Wandering Swordsman |

He slowly pushed the door open, his movements as light as a feather falling, as if afraid of triggering any unknown mechanisms. Each step felt like dancing with the dust in the air, Shen Mo's heartbeat echoing in the silence, as if every breath could shatter the tranquility.

Upon entering the secret chamber, Shen Mo took out the tinderbox that Situ Changkong had given him from his pocket. He gently opened it, and a flame instantly leaped out, its warm light gradually illuminating the entire chamber.

As the light intensified, Shen Mo's eyes gradually caught more details. This secret chamber, though small, was filled with an air of mystery. Ancient runes and patterns were carved into the walls, and a thick, soft, and tranquil carpet covered the floor. In the center of the room stood an exquisite wooden shelf displaying several treasures—two ginseng roots, several weapons clearly of extraordinary quality, and several martial arts manuals exuding an ancient aura.

Shen Mo's gaze was first drawn to the two ginseng roots. They resembled two small, human-shaped root carvings, their skins displaying a faint golden sheen, appearing exceptionally precious in the firelight. Shen Mo carefully picked up one of the ginseng roots, feeling its heavy weight, as if holding a thousand years of history in his hands. He knew that these two ginseng roots not only possessed extremely high medicinal value but were also highly coveted treasures.

Then, his gaze shifted to the weapons. Each blade gleamed with a cold, sharp light, and the decorations on the hilts were exquisite, clearly the work of a master craftsman. Shen Mo carefully selected a sword, drew it from its sheath, and found the blade as smooth as mercury, incredibly sharp. He swung it a few times, feeling the sound of the blade cutting through the air, and a surge of indescribable exhilaration welled up within him.

Finally, Shen Mo's gaze fell upon the martial arts manuals. Although these books were simple in appearance, the paper was yellowed, the ink deep and rich, and each page recorded the essence of the martial arts techniques within. Shen Mo thought to himself that it would be a great pity to burn these manuals later. Therefore, he decided to take them all with him, preventing them from being destroyed in the fire.

He quickly stuffed several martial arts manuals and two ginseng roots into the front of his robe, ensuring their safety. When the last book was finally in his possession, Shen Mo felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.

After leaving the secret room, Shen Mo gripped the tinderbox tightly in his hand, his sharp gaze sweeping across the study like that of an eagle. Every item in the room seemed to await his final judgment.

Taking a deep breath, Shen Mo began to methodically light everything in the study that could be burned with the tinderbox in his hand: the ancient books on the bookshelf, the papers on the desk, the curtains by the wall... Each time the flames leaped up, it was as if playing the prelude to the coming storm.

The firelight illuminated his face, revealing an expression that was both resolute and tinged with a complex, almost imperceptible emotion. As the fire gradually spread, the entire study was bathed in an orange-red hue, as if enveloped by the afterglow of the setting sun.

To prevent the fire from being discovered too early, Shen Mo quickly made his next move. He silently descended to the first floor, his movements as light as a ghost, almost blending into the darkness. As his toes lightly touched the ground, two guards stood with their backs to him on either side of the doorway, their vision creating a blind spot—precisely the moment Shen Mo needed.

Without the slightest hesitation, he silently approached the two guards. Just as they were about to turn around, Shen Mo flashed forward, like a ghost in the night, instantly appearing behind one of the guards. A powerful punch struck the guard's temple, and the man collapsed before he could even utter a scream. Immediately afterward, Shen Mo dispatched the other guard in the same manner, his movements clean and swift, leaving no opening.

Two muffled groans followed, and the two guards collapsed to the ground, leaving Shen Mo standing in the doorway. A night breeze brushed his face, bringing a chill, but his heartbeat remained unusually calm. He knew that the first step of his plan to set fire to the study and cause a commotion had succeeded.

Then, Shen Mo used his lightness skill, his figure shooting out like an arrow released from a bow. His figure moved swiftly in the night, almost invisible. Each leap was so natural and fluid, as if he were a part of this darkness, dancing with the night.

Behind him, flames shot skyward, illuminating half the heavens. The intense light contrasted sharply with the night, like a fierce battle between light and darkness. However, Shen Mo's figure had already vanished, as if becoming part of the night, leaving only the burning wooden building to silently witness everything. The flames spread wildly in the wind, devouring everything, crackling and popping like a silent symphony.

As Shen Mo arrived at the Black Wind Gang's gate under the cover of night, a series of urgent gong sounds suddenly broke the silence. "Dong dong dong—" Several heavy knocks echoed through the once tranquil gang, the sound muffled yet urgent, clearly indicating that someone had discovered the fire in the study. This sound, like some kind of signal, was particularly jarring in the dead of night, quickly spreading throughout the entire Black Wind Gang.

Upon hearing the sound, a flicker of panic crossed the guards at the Black Wind Gang's gate. They exchanged a glance, their eyes conveying tension. One of the guards quickly made a decision: "Old Zhang, you stay and guard the gate, I'll go help!" Before he finished speaking, he had already led the others hurriedly towards the direction from which the gong sounded, their footsteps gradually fading into the night.

......

Situ Changkong, who had been lying in wait near the secret prison, listened to the resounding gong that echoed through the night sky, and his heart leaped with joy. His eyes gleamed with anticipation and determination, and a barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips. He knew that Shen Mo's operation to instigate the disturbance had succeeded. At this moment, time seemed to slow down, every second filled with infinite possibilities. He gripped his weapon tightly, his body trembling slightly with excitement and tension, but his eyes remained unusually calm.

Situ Changkong thought to himself, "The Azure Dragon Saint Lord and the White Tiger Saint Lord will definitely leave the secret prison to check the situation." As long as he patiently waited for those two highly skilled Saint Lords to leave, he could successfully enter the secret prison to rescue the people.

The night was deep, as if shrouding the operation in mystery. There seemed to be an invisible connection between Shen Mo and Situ Changkong; although they were not in the same place, their hearts beat in unison. At this moment, everything was proceeding according to plan, and they were drawing ever closer to victory.

As more members gathered at the fire, the atmosphere within the Black Wind Gang grew increasingly tense. Situ Changkong crouched in the shadows, his eyes fixed on the prison gate. He knew that in just a few more moments, his opportunity would arrive. Finally, he saw two familiar figures emerge from the prison, their steps hurried, clearly drawn by the commotion outside. It was the Azure Dragon Saint Lord and the White Tiger Saint Lord; without the slightest hesitation, they rushed towards the gang leader's study.