood brothers, Brother Qu is also my sworn brother!" His eyes revealed endless grief and determination.

Qu Yifan gazed sadly at the burning candlelight, the flames dancing in his eyes, reflecting the pain in his heart. He remembered how the Black Wind Gang had killed his elder brother and his entire family of three in their attempt to seize the "Formless Scripture." When he arrived later, that horrific scene reappeared before his eyes, causing him to burst into tears. Tears silently slid down his cheeks, dripping onto the ground and splashing into tiny droplets.

Seeing this, Luo Wangchen felt a pang of sorrow in his heart. He gently comforted him, "Brother Qu, don't worry, the 'Formless Sutra' will definitely not fall into the hands of the Black Wind Gang."

After a moment, Qu Yifan finally calmed down, but his eyes still revealed deep worry. "Brother Luo, Xiaomeng," he said in a low voice, "we are trapped here now, and we don't know what will happen next. I will tell you the secret about the 'Formless Sutra.' If you can get out of here alive, you must stop the Black Wind Gang."

"Uncle Qu, since it's a secret, it's not appropriate to make it public." Situ Meng's voice was gentle, but it was full of worry, and her eyes revealed uncertainty about the future.

Qu Yifan shook his head slightly, his eyes firm: "It's alright. The Black Wind Gang Leader may already know this secret, and it will be revealed to the public sooner or later. I'm just informing you in advance." His tone carried a hint of helplessness and determination, as if he was mentally prepared to face everything.

Luo Wangchen frowned, clearly surprised by Qu Yifan's words, but did not interrupt. He waited quietly for Qu Yifan to continue, his eyes revealing complex emotions.

After pondering for a long time, Qu Yifan sighed deeply, as if releasing all the burdens of his heart: "Actually, the *Wu Xiang Jing* was not written by Yu Tiancheng!"

The two were taken aback upon hearing this. Luo Wangchen's gaze sharpened instantly, as if trying to see more of the truth through Qu Yifan's words; while Situ Meng opened her mouth slightly, her eyes filled with doubt.

"I did see something about the great hero Yu Tiancheng in the 'Martial Arts Records'," Situ Meng interjected, "but the book clearly states that the 'Formless Sutra' was written by the great hero Yu Tiancheng." Her eyes revealed a hint of confusion, clearly this new information puzzled her.

Qu Yifan nodded, indicating his understanding: "I know this sounds unbelievable, but it is true. The true author of the 'Formless Sutra' is unknown. It was discovered by Yu Tiancheng from an unnamed tomb." His voice was deep and serious, and his eyes revealed a heavy sense of history.

"There's also a diary in that nameless tomb, which records some things..." Qu Yifan continued, his voice trembling slightly, as if those ancient words were still echoing in his ears.