Wandering Swordsman |

Luo Wangchen frowned and asked, "What is it?" His gaze was fixed on Qu Yifan, as if he was eager to know more details.

Qu Yifan took a deep breath and slowly explained, "The tomb owner, whose identity is unknown, also created two other secret manuals, 'Heavenly Void True Qi' and 'Dispelling Power Technique.' According to the diary, the other two manuals were hidden by the tomb owner in the other cenotaphs, and what Yu Tiancheng discovered was only one of the three tombs."

Upon hearing this, a hint of doubt flashed in Situ Meng's eyes. She asked softly, "But what does this have to do with the Black Wind Gang's collection of the 'Formless Sutra'?"

Qu Yifan paused, seemingly organizing the most appropriate words. "According to the diary in the tomb, the 'Heavenly Void True Qi,' 'Dispelling Power Technique,' and 'Formless Scripture' were originally an invincible martial art, but the tomb owner split them into three parts. If one could combine the 'Heavenly Void True Qi,' 'Dispelling Power Technique,' and 'Formless Scripture' into one, then that divine skill would be perfected, making one invincible under heaven."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wangchen's expression immediately turned serious, and his eyes widened as if he realized the gravity of the situation: "When I came to steal the 'Formless Scripture' before, I saw a book that was kept with the 'Formless Scripture,' and that book was the 'Heavenly Void True Qi.'"

Situ Meng and Qu Yifan were both startled. Their eyes met, each reflecting the other's shock and worry. At that moment, the atmosphere in the secret cell became even more tense, as if even the air itself had frozen, and time seemed to stand still.

"I see," Qu Yifan said in a low voice, his voice carrying a hint of worry that he could not hide. "No wonder the Black Wind Gang is so eager to obtain the 'Formless Scripture'. They must also know this secret." His eyes darted around, as if he was pondering a deeper possibility.

Upon hearing this, Luo Wangchen's remorse was palpable. He sighed heavily, his voice filled with deep self-reproach: "Looking back now, I can only blame myself for not stealing the Heavenly Void True Qi as well." His brows were furrowed, as if he regretted his decision.

Qu Yifan comforted him, "Brother Luo, don't blame yourself. As long as the Black Wind Gang Leader hasn't collected all three books, we still have a chance to stop him."

After frowning and pondering for a moment, Situ Meng asked, "Since the Black Wind Gang Leader has already collected the Heavenly Void True Qi and the Formless Scripture, and only the Great Art of Eliminating Power is missing, he should do his best to find the Great Art of Eliminating Power, instead of continuing to waste time searching for the Formless Scripture that he has already collected, unless he didn't have time to read the contents of the Formless Scripture."

Qu Yifan shook his head and explained, "The tomb owner's diary records that only by collecting and cultivating the 'Heavenly Void True Qi,' 'Dispelling Power Technique,' and 'Formless Scripture' together can one combine the three martial arts into one. Although cultivating any one of them individually can greatly improve one's skills, it would be impossible to combine the three martial arts into one. Only the legendary Heavenly Martial Body can allow one to learn one book at a time and eventually achieve mastery of the divine skill."

After pausing for a moment, Qu Yifan said again, "As far as I know, the Black Wind Gang Leader is not a Heavenly Martial Body." His words carried a hint of relief, as if this fact gave them a glimmer of hope.

Hearing this, Situ Meng suddenly understood, and the doubt in her heart was also resolved. She nodded and said softly, "I see, no wonder the Black Wind Gang is searching for the 'Formless Sutra' again."

Luo Wangchen listened from the side, his brows relaxing slightly, clearly relieved. He turned to Qu Yifan, his eyes filled with sorrow: "Brother Qu, you can rest assured, the Black Wind Gang Leader can no longer find the 'Formless Scripture'."

Qu Yifan smiled, turned his gaze to Luo Wangchen, and asked curiously, "Brother Luo, why are you so certain that the *Wuxiang Jing* will never fall into the hands of the Black Wind Gang?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Wangchen's expression turned serious: "Because I have already given the 'Formless Sutra' to Shen Mo, and considering what Xiao Meng just said, the 'Formless Sutra' is very likely still with Shen Mo, and since Shen Mo is already dead, the Black Wind Gang cannot find it."

......

The scene shifts to the interior of Jingtian Pavilion. The plum grove courtyard is shrouded in a light morning mist, and the air is filled with the delicate fragrance of plum blossoms. Jian Yihan stands lithe and agile, his white robes appearing exceptionally cool and detached in the morning light. He wields a long sword, its movements fluid and ethereal, each move brimming with power and beauty, as if he has become one with the surrounding nature.

Suddenly, a sharp cry shattered the morning tranquility, breaking the harmonious scene. Upon hearing the sound, Jian Yihan immediately stopped his movements and quickly looked up at the sky. There, a magnificent eagle circled above the plum grove, its wings spread wide, exuding a majestic aura. Its cry echoed throughout the courtyard, carrying a hint of urgency.

Jian Yihan smiled slightly and whistled towards the sky. The sound was melodious and clear, piercing through the morning mist. A moment later, as if it had heard a summons, the giant eagle gracefully landed on Jian Yihan's shoulder. Its eyes revealed a hint of loyalty and wisdom, as if conveying an important message.

Jian Yihan gently stroked the eagle's feathers, his movements tender yet practiced. He immediately removed the scroll tied to the eagle's leg, then with a flick of his wrist, the eagle spread its wings and soared into the blue sky. Jian Yihan's gaze followed the eagle's figure until it was completely out of sight before turning back to reality.

After opening and reading the letter, Jian Yihan's expression changed slightly, and his brows furrowed involuntarily. The contents of the letter clearly surprised him. His gaze turned serious, as if he had already made a decision. Jian Yihan sheathed his longsword and hurriedly left the plum grove courtyard.

As Jian Yihan walked through the corridor, he saw that Jingtian Pavilion was bustling with activity. Disciples moved about in every corner, relaying the latest news. Everyone knew that a momentous event concerning the fate of the martial arts world was quietly unfolding.

Inside Situ Dengfeng's study, the air was filled with the faint scent of ink. Situ Dengfeng was sitting at a wooden table, writing a letter in his hand.

Suddenly, a soft knock on the door broke the silence. Situ Dengfeng immediately got up and went to the door, a vague sense of unease creeping into his heart. He slowly opened the door, and standing outside was a tall and handsome young man—it was Jian Yihan.

"May I ask what brings you here, young swordsman?" Situ Dengfeng asked in a calm tone after opening the door.

Jian Yihan bowed slightly, his voice deep and powerful: "Senior Situ, have you heard of Qilin Village?"

Upon hearing this, Situ Dengfeng's expression immediately turned serious, a hint of wariness flashing in his eyes. He quickly scanned his surroundings, and after confirming that no one was around, he said in a low voice, "Young Master Jian, let's go inside and talk in detail." With that, he stepped aside, gesturing for Jian Yihan to enter the study.