Wandering Swordsman |

Before Ouyang Song could speak, the accompanying Sect Leader Yang's gaze swept over the old man and his entourage with lightning speed. He looked at them with disdain, his tone clearly contemptuous: "Where did this stinking Taoist come from? We have no money, get out of the way."

Seeing that the old Taoist priest did not react and remained firmly blocking the road, Master Yang became somewhat impatient. Just as he was about to speak again, Ouyang Song immediately dismounted, stepped forward, and after quickly looking him over, a look of surprise immediately appeared on his face.

"Master Zhang," Ouyang Song's voice was filled with respect, "it has been more than twenty years since we parted ways at the last martial arts tournament. I wonder if you still remember me?"

The old Taoist priest stroked his white beard, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes: "Young Brother Ouyang, if I hadn't recognized you, why would I have shown myself and stopped you?" His voice was calm and gentle, as if time had never left a mark on him.

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Song was somewhat flattered and quickly bowed, saying, "It is truly an honor that Master Zhang still remembers this junior."

The old Taoist priest smiled, his eyes revealing a nostalgic longing for the past: "I still vividly remember your heroic figure representing the Ming Cult at the martial arts tournament. Moreover, after the Ming Cult disbanded, you led the Sword Tomb to make a name for yourself in the martial world. In just over twenty years, even if my memory is failing, how could I forget?"

Ouyang Song cupped his hands and said, "Master Zhang, you flatter me. To be able to meet a senior figure in the martial world like you is enough to make my life worthwhile. By the way, how did you know I would be in this town?"

Master Zhang glanced at the group behind Ouyang Song and smiled slightly: "Just now, a disciple reported to me that there seemed to be a group of Sword Tomb people looking for an inn in town. So I came out to take a look, and I didn't expect it to be Sword Tomb led by Brother Ouyang."

Ouyang Song continued to explain, "Master Zhang, we've only been in the city for a short time today. We just looked at a few inns, but they were all full, so we're wandering around the city to see if there are any other inns."

Master Zhang smiled slightly, stroked his beard, and looked at me with understanding and relief: "I have a few rooms available in this inn that I've booked. If Brother Ouyang doesn't mind, you can come in and squeeze in with my Wudang Sect members."

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Song turned to look at the men behind him. Each of them looked slightly weary, clearly exhausted from their long journey. A thought struck him, and he immediately cupped his hands and said, "It's rare for Master Zhang to be so hospitable, then I won't stand on ceremony."

Hearing their conversation, Sect Leader Yang's expression darkened, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He realized his earlier attitude had been too dismissive and offensive to the highly respected Master Zhang. Sect Leader Yang took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, and decided to immediately make amends for his mistake.

He quickly dismounted, strode up to Master Zhang, bowed deeply, and said in a voice full of sincerity and apology: "Master Zhang, I am Yang Shu, the head of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect in Chongqing. I was rude and offended you greatly just now. Please forgive me. I was in a hurry and failed to pay attention to etiquette. I am truly ashamed."

Master Zhang stood quietly, his gaze calm and gentle, as if he had already seen through the turmoil in Master Yang's heart. He smiled slightly, his tone carrying a detached and open-minded quality: "Master Yang, there's no need for this. People in the martial world have different personalities, and words spoken in a moment are not unforgivable. This old Daoist understands your anxiety."

Headmaster Yang raised his head and saw Master Zhang's tolerant gaze, which deepened his sense of guilt. He bowed deeply again, his voice slightly choked with emotion: "Master Zhang, your magnanimity is truly admirable. If it weren't for your generosity, we would probably have an unpleasant memory today."

Master Zhang waved his hand gently, indicating that Headmaster Yang need not blame himself so much. "Headmaster Yang, the path of the martial world is inherently full of twists and turns; a few misunderstandings are nothing to worry about. Moreover, now that people from all walks of life in the martial world have gathered in Yimen County, the situation is dire. We should all unite and work together to meet the challenges."

Master Yang felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He knew that the old Taoist priest before him had cultivated to a state beyond worldly troubles. Master Zhang's tolerance not only made him feel ashamed, but also made him understand what true martial arts ethics were.

"Thank you for your magnanimity, Master Zhang," Sect Leader Yang said sincerely. "From now on, no matter when or where, the Ten Thousand Swords Sect will always remember your kindness."

Master Zhang smiled and turned his gaze to Ouyang Song, his eyes revealing concern: "Sect Leader Yang, Brother Ouyang, you must be tired after your long journey. Please come with me to the inn to settle in first, and then we can sit down and have a proper talk." His voice was gentle yet firm, as if it carried a reassuring power.

Ouyang Song nodded in agreement, his gratitude evident in his words: "Thank you for your care, Master Zhang. We will respectfully accept your offer." He turned to the group behind him and gestured. Although the people in the group were tired, their spirits lifted, clearly touched by Master Zhang's generosity and enthusiasm.

......

"Miss Murong, Senior Liu. According to the old man I asked for directions yesterday, after passing the town ahead, the next town is Yimen." After Shen Mo finished speaking, he carefully jumped off his horse and led it slowly forward. His movements seemed a little clumsy, as if he was afraid of startling the horse.

Murong Qing watched from the side, a mischievous smile playing on her lips: "Hey~ Shen Mo, you say your kung fu is pretty good, but why do you ride a horse like a beginner? Are you afraid of falling off?"

Shen Mo smiled and tried to defend himself: "Miss Murong, I only learned my riding skills from a brother a few days ago last month, so naturally I'm not as skilled as you."

Murong Qing blinked, tapping her chin lightly with her finger, feigning deep thought. "Oh, I see. So now that you're with us, you'll have to catch up on a lot of lessons, won't you?" She deliberately dragged out her words, her tone full of teasing. "For example, when riding a horse, don't be as stiff as a scarecrow. Look how dashing I am."

Shen Mo was momentarily speechless, a helpless expression on his face. Seeing this, Murong Qing smiled even more broadly, as if victory was assured. She continued teasingly, "Besides, your handling of the horse is so clumsy, are you afraid of losing it?"

Shen Mo was speechless, and could only shake his head with a wry smile. Just then, Liu Xiaorong, who had been observing silently, coughed lightly and stepped in to mediate: "Alright, Qing'er, stop teasing Shen Mo. Shen Mo has already done very well, after all, it hasn't been long."

Murong Qing stuck out her tongue and made a face: "Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. But next time, just ride a horse with me, and I'll take you galloping around!"

Afterwards, Liu Xiaorong and Murong Qing dismounted and led their horses along the road leading to the town ahead. Murong Qing remained lively after dismounting, glancing back at Shen Mo from time to time with a smile in her eyes.

As they entered the city gate, the streets were bustling with pedestrians, and the cries of vendors filled the air. Murong Qing excitedly grabbed Shen Mo's hand, pointing to the surrounding shops and food stalls: "Look over there, so much delicious food! Want to try some?"